Archive for the ‘Cancer’ Category

3 Popular Colon Cancer Treatments

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the final part of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). It starts of as a polyp (fleshy growth) in the colon which then becomes cancerous and starts to multiply uncontrollably. Bowel cancer is believed to cause over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most common cancer types. However, it can be treated and in this article I will be outlining three of the most effective colorectal cancer treatments.

1) SURGERY:- This is one of the most popular colon cancer treatments particularly if the cancer is still in the early stages. The aim of surgery is to remove the cancerous cells from the bowel. Generally, the side effects of colorectal cancer surgery are minimal. You may experience some pain or eating problems post surgery but this generally goes away a few days after the surgery. However, in some cases colon cancer surgery will lead to more significant side effects such as bleeding, sexual problems and the need for a permanent colostomy (a surgical procedure where part of the colon is connected to the abdominal wall).

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This type of colorectal cancer treatment involves using drugs that can kill cancer cells. It may be used as an alternative to surgery, particularly if the colon cancer has become more advanced and surgery is no longer an option. It may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumour (so that there is less chance of complications during surgery) or after surgery (to eliminate any cancer cells that the surgery may have missed and to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back). There are a number of side effects related to chemotherapy including nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and hair loss. However, these side effects should subside when your chemotherapy treatment ends.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of bowel cancer treatment involves using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiotherapy; internal (where radioactive material is placed directly into the tumour) or external (where radioactive beams are aimed at the tumour). Generally, radiotherapy is not a popular colorectal cancer treatment with surgery and chemotherapy usually given priority. However, in some cases it may be used instead of surgery, especially if the cancer has become too large for surgery to treat effectively. It may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to help shrink tumours in the colon before surgery. The side effects of radiotherapy usually only affect the area being radiated and are therefore specific to that part of the body. Like with chemotherapy, any side effects of radiotherapy normally disappear once the treatment stops.

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer may come as a shock to you. However, the good news is that there are treatment options available. This article has discussed three of these options briefly but to get the overall picture you should go and see your doctor. They will be able to fully explain all the options available to you and give a professional opinion on the treatment which is most suitable.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the different types of colon cancer treatment and get a free Free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

Here’s What You Probably Don’t Know About Lung Cancer

Monday, November 17th, 2008

If you experience shortness of breath, and similar symptoms, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with lung cancer. Lung cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells begin to accumulate and spread in the lungs. In the early stages of this disease, it is not common to experience a lot of symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more and more evident. If you learn about the lung cancer symptoms early on, it may be possible to prevent the spread of the abnormal cells in this area of the body.

While cancer in the lungs has been deemed as one of the leading causes of death in individuals, it has also been deemed as one of the most preventable types of disease. This cancer is related to the choice that many people make and that is smoking. While there are cases of this type of cancer occurring in a nonsmoker, these cases are relatively rare. Most that develop this condition not only smoke, but are genetically at risk for the disease as well. There are many cases in which a person who has never smoked acquires this type of cancer. Most of these cases involve those that have been exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis throughout their lifetime.

There are a number of symptoms of cancer in the lungs. The following represents some of the most common symptoms that may be experienced:

1. Many people will start to develop a cough that occurs on a regular basis.

2. For many, this cough will go away, but for the ones that continue to experience the cough, concerns should be evaluated by a medical professional.

3. For many, this type of cancer makes itself known by pain that is felt in the chest area. This is often a dull pain, but pain that never seems to really go away on its own.

4. Many who have found that they have this condition have discovered that they have shortness of breath on a regular basis. This is typically caused by a growth in and around the lung area that is considered to be abnormal.

5. Having regular infections that involve the respiratory system may also be an indication that cancer is present in the lungs. These infections may include mild to severe bronchitis, or even pneumonia in some instances.

In conclusion, as stated here, lung cancer typically occurs in individuals who smoke on a regular basis. However, secondhand smoke and similar culprits can result in an individual who does not smoke to acquire the condition. If you find that you have a high chance of developing lung cancer, it is important that you learn all that you are able to about the condition. This way, you can work closely with your doctor to ensure that your risk factors are reduced and that you are treated in time if abnormal cell development does occur.

Jenni Snook is the chief writer of http://www.Stage4CancerSite.com, a website dedicated to giving people important yet practical information on the many types of stage 4 cancer.

What is Bone Cancer and Can It Be Prevented?

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Cancer of the bone or bone cancer is a general term used when cancer cells are seen in the bone. Cancer that begins in the bone is called primary bone cancer. It is found most often in the arms and legs but it can occur in any bone in the body. Children and young people are more likely than adults to have bone cancers.

Primary bone cancers are called sarcomas. There are several different types of sarcoma and each type begins in a different kind of bone tissue. The most common sarcomas are osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.

In young people, the most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, usually occurring between the ages of ten and twenty-five. More often, males are affected than females. Osteosarcoma frequently starts in the ends of the bones; where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows, usually affecting the long bones of the arms and legs.

Ewing’s sarcoma usually affects teenagers, and is mostly found in people between ten and twenty-five years old.

This cancer forms in the middle part (shaft) of large bones and most often affects the hip bones and long bones in the thigh and upper arm, but can also occur in the ribs.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of tumor that forms in the cartilage (rubbery tissue around the joints) and is found mainly in adults.

Other types of bone cancer include fibrosarcoma (malignant giant cell tumor) and chordoma. These are rare cancers and most often affects people over thirty.

The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. However, symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. Sometimes firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. Sometimes bone cancer interferes with normal movements and can also weaken or cause bones to break.

Tumors that occur in or near joints may cause swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and anemia. It is important to check with a doctor when you experience these symptoms, but these symptoms can also be caused by other less serious conditions.

Conventional treatment for some bone tumors may involve surgery, such as limb amputation. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be effective in some tumors (such as Ewing’s sarcoma) but less so in others (such as chondrosarcoma).

After treatment has been done for bone cancer, it is very important that regular follow-up or check-ups are done with your doctor, to be sure that cancer has not come back and treat it promptly if it does. Check-ups may be physical exam, x-rays, scans, blood tests, and other laboratory tests.

People who have been diagnosed of bone cancer may have many physical, emotional, practical worries. They may worry that removal of a limb or other surgery will affect not only how they look but how other people would feel about them.

Patients can be helped to overcome all these through special support groups for youngsters with cancer and their families. The American Cancer Society, for example, is a nonprofit organization that has many services for patients and their familes.

All types of cancer are traumatic for everyone involved. The keyword is prevention. There are natural supplements that work. Unfortunately we don’t hear much about these supplements unless we investigate and search them out. Most of them fall under the conflicted interest of quack watchers because if it isn’t manufactured by the drug companies, it can’t possibly work.

Sure there is some good being done in mainstream medicine, but when doors continually stay closed to alternative preventions and treatments, it’s more than mere coincidence.

Take care of your health and realize you can live cancer free.

Joni Bell has many years of extensive study in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. Demystifying Cancer

4 Possible Colon Cancer Symptoms

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It is responsible for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is therefore one of the most dangerous types of cancer around. There are a number of symptoms which could indicate that you have bowel cancer. In this article I will be discussing these signs and symptoms and hopefully give you the information to identify this disease sooner rather than later.

Unlike other conditions where the symptoms are often clear and easy to identify, colon cancer symptoms are usually vague and more difficult to spot. As the cancer becomes more advanced and the tumour grows, the symptoms become more noticeable. However, by this time it is often more difficult to treat the cancer effectively. That is why it is essential for you to be on the lookout for signs of bowel cancer at all times. There are many symptoms associated with this type of cancer but below I have outlined four of the most common.

1) BLOOD IN THE STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING:- This is probably the number one symptom of colon cancer. With this type of cancer the tumour develops in the final section of the digestive tract. Therefore, if the tumour bleeds some of this blood usually comes out of the rectum or in your stools. The bleeding is not usually significant but if you notice any at all then you should inform your doctor immediately.

2) PAIN IN THE STOMACH:- If the tumour gets large enough it can cause a blockage in your colon. This blockage can prevent solids, fluids or gases passing through your bowel which then leads to cramps and pains. In the worst cases, the tumour can grow so large that it breaks through your bowel wall which again causes major stomach pains. Although stomach pains are associated with multiple conditions, any prolonged pains could be indicative of colon cancer. If you experience these pains for an extended period go and see your doctor right away.

3) DIFFERENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS:- If the tumour becomes large it can also have an impact on your bowel movements. The blockage created by a large tumour can prevent stools from passing through the colon leading to constipation (difficulty passing stools). It can also cause a build up of fluid behind the tumour which eventually leaks through leading to diarrhea (difficulty controlling your bowel movements because your stools have become watery). If you notice any unusual bowel movements, particularly for long periods, this could be a sign of colorectal cancer and you should consult your doctor.

4) UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS:- Sometimes tumours release chemicals which increase your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories than usual. Therefore, if you experience any unexpected or unexplained weight loss you should consult your doctor and get yourself tested for bowel cancer. Even if the weight loss is not linked to cancer it is still advisable to see your doctor because any weight loss that you cannot account for is likely to have some underlying cause.

As you can see from this article the symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and easy to identify. However, I hope this article has shown you some of the things you should be looking out for. Bowel cancer is much more treatable if it is caught in the early stages so if you notice any of the above symptoms do not take any chances. Go see your doctor right away and get a professional verdict.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various colon cancer symptoms and get a free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

3 Effective Colon Cancer Tests

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It accounts for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most prominent cancers in the UK. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can get yourself tested for this potentially lethal disease. In this article I discuss three of these bowel cancer tests.

1) RECTAL EXAM:- If you notice any symptoms which make you think you may have bowel cancer then the first test your doctor will perform is a rectal exam. They do this by putting a gloved finger up your rectum and feeling for any lumps that could be tumours. If your doctor does notice anything suspicious following this test they will then recommend some of the further colon cancer tests discussed below. This test may feel slightly awkward but should not cause any pain.

2) SIGMOIDOSCOPY:- For this test your doctor uses a thin tube called a sigmoidoscope which transmits an image of the inside of your colon onto a screen. The sigmoidoscope is inserted into your rectum which allows you doctor to look for any abnormalities such as polyps (fleshy growths in the colon), intestinal bleeding and inflammation. If your doctor does discover any polyps these can then be removed using instruments that are attached to the sigmoidoscope and sent to the lab for further testing. This colorectal cancer test may cause stomach cramps while it is being performed but these should go away after the test. You may also notice minor rectal bleeding after the sigmoidoscopy, particularly if polyps were removed. However, this should clear up within a few days.

3) COLONOSCOPY:- This test involves the use of a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a fibre optic camera attached) which allows your doctor to look at your entire large bowel. Prior to this test you will need to empty your large bowel so you will not be able to eat solid foods for two days before. To perform this test your doctor will place the colonoscope into your rectum and then look for any problem areas. Your doctor will also be able to take photographs and biopsies (tissue samples) should they notice anything suspicious. This colon cancer test is usually quite painful and in most cases you will be given sedatives or anaesthetics before the test.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, bowel cancer is a very dangerous condition. However, if it is identified early it is much more treatable. If you notice anything suspicious or start to suffer from any of the symptoms linked with colorectal cancer then you should go see your doctor and get yourself tested right away. Going in for an early colon cancer test could be the crucial factor when combating this disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various colon cancer tests and get a free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

A treatment of cancer explained

Sunday, November 9th, 2008
by Dane Masters

One doesn’t pay close attention to the nuances of the treatment for cancer until one needs to. It makes sense that unless we have an unusual penchant for or fascination with reading up on amazing medical treatments, we don’t take the time to learn of the problems, the solutions, the symptoms, or the side effects. Such is the case with my best friend of twenty-nine years.

A clinical nurse specialist specializing in geriatric nursing, my friend has a wealth of medical and other knowledge that rivals the minds of MENSA members. But she knew nothing of Cancer or of the latest treatment for Canceruntil she was diagnosed with invasive cervical adinocarcinoma. Neither of knew much before this, save the limited and exaggerated details of the side effects of chemo and radiation. We now, however, know a bit more. Today she goes for her first of many treatments, so in tacky form, I relay the process of one treatment for Cancer as she experiences it.

After Vaness was diagnosed with cancer, she was immediately operated upon. She underwent a radical hysterectomy that removed the harmful growths that were spreading the disease to her lymph nodes. After that she was taken for a PET scan which is a Positron Emission Tomography test that is done to know what would be the further course of treatment. The scan showed that the cancer had hit her lymph nodes; it reached up to her lungs and downward to the vaginal region. One of the reputed surgeons suggested her not to follow the standard procedure of the treatment of cancer and to extricate the malignant lymph nodes (all the lymph nodes cannot be extricated as these aids in secretion and are necessary for the running of our system). She got a lot of suggestions but she followed the surgeon’s advice and two months later underwent surgery for the second time.

This was followed by the radiation and chemotherapy sessions. The doctor at first explained to her clearly about these two methods and also showed with the help of statistics the chances of the occurrence of a side effect. It opened our eyes. We realized that the rate of not having control over our bowels or losing hair was very low. We also learnt how most of the symptoms were actually psychogenic, that these were brought on to us by our own thinking and had nothing to do with the effects of the chemo and the radiation therapy.

Yesterday (approximately two months after initial diagnosis), Vaness, who had had an oncology nurse come to the house to administer an IV that runs the course of one side of the body-through the heart, etc.-was sent to the pharmacy for two medications. Glutamine is thought to boost the immune system with vitamins that help keep her strong; and Compazine, an anti-emetic, is used to combat the nausea brought on by the Amaphostine injection(s).

Today, at 9 a. m., Vaness went in for her first treatment of cancer. She will take chemo, then, on day 1 (for four days in a row), day 29, then weekly. At the same time, she will take palliative radiation treatments five days a week for ten weeks. Palliative radiation relieves symptoms and “improves” quality of life, but does not cureas there is no “cure”.

These two treatments combined can only last for ten weeks, as they first will not cure the cancer and as they second can kill her. Such is the irony: the treatment for cancer is deadly enough to treat the cancer but deadly enough to kill the cancer patient. In another respect, however, the mind, friends, and brilliant medical practitioners have contributed to the miraculous and rare recovery of a percentage of women who live to tell about the scare. And that percentage, that number of survivors, grows every year.

About the Author:

Explaining Cancer Treatments

Friday, November 7th, 2008
by Dane Masters

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, then the discussion has mostly been regarding recommended cancer treatments, side effects, and efficacy. There are a number of cancer treatment options available, including alternative or natural cancer treatments, invasive and non-invasive procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination. Not every cancer treatment works the same for every patient. It depends a great deal on what type of cancer has been diagnosed, how much it has progressed, and what type of cancer treatments are effective at that particular stage.

Those who have severe forms of cancer that have already spread to other areas of the body, or are likely not going to respond to treatment may actually decide that they do not want to undergo treatment. This is a personal choice, and usually is made because there is no much hope for survival and the sufferer does not want to undergo a potentially painful treatment when they could just enjoy their last few months or weeks with family or friends.

When most people think of cancer treatment, they think of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used to treat the majority of cancers; there are over 100 different drugs that are used alone or in combination with others, that work systemically throughout the body. There is always a great chance that cancer cells have or will migrate to other parts of the body, which is why chemotherapy is used as the first line approach.

Doctors may decide to administer chemotherapy by mouth, or inject it directly into an area, or administer it to the patient intravenously. The patient may need to take the drug daily for a period of days over a few weeks or months until the cancer shows signs of being eradicated. Chemotherapy is very hard on the body and causes several unpleasant side effects, but most conditions can be moderated with medications. If chemotherapy fails to target the cancer then another option is to surgically remove the cancer, or target a tumour directly with radiation.

Many health centers now off alternative treatments in the form of natural remedies, such as herbal supplements. None of these approaches have been approved by the FDA, and they have not yet proven to actually treat cancer, but some of them can be used at the same time as your conventional treatment and may help ease side effects. If you feel like one of these remedies may be of use to you, discuss it with your physician or oncologist and make sure that it won’t interfere with any other medication you may be taking.

It is important during the course of your cancer treatment to advise your doctor of any and all medications you may be taking, whether they are herbal or medical. There are many medications that you may be taking at one time and you will want to make sure that none of them interfere with each other, and that all of them are working together to give you the best chance of beating this disease.

About the Author:

Nature Intended a World Without Cancer

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Cancer is the number two cause of death in the United States, preceded only by heart disease. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 559,000 U.S. Americans will die from cancer this year. That’s about 1,500 people a day!

Excluding non-invasive and bladder cancer, about 1.45 million new cancer cases are expected during 2008.

So how is it that any of us gets cancer in the first place? Is it exposure to cigarette smoking, intense sunlight or perhaps the effect of toxic food additives? Dr. Krebs thinks not. All of the hard, biochemical evidence points to the fact that cancer is a simple deficiency disease of vitamin B17, long ago removed from our highly-refined, western diets. Krebs postulates that the so-called ‘carcinogens’ are merely stress triggers that finally expose the B17 deficiency with devastating effect.

In 1974, author and political commentator, Edward G. Griffin, published World Without Cancer, summarizing and analyzing Dr. Krebs’ finding. Krebs and other holistic such as Dr. Thomas A. Doorman, insist that there is no cure for cancer, but that natural sources such as vitamin B-17 help rid the body of cancer.

The American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association and the FDA call this a “quackery” or a scheme to make money. They say that their tests prove vitamin b-17, also known as Laetrile, is not effective for treating cancer.

According to Griffin, the 1953 California Report continues to be the basis of most scientific or legal opposition to vitamin B-17 today. The report, written by Dr. Henry Garland and Dr. E. M. McDonald of the California Medical Association’s Cancer Advisory Commission, claims there is no proof Laetrile is an effective control for cancer.

However, Griffin writes in World Without Cancer that Garland and McDonald actually falsified information from Laetrile experiments cited in the California Report. In fact, 10 years after the report was published, original documents surfaced that proved information had been falsified. Although the report was subsequently updated, additional problems such as insufficient vitamin dosages used in the experiments persisted, and the conclusions of the original California Report remained embedded in the literature and minds of many.

During the same time of the experiments on Laetrile, Garland and McDonald said that there wasn’t a connection between lung cancer and cigarette smoking.

Griffin says that studies conducted by groups such as the Sloane-Kettering Institute prove Laetrile is effective, but that they have not been published. Griffin says that the studies were suppressed from “top” directors.

Why would the American Cancer Society and government regulatory agencies suppress the possible wonder of Laetrile?

Mr. Griffin states,”They do that because they’re trying to make a buck, and something that is found in nature, like Laetrile, cannot be patented.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 1 percent drop in the cancer death rate would eliminate about $500 billion from U.S. economy over the next hundred years.

Concentrated forms of Laetrile are sold, but Dr. Krebs suggested consuming it naturally. Apricot kernels are potent in vitamin B-17.

Although holistic treatments for cancer vary, they are less costly than traditional methods such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Survival rate estimate for orthodox treatments for advanced cancer is 1/10 of 1 percent while that of holistic approaches is 15 percent.

No matter how useless or harmful common practices may be, consensus medicine demands that they be used by every physician…if a doctor deviates from this pattern and dares to apply nutrition as the basis of his treatment, even he if attains a high degree of success, he is condemned as a quack.

Nature provides an abundance of B17 to keep us healthy. Unfortunately, she puts it in foods that today we’ve been conditioned into throwing away or avoiding. It seems man has ignored common sense advice going back to ancient times in favor of all the “treats and nutrition” modern manufacturing can provide. Forget the fruit and vegetables. Let’s have chips and cola. Sound familiar parents? Our bodies start the road to nutritional imbalance at a young age without us even realizing. We need to learn to think before we eat!

Joni Bell is an advocate of alternative over traditional treatment of cancer and that it can be prevented. Treat All Cancer

Vitamin B17 and the FDA

Friday, October 31st, 2008

It seems that a greater number of people these days are taking steps to try to become healthier. People are eating healthier foods and exercising more.

Additionally, people are becoming more aware of the world around them and how they affect that world. People want to know to purchase more locally grown food so as to support local farmers. People are buying organic products so as to support fair trade and people’s rights as well as to promote conservatism of the earth’s resources.

So, it will make a lot of people interested to know that vitamin B17 comes from something completely natural-apricot seeds. Yes, that’s right-vitamin B-17 is a natural product, as its source is just a regular, everyday, common fruit. Apricot seeds are what make up vitamin B-17, that’s it. This vitamin is a purified form of the substance that is found inside apricot seeds. This substance is called amygdalin, and it is what is used to create vitamin B-17.

That makes taking vitamin B-17 to prevent cancer completely natural. When you take these vitamin tablets-available in either 100mg or 500mg strength pills, which can be split to smaller sizes-you can be confident in knowing that you are taking a natural product.

It may seem rather strange, but this is, indeed, where vitamin B17 comes from. There’s good reasoning behind this, too-it wasn’t done arbitrarily by some vitamin manufacturer.

Apricot seeds contain amygdalin. Amygdalin has cyanide locked away, ready to battle cancer-and this cyanide can only be unlocked by a cancer cell because only those cells have the special unlocking enzyme. Once unlocked, the cyanide kills the cancer cell. Nearby cells aren’t harmed because a neutralizing agent is released with the cyanide to protect those cells.

Once this was discovered, a biochemist studied the substance and learned how to purify it. Then, in 1952, amygdalin was given its vitamin status based (at least partly) upon recommendation from the co-founder of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Today, the NCI doesn’t readily acknowledge the benefits of vitamin B17, though.

After reading a great deal of information about vitamin B17 and amygdaline and laetrile, you will come to find out that thousands of people have been using these substances-either through vitamin B17 tablets, through apricot seeds, or both-to keep themselves cancer-free for many years. In addition, many more people have stated that these products have helped them to cure their cancer more quickly or to keep it in remission for far longer than what doctors had thought possible.

Through reading about all of this on the internet you will also learn that you cannot purchase vitamin B17 in any local pharmacy, drugstore, grocery store, or health food store. Nor can you purchase raw apricot seeds anywhere-except for online. You can find dozens of websites online with testimonials about how these products can-and have been-used as cancer cures and as cancer prevention measures…yet you cannot get in your care and drive somewhere to go and purchase them.?

The reason the FDA will not let stores sell vitamin B17 or apricot seeds is that it has not been scientifically proven that eating apricot seeds or taking vitamin B17 is beneficial to a person’s health. The FDA believes that there is not enough scientific data to show that the substance in vitamin B17 and apricot seeds can be effectively used as either a cancer cure or a measure to prevent cancer.

Most people believe that there is an ulterior motive, not enough money. No one can really make any money off of vitamin B17 or off of raw apricot seeds. After all, how can anyone patent cancer cures that are completely natural, like an apricot? There is no money to be made off of this type of cancer treatment; therefore, many people believe that is the true reason behind the FDA stance against vitamin B17 and apricot seeds.

Yes, the FDA is supposed to be protecting the public; however, a recent USA today report showed that over half of the members of FDA advisor’s had conflicts of interest-meaning that they had ties to the drug companies. Approving vitamin B17 would mean taking away their profits.

Joni Bell is a natural cancer prevention and treatment specialist with years of experience. He has done various reports on the subject of cancer prevention and treatment and continues his effort to educate people with the good news that we can live cancer free. Cancer Free

Oxygen and Cancer Do Not Get Along

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

There are a number of things we can do to enable us to live a long healthy life that is full of energy and without disease. There are some basics that range from what we put in our bodies, how active or sedentary our lifestyle is, and how are thught life is managed in regard to stress, worry, outlook,etc.

What I want to target is cancer and it’s prime cause. There are a lot of various types of “cancer awareness”, which is a good thing, with monies being raised for more and more research to stop this disease. What we need to look at is not letting cancer get a foothold to begin with. And it starts with oxygen.

Without a dependable supply of oxygen, the cells in our bodies cnnot function properly. Nutrients in our diets must have oxygen present to convert their potential energy into usable energy. In order for new cells to be formed, hundreds of amino acids must link together using oxygen as the source of their energy.

The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar. All normal body cells meet their energy needs by respiration of oxygen, whereas cancer cells meet their energy needs in great part by fermentation.

Poor oxygenation comes from a buildup of carcinogens and other toxins within and around cells, which blocks and then damages the cellular oxygen respiration mechanism. Clumping up of red blood cells slows down the bloodstream, and restricts flow into capillaries. This also causes poor oxygenation. Even lack of the proper building blocks for cell walls, essential fatty acids, restricts oxygen exchange.

There are some factors that rob us of oxygen on a daily basis.
Toxicity, emotional stress, physical trauma and infections, reduction of atmospheric oxygen, improper diets and lack of exercise. Some of these factors we can control and some we cannot. For instance, scientific analysis reveals that the oxygen content of the air appears to be declining in our atmosphere, especially in larger cities.

It is not a surprise then that we see concurrent increases in human illness and disease. Is this chance, or a direct correlation to the decreased levels of oxygen. I go with the latter and is something not to take lightly.

Biochemist Dr. Otto Warburg, who awarded the Nobel prize regarding his cancer research, was convinced that cancer cells can only begin to proliferate in the human body when the cells become oxygen deficient and that cancer cells cannot proliferate at all when exposed to an oxygen-rich environment.
Recent research just confirms this, that indeed, lack of oxygen in cells and tissue is the underlying root cause of not just cancer but, quite possibly, of all chronic degenerative disease.

Cancer cells produce excess lactic acid as they ferment energy. Lactic acid is toxic, and tends to prevent the transport of oxygen into neighboring normal cells. Over time as these cells replicate, the cancer may spread if not destroyed by the immune system.

Chemotherapy and radiation are used because cancer cells are weaker than normal cells and therefore may die first. However,
chemo and radiation damage respiratory enzymes in healthy cells, and overload them with toxins, so they become more likely to develop into cancer. The underlying cancer causing conditions are worsened, not improved. And the cancer usually returns quickly a second time unless you make changes to support the health of your body.

The implication of this research is that an effective way to support the body’s fight against cancer would be to get as much oxygen as you can into healthy cells, and improving their ability to utilize oxygen. Raising the oxygen levels of normal cells would help prevent them from becoming cancerous. And increasing oxygen levels in cancer cells to high levels could help kill those cancer cells.

Medical researchers when working with cell cultures in a lab, if they want the cells to mutate, they turn down the oxygen. To stop the mutation, the oxygen is turned back up. One type of white blood cells kills cancer cells by injecting oxygen creating hydrogen peroxide into the cells.

So, how can we make sure that are cells are oxygenated? There are liquid oxygen supplements available that release oxygen into the blood that will literally produce more oxygen in your cells. In a nutshell, a stabilized oxygen supplement contains oxygen molecules in a liquid solution that is taken orally, usually 10-20 drops in glass of pure water which makes pure oxygen available to be immediately absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The hemoglobin then carries this oxygen straight to your body’s cells and tissues, highly saturating them with oxygen in the process.

Joni Bell has many years of experience in the area of natural cancer prevention and treatment. He has numerous success stories of people being diagnosed living cancer free with use of alternative methods. No Cancer Zone

How To Cure Kidney Stones

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
by George Wilkens

You must be aware of the terrible pain which comes with kidney stones if you have suffered from this condition. There are good forty to fifty percent chance of having a second stone in the kidney if you have had one. In fact it is one of the most common painful infections in the urinary tract. Men have higher probability of developing kidney stones. If you are alert of this you may want to know more about natural cure for kidney stone which will help in healing.

The cure is prevention. Ninety percent of all kidney stones are due to dehydration. Because of this fact, the best and most common kidney stone cure is drinking plenty of water. To prevent kidney stones, you need to drink at least enough water to produce two quarts of urine in twenty-four hours. Cranberry juice however, is an ineffectual kidney stone cure. Cranberry juice does prevent a urinary tract infection but it is a fallacy that it also prevents kidney stones. Lemonade however, in addition with water is an excellent kidney stone cure. The citric acid in the lemonade inhibits kidney stone formation. Thus the drink is good for a kidney stone cure. Drinking two glasses of lemonade a day along with regular water intake reduces the risk of a subsequent kidney stone infection to about 5 percent.

One of the main components of the kidney stone is calcium oxalate. You are advised to have less of food which is rich in calcium oxalate in case there is more of this mineral in your urine to keep a check on kidney stones. Some of the foods like chocolate, strawberry, coffee, spinach, tea, rhubarbs, wheat bran etc have more of calcium oxalate. It is also better to keep off food which has vitamin D and calcium based antacids.

As the kidney stone comprises of calcium oxalate and other minerals which comes from the food a person eats it is good to avoid dairy products to manage as a kidney stone problem. In fact some latest studies say that some food with lot of calcium like cheese and milk could assist in preventing kidney stones. On the other hand extra calcium will work in opposition and may even be harmful in the process of curing kidney stone as it increases the chances of kidney stone taking root.

Another problem that causes kidney stones is overly acidic urine. Hence of if this is true in your case, you may be counseled to eliminate or cut back on your meat, poultry and fish consumption. These foods have a tendency to increase the acid levels in urine. There are some studies that show a vegetarian diet can act as a kidney stone cure.

Not all of these suggestions may be for you; however some of them may be quite helpful in your quest for a kidney stone cure.

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A Beginners Guide On Breast Cancer Cure

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
by Don Pedro

It is fair if one suggests that breast cancer is age related. Although there is no strong proof for this, mostly, it has been noticed that breast cancer is most common in elderly women and is rarely diagnosed in ladies under the age of 25. This is not to say breast cancer is not possible in the young, it is just not common.

Do you know that those birth control pills you pop can cause you breast cancer? Birth control pills increase the estrogen level in a woman’s body. Increased estrogen has been linked with the development of breast cancer as tested patients show high estrogen content. Using other modes of contraceptives like condoms will lower the risk of increasing your risk level with respect to breast cancer.

It’s important to learn all you can learn about breasts cancer. Don’t just say it can’t happen to you. Whether it can happen to you or not, you should arm yourself with the knowledge of it and how to prevent it. Also, you will learn how to effectively examine your breasts for any sign of cancer. If discovered early, every woman stands the chance of surviving breasts cancer.

There are high possibilities for breast cancer to spread around to other part of the body before it is detected. This makes the breast cancer difficult to treat and increases the chances of reoccurrence. This is why regular self examination and occasional clinical examination is suggested, to reveal breast cancer timely while the damage is minimal.

One could argue that women are the most frightened by the notion of breast cancer. Not only is it life threatening, but even scary. I understand, but instead of focusing on fear and negativism, I think the world should focus on solutions and prevention. If more people do this, diseases such as breast cancer would be a thing of the past. I am that confident!

Breast cancer survival rate depends on the degree of the cancer’s metastasis. If the breast cancer is not timely diagnosed it can cause a spread to other parts of the body and organs. Constantly check your breast for cancer lumps and avoid the spreading of the tumor if it is there.

Statistic shows that breast cancer reoccurrence is about 10% in treated patient. This deadly disease should not be allowed to reoccur. After a successful treatment of breast cancer, you should maintain a regular monthly appointment with your doctor to prevent the disease reoccurring.

Do you know that some hospital refer breast cancer patients to a self hypnotic professional before the treatment is started? This is a form of reaching out to the sub-consciousness of the patient to help stimulate the self healing process of the patient’s body. The self healing process combined with medical treatments is believed to yield a better result.

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Signs Of Breast Cancer And What You Must Do

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
by Don Pedro

Although a lot of symptoms have been given for breast cancer, it is noted that breast cancer can come with a different sign and symptoms in some people. So the best way of detecting breast cancer is by knowing your breast and being aware of the slightest changes that occur, be it in size, shape or feel.

The constant research work on breast cancer has shown a strong link between high fatty foods and breast cancer. Countries with staple food based diets like Japan of the 1950s have recorded minimal occurrence of breast cancer. With this, I’m sure you will want to watch out for the fat content of your food.

It doesn’t matter whether breast cancer has affected your mother and grandmother and they both died from it, you don’t have to die from it too. You see, modern science has advanced so strongly that the diseases that used to kill people in the past no longer kill. If your breast cancer is discovered very early on, you can be sure you won’t die. So, always ensure you examine your breasts for any signs of tumor. That can save your life.

Excessive consumption of fat and alcohol can enhance the development of breast cancer. You should watch your food and drinks even though it has not been proven that these two culprits cause cancer, we know it contributes to it.

Cancer can hit you in any part of the body. Breast cancer is simply the type that strikes you in the chest. Some folks think that only women get this, but that is not true; men contract it also. What people should focus on is how to put an end to the disease, starting with detecting it in good time - before it spreads all over the body and causes much more damage

The decline in the death rate of cancer infected individuals can be credited to research and early detection alongside breast cancer awareness. Information concerning breast cancer keeps coming up regularly and it is logical for breast cancer conscious people to pay attention to this information. Knowledge they say is power; you will be able to better protect yourself from breast cancer if you are well furnished with information concerning it.

Statistic shows that breast cancer reoccurrence is about 10% in treated patient. This deadly disease should not be allowed to reoccur. After a successful treatment of breast cancer, you should maintain a regular monthly appointment with your doctor to prevent the disease reoccurring.

Breast cancer is usually characterized with changes in the size of the breast. However a drastic change in your breast size does not necessarily confirm the presence of cancer cells. If you notice differences in your breast size, it is advised that you seek medical attention to determine the cause.

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Will Cancer Come Back After Chemo?

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

For people who have already suffered through cancer, it can be devastating to learn that their cancer has returned. After going through all kinds of cancer treatments including the often-upsetting chemotherapy to have a doctor tell you that your cancer has come back is like a slap in the face. So if there is some way to get some kind of guarantee that the cancer won’t return any way at all cancer sufferers would likely quickly grab it.

Well, there are no guarantees in life we all know that. There is no way to guarantee that your cancer will stay away after you have gone through chemotherapy or any other forms of treatment. Actually, cancer is in all of us just ready to break out. Thankfully we have an immune system. There is, however, a way that you can try to prevent the cancer from returning a way that you can proactively work to keep the cancer out of your body. You can follow a B17 treatment program.

Taking vitamin B17 along with eating apricot seeds can boost your immune system. Getting started with a B17 treatment program can keep your body from becoming deficient in B17 and, vitamin B17 deficiency has been proven to be the cause of cancer. Haven’t heard that before? It’s true. Being deficient in vitamin B17 is what causes cancer to be able to run rampant in your body, much like the way that a deficiency in vitamin C can cause the disease called scurvy. It hasn’t been well-publicized because the drug companies cannot make money off of cancer prevention, they can only make money off of cancer treatments and cancer drugs.

In any case, keeping your body sufficient in vitamin B17 will help to keep the cancer at bay. How? This vitamin has a special substance called amygdalin in it. Amygdalin contains cyanide but, the cyanide is locked away tight. Only cancer cells have the key to the cyanide. When the amygdalin comes into contact with a cancer cell, the cyanide is unlocked and it destroys the cancer cell. (A neutralizing enzyme is also released to protect the healthy nearby cells from the cyanide.) So, starting a B17 treatment program will mean that your recent chemotherapy was your last, the cancer will not return.

Yes, that’s right vitamin B-17 is a natural product, as its source is just a regular, everyday, common fruit. Apricot seeds are what make up vitamin B-17, that’s it. This vitamin is a purified form of the substance that is found inside apricot seeds. This substance is called amygdalin, and it is what is used to create vitamin B-17.

That makes taking vitamin B-17 to prevent cancer completely natural. When you take these vitamin tablets available in either 100mg or 500mg strength pills, which can be split to smaller sizes you can be confident in knowing that you are taking a natural product. Apricot Seeds? Really?

It may seem rather strange, but this is, indeed, where vitamin B17 comes from. There’s good reasoning behind this, too it wasn’t done arbitrarily by some vitamin manufacturer. Apricot seeds contain amygdalin. Amygdalin has cyanide locked away, ready to battle cancer and this cyanide can only be unlocked by a cancer cell because only those cells have the special unlocking enzyme. Once unlocked, the cyanide kills the cancer cell.

Nearby cells aren’t harmed because a neutralizing agent is released with the cyanide to protect those cells.
Once this was discovered, a biochemist studied the substance and learned how to purify it. Then, in 1952, amygdalin was given its vitamin status based (at least partly) upon recommendation from the co-founder of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Today, the NCI doesn’t readily acknowledge the benefits of vitamin B17, though. Perhaps one day the will and lets hope it’s sooner than later.

Joni Bell has more on this subject. Please visit More Info and ask a question.

Prostate Examination And What To Expect

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Before beginning basic outline, let me first say that this information is presented from a traditional, conventional approach to the treatment of prostate cancer, not alternative which is what I advocate. These are processes which one can expect if receiving conventional treatment.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. It may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, erectile dysfunction and other symptoms and is most often discovered by PSA (prostate specific antigen) screening and less commonly by physical examination or by symptoms.

Prostate cancer is uncommon in men less than 45, but becomes more common with advancing age and the risk can be decreased by modifying known risk factors, such as decreasing intake of animal fat. It is the ninth most common cancer in the world, but is the number one non-skin cancer in United States men.

Treatment options vary depending on the man’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy including brachytherapy (prostate brachytherapy) and external beam radiation, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), chemotherapy, cryosurgery, hormonal therapy, or some combination. Treatments directed at shrinking the cancer often can produce significant pain relief.

Treatments are generally given five days a week for about eight weeks. Options vary based on the stage of the tumor. Screening for prostate cancer is controversial because it is not clear if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of follow-up diagnostic tests and cancer treatments.

PSA is an enzyme measured in the blood that can rise naturally as men age or if prostate abnormalities are present. PSA levels can change for many reasons other than cancer. There is some current concern about the accuracy of the PSA test and its usefulness. An estimated 20 million PSA tests are done per year in North America and possibly 20 million more outside of North America. Two common causes of high PSA levels are enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)) and infection in the prostate (prostatitis).

Scientists recommend a healthy, well balanced diet rich in fiber, and to reduce intake of meat. As people take a more active role in their health care, many are exploring options of care that fall outside the realm of traditional medicine. There is no doubt that what we put into our bodies relates to the health of our cells. It is not clear if prostate cancer can be prevented but a healthful diet rich in vegetables and fruits and low in animal fats may help. This is one of the most important organs of the male anatomy and often gets overlooked around healthy lifestyle issues because it takes a long time for prostate symptoms to appear.

But the good news is that survival rates have improved a great deal. In the past 20 years, 5-year survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer combined have increased from 67% to 99%. If prostate cancer is detected and treated early, the survival rate is high. Like all cancers, the earlier it is found and treated, the greater is the chance of cure and survival.

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms, especially in its beginning stages and finding out your have it may cause you to wonder, as there may be no traces of it in your family history and treatment should be highly individualized.

All prostate cancer patients should use alternative cancer therapies. In general, they should be used prior to beginning conventional treatment. When the prostate cancer patient is receiving conventional treatment, he should also incorporate alternative therapies in order to reduce the side effects of conventional treatment, improve the results, and possibly allow the patient to be able to discontinue the conventional treatments.

Joni Bell provides information from personal experiences and research into cancer related issues for the last ten years. He is considered an expert in the area of alternate cancer treatments. TreatCancer

Practical Hints On Breast Cancer

Monday, October 27th, 2008
by Don Pedro

Noticing changes in your breast contour? It could be nothing and at the same time it could be breast cancer, God forbid! But the only way to say is prompt medical check, if the doctor thinks it is cancer then early treatments will do you some good.

Do you know that those birth control pills you pop can cause you breast cancer? Birth control pills increase the estrogen level in a woman’s body. Increased estrogen has been linked with the development of breast cancer as tested patients show high estrogen content. Using other modes of contraceptives like condoms will lower the risk of increasing your risk level with respect to breast cancer.

Both men and women can contract a breast cancer. Sometimes the lump can be removed without a lot of invasion or damage, but other times you might have to undergo extensive surgery to save your life. There just is no discrimination with the condition. So, both men and women should be vigilant in looking out for breast cancer. The sooner it’s discovered, the better chances one has of surviving it.

It is often possible for breast cancer tumors to be present in regions that are within the nipple tract. This will make the bloody discharging from the nipples less likely. So if you feel lumps on your breast without discharges from your nipples it can still be breast cancer.

Targeted therapy is a way of treating breast cancer. This type of treatment involves the use of monoclonal antibodies to battle an excessive abundance of HER2 protein in cancerous cells thereby reducing the growth of the cancerous cells in the process. If used with chemotherapy, this reduces the chance of cancer cells relapsing.

The decline in the death rate of cancer infected individuals can be credited to research and early detection alongside breast cancer awareness. Information concerning breast cancer keeps coming up regularly and it is logical for breast cancer conscious people to pay attention to this information. Knowledge they say is power; you will be able to better protect yourself from breast cancer if you are well furnished with information concerning it.

A lot of success have been recorded in the treatment of breast cancer. But the attitude of the patient will also contribute to the success of the treatment. The patient has to be strong and show willingness to recover from this deadly disease. The body has a strong healing power that can play important role in healing when the patient also fights the present disease.

A lot of success have been recorded in the treatment of breast cancer. But the attitude of the patient will also contribute to the success of the treatment. The patient has to be strong and show willingness to recover from this deadly disease. The body has a strong healing power that can play important role in healing when the patient also fights the present disease.

Sexual activities and hormonal level can determine the development of breast cancer. People with low sexual hormone secretion due to none or little engagement in sexual activities, are said to be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This place Nuns on a high risk of breast cancer doesn’t it?

Breast cancer is believed to be related to level and production of some hormones in the body. If this is true, then receiving hormone therapy can cause a hormonal imbalance that can cause breast cancer. However hormone therapy can be necessary for the treatment of other ailments such as depression, in such cases, you should ensure that you receive this therapy from a professional and not just any medical practitioner.

Preventive measures against breast cancer are not yet fully defined as the actual cause of the disease is still unclear. But you will be able to lower your breast cancer risk by avoiding food with high fat content and reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed. Also, you should do all you can to constantly be on the lookout against breast cancer by examining your breasts all the time for signs of tumors.

Preventive measures against breast cancer are not yet fully defined as the actual cause of the disease is still unclear. But you will be able to lower your breast cancer risk by avoiding food with high fat content and reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed. Also, you should do all you can to constantly be on the lookout against breast cancer by examining your breasts all the time for signs of tumors.

Plant estrogens like soy are known not to increase the estrogen content of the body and also good in the alternative treatment of breast cancer. You can reduce your dairy product consumption and then replace it with soy.

Plant estrogens like soy are known not to increase the estrogen content of the body and also good in the alternative treatment of breast cancer. You can reduce your dairy product consumption and then replace it with soy.

Meat and dairy products are known to increase estrogen content of the human system. Estrogen is a known risk increasing factor of breast cancer. You cannot be asked to stay away from these food materials as they are good sources of protein which is essential for the body, but limiting the consumption of these products may help you prevent breast cancer.

The general state of your body is a factor in the determination of the risk you face regarding breast cancer. Maintaining a state of good health will help lower the risk you stand of developing breast cancer. You should involve in activities like exercise, yoga, walking or Tai-Chi to help keep your health in good shape.

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Cancer Answer Has Been Known For Years

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008

If you are just learning about cancer prevention, you are probably both amazed and confused by a great many things. It is probably shocking for you to find out that the FDA is not standing behind vitamin B17, which could be one of the greatest discoveries about cancer prevention in your lifetime. It probably amazes you that the little tiny apricot seeds can do so much to help people avoid cancer. Not the least, it probably confuses you just a little. After all, there are dozens of different websites about cancer prevention with apricot seeds and vitamin B17 tablets.

Do any type of research on vitamin B17, laetrile, amygdalin, apricot seeds, or cancer prevention and you are sure to come across the name Dr. Ernst Krebs, Jr. at least several times. Many sources mention him in passing, just briefly noting his name; others just vaguely refer to him as the scientist who discovered laetrile, perhaps. In any case, most research sources do not go into a great deal of detail they leave the reader wondering who this Ernst Krebs guy is and why every site keeps mentioning him.

Ernst Krebs came to realize that cancer was a result of a deficiency in vitamin B17. His theory was supported by the fact that many, many years ago before cancer was a problem for humans we used to eat diets that were rich in vitamin B17. Humans used to eat bread made with millet. People routinely ate the seeds of fruits. As humans began adopting a different type of diet one that was lacking in vitamin B17 when cancer became an issue.

As further proof of this, Ernst Krebs points toward the Hunza tribe of people. These people still eat a diet much like that of the diet people used to eat very long ago. The Hunza tribe has never had a case of cancer among all of their people unless, that is, any of their people left the tribe to live in the Western world.

The best way to look at is it to consider the two different forms. The apricot seeds are, indeed, the best form of cancer prevention. Experts say that it is always better to get nutrients from the raw source whenever possible this is true for all vitamins, not just for vitamin B17. For example, eating a serving of grapefruit is a much better way to get some vitamin C than taking a vitamin C tablet simply because the human body is better capable of metabolizing the vitamin from the food. So, you should definitely eat apricot seeds, about 7 to 10 per day.

Vitamin B17 tablets should be looked at as a supplement. Since you can never be certain that you are getting enough amygdalin from the apricot seeds (because they vary in size, weight, and composition), you should ingest some amygdalin in a supplement form as well so that you always get enough of the substance in your body.

Cancer prevention does not have to be a hard task. It is a lifelong plan including smart choices in our day to day lives. Preventing cancer is important to having a long and healthy life, and it is something not to take lightly. Prevention and early detection begins with knowing your cancer risk; then, doing something about it. A cancer prevention plan is a life- long commitment to a long- life of healthy living and it’s never too late to start. It is easier than you may think.

Joni Bell has more information on this subject at Cancer Free

Do You Have Skin Cancer? How Do You Know? Read the Article and Find Out How!!

Sunday, October 19th, 2008
by Dane Masters

The other day, I was taken by the hair coloring of a clerk at the local store. I commented on how beautiful it was, with the dark base and the natural-looking streaks, as if the sun had touched her alone; and we began a conversation of how when we were younger we would not have to use any hair dyes: we just sprayed SunIn on our hair and laid out in the sun for an hour or two. This of course led us to discussing the near impossibility of doing that now, as we have blasted the ozone layer(s) so hard we have created a direct line between us and the harsher (more deadly) rays of the sun (and no, SunIn is a pump spray, not an aerosol, so we didn’t have to go there with culpability and irony and all).

You have however not come to this page to know more about sun free hair coloring methods, what you want to know more about is the many types of skin cancers. There is evidence that chemicals as well as the damaging rays of the sun are possible causes of skin cancer, but since we are not doctors or experts, what you would find here is some basic knowledge about skin cancer.

There are three types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma (a.k.a. non-melanoma skin cancer); Squamous Cell Carcinoma; and Melanoma.

Melanoma- It is also referred to as Cutaneous Melanoma and Malignant Melanoma. The cancer cells that lead to the disease are formed in the melanocytes. These melanocytes cause skin pigmentation. According to the reports published by the University of Maryland Medicine, melanoma is the rarest from of skin cancer and also the most malignant. It is mostly found in people who have a light complexion, light eyes and light hair. This however does not chalk out the possibility of the disease attacking people with other complexions as well. Individuals with black or brown complexion are just as susceptible to it. The symptoms that are the result of the disease are a mole that changes shape, color, size, or state (if it starts bleeding or oozing), or as per the study of UMM, it may be that the mole feels swollen, hard, and itchy,.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Also called non-melanoma skin cancer, Squamous Cell Carcinoma usually begins as a red-looking, scaly patch or patches of skin, or can appear as nodules. Of the three types of skin cancer, Squamous, affecting Caucasians, usually fair-complected, is the second most common and shows up, typically, on the ears (ear-rims), face, lips, and mouth.

Basal Cell Carcinoma - The second of the types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Cancer, typically starts as a “small, fleshy bump or nodule,” most commonly found on the head, neck, and/or hands. Of the three types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is typically found in Caucasians, say those at UMM, make up “more than 90 percent in the U.S..

My mother had Basal Cell Carcinoma on her lip, and while we thought it to be Herpes, she knew it was “sun blister” and immediately went to the doctor to know about it. This is good news if you are one of those that talks about the loss of the days of being in the sun, of sunbathing, swimming and frolicking outdoors in the warm sunshine.

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Colon Cleanser Products: Your Colon’s Best Friend

Thursday, October 16th, 2008
by Steven Tsang

The human colon can get accumulated with toxins, and this makes any person very prone to being deficient in the important vitamins and minerals, as well as lead to many chronic diseases and many more health issues. Taking good care of our colorectal health is very important for our digestive system to continue functioning well. One of the best ways of cleaning our system is through detoxification. Through detoxification, our body gets cleansed of foreign substances and many harmful toxins. One popular method of detoxification includes undergoing a colon cleanse diet program. Using colon cleaner supplements or related products can also help. Colon cleansers are specially engineered to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and substances that have accumulated over time in the colon.

Maintaining our overall health will always include having regular bowel movements. The moment we deny our bodies from getting rid of the waste matter inside it when it needs to, we start to slowly lead ourselves to trouble. Not much has changed with how our body is made up or how it functions since we first got here on Earth, but so much has already changed with our diet that our body has a hard time dealing with it.

In this time where everything is so technologically advanced, we live basically in a fast-paced environment and lifestyle. We see and hear the word “instant” in almost everything: TV, internet, groceries, and many other business and food establishments. Our tables and groceries will nowadays usually include a good number of processed and chemically altered meals and food products. And there is also a good chance that we find ourselves dinning at fast food restaurants every now and then.

It is no surprise that our lives are at an “instant” too, because of all the assaults we are doing with body through these harmful food products, which is also a good reason why cancers are very common nowadays, especially colon cancer.

Colon cancer is acquired though toxin build up and other deadly substances in the colon. In order to properly relieve our bodies of all these toxic burdens and blockages, we must get our colon cleansed, and our bowels are a good place to start. Improving our bowel quality will better help in cleaning our colon of all these toxins.

Constipation is one of the more known digestion problems, both with children and adults alike. It occurs when waste matter in our digestive tract is not immediately eliminated, causing them to get dry and hard because the colon has absorbed much of the water in the bowel. This bowel, when left in the digestive tract for longer periods of time becomes toxic to the body, in which aids in the development of serious diseases and illnesses.

In order get started with a colon cleanse diet, one must first consider staying away from as much processed and unnatural foods as you can. After which we then start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables in our diet, which will help in gradually cleansing our system from the inside. This can also help us absorb more of the vitamins and minerals our body needs, which aids in rejuvenating our body and restoring our health to its peak condition.

A colon cleanse therapy’s goal is to have a clean bowel. Bowel cleansing usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how much cleansing a person needs. Getting our colon clean can involve a wide variety of methods and may include the use of different colon cleanser supplements and a change in lifestyle, particularly our eating and bowel movement habits.

Natural methods of cleaning the colon still remain the best and most reliable. Getting into a colon cleanse diet that involves eating fruits, vegetables, food rich in fiber, naturally made fruit juices and staying away from so much processed and chemically enhanced foods. Limit your visits to fast food restaurants if you cannot completely avoid them so that you can also avoid the toxic filled diet that they can get into your system. Using colon cleanser products is also good, especially that there are a lot of quality and reliable ones in the market. Just make sure you do some research and feel free to seek expert advice for better results of your colon cleansing activities.

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Colon Cancer Alternative Treatment: 4 Steps

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
by Cindy Soto

What you will read here is not only a colon cancer alternative treatment. It applies to any cancer because it addresses the root causes of the condition.

But before discussing treatment, consider what contributes to or even causes cancer.

Although a nod is often given to lifestyle choices, the general thinking is to blame a person’s genes or DNA. If this is the case, there isn’t much room for prevention.

Perhaps it keeps things simple to blame the factors we can’t control instead of looking at what we’re doing.

Nowadays there is general agreement that smoking causes cancer. That wasn’t always the case.

Today, to suggest that what you eat causes cancer is not generally accepted. This in spite of the the incredible studies done by Dr. Campbell and clearly demonstrated in his book, The China Study.

At this point, you may be thinking you wanted to discover a colon cancer alternative treatment, not read about what caused it.

This is why:

When we take responsibility and realize that our choices are creating the results in our lives, we can make new choices that may be the cure we seek.

It starts with a fundamental belief that the amazing body you possess is self-healing and just needs the proper tools and a little help. You can reverse the effects of years of poor dietary choices.

These ideas are not new or original to me. For 50 years people have been going to the Hippocrates Institute in Florida and healing themselves of cancer and many other conditions.

Sometimes you read these stories and it is natural to feel skeptical. But for me it’s easy as I actually know several stage 4 cancer survivors who are living life to the full right now.

4 basic steps toward healing:

1 — First, you need to halt the incoming “food” causing the body problems: all food that is processed, and meat and dairy. You realize that’s most of the isles even in a “health store”.

2 — Give the body what it really needs to rebuild the cells. It needs vitamins and minerals which are found in growing sprouts. More importantly, these contain a high electromagnetic field.

The electric current in your body or life force is high in some foods. What other ones? Blue green algae and sea vegetables.

3 — Your spirit and mind must also be fully engaged. When you permanently alter your consciousness and accept new ideas, you take a big step. You must also decide that you will not allow anything to keep you from creating the healing you desire.

4 — If you’re not doing regular exercise, know that you need to move. Both aerobic and resistance training are essential to a healthy body. You don’t have to strain, walking is a great start.

When you put these together, your body will know what to do to cleanse itself, repair the cellular damage and build new cells.

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Simple Steps for Colon Cancer Prevention

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum. It is one of the most prominent cancers in the UK and is responsible for over 16,000 deaths each year. In this article I will be outlining the signs, the symptoms, the treatments and the things you can do for effective bowel cancer prevention.

Most cancers of the colon develop from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. The majority of these polyps are harmless but some become become cancerous. If left untreated the cancer in these polyps spreads to the colon and in the worst cases other areas of the body too.

Unfortunately it is not known what causes these polyps to become cancerous but there are a number of associated colon cancer risks. Age is a major risk factor with over three quarters of bowel cancers occurring in people who are over 60 years old. Diet is another significant bowel cancer risk factor with excessive consumption of red meats and alcohol and a low fibre intake all linked to the development of this cancer. Other factors that increase your risk of contracting this cancer include a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, a lack of exercise and smoking.

If cancer does develop it is often accompanied by a number of symptoms. These colon cancer symptoms are often quite mild in the beginning but get worse as the cancer grows. Some of the symptoms are directly associated with the growth of the cancer and include abdominal pain, bloody stools, changing bowel movements and rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding in particular is one of the most common symptoms so if you notice any bleeding from this area you should consult your doctor immediately. Other less obvious symptoms include unexplained tiredness and weight loss.

If you suspect that you have bowel cancer based on the above symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform the necessary tests. The first test is usually a rectal exam where your doctor will feel for any lumps or swollen polyps using a gloved finger. Your doctor may then recommend a colonoscopy, which involves the passing of a small fibre optic camera into your anus, so that they can visual examine your colon.

If any of the tests reveal that you have bowel cancer your doctor will start you on a treatment program. The treatment offered will be dependent upon whether the cancer is in the early stages or has become more advanced. Early stage colon cancer is much more treatable than a cancer that has become advanced.

Surgery is the most common treatment for bowel cancer with the procedure attempting to extract the cancerous cells from the colon and then stitch it back together. Chemotherapy (the use of anti-cancer medications) and radiotherapy (the use of high energy radiation beams) are sometimes used as colon cancer treatments but are more commonly used to help shrink the cancerous cells prior to surgery and then to reduce the risk of the cancer returning after surgery.

Although this cancer can be treated, prevention is a much more attractive and uncomplicated option, plus it is not that difficult It simply involves making a few positive lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly is believed to reduce your risk by as much as 40%. Reducing your red meat and alcohol intake whilst eating more fruits, vegetables and other fibre rich foods can also help prevent colon cancer. Giving up smoking is another important lifestyle change for the prevention of both bowel cancer and other cancers too.

I hope this article has helped you learn about the symptoms and risk factors for bowel cancer BUT most importantly I hope it inspires you to actively participate in cancer prevention by improving your lifestyle. Try and eat a balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, try and do some physical activity every day and if you smoke start working towards giving up. Whilst we still do not know exactly what causes this disease, these lifestyle changes can go a long way towards preventing it.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. For more detailed information on colon cancer prevention please visit Tom’s Free Fitness Tips blog

Add Green Tea for Health!

Monday, October 13th, 2008
by Christian Goodman

We should be thankful to the ancient Chinese for bringing to our attention the wonders that can be found in a simple but enjoyable cup of green tea.

Many many years ago in ancient China, green tea was known to cure headaches and depression. Nowadays, the benefits of green tea is making it popular and has increased the number of people regularly drinking this soothing drink.

There are three unique types of tea, although tea is available in many forms and varieties.

Whether black, green, or red, all tea starts from the harvesting of a warm weather evergreen known as Camellia Sinensis. Once the leaves are processed, this is where the differences in the end product happen.

The more processed the leaves are, the darker the tea becomes, which means that green tea has had the least processing.

Green tea is usually processed by quickly steaming the leaves, while black and red teas are dried, crushed and fermented, making them appear stronger and more potent.

Don’t be fooled by this obvious feature, as many believe that the closer it is to its natural state, the more valuable the medicinal and healing properties.

Tea is known to have polyphenols, an antioxidant which helps protect our bodies from free radical damage.

ORAC score is used to measure antioxidant amounts, and tea scores higher than many fruits and vegetables. Because of this, you should seriously consider including tea in your daily diet.

In addition to preventing unwanted blood clotting, it has been shown that polyphenols may lower cholesterol levels. Drinking four to six cups a day may also decrease the risk of gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. A simple internet search will give you a long list of ailments, aches, and pains that can be cured through the daily intake of this non-prescription drink.

Some of the more popular ailments that can be cured are cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and impaired immune functions.

The benefits of drinking green tea also extends to the treatment of digestive disorders, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s while raising metabolism and increasing fat oxidation. It has also been found to help prevent tooth decay by killing the bacteria which causes dental plaque.

Whatever your purpose for drinking green tea, it is obvious that everyone can get some benefit from daily intake.

You should be aware however, that not all of the more marketable “herbal teas” are tea at all because many have already been mixed with herbs and spices and other plant parts for flavoring.

They do not contain the health promoting qualities of Camellia Sinensis. Be careful when buying these products. Check the ingredients to make sure you are buying the product that you expect.

About the Author:

9 Ways to Plan Women’s Retreat So the Chronically Ill Can Attend

Sunday, October 12th, 2008
by Lisa Copen

We often assume that the chronically ill are in the minority, however, you may be surprised to know that nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA have a chronic illness and about 96% of it is invisible. Are these women attending church retreats? Too many of them are suffering silently. They are depressed, isolated, and sometimes questioning if God really cares. Others, you will find, are some of the wisest, joyful, and spiritually mature women you will ever meet. They will touch your retreat attendees in ways that even the planned speaker will not. But are any of them coming?

Rest Ministries is the largest Christian organization that serves the chronically ill, and they recently surveyed 20 people about the specifics of attending a retreat while living with illness. Out of the twenty respondents, seventeen attend retreats less since their diagnosis. When asked why, they shared the following:

Three reported, “Accessibility issues (I know I can’t easily get to and from different buildings at the retreat)”; 6 people said, “The pain factor. It’s just too draining”; 4 responded, “The unpredictable health issues”; and 10 explained that it was, “A combination of the above.”

So, how can you reach out to these women and get them involved in your church retreat?

1. When weighing different retreat locations, consider the limitations of people with chronic illness when asking the retreat centers questions. Promote that you have this information before people register.

How steep are the hills? Are ride-in carts available? How far are the rooms from the main meeting center? Is electricity in the rooms? Are there only bunk beds? Can someone have a private room? Are there chairs besides the metal folding chairs? Elevators? One woman shares, “I stopped going a year or so ago because the retreat planner does not tell you what is expected, or about walking, stairs, etc. They need to be more honest.” Those who attend retreats look for locations that are held at retreat center without a lot of walking, and preferably flat ground. Hotels or a large home are nice too. While you may think fifty yards is a “short distance,” fifty steps may be one’s limit. Provide actual distances on your flyer, not just “rooms are a short walking distance.”

2. Understand that women desire to go on retreats and socialize with others, but they must feel that the retreat planner understands that they will be on their own schedule

Margaret, who lives with a malignant brain tumor and uterine cancer says, “I don’t attend because people don’t want to understand or accept that sometimes I have to retreat from the ‘retreat.’ Sometimes I have to go back to my room and get some rest. Other people decide that I’m escaping from my problems, and demand that I participate in whatever event was planned. I’m not trying to be anti-social. I will participate when God enables me to do so; but at the same time, when God tells me to rest, I must rest despite what the [retreat] ‘timetable’ states.” As a retreat planner you can help this by posting the retreat’s schedule at least a week before the event on the church’s web site.

3. When planning events such as ice breakers or fun games, remember to have something for those with physical limitations to participate in if they wish

If they don’t want to participate in the relay race of dressing in costumes, let them do their own thing. Debbie, who lives with chronic fatigue syndrome says, “Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find a retreat planner who understands that I do not participate–not because I’m being uncooperative, shy or anti-social–but because I simply cannot physically do so; the result is that I don’t attend church retreats.”

4. Don’t gasp at all they pack

All women have necessities they pack to make their weekend more comfortable. For the chronically ill these typically include: their own bedding, chair cushions, pillows, snacks, pain patches, eye shades to sleep, or a flashlight and book to read in case she is awake all night. They may bring bottled water, the biggest collection of medication you’ve ever seen (don’t comment), and perhaps even a service dog (which she should ask you about before the event.)

5. Remember that she knows her body better than you do, and she is trying to plan for the best experience

She realizes that riding a bus to the retreat center may throw her back out the whole weekend, so if she can go in a car with a staff member that modification is very beneficial. If she wears ear plugs or listens to music, don’t take it personally. She may need to save her strength to socialize that evening. If she is diabetic, she may be eating small meals or snacks throughout the day. Don’t comment, “Oh, we’re going to be eating in thirty minutes, so why don’t you just wait.”

6. Take her requests in stride without thinking she is being a prima donna

She may be insisting that she have the bottom bunk bed and then pull out her own mattress, but it’s not because she is the Princess and the Pea. She may have some needs that are medical requirements. For example, electricity in her room is necessary if she uses something like a CCAP machine for sleep apnea. (Out of 20 women surveyed, 2 used this). Her medications may also need to be refrigerated and an ice pack won’t do the job, so she may need access to the retreat center kitchen or a staff member. Sheryl, who lives with chronic myofascial pain says, “Make sure there are always chairs available for those who can’t stand more than a couple of minutes.” You may not see a cane or walker, but her feet, knees or balance may not be able to take more than a couple of minutes standing.

7. Realize that she may not want others to know about her illness

Marjorie says, “When an explanation is given in confidence, don’t react so that everyone present knows that I have a problem,” and Anjuli, who has congenital myopathy (a form of Muscular Dystrophy) agrees. “Don’t single me out!”

8. Have scholarships available

Chronic illness is very expensive and most of these women are on an extremely limited budget. Rarely will they ask for financial help to attend a church retreat, however, because they assume someone must need it more than them. Quietly let them know scholarships are available.

9. Put someone in charge of overseeing the needs of the chronically ill

The best person to choose may be your “healthiest” volunteer who has a chronic illness yourself, or a cancer survivor. This person would communicate with those who are attending and do the best they can to meet their needs and concerns. The women who responded to the Rest Ministries’ survey still attend church retreats and typically approach the planner of the retreat before the event and discussed their health issues. But dozens of others who would like to attend simply assume that the church is unable to accommodate their needs, and they never ask if they might attend. Try to reach out to the women who assume they are unable to go. One way may be by putting a special line on your promotional flyer that says, “Do you live with chronic illness? Ask us about our special accommodations! We would love to see you there!”

Those who live with chronic illness are one of the most valuable gifts in our church that we often overlook. September 8-14, 2008 is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, sponsored by Rest Ministries, and it’s the perfect time to take a second look at your ministry’s priorities and who is missing out on being served. Don’t forget that the joy in the Lord many ill people have is also contagious and your church is missing out on their influence. Get them involved today. In time, one of them may be your next retreat speaker.

About the Author:

Benefits of Alternative Health Treatments

Sunday, October 12th, 2008
by Anne Woodland

There is a trend today to embrace alternate healing therapies instead of conventional ones. Mainstream medical treatment and alternative or complimentary therapy has become part of integrated treatment and today there is some very high quality scientific verification in safety and efficacy aspects. The alternative therapies are known to provide certain types of services that aren’t available within conventional medicine. There could be a whole lot of alternative therapies that you have access to like faith healing, traditional folk medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy and the like. All of these therapies are being used instead of the conventional means of medical treatment in relationship to a belief that they are going to be able to have a curative effect on the disease.

Alternative health therapies can help you feel better and improve your quality of life and improve your general health to give you a sense of control. Reducing and eliminating tension, stress, anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, causes the person to feel a sense of well-being and relaxation. The intensity of some of the side effects of traditional cancer treatment can be made more bearable, other symptoms like breathlessness, diarrhea, lack of appetite, constipation, pain and feeling sick that are greatly reduced.

When it comes to reducing pain, alternative health therapies can be extremely effective, however sometimes this can hid an underlying condition that is more serious and they are normally used right along, in conjunction with the conventional method. These therapies are offered free of cost or for a minimal charge by some cancer support groups. They are also a part of cancer treatment provided by hospitals and hospices. The therapies are used by many cancer patients to help them through the illness and its treatment. However, alternative health therapies shouldn’t be viewed as an alternative to be used instead of orthodox medicine, but it should be used as an extremely valuable support which recognized the spiritual and emotional aspects and physical aspects.

Annually it has been seen that Americans spend about billion on health products for alternative therapy like herbs and vitamins. Recent research in the year 2005 have revealed that on an average seventy two million Americans have switched over to alternative therapies. According to another study in 2005, it is observed that more than billion has been spent on therapies annually.

It is very essential to find out which alternative treatment is required by your particular type of problem, how comfortable are you with it and how effective will it be. Individual therapies have been proven to improve the quality of life for many people with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), these can include: acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage, meditation, reiki and reflexology. It is always a good idea to consult your physician before considering any of the alternative therapies available, and it is important to double check that any additional treatment undertaken will not adversely affect any current treatment program you are on.

When integrating alternative therapies with conventional treatment and therapies, it is extremely important to be honest and open with the treating health care team and physician. Find out from your physician if any of these alternative therapies are available at his clinic or hospital. You could even find out from your physician if he is qualified to practice any of these therapies. Maybe they will be able to recommend some precise practitioners or therapies as more doctors are convinced that in today’s society, complementary medicine has a place. These types of therapies help some people in fighting with the side effects of conventional treatment like anxiety and gives them hope and control over life.

About the Author:

Alternative Health Practices Growing Popularity

Saturday, October 11th, 2008
by Anne Woodland

There is a trend today to embrace alternate healing therapies instead of conventional ones. Mainstream medical treatment and alternative or complimentary therapy has become part of integrated treatment and today there is some very high quality scientific verification in safety and efficacy aspects. The alternative therapies are known to provide certain types of services that aren’t available within conventional medicine. There could be a whole lot of alternative therapies that you have access to like faith healing, traditional folk medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy and the like. All of these therapies are being used instead of the conventional means of medical treatment in relationship to a belief that they are going to be able to have a curative effect on the disease.

Quality of life and general health improves with alternative health therapies. Reducing stress, tension, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and making you feel more relaxed. They can even help to reduce the symptoms of cancer, such as pain, feeling sick, breathlessness, constipation, diarrhea, tiredness and poor appetite as well as help to moderate some of the side effects of traditional cancer treatment.

They alleviate pain which could conceal a grave situation and this is a possibility as today they are frequently used with traditional medicine. For example, there are some support groups for cancer, that offer all of these therapies for free or for a small fee and there are some hospices and hospitals that provide these as a special part of the care for cancer, right alongside of the conventional treatments for cancer like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Several of the people that now have cancer are known to use all of these therapies in order to help support them throughout the stages of cancer and the treatment itself. These therapies are very valuable in that they identify and support spiritual and emotional characteristics and physical features, but they should not be used as the only alternative line of treatment.

There is an increase in the use of alternative health products, Americans use a lot of herbs and vitamins and spend about billion every year on alternative health products. The recent studies that were conducted by Phillips, Tindle, Eisenberg and Davis, reflected that there was roughly seventy two million adults within the United States that use alternative and complementary therapies. Also indicated from these studies is a figure of more than billion per year spent on out-of-pocket for these therapies according to Herman, Craig, & Caspi, 2005.

It is very essential to find out which alternative treatment is required by your particular type of problem, how comfortable are you with it and how effective will it be. Individual therapies have been proven to improve the quality of life for many people with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), these can include: acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage, meditation, reiki and reflexology. It is always a good idea to consult your physician before considering any of the alternative therapies available, and it is important to double check that any additional treatment undertaken will not adversely affect any current treatment program you are on.

When integrating alternative therapies with conventional treatment and therapies, it is extremely important to be honest and open with the treating health care team and physician. Find out from your physician if any of these alternative therapies are available at his clinic or hospital. You could even find out from your physician if he is qualified to practice any of these therapies. Maybe they will be able to recommend some precise practitioners or therapies as more doctors are convinced that in today’s society, complementary medicine has a place. These types of therapies help some people in fighting with the side effects of conventional treatment like anxiety and gives them hope and control over life.

About the Author:

What Is Your Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer?

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Prostate cancer affects the prostate, which is a gland in the male reproductive system. The cancer cells may then spread to various parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in male. If detected early, prostate cancer can be effectively treated. However, advance prostate cancer is usually fatal. Hence, it is critical for men in the high risk group to be screened for prostate cancer regularly.

Most men have no problems with their prostate gland before the age of forty. Many will then start to develop enlarged prostate as they age. This prostate problem is not usually serious although the symptoms are annoying and inconvenient. The prostate enlarges and squeezes the urethra which carries urine from the bladder. When the urethra is squeezed by the enlarging prostate gland, there will be constant urge to urinate. The other symptoms are inability to control the urination process, the start, the stop and a weak flow of urine.

An enlarged prostate is not necessarily a sign of prostate cancer although the warning signs of prostate cancer are similar to that of an enlarged prostate. Hence, it is prudent to test for prostate cancer when you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty with urinating and ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen and pain in the lower body region.

However, you should know that you may have prostate cancer but not be experiencing any signs and symptoms. So just because you feel fine and healthy, it may not mean that you are, and so regardless of how you feel, you still need to get regular prostate check up, especially after the age of forty.

All Prostate Cancer Warning Signs Should Be Investigated Quickly

Some prostate cancer warning signs are the same as those of less serious diseases. However, all prostate cancer warning signs should be investigated promptly and thoroughly, especially for men in their fifties.