Lung Cancer - Classification, Stages, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Prevention, Detection and Treatment

Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled rapid growth of cells in tissues. This type of cancer is most common and results in more than a million deaths every year. This form of cancer is indicated by weight loss or coughing up blood or regularly going out of breath. It can be noticed on chest radio graph also called CT Scan. The treatment that one gets depends on the stage that one is in. Treatment of cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CLASSIFICATION Lung cancers are classified after studying under them microscope. Classification is necessary as different type of cancer is treated differently. Large portion of lung cancer are carcinomas - malignancies that grow from epithelial cells. Lung-carcinomas are categorized into two types: non -small and small-cell lung carcinoma. Non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma account for 80. 4% and 16. 8% frequency of lung cancer, respectively. 1. NON -SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA The non -small cell lung carcinomas are grouped together as their prognosis and management are same up to some extent. They are further classified into three types: squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma. Squamous cell lung cancer originates near a central bronchus. They account for 25% of lung cancers. Adenocarcinoma starts in peripheral lung tissue. The cases of adenocarcinoma are a result of smoking. They accounts to 40% of non -small cell lung cancers. 2. SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA This type of lung cancer is rare. It is sometimes referred to as "oat cell" carcinoma. Most of the times they originate from larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi ) and from there they grow at a rapid pace. This type of lung cancer if mostly associated with smoking. SECONDARY CANCERS These cancers are classified on the basis of site of origin like breast cancer but has spread to the lung. Majority of the lung cancers in children are secondary. STAGING OF LUNG CANCER Lung cancer staging is used to asses the degree of spread of the cancer from its place of origin. It is an important factor that determines the potential treatment of lung cancer. The degree starts from 1A to 4, 1A being best prognosis and 4 being worst. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Following are the symptoms of lung cancer: 1. Voice becoming hoarse. 2. Sudden loss of weight. 3. Feeling pain in chest region or abdomen. 4. Difficulty in swallowing. 5. Loss of appetite. 6. Running out of breath. Many of the symptoms mentioned above are non -specific. By the time they notice symptoms or signs, cancer has already spread from place of origin. Very few people with this cancer have signs at time of diagnosis, these cancers are noticed on routine chest radio graph. CAUSES The three main causes of cancer are: carcinogens (which is found in tobacco ), viral infection and ionizing radiation. If exposed, it causes changes to DNA in tissue lining the bronchi of the lungs. With more and more tissues getting damaged, cancer develops. 1. SMOKING Smoking is the main cause of cancer. In one cigarette, there are 60 different known types of carcinogens like radioisotopes and nitrosamine. Smoking is believed to cause 80% of these type of cases. The risk is generally less in non -smokers. The time that a person smokes proportionately increases the chances of this cancer. There has been cases that if a person stops smoking, the damaged cells gradually gets repaired. In non-smokers, passive smoking is the main causes of lung-cancer. Passive smoking is one inhaled from another person smoking. 2. RADON GAS The gas produced from breakdown of radium. This gas is colourless and odorless. Exposure to radiation ionize the genetic material, causing mutations that sometimes turn cancerous. Exposure to radon gas is the second major cause of lung-cancer after smoking. 3. ASBESTOS Asbestos is responsible for causing a number of cancer, one among them is lung cancer. In UK, asbestos accounts for 2 to 3% of the total cases of this cancer. 4. VIRUS Viruses are responsible for causing lung-cancer in animals. And research has shown of similar potential in humans. 5. PARTICULATE MATTER Particulate matter has a direct link to lung cancer cases. The size and quantity of particles in air determines the risk of getting lung-cancer. If concentration of particles increases beyond 1%, then the chances of getting this increases by 14%. PATHOGENESIS Just like may other cancer forms, lung cancer is started by activation of ocnogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressing genes. Ocnogenes are those genes that make people more vulnerable to cancer. Ocnogenes are produced from proto-ocnogenes, when the latter is exposed to particular carcinogens. In k-ras proto-oncogene, mutations takes place which are responsible for 10 to 30% of lung adenocarcinomas. Tumor invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell profileration are regulated by the Epidermal growth factor receptor. Mutations and amplification of EGFR are common in non -small cell lung cancer. The basis for treatment with EGFR-inhibitors are also provided by Mutation and amplification of EGFR. Chromosomal damage can lead to loss of heterozygosity which can result in inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Damage to four of these chromosomes:3p, 5q, 13 q and 17 p are common in small cell lung-carcinoma. The p53, which is a tumor suppressor gene, located on chromosome 17p is affected in most of the cases. c-MET, NKX2-1, LKB1, PIK3A and BRAF are also mutated or amplified. Various genetic polymorphisms are supplementary to this cancer. Some of them include polymorphisms in genes coding for interleukin-1, cytochrome p450, apoptosis promoters such as caspase-8, and XRCC1, which is DNA repair molecule. People having these polymorphisms are more likely to develop lung cancer on being exposed to carcinogens. The research has revealed that MDM2 309G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for developing this in Asians. DIAGNOSIS If a person has reported symptoms that might suggest cancer related to lungs, then chest radio graph is performed in the first step. The test reveals the widening of mediastinium, atelectasis and pleural effusion. Even if there are no radio graphic findings but the hint of this is high because of things like the person being heavy smoker with blood-stained sputum then CT-Scan may provide the necessary data. If findings are unnatural in cells in sputum, then they multiplies the risk of this type of cancer. Early detection can be done by Sputum cytologic examination together with other screening examinations. The differential diagnosis for those patients who show irregularities on chest cardiograph consider cancer related to lungs along with non malignant diseases. These consider infectious reasons like tuberculosis or pneumonia. The above mentioned diseases can lead to lung nodules. PREVENTION Prevention, just like always, is better than cure. Steps in this direction have been taken by may countries by identifying carcinogens and banning them but tobacco, which is the major cause of lung cancer, is still common. Eliminating cigarette smoking is first hand target in the prevention of lung cancer. Steps to lessen Passive smoking have also being taken by banning smoking in public places and workplaces. New Zealand has restricted smoking in open places. A similar step is also taken by Chandigarh, India. Bhutan has criminalized smoking since 2005. SCREENING Screening is used to detect disease by doing medical tests when the patient is not showing any symptoms. Chest radio graph or computed tomography are the tests used for screening of lung cancer. But, results have shown, that screening tests for lung cancer rarely has shown any benefit. TREATMENT The treatment of lung cancer can be done in following ways, depending on the stage or degree of cancer: 1. SURGERY If doctors have detected lung cancer, then CT scan and positron emission tomography are usually applied to check if the disease is placed and surgery can be done or it has moved to the point where performing surgery is not possible. Surgery can only be performed if spirometry reveals good respiratory reserve, but if it is poor, then surgery is not possible. Even surgery has a death operative rate of 4. 4% but that is because of patient's lung function and other factors. 2. CHEMOTHERAPY Chemotherapy, along with radiation, is used to treat small cell lung carcinoma. Primary chemotherapy is also used in metastatic non -small cell lung carcinoma. 3. RADIOTHERAPY Radiotherapy, with chemotherapy, is given when patient is not fit to under go surgery. This type of high intensity radiotherapy is called radical radiotherapy. CHART (continuos hyperfractioned accelerated radiotherapy ) is refined version of this technique in which a high dose of radiotherapy is given for a short period of time. When cancer affects a short section of bronchus, then brachytherapy is given. EPIDEMOLOGY Lung cancer is the most widely reported cancer. There are 1. 35 million cases every year and 1. 18 million deaths. Lung cancer develop among those who have a history of smoking over a long period of years i. e 50 years and above. In addition to smoking, passive smoking is also a factor that causes lung cancer. Even the emissions from factories, automobiles, power plants pose a threat to human health. Lung cancer is found to have a reciprocal effect with sunlight and UVB exposure. This is due to effect of Vitamin D, produced in skin during exposure to sunlight. We, whealthfitness means world fitness health provide important and valuable health and fitness like Lung Cancer Information [http://whealthfitness.com/lung-cancer-classification-staging-symptoms-causes-effects-prevention-treatment/] on our latest Disease Information [http://whealthfitness.com] Blog. For more information visit our website whealthfitness.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anup_Kanwar Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4575819

What is Cancer? What Are Its Causes?

The term 'Cancer' refers to any one of a large number of diseases in which a group of cells show an abnormal development with an uncontrollable division beyond the normal limits. They have the ability to intrude and destroy adjacent body tissues. Cancer cells have the ability to spread throughout the body via lymph and blood, thus destroying the healthy tissues (process known as invasion). All the cancers begin in the basic unit of life - the cell. Normal cells in a body have the ability to grow and divide in a controlled way to produce more cells as per needed to keep the body healthy. When the cells become old or damaged, they die and get replaced with new cells. If and when this normal process gets disturbed then cancer gets initiated. In a normal process, old cells die after a certain period of time and are replaced by new cells. But in a cancerous state, new cells keep on developing while old cells do not die when they should thus leading to a mass of tissue known as a tumor. There are two types of tumors: 1. Benign tumors: A benign tumor is not cancerous. It can often be removed and usually does not come back. These cells grow in a limited, non-aggressive manner. They do not invade the surrounding tissues and neither spread to other parts of the body, i.e., do not metastasize. 2. Malignant tumors: A malignant tumor is cancerous. Cells in these tumors invade the surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Causes of Cancer There are certain risk factors which might lead to cancer development. These are: • Growing Older • Tobacco • Sunlight • Ionizing radiation • Certain chemicals and other substances • Some viruses and bacteria • Certain hormones • Family history of cancer • Alcohol • Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight Most of these risk factors can be avoided, while some others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. Wherever and whenever possible, steps can be taken in staying away from known risk factors. Keep in mind that: • Not everything causes cancer. • Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise. • Cancer is not contagious. Although being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of some types of cancer, no one can catch cancer from another person. • Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never develop cancer. • Some people are more sensitive than others to the known risk factors. Read on for more information about some of the common risk factors for cancer: Growing Older Age is an important risk factor for cancer. Most cancers occur in people over the age of 65. But people of all ages, including children, can get cancer, too. Tobacco Tobacco use highly increases the risk of getting cancer, either it be directly using the tobacco or being around tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke). Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop cancer of the mouth, the organs related to respiratory system and the digestive system. They also are more likely to develop leukemia - cancer that starts in blood cells. Quitting tobacco reduces the risk of cancer (though cancer risk is generally lowest among those who have never used tobacco). For those who have already had cancer, quitting reduces the chances of cancer recurrence. Sunlight Natural source of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the sun. Other sources are sunlamps and tanning booths. It causes early aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. Doctors encourage people of all ages to limit their time in the sun and to avoid other sources of UV radiation: • Try to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. • Stay in the shade if you have to go outside. • Cover exposed areas of the body. • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with lenses that absorb UV. • Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. They may help prevent skin cancer. • Stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths. They are no safer than sunlight. Ionizing Radiation Ionizing radiation can cause cell damage that leads to cancer. This radiation comes from rays that enter the Earth's atmosphere from outer space, radioactive fallout, radon gas, x-rays, and other sources. Radioactive fallout comes from accidents at nuclear power plants or from the production, testing, or use of atomic weapons. People exposed to this fallout may have an increased risk of cancer. Radon is an invisible, odour-less, tasteless radioactive gas. People working in mines may be exposed to radon. Another common source of radiation is through medical procedures. Doctors use low-dose radiations for x-rays and high-dose radiations for radiation therapy to treat cancer. The risk of cancer from low-dose x-rays is extremely small as compared to radiation therapy. For both, the benefit nearly always outweighs the small risk. Talk to your doctor or dentist about the need for each x-ray. Also ask for shields to protect parts of the body that are not in the picture. Certain Chemicals and Other Substances Studies show that exposure to asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, nickel, or vinyl chloride in the workplace can cause cancer. People who have exposure to these things in their workplaces - like painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry - have an increased risk of cancer. Always tend to follow instructions and safety tips when handling harmful substances both at work and at home. Also be careful at home when handling pesticides, used engine oil, paint, solvents, and other chemicals. Some Viruses and Bacteria Being infected with certain viruses or bacteria may increase the risk of developing cancer: • Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the main cause of cervical cancer along with some other types of cancer. • Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses might develop into liver cancer. • Human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1)greatly increases the risk of lymphoma and leukemia. • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - commonly known as AIDS. People having HIV infection have a greater risk of cancer - lymphoma and a rare cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma. • Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is a cause of Kaposi's sarcoma. • Helicobacter pylorican cause stomach ulcers. It also can cause stomach cancer and lymphoma in the stomach lining. Certain Hormones In some health issues, doctors recommend hormone therapy. However, studies show that hormone therapy can cause serious side effects: increases the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Family History of Cancer A normal cell may become a cancer cell after a series of gene changes occur. Some gene changes that increase the risk of cancer are passed from parent to child. These changes are present at birth in all cells of the body. It is uncommon for cancer to run in a family. However, several cases of the same cancer type in a family may be linked to inherited gene changes, which increase the chance of developing cancers. However, environmental factors may also be involved. But mostly, multiple cases of cancer in a family are just a matter of chance. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a pattern of a certain type of cancer in your family. Your doctor may suggest ways to try to reduce your risk of cancer and also may suggest exams for early detection of cancer. Ask your doctor about genetic testing to check certain inherited gene changes that might increase the chance of developing cancer. But remember, inheriting a gene change does not mean that you will definitely develop cancer. It means that you have an increased chance of developing the disease. Poor Diet, Lack of Physical Activity, or Being Overweight People who have a poor diet, do not have enough physical activity, or are overweight may be at increased risk of several types of cancer. [http://www.cancercureways.com] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ambreen_Riaz Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4341517

Causes and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women and is characterized by the growth of malignant tumors in the glandular tissues of the breast. While no one knows why some women develop breast cancer and others do not, several variables have been identified as risk factors for breast cancer. Most cancers in female breasts form shortly before, during, or after menopause, with 75% of all cases being diagnosed after age 50. A major health problem in many parts of the world, it is especially prevalent in developed countries, and in North America and Western Europe, where life spans are longer, the incidence is highest. For instance, it is estimated that over 10 percent of all women in the United States will develop the disease at some point in their lives. Incidence rates are lower for black and Asian females than for white, Hispanic, and Native American females. Despite the lower incidence of disease, survival rates have remained consistently lower for black women. Younger black women who get breast cancer are more likely to get a particularly aggressive and lethal form of the disease; hence a higher death rate from cancer than white women in the same age group. A diagnosis of cancer has numerous psychological, emotional, relational, and sexual ramifications for the woman and her family. One major worry of women with breast is the fear of their partner's potential response from possible disfiguring surgeries. Sexual dysfunction has also been frequently associated with breast cancer patients though other factors such as premature menopause, depression, the impact of medications and chemotherapies and pre-existing sexual problems may all contribute to sexual dysfunction after breast cancer diagnosis. Although the diagnosis of cancer can be a devastating experience, most women cope successfully. Statistic show that, although breast cancer is an important cause of premature death, the number of deaths it causes is approximately equivalent to that of lung cancer (a predominantly preventable disease) and vastly smaller than that of cardiovascular disease. Today, more women are surviving breast cancer than ever before. Over two million women are breast cancer survivors. With early detection and prompt and appropriate treatment, the outlook for women with breast cancer can be positive. Cancer cells, also called carcinomas, form by abnormal cell division. This happens when the processes that control normal tissue growth and repair breaks down leading to alterations in the proteins produced due to changes in DNA. This causes an excessive, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which invade and destroy other tissues. Cancerous cells, which tend to destroy an increasing proportion of normal breast tissue over time, may spread, or metastasise, to other parts of the body. Such genetic mutations in DNA can be present at birth, predisposing a woman to getting breast cancer earlier in life, or can be caused by exposure to hormones and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Breast cancer is not a single disease. There probably are at least 15 different kinds, each with a different rate of growth and different tendency to metastasise (spread to other parts of the body). It is local only briefly and can develop in many parts of the breast: in the milk ducts, between ducts, in fats, in lymph or blood vessels, in the nipple, and in the lobes where milk is manufactured. Breast cancer can be referred to as being "in situ" or invasive. In situ refers to cancer that has not spread beyond its site or origin while invasive applies to cancer that has spread to the tissues around it. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for about 70 to 80% of all breast cancers. It starts in a milk duct, breaks through the duct wall and invades the breast's fatty tissue. Another 10 to 15% of breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas, which begin in the milk-producing glands and can spread elsewhere. Still other, rarer kinds of breast cancer tend to have a better prognosis than these two most common types. Causes and Risk Factors No one knows why some women develop breast cancer and others do not. Although the disease may affect younger women, 75% of all breast cancer occurs in women age 50 or older. Several variables have been identified as risk factors for breast cancer. Familial or Genetic Risk Women who have had a mother or sister diagnosed with breast cancer are at almost three times the risk. Inherited mutations in breast cancer genes predispose women to both breast and ovarian cancers, often at younger ages. The major genes that increase this susceptibility are BRCA1 and BRCA2. The pattern of inheritance in families that are carriers is such that 50% of the offspring inherit the mutations. Women who are carriers of mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 have a lifetime risk of 56 to 87 percent for breast cancer and an elevated risk of over 40% for ovarian cancer. However, not all women with such profiles actually have either of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations that have been identified for breast cancer. In fact, the latter mutations account for no more than 5%-10% of all cases in the United States. Exposure to Estrogen These risk factors, all of which relate to hormone-based life events, suggest that breast cancer is somehow affected by prolonged exposure to female sex hormones, such as estrogen. Thus women with a long menstrual history who began menstruating early (before the age of 12) and stopped menstruating late (after 55) are at higher risk. At high risk consideration are nulligravida women (who have never been pregnant) and nullipara women (who have never given birth). Also women who have their first child after the age of 30 have almost a threefold increase in risk compared with those giving birth the first time at age 20 or younger. Taking estrogen, in the form of the Pill for birth control or estrogen replacement after menopause, appears to increase risk. Older women, who take hormone pills that combine estrogen and testosterone, sold under the brand names Estratest and Estratest H.S., more than double their risk. Similarly, medications combining estrogen and progestin greatly increase the risk. Demographic Factors The demographic factors of age, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status have also been noted as risk factors for breast cancer. A major risk fact is the age of the woman as risk of breast cancer tends to increase with age. Statistic put the risk as follows: Risk at age 45, 1 in 93; at age 55, 1 in 33; at age 65, 1 in 17; at age 85, 1 in 8. A race factor is that white women are at greater risk than black women. However, black women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to die of the disease. Equally, incidence and mortality rates vary according to regions, with the Far East having a much lower incidence than Western Europe and North America. The average lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for a woman in the USA is approximately 1 in 9. Other risk factors are residency in an urban area and the socioeconomic status including higher educational status and family income of the woman (women in the highest group have a risk almost twice as great as those in the lowest group). Studies also indicate that women who routinely work night shifts may increase their risk by as much as 60 percent. Scientists theorize that the body's production of melatonin (a hormone that, among other tasks, regulates sex hormones) peaks during night-time darkness. Exposure to bright light during the night decreases melatonin production, which may in turn increase estrogen levels. These studies may account for why women in industrialized nations, who are exposed to more artificial light at night, have a greater risk than those in developing nations. Nutrition and Lifestyle Risk The relationship between high fat intake and body fat and the risk remains controversial but nonetheless reduction of fat intake is highly recommended. Before menopause, women who are obese may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. More active women who exercise and are able to maintain a healthy body weight are at a relative decreased risk. Higher levels of activity may decrease the woman's exposure to estrogen and progesterone. Alcohol has also been linked to increased risk. The American Cancer Society reports that women who drink two to five alcoholic beverages a day have about 1.5 times the risk of developing breast cancer than women who drink no alcohol. Thus increasing physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may decrease risk. Breast Cancer and Smoking One important and preventable risk factor for breast cancer is cigarette smoking. The prevalence amongst smokers was approximately three times that of non-smokers. Research suggests that roughly half of all women are particularly sensitive to the carcinogens (cancer-causing substance or agent) found in tobacco and so have a higher risk if they smoke cigarettes. Such women have a slow-acting form of a liver enzyme that normally detoxifies carcinogens. For such women, every cigarette loads the dice in favor of breast cancer. Symptoms When it first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for. Most often, the noticeable symptoms are not cancer (like lumps - 80% of which turn out to be benign growths or cysts), but it's important to check with the doctor so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Despite the emphasis on mammography as a screening device, it is usually first discovered as a lump (usually in the upper outer quadrant) by the woman or her physician. About 85-90% of clinically discovered breast cancers present with a lump in the breast; most of the remaining 10-15% present with pain, skin or nipple retraction (5%) and discharge from the nipple (2%); pain or swelling in the axilla is also occasionally noted. A woman can help safeguard her health by learning the following warning signs: 1. A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area 2. A change in the size or shape of the breast 3. A serous or bloody nipple discharge or tenderness 4. The nipple is pulled back or inverted into the breast 5. Ridges or pitting of the breast - the skin looks like the skin of an orange which is often referred to as peu d'orange 6. A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels (for example, the skin may be warm, swollen, red, or scaly) Visit [http://www.loving-relationship.com/] to discover and celebrate the possibilities and richness of a truly satisfying Healthy Sexual Relationship [http://www.loving-relationship.com/womens-sexual-health/]. Get incisive Sex Secrets, tips and advices for love fulfillment and intense romantic intimacy, supercharged performance and sexual intimacy. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Ehoma Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4305666

Prostate Cancer - Overview and Risk Factors

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and second only to lung cancer in cancer related deaths among men in the United States. Sometimes this cancer can be small, slow growing and present limited risk to the patient while at other times it can progress rapidly presenting great health risks. Yet, when prostate cancer is detected in its early states, it can be effectively treated and cured. Therefore, it is advisable for men to have an annual medical check-up in order to examine their prostate's size, texture, and general functioning. The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and is about the size and shape of a walnut; and is located between the bladder and the base of the penis. The urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder and semen from the sex glands out through the penis - runs through the centre of the prostate. That is why any disease or condition that increases the size of the prostate or causes inflammation can lead to urinary problems as the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra thus affecting the flow of urine. One major function of the prostate is to lubricate the ejaculation process (by making and adding fluids to semen and other seminal fluids) and to increase the pH making the vagina more hospitable, and therefore more conducive for fertilization. It produces prostatic fluid when the man is aroused and contracts during ejaculation to empty. Normally body cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy. However, sometimes the process goes wrong - cells become abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumour. Tumours can however be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Thus prostate cancer occurs when a malignant tumour form in the tissue of the prostate. In its early state, it needs the male hormone, testosterone to grow and survive. Also, sometimes, cancer cells break away from the malignant tumour in the prostate and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and travel to other organs in the body. When cancer spreads from its original location in the prostate to another part of the body such as the bone, it is called metastatic prostate cancer, not bone cancer. Often the appearance of the cancer cell provides a clue to indicate if it is programmed to be slow growing and relatively harmless or more aggressive and lethal. However other medical problems can equally affect the prostate. Among these medical problems is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia BPH (often called benign prostatic hypertrophy) which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostrate, a condition that becomes increasingly common as men age. This can result in urinary problems, including urinary tract obstruction. The second is Prostatitis, also a noncancerous inflammation of the prostate which can cause burning sensations during urination. Clinically important prostate cancers can be defined as those that threaten the well-being or life span of a man. Prevalence of Prostate Cancer It is predominately a disease of elderly men and is one of the most common types of cancer among American men. Cancerous cells are likely to be found in the prostates of 22% of men age 50-59, in 37% of men 60-79, and in more than half (53%) of those living to 80 and older. The disease rarely occurs in men younger than forty years of age. Globally, it ranks third in cancer incidence and sixth in cancer mortality among men. However, there are marked geographical and ethnic variations in the incidence and mortality of clinical prostate cancer. The risk is highest in North America and northern European countries, and lowest in Japan and other Asian countries and intermediate in regions of Central America and Western Africa. The differences in occurrence may partly be accounted for either by the differences in screening for prostate cancer and the risk of other diseases among world regions or more likely by genetic predisposition as well as diet and other environmental factors. Risk Factors Despite the high incidence of prostate cancer, scientist still do not have any fundamental knowledge about the exact cause of this disease and thus have been unable to explain why one man has the disease and the other does not. However, they have been able to identify some risk factors that are associated with the disease. A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of one getting a disease. Aging Age is the greatest factor influencing the development of prostate cancer. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is rare before age 40 but increases dramatically thereafter. In the United States, it is estimated that one in 55 men between the ages of 40 and 59 will be diagnosed with this disease. This incidence climbs almost to one in six for men between ages 60 and 79. This association is also reflected in mortality as prostate cancer accounts for about 10 percent of cancer-related deaths in men between the ages of 60 and 79 and nearly 25 percent in those over the age of 80. Clinical disease is rather rare in men under the age of 50 years, and the incidence increases markedly in men aged over 60 years of age. Genetics/Heredity Heredity seems to be the most important risk factor. Indeed, men with a family history of the disease may have a risk of developing prostate cancer 2 to 11 times greater than men without a family history of it. Approximately 9% of all cases of prostate cancer have a genetic basis. The risk is even higher when two or more relatives are affected or when the affected relative is a father or brother. Race While, on a global level, prostate cancer ranks third in cancer incidence and sixth in cancer mortality among men, there is however, a notable variability in incidence and mortality among world regions. The incidence is low (but rapidly increasing in recent years) in Japan and other Asian countries and intermediate in regions of Central America and Western Africa. The incidence is higher in North America and Northern Europe. Even within the United States, this disease is much more common in African-American men than in any other group of men. It is least common in Asian and American Indian men. Lifestyle There is also considerable evidence that some Western lifestyle factors play a role in the occurrence of prostate cancer. However the specifics as to which lifestyle factors are involved are still not very clear. Nonetheless there are suggestions that excessive intake of calorie, dietary fat, and refined sugar increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Also reduction in the intake of fruits and vegetables, reduced exercise, and overall higher obesity rates are also considered to increase the risk of having it. Specifically, obesity has been clearly shown to increase risk of death from prostate cancer. Thus, the simplest advice for avoiding death from prostate cancer is to prevent obesity and if you are obese, to lose weight and keep it off. Also there are some food components that have been suggested to protect men from the risk of prostate cancer and amongst this is soy protein which could also be a factor in the reduction of the prevalence of prostate cancer in Asian countries and is therefore regard as the most protective dietary factor against prostate cancer. Also the intake of green tea by residents of Asia has been adduced to contribute to the low prevalence of prostate cancer in that region. Equally, the intake of dietary substances such as lycopene and fish oils is believed to help in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene. Lycopene are antioxidants that may protect cells from becoming cancerous. Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids) are thought to reduce heart disease due to reducing inflammation. Given the presumed importance of inflammation in causing prostate cancer, it stands to reason that fish oils may prevent prostate cancer. Other food components that have been suggested to protect men from the risk of prostate cancer include carotenoids, pumpkin, spinach, watermelon, and citrus. However, regarding the issue of prevention of prostate cancer, there is still a lingering controversy about true prevention. Consequently, most physicians believe that there is no easy substitute for a healthy lifestyle involving eating a healthy diet, avoiding dietary excesses, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting lots of exercise and being physically active, visiting the doctor on a regular basis, and most importantly achieving and maintaining a normal body weight. Visit [http://www.loving-relationship.com/] to discover and celebrate the possibilities and richness of a truly satisfying Healthy Sexual Relationship [http://www.loving-relationship.com/mens-sexual-health/]. Get incisive Sex Secrets, tips and advices for love fulfilment and intense romantic intimacy, supercharged performance and sexual intimacy. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Ehoma Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4305399

How Breast Cancer Will Affect You

Breast Cancer in Women Facts The emotional trauma brought about by cancer among women brings to light the importance of awareness of what breast cancer really is. Unknown to many, breast cancer is a single disease but a collection of diseases that originates in the ducts and lobules of the female breast. According the American Cancer Society study of 2007, breast cancer ranks next to non-melanoma skin cancer as the most prevalent cancer in women. It is estimated that about 178,000 women each year are affected with the disease with approximately 40,500 probable fatalities. In 2006, another major ACS study indicated that the number of new breast cancer cases have immensely dropped from the levels reached in 2002 and 2003. This leveling off of new cases has a profound impact as there was a twenty-year continuous rise in the number of new cases. Medical advancement and social awareness contributed to the decrease. In addition to this, the five year survival rate for localized breast cancer has risen to almost a hundred percent in recent years. For cancer cases that have spread to nearby tissues, the survival rate is at eighty three percent. However, those with later stage breast cancer have a survival rate of only twenty percent. Overall, the survival rate for all stage of breast cancer is eighty percent for a five year period and eighty percent for ten years. Screening Nowadays, cancer screening has become an integral part of the overall disease prevention method that women undergo. There are several ways to conduct breast cancer screening. This includes monthly breast self-examination, physician performed clinical breast examination and screening mammography. When a mass or lump is notice during these examinations, a biopsy is undertaken in order to analyze the lump for the presence of cancerous cells. Breast cancer biopsy, may be done using fine-needle aspiration, large needle core or surgical dissection. Additional tests like magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound or PET scan may be done to determine the size, extent and exact location of the cancer. The combination of all these tests gives the physician an idea on how the cancer may react to treatment. This also helps doctors predict a patient's life expectancy. Treatment The treatment of cancer generally involves surgical removal of the tumor or the entire breast. This may be followed by an accompanying therapy to eliminate any trace of cancer cells in the body. Mastectomy and breast-sparring surgery are two ways of performing removal of the tumor. During these procedures, a full lymph node or sentinel lymph node dissection is also done to check if the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the stage of the cancer, procedures such as radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy may be done to fully rid the body of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is done using a machine to target a certain area around the breast and killing trace abnormal cells which are left behind after surgery. Breast cancer chemotherapy follows the same principle but to a larger extent. It involves the entire body and is usually administered to prevent metastasis or recurrence to happen. It can be taken orally or intravenously depending on the patient's arrangement with her physician. Hormonal therapy, for its part, is used in cases where the cancer cells have hormone positive receptors. Drugs are used to cut off the supply of estrogen or progesterone to the cancer cells stopping its growth and spread to other areas in the body. Breast Cancer Staging As mentioned earlier, staging dictates the kind of treatment necessary for a certain cancer case. Cancer staging is typically grouped into five stages. Carcinoma in situ or Stage 0 is when the cancer is just starting to develop and has yet to reach other tissues and organs. Stage 1 happens when the cancer has formed a mass smaller than 2 centimeters. In this stage, the cancer has yet to affect neighboring lymph nodes. Stage 2 is when the cancer is about 2-5 centimeters and has not yet affected the underarm lymph nodes. Stage 3 happens when the cancer has affected the underarm lymph nodes and measures more than 5 centimeters. In Stage 4, other organs such as the lungs and liver are already affected by the disease. At this stage, the cancer may have already spread throughout the breast or may have affected the other breast. Risks Factors and Symptoms Make note that the hormone, estrogen, plays a key role in the development of the cancer. Some breast cancer cells have estrogen receptors that facilitate their growth and progression. Even when a woman is already in menopause, the other parts of her body produces the hormone androgen that is converted into fatty deposits and ultimately estrogen. This is the main reason why women with more fat are at higher risk for breast cancer. More than ever, new and improved breast cancer treatment methods have helped more women fight the illness and live longer, more meaningful lives. However, sometimes cancer can recur even with the removal of tumor and affected lymph nodes. This is the reason why breast cancer survivors are generally advised to continue having regular consultation with their physician. A patient may experience complications or side effects brought about by treatment. Radiation therapy, for example, may cause temporary aches, pains and swelling of the breast area. It is best to ask your doctor about these complications so you would be ready for their occurrence. Here are some conditions that help us know when to contact your physician. If you notice a presence of a lump in the breast or armpit, if you are above forty and have not had a mammogram the previous year, if you are above thirty-five with an immediate relative who had breast, ovarian or colon cancer, and finally, if you are unsure about your health condition and want to learn how to perform self-examination of the breast. In closing, your best ally against breast cancer is yourself. Awareness of the risk factor and breast cancer signs and symptoms is your best prevention against this unwelcome illness. Don't Fall Victim to Breast Cancer, Identify the Early Warning Signs and Find out about Symptoms and Treatment Options Today. Visit Symptoms-of-Cancer.com [http://www.Symptoms-of-Cancer.com] today and find more information about how to identify Breast Cancer Symptoms [http://www.symptoms-of-cancer.com/breast-cancer-detection-identify-early-symptoms-of-breast-cancer] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Cappetta Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3882615

Cancer and Its Causes, Types, and Warning Signs

There are over 200 diseases that can be called cancer. They have different causes, happen in different tissues, develop in different ways and for different reasons, and demand a variety of treatments. They all have one fatal element in common. In every case normal cells have gone wild and lost their normal growth and development. The 3 classifications of cancer: Cancer is classified in 3 stages. The cancer in the epithelial tissue (covering or lining of tissue) are called carcinomas. The 2nd class of malignant tumors is the sarcomas. They originate in connective tissue such as bone and muscles. The 3rd class of cancer is leukemia and the lymphomas. They are diseases of the blood forming organs and the lymphatic system. They are not tumors and spread in a different way. Stages of cancer: Initial stages of cancer may start with just one or a few cells in the body that undergo a change and become malignant or cancerous. The cells divide and reproduce themselves. Most cancer arises on the surface of tissue such as skin, uterus lining, mouth, stomach, bowel, bladder, bronchial tube in the lungs, or inside a duct in the breast or prostate gland. The cancer eventually grows from a microscopic clump to a visible mass. It then invades underlying tissue. As long as cells remain in one mass, the cancer is localized. Later stages of cancer start in a process called metastasis where some of the cancer cells split off and go into the lymph channels or bloodstream to other parts of the body. If the disease is not arrested it will rapidly invade other parts of the body. Death is usually a more certain result then. Some people respond to radiation therapy and some do not. About one half of the known types of cancer are incurable at almost any stage. Of all or any cancer it is imperative to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible. Causes of cancer: Cancer can be caused by factors in our environment. These factors include a large number of chemical agents such as tobacco, tobacco smoke, asbestos fibers, and other occupational hazards. Other causes are X Ray radiation, nuclear bombs, sunlight, injury or repeated irritation, metal or plastic implants, flaws in the body's immune system, genetic mistakes, and some scientists believe viruses also. Major types of cancer: - Lung Cancer - Kills more Americans than any other cancer. - Colon Rectum Cancer - The 2nd leading cause of death in the United States. - Skin cancer - The largest single source of malignancy in the United States. - Oral Cancer - Strikes and estimated 24,000 people a year. - Stomach Cancer - One of the most frequently diagnosed types of cancer in the United States. - Bladder Cancer - Arises progressively with age & more common in men than women. - Prostate Cancer - One of the most common cancers among men and 2nd only to lung cancer as lethal to men. - Kidney Cancer - More likely to occur in young children or adults over age 40. - Pancreatic Cancer - Accounts for 5% of all cancer deaths. Affects men and diabetics more often.Usually occurs after age 40. - Liver Cancer - The result of metastasis from other parts of the body. Affects more men than women. Usually occurs after age 40. - Brain Cancer - The result of metastasis from other body organs. It affects more children than adults. - Larynx Cancer - Affects 8 times as many men as women. Usually occurs around age 60. - Thyroid Cancer - It is relatively uncommon. The death rate is about 1% per every 200,000 people. - Hodgkin's Disease (lymphoma Cancer) - Affects mostly young adults, but can appear at any age. Affects more men than women. - Leukemia- Especially lethal to children under the age of 15. Acute leukemia occurs at any age. Chronic leukemia usually doesn't happen before age 40. - Myelomas- Originate in bone marrow. Affects more men than women. Seldom found under the age of 40. Usually occurs around age 65. Cancer's 7 Warning Signs: - Change in bowel or bladder habits - A sore that does not heal. - Unusual bleeding or discharge. - Thickening or lump in breasts or elsewhere. - Indigestion or difficulty swallowing. - Obvious change in wart or mole. - Nagging cough or hoarseness. If you have any warning signs you should see your doctor immediately. The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the better your survival rate is. Remember if you put off going to your doctor because you are afraid he may find cancer, by the time you do go it could be too late. So please don't take chances with your health or your life. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kat_Dee Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3772079

Cancer - A Dreaded Disease

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in today's world. It includes a host of different types, where the cells divide abnormally to form lumps or tumours. Some tumours are benign and some are malignant.This is a process wherein if too many new cells are created they form a tumour, cancerous if malignant but not otherwise. The benign tumours do not cause cancer but the malignant ones affect other tissues and surrounding organs. According to research, 2 in 4 persons may end up having cancer in their life-time. It is uncommon Causes of cancer are generally a disruption in the orderly path of cell growth to make the cells continue to grow and divide in an uncontrollable manner. Some of the cancers are prostrate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer etc.Most patients with cancers can be cured and even if not totally cured, it can be kept under control for years and months and can be treated. Breast Cancer among all other cancers is increasingly growing among the masses. This includes both male and female breast cancer patients. The percentage of males who suffer from male breast cancer as par with women is 1.2%.Compared to 41000 women, around 500 men die in the US each year due to breast cancer which accounts for some 1% of all cancer related deaths. When there is an excess of cells and it results in malignant tumours which can spread to nearby tissues and organs.Cancer of the breast for male is called adenocarcinomas for they are created in ducts and lobules. Symptoms of Breast cancer in both men and women are: Lumps Swelling Skin changes Painless lump Abnormality Very tender nipple Swelling or redness Puckering or dimpling or indenting of skin. Fluid discharges from nipple Nipple turns inwards. These are a few risk factors which strongly increase the chances of breast cancer in men as well as women: Radiation exposure - Those men or women who has undergone some kind of treatment or radiation therapy and on their chest area are prone to breast cancer The genetic connection - Women who have a family history of breast cancer are highly susceptible to the same and more so if it is a first degree or second degree relations like a sister or mother. Same applies for men who have women relatives with B.cancer. Age factor- Women and men of older age tend to have breast cancer more than others. There are 80% chances of a woman over 50 to get cancer compared to 5% chance of younger women. History of breast cancer - If a woman or man has already suffered breast cancer in one breast; he or she has more possibility of developing cancer. Hyperestrogenism- Sometimes some men have a condition where they have abnormally high amounts of estrogen, the female hormone. The breasts become enlarged and such conditions make the men prone to cancer. Cancer treatment is administered through various methods like radiotherapy, surgery, active surveillance, Chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. In case of any abnormal growth, a doctor should be consulted since diagnosis is the first step to successfully cure cancer. An examination of the abnormality should be done and then it would be diagnosed using low-yield X-ray images or mammograms followed by CAT or MRI as also enzyme and blood test and biopsy before deciding on chemotherapy or surgical removal. Generally, after a cancer treatment, a patient has to take care and be cautious about the food intake. They should eat more grain products, vegetables and fruits, a variety of food, to include garlic and low alcohol, caffeine and salt intake in diet and an increase in physical activity. After the treatment, the patient experiences various side effects and this range from nausea to fatigue and constipation to vomiting. All kinds of cancer, including breast cancer can be prevented if a person stops smoking and drinking which will notably decrease chances of cancer of the lung, liver and throat. A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables along with proper protection from strong sunlight will also help prevent cancer. Regular screening and self-examination also helps keep the abnormalities in check. Learn more about breast cancer and information on an effective alternative cancer treatment at one of the complete online health guide - Peoples-health.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Manoj_Tiwari Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3434949