Cancer

Cancer Risk Affected By Your Lifestyle Choices

One in three of the seven million cancer death worldwide is caused by nine potentially modifiable risk factors, according to a study from Harvard Medical School (Lancet, November 19, 2005.) Being overweight causes your full fat cells to release chemicals that cause inflammation that can lead to cancer. Lack of exercise increases inflammation that causes cancer by the same mechanism as full fat cells.
Lack of fruit and vegetables deprives you of antioxidants that prevent cancer. Phytochemicals are substances found in plants that have been identified by researchers as beneficial to humans. We have identified only a few of the thousands of phytochemicals, and we do not fully understand how they work, but many have been linked to cancer prevention, such as capsaicin in peppers, lycopene in tomatoes, sulforophe in the cabbage family, allicin in onions and garlic, and genistein in soybeans.
Smoking exposes you to nicotine that causes blood vessels to grow and nourish cancer cells. Excess alcohol dehydrates cells, which can cause cancer. Unprotected sex exposes you to cancer-causing viruses. Urban air pollution and indoor smoke from solid fuels expose you to carcinogens in the air, and contaminated injections expose you to viruses and other agents that cause cancer. Excessive sun exposure or sunburns increase skin cancer risk.
You can improve your odds against cancer by avoiding overweight, eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, exercising, avoiding smoking and alcohol, practicing safe sex, and avoiding indoor and outdoor air pollution whenever possible. Avoid injections unless they are necessary for health.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com
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Report on Carcinogens

To help regulate chemicals, the National Toxicology Program issues the annual Report on Carcinogens (abbreviated ROC). This report was ordered by Congress in 1978. By 1978, it was becoming obvious to scientists that both man-made and natural chemicals found in food, drugs and the environment were to blame for many cancers.
The report is put together by scientific experts, who consider all the relevant information about a potential toxin. The information in the report is used by several organizations to regulate potential human carcinogens. A few such organizations include the U.S. Congress, Federal and State agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, private businesses, unions and the general public. As you can imagine, these reports are highly regarded by scientists and government officials alike.
The carcinogens in the report are classified as either “known to be human carcinogens” or as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer and to which a significant number of Americans are exposed”. The report defines substances “known to be human carcinogens” as compounds directly linked to human cancer. Since actual human studies are not ethical for this determination, scientists rely on human epidemiology and/or studies testing carcinogens on human tissues. If the report refers to a substance as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” that means scientists have seen some evidence in humans and/or enough evidence of carcinogenity in experimental animals.
One of the latest editions of the Report on Carcinogens (9th edition) listed several “commonplace” items. This report listed alcoholic beverages, smoking and chewing tobacco, exposure to second hand tobacco smoke and exhaust from cars fueled by diesel as human carcinogens. In addition, sunlight and the use of sun lamps and sunbeds were also listed as carcinogens.
There are several widely used substances under review for future editions of the report (which may already be out). Beryllium and beryllium compounds have been suggested as “known human carcinogens”. These substances are used in cell phones and fiber optics.
Also under review at the time of this writing is a widely used antibiotic called Chloramphenicol. This antibiotic has been commonly prescribed since the 1950’s. A link between Chloramphenicol and leukemia has been thought to be shown in several human and animal cases. Steroidal estrogens are also on the list. These are used to make oral contraceptives (i.e. “The Pill”) and post-menopausal therapy. A virus that is linked to cervical cancer will also most likely be placed on the list. The virus is called human papilloma virus (HPV). About 95% of all women diagnosed with cervical cancer have been found to test positive for HPV.

Lisa Ginger is a molecular biologist specializing in cancer research. Please take the time to review more cancer prevention articles written by knowledgeable experts at… Cancer Prevention Report — Our health is our most precious asset.

For the past decade, long distance phone service has been an incredibly competitive market, but not everybody wants to pay to have full-time long distance in their home or business. This is where the phone card comes in. One of the biggest advantages to prepaid calling cards is that you only pay for the minutes you use. So, instead of paying a monthly fee plus a per-minute rate, you pay just a per-minute rate. Even better, that per-minute rate is often lower than anything you can get using your home or business phone line. You can also purchase additional minutes by phone or on the Internet, which provide added convenience to prepaid phone card users. calling card

Staying in Touch with Joy During Cancer

I’ve never met anyone who was sitting around with a bunch of extra time
on their hands when they found out they had cancer.
Getting second opinions, researching treatment options, going for
treatment and testing, dealing with treatment side-effects — all these
things take time. Cancer disrupts whatever rhythm we had between
“getting things done” and taking time for delight.
Yet now more than ever, there’s a need for time to stay in touch with the
things that refresh us and give us joy.
Traditionally in the West, this time for delight has gone by the name of
Sabbath. It involves ceasing from labor and feasting on being and
loving, appreciation and delight.
For example, Stage 4 cancer survivor Agi Lidle, one of my radio co-
hosts, used her “good days” after her diagnosis to go hiking. Another
woman with advanced cancer loved to visit her local casino with her
husband during “good” periods.
But even 5 minutes of Sabbath time can brighten a day. You might
spend the time praying, meditating, reading, cuddling a pet, listening to
music, phoning a friend, journaling, drawing, sitting in a chapel or
beautiful outdoor space, or savoring a cup of fragrant tea.
Taking time for joy is a powerful spiritual tool during cancer. If it isn’t part
of your “spiritual toolbox” yet, why not give it a try today?
TIP: When our schedule is very tight or our physical condition limits
our activities, it’s fine to start small. Any time we can give to activities that
feed our joy will be valuable.
(c) Norma Schmidt, LLC (limited liability corporation)

Norma Schmidt, M.A., M.Div., gives workshops on living with cancer.
Her writing has appeared in “Coping with Cancer” magazine, and she is
a former co-host of the “Inspired Survivor” Internet radio show. Norma is
a former Lutheran minister with experience as a pastor and cancer
center chaplain. Read more of her articles and get her free 6-week e-
course, “Tapping the Power Within: Spiritual Tools for Living with
Cancer,” at http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com

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Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Recognition of Symptoms is Key to Successful Treatment

Symptoms of mesothelioma take many years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the symptoms but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific symptoms make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos start showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the awareness of mesothelioma has made people detect it in early stages.
Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.
The early symptoms to watch out for are:

Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
A cough or a change in cough pattern
Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Pain in the chest or abdomen
Significant Weight loss.

Among all types of mesothelioma, the pleural form is the most prevalent form. As a result the pleural symptoms are the most common manifestations of mesothelioma. When in early stages, the symptoms are more or less like pneumonia and hence often misdiagnosed. However these symptoms along with history of asbestos exposure should ring alarms for mesothelioma. Physicians should be well aware of it as usually they are the first to get in contact with the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

Chest pain
Pain in the lower back
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Weight loss
Fever
Muscle weakness and sensory loss
Swelling of the face and arms
Hoarseness of voice
Coughing up blood

A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
Nausea
Weight loss
Bowel obstruction
Anemia or swelling of the feet
Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
Swelling of the feet
Fever
Impaired bowel function

The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very uncommon form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity between the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart tends to spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.
The symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it can be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one’s exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor should elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.

Don Lawson is a webmaster who researches and writes about important topics concerning people in today’s society. You can learn more about Mesothelioma and its causes, symptoms, treatment options and clinics.

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Tips For Preventing Breast Cancer.

There is so much awful news and information out there about breast cancer. These days it seems that every magazine, newspaper, radio show, and piece of mail has a headline declaring that every woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is increasing. There is a numbing feeling of inevitability in all this information we hear and read that more and more women tend to think about breast cancer as a ‘when’ rather than an if.
There is so much frightening information about the disease out there. The stats available are horrible and this bring one major question to mind; ‘what can be done to prevent breast cancer?’ The bulk of medical advancement in the area of breast and indeed most cancers, involves what should be done after, and not essentially before, getting the disease. There is more to preventing breast cancer than the ritual yearly mammogram. Of course this may help detect the breast cancer at its early stage, but that is about the best it can do. It won’t prevent you from getting the disease. To prevent breast cancer, we need to be more proactive, we need to take individual and collective action.
The first step towards proactively preventing breast cancer is to understand the causes and risk factors of breast cancer and what decreases breast cancer risk. However, there are few conclusive answers to these queries, partly because most research focuses on eliminating breast cancer after – not before – it occurs. Medical research has validated so few risk factors for breast cancer that almost 70 percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer are not associated with any clear cut risk factor.
To make matters worse, our sex, age, reproductive history, family history, exposure to radiation (such as fallout from above-ground atomic bomb tests), race, culture, and height are factors beyond our control. When we’re told that these factors play crucial roles in the cause of breast cancer, we can be left with feelings of hopelessness and panic. For instance, being a black woman or being from a family with history of breast cancer, puts you in the forefront of those at risk of breast cancer. These are things we don’t decide for ourselves.
When we include risk factors that are considered “not well substantiated”, but which are clearly contributing to breast cancer incidence, including ingestion of and exposure to prescription hormones, hormone-mimicking organochlorines, prescription drugs, petrochemicals, and electromagnetic fields, as well as unwise lifestyle choices such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol immoderately, wearing tight bras, or not exercising, then we can find that there are indeed many ways we can reduce our chances of getting breast cancer and in essence preventing it.
Individually, we can prevent breast cancer by buying and eating organically grown food, filtering our water, building powerful immunity, living wisely and vigorously, being in touch with our breasts, using natural remedies for menopausal problems.
Try out the following tips:
- Aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week
– Maintaining a positive mental attitude
– Breathwork and deepening body-awareness
– Expressing your feelings to keep your energy flowing
– Eating healthy foods and taking the “right” supplements
– Avoiding toxicity
Try as much as you can to avoid the following and you will be as far from breast cancer as you humanly can:
Any medication containing acetaminophen
Products such as Tylenol, Sudafid, Bromo seltzer, vicodin, and many others which drive down the glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is an essential antioxidant and detoxifier.
Aspartame (not to be confused with aspertate) has been proven to cause cancer in rats. It is a common ingredient in many no-sugar products such as yogurt, ice cream, desserts and carbonated beverages. Splenda is also harmful.
Toxins. Use toxin-free, organic products. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with soapy water to remove chemical residues. Better yet, buy only organic products and non-GMO (non-genetically modified) foods. Read labels (veggies and fruit will have an 9 to indicate organic and an 8 for non-GMO).
Active computer screens should be at least 18 inches away from your body. You need to be at least 36 inches from your active television screens.
It is obvious that several factors that are known to predispose someone to breast cancer are not completely within our control. It makes more sense therefore, to be very keen about your breast. This serves a dual function. Even when it does not completely protect you from cancer, it allows for early detection of the cancer when it does occur. No one knows your body as well as you do. That’s why it’s essential to examine your breasts at the same time every month – so you can detect any changes that might occur. When you do the self-examination, you are reassuring yourself that your body is still in great condition
Breast Self Exams still remain the number one method for detecting changes in breast health. Although, finding any symptoms does not really mean you have cancer but when you have it, early detection means your survival probability is very high. Very high! It also means you have a broad range of alternative and complementary treatment options.
When we talk about breast cancer, the second worst killer after lung cancer, knowledge is not just power, it is your life!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Bolivia – CELL Calling Cards

Breast Cancer; Facts and Figures

It would not be surprising, therefore, that any ailment or condition that endangers the look, health and functionality of this vital body part would be a real source of worry to every lady.
Breast cancer, despite all medical and technological advances, as been on the rise in the last 50 years or so. The figures that stare us in the face when we check the records are quite alarming. But, there is no running away from these figures, they are real.
It’s alarming but it is true that there’s more breast cancer now than ever before. It is true that between 1979 and 1986 the incidence of invasive breast cancer in the United States alone has increased 29 percent among white women and 41 percent among black women, and incidences of all breast cancers doubled. It’s true that despite yearly mammograms and advanced medical and diagnostic technology the percentage of women dying from breast cancer has remained virtually unchanged over the past 50 years, and that every 12 minutes throughout the last half of the 20th Century another woman died of breast cancer.
It is also fact that more than two hundred thousand cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States. In Canada about twenty thousand new cases, thirteen thousand in Australia and over forty one thousand in the UK. And it’s true that breast cancer is the disease that women fear more than any other, that breast cancer is the biggest killer of all women aged 35 to 54, and that of the 2.5 million women currently diagnosed with breast cancer, half will be dead within ten years.
It really does not matter if you are 20 years old or 50 years old. You stand some risk of catching the monster. It is estimated that one in every nine women will get breast cancer at some period in her life
These are not pleasant tales. My purpose in painting these gory pictures, is not to scare anyone, but to make you see the importance of giving more attention to your breast. The more you know about breast cancer, the better.
Almost every woman is at risk of breast cancer, but records show that 80% of cases are found in woman over 50 years of age. There are several factors that can predispose one to breast cancer. Some are within your control and others are not. It therefore makes much sense to avoid the humanly controllable factors as much as possible. Most of these are the daily lifestyle choices we make. The problem is that these habits do not show the extent of damage they can cause to our body until we begin to get older, and by then the damage is done already.
Factors associated with breast cancer include:
- Taking an oral contraceptive pill
– Hormone replacement therapy
– Obesity and/or high fat diets
– Family history of breast cancer
It is worth stating here, however, that most breast cancers are hormonally related Other factors may also affecting the risk, include stress, carcinogens, excessive use of stimulants like alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes and exposure to pesticides and radiation.
Early detection of breast cancer is still the best guarantee of getting cured. Presently, six out of every seven patients diagnosed with breast cancer are cured at an early stage. However, if they are diagnosed when the cancer has become advanced, the cure rate falls to about one in seven. It is extremely important to catch breast cancer at an early stage if it is to be satisfactorily cured. This therefore makes knowing the symptoms very crucial.
Breast cancer, in its early stages hardly shows any sign at all. It does not cause any pain in most instances. Some of the symptoms associated with breast cancer include:
- Itching in the armpit or around the breast region
– Pink, red, or dark colored area (called erythematic) with texture similar to the skin of an orange
– Ridges and thickened areas of the skin of nipple or breast
– Appearance of a bruise that does not go away
– Nipple getting inverted
– Breast warm to the touch
– Pain in the breast which could vary from a constant ache to stabbing pains
– Change in texture as well as color of the skin around the nipple
– Change in the shape or size of a breast
– Dimpling of the breast skin
– Swelling or a lump in the armpit
– Discharge from the nipple
None of these symptoms is clear evidence of breast cancer, as most of the signs may also arise due to other conditions affecting the breast. Only a doctor can made a definite statement about the presence or otherwise of breast cancer after an exhaustive examination.
Know your breast, and how to self examine your breast and always report the slightest changes to a doctor. It’s not worth taking chances with breast cancer. It’s real and it’s spreading like wild fire in the ever-polluted society we live in today. Do the little you can to keep your name off the breast cancer list, the sacrifice is worth it.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

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Myths About Skin Cancer Are You Safe?

Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her ‘golden glow’ while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn’t worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.
Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:
MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, ‘The Skin Cancer Answer’ states that “UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system.”
MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection
85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year, even when you’re not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.
MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.
MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You’re More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun, especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

Travis Waack is the webmaster of http://health.online-006.com/skin_cancer.html If you would like more information on skin cancer, this is where you will want to start.

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How Women Can Protect Themselves From Getting Breast Cancer

Chances are you know someone – a family member, colleague, or friend who has been affected by cancer. You’ll want to learn more about prevention especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. There are over two hundred different types of cancer and the most common one for women is breast cancer. The lifetime probability of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 9. The good news is that it is possible for women to protect themselves from breast cancer. When breast cancer is discovered and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.
Every woman should know their own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be reported to a physician. Knowing your breasts includes having a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69 and getting a clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional at least every two years from the age of 40. Regardless of age, all women should do their own monthly breast self-examination a few days after her period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: puckering of the skin, the appearance of what is sometimes called ‘orange peel skin’, any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest and bleeding from the nipples or crusting.
It is important to note that most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as ‘benign’. A cancerous lump is called ‘malignant’.
While there are no cures yet, researchers have discovered that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Since cancer is a disease that starts in our cells, everything we eat and are exposed to can affect them. Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke. In regards to diet, choose a variety of lower fat, high fiber foods. Studies have shown that intake of total fat, saturated fat and meat are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight and limit alcohol consumption. Protect yourself from the sun. At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials. The link between an active lifestyle and breast cancer prevention is as yet unclear but general health is improved when regular exercise is an integral part of a person’s lifestyle.
Taking care of ourselves is an ongoing commitment that requires self-discipline and knowledge. It is well worth the effort and you’ll feel much better for it.

Travis Waack is the webmaster of http://health.online-006.com/breast_cancer.html If you would like more information on breast cancer and prevention, this is where you will want to start.

Moldova – CELL Calling Cards

Surviving Mesothelioma

Paul Kraus is a mesothelioma survivor and the author of Surviving Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Characterized by a shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, this is often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.
If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. Be aware, however, that these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Obtaining a diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other, less serious conditions.
In June 1997, Mr. Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma (a “terminal” cancer) and given only a few months to live. More than eight years later, he is alive with a good quality of life having rejected surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He took an alternative approach to healing his cancer that encompassed mind, body, and spirit.
In his book about mesothelioma, Kraus sets out how he beat the odds. The introduction reflects Paul’s inspiration and committment to life:

“In my eighth year after diagnosis I remain well. I have outlived my prognosis by at least seven years and the medical specialist I visited not long ago told me that ‘you will be around for a lot longer yet.’ My survival has been hard work. The underlying assumption with all that I have done, and continue to do, is a strong belief that our bodies are designed with amazing self-healing capacities.”
Mr. Kraus has made himself available to other patients who would like to speak with him. The Surviving Mesothelioma website provides details about the book, how to speak directly with Mr. Kraus, facts and statistics about mesothelioma, conventional, alternative, biological and immuno-therapies, the latest medical news, directories of clinics that take a holistic approach to healing, and a patient forum where patients can share information and discuss issues of importance.
Get more information here: Understanding Mesothelioma

About the author:
Judith Brandy is a writer, science fiction fan and cancer survivor who runs a SF website and a couple blogs on science fiction and dealing with cancer. Yes, it’s an odd combination, but Judith’s mission is to be both a haven against the storm of living with a serious illness and an educator on how-to take preventative, proactive steps. Her mission is to bring this information to the science fiction community.
Visit her sites here: Science Fiction Buzz and Understanding Mesothelioma

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Lung Cancer-A Primer

The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally these cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy and functioning properly.(Lung Cancer Transmission Works)
Normal cells constantly reproduce themselves throughout a person’s life, but they do so in a systematic and controlled manner. Usually normal cell growth occurs, so worn out tissues can be replaced and wounds repaired.
Sometimes, however, this process goes off track and cells start to grow out of control. They form a mass, and this mass is called a tumour. Tumours can be either benign or malignant.
Cancer is an illness in which abnormal cells in organs and tissues in the body grow out of control. These cells grow and increase in prolific numbers over a period of time. Cancer cells invade and destroy the tissue surrounding them. They split away from a malignant tumour and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. (These are the tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells which fight infection and other diseases).
This process is called metastasis and it is how cancer spreads from the original (primary) tumour to form new (secondary) tumours in other parts of the body.
Benign tumours are not cancerous. They can usually be removed and, in most cases, they don’t come back. Cells in benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body and most significantly, benign tumours are rarely a threat to life.
Lung Cancer-
Most lung cancer starts in the cells lining the main air passages, or bronchi. In their cancerous state, these cells lack cilia which are tiny hair like substances which normally catch and remove foreign particles inhaled into the lungs.
Mucous in the lungs which is usually cleared by bronchial cilia then becomes trapped, blocking air passages and causing respiratory problems.
There are several different types of cancer affecting the lungs; the principal cancers are described below.
The first three types of cancer start in the lining membrane of the airway in the areas more exposed to inhaled pollutants.
-Squamous cell cancer represents the leading number of lung cancers (approximately 40%-45%).
-Small cell cancers account for 15%-20% of all lung cancer. This is because it spreads rapidly from its characteristically central location.
-Large cell undifferentiated cancer is discovered in about 5%-10% of lung cancer cases.
-Adenocarcinoma usually flares up in outlying areas of the lung and accounts for 25%-30% of all lung cancers. This type of cancer can occur in non-smokers.
Bronchioloalvealar cancer arises in even more remote areas of the lung and accounts for fewer than 5% of the total number of cases of lung cancer. Bronchioloalvealar cancer can also occur in non-smokers.
-There are other rare cancers, but they represent a very small percentage (less than 5%) of the total number of cases of lung cancer diagnosed.
Lung cancer accounts for the largest percentage of cancer deaths in the western world and it has been proved many times over that cigarette smoking is directly responsible for most of those cases!
Causes of Lung Cancer-
As cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer nowadays, it is important to appreciate how smoking affects and injures the lungs. This is because smoke inhalation damages the normal cleaning process by which the lung protects itself from injury.
The bronchi which conduct inhaled air to the lung tissues are lined with a single coating of cells on which lies a defensive coating of mucus.
The hair-like cilia on these cells beat in a regular rhythm to advance mucus upwards continually from the lung removing any inhaled particles which may have become trapped in the process.
The competence of this cleaning mechanism is damaged very quickly by smoke inhalation. The cilia disappear and the coating they lie in thickens in an attempt to protect the fine underlying tissues from injury. Once this damage has occurred, the lung can no longer keep itself uncontaminated.
As a result, the cancer-producing agents in cigarette smoke remain ensnared in the mucus on the surface lining of the airway. They then pass into the cells before being removed by coughing which is the only cleansing mechanism remaining.
Once they are within the body, these chemicals, and their by-products, alter the very nature of the cells in the lungs slowly and increasingly until finally cancer develops.
Most lung cancers start in the lining of the bronchi, though some cancers also begin in the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli.
Lung cancer is thought to develop over a period of years. To start with there is probably areas of pre-cancerous changes in the lung, but these changes don’t form a mass or tumour.
Unfortunately they can’t be seen on an x-ray and they don’t cause any symptoms. As the cancer develops, it continues to grow and forms a tumour which is then large enough to be seen on x-rays.
These pre-cancerous changes can be exposed by analysing cells in the lining of the airways of smoke-damaged lungs. Molecular abnormalities considered to be pre-cancerous have also been recognized in cells from people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. These pre-cancerous changes usually progress to true cancer.
Copyright© 2005
By Gary Martin

Gary Martin, an article writer on many varied topics.
LungHealth

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