Cancer, Its Nature And Symptoms

Cancer is, unfortunately, one of those desperate diseases to which the human frame is liable, and more to be dreaded than any other, inasmuch as it is insidious in its approach, and destructive to the greatest degree when it is perfectly developed. It is so intractable and malignant in its nature that it is generally considered an incurable disease; and not without reason, as notwithstanding the great increase of knowledge amongst that valuable portion of the community, the medical profession, yet it baffles all their efforts to subdue it, and sets at defiance all the triumphs of science. This disease rarely occurs in young subjects. An eminent surgeon states, that in the course of nearly forty years' extensive practice, he has seen but two instances of its occurring under 30 years of age; most usually it commences at the age of between forty and fifty years. Like many other diseases it is frequently hereditary, many members of the same family having become the subjects of cancer. It most usually attacks the female breast, the lips, particularly the lower one, the tongue, the skin, and the glandular parts about the neck and arm-pits; the stomach, the liver, the lungs, and the brain, may also become affected with this terrible malady. Sometimes it commences without any ostensible cause, and the attention of the patient is frequently directed to the case by mere accident; at other times, blows, bruises, or continued pressure upon a part, may often be traced as the exciting cause. In either case, however, it is generally found in the state of a hard lump or knot, varying in its size, it is loose and movable, without pain or discolouration of the skin. It may continue in this state for many months, or even years; it then enlarges, the surface of the tumour becomes more or less knotty or uneven; it becomes hot and painful, and the pain is of a peculiar darting, piercing nature, or what the faculty technically call lancinating; and the patient's health, which had hitherto continued tolerably well, now begins to suffer from the irritation of the disease. In process of time the part ulcerates, a discharge of fetid ichorous matter issues from it; sometimes it bleeds freely, and there is a burning pain in the part. The ulcer becomes of considerable size, and assumes a frightful aspect. The patient becomes dejected in his spirits, his countenance is sallow and woe worn, his appetite fails, his days and nights are full of sorrow and pain, the disease still progresses, till, finally, death comes to the aid of the unhappy sufferer, and closes the scene of anguish and misery.

Such is the progress of this appalling malady. It commences apparently in a trifling way, it terminates in destruction of life.

I have said that the patients' spirits are usually dejected in this disease, and I wish this to be particularly noticed, as it points out how cautious a medical man ought to be in stating positively to the sufferer the real nature of his complaint. The mind is so depressed by the disease, that the simple communication of the fact to the patient often produces such a shock to the feelings as he rarely recovers from; indeed, it often accelerates the death of the patient, and such being the case, I am quite certain that no man of experience, judgment, or common sense, would ever commit himself so seriously. Whenever it is done, it is usually committed by some daring unprincipled empiric, who often finds it to his interest to pronounce a case cancerous when in 99 cases out of 100 it is really not so. Now, with respect to the cure of cancer, I can confidently assert, that when the disease is really cancer, when it occurs as a constitutional disease, (as it almost always does) and when it is perfectly developed, no known remedy is in existence which has the power of destroying it. It sets even the knife at defiance, for I have repeatedly seen that when the disease has been scientifically extirpated, it either returns to the same part, or to the neighbourhood of the same part, and in such cases the disease has generally proceeded in its second attack with extraordinary rapidity. I am strengthened in this assertion by the observations of Professor Monro-he says, "Of nearly sixty cancers which I have been present at the extirpation of, only four patients remained free of the disease for two years. Three of these lucky people had occult cancers in the breast, and the fourth had an ulcerated cancer of the lip. The disease does not always return to the part where the former tumour was taken away, but more frequently in the neighbourhood, and sometimes at a considerable distance. Upon a relapse, the disease in those I saw was more violent, and made a much quicker progress than it did in others on whom no operation had been performed."-I believe the whole medical profession are of the same opinion; in fact, those gentlemen are candid enough to acknowledge that cancer is a disease over which their art has no control. This is much to be deplored, inasmuch as it has enabled the most unprincipled characters to practise their impositions upon the unhappy sufferers with the greatest impunity. What but the most consummate impudence can allow a man to assert that he has cured a genuine cancer, when that very man does not know the nature of cancer, or point out what is, or what is not, a malignant diseaseall

Having thus described the nature and symptoms of cancer; and having adverted to the effect of medicine upon this disease, I shall make some remarks on the treatment of the same. I have stated there is no specific remedy known for this disease; and that those who pretend to such specific are impostors of the most dangerous description; such men will boast of "great discoveries;" they will sound their own trumpet and tell you that they are men of "great skill;" they will flourish a "challenge to the world;" and, in fact resort to every means to entrap the unhappy sufferer, which great impudence, unbounded ignorance, and glaring falsehoods, will enable them to do. I may also allude to the indiscretion of those who are induced, by repeated solicitations from such impostors, to allow their names to be appended to cases which are false in fact, and only calculated to promote the sordid motives of such characters. The attestators are thus led to countenance an infamous species of deception; and are equally responsible to the community for any injury which such men may inflict. Hence they ought to be extremely careful in allowing this use to be made of their names, as I cannot believe it to be their wish to countenance such practices intentionally. I have thus exposed the fallacy of such a specific for cancer, and in these remarks I am sure I shall be supported by the whole medical profession.

I may now observe, that with regard to the treatment which I have adopted in cancers for the last 26 years, I am ready to confess, that it has often proved ineffectual as to a cure. During that period I have seen an immense number of cancerous cases, and I candidly avow that they have frequently disappointed my wishes, and the hopes of the patients; I, therefore, do not publish to the world a specific, because in that case I know I should be stating that which is notoriously untrue; I should be guilty of a great moral sin, blasting the hopes of those who might entrust themselves to my care, and hurrying them to their graves, full of anger, grief, and disappointment. All I can say is, that my mode of treatment is simple, and that if it do not produce a cure it will at least mitigate the sufferings of the patient. Many have left me in consequence of not getting well, they have resorted to other means, and at last returned to me again, because my mode of treatment appeared to be most suitable to the disease. When I have failed in a cure, I have succeeded in alleviating the pain and misery attendant upon such a dreadful disease, and frequently retarded its progress.

I have thought proper to be thus explicit on the nature and cure of cancer, and instead of vainly boasting of my success, I have candidly expressed my opinions on the subject.            Cancer - What To Say

STOP telling us to "Stay Positive"!

Seriously, I am talking to all those of you who when talking to a friend with cancer, tilt your head, pat us on the back or hand and uttered such words as "Just Stay Strong" or "Keep a Positive Outlook".

You are not helping!

Its infuriating to say the least and impossible to do when your entire body is trying to climb out of your throat and plunge itself headlong into the toilet bowl.

Okay so perhaps I am being a little harsh here. I know people feel uncomfortable around a person with cancer but its better to say nothing, than to utter such useless words of misplaced wisdom. Save them for when treatment is over, when its time for healing and the long journey back begins.

Don't get me wrong, I am a firm believer in attitude making all the difference in the world but there is a time and a place. Positive thoughts need to be FELT to be effective and I assure you, there is NO WAY in hell that can happen when you are exhausted, bald, burnt and have poison running through your veins.

So how can you help, what can you sayall

Well one of the first things to realise is that the person with cancer, is still the SAME person. We did not suddenly gain another head or get a complete personality makeover (well mostly), we are still the person you knew prior to this event, so treat us as such. We may not be able to go out dancing right now, but talk to us as you would have before we had cancer; tell us the jokes; share your stories; be normal.

Yes you should acknowledge the situation and if the person wants to talk, be a good listener but don't let it be the dominant topic of conversation every time you meet.

I know many of you avoid your cancer stricken friend/family member for a variety of reasons. People with Cancer have all had friends/family members who quietly backed away as soon as they heard the diagnosis; mostly it seems because of fear. Fear that the patient may die, fear of what they have to go through, fear of having to look your own mortality in the face. And sadly all to often, fear of not knowing what to say.

I have been on both sides of this situation and I get it! Sometimes its just so overwhelming because this is a person you love and care for but from the patient side of this fence, we just want normality. We want to feel that we are still apart of the human race, we don't want to be left out of everyday things like normal conversations, any more than we want this damn disease.

So strive to be normal.

Talk of all the things you had in common before - movies, TV, books, cars, friends...what ever was normal for you. Plan your next vacation or trip together, let the person know you EXPECT them to recover, that you EXPECT them to continue to be in your life, that you EXPECT them to get over this bump in the road. This sort of positive affirmation is so much stronger than platitudes uttered in uncomfortable moments.

This is your time to step up and really help another human being in need, so suck it up, get over your awkwardness and be the friend you know you are. Buy the tattoo's for the bald head, send the humorous 'thinking of you cards' but most importantly, talk to your friend normally.

I was very fortunate I had good friends who did this for me and I can assure you, it makes all the difference in the world. I would even go so far as to say, it could be the difference between life and death.

Coach Lin           

Cancer - Will Omega-3 Fish Oil Help Prevent Cancer?

how can omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help prevent cancerall

Is it a beneficial supplement for those being treated for it? Here's a look at what we currently know about the cancer and fish oil.

Nutrition & Cancer

Most doctors recommend a variety of dietary supplements for their patients that are undergoing cancer treatment. Primarily, the purpose is to prevent nutritional deficiencies that can result due to loss of appetite, as well as malignancy related weight loss. In addition, a recent study showed that EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, helped to preserve lean body mass in patients recovering from throat cancer.

Purified Fish Oil - Best Choice

It is important to mention the need for selecting only oils that have been purified using molecular distillation. Of the common contaminants that are found in fish oil, many of them are carcinogenic. It is obviously important to avoid them. Some manufacturers promote the idea that non-distilled is better, more natural and provides more omega-3 fatty acids.

While it is true that eating fish provides more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, molecular distillation actually allows for the "concentration" of omega3s. So, in all ways, molecularly distilled oils are the best choices for supplementation.

DHA Fish Oil Important

When it comes to prevention, studies indicate that DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, helps prevent colon cancer. It may help prevent other types, as well, including breast, prostate, head, neck, ovarian and gastrointestinal. There is simply more evidence suggesting the benefit colon and gastrointestinal cancers.

So, how does it work? DHA and EPA perform various functions in the human body. They are the primary components of cellular membranes, including the membranes that surround the neurons in the brain. They transport various hormones and are necessary for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E and K are only soluble in fat, meaning that the body can only absorb them, if fats are also present.

Studies indicate that low levels of vitamin D are associated with cancer and heart disease. Year ago, studies showed that high levels of beta-carotene, the dietary precursor to vitamin A, and vitamin E were associated with a reduced risk of the disease.

Fish Oil PLUS

Large scale clinical trials were discontinued when it was found that supplementation did not result in a reduced incidence among participating volunteers, but the results may have been different, if a fish oil supplement was also given or the patients were advice to take the supplement with a meal that contained some type of fat. In addition, beta-carotene, vitamin C and E are more readily absorbed when they are taken together, rather than separately. In other words, we need a complete nutritional supplement.

Fish Oil is Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant

The vitamins mentioned here are antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals. Free radicals can cause mutations in healthy cells that lead to the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. Inflammation or inflammatory molecules, contribute to the growth and progression of the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This is how they can work against and help prevent cancer. Supplementation is one of the best things you can do for your health.

For more information visit the website listed below.

Thanks, Larry L. Taylor            Cure For Pancreatic Cancer

The cure for pancreatic cancer is a rarity. However, the longevity of life can be increased by proper diagnosis. The early the cancer has been detected, that better the chances of curing will be. Hence, it all depends upon the stage of cancer in which the patient is in. Giving into the fact that it is the most deadliest of all cancers, curing it would be a difficult task. The situation is better now as previously there was no cure for this disease. Due to the availability of advanced treatment procedures and different therapies, it is now not at all an impossibility in treating this cancer.

The survival period given is five years in case of patients, who are diagnosed during stage 1. The survival rate is 37 percent, which is thought to be a healthy rate considering the overall survival chances of patients affected with pancreatic cancer. Also, the clinical trials are still in the initial stages, it will take long enough to increase this rate of survival. In contrast, it has been observed that only one percent of all patients with metastatic cancer in stage 4 will live for five years more after diagnosis. This is the reason why it's been told that early detection will increase the survival chances.

Another case of concern is recurrent pancreatic cancer. This form is termed so because it occurs again even after removing completely from the body. Curing this form of cancer is impossible. The only positive outcome will be only then when the exact cause of this type of pancreatic cancer is determined. As of now, radiation therapy and a combination of drugs are administered upon patient's body in order to reduce the intensity of the cancer and increasing cancer survival chances. The future is bright for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer as a permanent cure could expected in the form of stem cells.           

Cancer Survival Rates

Cancer survival rates differ according to whatever type of cancer you have and also the stage that it is diagnosed. One of the worst cancer statistics anywhere in the world is lung cancer. Published 5-year survival for patients with lung cancer varies from 5% to 16% internationally. One of the reasons that the cancer survival rates differ so widely is the fact that the statistical information is not always in the public domain, and each individual study collects and interprets the data differently according to the abstract of the study. In other words each cancer statistic is as unique as you are.

Data from the US indicates a 5-year survival rate of up to 16% although this figure cannot be relied on because it excludes seventy five percent of the population, so as a statistic it does not apply to the population as a whole. To make a valid comparison of mortality rates for cancer survival rates is no different from making valid statistical evidence in any other disease, the data has to have been collected and examined in the same way. ( Respiratory Medicine, Volume 100, Issue 9, Pages 1642-1646 C. Butler, K. Darragh, G. Currie, W. Anderson, Respiratory Medicine, Volume 100, Issue 9, Pages 1642-1646). Being frightened by statistics or even worse believing statistics can affect how you survive or not your cancer.

Changing the Face of Cancer Survival Statistics

Statistics come down to risks at the end of the day and your risk of getting cancer. In the United States the statistics for lung cancer reveal that it kills more people than those that die from breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer combined. However that is due to the fact that there is widespread screening beyond a certain age for prostrate, breast and cervical cancer.

The New England Journal of Medicine of October 26, 2006 reported that eighty percent of deaths from lung cancer were potentially avoidable. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning has the potential to detect it at its early stage 1 stage, at this stage it is a curable cancer. The reason that the mortality rates are so bleak is the fact that by the time most people realize that they have this cancer, it is too far advanced to do anything about it.

The initial study was carried out at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center during 1993 and has subsequently expanded into an international study of 38 institutions in 7 countries and become known as the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project (I-ELCAP).

Surgery is effective in curing this cancer is stage 1, later it is too advanced to make much difference and the reason that the cancer rate survival statistics are so dismal is the fact that it is rarely detected at stage 1.

Later studies from 1993 to 2005 in the United States, Europe, Israel, China, and Japan screened 31,567 asymptomatic persons at high risk followed by repeat screenings in 27,456 of these individuals. 484 people were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 412 or 85% of these were Stage I. Of the 412 patients with stage I, 302 underwent surgical solutions within four weeks and within this group, the survival rate was 92%.

The estimated 10 year survival rate for the 484 participants with lung cancer was over 80 percent that is the highest percentage for survival ever recorded in a cancer study. In contrast the statistical cancer five year survival rates for stage IV can be as low as 5%. Some elected not to receive treatment and all were dead within five years. All the participants were at risk of lung cancer as they were all older than forty and either they smoked or had smoked or they were exposed to known carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, uranium, radon or beryllium, uranium or radon, or they had occupations which exposed them to passive smoking.

As with anything else the cost effectiveness of the screening has to be measured against the cost of treatment. It costs twice as much to treat lung cancer in its late stages than it does for stage 1 treatment. The charge for a low dose CT screening scan is between $200 - $300. New technology has made the screening more effective because when CT was new it was only capable of yielding thirty images now over 600 are possible.

To a certain extent there is resistance to scanning for lung cancer because often it is not regarded as a disease but as a reprimand or retribution. Also there is little consensus as to what constitutes a high risk population, because although it has been known for a century that smoking contributes to cancer, by no means all smokers develop lung cancer. However better genetic pointers will be available in the future and that will make it easier to predict exactly those at risk and that will make the possibility of screening more likely.            Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases the century has seen and the alarming number of people affected by the disease has made the need to find a cure for the disease a desperate one. According to the statistics of WHO, one out of every three women and one out of every two men are prone to cancer in the current world. Though there are many known methods of prevention that have been in use, the number of people affected by the disease is on the rise every year. The only way to treat cancer is early diagnosis and effective treatment immediately. In the recent past, many modern medical researches have increased the cure to about 70-80%.

There are many known methods of cancer therapy like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, etc. and most of the time more than one of the methods are followed as a treatment course. Let us take a look at each of these modes to understand details about them.

Chemotherapy

What is itall - This is a kind of cancer treatment mode where drugs are used to destroy the cancer cells. This method is also known as chemo in short and is widely practised as a main mode of treatment or a follow-up treatment after surgery. There are many different kinds of Chemotherapy treatments and the choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer and the stage to which the disease has progressed to.

Uses of Chemotherapy - It can be used effectively to destroy cells that are cancerous and stop them from spreading. It is also used as a follow-up method after surgery to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy as a follow-up treatment - As we discussed, Chemotherapy can be used as a follow-up treatment to either destroy or slow down the cancer cells. It can be used either after radiation or surgery treatments to make sure that the cancer cells do not reappear again. Sometimes it can also be used to destroy cells before a transplant surgery. For example, Chemotherapy is normally suggested before a peripheral blood stem cell transplant.

Side effects of Chemotherapy - Though it is an effective mode of treatment, chemotherapy has its own list of side effects which also needs to be taken into consideration before the start of the treatment. The common side effects of chemotherapy include anaemia, appetite change, constipation, fatigue, hair loss and vomiting issues. Some patients might also experience bleeding problems, infections and other kind of memory or mouth, throat changes. Depending on the type of cancer, it is also possible that chemotherapy can induce fertility changes, swelling and pain along with changes in urination patterns.

How is Chemotherapy administered? - Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs for destroying the cancerous cells and such drugs are normally given either through intravenous or injection methods. An injection into the muscle or other part of the body is provided to get the drug in contact with the affected cells. Sometimes depending on the localization of the disease, chemotherapy is also administered by means of a pill or a cream that can be rubbed on the skin.

Radiation Therapy

How does this treatment help? - Radiation Therapy is the use of radiations of high-energy that can effectively shrink and kill the cancer cells. In general x-rays and gamma rays are used in radiation therapies.

Types of Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy is divided into two types based on the way in which the radiation is provided to the patient. It is known as external beam therapy in cases where a machine outside the body administers the radiation or is known as internal radiation therapy or Brach therapy in case the radiation is provided through a radioactive material that is placed inside the body nearer to the diseased part. In certain cases, radioactive substances like radioactive iodine is placed which travels through the blood to kill the cancer cells. Such kind of radiation therapy is known as systematic therapy.

How does radiation therapy kill the cancer cells? - The radiations that are administered in the therapy damage the DNA of the cells and kill them. The DNA carries genetic information and this is destroyed by radiation either directly or by creation of charged particles which in turn damages the DNA. When the DNA is damaged, the cancer cells stop dividing or die which is then eliminated by the natural process of the body.

Problems of Radiation Therapy - The radiations that are given to the patient kills not only the cancerous cells but also the other normal healthy cells that come in contact with the radiations. Thus this is taken into account when a radiation therapy is planned and only the admissible amount of radiation that the normal cells can withstand is given during the course of the treatment.

Cryosurgery

The treatment mode in which extreme cold is used to destroy cancerous or diseased cells is known cryosurgery or therapy. The cold temperature is produced by use of liquid nitrogen.

How is it carried on? - Liquid nitrogen can be applied directly on the tumor with a cotton swab or a spraying device. This treatment is normally used for treating tumors that are external like those on the skin. It can also be circulated internally through a hollow instrument called the cryoprobe which is used for treatment of internal tumors and tumors of the bone. The cyroprobe is guided inside through ultrasound or MRI which helps the extreme cold get in contact with the tumor.

Types of cancer that can be treated - Cryosurgery is widely used for many types of cancers with precancerous and non-cancerous conditions though it is extensively used for prostate and liver cancer. Researches are in progress to find the level to which cryosurgery can be used as an effective means of cancer therapy for breast and kidney cancer.

Side effects of cryosurgery - Though the side effects associated with cryosurgery are less compared to that of the other traditional methods, it does cause pain and cramping in the area of treatment. Bleeding, scarring and swelling can also be the after effects that are linked with this method of treatment.           

Malignant Neoplasm - Cancer

cancer is one of the leading causes of death not only in the United States but also around the world. Cancer is defined as class of diseases that is caused by a group of cells to have uncontrolled growth, the potential to spread throughout the body and to invade surrounding tissues and organs. The difference between malignant tumors and benign tumors are that benign tumors do not spread and do not invade surrounding tissue and organs. Benign tumors are self-limited.

Cancer can affect anyone. That is anyone of any age, any race and any background. The majority of cancers are more likely to develop in people as the people increase in age. 13 percent of all deaths worldwide are caused by cancer and according to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the year 2007. Cancer is one of the world's deadliest diseases and cannot be prevented. It can be treated to an extent. There has yet to be a cure developed for cancer.

Cancer is caused by tobacco smoke, chemicals, infectious agents and radiation. Cancer can be detected through CT Scans, blood tests, MRIs, x-rays and biopsies. A biopsy entails the testing of a piece of skin or organ by a pathologist. The pathologist tests the piece of skin or organ for cancerous cells and their histological grade.

Cancer can be detected by the detection of lumps or swelling, random bleeding, pain, ulcers, jaundice, weight loss, poor appetite, night sweats, fatigue and anemia. Symptoms of cancer after the disease has been diagnosed are metastasis (spreading), constant cough, bone pain, an enlarged liver, fractures and enlarged lymph nodes.

Cancer is treatable through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Surgery is used to remove a tumor, if it is on an organ that is operable, and will hopefully get the entire tumor before it spreads to other areas of the body. If the tumor is located in an inoperable area then the treatment will be chemotherapy; which will shrink and hopefully kill off the tumor completely before it begins to spread throughout the body.

There are a couple of ways to try and prevent developing cancer. Such methods are having a proper diet, cancer screenings and taking vitamins on a daily basis. One major player in the development of cancer is being obese. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will help in the prevention of cancer. Cancer screenings are used to detect cancer in its early stages; its infancy. If cancer is detected other procedures can be used to confirm the presence of cancer. Those other procedures are surgery and biopsies. Early detection can lead to a longer life.

There are hundreds of forms of cancer known to man today. Some of the most common are lung, colon, thyroid, lymphoma (various types), leukemia (various types), melanoma, oral, pancreatic, testicular, throat and vaginal cancer. Not all cancers are deadly because the majority of them, if detected early, can be controlled with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.            Information of Cancer

People often dread receiving news of being diagnosed with cancer and because millions die each year it helps to become familiar with what cancer is so that you can take necessary steps to cancer prevention. There are various types of cancer and most of them have similar beginnings with different approaches for prevention and treatment once diagnosed. So exactly what is cancerall

Cancer is a group of cells in the body that has grown out of control and even though there are many types of cancer many of them are developed from abnormal cell growth. Normal cells in the body grow and mutate on their own and when cells die they are replaced or repaired. The younger you are the faster your cells grow, divide, and die and as an adult the process slows down and more cells are replaced and repaired.

Cancer involves abnormal cell growth meaning cells that should have died continue to mutate and divide. When they continue to do this they form a tumor or mass of cells in most cases and invade or grow onto other body tissues. The process describes what happens when DNA cells are damaged and because the cell didn't die off like it's supposed to there are additional cells present that the body doesn't need. Since it affects body cells and DNA this is how many types of cancer become genetic.

Most cancers that develop become a mass of cells which is referred to as a lump like breast cancer or a tumor like brain cancer but in a cancer such as leukemia the cells involve the blood and effect organs that create blood for the body. Since they affect blood cells the cancer is circulated in the tissues. When the cancer gets into the bloodstream and begins to grow and form new cells this is called metastasis which spreads the cancer to other areas of the body.

There is another kind of tumor that is not cancerous called a benign tumor and though they are not cancerous they can cause problems by growing large enough to press against healthy tissues yet they don't invade since they don't metastasize. As a result they are not life threatening but in many cases they need to be removed. Because there are so many types of cancer and the process of how cancer develops is so similar what makes one type of cancer differ from another?

Cancers differ by where they first started in their development. It is named due to where it started no matter where it spreads to. Often time's people can have cancer spread to the liver or lungs but in fact it is diagnosed as breast cancer or brain cancer because that is the area of the body where the cancer cells developed. Since cancer often develops in different areas of the body and effect how the body functions there are different types of treatments for that specific cancer. Many cancers are preventable by adopting a healthy lifestyle.           

Alternative Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat using conventional Western Medicine. That is where an alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer comes in. Pancreatic cancer is hard to treat because it has very few symptoms before it spreads to other parts of the body. This is because pancreatic cancer is usually a very aggressive. By the time it is detected, it is often too late for conventional Western medicine to do anything other than to prolong life a few months.

To understand pancreatic cancer, first we have to understand what the pancreas does (most people don't have a clue). The pancreas makes enzymes that end up helping us digest our cooked food. We need this help because cooked food has no more live enzymes present. One of the enzymes the pancreas produces is called trypsin. This enzyme eats holes in the walls of cancer tumors so that white blood cells can enter the cancer tumor and destroy it, (by the way, we all have cancer cells; if our immune system is in good shape and we have trypsin available, our body's destroy the cancer) so if we're eating a lot of cooked foods, we have little or no enzyme protection against cancer tumors because we're using all of our trypsin to digest our food. If our immune system is also in bad shape, then we have no more defenses left!

Of course, the pancreas also produces the insulin which breaks down the glucose our bodies generate from our food. In diabetes, the pancreas either produces an insufficient amount of insulin or none at all, so diabetics have to take in a supplemental supply of insulin.

So what is an alternative treatment for pancreatic cancerall Believe it or not, it all started back in the time of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Hippocrates said that his cure for cancer was garlic and onions. At first look, this might seem ridiculous, but we have to dig deeper into why this would be true.

An important insight came in 1924 when Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Warburg wrote in a paper than cancer cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. It just so happens that garlic and onions both belong to a small group of foods that are naturally alkaline (have oxygen present), so Hippocrates may not have known why it worked, but he was right about his method working.

One of the traits that all cancer patients have in common is that their bodily fluids have an acidic ph. This is important because an acidic liquid tends to expel oxygen. An alkaline fluid tends to hold on to oxygen. An alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer and any other kind of cancer is to alkalize the body. This can be done by eating foods that are either outright alkaline or foods that become alkaline after being processed by the body. Since most foods are acidic, it may be necessary to also ingest an alkaline supplement like calcium.

Calcium is definitely alkaline and has many other benefits to the body. All calcium is good, but coral calcium is the best. Its calcium is ionized so its absorption rate by the body is 100%. If marine grade coral calcium is used; it's even better because it also has up to 80 types of microbes that will help with digestion in the small intestine. It also has half as much magnesium as calcium. This ratio of calcium to magnesium is necessary to prevent the calcium from causing constipation.

To facilitate the absorption of calcium it's necessary to also take Vitamin D. In their book, "The Calcium Factor" Dr. Carl Reich and Robert Barefoot recommend at least 5,000 I.U.s per day of Vitamin D along with six capsules of coral calcium to treat pancreatic or any other kind of cancer.

Another way to raise alkaline levels in the body is by using cesium chloride. It has a very high ph (14) and its molecules are very large, therefore its molecules get trapped inside the cells making them alkaline. This creates an environment where the cancer can't survive. Cesium is very caustic so it should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

Western medicine tends to ignore the acidity problem because Western medicine is focused more on immediate treatments for a disease rather than the cause of the disease. A lot of people have no sign of cancer after being treated with chemo and radiation therapy. What doctors don't talk about is that most of these people have cancer again within five years because the cause of the cancer hasn't been addressed.

If you do have pancreatic cancer, remember that chemo and radiation therapy are only treatments, not preventions of a cause. If you ask people that have survived more than five years after having pancreatic cancer, you may find that they have "cleaned up" their life and they've changed their diet so that ends up being more alkaline. They have alkalized their bodies and used an alternative treatment for pancreatic cancer and didn't even know it.

I live in a suburb of Portland, OR. I first got interested in alternative medicine in 1994 after I suffered a major stroke. My doctors told me that I would improve a little on my own during the first six months, but after that there would be very little improvement. They also said that there was nothing they could do. At this point I became very disillusioned with Western medicine and started studying the alternatives.            What Causes Cancer?

The Dr. Otto Warburg Story

In 1931 Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for showing that cancer thrives in anaerobic (without oxygen), or acidic, conditions. In other words, the main cause for cancer is acidity of the human body. Disease can not survive in an Alkaline Body, Only drink Ionized Alkaline Water.

Today we have an ocean of confusing information, articles in which different experts state many different reasons for illness. However, I think that the main reason for illness was stated very clearly in 1931! Over 75 years ago, Otto Warburg was awarded the Nobel prize for his discovery that cancer is caused by weakened cell respiration due to lack of oxygen at the cellular level. According to Warburg, damaged cell respiration causes fermentation, resulting in low pH (acidity) at the cellular level.

Dr. Warburg, in his Nobel Prize winning study, illustrated the environment of the cancer cell. A normal healthy cell undergoes an adverse change when it can no longer take in oxygen to convert glucose into energy. In the absence of oxygen, the cell reverts to a primal nutritional program to nourish itself by converting glucose through the process of fermentation. The lactic acid produced by fermentation lowers the cell pH (acid/alkaline balance) and destroys the ability of DNA and RNA to control cell division. The cancer cells then begin to multiply. The lactic acid simultaneously causes severe local pain as it destroys cell enzymes. Cancer appears as a rapidly growing external cell covering, with a core of dead cells.

Dr. Otto Warburg finished one of his most famous speeches with the following statement: "...nobody today can say that one does not know what cancer and its prime cause is. On the contrary, there is no disease whose prime cause is better known, so that today ignorance is no longer an excuse that one cannot do more about prevention."[2]

Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for showing that cancer thrives in anaerobic (without oxygen), or acidic, conditions. In other words, the main cause for cancer is acidity of the human body.
By the time I read his genius speech, he had been dead a long time. I wonder, if this discovery was so important that he received the Nobel Prize, why doesn't everyone know what pH isall
As soon as scientists discovered what healthy human blood pressure and temperature are supposed to be, devices were invented to measure them.

Whenever I went to a doctor, my blood pressure and temperature were measured, but I don't ever remember a doctor measuring my pH. High blood pressure and fever, though not pleasant, do not cause cancer. The acidic condition of the blood does. It is not my opinion; it is what the internationally renowned scientist Dr. Warburg has proven. For this statement he won the Nobel Prize. As the outcome of the recognition of his discovery, I think it is vital to make pH information available at once to everyone.

Only drink Ionized Alkaline Water. This water is so amazing it has been approved by medical professionals in Japan as the single water product endorsed by the Japanese Association of Preventive Medicine for Adult Disease.

Also endorsed by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare (FDA equivalent) because of the miraculous benefit to good health. This amazing technology is brand new to North America and the benefits and results people are getting are phenomenal. Because of all the health benefits from this technology, we are interested in people who are either proactive, into preventative health, fitness, exercising, or people we could help that have a physical illness or issue.           

Cancer Chemotherapy and Survival Rates

Multiple polls were taken asking oncologists if they were diagnosed with cancer would they use chemotherapy on themselves and 75-90% said they would not. One would ask them self could this be possibleall The reason is chemotherapy has a terrible success rate and the doctors know it.

Cancer survival rates for people diagnosed with cancer is actually higher for people who elect to do no treatment what so ever. That is also another hard to believe fact but the real statistics prove it to be true. Currently cancer survival rates are only 3% that means a 97% mortality rate. The medical establishment combines all cancers together to get the 50% survival rate that many people use as a cancer survival rate.
simply stated if you take most life threatening cancers and average them with high survival cancers you get the 50% rate.

In a report in the Lancet medical journal (Aug 10,1991) noted that chemotherapy in 80% of world wide cases is worthless. In many cases doctors believe the chemotherapy actually is the cause of death to the patients.
Alternative cancer treatment has gotten a bad name only due to the mainstream medical establishments closed mind and big egos. I am going to list some of the best cancer treatment books out today in my opinion.

1. CANCER STEP OUTSIDE THE BOX, Ty Bollinger
2. CANCER IS A FUNGUS, DR. Tulio Simoncini
3. CANCER THE ONLY ANSWER, DR. Leonard Coldwell

Having lost several family members to cancer myself I think its time the medical establishment comes clean on the fact there are more successful alternative cancer treatments out there than mainstream treatments.

To start your research journey go to http://cancerreversal.net            Cancer: Foods That Fight Cell Mutation and Fend Off Cancer

Cancer is a word no one ever wants to hear, and is second only to heart disease as a life-threatening illness. As more than one million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the US, there are many questions that arise regarding cancer.

• What is cancer, and what are the different types of cancersall

• Who normally gets it?

• How do we prevent cancer?

• What food habits and lifestyle will reduce the risk of cancer?

In the human body, cancer cells rapidly multiply and eventually form tumors that interrupt the normal function of the body. When cells grow uncontrollably, the tumor spreads to other organs. This process is called metastasis, and can spread to multiple organs in the body and cause them to malfunction. Breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers are the most common kinds of cancer diagnosed. Other cancer types include skin cancers, digestive system cancers, and urinary tract cancers as well as numerous others.

A common belief is that susceptibility for cancer cells to mutate may be genetic (inherited from direct family members or close relatives). Environmental problems and exposure to radiation also add to the risk of cancer.

Are there ways to prevent this dreadful disease? Living a healthy lifestyle has been shown to positively impact the risk of cancer, and could possibly be the biggest factor.

As tobacco dramatically increases the risk of lung cancer and many other cancers, avoid the use of tobacco. Second-hand smoke has many carcinogens as well.

Alcohol usage is discouraged as it is actually toxic to the body, and increases the risk of lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Eliminate alcohol consumption to avoid these cancers and many other problems.

Limit exposure to radiation and chemicals like gasoline, arsenic, beryllium, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and diesel exhaust as they have been directly related to cancer.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer development. Fruits like figs, blueberries, and grapes have anti-cancer properties. Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are a few vegetables that could prevent cancer. Green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables have been found to fight cancer. A healthy diet is an easy way to prevent cancer.

Organic foods are healthier because they are produced differently than conventional foods. They are grown without pesticides, and they are full of natural nutrients.

Many vegetables and fruits such as avocados, carrots, mushrooms, papayas, and raspberries are great cancer-fighters. When vegetables are cooked, 30-85% of the nutrients are lost and not available to kill the bad cells. Consuming raw fruits and vegetables or steamed vegetables reduce the risk of cancer.

Diets that include animal fats and an over consumption of red meat are not ideal and can increase the risk of cancer. Consuming small amounts of clean poultry and fish is healthier.

Exercise regularly to keep fit. Walking, jogging, dancing, and practicing yoga are examples of exercising. Thirty minutes of exercise daily will reduce the risk of cancer.

Dr. Fred Bisci, a nutritionist and food scientist, believes that the risk of life-threatening diseases can be reduced by the intake of healthy foods and organic eating. He also believes that supplemental enzymes will decrease the risk of cancer.           

Oxygen, Sodium, and Cancer

he pronouncements of Nobel laureates are sometimes completely misunderstood. In 1931the German physiologist Otto Heinrich Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize for his explanation of how normal cells become cancerous cells. His famous Warburg hypothesis stated that cancer has many secondary causes, but its primary cause is the replacement of the respiration of oxygen in normal body cells by a fermentation of sugar.

When most of us think of the fermentation of sugar, we envision of bowl of sugar and water mixed with yeast, bubbling and growing, causing bread to wine or changing fruit or grain into alcohol. The esteemed Dr. Warburg, however, was referring to something quite different. The "fermentation" of which he spoke was the process now more commonly termed anaerobic respiration, a natural adaptation of healthy cells and cancerous cells alike when they are under stress.

Dr. Warburg's "fermentation" is the same thing as the "burn" you feel when you exercise with great intensity. The ability to "ferment" glucose is a mark of physical fitness. So what did Dr. Warburg mean when he said that cancer is caused by a fermentation of sugarall

Both healthy cells and cancerous cells use sugar. A healthy cell at rest uses glucose and oxygen to store energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate. This is the energy storage molecule better known as ATP. Glucose and oxygen are in effect the "slow food" of a healthy cell.

When a healthy cell needs to make a lot of energy fast, it does so without oxygen, by "fermenting" glucose. Sugar without oxygen is the "fast" food of a healthy food. Provided there is enough glucose in the bloodstream and also enough insulin, the cell can make the energy it needs in a crisis through a process that does not require oxygen.

This "fast food" for a healthy cell, however, comes at a huge metabolic cost. Anaerobic or, as Warburg termed it, fermentative respiration requires 19 times as much glucose to make the same amount of energy as the cell can make when it uses oxygen. And it is not just the enormous consumption of sugar that becomes a problem for a healthy cell under stress.

Consuming "fast food" changes the electrolyte balance of the cell. Every time the cell takes in a single molecule of glucose from the bloodstream, it expels two positively charged potassium ions. At the same time, it absorbs three positively charged sodium ions. The membrane lining the cell normally has a slightly negative charge so that it can attract positively charged amino acids and hormones.

When the cell makes energy through the relatively slow process requiring sugar and oxygen, it has time to get rid of the excess sodium, pump potassium back into the cell, and keep its membrane negatively charged. With oxygen-free energy production, however, the cell cannot keep up with sodium. The negative charge natural to the cell membrane is offset by the positive charge of the rapidly accumulating sodium.

Sodium does not build up so much that the cell membrane takes on a positive charge that it repels nutrients, but there is enough positively charged sodium inside the cell that it cannot take up essential nutrients as easily. The cell has to create new transporter molecules that are uniquely associated with cancer cells. It has to burn more and more sugar just to take in other forms of nourishment.

"Fast food" becomes the only kind of food the cell can use. The continual burning of sugar combined with the absorption of sodium makes a healthy cell sick. Moreover, the sodium in the sick cell has to be diluted with water. By the time a cell becomes so run down that it "catches" cancer, it is deluged with salty fluid.

There is a mythology that evil cancer cells lurk in hidden places in the body, stealthily surviving in low-oxygen conditions while they organize their attack on other tissues. This is not at all what Dr. Warburg meant.

Cancer cells bloat because they absorb sodium, which the diet provides mostly in the form of sodium chloride, or table salt. The more sodium they contain, the more water they absorb to dilute it. As Nobel Laureate Otto Warburg discovered, the way cancer cells get their sodium is by burning glucose without oxygen. Every time they burn one molecule of glucose this way, they have to take in two sodium ions and expel three potassium ions.

But the anaerobic process requires 19 times as much glucose to make the same amount of energy. This means the cell takes in 38 times as much sodium as a cell operating in an oxygen-rich environment, and it loses 57 times as much potassium. The cell can expend even more energy to get its electrolytes back in balance, but in cancer, the deficiency of potassium and the toxic surplus of sodium distort the shape and architecture of the cell.

Just how out of balance can a cell become? In any healthy cell, there is more potassium inside and more sodium outside. In a sick cell, there is more sodium inside and more potassium outside. When a cell is healthy, it contains seventeen times as much potassium as sodium. When it becomes cancerous, it accumulates four times as much sodium as potassium. When sodium content increases, water pours into the cell.

And as more and more sodium accumulates in the cell, all its microstructures substances lose their normal shape. They stop functioning normally. Although there are many more processes at work, as the cell bloats with sodium and water, it becomes cancerous. The longer the newly cancerous cell operates in low-oxygen conditions, the more sodium it accumulates, the more water it absorbs, and the easier it is for it to metastasize and form new tumors.            Cancer - A Serious Disease

Cancer has become the leading cause of death today. The disease that can affect any part of the body, cancer occurs as malignant cells appear on a special part of the body. As cancer advances on its stages, the growth of the cells becomes uncontrollable. After a while, the cancer cells spread and affect other parts of the body. When this occurs, the body fails to defend its system and later causes complications. One of these complications is death. Unfortunately, not all varieties of cancer are curable. Treatment for cancer is still something that must be discovered.

Smoking, drinking alcohol excessively and improper diet are regarded as the main risk factors in support of this disease. There are many diverse tests offered to detect this disease. Digital rectal exam, fecal occult blood test and endoscopy are a few of them. For times surgery and chemotherapy have been the conventional treatments for this disease. Nowadays, new colon cancer alternative treatments are obtainable.

When diagnosed with cancer you should be aware that it's an extremely serious situation. But do not panic and lose all hope. There is certainly still a way out of this situation. All that you should do could be to understand some alternative cancer cures apart from the conventional ones. These cures are much cheaper and can be carried out by you. Simple and inexpensive are just few of the features of this treatment.

From these examples, it can be seen that alternative cancer treatments are possible even without modern medicine. One's condition can be effectively developed without the dangerous complications.           

Cancer, Epigenetics, and Nutrigenomics - How Food Affects Your Cancer Genes

One of the causes of cancer is abnormal genes. Cancer causing genes are called oncogenes and genes that prevent cancer are called tumor suppressor genes. Cancers can occur when the normal genes are not functioning normally. Genes, as you know, are the blueprints to the body. They tell a cell what it will be and what it will do. We could not function if the process did not run well. There is a system in place that is designed to keep good genes running and suppress bad genes. This process is called epigenetics.

Epigenetic changes are modifications to the genome that are heritable during cell division but do not involve a change in DNA sequence. Expression of genes is not regulated by the DNA sequence, which is the same in every cell, but by epigenetic marking and packaging. This process regulates chromatin structure through DNA methylation, histone variants, post-translational modifications, nucleosome positioning factors or chromatin loop and domain organization.

How can this cause cancerall Well, if a tumor suppressor gene is abnormally turned off, or an oncogene is turned on, then cancer (carcinogenesis) can occur. One key is a chemical change to the DNA called methylation. First, we need to define the process to make it clearer.

DNA contains four bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymidine, but there is a fifth base methylated cytosine. DNA methyl-transferase (DNMT) produces methyl-cytosine where cytosines precede guanine (CpG). The CpG areas are not symmetric but clustered in CpG islands located at promoter regions. The promoter region is the region at the beginning of a gene and it controls the start of gene transcription. If the promoter is off, then the gene never is expressed.

Abnormal methylation in cancer has been known for 20 years. Hypo-methylated areas turn on normally silent areas such as virally inserted genes or inactive X-linked genes. Hyper-methylated areas silence tumor suppresser genes.

We know that cancers have abnormal levels of methylation and we know foods can help prevent cancers. Is there a link between foods and epigenetics? Yes!

The study of food nutrients and their effect on disease through epigenetics is known as nutrigenomics. This is a growing field, in fact, it is exploding. A Google search for the term nutrigenomics produces 127,000 entries.

Epidemiologic studies suggest there are bad foods and good foods. BAD: red meat, processed meat, grilled meat, dairy, animal fat, partially hydrogenated fats. Good: Fish, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains.

You can study the epigenetic effects of bad or good foods. I'm going to talk about some of the cancer preventing foods and how their mechanisms include epigenetic effects.

Foods with epigenetic effects include green tea, cruciferous vegetables, and grapes. Usually we hear about antioxidants and foods. Antioxidants are important but there are beneficial substances in foods called polyphenols which can affect genes. Of the polyphenols, different forms exist but flavonoids are the most highly cited for health benefits and are found in a variety of vegetables and fruits. Types of flavonoids include flavanols in tea, isothiocyanate in cruciferous vegetables, anthocyanidins in grapes and berries, flavonone in citrus fruits, flavonols in onions, isoflavones (genistein) in soy.

All tea contains polyphenols, but the highest levels are in green and white tea. Green tea has been well studied and appears to have anti-cancer benefits. In China, green tea drinkers are 50% less likely to develop gastric or esophageal cancer (Carcin 2002; 23 (9): 1497), and 2 cups daily added to topical tea extract reversed oral leukoplakia (J. Nutri Biochem 2001; 12 (7): 404).

Green tea has powerful antioxidant effects but it also helps to balance normal methylation in DNA. In fact, one study in esophageal cancer cells demonstrated that EGCG from green tea is able to turn on tumor suppressor genes that had been chemically silenced by methylation (Cancer Research 2003;63:7563).

Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Bok choi and their anti-cancer effects have been demonstrated in epidemiologic studies. These powerful vegetables not only induce enzymes that break down carcinogens but they also inhibit DNA methylation allowing tumor suppressor genes to thrive. Inhibiting abnormal methylation also helps cruciferous vegetables to inhibit the cancer causing action of tobacco smoke by preventing the formation of nitrosamine-DNA adducts.

Grapes, which contain reserveratrol, are excellent for heart health and they have anti-cancer activity. Grapes work by preventing the formation or initiation and promotion of cancers. They don't have methylating actions as discussed above but they work by modulation histones.

Histones are the chief protein component of the DNA chain (chromatin). They act as spools for the DNA to wind around which then shortens the length of the DNA to 30,000 times shorter than an unwrapped strand. This process not only allows the long DNA chain to fit into a cell but also plays a role in gene expression because how the genes are wound affects which are exposed and available for turning on or off. Rolling the spool a different way would expose other genes and change their expression.

Histones are modified after translation by acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination. The changes occur at lysine residues (except for phosphorylation of serine or threonine). When the histone is acetylated the charge is changed and the histone loosens its grip on the DNA strand and the DNA unwinds, exposing the genes to be transcribed, or repaired.

When histone tails (H3,H4) are acetylated, genes are transcribed, when they are deacetylated, genes are turned off. Histone deacetylases work to maintain deacetylated sites.

Resveratrol, found in grapes, activates Sirtuins; SirT1 (Sir2 proteins). There are at least 7 Sir2-like proteins and they are histone deacetylators. Sirtuins are induced in animals during starvation states. They seem to have a life preservation effect. Interestingly, when an animal is starved, it can live longer. When the calorie intake of rodents was decreased by 40% in rodents, they actually lived 50% longer and appear to have fewer chronic diseases. The same benefit occurs when rodents when they are given resveratrol in their diet.

Resveratrol deacetylates histones causing tighter packing of the chromatin and a lower level of transcription of DNA. This silencing of the DNA is thought to be the mechanism of life prolongation, heart health, and its beneficial actions to prevent cancers. This is why grapes or red wine is beneficial to your health. How much red wine should you drink? No one knows for sure, but any beneficial effects might be negated after two glasses a day because of the alcohol. I wouldn't advise drinking more than this until more is known. The data is very promising, but more research is needed.

Our knowledge of disease expanded in the genomic era due to the human genome project but the study of genes is not enough. Epigenetics is a very important and complicated concept that helps explain how genes are turned on or off. As more studies are completed we will be able to unlock the mechanisms to diseases and produce new therapies that could turn off bad genes and turn on good genes. More importantly, these studies will demonstrate how foods affect your genes and can prevent or reverse diseases or cancers. Nutrigenomics, the study of how food chemicals (nutrients) affect genes, is a growing field and promises to change the way we look at and eat our meals. Some of the most beneficial foods include green tea, cruciferous vegetables and grapes, but don't stop there. The more fruits and vegetables the better when it comes to your health.            Cancer - 7 Tips On What To Say To Someone Who Has Just Been Diagnosed With Cancer

When you first hear that a friend or loved one has cancer you will be shocked and saddened. But then you must see this person and you realize that you don't know what to say to them. Here are 7 tips on what to say to someone who has just learned they have cancer:Offer to help them become an advocate for their illness. People often have no experience with cancer and need help learning the terminology and available treatments for their specific kind of cancer. Medical and technological advance make it necessary to do much reading and research to keep abreast of the latest findings.Ask them if they need help with a certain task that takes time, strength or energy that they are most likely short of right now.Stay positive and speak often about upcoming events. Keeping them thinking about their former, more normal life keeps the stress level down while they are undergoing treatments and recuperating.Keep them focused on the future. Talk about events that will be taking place in the coming months or even a year from now. When they can visualize the future it seems more likely that they will be a part of it.Don't assume that they will be too tired or too sick to participate in a social gathering. Always invite them and let them have the option of canceling, even at the last minute, if necessary.Just let them talk about whatever is on their mind. Being a friend means listening to what the other person wants or needs to talk about, without interrupting or being judgmental.As quickly as possible, get them back to their regular routine. If they can return to work and resume their typical daily activities, at least part of the time, they will be on their way to recovery.

Use these tips when a friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and you will be helping them in untold ways.           

The Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is the abnormal production of cells in the body that leads to infection and over-all failure of the immune system. The rising incidence of cancer has made cancer cure research a very top priority and here are some of the common ways to treat many known cancer cases at present time.

1)    Surgery and cobalt treatment

The surest sign of the existence of cancer is the growth of a tumour in the body. A malignant tumour is the central factory for the aberrant cells being produced that ravages the body. So in these cases, the tumour is surgically excised from the body and in order to kill the other cancer cells left in the area, cobalt ray treatment or radiation therapy is used to kill these cancer cells in the body.

2)    Chemotherapy treatment

When surgery has been done and the cancer again manifests itself, the next option would be chemotherapy. In this manner of treatment, chemicals are pumped into the body to kill the cancer cells before they multiply and grow into tumours to again ravage the body. This is a very difficult course of treatment as even healthy cells are destroyed to kill the cancer cells permeating the body.

3)    Homeopathic treatments

The last option, and that which is growing in popularity is the use of homeopathic remedies to treat cancer. There are many ways to do this, from large dosage intake of vitamins or even all natural diet supplements and tonics to help the body heal naturally. Usually homeopathic remedies differ according to the homeopathic expert that one subscribes to.            Cancer - The Bad News

We all care about our health because health is the most important thing anyone can have. And as the old saying say "Money cannot buy happiness" and we definitely will be happy if we are in a good health mentally and physically.

One of the most awful physical illness one can suffer from is cancer.

Cancer can infect many parts of the human body, and most commonly is the breast cancer which usually happens to women and considered one of the most awful things the woman can suffer from.
There are also colon cancer and Prostate cancer and Lung cancer.

It is also an interesting fact to know that in 2006 in the USA the most common type of cancer that occur to the males are the Prostate cancer with a death rate of 23.6%, while the most common type of cancer in the USA for females is the breast cancer with a death rate of 23.4%.

Although the highest death rate type of cancer is the lung cancer with 40% death rate for females and 67.5% for the males.

So for lung cancer, you can avoid it easily, because the common cause for lung cancer is smoking of any kind so that's why it is a very bad habit that should be stopped.

So if you felt something is going wrong with your body whether it is your lungs or breast you should go to the doctor right away because treating cancer in the early stages is very important and decrease the risk of making the cancer deadly.

You must also share your fears with your family, and the more the family is involved the better for everyone, because cancer patient is not the only one that will suffer (although he/she is the one suffering the most) but also the whole family suffer when there is a cancer patient in the family.           

Cancer: The Shocking Truth About the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy

If you are being diagnosed with cancer, invariable you will be told to undergo a surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, etc. These seemed to be the only so-called "proven" paths to take. Other paths -- the alternatives and complementary therapies, according to your doctors are suspect, "unproven" and outright hocus pocus. This is also the kind of message you are always bombarded with even in the mass media.  Throughout the world -- may it be in the developed or developing countries -- the same perception is being cultivated and "sold" to the general public.  Dr. David Brownstein, in the foreword of the book: Avoiding Breast Cancer, wrote:  "The pharmaceutical companies want us to believe that a cure for cancer will be found by a "magic-bullet" drug. This will never occur."

Reading through numerous books and research papers on cancer treatment, I could not help but feel disappointed. Much have been written about a combination of some poisons being better than another combination of some other poisons. Data were presented -- but massaged, to yield "statistically significant" results that meant nothing much in terms of cure, survival or preservation of quality of life. Unfortunately most of these "educated" people are playing their games following the same rules that aim to preserve the status quo and safe-guarding their self-interests. Their views are as dogmatic and solidly set as the concrete. Dissenting views and ways are often not tolerated and even punished by loss of right to practise the profession.

Fortunately, in spite of this, the sky does not remain gray all the time. Sometimes, in some corner of this world there are brave and honest individuals who would stand up, do and say things that others would not dare say or do. Ask your doctors: "what is the contribution of chemotherapy to your cancer cure"all What kind of answers do you get?

"Oh, you have a 50:50 chance. If you don't go for chemotherapy, you have three months and you die."

Or, "If you do chemotherapy you have a 90% chance."

Do not be misled and do not misunderstand. Ask them what is the meaning of chance? The chance of curing cancer or chance of dying from the treatment? Don't be afraid to ask, even if this is done at the risk that you may get chased out of your doctor's office (some patients told me that such thing happened to them). It is better to get chased out of his office then to get chased out of this world!

If you seek an easy, ready-made canned-answer, get it from your doctor. Unfortunately, "instant-noodle" type answers could lead to disappointments later. In life, I always believe that anything good never come easy. You need to do some hard and serious work to know how to do better.

Do you want to know what is the contribution or exact role of chemotherapy to your cancer cure?

If you want to know the truth, read this article: "The contribution of cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year survival in adult malignancies." The report of this study is exactly what cancer patients have been looking for. We have been waiting for such an answer -- what exactly is the contribution of chemotherapy to overall survival in cancers?

The three authors of the paper are: (1) Graeme Morgan, Associate Professor and radiotherapist at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. (2) Robyn Ward, a senior specialist in Medical Oncology and Associate Professor of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. She is also a member of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. (3) Michael Barton, Research Director Associate Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Liverpool Health Service, Sydney.

Without doubt, these researchers are professionals of great repute. They know what they are saying. Their opinions are just worthy, if not more valuable, than any doctors that you have consulted for your cancer.

They publish their work in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Volume 16, Issue 8, December 2004, pages 549-560. This is a peer-review well-respected medical journal. Their paper was submitted for publication on 18 August 2003. It was revised and finally accepted for publication on 3 June 2004. This means the paper has been scrutinized by fellow doctors and has undergone the normal peer-review process. It is not a back-door, arm-twisting way to get into the pages of the medical journal. Given the above, you and I (and even doctors!) should not have any doubt as to the credibility and validity of what they say in their research paper.

Why do they publish such a paper?

I cannot give you that answer, but I can only guess. In a radio interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Dr. Morgan was asked this question: "Is this, I wondered, an in house battle, the revenge of the radiotherapist?"  Dr. Morgan replied: "Well, one can cynically say that but the reason I did was that we were sick and tired of hearing about these new drugs and it wasn't really cementing into anything. And the reason for my doing that paper was to really show that there hasn't been any improvement in survival, or the improvement has been very, very modest despite all these new drugs and new combinations and bone marrow transplants."

Albert Einstein said: "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, But because of those who look on and do nothing." This world is fortunate to have people like Professor Morgan and colleagues to speak their mind. We salute them.

Is there anything wrong with the paper?

There is nothing wrong with the paper and the data presented. Their study was based on data from randomised-controlled trials (RCTs -- the gold standard of medical evidence) published from 1 January 1990 to 1 January 2004. Data were also obtained from the cancer registry in Australia and USA. The contribution of chemotherapy to survival of those over 20 years old and who suffered from 22 major cancers were studied.

If there is any thing wrong at all with this paper, it is because it tells the whole truth about chemotherapy. And truth hurts. The authors did not "sing" the same tune as the majority of the flock. That is the difference (or the wrong!).

What did they say?

The absolute real-life data that this article carries is most shocking: "The overall contribution of curative and adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy to 5-year survival in adults was estimated to be 2.3% in Australia and 2.1% in the USA."  In short, they said that the contribution of chemotherapy is not more than 3%.

Can this be true?

Well, they are the experts. And they said so --  loud and clear. Indeed some doctors in Australia were angry. People said the paper was "misleading and unhelpful."  The editorial of the Australian Prescriber (The emperor's new clothes -- can thermotherapy survive? 29:2-3. 2006) quoted Professor Michael Boyer, head of medical oncology at the Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney as saying: "The fact is that from a patient's perspective they are not really interested in how much chemotherapy contributes to the cure of all patients ... I don't think this paper helps from a patient's perspective."

Medical experts like to claim that they understand patients better than the patients themselves. So they give authoritative pronouncement on patients' behalf. I beg to differ. I think patients know themselves better. Do you agree that you are not interested to know how much contribution chemotherapy provides to your cancer cure? To me, this is the very answer each and every patient wants to know before he/she is subjected chemotherapy. But unfortunately, no such answer is ever provided. And if patients ask too much questions, they will be scolded or chased out of their doctors' offices.

In the same radio interview with ABC, Professor Michael Boyer was again quoted as saying: "the fact is that if you start ... saying how much does chemotherapy ... the numbers start creeping up ...If you pull it altogether that number probably comes up to 5 % or 6%. I guess what's important is that it doesn't go up to 50% or 60%." This is indeed mind-boggling. The percentage of 2.3% was disputed. According to Professor Boyer it could be 5% to 6%.

Do we need to split hairs? What is so different between 2.3% and 6% -- is that a big enough or meaningful difference at all?  If you ask any cancer patient what is the difference between a 3 % chance of cure and a 6% chance of cure, most of them may just say it is "peanuts". If you tell cancer patients your chemo-treatment is only contributing to 3% or 6% of their cure -- I would guess MOST patients would just disappear and not see their oncologists ever again!

But to some "tunnel visioned" statisticians and researchers, 2.3% and 6% is a big "statistical" difference and the difference is significant (to use the scientific jargon). You can "massage" the data to say this. If you do chemo-X, you get 2%, if you do chemo-Y you get 4%. You can twist the picture and say chemo-Y is 100% better than chemo-X. That is how "educated people" massage their data to make it appear and sound good.

So what is your verdict?

Would you go for chemotherapy knowing that the benefit is only about 3%. Human beings differ in our perspectives. So be your own judge.

What do we do with such truth?

There seems to be a bit of hoo-haa in Australia, because it involved work done in Australia. But for the rest of the world -- in the US, UK, Europe, etc. nobody bothers to know or comment. This NEW truth is of no importance or consequence. The truth, as often done, if it clashes with the Establishment, may just be given a quick burial. Nothing is said even by the so called "independent mass media".            Cancer, Its Nature And Symptoms

Cancer is, unfortunately, one of those desperate diseases to which the human frame is liable, and more to be dreaded than any other, inasmuch as it is insidious in its approach, and destructive to the greatest degree when it is perfectly developed. It is so intractable and malignant in its nature that it is generally considered an incurable disease; and not without reason, as notwithstanding the great increase of knowledge amongst that valuable portion of the community, the medical profession, yet it baffles all their efforts to subdue it, and sets at defiance all the triumphs of science. This disease rarely occurs in young subjects. An eminent surgeon states, that in the course of nearly forty years' extensive practice, he has seen but two instances of its occurring under 30 years of age; most usually it commences at the age of between forty and fifty years. Like many other diseases it is frequently hereditary, many members of the same family having become the subjects of cancer. It most usually attacks the female breast, the lips, particularly the lower one, the tongue, the skin, and the glandular parts about the neck and arm-pits; the stomach, the liver, the lungs, and the brain, may also become affected with this terrible malady. Sometimes it commences without any ostensible cause, and the attention of the patient is frequently directed to the case by mere accident; at other times, blows, bruises, or continued pressure upon a part, may often be traced as the exciting cause. In either case, however, it is generally found in the state of a hard lump or knot, varying in its size, it is loose and movable, without pain or discolouration of the skin. It may continue in this state for many months, or even years; it then enlarges, the surface of the tumour becomes more or less knotty or uneven; it becomes hot and painful, and the pain is of a peculiar darting, piercing nature, or what the faculty technically call lancinating; and the patient's health, which had hitherto continued tolerably well, now begins to suffer from the irritation of the disease. In process of time the part ulcerates, a discharge of fetid ichorous matter issues from it; sometimes it bleeds freely, and there is a burning pain in the part. The ulcer becomes of considerable size, and assumes a frightful aspect. The patient becomes dejected in his spirits, his countenance is sallow and woe worn, his appetite fails, his days and nights are full of sorrow and pain, the disease still progresses, till, finally, death comes to the aid of the unhappy sufferer, and closes the scene of anguish and misery.

Such is the progress of this appalling malady. It commences apparently in a trifling way, it terminates in destruction of life.

I have said that the patients' spirits are usually dejected in this disease, and I wish this to be particularly noticed, as it points out how cautious a medical man ought to be in stating positively to the sufferer the real nature of his complaint. The mind is so depressed by the disease, that the simple communication of the fact to the patient often produces such a shock to the feelings as he rarely recovers from; indeed, it often accelerates the death of the patient, and such being the case, I am quite certain that no man of experience, judgment, or common sense, would ever commit himself so seriously. Whenever it is done, it is usually committed by some daring unprincipled empiric, who often finds it to his interest to pronounce a case cancerous when in 99 cases out of 100 it is really not so. Now, with respect to the cure of cancer, I can confidently assert, that when the disease is really cancer, when it occurs as a constitutional disease, (as it almost always does) and when it is perfectly developed, no known remedy is in existence which has the power of destroying it. It sets even the knife at defiance, for I have repeatedly seen that when the disease has been scientifically extirpated, it either returns to the same part, or to the neighbourhood of the same part, and in such cases the disease has generally proceeded in its second attack with extraordinary rapidity. I am strengthened in this assertion by the observations of Professor Monro-he says, "Of nearly sixty cancers which I have been present at the extirpation of, only four patients remained free of the disease for two years. Three of these lucky people had occult cancers in the breast, and the fourth had an ulcerated cancer of the lip. The disease does not always return to the part where the former tumour was taken away, but more frequently in the neighbourhood, and sometimes at a considerable distance. Upon a relapse, the disease in those I saw was more violent, and made a much quicker progress than it did in others on whom no operation had been performed."-I believe the whole medical profession are of the same opinion; in fact, those gentlemen are candid enough to acknowledge that cancer is a disease over which their art has no control. This is much to be deplored, inasmuch as it has enabled the most unprincipled characters to practise their impositions upon the unhappy sufferers with the greatest impunity. What but the most consummate impudence can allow a man to assert that he has cured a genuine cancer, when that very man does not know the nature of cancer, or point out what is, or what is not, a malignant diseaseall

Having thus described the nature and symptoms of cancer; and having adverted to the effect of medicine upon this disease, I shall make some remarks on the treatment of the same. I have stated there is no specific remedy known for this disease; and that those who pretend to such specific are impostors of the most dangerous description; such men will boast of "great discoveries;" they will sound their own trumpet and tell you that they are men of "great skill;" they will flourish a "challenge to the world;" and, in fact resort to every means to entrap the unhappy sufferer, which great impudence, unbounded ignorance, and glaring falsehoods, will enable them to do. I may also allude to the indiscretion of those who are induced, by repeated solicitations from such impostors, to allow their names to be appended to cases which are false in fact, and only calculated to promote the sordid motives of such characters. The attestators are thus led to countenance an infamous species of deception; and are equally responsible to the community for any injury which such men may inflict. Hence they ought to be extremely careful in allowing this use to be made of their names, as I cannot believe it to be their wish to countenance such practices intentionally. I have thus exposed the fallacy of such a specific for cancer, and in these remarks I am sure I shall be supported by the whole medical profession.

I may now observe, that with regard to the treatment which I have adopted in cancers for the last 26 years, I am ready to confess, that it has often proved ineffectual as to a cure. During that period I have seen an immense number of cancerous cases, and I candidly avow that they have frequently disappointed my wishes, and the hopes of the patients; I, therefore, do not publish to the world a specific, because in that case I know I should be stating that which is notoriously untrue; I should be guilty of a great moral sin, blasting the hopes of those who might entrust themselves to my care, and hurrying them to their graves, full of anger, grief, and disappointment. All I can say is, that my mode of treatment is simple, and that if it do not produce a cure it will at least mitigate the sufferings of the patient. Many have left me in consequence of not getting well, they have resorted to other means, and at last returned to me again, because my mode of treatment appeared to be most suitable to the disease. When I have failed in a cure, I have succeeded in alleviating the pain and misery attendant upon such a dreadful disease, and frequently retarded its progress.

I have thought proper to be thus explicit on the nature and cure of cancer, and instead of vainly boasting of my success, I have candidly expressed my opinions on the subject.           

The Spread of Lung Cancer

The spread of lung cancer is to be given more importance due to its medical complications. It may be defined as a cancer that occurs in other sites of body like kidney, bladder, lymph nodes, etc., which subsequently spread via the blood stream or lymphatic system and into the pulmonary tissues like alveoli and interstitial tissues of the respiratory structures, therefore the process of metastasis finally sets in the lung areas. If the primary tumor is removed elsewhere in the body successfully, by routine anti-cancer treatment approaches, and at the same time if the tumor cells have spread only to a limited extent in the pulmonary regions, then the management of this condition by surgical technique may be of help. However, if there is an extensive metastatic lung cancer, then this clinical condition may not be cured fully.

Treatment procedures may not yield an expected result, despite various types of treatment procedures in patients, when a tumor reveals different stages of metastases. Therefore, the specialist always has to consider a poor prognosis, whenever metastatic cancer in lungs is encountered in an extensive form, over the various lobes of lungs in thoracic cavity.

Breast cancer can metastasize to other tissues like heart and other thoracic organs including the lung tissues. Similarly, cancerous cells may spread from colon to lungs, thus causing metastasis in different pulmonary areas. It is to be emphasized that currently, incidence of colon cancer is found to be more due to the multiple etiological factors like usage of various kinds of fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Hence, this cancer is to be viewed from various clinical angles.

Because of the spread of cancer cells, the clinical signs may vary depending on the degree of lung involvement and the reactions of the pulmonary areas to the modifications in cellular patterns. Whenever dealing with the case of this cancer in lungs the respiratory system specialist perhaps attempts to rule out signs and symptoms related to both primary and secondary lung cancers.

Metastatic lung cancer is often thought, by a substantial number of oncologists, that clinical recovery may not be 100 percent possible. The abnormal involvement of cellular structures of pulmonary regions get involved either primarily or secondarily. This is due to over exposure to cancer causing elements. Though it may not be practical to maintain moderate or no exposure 100 percent of the time, one can sustain from smoking or eating of known carcinogenic substances in food. Further, a constant environment in areas with asbestos or cement industries may become as predisposing factors for the occurrence of pulmonary infection, and in the course of time, this may end up in the occurrence of severe lung cancer and finally there is setting in process of metastasis in the affected patients.

Metastatic lung cancer often assumes more clinical significance because of the pronounced clinical signs like shortness of breath, difficulties in breathing, and coughing with some blood material in the coughed materials along with sputum. The lung tumor also can metastasize to other regions including kidney due to the spread of lung cancer.            Cancer - Will Omega-3 Fish Oil Help Prevent Cancer?

How can omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help prevent cancerall

Is it a beneficial supplement for those being treated for it? Here's a look at what we currently know about the cancer and fish oil.

Nutrition & Cancer

Most doctors recommend a variety of dietary supplements for their patients that are undergoing cancer treatment. Primarily, the purpose is to prevent nutritional deficiencies that can result due to loss of appetite, as well as malignancy related weight loss. In addition, a recent study showed that EPA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, helped to preserve lean body mass in patients recovering from throat cancer.

Purified Fish Oil - Best Choice

It is important to mention the need for selecting only oils that have been purified using molecular distillation. Of the common contaminants that are found in fish oil, many of them are carcinogenic. It is obviously important to avoid them. Some manufacturers promote the idea that non-distilled is better, more natural and provides more omega-3 fatty acids.

While it is true that eating fish provides more vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, molecular distillation actually allows for the "concentration" of omega3s. So, in all ways, molecularly distilled oils are the best choices for supplementation.

DHA Fish Oil Important

When it comes to prevention, studies indicate that DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, helps prevent colon cancer. It may help prevent other types, as well, including breast, prostate, head, neck, ovarian and gastrointestinal. There is simply more evidence suggesting the benefit colon and gastrointestinal cancers.

So, how does it work? DHA and EPA perform various functions in the human body. They are the primary components of cellular membranes, including the membranes that surround the neurons in the brain. They transport various hormones and are necessary for the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E and K are only soluble in fat, meaning that the body can only absorb them, if fats are also present.

Studies indicate that low levels of vitamin D are associated with cancer and heart disease. Year ago, studies showed that high levels of beta-carotene, the dietary precursor to vitamin A, and vitamin E were associated with a reduced risk of the disease.

Fish Oil PLUS

Large scale clinical trials were discontinued when it was found that supplementation did not result in a reduced incidence among participating volunteers, but the results may have been different, if a fish oil supplement was also given or the patients were advice to take the supplement with a meal that contained some type of fat. In addition, beta-carotene, vitamin C and E are more readily absorbed when they are taken together, rather than separately. In other words, we need a complete nutritional supplement.

Fish Oil is Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant

The vitamins mentioned here are antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals. Free radicals can cause mutations in healthy cells that lead to the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. Inflammation or inflammatory molecules, contribute to the growth and progression of the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This is how they can work against and help prevent cancer. Supplementation is one of the best things you can do for your health.

For more information visit the website listed below.

Thanks, Larry L. Taylor           

What is Cancer?

It is very important that cancer is detected early and for early detection you need to know the different symptoms of cancer that you should be looking for. Cancer is a disease that is life threatening and seems to have become a curse for the human race. Until people are able to detect symptoms of cancer in a manner that is more definitive and have a cure that is fail-proof then cancer will keep on it's path of being a monster for the human race.

This being said there are two different problems that need to be addressed. One of them is that we need to be able to treat the cancer in a manner that is not going to be able to fail. We also need to be able to recognize symptoms of cancer earlier on. In order for this to be understood we need to talk about what cancer really is.

Cancer is a condition or disease where the body has cell growth that is abnormal and uncontrolled. This could start in a single organ and spread quickly to other organs that are nearby. There are a few different kinds of cancer. The different types are normally named after and based on the different organs of the body where the cancer starts off. An example of this are cancers like lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Each of these cancer names were based on the organ in which the cancer started.

It is important that symptoms of cancer are recognized early on. If you are not able to recognize symptoms of early cancer then you might find that it has become incurable completely because of the time that has passed. If you get a diagnosis of cancer when it is still early and is in the lower stages then you will find that you have a much better chance at a cure. This being said you can see how getting an early diagnosis is imperative for the survival of the patient.

You will find that if you are proactive and have the test done for screening of cancer then your chances of having early detection are much greater than that of someone who has not had a check. Most hospitals have booklets and some of them can even provide you with the information that you might need to be able to notice the early signs of cancer so that you can get checked quickly should they arise.            Cancer Survival Rates

Cancer survival rates differ according to whatever type of cancer you have and also the stage that it is diagnosed. One of the worst cancer statistics anywhere in the world is lung cancer. Published 5-year survival for patients with lung cancer varies from 5% to 16% internationally. One of the reasons that the cancer survival rates differ so widely is the fact that the statistical information is not always in the public domain, and each individual study collects and interprets the data differently according to the abstract of the study. In other words each cancer statistic is as unique as you are.

Data from the US indicates a 5-year survival rate of up to 16% although this figure cannot be relied on because it excludes seventy five percent of the population, so as a statistic it does not apply to the population as a whole. To make a valid comparison of mortality rates for cancer survival rates is no different from making valid statistical evidence in any other disease, the data has to have been collected and examined in the same way. ( Respiratory Medicine, Volume 100, Issue 9, Pages 1642-1646 C. Butler, K. Darragh, G. Currie, W. Anderson, Respiratory Medicine, Volume 100, Issue 9, Pages 1642-1646). Being frightened by statistics or even worse believing statistics can affect how you survive or not your cancer.

Changing the Face of Cancer Survival Statistics

Statistics come down to risks at the end of the day and your risk of getting cancer. In the United States the statistics for lung cancer reveal that it kills more people than those that die from breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer combined. However that is due to the fact that there is widespread screening beyond a certain age for prostrate, breast and cervical cancer.

The New England Journal of Medicine of October 26, 2006 reported that eighty percent of deaths from lung cancer were potentially avoidable. Spiral computed tomography (CT) scanning has the potential to detect it at its early stage 1 stage, at this stage it is a curable cancer. The reason that the mortality rates are so bleak is the fact that by the time most people realize that they have this cancer, it is too far advanced to do anything about it.

The initial study was carried out at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center during 1993 and has subsequently expanded into an international study of 38 institutions in 7 countries and become known as the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project (I-ELCAP).

Surgery is effective in curing this cancer is stage 1, later it is too advanced to make much difference and the reason that the cancer rate survival statistics are so dismal is the fact that it is rarely detected at stage 1.

Later studies from 1993 to 2005 in the United States, Europe, Israel, China, and Japan screened 31,567 asymptomatic persons at high risk followed by repeat screenings in 27,456 of these individuals. 484 people were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 412 or 85% of these were Stage I. Of the 412 patients with stage I, 302 underwent surgical solutions within four weeks and within this group, the survival rate was 92%.

The estimated 10 year survival rate for the 484 participants with lung cancer was over 80 percent that is the highest percentage for survival ever recorded in a cancer study. In contrast the statistical cancer five year survival rates for stage IV can be as low as 5%. Some elected not to receive treatment and all were dead within five years. All the participants were at risk of lung cancer as they were all older than forty and either they smoked or had smoked or they were exposed to known carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, uranium, radon or beryllium, uranium or radon, or they had occupations which exposed them to passive smoking.

As with anything else the cost effectiveness of the screening has to be measured against the cost of treatment. It costs twice as much to treat lung cancer in its late stages than it does for stage 1 treatment. The charge for a low dose CT screening scan is between $200 - $300. New technology has made the screening more effective because when CT was new it was only capable of yielding thirty images now over 600 are possible.

To a certain extent there is resistance to scanning for lung cancer because often it is not regarded as a disease but as a reprimand or retribution. Also there is little consensus as to what constitutes a high risk population, because although it has been known for a century that smoking contributes to cancer, by no means all smokers develop lung cancer. However better genetic pointers will be available in the future and that will make it easier to predict exactly those at risk and that will make the possibility of screening more likely.