all about cancer

UK---News---Three more of family told they have cancer

2007-01-02T21:48:00.001+07:00

By Tony Gardner

THREE more members of the same family have been diagnosed with a rare cancer.

Brothers Stuart and Jamie Dean and their aunt Denise Peel, 38, had undergone surgery to have their thyroid glands removed after being diagnosed as having multiple endocrine neoplasia.
But despite the operation, performed as a precautionary measure, doctors have told Stuart, 22, Jamie, 17, and Denise, 38, that the cancer has now been detected in each of them. Denise faces a six-hour operation to have lymph glands removed. Her two nephews are awaiting tests but expect to have to undergo the same ordeal.
It is the latest blow in two years for the family who have vowed to fight on to beat the condition together.
Diagnosed
In December 2004, Stuart and Jamie's mum, Shelly Dean, was diagnosed with MEN, which tends to run in families and can cause tumours to appear on hormone-producing glands.
Shelly, from Belle Isle, Leeds, underwent emergency surgery on cancerous cells in her thyroid gland but only a few months after the operation the tumours returned and she underwent intense radiotherapy. Stuart and Jamie since discovered they carry the condition and underwent surgery only to now be told the condition has returned.
Her other son Tommy, 10, underwent surgery and has been given the all clear. Daughters Natasha, 18, and Kirsty, nine, were found to be free of the condition.
Husband Steve was the only person not under threat.
Shelly said: "Stuart and Jamie have been told the cancer is present and have to go through more testing to see what is the best way to treat it.
"We are all hoping that it will not involve another operation but that could well be the only way to treat it."
Earlier this year Shelly's sister Denise, who lives in Middleton, was identified as carrying MEN syndrome and had the thyroid removal operation at St James Hospital in October. She too now faces more major surgery.
Tested
Son Grant, 13, has so far been given the all clear but toddlers Jordan, three, and 12-month-old Emma are to be tested in the new year to see if they are at risk. Husband Richard is free of the disease.
Denise told the YEP: "We will keep supporting each other and will do what we can to get through it."

AU---News---Cervix cancer risk

2007-01-02T21:47:00.001+07:00

Kate Jones

January 03, 2007 12:00am

FEMALE smokers infected by the human papilloma virus are 27 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than uninfected non-smokers.

A study of more than 105,000 women found a strong link between smoking and HPV-16, the most prevalent strain of human papilloma virus.

HPV-16 is one of only two strains of the virus that cause cervical cancer. About 80 per cent of the population are infected with HPV at any time, but most women will never know unless it is picked up by a Pap smear.

The Swedish study, published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prevention, found that the risk of cervical cancer was higher in women with high levels of HPV who had smoked for a long time.

By contrast, non-smokers with a high-level HPV infection had just a sixfold increased risk of cervical cancer.

Researchers from Stockholm University analysed the medical records of 105,760 women, including 375 who had been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Despite identifying the risk of smoking and its link to HPV, the researchers could not explain how the two interact to cause cancer.

"The role of smoking remains particularly enigmatic," the study said.

Analysts of women's health said the study gave smokers yet another reason to butt out.

The operations manager of Marie Stopes International, Jill Michelson, said it was important for all women, young and old, to quit smoking and reduce their chances of developing cervical cancer.

"This should make women come to their senses and give up smoking," Ms Michelson said.

"The most important thing is to be aware of these issues, to give up smoking and to have regular Pap smears."

A Pap smear does not specifically test for HPV, but some results will show whether the cells of the cervix have been affected by the virus.

Women 18 and older who have had sex should have Pap smears every two years.

The Australian-invented Gardasil vaccine will be made available to girls and women aged 12 to 26 this year.

Gardasil protects against HPV strains 16 and 18, which cause 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases.

Testicular Cancer

2007-01-02T21:40:00.001+07:00

Testicular Cancer

Testicular Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Testicular cancer runs in families. Young Caucasian men are at greatest risk for developing testicular cancer. Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans are at medium risk, and African-Americans are at very low risk. Having an undescended testicle is the major risk factor. About 50 percent of men with testicular cancer have experienced trauma to their testes; however, it is not known whether trauma plays a causal role or whether it only brings attention to a pre-existing condition. Other factors that are possibly involved include having had the mumps, which often affects the testicles, having been born to a mother who was given estrogen or had X-rays during pregnancy and delivery, and having certain rare conditions affecting the sexual organs.

Testicular Cancer Facts
Cancer of the testes, the male reproductive glands, is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. There are different types of testicular cancer, most of which involve the sperm-producing cells. About 6,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, but with early detection and treatment, the cure rate for testicular cancer has increased greatly, to as high as 96 percent.

Testicular Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Because of the increased risk from an undescended testicle, boys with this problem should have the condition surgically corrected before they reach the age of three. When corrected at a later age, the condition continues to pose higher risk.
Testicular cancer is very curable when found early. Your best protection is monthly self-examination, especially if you are in a high-risk group. Self-examination involves rolling each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands, and it is best done after a warm bath or shower. If you notice hard lumps or nodules, contact your doctor immediately.

Testicular Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of testicular cancer. A painless bump on the testicle or slight enlargement of a testicle and change in its consistency may be the first sign of a problem. Pain does not usually occur until a later stage of the disease, but a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, may be an early warning sign.

Skin Cancer

2007-01-02T21:39:00.005+07:00

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Facts
For all forms of skin cancer, years of exposure to strong sunlight seems to be the main cause. Other causes of skin cancer include repeated exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, such as coal tars and asphalt, scarring from disease or burns, and genetic and hormonal factors. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. There are two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma begins in skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Two kinds of non-melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, originate in different types of cells in the epidermis, or outer skin layer. Melanoma is the "black mole" kind of skin cancer. It is less common and more dangerous because it tends to spread rapidly. Squamous cell carcinoma is less serious, but can also spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, doesn't spread quickly, and is usually not life threatening. Every year, about 32,000 new cases of melanoma and 700,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Skin cancer is the most easily detectable, curable and preventable cancer. The cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is about 95 percent when properly treated.

Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer prevention tips:
* Avoid sun exposure and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
* If you must be out in the sun, always use protection: wear a long-sleeved shirt or cover-up, a hat that shades your face and sunglasses.
* Always wear sunscreen (with a sun protection factor of at least 15) on exposed body parts, even during the winter, when sun reflected off the snow may be intense. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes (or more) before going out in the sun.
* Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM when the sun's rays are their most fierce.
* Check your skin monthly for unusual moles or changes in existing skin markings, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to see your back. See a dermatologist if you notice any changes and for regular skin checkups.
* Don't use sunlamps or tanning centers.

Self-Examination:
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to perform monthly self-examinations. First, count and plot your moles so that you can note any changes. Then, each month examine each part of your body using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Be sure to check the front, back, sides, forearms, upper underarms and palms, backs of legs and feet, including spaces between toes, the back of the neck and scalp, under the hair and the back and buttocks.

Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Fair-skinned Caucasians living in sunny places are at greatest risk for developing skin cancer. People who work outdoors, the elderly, anyone who has had a severe sunburn and people repeatedly exposed to radiation or hydrocarbons found in coal tars, pitch, and asphalt are also at risk. Other risk factors include having skin damage or defects, being an albino and having a family history of skin cancer or a condition called dysplastic nevi syndrome, characterized by larger-than-normal moles that begin growing later in life. People whose immune systems are weaker than normal (such as chemotherapy patients and people with AIDS) are also at greater risk.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Any unusual skin condition, like a change in a mole or other pigmented growth or spot, or a wound that doesn't heal should cause concern. Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, a growing bump, itchiness, pain and tenderness are all possible symptoms of skin cancer. Melanoma may begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin. Warning signs in moles are asymmetry (when the shape of one half doesn't match the other half); ragged, irregular, notched or blurred borders; different shades of color and growth; and size (larger than a pencil eraser).

Prostate Cancer

2007-01-02T21:39:00.003+07:00

Prostate Cancer

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the abnormal growth of benign (not cancerous) prostate cells. In BPH, the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH can sometimes lead to bothersome problems with urination, such as frequent daytime and nighttime urination, dribbling, and difficulty starting and stopping urine flow.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
Follow these early detection guidelines for the best results:
* Have a digital rectal examination every year after the age of 50.
(If you are an African-American male or you have a family history of prostate cancer, have this examination every year after age 40.)
* Have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
* Eat a low fat diet.
* See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of prostate problems.

Prostate Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Prostate cancer runs in families and is associated with a high fat diet. Prostate cancer is most common in Europe and in America, where African American men are at 30 percent higher risk. Increasing age is a factor, with men over 55 at greater risk. Other risk factors are multiple sex partners and venereal disease.

Prostate Cancer Facts
Cancer of the prostate gland is one of the most common cancers in men. It's estimated that one out of every 11 men will develop it. Fortunately, prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing type of cancer, and the highest risk is not until after age 55. Because of earlier detection and improvements in prostate cancer treatment, more than 90 percent of patients diagnosed early are alive five years after treatment.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the earliest stages of prostate cancer. Some symptoms of the condition benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a harmless, but annoying enlargement of the prostate that frequently occurs in older men, may be mistaken for symptoms of prostate cancer.

You should see your doctor if you experience:
* Weak or interrupted flow of urine
* Inability to urinate or difficulty urinating
* Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
* Blood in the urine
* Painful or burning sensation when urinating
* Continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
An elevated PSA blood test does not always mean cancer. A temporary PSA elevation is found in prostate infection, benign enlargement, prostate surgery and urinary retention.

Ovarian Cancer

2007-01-02T21:39:00.001+07:00

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of ovarian cancer is not known. Several risk factors are known, however. Family history plays a huge role. When two or more close relatives (mother, aunt, or sister) have had ovarian cancer, the risk can jump from 1 in 70 to as high as 1 in 2. This relationship is still being studied. Women who have never been pregnant are also at higher risk.

Ovarian Cancer Facts and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer, a tumor of the ovaries, is the second most common gynecologic cancer and it's the deadliest. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any cancer of the female reproductive system. And it is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in women, behind breast, lung and colon cancers. The mortality rate is so high because ovarian cancer spreads quickly. And even when symptoms appear, they tend to be ignored because they are so vague, such as pressure, swelling, bloating, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. A tumor in the ovary can grow for some time before it causes any serious problems. In more than 75 percent of cases, the cancer has spread beyond the ovary before it is diagnosed.

Ovarian Cancer Prevention
How can you protect yourself from ovarian cancer? Birth control pills and pregnancy protect you to some degree. But the only sure way to prevent ovarian cancer is the removal of the ovaries. This type of surgery is recommended mainly for women who are approaching menopause or who are past it, when they are having some other type of gynecological surgery and for women having a family history of the disease, after their childbearing years.

Liver Cancer

2007-01-02T21:38:00.003+07:00

Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Facts
There are two types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Liver cancer is considered primary if the cancerous tumors develop in the liver. Primary liver cancer is rare, accounting for just one to two percent of malignant tumors in patients in North America. Secondary liver cancer, which is approximately 20 times more common, results when cancer cells from another part of the body (breast, lungs, etc.) spread or "metastasize" to the liver. A secondary liver tumor is often not found until it causes symptoms.

Liver Cancer Risk Factors
Liver cancer is more common among persons who consume large amounts of alcohol than among persons who do not drink. Liver cancer occurs more frequently in persons with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and other chronic liver ailments than in persons without those diseases. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of all liver cancer cases in the United States are associated with cirrhosis. Liver cancer is also more likely to strike men than women and persons of either sex over 40 years of age.

Liver Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of liver cancer are similar to those of other liver diseases: pain, especially in the abdominal area; unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite; pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen; and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes).

Endometrial Cancer

2007-01-02T21:38:00.001+07:00

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, but a significant factor seems to be prolonged exposure of the endometrium to the hormone estrogen. Menstruating women are exposed to estrogen every month. Thus, women who are at high risk for the disease are sometimes prescribed birth control pills to decrease their production of the hormone. In postmenopausal women, estrogen replacement, a common treatment, greatly increases the risk for endometrial cancer. But this risk can be reduced when progesterone, another hormone, is added to the estrogen. Women who are "on the pill" automatically decrease their risk of developing endometrial cancer, as do those who maintain their ideal body weight. Also at higher risk are menopausal women who have never been pregnant and those with a history of infertility, failed ovulations, irregular periods (menses), or irregular bleeding.

Endometrial Cancer Facts
Cancer of the endometrium (the membrane lining the uterus) is the most common of the female reproductive tract cancers, ahead of ovarian and cervical cancer. It occurs mainly in women older than 50 and affects about 35,000 American women each year.

Endometrial Cancer Prevention
Prevention of endometrial cancer involves maintaining ideal body weight, avoiding unnecessary estrogens and, if at high risk, being screened at menopause for early signs of endometrial changes that might lead to cancer.

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
The main symptom of endometrial cancer, abnormal bleeding, occurs early, a factor leading to early diagnosis. For this reason, the overall cure rate is high, 70 to 80 percent.

Colorectal Cancer

2007-01-02T21:37:00.003+07:00

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Facts
Colorectal (colon and rectum) cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. About 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most develop from polyps, growths that originate in the mucous lining of the colon or rectum. These grow slowly and can be detected by means of effective, easily performed tests, making colorectal cancer one of the most curable forms of cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of cancer of the colon and rectum isn't known, but it's believed that the disease is associated with a diet high in fat and low in fiber (roughage). Not surprisingly, colorectal cancer is more common in Western countries, where the diet tends to be highly refined, with less roughage. People over age 50 are more susceptible, and African-American men have a slightly higher risk. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps in the colon, or ulcerative colitis is at particularly high risk and exposure to asbestos has been identified as a risk factor.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
The most common symptom is bleeding with bowel movements. Other symptoms include pain during bowel movements, change in frequency of bowel habits, change in stools, abdominal pain or swelling, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss.

Early Detection and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is very curable when found early and there are several things you can do to lower your risks:
* Eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day.
* Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
* Have a digital rectal examination every year after age 40.
* Have a stool blood test every year after age 50.
* Have a flexible sigmoidoscopy at age 50, and then, after two normal examinations a year apart, every three to five years.
* If you are over 50 and notice blood in your stools, see your doctor immediately.

Cervical Cancer

2007-01-02T21:37:00.001+07:00

Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of cervical cancer is unknown, but a variety of interacting factors are probably at fault. These include early sexual activity, multiple sex partners, and sexually transmitted diseases. Viruses associated with sexually transmitted diseases are also thought to play an important role, as are hygiene and douching practices. Smoking and a lower socio-economic status may also be involved.

Cervical Cancer Facts
Cervical cancer is a slow-growing, highly predictable cancer of the cervix, where the narrow, outer end of the uterus opens into the vagina. Caught early, it is easily cured. Each year in the United States, approximately 12,800 women are diagnosed with the disease and 45,000 more with carcinoma in situ, an early-stage cervical cancer. Many thousands more are treated for a pre-cancerous condition known as dysplasia.

Cervical Cancer Prevention
The risk for cervical cancer can be lowered by limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, and getting regular Pap smears. Catching the disease early is simple and inexpensive, and in its early stages, cervical cancer can be completely cured. If you are at least 15 years old, if you are sexually active, and if you are not having Pap smears every year, do yourself this favor: make an appointment today for this important screening test.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer include painless vaginal bleeding, an unusual vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse. But often, the only way you will know is by having a Pap smear, a simple, accurate, inexpensive screening test used to identify the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix.

Breast Cancer

2007-01-02T21:36:00.001+07:00

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer and The Pill
Although birth control pills have been only weakly linked to breast cancer in some studies, new research shows that the hormone-heavy pills used 25 years ago may have significantly increased breast cancer risk among women with a family history of the disease.

Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. One in nine women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. (Men may also develop breast cancer, but just one in every 100 cases of breast cancer is in a man). Over 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and that number is increasing.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Increasing age: As women grow older, their risk increases. Breast cancer is rare before the age of 30 and is most common in women older than 65. In fact, the biggest known risk factor is age.

History of previous breast cancer: A woman with a history of cancer in one breast has a higher chance of developing cancer in the other breast.

Family history of breast cancer: Close female relatives—a mother or sister, for example, increase a person's risk. Still, only about five to 10 percent of women who get breast cancer have a family history of the disease.

Absence of pregnancy: Both pregnancy and breast-feeding are associated with lowered risk and the earlier the pregnancy, the lower one's risk. Women who have a full pregnancy before the age of 18 have just one-third the breast cancer risk of women who give birth after age 30 or who have never had a child.

Breast Cancer Symptoms
Most people associate breast cancer with a lump, but the symptoms can include a thickening within the breast or the overlying skin, redness of the skin, a change in the shape of the breast, discharge from the nipple, or a change in the shape of the nipple or its retraction. (Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign; that is, they are not cancerous).

Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Technique
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) should be done every month.

When to do BSE:
* If you still menstruate (have your period) the best time is two or three days after your period ends. These are the days when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.
* If you no longer menstruate, pick the same day of every month. It will be easy to remember.
* If you take hormones, check with your doctor about the best time for your BSE.

Facing a mirror
Standing before a mirror to look for asymmetry in breast size, nipple inversion, bulging, or dimpling is the preferred method to maximize visualization. Note any skin or nipple changes, such as a hard knot or nipple discharge.

Inspect breasts in the following 4 steps:
* Arms at sides
* Arms overhead
* Hands on hips - Press firmly to flex chest muscles.
* Bending forward

Lying down

Right breast
* Place a pillow under your right shoulder.
* Put your right hand under your head.
* Check the entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand.
* Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern.
* Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of the breast.
* Feel the breast with the surfaces of the second, third, and fourth fingers, moving systematically and using small, circular motions from the nipple to the outer margins.
* Gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge.

Left breast
* Repeat these steps on your left breast using your right hand.

In the shower

Breast self-examination (BSE) can easily be performed during bathing or showering, because some women discover breast masses when their skin is moist.
* Raise your right arm.
* With soapy hands and fingers flat, check your right breast.
* Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described earlier.
* Repeat on the left breast.

Breast Test
A new, simpler technique for detecting abnormal breast cells before they develop into life-threatening breast cancer is in the pipeline. Called ductal lavage, the procedure involves a doctor inserting a catheter the width of two human hairs into the nipple and washing out enough cells from milk-producing ducts to screen for precancerous changes. Scientists have known for years that milk ducts are a great place to test for these scary cells. Unfortunately, insurers don't always pay for the test, which can cost from $350 to $700.

Gene Defects Linked to Breast Cancer
Gene defects that trigger an extremely rare and deadly childhood disease may also signal an increased risk of breast cancer. The discovery could help doctors screen women for cancer risks. The disease, Fanconi anemia, affects only about 500 families nationally, but the study found that six genes known to cause it are directly linked to one of the two genes responsible for the inherited risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

New Breast Cancer Drug Hot on Tamoxifen's Heels
A new breast cancer drug shows early signs of being better than the best currently available treatment at helping postmenopausal women with early-stage disease live longer after having surgery to remove their tumors. Women who have taken a newer type of drug called anastrozole, brand name Arimidex, were more likely to be alive and disease-free three years after surgery than women who took what is now considered the "gold standard" in breast cancer prevention, tamoxifen.

October Means Mammogram
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many hospitals and clinics offer free mammograms. Please have one today! It could save your life.

Preventing and Detecting Breast Cancer
Because 75 to 80 percent of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors, early detection offers the best hope for surviving the disease. The first step is to understand your risk factors - age, family, and personal history of breast cancer. The next is to follow the early detection guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society:

* Self-Examination - Women should examine their breasts monthly beginning by age 20. Over 90 percent of breast cancers are found by women themselves. But because fewer than one third of women perform regular breast self-examinations (BSEs), these cancers are often found when they are over an inch across. In general, the smaller the lump found, the better a woman's chance of long-term survival.

* Physician Examination - An exam by a physician is recommended every three years until age 40, and then every year. This is an important part of an overall physical exam, but only a supplement to monthly breast self-examinations.

* Mammography - This examination is recommended once between the ages of 35 and 40 as a baseline (for comparison), and then once a year beginning at age 40. Studies show very high survival rates in women whose breast cancer was first detected by mammography. When a mammogram finds a small breast cancer, usually only the tumor is removed, not the whole breast.

Cancer Tips

2007-01-02T21:35:00.001+07:00

Cancer Tips

General Cancer Information

Alcohol Consumption
Chronic heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, pancreas and rectum. Consuming as little as three ounces of hard liquor every day for several years can cause damage.

Aspirin Linked to Reduced Lung Cancer Risk
Aspirin has already risen from the ranks of a mere pain reliever to become a highly valued heart attack and stroke prevention tool, and now researchers say preventing lung cancer may be added to its list of benefits.

Cancer and Nutrition
To prevent cancer, avoid dietary fats. Eat a diet rich in soy, fruits, vegetables and fiber.

Cancer Risk Factors
The following are various types of cancer and their risk factors:

* Breast- Family history of breast cancer, obesity, late childbearing and childlessness
* Bladder- Smoking (nearly half of cases), hair dye - bladder cancer is more common in men than women
* Cervical- First intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners, smoking, history of genital herpes
* Colorectal- Being over 50 with colon polyps or ulcerative colitis, family history of these disorders or colon cancer, high-fat, low-fiber diet
* Leukemia- Exposure to radiation, benzene and other chemicals
* Lung- Smoking (83 percent of cases), exposure to asbestos, radiation and secondhand tobacco smoke
* Lymphoma- Being over 50, no other known risk factors
* Oral- Smoking, chewing tobacco and heavy alcohol use
* Pancreatic- Smoking, high-fat diet
* Prostate- Risk increases with age; more than 80 percent of cases occur after 65
* Skin- Fair skin, severe sunburn in childhood, frequent sun exposure, family history of skin cancer
* Uterine- Being post-menopausal with a history of infertility, ovulation failure or abnormal bleeding, also obesity, hypertension and diabetes

Early Detection
The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance it can be treated before it spreads to other areas of the body. That's why self-examinations (such as checks of the breasts, testicles and skin) are important to build into your routine. And it's why regular medical screenings (such as mammograms, fecal occult blood tests, Pap smears and prostate exams) are crucial even if you feel perfectly healthy.

More Precise Cancer Treatments
Once, a cancer was a cancer was a cancer. Now, scientists have succeeded in using DNA to determine whether a particular type of cancer will be resistant to certain therapies, paving the way to choosing more effective, tailor-made treatments for patients.

Nutrition and Cancer Patients
A great tasting, nutritious milkshake for cancer patients requiring extra calories in small amounts is made by adding 2 large scoops of ice cream and 1 package of vanilla-flavored Carnation Instant Breakfast to 8 ounces of milk and blending until smooth.

Orange Zest and Cancer
Don't toss away that orange peel -- it may help protect you against cancer. Grated citrus zest -- the outmost layer of the peel, not the white pith -- includes compounds may provide health benefits, such as inhibiting development of some cancers and lowering cholesterol. Scrub the rind with warm water and a drop of soap before starting to grate. Press a piece of wax paper onto the grater to make clean-up easier; the zest accumulates on the paper instead of getting stuck in the holes of the grater. Best of all, you can use the zest for a flavor boost in low-fat baked goods, pilafs, salad dressings, marinades and fruit salads.

Seven Cancer Warning Signs
1. A change in bowel or bladder habits
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or a lump in the breast or other area
5. Chronic indigestion or swallowing problems
6. An obvious change in a wart or a mole
7. A nagging cough or hoarseness

Startling Facts About Smoking and Cancer
Eighteen little-known facts about smoking might motivate even a veteran smoker to give up the habit:
1. Cigarette smoke contains tar, made up of over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known to cause cancer.
2. Chemicals in smoke include cyanide (a deadly poison), methanol (wood alcohol), formaldehyde (a preservative), acetylene (fuel used in torches) and ammonia (found in fingernail polish remover). It also contains nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, both poisonous gases.
3. Smokeless tobacco (snuff) exposes a person to at least 10 times more cancer-causing substances than smoking does.
4. Smoking filtered cigarettes lowers the risk of lung cancer by only about 20 percent.
5. Smokers are more likely to get pneumonia than are nonsmokers.
6. Smokers are more likely to have and die from stomach ulcers than are nonsmokers.
7. Smoking causes and worsens heart disease, emphysema, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), and esophagus (swallowing tube), and increases the risk of bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach and cervical cancers.
8. Women smokers experience earlier menopause and have less dense bones, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis and hip fractures.
9. Children whose parents smoke are at a higher risk for pneumonia and bronchitis.
10. Diseases caused by cigarette smoking kill about one in four smokers.
11. By the time lung cancer is diagnosed, it has usually spread to other parts of the body. The survival rate is low: only 13 percent are still alive five years after diagnosis, fewer than 10 percent after 10 years.
12. Lung cancer now kills more women than any other type of cancer.
13. Smoking takes an average of seven years off a person's life.
14. Smoking causes one out of every six deaths in the United States.
15. Nine out of ten smokers say they want to quit.
16. More men have quit smoking than women.
17. More than 43 million Americans have quit smoking, and–over the past decade–the percentage of smoking adult Texans has decreased from 31 to 22 percent.
18. Between 1964 and 1985, approximately 750,000 deaths were avoided or postponed as a result of decisions to quit smoking or not to start.
And That's Not All!
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in America, but it could be prevented 80 to 90 percent of the time if only people would not smoke.

Tea for Tumors
Research shows one kind of tea can be up to 100 times more potent at blocking growth of cancer cells than another. While all tea (green, oolong or black) contains antioxidant compounds called catechins that protect against cancer (especially of the lung, breast, colon, stomach and skin) by neutralizing free radicals, green tea contains about 7 times more catechins than black tea. Green tea also has unique catechins that block an enzyme involved in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Green tea is 10 to 100 times stronger than black tea in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Catechins also prevent heart disease and stroke, primarily by defending against the harmful effects of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.

Understanding Blood Counts
Counting and examining blood cells are very important in the diagnosis of blood cell diseases. Blood has several different types of cells in it:
* Red blood cells pick up oxygen as blood passes through the lungs and release it to the cells in the body.
* White blood cells help fight bacteria and viruses.
* Platelets are the cells that form a plug in response to a cut or wound. The platelets aggregate and plug up the site of bleeding.

Normal blood counts fall within the range that has been established by testing healthy men and women of all ages.
The approximate normal ranges of blood cell counts for healthy adults are as follows:
* Red blood cell (RBC) count: 4.5 to 6.0 million red cells per microliter of blood in men, 4.0 to 5.0 million red cells per microliter of blood in women
* White blood cell (WBC) count: 4.5 to 11 thousand white cells per microliter of blood
* Platelet count: 150 to 450 thousand platelets per microliter of blood

Hematocrit is the percent of the blood that is composed of red cells:
* 42% to 50% is normal in men
* 36% to 45% is normal in women

Hemoglobin is the compound in the red blood cell that carries oxygen.
* 14 to 17 grams per 100 milliliters of blood is normal for men
* 12 to 15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood is normal for women

White cell differential count, sometimes referred to as a "diff," measures the proportion of the total white cell count that is composed of one of the five principal white cell types. The observer can also tell if the white cells in the blood are normal in appearance. The five types of normal white cells that are counted are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Blood contains about 60% neutrophils, 30% lymphocytes, 5% monocytes, 4% eosinophils and 1% basophils.

Vitamin E and Cancer
Vitamin E has been found to reduce cancer risk when consumed at recommended levels.

Want to Quit Smoking?
Most people who quit smoking have tried before, so don't give up! Try these tips:
* List the reasons you want to quit. Refer to the list every time you want to smoke.
* Typical triggers to smoking include working under pressure, feeling depressed, having a drink, drinking coffee, driving a car, finishing a meal and watching someone else light up a cigarette. Learn to look for these triggers and then avoid them, for example, by cutting down on alcohol and caffeine.
* Reward yourself for not smoking. Spend the money saved from not buying cigarettes on a treat for yourself.
* Keep lots of low calorie snacks handy, including sugarless gum.
* Try taking a few deep breaths when you start to feel stressed.
* Quit smoking with a friend, bet someone you will quit, or get involved with a group having the same goal of quitting.
* Take your mind off smoking by keeping your hands busy with handwork or hobbies.

Watermelon and Cancer Prevention
Juicy, red watermelon is not only delicious, it may help prevent cancer. As long as you spit out the seeds, watermelon is the biggest supplier among fresh fruits and vegetables in the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to play a big role in the prevention of the killer disease. Antioxidants such as lycopene work in your body by disarming free oxygen radicals, which are thought to contribute to the development of many cancers. A 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 15 - 20 milligrams of this vital plant pigment. Other sources include tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas.

cancer definition

2007-01-02T21:30:00.000+07:00

Definition

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.

Description

One out of every four deaths in the United States is from cancer. It is second only to heart disease as a cause of death in the United States. About 1.2 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer each year, of which more than 500,000 are diagnosed as terminally ill. Cancer can attack anyone. Since the occurrence of cancer increases as people age, most cases are seen in adults, middle-aged or older. The most common cancers are skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer (in women), and prostat cancer (in men). In addition, cancer of the kidneys, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, bladder, rectum, blood ( leukemia), and lymph nodes (lymphoma) are also included among the 12 major cancers that affect most Americans.

Cancer, by definition, is a disease of the genes. A gene is a small part of DNA, which is the master molecule of the cell. Genes make proteins, which are the ultimate workhorses of the cells. It is these proteins, along with other substances, that allow our bodies to carry out the many processes that permit people to breathe, think, move, etc. Many genes produce proteins that are involved in controlling the processes of cell growth and division. An alteration, or mutation, to the DNA molecule can disrupt the genes and produce faulty proteins. This causes the cell to become abnormal and lose its restraints on growth. The abnormal cell begins to divide uncontrollably and eventually forms a new growth known as a tumor or neoplasm (medical term for cancer meaning "new growth"). In a healthy individual, the immune system can recognize the neoplastic cells and destroy them before they get a chance to divide. However, some mutant cells may escape immune detection and survive to become tumors or cancers.

Tumors are of two types, benign or malignant. A benign tumor is slow growing, does not spread or invade surrounding tissue, and once removed, it does not usually recur. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, invades surrounding tissue and has the capacity to spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer cells have spread to the surrounding tissues, then, even after the primary malignant tumor is removed, it generally recurs either locally or to a distant site. A majority of cancers are caused by changes in the cell's DNA because of damage due to the cell's environment. Environmental factors that are responsible for causing the initial mutation in the DNA are called carcinogens, and there are many types. Some cancers also have a genetic basis. In other words, an individual could inherit faulty DNA from a patient's parents, which could predispose the patient to getting cancer. There is also the two "hit" theory, where there is a combination of a genetic mutation and a stimulation of cell division and/or replication, due to environmental circumstances. While this scientific evidence points to both factors (environmental and genetic) playing a role, less than 10% of all cancers are purely hereditary. Cancers that are known to have a hereditary link are breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. In late 2001, scientists took one step closer to identifying genetic markers that indicate cancer susceptibility. Called "low penetrance genes," these markers are believed to combine to increase risk for cancer.

There are several different types of cancers. Carcinomas are cancers that arise in the epithelium (the layer of cells covering the body's surface and lining the internal organs and various glands). Ninety percent of human cancers fall into this category. Melanomas are cancers that originate in the skin, usually in the pigment cells

(melanocytes). Sarcomas are cancers of the supporting tissues of the body, such as bone, muscle, and blood vessels. Cancers of the blood and lymph glands are called leukemias and lymphomas respectively. Gliomas are cancers of the nerve tissue.

Causes & Symptoms

Causes & Risk Factors

The major risk factors for cancer are: tobacco, alcohol, diet, sexual and reproductive behavior, infectious agents, family history, occupation, environment, and pollution. According to the estimates of the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 40% of the cancer deaths in 2003 were due to tobacco and excessive alcohol use. An additional one-third of the deaths were related to diet and nutrition. Many of the one million skin cancer cases were due to overexposure to ultraviolet light from the sun's rays. It should be noted that medical science has not been able to pinpoint many of the exact causes of cancer, but has been able to estimate risk factors and occurrence associated with various agents.

Tobacco. Eighty to ninety percent of lung cancer cases occur in smokers. Smoking has also been shown to be a contributory factor in cancers of the upper respiratory tract, esophagus, larynx, bladder, pancreas, and probably liver, stomach, breast, and kidney, as well. Recently, scientists have also shown that second-hand smoke (or passive smoking) can increase one's risk of developing cancer.

Alcohol. Excessive consumption of alcohol is a risk factor in certain cancers, such as liver cancer. Alcohol, in combination with tobacco, significantly increases the chances that an individual will develop mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophageal cancers.

Diet. Thirty five percent of all cancers are estimated to be due to dietary causes. Excessive intake of fat leading to obesity has been associated with cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, pancreas, prostate, gall bladder, ovaries, and uterus.

Sexual and reproductive behavior. The human papillomavirus, which is sexually transmitted, has been implicated to cause cancer of the cervix. In addition, it has also been shown that women who have not had children or have children late in life have an increased risk for both ovarian and breast cancer.

Infectious agents. In the last 20 years, scientists have obtained evidence to estimate that 15% of the world's cancer deaths may be traced to viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Family history. Certain cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and uterine cancer, recur generation after generation in some families. A few cancers, such as the eye cancer "retinoblastoma," a type of colon cancer, and a type of breast cancer known as "early-onset breast cancer," have been shown to be linked to certain genes that can be tracked within a family. It is therefore possible that inheriting particular genes makes a person susceptible to certain cancers.

Occupational hazards. There is evidence to estimate that certain occupational hazards account for 4% of all cancer deaths. For example, asbestos workers have an increased incidence of lung cancer. Similarly, a higher likelihood of getting bladder cancer is associated with dye, rubber, and gas workers; skin and lung cancer with smelters, gold miners, and arsenic workers; leukemia with glue and varnish workers; liver cancer with PVC manufacturers; and lung, bone, and bone marrow cancer with radiologists and uranium miners.

Environmental radiation. Exposure is believed to cause 1–2% of all cancer deaths. Ultra-violet radiation from the sun accounts for a majority of melanoma deaths. Other sources of radiation are x rays, radon gas, and ionizing radiation from nuclear material.

Pollution. Several studies have shown that there is a well established link between asbestos and cancer. Chlorination of water may account for a small rise in cancer risk. Studies released in 2003 showed that cadmium, a natural metal found in food, water, and cigarette smoke, disturbs a system in our cells essential to preventing cancer. The main danger from pollution occurs when dangerous chemicals from the industries escape into the surrounding environment. It has been estimated that 1% of cancer deaths are due to air, land, and water pollution.

Alternative medicine tends to disagree with conventional medicine about the causes of cancer, claiming that environmental pollution and emotional and psychological factors are major influences upon the disease. Samuel S. Epstein, a professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Illinois and the chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, is one of the strongest critics of the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society (ACS). Epstein tends to echo many of the beliefs of alternative practitioners. He claims that mainstream medicine, driven by politics, profits, and pharmaceutical sales, is not discussing or sufficiently researching some major factors behind cancer, or researching ways of preventing those causes. Epstein asserts that a primary cause of cancer is the massive pollution of the air, water, food, and workplace. For instance, since the 1940s over 100,000 new chemicals have been added to the environment, and each year in the United States alone, over 10 lb ( 4.5 kg) of pesticides and herbicides per person are used on the food supply, chemicals that are proven to be carcinogenic. Epstein believes that the human immune system simply cannot handle all the new carcinogens and stresses in the environment, and cancer represents this breakdown of the immune system. He is also a critic of some conventional cancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy, claiming that the therapies themselves are highly carcinogenic and are often responsible for recurrent cancer. Epstein points out that despite the "war on cancer" by mainstream medicine, mortality rates have not been significantly improved by its methods, and more research needs to be dedicated to preventative and alternative measures instead of pharmaceuticals and invasive treatments.

Symptoms

Cancer is a progressive disease, and goes through several stages with varying symptoms. Some symptoms are produced early and may occur due to a tumor that is growing within an organ or a gland. As the tumor grows, it may press on the nearby nerves, organs, and blood vessels.

This causes pain and some pressure that may be the earliest warning signs of cancer. Despite the fact that there are several hundred different types of cancers, producing very different symptoms, the ACS has established the following seven symptoms as possible warning signals of cancer:

changes in the size, color, or shape of a wart or a mole
a sore that does not heal
persistent cough, hoarseness, or sore throat
a lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere
unusual bleeding or discharge
chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
any change in bowel or bladder habits

Many other diseases besides cancer, could produce the same symptoms. However, it is important to have these symptoms checked as soon as possible, especially if they linger. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of it being cured. Many cancers, such as breast cancer, may not have any early symptoms. Therefore, it is important to undergo routine screening tests, such as breast self-exams and mammograms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination and a complete medical history. The doctor will ob serve, feel, and palpate (apply pressure by touch) different parts of the body in order to identify any variations from the normal size, feel, and texture of the organ or tissue. As part of the physical exam, the doctor will inspect the oral cavity, or the mouth. By focusing a light into the mouth, he or she will look for abnormalities in color, moisture, surface texture, or presence of any thickening or soreness in the lips, tongue, gums, the hard palate on the roof of the mouth, and the throat.

To detect thyroid cancer, the doctor will observe the front of the neck for swelling. He may gently manipulate the neck and palpate the front and side surfaces of the thyroid gland (located at the base of the neck) to detect any nodules or tenderness. As part of the physical examination, the doctor will also palpate the lymph nodes in the neck, under the arms, and in the groin. Many illnesses and cancers cause a swelling of the lymph nodes.

The doctor may conduct a thorough examination of the skin to look for sores that have been present for more than three weeks and that bleed, ooze, or crust; irritated patches that may itch or hurt, and any change in the size of a wart or a mole. Examination of the female pelvis is used to detect cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina. In the visual examination, the doctor looks for abnormal discharges or the presence of sores. Then, using gloved hands the physician palpates the internal pelvic organs such as the uterus and ovaries to detect any abnormal masses. Breast examination includes visual observation where the doctor looks for any discharge, unevenness, discoloration, or scaling. The doctor palpates both breasts to feel for masses or lumps. For males, inspection of the rectum and the prostate is also included in the physical examination. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and rotates it slowly to feel for any growths, tumors, or other abnormalities. The doctor also conducts an examination of the testes, where the doctor observes the genital area and looks for swelling or other abnormalities. The testicles are palpated to identify any lumps, thickening, or differences in the size, weight, and firmness.

If the doctor detects an abnormality on physical examination, or the patient has some symptom that could be indicative of cancer, the doctor may order diagnostic tests. Laboratory studies of sputum (sputum cytology), blood, urine, and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer. Sputum cytology is a test where the phlegm that is coughed up from the lungs is microscopically examined. It is often used to detect lung cancer.

A blood test for cancer is easy to perform, usually inexpensive and risk-free. Blood tests can be either specific or nonspecific. Often times, in certain cancers, the cancer cells release particular proteins (called tumor markers) and blood tests can be used to detect the presence of these tumor markers. However, with a few exceptions, tumor markers are not used for routine screening of cancers, because several noncancerous conditions also produce positive results. Blood tests are generally more useful in monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment, or in following the course of the disease and detecting recurrent disease.

Imaging tests such as computed tomography scans (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultra-sound, and fiberoptic scope examinations help doctors determine the location of the tumor even if it is deep within the body. Conventional x rays are often used for initial evaluation, because they are relatively cheap, painless, and easily accessible. In order to increase the information obtained from a conventional x ray, air or a dye (such as barium or iodine) may be used as a contrast medium to outline or highlight parts of the body.

The most definitive diagnostic test is the biopsy, wherein a piece of tissue is surgically removed for microscope examination. Besides confirming a cancer, the biopsy also provides information about the type of cancer, the stage it has reached, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the extent of its spread. Since a biopsy provides the most accurate analysis, it is considered the gold standard of diagnostic tests. Screening examinations, conducted regularly by healthcare professionals, can result in the detection of cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, testes, tongue, mouth, and skin at early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Some of the routine screening tests recommended by the ACS are sigmoidoscopy (for colorectal cancer), mammography (for breast cancer), pap smear (for cervical cancer), and the PSA test (for prostate cancer). Self-examinations for cancers of the breast, testes, mouth, and skin can also help in detecting the tumors before the symptoms become serious.

Diagnosis in alternative treatment often relies on conventional diagnostic tools for determining the type and stage of cancer, but will supplement those tools with diagnostic techniques that strive to evaluate the overall health of a person, in order to treat a person holistically. For instance, Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine place high priorities during diagnosis on the patient's emotional and psychological history, as well as considerations like lifestyle, relationships, and the degree of social and spiritual support, in order to have insight into the cause and proper treatment of a particular cancer. These alternative practices also have highly developed diagnostic techniques for the body, including pulse diagnosis; methods of analyzing the tongue, eyes, skin, hair, and fingernails; palpating and finding problems in the organs and abdomen; and listening to the breath for clues to the internal environment.

Treatment

Choosing an Alternative Cancer Treatment

There are a multitude of alternative treatments available to help a person with cancer. They are usually integrated with allopathic treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, where only an estimated 4% exclusively use alternative medicine. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are some of the most painful and toxic of conventional treatments, and often have unpredictable results. As a rule, alternative treatments are less invasive, nontoxic, and have minimal side effects. When used as adjuncts to conventional treatment, some alternative treatments have been shown to decrease pain and side effects, aid in the recovery process, and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Alternative treatment of cancer is a complicated arena and choosing one from the many can seem a difficult task, as can choosing an alternative practitioner. Patients should consult as many trained health practitioners as feasible when choosing alternative therapies. If patients are willing to ask questions and thoroughly re-search their options, they can increase their chances of getting the best possible alternative support for the difficult task of treating cancer.

When choosing alternative treatment, individuals should evaluate practitioners, therapies, and services delivered by clinics or practitioners, as well as the extent of documentation and published literature regarding these concerns. When looking for practitioners, patients should evaluate their training and credentials and their reputations in the healing community. Referrals from other patients should be requested. Furthermore, they should seek practitioners who are knowledgeable and familiar with a broad spectrum of options of treating cancer, including those used by conventional medicine, and who are willing to work in conjunction with conventional doctors if the patient and treatment requires it. Conversely, if patients choose a physician who employs and recommends conventional, allopathic methods, that physician should be willing to communicate with patients, as well as communicate with an alternate provider. Another major consideration when choosing a practitioner is whether he or she seems trustworthy, ethical, and compassionate.

Patients should also evaluate the particular therapy offered by a practitioner or clinic. They should find out exactly how the therapy works and the principles behind it; whether it is harmless or potentially damaging, and the positive benefits it offers; what literature and scientific studies exist for the therapy; and what other patients say about the treatment.

Finally, patients should evaluate the quality of service that the practitioner or clinic offers. Cost, reputation, quality of support personnel, and attention to individual needs are important considerations when evaluating the service dimension of a treatment.

Types of Alternative Treatment

Alternative medicine generally views cancer as a holistic problem. That is, cancer represents a problem with the body's overall health and immunity. As such, treatment is holistic as well, striving to strengthen and heal the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of patients. Alternative cancer treatments may emphasize different basic approaches, which include traditional medicines, psychological approaches, nutritional and dietary approaches, physical approaches, integrated approaches, and experimental programs.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINES. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture, acupressure massage, herbal remedies, and movement therapies like t'ai chi and qigong to treat cancer. Traditional Chinese herbal remedies have already contributed a significant number of anticancer drugs, as studies have shown their anti-cancer properties and immune stimulants. A 2001 report noted that the ancient compound artemisinin (worm-wood) appears surprisingly effective in targeting certain cancer cells and helping to destroy them. The therapy is much less expensive than many traditional options, but further study was underway. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce some tumors and significantly reduce pain and improve immune system activity.

Ayurvedic medicine utilizes detoxification, herbal remedies, massage, exercise, yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation as part of its cancer treatment. Panchakarma is an extensive detoxification and strengthening program that is recommended for cancer sufferers and those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Panchakarma uses fasting, special vegetarian diets, enemas, massage, herbal medicines, and other techniques to rid the body of excess toxins that are believed to contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, and to strengthen the immune system. Ayurvedic herbs are also being demonstrated to have significant anticancer properties.

Naturopathy and homeopathy are traditional Western healing systems using herbal medicines and other techniques to strengthen the immune system and reduce the pain of cancer treatment. Western herbalism is also beginning to compile studies of many herbs that have anticancer and immune strengthening properties.

PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES. Alternative treatments that seek to help patients with the mental and spiritual challenges that cancer poses include psychotherapy, support groups, guided imagery, meditation, biofeedback, and hypnosis.

Psychological approaches work with the idea that the mind and emotions can profoundly influence the health of the body and diseases like cancer. Many studies have acknowledged that mind and emotions play a key role in cancer and immune functioning, and psychological approaches are being used by many conventional programs, including Harvard Medical School. A new field of academic medicine called psychoneuroimmunology has begun that studies the interactions between mental states and immune response.

Studies have shown that patients who approach their cancer with positive attitudes and peaceful acceptance have higher survival rates than those patients who react with negative emotions, like depression , cynicism, or helplessness. Alternative treatments use psychological approaches to help patients overcome the mental and emotional barriers to healing.

PHYSICAL APPROACHES. Physical approaches to cancer include exercise; massage therapies; movement therapies like yoga, t'ai chi and qigong; breathing techniques; and relaxation techniques. These therapies strive to increase immune system response, promote relaxation and stress reduction, and reduce side effects of conventional treatments such as pain, nausea, weakness, and physical immobility.

NUTRITIONAL AND DIETARY APPROACHES. Diet is now recognized by scientists to play a major role in reducing the risk of some cancers. A 1992 report in Oncology claimed that nutritional factors may account for up to 70% of avoidable cancer mortality in this country. Many nutritionists also state that cancer patients have heightened needs for diets free of toxic chemicals and full of cancer-fighting nutrients. Diet and nutrition can improve both a cancer patient's chances for recovery and quality of life during treatment. In laboratory studies, vitamins such as A, C, and E, as well as compounds such as isothiocyanates and dithiolthiones found in broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, and the antioxidant beta-carotene found in carrots, have been shown to protect against cancer. Additionally, bioflavonoids and lycophene found in green tea help in the prevention of cancer.

Dietary approaches for cancer include vegetarianism, raw food diets, macrobiotics, the Gerson diet, and the Livingston-Wheeler nutritional program, discussed below. Cancer diets generally emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and restrict intake of fat, meat, dairy products, sugar, processed foods, and other foods believed to tax cancer patients. Nutritional approaches to cancer include antioxidant and vitamin supplementation and the use of numerous herbal extracts. There are many herbs that have been shown to have anticancer, immune enhancing, and symptom reducing properties, and patients are recommended to consult competent herbalists for herbal support.

INTEGRATED APPROACHES. Keith Block is a conventional physician and oncologist who is integrating many alternative practices into his cancer treatment center affiliated with the Chicago Medical School in Illinois. His program seeks to provide individualized cancer treatment using conventional therapies while integrating alternative healing techniques. Block advocates a special diet (based on vegetarianism and macrobiotics), exercise, psychological support, and herbal and nutritional supplements. Block's program has received acclaim for both treatment success and satisfaction of patients.

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMS.Antineoplaston therapy was developed by Stanislaw Burzynski, a Polish physician who began practicing in Houston, Texas. Burzynski has isolated a chemical, deficient in those with cancer, which he believes stops cancer growth, and his treatment has shown some promise.

Dr. Joseph Gold, the director of the Syracuse Cancer Research Institute, discovered that the chemical hydrazine sulfate has many positive effects in cancer patients, including stopping weight loss, shrinking tumors, and increasing survival rates.

The Livingston therapy was developed by the late Dr. Virginia Livingston, an American physician. She asserted that cancer is caused by certain bacteria that she claimed are present in all tumors. She advocated a detoxification program and special diet that emphasized raw or lightly cooked and primarily vegetarian foods, with special vitamin and nutritional supplements.

The Gerson therapy was for years the best known nutritional therapy for cancer. It is available in two clinics in California and Mexico. It consists of a basic vegetarian diet low in salt and fat, with high doses of particular nutrients using raw fruit and vegetable juices. The Gerson therapy also requires patients to drink raw calf's liver juice, believed to aid the liver, and advocates frequent coffee enemas, which are claimed to help the body evacuate toxins.

Allopathic Treatment

The aim of allopathic (conventional) cancer treatment is to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible and to prevent the recurrence or spread of the primary tumor. While devising a conventional treatment plan for cancer, the likelihood of curing the cancer has to be weighed against the side effects of the treatment. If the cancer is very aggressive and a cure is not possible, then the treatment should be aimed at relieving symptoms and controlling the cancer for as long as possible. Cancer treatment can take many different forms, and it is always tailored to the individual patient. The decision on which type of treatment is the most appropriate depends on the type and location of cancer, the extent to which it has already spread, the patient's age, sex, general health status, and personal treatment preferences. The major types of treatment are: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and bone marrow transplantation.

Surgery

Surgery is the removal of a visible tumor and is the most frequently used cancer treatment. It is most effective when a cancer is small and confined to one area of the body. Surgery can be used for many purposes. Treatment of cancer by surgery involves removal of the tumor to cure the disease. Along with the cancer, some part of the normal surrounding tissue may also be removed to ensure that no cancer cells remain in the area. Since cancer usually spreads via the lymphatic system, adjoining lymph nodes may be examined and sometimes removed, as well. Preventive or prophylactic surgery involves removal of an abnormal looking area that is likely to become malignant over time. The most definitive tool for diagnosing cancer is a biopsy. Sometimes a biopsy can be performed by inserting a needle through the skin. However, at other times, the only way to obtain tissue sample for biopsy is by performing a surgical operation.

Radiation

Radiation kills tumor cells. Radiation is used alone in cases where a tumor is unsuitable for surgery. More often, it is used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation can be either external or internal. In the external form, the radiation is aimed at the tumor from outside the body. In internal radiation (also known as brachytherapy), a radioactive substance in the form of pellets or liquid is placed at the cancerous site by means of a pill, injection, or insertion in a sealed container.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It destroys the hard-to-detect cancer cells that have spread and are circulating in the body. Chemotherapeutic drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously, and may be given alone or in conjunction with surgery, radiation, or both. The toxic effects of chemotherapy are severe. In 2003, a new technique was developed to streamline identification of drug compounds that are toxic to cancerous cells but not to healthy cells. The technique identified nine drugs, one of which had never before been identified for use in cancer treatment. Researchers began looking into developing the new drug for possible use. In addition, it may make the body less tolerant to the side effects of other treatments that follow, such as radiation therapy. The more common use of chemotherapy is adjuvant therapy, which is given to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments. For example, after surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy is given to destroy any cancerous cells that still remain in the body.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to destroy cancer cells. This form of treatment is being intensively studied in clinical trials and is not yet widely available to most cancer patients. The various immunological agents being tested include substances produced by the body (such as the interferons, interleukins, and growth factors), monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccines, cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer. Instead, they are designed to treat people who already have the disease. Cancer vaccines work by boosting the body's immune system and training the immune cells to specifically destroy cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is standard treatment for some types of cancers that are hormone-dependent and grow faster in the presence of particular hormones. These include cancer of the prostate, breast, and uterus. Hormone therapy involves blocking the production or action of these hormones. As a result, the growth of the tumor slows down and survival may be extended for several months or years. However, in 2003, the Women's Health Initiative found that even relatively short-term use of estrogen plus progestin is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, diagnosis at a more advanced stage of the disease, and a higher number of abnormal mammograms. The longer a woman used HRT, the more her risk increased. This contradicted earlier beliefs that HRT could prevent breast cancer. So checking with a physician for the latest information is advised.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

The bone marrow is the tissue within the bone cavities that contains blood-forming cells. Healthy bone marrow tissue constantly replenishes the blood supply and is essential to life. Sometimes, the amount of drugs or radiation needed to destroy cancer cells also unfortunately destroys bone marrow. Replacing the bone marrow with healthy cells counteracts this adverse effect. A bone marrow transplant is the removal of marrow from one person and the transplant of the blood-forming cells either to the same person or to someone else. Bone marrow transplantation, while not a therapy in itself, is often used to rescue a patient, by allowing those with cancer to undergo very aggressive therapy.

In 2001, interest grew in adding hyperthermia to conventional therapy such as radiation. By raising tumors to high fever temperatures, the performance of certain cancer drugs was noted. Hyperthermia is thought to destroy cancer cells much the same way that the body uses fever to naturally combat other forms of disease.

Many different specialists generally work together as a team to treat cancer patients. An oncologist is a physician who specializes in cancer care. The oncologist provides chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and any other non-surgical treatment that does not involve radiation. The oncologist often serves as the primary physician and coordinates the patient's treatment plan. There are many other specialists involved in cancer treatment, and virtually any type of medical or surgical specialist may become involved with care of the cancer patient, should it become necessary.

Expected Results

Lifetime risk is the term that cancer researchers use to refer to the probability that an individual, over the course of a lifetime, will develop cancer or die from it. In the United States, men have a one in two lifetime risk of developing cancer, and for women the risk is one in three. Overall, African Americans are more likely to develop cancer than Caucasians. African Americans are also 30% more likely to die of cancer than Caucasians. Many cancers are curable if detected and treated at their early stages. A cancer patient's prognosis is affected by many factors, particularly the type of cancer the patient has, the stage of the cancer, the extent to which it has metastasized, and the aggressiveness of the cancer. In addition, the patient's age, general health status, and the effectiveness of the treatment being pursued are also important factors. To help predict the future course and outcome of the disease and the likelihood of recovery from the disease, doctors often use statistics. The five-year survival rates are the most common measures used. The number refers to the proportion of people with cancer who are expected to be alive five years after initial diagnosis, compared with a similar population that is free of cancer. It is important to note that while statistics can give some information about the average survival experience of cancer patients in a given population, they cannot be used to indicate individual prognosis, because no two patients or cancers are exactly alike. The unpredictability of cancer can be seen as positive, as well as negative—some patients have experienced recoveries in cases that were deemed incurable.

Alternative medicine rarely claims to be able to cure cancer on a regular basis, but many treatments seem to help with controlling symptoms, controlling the pain and side effects of conventional treatments, and increasing the quality of life for cancer sufferers. Alternative therapies have also shown unexpected results and cures. Alternative therapies may be strongest as preventative measures, before major problems like cancer occur in the body.

Prevention

Most practitioners agree that the best treatment for cancer is prevention. Having sound physical and mental health can significantly reduce the chances of getting cancer. The following guidelines are generally recommended by doctors, nutritionists, and alternative practitioners for cancer prevention and recovery:

Refraining from smoking.
Not drinking alcohol excessively.
Exercising regularly, at least 20 minutes per day, preferably outdoors in the fresh air.
Avoiding exposure to radiation. This includes avoiding unnecessary x rays, not residing near sources of natural or human-made radiation, and avoiding occupational exposure to radiation.
Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals in food, the home, and workplace.
Maintaining proper body weight, particularly avoiding obesity.
Practicing safe sex.
Protecting the skin from overexposure to sunlight. Avoiding the midday sun between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. and never allowing the skin to become sunburned help with prevention.
Eating a healthy diet. Becoming educated on and practicing dietary principles reduces the risk of cancer. These principles include eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains and consuming organically grown foods when possible. Minimizing overeating and reducing intake of meat and dairy products while increasing fiber are recommended. Avoiding processed and canned foods, including soft drinks, and avoiding sugar and refined starch products like white flour also helps. Reducing the intake of fat, avoiding hydrogenated vegetable oils like margarine and shortening, and drinking filtered or spring water have been recommended.
Striving to maintain sound mental and emotional health is believed to help prevent cancer. Learning a technique like yoga, t'ai chi, meditation, or others can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Maintaining healthy relationships and social support systems also relieves stress.

Resources

Books

Galland, Leo, M.D. The Four Pillars of Healing. New York: Random House, 1997.

Lerner, Michael. Choices in Healing: Integrating the Best of the Conventional and Complementary Approaches to Cancer. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1994.

Walters, Richard. Options: The Alternative Cancer Therapy Book. New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1993.

Weil, Andrew, M.D. Natural Health, Natural Medicine. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.

Yance, Donald R. Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer. Chicago: Keats Publishing, 1999.

Stay safe in the sun: skin cancer is on the rise for young women in their 20s and 30s. Find out why and what you can do to protect yourself

2007-01-02T21:21:00.001+07:00

by Mary Rose Almasi

When was the last time you had that mole on your back checked? Or that tiny pink bump on your arm that doesn't seem to go away? If never, our advice: Get yourself to a dermatologist now, and every six months to a year for a full-body mole check. Here's why: Skin cancer has more than doubled during the past three decades, particularly for young women like you. The Atlanta-based American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year, as many as prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterine, ovarian and pancreatic cancers combined.

The most surprising part of this rise: Skin cancer is not solely linked with suspicious moles as many people think; skin cancer can often appear as flesh-colored abnormalities that are less obvious and, at the outset, deceptively normal-looking. While abnormal moles are a sign that you might be at risk for melanoma (the most well-known of the three common skin cancers and also the most fatal), it's often the lesser-known signs of other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma that are catching women off guard.

"No one knows your body like you do," says Leslie Christenson, M.D., a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "Chances are, you do notice [and will notice] when something isn't right." Caught early, there's close to a 100 percent cure rate for skin cancer. The key, say top experts, is early diagnosis, which means you need to show anything suspicious to your doctor.

WHAT'S YOUR RISK?

Knowing your chances of getting skin cancer can help you be even more careful. In fact, researchers have found new clues that can shed light on who needs to be on high alert for skin changes that can signal a developing skin cancer.

It runs in your family. Genetics may predispose you to being more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which explains why skin cancer is more common in some families and not others.

Also, don't be fooled into thinking that if you have darker skin, you're more protected. Research from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles discovered a rise in melanoma rates among Hispanics. This study disputes prior thinking that darker skin tones are less prone to damage because of their skin's extra melanin, the naturally sun-protective pigment that gives skin its color.

"All of this suggests that besides time spent in the sun--a key factor for sure--there is something else at play, and research points to a genetic link," explains Carol A. Rosenberg, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

You're a true sun lover. It was always thought that women did most of their sun damage before age 18. But now it's not just your teenage beach time that matters; it's everyday exposure throughout your life that counts too. And that includes outdoor sports, not just time spent in your bikini.

A study from the University of Cincinnati found that most team athletes don't use SPF during workouts. "When you think about the time they spend outside, it seems likely that they are at higher risk for skin cancers later in life," says Brian B. Adams, M.D., MPH, a sports dermatologist who led that study.

You've already had skin cancer. A new study co-authored by Northwestern's Rosenberg suggests that women with a single incidence of nonmelanoma cancer have an elevated risk of melanoma in the future. "We found that melanoma rates more than doubled for those people," says Rosenberg, a lead researcher for the study.

There's ovarian cancer in your family. A surprising chromosomal link between this cancer and melanoma seems to exist. "Women who have had nonmelanoma skin cancer and have a family history of ovarian cancer should be more vigilant about monthly skin self-exams and annual exams," says Rosenberg, "including doctor-supervised mole checks."

RELATED ARTICLE: MAKING SENSE OF SKIN CANCER

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

These slow-growing cancers tend to develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, lips, ears, chest and hands. They often appear as a small red, pink or pearly bump, or a sore that won't heal.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

These also tend to show up on sun-exposed areas and can look like crusty reddish patches. They're more aggressive than basal cell and can spread to lymph nodes.

MELANOMA

These are usually brown, black or bluish, but some are flesh-toned or look like cuts that don't heal. Only about 4 percent of skin cancers are melanoma, but it's the most deadly.

--MAUREEN CONNOLY

LOG ON: The Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org), the American Academy of Dermatology (add.org) and the American Cancer Society ( cancer.org) all offer more information about skin cancer and treatment options.

RELATED ARTICLE: the 3 best prevention tactics

* Use sunscreen religiously. Look for the key wording, "broad-spectrum protection," which means a product protects against ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. UVA is thought to be responsible for skin's premature aging (which shows up as wrinkles and age spots) and UVB for changes that can lead to skin cancer.

What cancer taught me about living: at 25 she was diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer. How this survivor turned personal tragedy into a public crusade

2007-01-02T21:20:00.001+07:00

by Tamika Felder

My mother is the sort who calls me just to ask, "What did you eat today, and while you're watching TV, can't you do some leg lifts?" Mom's vigilance is born of loss: Name a type of cancer, and she can name the relative who has suffered with it. In 1992 my father succumbed to colon cancer. "Daddy, please don't die on my birthday," I begged when the doctors gave him only days to live. "Baby girl "he whispered, "I won't." A week later, my father passed away, having kept his promise. The next morning, I began my seventeenth year of life without him.

By the time I was 24, I had landed a job as an associate producer for a political cable network. I covered the presidential campaign, hobnobbed with celebrities. and interviewed leaders such as Hillary Clinton and Al Gore. My apartment became a pit stop between plane rides and 14-hour workdays. My life couldn't have been more exhilarating--until the morning in 2001 when I woke up with an excruciating pain under my right armpit. In that armpit, a zit the size of a pea had grown to a red knot the size of a golf ball. The doctor in the ER recognized the lump as a pus-filled boil caused by antiperspirant that had clogged my pores. He cut open the abscess. drained it, stuffed it with gauze, and then sent me home sore. A few days later, he referred me to a surgeon who could remove what was left of the boil. I'm here today because of that referral.

After performing a laser operation, the surgeon asked. "When was your last physical?" I admitted I hadn't seen a doctor for two years. Then I revealed a secret humiliation: The last time I'd gone for a Pap smear, the doctor made a comment I couldn't forget. "Your stomach is so big, you wouldn't even know if you were pregnant," she exclaimed. At the time, I was about 50 pounds overweight, and her words, along with the thought of the cold speculum and stirrups, had been enough to keep me away from getting a pelvic exam ever since.

"My wife is a family practitioner," the surgeon said kindly. "Why don't you go see her?" Soon after. I met his spouse, a fiftyish Armenian with a voice that could simultaneously admonish and reassure. Instantly we connected. After I gave her my family health history, she tested me from scalp to toenail. She then performed a Pap smear and scheduled a follow-up visit.

I stopped in for my results before work two days later. "You don't have diabetes," my physician told me. Exhale. "No high blood pressure or cholesterol, either." I stood, smoothed out the jacket of my gray suit, and reached for my purse. But the doctor nudged me back into the chair. "Now." she said, her voice softening at the edges. "let's talk about this Pap test." I froze. My spirit seemed to lift out of my body and waft up toward the ceiling. "Tamika, you have cervical cancer."

Before the doctor could utter another syllable, I grabbed my purse and keys and raced toward the door. "Come here, sweetie," she persuaded as she followed me through the lobby, Outside, the cool air hit my face as hot tears tumbled. "It's okay," the doctor said again and again while I sobbed. "You'll be fine."

We returned to the office, where she sedated me and contacted a specialist she hoped could perform a biopsy immediately. My mother, who just happened to be visiting from South Carolina, came with me to the specialist. Lying on the table after the doctor snipped off a piece of my cervix, I overheard him tell the nurse how badly I was bleeding, I lifted my head and peered at his face. He offered a grin that felt like a tie. A few days later, my doctor confirmed that I indeed had advanced malignant carcinoma in my cervix. "How did this happen?" I asked through tears. "You probably had genital warts [caused by HPV] first," she said. At that moment, I stopped crying, because any of my friends can tell you that I'm up on my STDs. I preach safe sex and even jokingly warn my pats to use plastic wrap on the parts of the penis the latex doesn't cover. So I can assure you that if I had a cauliflowerlike wart growing on my genitals, I would've noticed. I had never once had intercourse without using a condom, nor had I risked my health through promiscuity. I left my doctor's office that day carrying a brew of guilt (why hadn't I continued having my annual Paps?), shame (just hearing the word wart made me feel like a leper) and unanswered questions.

I would soon learn that HPV stands for human papillomavirus--a sexually transmitted infection that affects heady 20 million Americans. Condom use might serve as a barrier, but because this STI is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, "safe sex" can't guarantee protection. Only abstinence can do that. Though HPV doesn't necessarily lead to cervical cancer, nearly all women diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix have HPV. Some strains cause vaginal warts, other strains cause cancer, but thousands of carriers never see a single symptom. The only way to know for certain whether you have HPV is to ask your gynecologist for an HPV test in addition to a yearly Pap smear. You must insist on that HPV test. Though early detection won't eradicate the vires, discovering you have it will give you the chance to control and alleviate symptoms.

What Black women can do to fight breast cancer =?WINDOWS-1252?Q?; _one_in_eight_women_will_develop_breast_cancer?= in their lifetime. Here's how to protect yourself—and even another sister who may be at risk

2007-01-02T21:15:00.000+07:00

by Lambeth Hochwald

We've all heard the standard advice about battling breast cancer: Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day; exercise most days of the week for 30 minutes a day; schedule your first mammogram at age 40 and every year thereafter--or start ten years earlier than the age of diagnosis for any close relative who had the illness at age 45 or younger. But there's even more you can do to take control of your health and the health of other Black women. Here, more ways to fight the good fight.

NEVER TAKE A "WAIT AND SEE" APPROACH

Breast cancer experts all agree: It's crucial for you to be proactive if you notice a change in your breasts. "If you're told that you have a lump and your doctor says, 'Let's watch it,' ask for more testing," says Marian Johnson-Thompson, Ph.D., director of education and biomedical research development at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Say 'I've been reading about breast cancer, and I'm really concerned. I want to make sure it's nothing.' Then urge your M.D. to send you for a mammogram or an MRI."

BE THERE FOR A FRIEND OR RELATIVE

If you have a loved one who has just been diagnosed, help her navigate the rough road ahead. "When you've been told you have breast cancer, your brain tends to shut down," says Cheryl Kidd, director of education at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. "You need someone to sit with you, listen to what the doctor is saying, and then help you formulate questions to ask." On the Komen Foundation's Web site ( komen.org), you can find more tips to help keep your friend's spirits lifted and malee sure she gets the care she needs.

RECOGNIZE YOUR RISK

Factors you may never have considered--your weight or whether you've ever had a baby, for example--could impact your risk for developing the disease. So while you're on the site, check out the Foundation's risk assessment chart (at komen.org/riskmatrix) to see where you stand. Then talk the numbers over with your doctor--and don't forget to discuss race. Black women under 50 are twice as likely as White women of any age to get more aggressive forms of breast cancer. In addition, while inflammatory breast cancer, a little-known form of the disease that looks more like a rash than a lump, is rare, it disproportionately affects Black women as well and can lead to a rapid demise.

THINK OF YOUR SISTERS

If you've never had breast cancer yourself but have a sister who had or has the illness, researchers want to tall< to you. The Sister Study is recruiting African-American women for its nationwide study of women of all races in an attempt to find out more about the roots of breast cancer. "We think there is more to learn about genetic susceptibility and how the environment is playing a role," says Paula Scarborough Juras, Ph.D., project officer for the study. With minimal effort (filling out forms, collecting dust samples from your home), you can make a difference in the lives of others. To see if you're eligible, call 8 77-4-SISTER or visit sisterstudy.org.

GET TO KNOW YOUR BREASTS

While experts are divided on the benefits of breast self-exams, some women have found cancerous lumps through the process. (And you definitely don't want to miss your doctor's clinical breast exams.) "If you feel something in your breast, regardless of your age, get it evaluated and insist on a follow-up test," suggests Iris C. Gibbs, M.D., assistant professor of radiation oncology at Stanford University Medical Center. It could make all the difference in the world.

How breast cancer made me stronger: after her diagnosis three years ago, singer-songwriter Anastacia discovered a surprisingly different side of her personality

2007-01-02T21:14:00.001+07:00

by Anastacia

You have breast cancer." At 34, in the prime of my life and my singing career, those were the last words I ever expected to hear from my doctor--especially since there was no history of the disease in my family. I wondered if I was going to die in a day, a week or a year. But I quickly learned that a diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence. Because I had gotten a mammogram, the cancer in my left breast was caught early; after a partial mastectomy and six weeks of radiation, I was declared "cancer-free."

While my body was forever changed, it was my perspective on life that was even more dramatically altered. The doctors said that radiation would make me tired and I thought, Yeah, right. I have so much energy, I figured it would bring me down a notch, to normal. So I continued with my hectic schedule. I shot a video less than a week after the biopsy. I let TV cameras follow me around prior to and right after my surgery to get the message out about breast cancer. I started writing a new album. My attitude was, If I get tired, I'll take a quick break, then I'll get right back to work. It so didn't turn out that way.

A few weeks into treatment, I became a shell of my former self, yet I continued to push on. It was only when I didn't have an ounce of energy left to sing that I got scared. The radiation didn't just take away my voice, it took away my electricity, my power source. I knew I had to step back and stop trying to be everything to everyone. I started to think of radiation as a girlfriend telling me to slow down and take care of myself--and I finally listened.

Slowly but surely, I learned how to bring more balance to my life. I wanted to start investing in the health of my body as well as my mind, and that goal has stayed with me even three years after treatment. I now give myself days off (something I'd never done before). And while it was difficult (my arm atrophied a lot from the treatment), I've started exercising regularly for the first time. I do Bikram yoga; for me it's not about getting a hot bod; it's a way to take time out from my busy life and get in touch with me. My favorite activity of all is hiking in the hills near my home, where the views are beautiful, inspiring and rejuvenating.

Cancer brought out an unexpected femininity in me, too. I had seen myself as a tough chick, dressed in leather, always wearing my signature dark glasses. But now I find myself wanting to be softer, and I'm exploring that side of my personality. I don't care anymore if I have a perfect face--or scars. This is what I look like, and it's okay: I now know that beauty isn't about having perfectly round breasts or a flawless complexion; it's about who I am on the inside, and I have cancer to thank for that insight.

"Been livin' in a fantasy without meaning" are words from the song "Left Outside Alone" that I wrote while I was recovering. I had to sing the beginning in a falsetto because I didn't have the power to belt out the whole thing. But even when my voice came back, I left that part in. It shows the tender, vulnerable side of me that breast cancer helped me to express. And I don't ever want to lose touch with it again.