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Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer

June 30th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Uncategorized

Many women are hesitant to take hormone replacement because they fear that it will increase their chances of developing . Up to this time, after so much medical research, this remains a complicated and controversial issue, especially as we are talking about the most common cancer in the Western world. Statistical data shows that affects one in every thirteen women by the age of seventy-five and one in eight women who have a family history of this disease. In some cancerous tumors, a substance known as estrogen receptor is present, which means the possibility that cancer may be promoted by estrogen therapy.

The incidence of continues to rise progressively throughout life, so one certainly would not want to do anything during midlife that might further increase this risk. Women who are most at risk of developing include those who have never given birth or who are over thirty when they had their first children, obese women, women who went through puberty early, or went through menopause late (after the age of forty-four) and those with a family history of . A common feature among these factors is a prolonged and constant exposure to estrogen from the ovaries. Women who consume high fat and low fiber diets have high blood levels of estrogen than women on low-fat, high-fiber diets and they also have much higher incidence of , so it seems that we have yet another possible link between estrogen and .

Notwithstanding these theoretical indications, however, of almost thirty studies determining the correlation between estrogen replacement and , the majority have failed to indicate a definitive for or against this form of treatment. Data is contradictory in that studies linking estrogen therapy to also show that women on estrogen who developed had survival rates that were significantly better than that of women not on estrogen.

Although studies that show an increased risk of are only population studies that surveyed women on hormone replacement therapy, rather than rigorously designed clinical trials comparing the experience of a group of women taking this treatment than a group taking a placebo, they still should make a doctor cautious about prescribing a high dose or prolonged use of estrogen replacement therapy to a woman with a known high risk of . In such a case, if estrogen therapy is deemed extremely necessary, it is wise to use smaller or intermittent doses of estrogen replacement therapy. This is reassuring for women who want to take estrogen replacement for only a short time.

All in all, with hormone replacement therapy of less than five years’ duration, there is no increase in the incidence of . The incidence may increase after ten to fifteen years of hormone replacement and this increase appears to be approximately 30 percent. Furthermore, while it appears that the incidence of may increase with long term hormone substitution, women who get while on hormone therapy are less likely to die from the disease.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to breast-cancer.treatment-and-guides.com/ Breast Cancer

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How to Tell If You Are at Great Risk of Getting Prostate Cancer

June 30th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Uncategorized

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern. Are you aware that it is the second leading cause of death by cancer among men? Prostate cancer is a disease that afflicts the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. This gland, a small walnut-sized bundle of tissue in the rectal area, is involved in sexual function, and is responsible for orgasm in men. It tends to become more susceptible to disease after a man reaches his late forties, and many men from the ages of 45 to 50 are likely to develop some prostate enlargement, possibly benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

As men go into their fifties, the risk of developing becomes more acute. Most men who are found to have get their diagnosis at the age of 70, on average. A man’s ethnic background has some bearing on his risk of getting the disease. Prostate cancer is more likely to affect males of African descent than Caucasians or Hispanics. It is less likely to affect males of Asian, Native American, or Aboriginal descent. Family medical background also contributes to a man’s level of risk. Having a family member with doubles one’s risk of getting .

If you think you are at high risk for developing , you should have regular diagnostic checkups, at least once in a year. Watching and waiting for symptoms is usually not effective in the case of , since symptoms usually do not appear. However, you should definitely have yourself checked by a doctor if you should experience any of these problems: needing to urinate frequently, often at night; having difficulty starting urination or maintaining a steady flow of urine; feeling a burning sensation or pain when urinating; experiencing pain in ejaculation; having difficulty in getting an erection; finding blood in the urine or semen. Even if you have one or more of these symptoms, they may not be indicative of early-stage , but they may indicate other medical problems, so it is wise to get medical consultation.

Do yourself a favor, learn the prostatehealthcare.info/milking-the-prostate-and-other-ways-to-help-prevent-prostate-cancer.php various ways of preventing . Check out my tips and articles at prostatehealthcare.info prostatehealthcare.info

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Practical Spirituality–Surviving Prostrate Cancer

June 30th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Uncategorized

There’s nothing like discovering that you have cancer, especially if no one in your family ever had it. Cancer is a very dangerous disease, as anyone knows. It is only dangerous on the physical lever, but probably even more devastating on the emotional and mental level. Especially the forms of cancer that seem not to be taken seriously by those who don’t have it. This is especially true of .

As soon as anyone discovers that you have prostrate cancer the first thing they tell you is how common it is, and then they move onto the success rate of its treatment. This is a bit comforting, but when you begin to hear about the procedures involved, that comfort flies out the window. Cutting out parts of your body, eradiating your body to shrivel your prostate, planting hundreds of radioactive seeds in the prostate, or freezing the prostate until it dies, and the left over affects of decreased potency and the need to use stimulates for intercourse, if that is even possible, are devastating.

These are not good things. They are all loses that must be grieved. Even if you don´t want to, any of these treatments mean that you will never be able to father another child. You will always know that a part of you is missing; the part that created the seeds that bring forth life. If you are a survivor of , or you have just been diagnosed, and all of the speeches about the success rate don’t quite comfort you on all levels, you may be dealing with the last issue of which I spoke. Procreation is more than a physical act. It is an issue that is somewhat primordial and spiritual. It is at the root of what it means to be alive for just about every species on Earth. Most people do not really think about it like that.

People around you hear cancer and panic, thinking that you should do anything to keep it from spreading. The , some of them anyway, however, often looks deeper, looking for the meaning behind the fact that parts of one’s own body has declared war on you, and thinking of the most beneficial ways of dealing with it.

If you are diagnosed with prostrate cancer, or any other type, and are thinking of getting treatment, or if you are having treatment, or have completed treatment, it is important for you to look for a deeper meaning. It is important for you to begin to explore your life deeply and to find a meaningful way to participate in life that is satisfying and enjoyable. Many say that modern civilization is a toxic, cancerous environment in itself. Is it any wonder that our bodies should become like the toxic environment in which we live? Find ways to be healthy. Create sacred spaces where you can step outside of the toxic environment to strengthen yourself. You will then give birth to new things on a different level—a spiritual level.

If you can find a group where you can talk about what has happened, the shock that has happened to your mind, body, and spirit, find one. Several hospitals have survivor support groups. Many other people will not know what you are talking about and what you are going though on the inside. Don’t try to force yourself to get over it and to go ahead with life. You will do this, and life will go on. The truth is, however, that you have been injured, even if it doesn’t show on the outside, and you can never get back what you have lost. You have to heal from the injury on all levels. This is something that we must learn to live with. A greater understanding of who you are and why things like this happen are the only help. It is also important to work to gain some insight, or lifestyle that is worth all of the fear and suffering. When you have done this you will be able to move on without pushing. It will be natural and you will be a greater person. Don´t ignore practical spirituality and methods like meditation, Tai Chi, Yoga or Chi Kung. They can be very good for dealing with the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of the injury if you go very deep in their application.

Dr. John W. Gilmore is a writer, spiritual director, and certified healer in many alternative health traditions. For more information on how to apply practical spirituality to your life visit our free Practical Spirituality Journal at dswellness.com dswellness.com Explore our website for more information geared to the of the greater community. Also visit our school at dswellness.htap.net dswellness.htap.net

Reunion of Souls, Dr. John W.Gilmore. A book of deep spirituality in Sci-fi form.

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Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer

June 30th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Uncategorized

Mesothelioma is one of the most uncommon forms of cancer. It generally affects the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. The most common form of this disease is pleural . The pleuron is a slight membrane between the chest cavity and the lungs. The lubrication it gives does not allow the lungs to get grazed when they come in contact with the chest wall. Pleural is also known as “”lung”" cancer. Peritoneal is another form of . The membrane that envelops the abdomen’s organs is known as the peritoneum. While it is less common than pleural , peritoneal is more invasive and consequently more fatal for the patient.

Mesotheliomas are either easily curable or malignant. The most widespread form of is the “diffuse malignant pleural ”. This tumor is invasive and destructive. It characteristically spreads quickly to the lungs’ surface, heart or abdominal organs. Life expectancy for patients afflicted by this cancer usually ranges between four months to two years. Of course, that depends a lot on myriad factors, like the stage of the disease’s detection, the patient’s health etc. With appropriate care, some patients have survived for a number of years.

Early diagnosis and surgery may elongate life expectancy. Surgery may not be a feasible option, however, for older or weaker patients. Radiation treatment and can help in the overall program. Home care and pain management are other alternatives during the later stages of the malignancy.

Automobile mechanics, painters, plasterers, pipe fitters, plumbers, shipyard workers and welders, to name a few, are in regular contact with asbestos and thus in greater danger of getting the disease than individuals of other professions.

Generally, it is believed that sustained exposure to asbestos is more liable to give one . However, some individuals with short but severe exposures have developed this malignancy. Also, a person can get this disease indirectly. Women, while washing the clothes of men (son, husband) who work with asbestos, can develop the cancer.

e-MesotheliomaAsbestos.com Mesothelioma Asbestos provides detailed information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos, Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases, Mesothelioma Asbestos Treatment, Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer and more. Mesothelioma Asbestos is affiliated with e-MesotheliomaDiagnosis.com Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support.

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Hair Loss From Chemotherapy

June 29th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Uncategorized

Many of us have family members, friends or acquiantences who are suffering, or have suffered, through cancer and most of those people have been treated with .

One of the most common effects of , besides loss of energy, wanting to sleep all the time and the loss of imunity, is hair loss. Between people the hair loss will vary from thinning of the hair to a complete loss of hair.

Complete hair loss means from all part of the body including pubic hair. While it is difficult to see yourself without hair, you should know that the hair will reappear over a period of a few days or not happen for weeks into the therapy

Not every cancer drug used in will cause hair loss. Make sure you talk with your doctor about new drugs that may not cause you to lose your hair.

When the hair comes back, it can come back different then what the patient is used to. A friend of mine had perfectly straight hair, then went through chemo and when her hair eventually came back it looked as though see had a perm.

If you are about to go through you should plan to manage hair loss during treatment. You may not experience total hair loss, but being prepared for hair loss will allow you more peace if it occurs.

Before you start going through chemo, start being kind to your hair. If you are bleaching, coloring, or perming your hair, STOP!, can make it weaker. Avoid hair dryers and curling irons. The heat will contribute to the loss of your. You may want to consider cutting your hair. Short hair looks thicker than long hair and it won’t be so easily noticed. It might make it easier on you and your emotions if your hair is short before it starts falling out.

If and when you do start to lose your hair make sure that you protect what hair you have by using a satin pillowcase, using a softer brush, and washing your hair only when it is necessary. When you do shampoo, use a gentle shampoo without chemicals or detergents that can dry out your scalp.

I’ve heard of some poeple that even have shaved their head instead of allowing the hair to fall out in clumps. Patients report that shaving their head eases the irritation and itching that accompanies gradual hair loss from . It may also look better than hair that is patchy and sparse during therapy.

If you have lost your hair you have the choice to use wigs, scarves, hats, turbans, or hairpieces. A wig may sound like a terrible idea, but a friend of mine wore a wig and it looked so good I just assumed that they never lost their hair when they went through chemo.

The National Cancer Institute advises cancer patients if they are going to buy a wig for use during , to have it fitted and made before the therapy starts. The wig matches more closely to their original hair color and texture.

Why does hair loss occur when a patient has ?

The drugs used for are designed to attack fast growing cancer cells. They also attack other cells in your bodies and including the hair follicles and roots. This means that hair loss may not be limited to the scalp. People also may lose hair from their arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area. The eyebrows and eyelashes may also be affected.

There isn’t a treatment yet to prevent hair loss during and after . It’s best to plan, there is a chance you won’t lose your hair, but if you have planned and prepared for the loss, everything will be ready if you need it. Patients have tried placing ice packs on the scalp to slow blood circulation and maybe prevent hair loss. Most find it is cold and uncomfortable and not worth the risk of cancer recurring in the scalp area. However, for those who have been willing to try it, seems to work for 50 percent of people.

Hair loss will continue for as much as a month after your last treatment. It may fall out by the hands full, or gradually. Specialists tell us that a person has to lose more than 50 percent of their hair before people will start noticing. Hair growth after is about a quarter inch of hair each month. It could also come in gray until pigment cells start working again and give your hair its natural color.

Hair growth treatments won’t prevent hair loss but it will speed up the growth process of new hair. Using this drug may slow down the rate of hair loss, but that depends on each individual.

Get the Valuable Information You Need By Visiting Treat-Your-Hair-Loss.com Treatments and Causes of Hair Loss

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