Breast Cancer. For most women it is something they dread hearing, but it is something more and more will hear in their lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but also occurs in a small number of men. It is most commonly associated with those above the age of 50. It can be contracted by those in younger age groups, but the risk is not as high as for those in the older age range.

There is currently no defined cause for breast cancer, although there are factors which can put someone at a higher risk. Some risk factors are unavoidable, while some are not.

Unavoidable risk factors include;

- Gender: Women are more susceptible to contracting breast cancer than men.

- Age: The older a person gets, the greater the risk factor.

- Family history: If a family member has previously contracted the disease, the chances of another family member contracting it rises considerably.

- Genetic predisposition: If the body carries a gene associated with the disease, the odds can increase greatly. This gene can be passed down through generations. If a parent is known to carry a genetic predisposition, it is also possible for their children to carry the gene as well.

- Race: White women are much more susceptible to contracting breast cancer than black or Hispanic women.

- Prolonged exposure to estrogen: Those who enter the menopause at a more advanced age than normal (55 ) are believed to have a higher risk factor. Estrogen is believed to play a part in causing breast cancer to form.

Factors which can be controlled include;

- Weight: As in most cancers, those who are overweight place themselves at a higher risk of cancer. Anyone overweight would be advised to begin an exercise program and improve their diet as soon as possible. Especially if coupled with age factors. Always be sure to consult with a doctor before beginning a rigorous exercise program.

- Smoking: Again, as with other cancers, those who smoke are putting themselves at a higher risk for cancer. Quit smoking as soon as possible to reduce the risk of cancer.

- Drinking: Those who drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day are thought to be at greater risk of breast cancer. If you struggle with alcohol, seek help to quit and cut the risk. If that is not possible, try to limit yourself to only one alcoholic beverage per day.

There are many symptoms, which may point to breast cancer. Finding a lump or hardening of the breast, or areas near the breast, is the most common symptom. Other symptoms can include a change in breast size, discharge from the nipple itself, tenderness and even a change in how the breast feels. If you experience any of these symptoms, you are advised to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

If caught in the early stages, breast cancer is much easier to combat and in most cases can be beaten. If allowed to reach an advanced stage, the survival rates are much worse. That means screening and preventative measure are essential. If you are over the age of 50, a mammogram is an essential tool in breast cancer prevention. Have your doctor schedule one at appropriate intervals. If you find a lump, have it checked. A little prevention can go a long way in avoiding an unnecessary battle with the advanced stages of this dreaded disease.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to

Tags: breast cancer, cancer prevention

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Tags: breast cancer, cancer prevention

It was a bright Monday morning in May, 2005. A morning like every other morning … except that my husband had a doctor’s appointment. He was going to find out the results of his biopsy. He wasn’t too concerned. His PSA count had gone up to 5.7 from 4.9 and the doctor felt it might be a good idea to do this test. I didn’t go with him. Several hours later I found out he had prostate cancer.

I can only tell this story from my viewpoint. My husband has said it felt like he hit a brick wall when the doctor said “you have prostate cancer”. I just know that for me there was a rush of emotion. Fear mixed with guilt for not being there. Anxiety over the unknown and then a small voice saying “I am in control”. After we both cried and comforted each other, maybe a day or so later, there was a funny calm that came over me. I knew God was in control of this situation. It was no surprise to Him. We told our sons and family. We were bombarded with questions as to what we were going to do … and that’s the purpose of this article. Maybe our experience can help you.

The doctor advised my husband to have his prostate removed and explained all the pros and cons. The biggest reason “not to remove” the prostate was because it could result in impotency. We both said “no” to that. We decided to have a second opinion. That doctor said the same thing … have the prostate removed. There had to be other options. We had researched the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Illinois shortly after we got the news but hesitated to go there because of the distance. However, after this second opinion, we called them and were on the first flight out two days later.

You have probably seen the ads on TV for the Cancer Treatment Center. If cancer hasn’t visited your family, then more than likely you ignore the commercials. DON’T!! This Cancer Treatment Center made all the difference for my husband and me. Be informed before you have to be.

We arrived in Chicago, the hospital limousine picked us up at the airport, took us to the hotel and then a shuttle bus picked us up the next morning for our 8:00 am appointment. First impressions are very important — as we walked into the lobby of the Cancer Treatment Center, we both felt a perfect calm. It was not a “hospital” — there was no “smell of death” — we did not see grim faces. What we did see were smiles and friendly faces on patients and staff — most of all, there was HOPE in the air!

By the end of the week, we were told that there were three options. The cancer was contained in the right side of the prostate and could be treated. Our research had shown a new therapy available called Brachy Therapy. My husband wanted to know more about that. He made the decision to have it done … it involved 5 weeks of radiation and then the 3-day surgical procedure. The operation was done on Sept 27, 2005.

Today, his PSA count is down to .014 — he goes back in April for another follow up — but he is doing really well. In retrospect, we know we did the right thing. We didn’t take the first or second opinion — we had some doubts and followed our gut feelings. We united and prayed seeking the Lord’s wisdom. Our choice to go so far away from home for this treatment was questioned by family and friends. But we just felt it was the right choice. We have no regrets.

If you are facing Cancer … pray. Ask God to show you what you should do. Consider the Cancer Treatment Centers of America — they are now located in Illinois, Pittsburgh, and I think Texas and Pennsylvania. There is HOPE. Don’t give up.

God bless.

Louise (

Tags: cancer treatment, prostate cancer

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Tags: cancer treatment, prostate cancer

The C word - spoken with reverence, or not spoken of at all - is something many people fear. The truth is that, if caught quickly - typically, in the early stages - the disease can often be dealt with efficiently. This is not to say it doesn’t have its drawbacks - cancer is a scary word, despite the success rate that is soaring, due to advances in medical science and better monitoring.

The typical reaction to being told one has cancer, is a dignified silence and a total disbelief of the facts; only later - perhaps an hour, or a day, or a week later - does the significance of a diagnosis start to sink in - and then, people will react differently. Some maintain a dignified acceptance of the illness and place faith in their doctors and oncology specialists, while others fall apart, shun society, or become angry and inconsolable as they bear the unbearable.

It can be a killer; many people succumb to the illness, never recover; or they wilt slowly, as the cancer takes control, or spreads. For some, it’s a time of waiting to die; for others, it’s a slow, painful process, that no-one would ever wish on anyone. Death, to many in this scenario, is a blessing, not only to the cancer sufferer, but those near and dear, who may have watched the decline of a loved one.

The secret to beating cancer is to catch it early, or take measures to thwart it, before it takes hold. Diet and lifestyle are a key to this prevention, with nutritionists advising healthy eating, with such things as fruit, vegetables, omega 3 acids and doctors advising a non-smoking regime, coupled with regular exercise.

Recognising symptoms is an important part in fighting the disease; blood in the toilet, or being coughed up, are signs that things are not right inside the body. It’s important to have these signs checked out at the earliest possible opportunity, although in the majority of cases, tests may show nothing as serious as cancer. For example, blood in urine can be a result of a urinary infection; but in all cases, it should be checked out; tests may include biopsies (small pieces of tissue) being taken, for lab analysis.

Lumps in tissue should also be checked out with a doctor; regular self-testing is advised, in order to detect changes in the body; unless one is certain a lump isn’t a problem - many women find they get ‘lumpy’ breasts during menstruation, for example - then it should be examined by a doctor. Men also should check for lumps in their private areas - it’s important to self-examine, particularly as a man ages - prostate and testicular problems increase with age, especially once past the 40 mark.

Cancer will never be eradicated; it’s a disease, primarily of the older person, but no-one is ‘immune’; it’s thought that 1 in 3 of the population will experience some form of cancer during their lives. However, with proper care, a proper lifestyle, and regular monitoring, there s no reason why anyone should not be in with a fighting chance against this awful disease.

Eric Hartwell oversees theworldsbesthomepage.com the worlds best home page a user-led resource - you can read, digest and contribute your opinions on any subject.

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These days we’re living in what is being called the “information age.” People are booking their own flights from home and downloading music and video from all over the world.

Well, the “information age” applies to the world of medicine too. Cutting-edge medical information, if you know how to search for it, is now only a click away as you sit in front of your computer.

But, medicine is an intimidating arena and the stakes are incredibly high. Plus, the relationship between patient and doctor has traditionally been based on a high degree of trust.

What I’m saying is that I think that it’s uncomfortable for most people to aggressively question their doctors. Because of this discomfort, patients may not feel as inclined to do their own research. They fear that they might upset their doctor if they walk into the medical office with research they’ve done themselves.

But, in my opinion, this unprecedented access to medical information will ultimately lead to revolutionary changes in the way patients and doctors interact.

I learned first-hand a few short years ago that researching an illness on the internet can be a daunting task.

A close family friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and asked me to do some research. Even though I was an emergency physician at a university hospital, I quickly learned that using the internet to get the most current information on published studies, new treatments, and clinical trials was not as easy a task as I had thought.

Ultimately I figured out how to navigate the “medical internet jungle”. I found the information I needed and learned a lot along the way.

If you plan to research cutting-edge medical information on the internet, you’ll need to find your own smart way.

In the end, after gathering all the information, you’ll become an informed patient.

And There Are Lots Of Benefits In Being An Informed Patient

Some of the benefits are obvious. Like making sure that your doctor is aware of all potential cutting-edge treatments and available clinical trials. You need to know that “no stone has been left unturned” in the search for your best treatment option.

Knowing that you’re receiving state-of-the-art care should be an enormous comfort to you.

But there are other benefits as well.

An informed and involved patient becomes a partner in his or her health care.

Too often a lack of real understanding leads patients to stop, skip, or otherwise not fully comply with their treatment. But, an informed and involved patient is much more likely to follow through with all the aspects of a treatment regimen.

In the end, it just makes good sense to be as informed as possible.

There’s A Critical Second Part Of The Process

This second part involves talking to your doctors about the cutting-edge treatment options you’ve discovered in your research.

This is the part of the process that I believe frightens patients the most. Let me restate here what I believe will take place in the interactions between doctors and patients.

Just as patients will get more and more used to questioning their doctors in the next few years, doctors will get more and more used to being questioned by their patients.

Patients Can Now Access The Latest Medical Information.
When Their Lives Are At Stake, They’re Going To Do The Research.

In the final analysis, doctors want to help their patients. And, as patients become more and more informed, doctors and patients will become accustomed to having educated, thoughtful conversations on the medical literature and what the best treatment options might be.

This doesn’t mean however that there will be never be a conflict between what the patient wants and what the doctor is recommending.

For example, there might be a new surgical procedure which is being used in the treatment of certain cancers. There may be recent published studies suggesting that the new procedure might result in fewer side effects or a quicker recovery time while having the same cure rate.

But, it’s possible that this procedure is only being done by a few surgeons in your area as it’s new and takes some specialized training.

You might discuss this with your doctor who admits that he or she does not perform the new procedure.

At that point, you may have to make a decision about whether or not investigating the new procedure is really worthwhile.

The most common sense approach to this dilemma would be to consult with a physician specializing in the new procedure as well.

Imagine That You’re An Investigative Detective

Ask straightforward but tough questions to all your doctors including questions about their results, their experience level, side effects of any proposed treatments, and the published data.

You may want to ask if you may speak to other patients that have already undergone treatment by these doctors. If you are able to do this, ask these patients how they decided on a particular treatment or even a particular doctor. Ask them how they’re doing.

Continue investigating until you feel you have all the information you need to make your decision.

Many pieces of information may come up in your research. For example, there might be certain technological advances being used in certain centers which help in the accurate staging and planning of treatment. Maybe the center that you’re being treated at doesn’t offer these services and your research has led you to believe that there is benefit to them.

Again, you may have to make a decision about where you want to be treated.

Or, your doctor may recommend a treatment regimen to you and not mention that there are clinical trials which may be available. Or, he or she might recommend a certain clinical trial without mentioning that there are other clinical trials taking place at other medical centers.

As you do your own research, you need to be very aware that the cutting-edge treatments may not be offered everywhere.
Frank discussions with your doctors may be unavoidable. But, it’s very important for you to remember that you’re dealing with a serious illness and the most important thing is that you get the best possible care.

Don’t Allow Your Fear Of Creating Conflict With Your Doctor Stop You From Aggressively Pursuing The Best Possible Care.

The conversations you’ll have with your doctors will ultimately become quite different. Being aware of all the options allows you, if you choose, to take more responsibility for the decisions that have to be made.

Ultimately, in today’s rapidly changing universe, patients are taking on more of the responsibility for making treatment decisions.

Dr. Glenn Sheiner is a medical doctor with diplomas in Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Family Medicine. Dr. Sheiner is the author of the medical multimedia digital product called Cancer Research Online Made Easy.

Dr. Sheiner created this product to help patients research cutting-edge medical information in hours not days. The product contains 5 videos illustrating exactly what to do. To learn more go to researchyourcancer.com Cancer Research Online Made Easy

Tags: breast cancer

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Tags: breast cancer