What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is universally cited as the primary cause of skin cancers because ultraviolet rays can damage DNA cells. Most cancerous lesions tend to be found on areas of the body that have been exposed to sunlight like the face, nose, lips, neck, arms, legs and chest. If detected and treated early, skin cancer has a cure rate of over ninety percent. The most important thing to know about skin cancer is that although fair skinned people who sunburn easily are more prone to developing lesions, anyone can be at risk. One twenty-minute annual visit to your Dermatologist for a full body check from the top of your scalp to between your toes may actually save your life.

If you have any doubts about whether it can happen to you, just ask Brenda, 52, a teacher. She was diagnosed with a melanoma two years ago during a routine glycolic peel treatment. "My doctor saw something on my shoulder which he didn't like the look of. When he suggested that we do a biopsy, I just thought he was being extra cautious because my daughter's wedding was a month away," says Brenda. A few days later, she got the bad news. "I was devastated," she says now, "it was the last thing I expected." Brenda was one of the lucky ones. Her melanoma was small, in its early stages and treatable. A lifetime of summers at the beach club covered in tanning gel with a SPF of 6 finally caught up with her.

The three major types of skin cancer have names that have become all too familiar. 'Basal Cell Carcinoma', the most common form, usually looks like raised, translucent lumps or growths. 'Squamous Cell Carcinoma' is characterized by crusty or scaly reddish patches, which can spread to other areas of the body. 'Malignant Melanoma' is the least common but also the most deadly form of skin cancer. It can look like a dark mole or blemish and ranges from brownish or black, and can spread through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. Without treatment, any of these skin cancers can cause serious damage and even death. 'Actinic Keratoses' or 'Solar Keratoses,' are dry, crusty, flaky, often brown or pink, rough patches appearing on the face, hands, lips or elsewhere. These lesions signal that the sun has damaged the skin, and are considered a precursor to skin cancer that one in six people will develop in their lifetime. Although you may think of 'AK's' as a sign of old age, they can show up even in young people. If left untreated, AK's can develop into any form of skin cancer.

Dermatologists use sight and touch to make a diagnosis. If they spot a lesion that looks and feels suspicious, a skin biopsy may be indicated to rule out malignancy. A biopsy is done by removing a small piece of skin large enough to contain hair follicles and sweat glands for microscopic analysis by a Dermatopathologist. There are four different basic types of skin biopsy from the least invasive, in which the smallest segment of skin is removed, to the most extensive. The Punch biopsy removes a portion of a lesion or an entire small lesion, while a Shave biopsy involves 'shaving' off the part of the lesion that protrudes above the surface of the skin with a surgical blade. An Excisional biopsy 'excises' or removes the lesion in its entirety, and the Wedge or Incisional biopsy, is done by making a small incision on the skin's surface that goes deep down to the 'subcutaneous' tissue in a 'wedge-like' shape.

Early detection offers more effective options for treatment and cure. The biopsy is usually the first step to determine the best form of treatment depending on the size, location, and type of skin cancer. Cancerous growths can be surgically removed and excised, scraped away with a sharp instrument, and treated with liquid nitrogen to freeze the tissue. Laser technology can also be used to vaporize cancerous tissue in the layers of the skin and reduce pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratoses.

The technique known as Mohs' micrographic surgery is now used to treat more than one quarter of all skin cancers, including the melanoma on Brenda's shoulder. Mohs surgery offers patients the highest cure rate and sacrifices the least amount of surrounding healthy tissue. This extremely accurate technique is performed under local anesthesia, and allows the surgeon the advantage of removing all of the cancerous tissue while creating the least amount of damage. The tissue is flattened, frozen and divided into horizontal sections to check for the presence of tumor. Repeated thin slices or layers of diseased tissue are taken until the margins of the lesion are clear and all the cancer has been safely removed. For more information on all forms of skin cancer and treatment options, visit www.asds.net.

If you spend any time in the sun, there are no more excuses for not protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays by using a full spectrum sunblock containing Parsol 1789 or Titanium Dioxide which block UVA and UVB rays and SPF 30. If you have a lot of moles, a fair complexion or family history of skin cancer, you should also be doing monthly self-exams at home. Use a full-length mirror to check your entire body, and don't forget the soles of the feet, back and back of legs. Try a handheld mirror to look into less conspicuous places, or ask a partner, parent or child to help you.

Brenda points to the thin, barely visible scar on her left shoulder as a faint reminder of the melanoma that once appeared there. "Mohs surgery allowed me to dance at my youngest daughter's wedding. If my doctor hadn't been paying attention, I might not be able to say that today," she says.

WENDY LEWIS is President of Wendy LewIs & Co Ltd, a global aesthetics consultancy based in New York and London. She is the author of 10 books, including PLASTIC MAKES PERFECT (ORION) and is a frequent guest lecturer at medical conferences and industry events in the USA and Europe and a contributor to many publications. She is also Co-Founder and Editorial Director of MDPUBLISH.COM, a comprehensive medical marketing and publishing group that produces quality practice materials, websites and books for physicians.

By Wendy Lewis

Preventing Prostate Cancer - What Every Man Should Know

Is there a way to prevent prostate cancer? This question is on the mind's of a lot of men, and for good reason. Prostate cancer affects nearly a quarter of a million men each year, so the topic of preventing prostate cancer deserves attention.

First the bad news...

Unfortunately, there is no medical evidence to date that shows how you can prevent prostate cancer entirely. In this regard, prostate cancer is like most other cancers affecting mankind. There's currently no way to prevent it entirely.

Now the good news...

While preventing prostate cancer may be out of reach, you can certainly do things to lower your risk. Namely, you can limit your intake of animal fats and red meat, get plenty of exercise, and eat vegetables on a regular basis (particularly those known to have antioxidant properties.

Dietary Factors

In medical circles, it is widely believed that a diet low in fat and rich with fruits, vegetables and grains may lower the risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, foods that are high in fat from animal sources should be limited. You've probably heard for many years that you should eat five or more fruit and vegetable servings per day. That rule of thumb still holds true today. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy grains can help lower your risk of prostate cancer.

While this type of diet may not help in preventing prostate cancer entirely, it can still lower your risks and make you healthier overall.

Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention

Antioxidants have become increasingly popular over the years, in tandem with new research that shows how beneficial they can be. Antioxidants occur naturally in certain foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

How do antioxidants help with preventing prostate cancer and other forms of cancer? Well, again, there is not evidence to support the possibility of preventing prostate cancer entirely. But antioxidants can play a role in reducing your risk for this and other forms of cancer. Antioxidants make the DNA within our cells more resistant to damage, which in turn can reduce the risk of certain cancers such as prostate cancer.

Past and current medical research suggests that lycopenes (a type of antioxidant) can lower the risk of prostate cancer. Lycopenes occur naturally in a number of fruits and vegetables [here's that fruit and vegetable plug again] such as spinach, oranges, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and various types of beans.

Preventing Prostate Cancer With Drugs

In the future, there may very well be a drug capable of preventing prostate cancer. But here in the present, that is unfortunately not yet the case. With that being said, there are numerous studies currently underway that hope to identify such a "miracle" drug.

Proscar is one of those drugs currently being studied. But does it help in preventing prostate cancer entirely? As is usually the case, Proscar research is still relatively young, so definitive answers on its capabilities are forthcoming.

Recent studies have shown that men taking this drug were approximately 25% less likely to get prostate cancer (as compared to men taking a placebo instead). Regardless of early signs of promise, there is no current evidence that Proscar can prevent prostate cancer.
Screening and Detection

Because the full-scale prevention of prostate cancer is still out of reach, proper screening is still the first line of defense. When cancer is detected early, the chances of successfully treating the disease are much greater.

By Brandon R. Cornett

Cancer Drugs - Learning More About Cancer Medication

There are many types of cancer that people may suffer from but one thing that stays similar is the types of medication that they may be using. There are many forms of medication that you may be prescribed with various types of side effect to go with each. Your doctor will go over your particular case with you and determine which type of treatment is the best.

Your treatment may consist of such treatments as Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy, Biological therapy, Alternative and complimentary therapy and of course drug treatment. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs which are done intravenously, by mouth, Injectable and topical applications. They stop the growth of cancer cells as they destroy the cells. This type of treatment is usually done in cycles. They will usually alternate treatments with rest periods to allow the person to recuperate.

Some of the anti-cancer medications that your doctor may use may include such medications as: Hexalen, Elspar, Blenoxane, Xeloda, Idamycin and Doxil just to name a few. Most cancer medications come with a hefty list of side effects. Unfortunately the necessity of the medication makes it almost impossible to avoid side effects. If you suffer from severe side effects your doctor will most likely prescribe another medication to counter act the side effects.

Some of the side effects that you may or may not experience with cancer medications might be: Feeling very tired and weak, more susceptible to infections and they can bleed and bruise easily. Keep in mind that you can use other drugs to counteract the side effects and that makes it much easier for you to undergo the necessary cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy is the form of treatment where they use ionizing radiation. This type of treatment kills off the cell in the area that is being treated. This makes it impossible for the cells to grow back. Often times the area of cancer will be surgically removed and then the radiation and chemotherapy will start. If you choose to do the hormone therapy, this is where you will be given hormones to change the way your cells grow in your body.

Biological therapy is also known as Immunotherapy as it helps you make use of your immune system to help with your side effects from other medications as well as fighting off the cancer cells.

No matter which form of cancer you suffer from, be sure to keep a good line of communication open with your doctor. Educate yourself on all of your medications and be sure to know what side effects that you may or may not experience. Before starting any type of new treatment, be sure to discuss all of your options with your oncologist. He or she will be more than happy to go over your treatment plan in detail so you can be well informed on what to expect. If you find a medication that you are interested in then bring this up with your doctor as well so that he or she can consider it as a possibility or let you know why it is not a good choice.

By TJ Nelson

Basic info on Cancer

Cancer is multifaceted with over 100 kinds of cancer. Cancer occurs in any organ in the human body, starting from the brain to toe. Cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of the cells that results in illness of our body. These cells are basically the minute units that frame up the living things, and we humans have over 10 trillion of such cells!

Symptoms of cancer: Generally cancer doesn't have any symptoms or signs in the beginning of the disease. However, there are some common symptoms such as:

Persistent cough: This could be symptoms of cancer in lung, head or in neck. Anyone with a continuous cough more than a month or with blood in the mucus that is coughed should seek immediate medical attention.

Irregular bowel movements: People with cancer sometime have continuous diarrhea or constipation. Hence the bowl movement is very irregular.

Blood in stools: Hemorrhoids often causes rectal bleeding, and hemorrhoids are very common and they may exist with cancer.

Anemia: It is a condition resulting in less number of red blood cells in the blood.

Lumps or swollen glands: Lumps may signify cancer or an enlarged lymph gland. Sometimes these lumps can be non-cancerous also.

Apart from this there are other common symptoms such as sores that don't heal, headaches, back pain, pelvic pain, bloating and digestive disorders.

Treatment for cancer:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs or medicines. This is administered in the form of injection, pill, IV or as an applied on the skin.

Surgery: This is usually the first preference by the physicians. However, this is not helpful if the cancer has already spread. A surgery is done to remove the tumors or masses.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used for certain energy to destroy cancer cells and shrink the size of tumors.

Immunotherapy/Biological Response Modifiers: Immune therapy, which is also called Biological Response Modifiers, which is a treatment that uses our body's own defense mechanism to fight cancer.

Facts on cancer:

Cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart disease. From 58 million deaths worldwide in 2005, cancer accounts for 7.6 million (or 13%) of all deaths.

Cancer is curable if detected in early stage. Even though some cancers develop completely with no symptoms, hence the disease can be fatal if the symptoms are ignored.

Deaths due to cancers across the globe are expected to rise, with an estimate of 9million people dying from cancer in 2015.

By Anbhu Selvan

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Bladder Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

By Steve Batchelor

Over 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer in the UK each year and over 50,000 annually in the US. It accounts for 90% of cancers of the urinary tract (renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and urethra) and occurs mostly in those over 50 and about twice as many men as women gets this disease. Although bladder cancer cannot be prevented, tobacco use and working with certain chemicals are associated with a higher risk of developing the disease. Drinking plenty of fluids daily can help to lower the risk. The symptoms of bladder cancer include pain and frequency of urination and blood in the urine.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer is by urological testing and image testing, potential risk factors can be determined by the patient's full medical history and things like smoking and exposure to dyes are taken into consideration. The NMP22®BladderChek® is a noninvasive urine test which detects elevated levels of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) caused by bladder cancer, the results of this test when used with cystoscopy have shown to be more effective than other diagnostic tests.

Various imaging tests can also be performed, these involve a dye being administered through a vein then x-rays are taken as the dye moves through the urinary tract. This provides information about the function of the bladder, ureters and kidneys. Other imaging tests include a CT scan, MRI scan, bone scan and ultrasound. If bladder cancer is suspected a cystoscopy and biopsy are performed. With a cystoscopy a thin telescope-like tube with a tiny camera attached is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to detect abnormalities. In biopsy, tissue samples are taken and examined for cancer cells.

Once is has been determined that a tumor exists, the next step is to clarify the tumor's status. The size of the tumor, where it lies, whether it has extended into surrounding tissue and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other sites in the body are all questions that need to be answered. The tumor's stage or depth of penetration is confined to one of two categories; (1) superficial, surface tumors which affect only the bladder lining or (2) invasive, deep spreading tumors which grow into the deeper layers of the bladder tissue, and may involve surrounding muscle, fat and nearby organs.

Treatment of bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, type of cancer and the patient's age and general health. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Surgery can include removing the bladder, prostate and lymph nodes which results in the patient requiring an external urinary appliance, but if caught in the early stages a tumor can be removed using instruments inserted through the urethra.

Chemotherapy is systemic treatment that uses drugs to destroy the cancer cells which are administered orally or intravenously. In patients with the early stages of bladder cancer drugs may be infused into the bladder through the urethra. Some side effects of chemotherapy can be severe and include headache, abdominal pain, blurred vision, fatigue, excessive bleeding, infection and weakness.

Radiation uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. External beam radiation is emitted from a machine outside the body and internal radiation is emitted from pellets implanted into the tumor. Either type may be used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. Side effects can include inflammation of the rectum, skin irritation, fibrosis and impotence.

Immunotherapy may be used in cases of superficial bladder cancer. The treatment enhances the immune system's ability to fight disease. A vaccine is infused through the urethra to the bladder once a week for 6 weeks to stimulate the immune system and destroy cancer cells. Side effects can be inflammation of the bladder, inflammation of the prostate and flu-like symptoms.
Bladder cancer has a high rate of recurrence. Urine cytology and cystoscopy are performed every 3 months for 2 years, every 6 months for the next 2 years and then yearly.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

By Floramae Malazarte

Many men, in their lifetime, will experience symptoms that could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Because prostate cancer symptoms can look like other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is a common symptom of prostate cancer and other prostate problems like BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), in other words an enlarged prostate.

Men have always been less likely to get medical attention than women, especially for minor problems which often serve as warning signs for a more serious underlying illness. You may have prostate symptoms right now that mimic prostate cancer symptoms. If you do get diagnosed with prostate cancer it's important to know that many men, especially those later in life, have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait rather than undergo conventional cancer treatment. Many men decide to make dietary changes and work on approaching it with natural treatment.

To state it simply, cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is characterized by the 'grade' and 'stage'. The grade is given to indicate how quickly a cancer is growing - the higher the grade, the more likely it's that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly and the size and extent of the tumor will determine its stage. It's estimated that approximately 234,460 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and approximately 27,350 will eventually die of the disease. And the most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancer, is prostate cancer.

For natural treatment options for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals, or find an M.D. with a natural medicine practice.

For part of a dietary approach no matter what treatment you decide on, if possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet. Drink plenty of pure filtered water, at least a quart a day, to remain hydrated and help your body eliminate toxins.

5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

By Slavco Stefanoski

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system."

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Breast Cancer and Diet

By Richard Heft

Breast cancer attacks one in eight women. It is a cancerous tumor, firm lump that "never" goes away. It is usually pain free. The vast majority of breast lumps are not cancerous. Lumps that do not move may be caused by normal fibrocystic changes during the menstrual cycle. It is thought that estrogen plays a role as it promotes cellular growth in the breasts and reproductive organs. Cancer is a disorder of unrestrained cellular growth. Other factors may include early menstruation prior to age 10, and menopause after age 55. It is most common in woman over forty.

Breast cancer, like most cancers, comes in the form of a tumor. All tumors are blood, protein and fat rich. Protein and fat build and fuel tumors, cancer in addition to bones, organs, hair, nails, teeth, etc. The other nutrients, water, sugar, minerals, etc. reduce cleanse, cool and moisten. No one has ever developed cancer from eating too many fruits, vegetables and grains. This is higher in America, Argentina and all other countries that tend to be high protein, high fat, especially red meat, eggs, chicken, etc. It is lower in the poorer countries that tend to eat more rice and vegetables than protein and fat.

Cancer is a disorder of unrestrained cellular growth. As a tumor it is fed, nourished by blood, protein and fat. Its growth can be accelerated by too much protein and fat, especially animal that is hormonally treated, with growth hormones. It can also be accelerated by estrogen. Estrogen is growth hormone. It is also stimulated by protein and fat, as well as growth hormones. Hormone free red meat, eggs, poultry, turkey, etc. is available. Estrogen supplements can also be a cause.

Caffeine is a known breast irritant. It is an accelerant, stimulant drug, as is smoking, tobacco and alcohol. Unrestrained growth is fire out of control. Coffee, tobacco and alcohol are fire out of control, and should be limited.

While there is "no cure for cancer" there is always a beginning and end. Cancer in tumor form can be starved via low protein, low fat (vegetarian), grains, cooked vegetables, spices, fruit and herbs. Essiac Tea is one herbal combination that has been successful; however the success is limited to the individual as it generally takes more change than drinking tea to cure breast or any other cancer. If you stop feeding it, it will die. Don't do anything rash. Check with your doctor first. Most are harmless cysts. Cysts are abnormal fluid filled sacs found commonly in the breasts that come and go, and sometimes stay too long. Fluid sac are not cancerous as they contain no protein or fat, but can be fed through diet.

Most breast lumps are a function of water and temperature. Too much water in the diet: eight glasses of water per day, salads, fruit, juices, smoothies, shakes, milk and cold drinks, in combination with low protein, low fat foods (beans, nuts, seeds, light dairy, etc.), in excess, tends to cool the body, causing excess condensation (cold condenses) to occur in the lungs (mucous, phlegm), breasts (lumps, cysts), stools (loose), thighs (cellulite), abdomen, ankles, etc. Cooked foods and spices help reduce, eliminate excess moisture as does a decrease in cold, damp foods (salads, tropical fruits, milk, cold drinks, etc.).

Most of them are harmless and normal, but should be checked, monitored via physical examination. Breast cancer may also cause a yellow, bloody or clear discharge from the nipple.