Cancer News Information

It would be an insult for me to write this article on the preposition that none of you have strong relationships - nor had strong relationships prior to beginning your cancer journey. I know for a fact that this is NOT the case. However, let me spend just a few minutes reminding all of us what makes these strong relationships so important and why, at this critical time in your lives, building more of these relationships will be part of your "life-strength".

As humans, we are physical, spiritual and emotional. Our social lives are tied to all three of these. It makes sense then, that during times of crisis and illness we often find our social lives greatly impacted for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most obvious is the need to stay away from the hosts of germs that permeate social gatherings during treatment. Additionally, it has been my experience, that close friends whom you have had strong relationships with prior to cancer may find it difficult to know what to say and do to encourage you during this time - and consequently pull away some. Or, you may find that YOU are beginning to pull away because it feels like you are being selfish that every conversation centers on you. A valid and important reason relationships may suffer is that you are putting all your effort into being pronounced cancer clean and in full remission. As imperative as this is - that leaves little time for nurturing the social part of you.

Recently I was on a walk with a dear friend. We were enjoying the beautiful summer evening in Colorado as we walked and chatted. At one point my friend she shared how our time together was a reminder to her that in the recent hubbub of her life she has not spent as much time as she should building and growing relationships with her friends and family. Her youngest daughter was just married last weekend and what a celebration of love it was! However, the wedding was quite large, and to save on money, she did much of the wedding planning. Her spring was consumed with this wedding. I am not equating her spring to your cancer journey, but there are some similarities, particularly in the case of being focused on one thing in your life to the exclusion of other parts of your life.

God created us as whole beings. If we focus too intently on any one part of our life the other parts suffer. While engaging in the biggest fight of your life physically, spiritually and emotionally, it is imperative that you do not allow the social part to atrophy. Physical, spiritual and emotional strength are intimately tied to the strength of our social lives.

Take a few moments this month to reflect on the social part of your life and write down a few people you would like to contact and/or see. Then beside that person's name write some specific things you can ask them about, such as what is going on in their lives currently - or things to reminisce about. Between now and the end of 2013 go down that list - as you have the time and energy - and stay connected, reconnect or begin connecting. Your body will thank you for it!

This article is one of a series of different articles looking to provide individuals with accurate and reliable information to help people prevent, treat and recover from cancer. At the present there is no cure for cancer, but that does not mean that people do not recover from cancer. Many people have been successful at beating cancer and have gone to live long productive lives. This article is based on the notion that cancer is better treated with a multidimensional approach. Many researchers believe that the best approach to treat cancer is an approach that includes conventional medicine and alternative medicine. Types of conventional cancer treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Examples of alternative medicine include herbs, diet, supplementation, acupuncture, meditation, etc. Your chances of recovering from cancer can be improved if you and your health care provider use such a multidimensional approach

Lifestyle and diet

The liver is the major organ of detoxification in the body. As a result, liver cells are repeatedly exposed to toxic and reactive molecules. Liver cells can sustain damage from short term exposure to large quantities of highly toxic compounds, or long-term exposure to other less toxic compounds. Over time, the detoxification and reparative mechanism in the liver can become overwhelmed, which can result in cirrhosis and can also cause DNA damage and eventually liver cancer. Thus, reducing exposure to chemical toxins is a significant way to reduce the risk of liver cancer. The most common toxins include alcohol, oral estrogens, iron overload, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (found in cigarette smoke) and certain compounds found in petrochemicals, insecticides, and solvents. Nitrosamines are particularly toxic to the liver. There are over 300 nitrosamines which are found in tobacco smoke, some cosmetics, latex and rubber products, beer, bacon, and cured meats.

Cruciferous vegetables are especially beneficial for liver function and may reduce the symptoms associated with liver cancer. In addition to supporting detoxification, they contain compounds that reduce inflammation and stimulate apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. Cabbage extract was shown in vitro and in vivo to kill cancer cells and stimulate immune system activity. Cruciferous vegetables include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, kale, mustard green, turnips, and watercress. Because the nutrient value of these foods can be substantially diminished with cooking, it is best to eat them slightly steamed.

Nutrients and Herbs

Ginseng: Earlier studies and a more recent in vitro study indicated that Panax Ginseng inhibits the growth of liver cancer by inducing apoptosis of liver cancer cells.

Green Tea: Several studies have demonstrated that green tea is an effective anticancer agent, for all types of cancer. You need to drink at least five cups of green tea daily to get results.

Limonene: A compound found in citrus fruits, has demonstrated apoptotic effects in liver cancer cells in vitro.

Mushroom Extracts: Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a compound derived from polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms, may prolong survival and improve prognosis of patients with advance liver cancer and delay the gradual decline of their physiological status.

Pine Bark Extract (Pychogenol): In vitro studies showed this herbal antioxidant to selectively inhibit growth of human liver cancer cells while slightly promoting the growth of normal, healthy liver cells.

Selenium: This trace mineral provides additional antioxidant activity by regenerating glutathione. It also exerts antiviral effects, which is especially useful when viral hepatitis B or C is implicated with the cancer.

Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract): This flavonoid complex found in Milk Thistle has antioxidant activity and helps stabilize the cell membranes of liver cells. Silymarin also helps maintain adequate levels of glutathione, an amino acid that provides antioxidant protection for healthy liver cells.

Vitamin C: In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of Vitamin C exert some protective effect against liver cancer.

The liver is the key organ for detoxification. Avoiding alcohol is essential, as is supporting liver function before, during and after conventional cancer treatment. A well balanced diet is highly recommended one that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables. Also taking organic supplements is highly recommended. A regular exercise routine is highly encouraged as well; 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to four times per week and increase it as your body allows you to. Always consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, and never stop any of your current medications before seeking help from a professional health provider. Please feel free to contact my if you have any specific questions or if you like to read other information I have written regarding cancer and alternative medicine.

Chemotherapy can help save a great number of lives each year, but there is a downside to using chemotherapy since it can cause a variety of side-effects. Many of the side-effects might be prevented or reduced in significance; while certain others will just need to be endured. The side-effects that relate to the treatment for cancer is likely to vary from person-to-person, the dosage, the type of drug used, and the way in which the treatment is given.

Here are some of the main side-effects that relate to the chemotherapy treatment:

Neutropenia: This is a complaint caused by a significant reduction in the white blood cells which are required for helping the body fight infections, and therefore has the potential to leave a patient that much more vulnerable to catching an infection. It might also leave a patient in a condition that is too weak to receive a planned chemotherapy session. Some of the indications for a low white blood cell count include chills and fever, nasal congestion, and pain experience during urination.

Anemia: If a patient starts to experience anemia then this essentially means that the red blood cell count has decreased. It is highly beneficial to have the ideal red blood cell count to ensure that oxygen is efficiently carried throughout the body and able to reach the muscles and major organs. If after receiving a treatment of the chemotherapy, some of the more noticeable symptoms for this condition relate to low blood pressure, fatigue, irritability, and dizziness.

Hair Loss: One of the more noticeable side-effects of undergoing chemotherapy treatment relates to hair loss, which is likely to be noticed within a period of seven to 21 days after receiving the first treatment session. Hair loss can impact the entire body, from the legs and arms to the head. The degree of hair loss is often highly dependent on the particular type of chemotherapy drug. Although highly noticeable, this condition is often short-term since the hair is able to grow back as soon as the chemo sessions are completed.

Nausea and Vomiting: A further complaint that is associated with the chemotherapy treatment and highly common is that of nausea and vomiting, which can be extremely debilitating. If you are able to use some of the latest anti-vomiting drugs than this will significantly reduce the overall impact of this complaint. If a patient is attending treatment sessions that rely on several different chemo drugs than the chances of feeling sick and unwell are likely to increase significantly.

There are many kinds of cancers that affect our health. In order to understand this deadly disease it is necessary to know the main categories of this disease and their different stages. Though there are many different types of this disease, they all are called cancer due to some characteristic similarity. All varieties of cancer cause cell growth in an abnormal proportion, in the affected parts and they tend to spread to the other parts of the body through blood and lymph vessels. The diseases categorized as cancer invade the body tissues and infect them.

What causes the different types of Cancer?

The occurrence and causes behind cancer are still being researched. This disease is caused by the mutation of normal body cells that lead to unruly growth of cells, which spins out of control. Our bodies are composed of millions of body cells and their activities are controlled by DNA. Thus, their functions are well-coordinated and occur in an organized manner. The normal body cells grow, divide and then die after a certain period of time. But the cancerous cells never die and continue to grow. They obstruct the normal functioning capability of the organs and intrude into the different types of tissues.

Some Types of Cancer You Should Know About:

1. Anal: An inch and a half long anus connects the large intestine to the passage through which stool is excreted. Any tumor which is not benign in nature that occurs here can be cancerous. This will cause bleeding, and you might observe discharge or lump formation.


2. Bone: The most common type of this disease configuration is termed as Osteosarcoma and it occurs commonly to people aged between 10 to 30 years of age. The tumor generally starts from the arms or pelvis or the leg bones. Chondrosarcoma is another variant of the bone cancer which is affects the cartilage tissues.


3. Breast: This is another severe type of cancer that occurs in the breast tissues of both female and male. A malignant tumor formed by malignant cells is formed which then grows out of control and metastasize or starts spreading to other parts of the body.


4. Cervical: The lower part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus with the vagina is termed as cervix. The cells of cervix show some pre-changes which if not treated in time leads to cervical cancer. Through the Pap test the doctors can determine if the cervix cells are showing the symptoms of pre-cancerous symptoms.


5. Stomach: The lining of stomach is affected by this type of cancer for a long, unnoticed period of time. The pre-cancerous changes are often unobserved and that is why the cancer is not detected early.


6. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia: This type of Leukemia affects the white blood corpuscles and the bone marrow, where it is produced.


7. Lung: There are several types and sub-types of lung cancer. The most common of them is the non-small cell lung cancer. It starts from the alveoli and spreads elsewhere.


8. Ovarian: Cancer that occurs in the ovaries is termed as ovarian cancer.


9. Rectum/colon: The disease occurring in these parts of the body can be controlled by regular screening tests.


10. Thyroid: This disease affects the thyroid gland is called thyroid cancer.

What is the harm caused by cancer?

The cells do not function normally. They obstruct the different body tissues or the organs; they also cause hindrance to their normal functioning. By damaging the body tissues and destructing those, different types of cancer can be very dangerous for the affected person.

Breast cancer charities alone will raise more than six billion dollars this year. The money raised for all forms of cancer is impossible to estimate, but it is easily in the tens of billions. And for anyone who has ever had cancer or knows someone who has suffered from the terrible disease, they know that every penny raised is vital towards the ultimate discovery of a cure. Everything from t-shirts to key chains, lanyards to water bottles are used to entice people to donate to cancer charities, but what is the biggest selling non-profit product over the years? Cancer awareness ribbons. With their instantly recognizable shape, familiar colors, emotional ties and wearability, no matter your age or gender, these pieces are the backbone of any and all cancer awareness campaigns.

Back in the late 1960's and early '70's, at the height of the Vietnam War, yellow ribbons were popularized as a way of honoring young men fighting in the military. The ribbon phenomenon can actually trace its roots to the Tony Orlando song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree," and the rest is history. HIV/AIDS organizations ran with the ribbon theme some ten years after, and by 1992, dubbed "The Year of the Ribbon," every cause had adopted these pieces, including cancer organizations. And, with that, cancer awareness ribbons were born.

In the 21st century, every cause, be it medical, financial, social or environmental, has a designated color or pattern to attribute to their awareness ribbon. Cancer awareness ribbons though, are by far the most recognized, especially when it comes to pink breast cancer ribbons. Wearing one indicates to the rest of the world that you're fighting for your life, or love someone who is, and you're dedicated to winning that fight. These small promotional items have become powerful marketing tools, tugging at heart strings and opening up purse strings for over two decades.

With the popularity of cancer awareness ribbons, the ability to play with their design and put them in unexpected places has become a fad thing to do. Changing the solid pink color to stripes or polka dots does not confuse people, because the color and the shape are so distinctive and widely known. And the shape of the ribbon is showing up on hats, water bottles, Frisbees and even as tattoos of survivors or family and friends of those battling cancer. It doesn't seem to matter how you integrate cancer awareness ribbons into your fundraising plan as long as you do it.

Scientists since the 1970's have been aware of the importance of angiogenesis in controlling cancer growths and have been searching for ways to stop these new blood vessels forming. To date they have had limited success. When cancer cells first develop they are supplied with nutrients from nearby blood vessels but to grow larger than 1 to 2 millimetres they need their own blood vessels. New blood vessels then have to grow which will feed the new cancer cells and allow them to increase in size. That is an absolute requirement.

One of the latest drugs to inhibit angiogenesis is Avastin which is extremely expensive, has serious side effects but has not had the results they had hoped for. Another drug also in use today for cancer is one that caused huge problems during the late 60s. It is Thalidomide which back then was given to women suffering from morning sickness during pregnancy but one of the side effects was angiogenesis. It stopping the formation of new blood vessels and thousands of children were born without limbs.

Researches for cancer today are looking for a drug that will stop cancer from growing, without side effects and also is harmless to normal body cells. While there are a couple of drugs that have some ability to do just that, what we are not told is that we already have many natural products that have the same result and without any side effects. These natural products are of course some of our natural food that has been grown and produced by nature.

The many products that nature has supplied us with and are angiogenesis inhibitors are;

• Food that is high in vitamin A, C and E. Some examples for vitamin A are carrots and sweet potatoes, vitamin C, strawberries and citrus fruit, and vitamin E, almonds and broccoli.


• Bromeliad which is found in fresh pineapple.


• Mistletoe which is also known as Iscador, and is also well known to boost the immune system.


• Green tea which is one of Mother Natures wonders.


• Milk-Thistle, also known as Silymarin, this herb is known for its liver protection effect.


• Artemisia Annua also called sweet wormwood and has also been helpful for people with malaria.


• Omega 3 Fatty Acid which is used in the popular Joanna Budwig diet and is found in flax­seed oil and salmon.


• Mushrooms, especially the varieties reiski and maitake.


• Resveratrol which is found on the skin of red grapes and also in red wine.


• Quercetin; is in apples, onions, red grapes, citrus, cherries, broccoli and leafy green vegetables and it inhibits angiogenesis.

Many of the foods listed above not only do they inhibit blood vessels forming but many of them are also known as cancer fighting foods. One of the best foods a patient can eat is food from the cruciferous family which is broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts.

We are all part of nature so therefore to fight cancer successfully we must turn to nature to solve the problem. Nature has always had the answers to cancer whereas man does not.

Cancer can be of many different types. In the recent days, with the immense progression of medical science, some kind of Cancer Treatment has been effectively found, but when cancer is detected in the early stages, the treatment can prove to be the most effective. Unfortunately, in most cases, the symptoms of the disease appear at a very advanced stage when the disease seems to have spread in many other parts of the body. The oncologists diagnose and determine the ideal condition, and on the basis of that, they recommend the most ideal and suitable treatment effective for the patient. With these different treatment options, the disease cannot be completely cured, but the spread of the disease can be prevented.

Different Forms Of Cancers::

There are different types of cancers with which people might be affected differently. However, among some of the most common forms of cancers, breast cancer is one of them. This cancer can also be again detected in several stages, and based on the condition the doctor determines the ideal Breast Cancer Treatment. In some cases, the cancer cells are found to be quite sensitive to the hormones, and in such a case, the doctor determines a different kind of treatment that might prove to be effective.

Surgery And Chemotherapy:

Most women go for surgery as part of breast cancer treatment, whereby it is believed to completely cure the cancer. On the other hand, the doctors also often recommend going for chemotherapy or hormone therapy largely based on the stage of the cancer, as well as the health condition of the patient. Radiation is also considered to be an effective form of treatment option by means of which the patient can get relief from the condition.

Getting A Second Opinion:

If you happen to go through breast cancer, it is wise on your part to consult with your doctor regarding the ideal breast cancer treatments that are available and effective for you. Apart from that, if you want, you can also go for a second opinion in order to reach the right conclusion about the ideal treatment option. There is nothing to be worried, because this form of cancer can be cured, and you can also expect to live a long life without any worries and tensions. Make sure that you do not delay in getting the right treatment in order to get relief from the condition at the earliest.