When you get a call, like I did, from your spouse telling you his dermatologists thinks he has melanoma, the first 5 things you should do are:

1. LISTEN

Your spouse will tell you everything you need to know initially. What the doctor thinks the stage is (Melanoma is gauged in stages 1,2,3,4). No one will know for
sure without a biopsy, but they have a pretty good idea.

No matter what the stage, it will have an initial distressing effect. In my case,
my husband’s doctor thought it was Stage 4.

After you have the facts, there are things you yourself can do. Even if it’s a speck, melanoma is a very serious, sometimes life-threatening disease, so you will want to consider No. 2. If it is a disturbing diagnosis, you will definitely want to
go to No. 2.

2. CALL ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS HAD SKIN CANCER OR KNOWS SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD SKIN

CANCER

If your friend has experienced it first hand (in the family), you will get valuable answers to the question “What do I do?”

The answers I got ranged from the hospital where the individual got treatment, the doctor who oversaw the treatment, the opinion of that treatment, where else the person got treated, the doctor who oversaw that treatment the opinion of that treatment, and any cancer organizations and/or websites you can go to learn about this disease.

3. RESEARCH

This is the most important single task you will do. And you are just beginning.
You want to learn everything you can learn, because you never know what you will find that may help.

American Cancer Society
AAD (American Academy of Dermatology)
Institutes of Health – Skin Cancer

From one of these sources … friends, cancer organizations, internet, you will find treatment centers near where you live.

4. AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED

At some point, you’re going to join your spouse at the doctor’s office. At this point, you will ask for a recommended Oncologist (preferably an expert in skin
Cancer, but not absolutely necessary).

After a course of action has been suggested, immediately find another top

medical center and doctor for a Second Opinion. And there is nothing in the

world wrong with getting a third.

Your spouse and you consider options. Sometimes there will be more

than one option. This can be extremely anxiety provoking. There is no easy

way to deal with this. You can pray, you can ask advice, but ultimately you and

your spouse (or if your spouse is comfortable, he’ll make his own decision) will

have to come to a decision.

No matter which way you go, who decides what, sometimes there is no sure

answer.

5. AFTER THE TREATMENT

As long as there’s another day of life, and when life is at stake, you must continue researching. Researching will be your best friend.

And if you don’t like the way your doctor is handling things, or maybe he’s not showing enough interest with your spouse’s questions, or your questions, or what to do next, or anything that doesn’t feel right to you, get another doctor!

Difficult as it is, we changed doctors 3 or more times. His second dermatologist
overlooked missed something so staggeringly major, I almost fainted when I discovered it. At least ten serious actions came to my mind regarding that doctor, but time and energy was needing for taking the next step.

I honestly don’t remember through what source … the paper, a person, a friend, told me about a doctor back east who, when appropriate, imported a drug from France that was going through trials that matched my husband’s circumstances.
The doctor back east studied our “case”, and agreed to send the drug.

In the end, I lost my husband to the disease. And we don’t know for sure that the

drug from France helped, but we think it gave him 3 more years.

LYNN ROSE is the founder of Soleil Chic UV Umbrellas. After a long career as a pianist-vocalist-composer and award-winning screenwriter, Lynn changed her career after losing her husband to malignant melanoma. SOLEIL CHIC umbrellas have been seen on THE TODAY SHOW as well as in the hands of celebrities like Cate Blanchett. Soleil Chic umbrellas are endorsed by top doctors including a dermatologist, rheumatologist, plastic surgeon and professor of anatomy and neurobiology. The Mayo Clinc recommends Lynn Rose’s umbrellas as well. Top resort/spas such as the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, and The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, carry her products. Soleil Chic’s worldwide customer base continues to increase every day.

Visit the website @ soleilchic.com soleilchic.com

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Tags: melanoma, skin cancer

If you don’t know by now: Wear Your Sunscreen! Suncreen with SPF 15 or higher can significantly reduce the possibility of melanomas, the malignant tumors that contribute to skin cancer. The good news is that melanomas, when recognized and treated early, are almost 100% curable. The big problem with malignant melanomas lies in their being ignored, undetected or untreated, causing the cancer to spread elsewhere in the body. In 2007, the United States population is estimated at encountering close to 60,000 new instances of melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.

Self-examination is the best way to combat these melanomas. Your Dermatologist can provide professional care annually and instruct you on how to competently check your body for melanomas. These self-exams should be performed monthly, looking out for two kinds of moles, normal moles (round, brown blemishes or “beauty marks”) and dysplastic nevi (atypical moles). If there is a history of melanoma in your family, you are at a greater risk for skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Self-examination gives you a higher chance of catching unusual moles and potentially saving your life. If, upon examining, you find any moles that are raised, bleeding, oddly shaped or different than the last time you checked them, see your Dermatologist immediately. A good rule of thumb is to follow the skin cancer ABCDE rule.

A- asymmetry: look for abnormalities in symmetry – does it look the same on both sides?

B-border: blurry, uneven or rough edges in an early melanoma

C- color- multi colored moles or moles that have changed color. Moles can range from brown, black, tan, red, white, blue, pink, purple or gray.

D- diameter- Melanomas are typically larger than your average mole, about the size of a pencil eraser or larger than 1-4 “ in diameter.

E- Elevation/Evolving- any mole that has an uneven surface, is raised or changes in color, shape or size should be brought to your doctor’s attention. Additionally, bleeding, scabbing or itching are also warning signs of potential melanoma.

Men and women should pay close attention to areas of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the most sun including the chest, neck, tips of the ears, face, hands, back and lower legs, forearms and shoulders. Dangerous UVA and UVB rays from the sun and repeated exposure to these rays can effectuate skin cancer. If you live in a very sunny climate, like Australia, Arizona or Florida you are at a higher risk for skin cancer. If you have experienced major sunburns as a child, this can also be a contributing factor. It is very important to shield yourself from the sun with protective clothing, high SPF sunscreen (15, 30 or higher) and wear it on your face daily. Even in Winter! If you have pale skin, are susceptible to sunburns, have light-colored eyes, work outside in the sun often, use tanning booths, or have many existing moles you are at a higher risk of contracting skin cancer. People who have had chemotherapy or diseases such as HIV, lymphoma or other immune system destructive diseases are also at a higher risk for melanoma.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on theworldsbesthomepage.com/blog/category/health/ health and visit our associated site free-content-resource.com articles for free.

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Tags: chemotherapy, lymphoma, melanoma, skin cancer

Cancer is a scary subject and comes in many forms. Skin cancer is one of the more prevalent versions and, unfortunately, one most people do not take seriously enough.

Imagine sitting in a doctor’s office and being told you have cancer. Although cancer treatment has come a long way, it would still be a devastating moment. Are you going to die? Is it curable? Why you? These are the types of questions that will undoubtedly come to mind immediately. With many forms of cancer, there is a certain luck of the draw element as to why you get them. Skin cancer, however, is one you can take steps to avoid.

What is skin cancer? It is a malignant growth on the skin, typically forming on the epidermis or outer layer of the skin. It is often associated with repeated sun burns or extensive exposure to the sun over time. It is also becoming more common due to increased ultraviolet radiation penetration in the atmosphere.

Skin cancer typically can be categorized in three ways. Malignant melanoma is the worst and is fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. It is, however, the least prevalent of the categories. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, has a hereditary element and is rarely fatal. It tends to be isolated and is often treated with surgery or topical chemotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer that occurs on both the skin and internal organs. It can be caused by many things including exposure to the sun and can metastasize or spread through the body.

The nature of skin cancer is such that it often can be avoided if precautionary steps are taken. If you enjoy laying on the beach or working outside, using proper sun block is simple and effective. The key is to use it liberally and frequently. While this seems like common sense, the sheer number of skin cancer cases reported each year indicate that people are not using it. Laziness is most likely the cause. If you fall in this category, do your really want to risk skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma that can kill you?

If you are going to be out in the sun, whether skiing, sitting on a beach, hiking or working, make sure to protect yourself. Using sun screen is a minor task that can prevent big problems.

John Grimes is with All Terrain - makers of natural

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Tags: cancer treatment, chemotherapy, melanoma, skin cancer

Most people claim that we are making giant steps towards winning the war on cancer. However, 40 years ago, one in every five individuals would develop cancer. Nowadays the odds aren’t getting better. Today the chance of somebody developing any form of cancer is one in three.

While some cancers are deadlier than others, it is important to note that all cancers are extremely serious and require close medical care and supervision. This article will only discuss cancer in general. A detailed description of each kind of cancer can be found on numerous web sites and medical books for closer inspection and understanding.

Cancer can mean a lot of things to many people but medically, cancer it self pertains to a condition where are cells produce rapidly on an area of the body for no logical reason. This rapid growth in cells results in a mass which we call a tumor. A tumor can be benign or malignant; if it is benign, it can be removed by a simple surgery, but if it is malignant, the uncontrolled cell growth can overwhelm the body’s normal defensive system and can often lead to death.

Recognizing cancer in its early stages can be tricky but the normal signs include the following:

If urine is bloody or painful, or if one feels a frequent need to urinate, it might be a sign of bladder cancer. Lumps in the breast, swelling and itching in the breast area, or sore nipples could be signs of breast cancer. Bloody stools, frequent diarrhoea, or constipation can indicate colon cancer.

Cervical cancer starts with heavier bleeding, increased pain during menstruation, or unusual vaginal discharges. Prostate cancer starts with weak urination, pain in the pelvic region, or chronic back pain. Unusual bumps on or under the skin, darkened moles and sores that bleed or do not heal are signs of skin cancer. At the first sign of any of these cancers, you must see your doctor immediately for further testing. Early diagnosis of cancer is one of the most important aspects of beating the disease and increasing your chances of survival.

The potential causes of cancer are numerous. There are obvious carcinogens like smoking, pesticides and pollution. Unhealthy lifestyle choices like the overuse of alcohol and drugs, excessive exposure to the sun, being overweight and a failure to handle stress all contribute to the formation of cancer cells. Cancer can also be hereditary. Other cancer-causing substances you may not be aware of are: chlorinated water, mercury fillings in the teeth, processed foods with artificial colors and additives, diets low in fiber or high in fat and eating cured meats like hot dogs, salami, ham and bacon. Heavy use of artificial sweeteners, excessive sugar consumption, birth control pills, estrogen therapy, heavy coffee consumption, severe burns and a history of venereal disease also pose as higher risk factors for certain cancers.

There are many vitamins you can take to lessen your risk of cancer or help treat a cancerous condition you may already have. For all cancers, vitamins A, C and E are important antioxidants and proven immunity enhancers. Calcium carbonate can lessen the cancer cells in the colon lining. Kelp, coenzyme Q10 and folic acid can reduce tumors in breast-cancer patients. Lycopene, omega-3, zinc and grapeseed have also shown strong anticancer properties.

Popular herbs to supplement these vitamins are liquid garlic, ginger and curcumin. These herbs have shown great promise in the prevention of cancer, especially skin and prostate cancer. Drinking several cups of green tea daily has also been proven in many studies to boost your body’s immunity to cancer.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to

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Tags: breast cancer, cancer patient, cervical cancer, colon cancer, prevent cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

Green tea has become the miracle drink of recent years. It is mentioned as a cure for everything from stomach trouble to fatigue, from rheumatoid arthritis to tooth decay. People in the Far East have been turning to green tea for various ailments for centuries, so it isn’t surprising that the beverage has become a popular remedy worldwide.

Perhaps the most interesting claim of fans of green tea is that it can be beneficial in the war against cancer. A 1994 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that green tea lessened the risk of cancer of the esophagus in Chinese subjects by close to 60 percent. In addition, a study at the University of Purdue found that, because of its chemical makeup, green tea can also reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Green Tea’s Effects—More Than Skin-Deep

There is also evidence that green tea can be beneficial for your skin. In an article on “Green Tea and Skin” published in the Archives of Dermatology in the year 2000, Santosh K. Katiyar, Nihal Ahmad, and Hasan Mukhtar discussed how green tea could be effective in fighting skin cancer. Because of its composition, green tea can prevent inflammation and cancer in the skin.

Still, you might be wondering how this is possible. In the data examined by Katiyar, Ahmad, and Mukhtar, the polyphenolic compounds in green tea were tested and found to provide protection against cancer in mouse skin. In addition, some successful experiments were conducted on human skin in the lab. The analysis conducted by the author’s shows that green tea polyphenols have cancer-fighting properties.

As a result, it appears that green tea could be used successfully in skin products to treat various skin disorders, which could help immensely in the battle against skin cancer. As Mukhtar stated, “Of all the antioxidants known to mankind, the components of green tea are the most potent.” Still, the authors caution that additional study is needed to fully explore the cancer-combating capabilities of green tea.

Why Green Tea is a Superior Disease-Fighter

Of course, you might be wondering why green tea might be effective against skin cancer, when other types of tea are not. While green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is processed in a way that helps to preserve its antioxidant nature. That’s because green tea leaves are steamed, preventing their cancer-fighting compounds from being oxidized. As a result, black and oolong teas are not nearly as effective in fighting disease.

Taking a Closer Look at Green Tea

It might be helpful at this point to take a closer look at green tea and its unique properties. Dr. Stephen Hsu, a scientist at the Medical College of Georgia, has done extensive research on green tea and its medicinal effects. Hsu has found that the compounds in green tea known as polyphenols destroy free radicals, which have been known to give rise to cancer because of changes they make in DNA. Essentially, the polyphenols kill cancer cells, while protecting healthy cells.

Hsu and his research team compared the growth of normal skin cells to the growth of cells that had been exposed to green tea polyphenol. The researchers were surprised to learn that the tea component rejuvenated dying skin cells. The reactivation was limited to the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin. Still, Hsu believes that the research will have a profound impact upon various skin conditions.

A Green-Tinged Fountain of Youth

In addition to combating cancer, green tea could be effective in treating a variety of other skin conditions, including ulcers, psoriasis, rosascea, and hard-to-heal wounds.

As a result of such research, some have referred to green tea as being a veritable “fountain of youth” for the skin. While additional research is obviously necessary, the initial results are incredibly encouraging. In fact, Hsu has been working on developing skin products in which green tea plays a significant role. In this way, Hsu has found a way to apply his lab work to the cosmetic counter. It appears that green tea is particularly effective in protecting the skin from sun damage—a major contributing factor to skin cancer.

The Future of Green Tea

Given the public’s interest in alternative medicine, it would appear that green tea will be increasingly used as an agent for enhancing health. In fact, each year people turn to green tea for its therapeutic benefits. Research on green tea’s beneficial effects on the skin appears to be particularly promising.

In fact, green tea may be revolutionary in its impact on skin treatments. Not only might it lead to younger-looking skin—it may also help to keep skin cancer at bay—which would be welcome news to the fair-skinned and anyone who has a history of skin cancer in their family.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current

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Tags: skin cancer