Saturday, July 19, 2008

Breast Cancer Risks and Prevention Tips

One risk factor for breast cancer is hormone stimulation. One way to stimulate hormones is hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy was a popular treatment for women going through menopause. It was used to control the mood swings and other menopause symptoms. The hormone commonly being replaced was estrogen, with progesterone sometimes being used as well. The greatest risk comes from using a combination of progesterone and estrogen.

One other way for hormone stimulation is an uncontrollable factor, the age a woman begins menstruation and menopause. If a girl starts menstruation before 12, or a woman starts menopause before age 55, she will have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. There are ways to decrease that risk though. If a woman has a full-term pregnancy (38 to 40 weeks) before the age of 30 that may decrease her risk. Also, if a woman breast feeds her infant for at least 12 months or breast feeds several children, her risk may also be reduced.

Medication can also be used to prevent breast cancer. Tamoxifen is the most commonly used and others are being researched right now for their potential use in preventing breast cancer. Tamoxifen is often prescribed to women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, either because of genetic factors or other risk factors. This medication works by blocking how estrogen affects the cells in your breast. There are several serious risks associated with tamoxifen use however. These include an increased risk of uterine cancer, stroke and blood clots in the legs or lungs. You need to see your doctor immediately if you develop any symptom of these side effects.

Some women may choose to surgically remove their breasts in order to prevent breast cancer. This is called a preventive mastectomy. This is usually done by women who have a strong family history of breast cancer, as in several women (usually a woman's mother, sisters and/or aunts) in the family have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This surgery reduces the risk of breast cancer by as much as 90%.

Another type of surgery that may be performed to reduce the risk of breast cancer is a prophylactic oophorectomy, or elective surgery to remove the ovaries. This helps reduce the risk of breast cancer because the hormones produced by the ovaries increases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. The genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk may also increase a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer. By removing her ovaries, a woman can dramatically decrease her chances of developing either type of cancer.

A woman's choice of foods and lifestyle may increase her risk of breast cancer. There seems to be a connection between obesity and breast cancer. Some studies have shown that obese women have a higher chance of developing breast cancer because of an increased amount of estrogen in their systems. Another study has shown that women who regularly eat high-fat foods have an increased risk of dying from breast cancer, not just developing it, compared to women from the same population that eat low-fat foods. These two studies suggest that an exercise program and a low-fat diet may decrease your chances of developing breast cancer. One lifestyle choice that may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer is alcohol drinking. Studies have shown that drinking alcohol may slightly increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. This does not mean that every woman who had a drink to celebrate her birthday or job promotion is at greater risk of cancer. The study suggested that current drinking had more of an impact on the risk than drinking as a young adult.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Breast Cancer Risks Experts Dismiss as Unproven

A great stir was caused by the recent statement by Sheryl Crow on national television that a doctor told her that women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, because the heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water. She also said the doctor told her that the chemicals have been found in breast tissue and these chemicals can lead to breast cancer.

Articles on the Internet referenced the websites of organizations that had previously addressed this concern, including Breastcancer.org and Plasticsmythbusters.org, which is affiliated with the American Chemistry Council. Both organizations considered the connection between plastic water bottles and breast cancer risk to be “an urban myth” and say the theory is unproven.

The fact that a direct causal connection has not yet been proven beyond a shred of doubt does not mean that the theory is a myth.

It has been proven that phthalates, which are compounds used as softeners and plasticizers for products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) accelerate breast cell growth in animal studies. These chemicals have also been found to adversely affect the reproductive and endocrine system, especially in baby boys. In a recent study, phthalates were recently linked to low testosterone levels which appears to cause increased belly fat and pre-diabetes in men.

These softeners and plasticizers are used in a variety of consumer and personal care products including food packaging materials, toys, and medical/pharmaceutical devices and drugs. The most commonly used phthalate is DEHP. Food contamination has definitely been found to occur when plastic food packaging materials are made from PVC that was treated with phthalates.
As a general rule, we should not cook or heat foods in most plastics. This caveat is especially applicable to old plastic containers in which the surface is eroding the concern being based upon the fact that plasticizers are released during heating. Not all plastic containers are microwaveable. Look for directions regarding this on the packaging.

According to a panel doctor on Breastcancer.org, scientists make sure that during animal studies they don’t contaminate experiments with plastics by using old plastic equipment that have been used and washed many times. Don’t you think you should be a little more concern about contaminating your body?
It is possible that water left in the car where the temperature can almost reach the boiling point may be cause for similar concern. It may not be one incident of drinking water from a heated plastic bottle that leads to increased cancer risk, but an accumulation of several risky behaviors or exposure related to plastics just may promote cancer.

We don’t know definitively all the causes of cancer, but we are exposed to so many possible agents that may contribute to cancer, some of them are naturally occurring and some are man-made that there will never be ample epidemiological human studies or data that prove or disprove these “myths.” Some of these agents may not directly cause cancer alone, but they can cause direct damage to genes or disrupt the immune system or alter the hormone balance in such a way as to create a fertile environment for cancer cells to grow.

Another of these “myths” that have circulated on the Internet for several years is that using underarm deodorants or antiperspirants that contain parabens can cause breast cancer. And the consensus among scientists is there is no connection between antiperspirants and breast cancer.

Nevertheless, researchers found six different kinds of parabens in the breast cancer tissue samples of women who were being treated for breast cancer. All of the samples contained some parabens. The amount of parabens in the samples was about equal to the amount that had caused breast cancer cells to grow in test tubes in earlier studies.

The researchers concluded that these chemicals enter breast tissue from outside sources and accumulate in levels high enough to trigger the growth of breast cancer cells. Parabens are also used to preserve foods, medicines, and cosmetics. So there are lots of opportunities for exposure to these chemicals.

Another contributor to breast cancer was recently reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal that can build up in the body over time was linked to increased breast cancer risk.

Researchers measured cadmium levels in the urine samples from a group of women and found that women with the highest cadmium levels had twice the breast cancer risk of those with the lowest levels.
People may be exposed to cadmium from tobacco smoke and some foods such as liver, kidney, crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, and shrimp), and canned fish. People who work with cadmium or in refining and smelting are also exposed, but the U.S. government limits such on-the-job exposure.
But once again, we have the usual disclaimer: “The study doesn't prove cadmium exposure causes breast cancer. It will take more research to figure that out.”

There will never be ample animal studies, much less human epidemiological data that prove or disprove definitively that any specific product or chemicals cause breast cancer in humans. I think it is wise to avoid suspect materials whenever possible. There is usually enough data to conclude whether or not a substance presents a risk that is harmful to your health and may contribute to breast cancer.

Many of these suspect chemicals do not affect only breast cancer risk; they are frequently harmful to the cardiovascular system and overall health.

Consumer reaction that should result if the available data were widely publicized could force consumer product manufacturers and food packagers to search for alternatives.

Syble James is President of Alpha Health Source, online at http://www.AlphaHealthSource.net, where visitors can find supplements, weight-loss programs, body care, organic and natural foods and beverages, and request consultations. Ms. James also researches, writes and consults on VMS, weight loss, health clubs, nutraceuticals, foods, beverages and MLM (supplements and body care) within the investment and fitness industry sectors. She can be reached at Syble.James@AlphaHealthSource.net or 1-800-899-0799.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Syble_James

Cancer Risks From Eating Meat

Is seems we really are what we eat. U.S. Doctors are now reporting that red meat is associated with an elevated risk for cancers of the esophagus, liver, rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer
The researchers studied 500,000 people aged 50 to 71 who took part in a diet and health study done in conjunction with the AARP, formerly the American Association for Retired Persons. After eight years, 53,396 cases of cancer were diagnosed.

Meats can cause cancer several ways, the researchers noted. "For example, they are both sources of saturated fat and iron, which have independently been associated with carcinogenesis," the researchers wrote.

Meat is also a source of several chemicals known to cause DNA mutations, including N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

The Bible says that, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made." But it also seems that the old computer adage, "Garbage in garbage out is equally true. How can the FDA approve these chemicals to fill our meat with and us to ingest and then not expect our bodies to react?

As always, they are saying that a decrease in the consumption of red and processed meat could reduce the incidence of cancer. Duh.

Personally, I have no problem with eating meat even though I have been exploring other diets including the raw food diet. I feel that God gave us meat to eat as referenced several palaces in the Old Testament of the Bible. What I do have a problem with is all of the antibiotics and chemicals that the FDA has approved to be put into our meat. Then they act shocked when they have to report the negative affects found in their studies.

I say if you want to eat meat, eat it without fear. Just buy organic meat or Kosher meat that hasn't been shot up with all of the chemicals. And drink alkaline ionized water to clear your cells of the old toxins that are currently stored up in you body.

By Nedalee Ruiz
Nedalee is the author of The Desperate Parents Handbook
http://www.DesperateParent.com
To find out more about Ionized water, Nedalee recommends
http://www.HealingWaterMachines.com


Copyright © 2007 By Nedalee Ruiz
Permission granted to reproduce in entirety including credits and links.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nedalee_Ruiz

Breast Reductions Lower Cancer Risks By 50 - 70%

Breast Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. According to the World Health Organization, over one million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide this year alone.

For women who are at high-risk for breast cancer -- especially those whose mother or sisters have breast cancer -- just knowing their high-risk status can create a life filled with anxiety, worry and a feeling of helplessness. It used to be that the only option they had to minimize their chances of getting the disease was to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy -- which is a radical elective mastectomy to remove the breasts -- a drastic step that many were understandably hesitant to take.

There is now another option for woman at high risk.

A recent study that observed thousands of women in the United States, Canada, Denmark and Sweden has proven that Breast Reductions significantly lower the risk of a high-risk woman developing breast cancer. The study determined that Breast Reductions lowered their risk by 50 to 70%.

This is both exciting and promising. To give high-risk women an option, to help them take proactive measures for their own health, is rewarding both to the patients as well as to the surgeons.

How does Breast Reduction Minimize Breast Cancer Risks?

The study concluded that the more breast tissue a high-risk woman had, the more breast cells they had that could become cancerous. In other words: if the tissue was removed it would never be able to become cancerous.

If Breast Reduction is good, wouldn't prophylactic mastectomy be better?

Because prophylactic mastectomies can reduce a high-risk woman's chance of acquiring breast cancer by 90%, they cannot provide a 100% guarantee against developing cancer. For many women, taking a step to have her breasts completely removed yet still retain the chance of developing cancer was not a good enough trade off.

Breast Reductions can drastically lower the chance of cancer and still allow a woman to keep her breasts. For many women this is very important.

Large Breasted and at High Risk?

For those women who are at high risk and large breasted already -- enough that they have been considering Breast Reduction surgery in the past -- this news should be doubly encouraging.

Breast Reductions Offer an Added Measure of Safety.

In addition to the new findings, one other benefit that has always been associated with Breast Reductions should also be pointed out. All tissue removed during Breast Reduction surgery (regardless of the woman's "at risk" status) is biopsied. This is standard operating procedure. It can be very comforting for a woman to understand that if there were any cancerous cells -- regardless of whether or not she is at risk -- they would be found in post-op analysis.

Adrien Brody is a business writer specializing in health and beauty products and has written authoritative articles on the industry. To learn more about breast enhancement, make sure you visit http://curvesenhancement.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adrien_Brody

70 Percent Reduction In Cancer Risks

When two large countries make bold statements to their population in general, that taking vitamin D supplements can reduce cancer risks by 70% and more, everyone should stand up and take notice! What is the main source of vitamin D - sunlight.? We have been preached to for years that sunlight is bad for you and to make sure that you are always protected from it's harmful rays.

Here we go again, using the fear factor, to get everyone following a regimen of slathering on sun protection creams. Which, by the way, can contain their own harmful ingredients that are absorbed into the body through your skin. The Canadian Cancer Society is suggesting that their population of adults take an extra 1000 IUs of vitamin D during the winter months when there is less sun shine. For those already at a higher risk for getting cancer, the suggestion is to take the increased amount, all year round.

They based their decision on a study that was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The 4 year study was conducted on a group of post-menopausal women from rural eastern Nebraska which concluded that there was a 60% or greater reduction of cancer risk for the women who took vitamin D3 plus a calcium supplement, than for those who did not take the vitamin. Vitamin D is extremely important for absorption of calcium in the small intestine but it has also been found to regulate the growth of cancer cells.

The UK has also taken steps to promote the use of vitamin D supplementation. Their cancer specialist report that a 40 year review of research has found that a daily dose of 1000 IUs daily, could cut the risks of breast, colon and ovary cancers by up to 50%. Results of a study reported in October 2007 in the European Journal of Cancer, showed the risk of internal cancers were lower among people living in sunny countries. "Vitamin D production in the skin seems to decrease the risk of several solid cancers, especially stomach, colorectal, liver and gallbladder, pancreas, lung, female breast, prostate, bladder and kidney cancers."

Our food sources do supply some Vitamin D, but 90% of the source is from simple skin exposure to the sun. 10-15 minutes a day, 2-3 days a week, will produce a sufficient dose of vitamin D. Supplementation is highly recommended, for those people who live in areas around the globe that do not get a regular dose of sunshine.

Besides cancer risks, what are some of the other ailments that a deficiency of vitamin D produces:

Osteoporosis

Rickets

Schizophrenia

Psoriasis

Seasonal Affective Disorder

May have a direct affect on Type II diabetes by impairing insulin production in the pancreas

There's probably a host of others that we've yet to discover.

This by no means should be taken as a reason to stay out in the hot sun for extended periods of time unprotected by clothing or some other means if your occupation requires it. More is not better in this case...since skin cancer should be of concern with over exposure.

Jackie Martin writes from a perspective of her own self-education after three siblings (in the last five years), her mother and several other extended family members were diagnosed with cancer.

Her blog: WhenCancerHitsHome deals with the personal side of each siblings diagnosis as well as her self-education resources and findings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Martin

Alternative Cancer Treatments - A Guide

There are many options for alternative cancer treatment. All are designed to reduce or help control cancer and provide for the well being of the patient. Cancer affects the body and can cause anxiety, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, chronic pain, sleep problems, and stress.

The following is a guide recommending alternative cancer treatments for helping you cope with your cancer; however these alternative treatments will not cure cancer.


Anxiety related to cancer can be reduced by the following alternative cancer treatments. They include hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

Fatigue is a result of the lactic acid build in your body from cancerous cells. Alternative cancer treatments can include exercise, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, and yoga.

Nausea and Vomiting may be result from cancer or traditional cancer treatment. Alternative treatments can include acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and music therapy.

Chronic Pain is a result of the cancer's impact on the body. Alternative cancer treatment can include acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, hypnosis, medication, massage therapy, and music therapy.

Sleep Problems are a result of cancer and the impact of traditional treatment. Alternative cancer treatment can include exercise, relaxation techniques, tai chi, and yoga.

Stress associated with cancer can be treated using alternative cancer treatments. These can include aromatherapy, exercise, hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, tai chi, and yoga.

Descriptions of alternative cancer treatment are provided giving an idea of the treatment's protocol.


Acupuncture using tiny needles inserted in specific parts of the body to relieve impact of cancer. Should not be used if experiencing low blood counts and using blood thinners.

Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to provide relief. These oils can be added to bath water or applied during massage therapy.

Biofeedback uses electrical devices to teach patient how to relax when responding to problems related to cancer.

Exercise is recommended in most cases to help maintain a healthy body, which helps control cancer.

Hypnosis uses subliminal messages to help you learn how to control your body to help you control your cancer.

Massage Therapy can relieve many problems associated with cancer. Caution should be exercised if experiencing low platelet counts when using this alternative treatment. Massaging may result in bruising or internal bleeding.

Meditation involves concentrating on positive thoughts to help block problems associated with cancer.

Music Therapy involves listening to music, playing instruments, and singing songs to help you cope with cancer.

Relaxation Techniques use visualization and muscle relaxing strategies to help control the effects of cancer.

Tai Chi uses deep breathing and slow movements to help control side effects of cancer.

Yoga involves deep breathing and stretching to help the patient relax and deal with impact of cancer.

As with all alternative cancer treatments you should consult your primary doctor and conduct further research to ensure your approach is appropriate for your cancer.

If you are searching for a Freelance Writer who can provide articles such as this one, visit Word Solutions to see the services I provide.

My blog has additional resources Freelance Writing Solutions

David R. Wetzel, Ph.D. - Currently a FreeLance Writer, Retired University Professor and Public School Teacher. He is an avid technology user and researches technologies which impact everyday business and consumer applications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Wetzel

Cancer Risks

In addition, this study showed that women with Stages 1 and 2 breast cancer who drank green tea daily showed a decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence over women who did not drink green tea. Those who have worked with asbestos or who are regularly in contact with someone who has are at risk from asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Women who have osteoporosis have a 60% lower risk of getting breast cancer.

For every 5 grams (about a teaspoonful) of vegetable oil consumed per day, breast cancer risk increased by 70%. However, if women are at a high risk for ovarian cancer then their doctor may do regular CA 125 screening tests. Increased estrogen levels significantly increase risk of breast cancer.

Hormone therapy can also be used as prostate cancer cure. Some also show that providing chemotherapy to women with non-metastasized breast cancer prevents the appearance of systemic spread and that the use of tamoxifen (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) increases the cure rate in women with hormone positive breast cancer. Let's face it--there are folks out there hawking aromatherapy as a cure for cancer, a treatment for depression, and even as an aphrodisiac.

This article does not suggest you should reject medical treatment if you need it, but rather, should you find yourself ill, with say, prostate cancer, some deep self-realization techniques and practice, can bring you closer to realizing your own nature, and help yourself effect a cure.

Controls Hypertension and Benefits cancer patients: Whey protein controls high blood pressure and is especially useful for cancer patients who derive nutrition from this easily digestible protein. Usually inherited cancer appears at the age of 50. Cancer) I don't want to hear it (hearing problems) doesn't that just break your heart (heart disease) Good Grief.

Radiotherapy to the chest may also be used to kill off remaining cancer cells. Several studies have shown that tea, green in particular, seems to significantly lower your chances of developing breast cancer. Melanotic refers to containing melanin, the dark skin pigment present in moles and the malignant skin cancer, melanoma. According to the University of Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center, the measurement of ORAC is a way to measure how many oxygen radicals a specific food can absorb.

Soli Kator


http://www.i-need-money-fast.com