Archive for the ‘Cancer’ Category

All about Cancer

Posted on April 3, 2009

In general, Cancer is the term used for diseases in which normally cells separate without any control by involving other tissues. These cells of cancer then spread to different parts of human body through lymph system and blood system. Actually these cells turn into cancer when they get exposed to genetic defects, or viruses. It is important to know the causes of cancer in order to treat it in its initial stage. Below listed are the causes of cancer:

•    Most of the time people get lung cancer from smoking tobacco. This is because; it has carcinogenic substance and includes certain amount of chemicals, the Sun’s ultraviolet light, and radiation.

•    Cancer can also be formed by several viruses by altering the DNA of a host cell.

•    Genetic factors such as chromosomal abnormalities may even result in cancer.

Apart from this, it is also important to know about the different types of cancer which are as follows:

•    Lung Cancer

•    Bladder Cancer

•    Colon and Rectal Cancer

•    Breast Cancer

•    Skin Cancer

•    Prostrate Cancer

•    Leukemia

•    Bone Cancer

•    Brain Tumor

•    Cervical cancer

•    Childhood cancer

•    Eye Cancer to name a few.

Additionally, every cancer has different treatments. Even oncologists have been using different drug therapies to help cancer patients all across the globe. Apart from the treatments for cancer, you may prevent cancer by doing the following:

•    For all smokers it is important to stop smoking, if they really want to avoid lung cancer.

•    Do not expose your skin too much to sun as it may result in skin cancer.

•    Reduce high fat diets.

•    Avoid alcohol.

•    Do yearly testing.

This way, you can prevent cancer to a certain extent. Else, you may go for various tests to see if you have cancer.

The Preventive Aspects of Prostate Cancer

Posted on March 3, 2009

Prostate cancer researchers still are under lot of investigative studies to find out more precise information regarding the causative factors. Also the researchers are interested in figuring out what can be the strategic options that will work wonders for prevention of prostate cancer. Well, it’s always true that prevention is better than cure and we are always curious about the preventive aspects in the increasingly unstable world. Let’s have some more insight into the preventive aspects of prostate cancer:

1) Maintain an ideal BMI: the prostate cancer has high incidence in obese men. This adds prostate cancer to the list of diseases that occur due to excess weight. Therefore, maintaining ideal Body Mass Index and Waist Hip Ratio certainly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Thus, good low-fat diet and exercise reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

2) Say no to red meat: High incidence of prostate cancer is associated with high intake of red meat. It is postulated that red meat eaters are ingesting higher levels of fats, which are harmful for prostatic health. Also grilled meat is said to add to the risk of prostate cancer. So, obviously avoiding such indulgence can reduce the risk of cancer.

3) Fruits and vegetables prevent prostate cancer: 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce your risk of prostatic cancer. Especially people who indulge in tomatoes, pink grapefruits, and pasta sauce can significantly reduce the risk of cancer due to high amount of lycopene in it that destroys free radicals in the body due to its anti-oxidant properties.

4) Have foods rich in omega-3-fatty acids: fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are said to reduce the prostate cancer risk by manifolds due to their high levels of omega-3-fatty acids.

5) Green tea, soy, legumes: the phytoestrogens contained in soy beans and some legumes fight against the cancers. Also antioxidants like polyphenols may help in preventing prostate and other cancers.

6) Chemoprevention: It is one of the modes of prevention in which certain natural supplements including vitamins D and E, difluromethylornithine (DFMO), isoflavonoids, selenium, and lycopene are administered in the hope to prevent prostate cancer.

 However, a careful assessment by doctor is must before you proceed with the preventive measures.