Cancer

(The challenges in the Treatment)

by: Rod Khleif

Cancer is one of the diseases for which we cannot find a complete cure. A population of cells with abnormal growth characterizes cancer. These abnormal cells invade and destroy adjacent tissues, and may spread to other organs. The main cause for all types of cancers is the presence of abnormalities in the genetic material of the transformed cells.

Treatment Types:

There are regular treatment methods and also alternate treatment methods for cancer.

The Regular Treatments: Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and many others methods depends upon the areas of the body and grade of the tumor and the stage of the disease, as well as the general state of the patient. These treatments take lot of effort from the patient, very expensive and have many side effects. The most common treatments for cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These treatments have some limitations as no treatment is completely successful in every single case.

• Surgery can be very successful in treating some kinds of cancer, but it is not an option for all people. Surgery may not be possible if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body or if the tumor cannot be removed without damaging vital organs, such as the liver or brain.

• Chemotherapy is the other method usually used when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body. The side effects of Chemotherapy are very severe. The patients have to take medicines on a long run basis to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

• Radiotherapy uses radiation in the form of a special kind of x-rays, gamma rays or electrons to damage cancer cells so that they cannot multiply. Radiation dose to each site depends on a number of factors, including whether there are tissues and organs nearby that may be damaged by radiation. Thus, as with every form of treatment, radiation therapy is not without its side effects.

The failure of these treatments to cure cancer completely triggers the need for the search of the alternate treatment methods.

Alternate Treatment Methods: Alternate treatment methods are a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Many alternative medicine techniques are part of complete "systems" of healthcare that began many years before the development of conventional medicine. Often, these systems are the healthcare traditions practiced by a given culture. The popular alternate methods are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and Acupuncture etc.

The conventional treatment methods concentrate on body, mind and soul to get the best results. Many complementary and alternative therapies are rooted in cultures whose healthcare practices are based on a holistic approach to wellness and healing.

There is a great need of the search for improved quality of life and less toxic therapies, which cures cancer menace completely from the mankind.

How To Detect Breast Cancer

By: Frank Vanderlugt

The Best Way to Beat Breast Cancer

There’s not much you can do to really avoid getting breast cancer, but there’s an awful lot you can do about beating it if you’re unfortunate enough to get the disease. Early detection is really important – and the way to detect breast cancer early is by examining your breasts properly every month.

The good news is – it’s pretty easy to do.

What are the important things to note? You need to look for any changes in your breasts from how they looked before. That may signal breast cancer – although it doesn’t necessarily mean that, so keep calm! You will begin to recognise the feeling and appearance of your breasts and will be able to easily detect any changes.

Most lumps, bumps, patches and other irregularities which you find will not be breast cancer; in fact, they won’t be any disease at all – but you are taking the best possible precautionary measure against breast cancer by examining your breasts.

When should you start to examine your breasts? Your twenties are the best time to begin breast exams, before breast cancer is likely and after puberty, when your breasts are fully developed. During puberty, breasts are often lumpy as they develop.

Start in your twenties should give you plenty of time to know what your breasts feel like when they are healthy, so you will know if there is a cause for concern - from breast cancer or any other medical issue.

Is there a good time to examine your breasts? Breast exams should be carried out three to five days after your menstruation ends. If you are already through the menopause, congratulations on taking this great move towards controlling breast cancer and looking after your health – and you should use a memorable date, such as your birthdate.

How to conduct a breast examination First, examine your breasts in a mirror. They may not look the same size. That’s normal and nothing to worry about; nearly all women have one breast that is larger.

You should look out for any change in the size or shape of your breasts or their normal position, as well as any changes in skin tone from your previous breast exams. Any puckering, soreness or change in skin color should be noted as that too can be a sign of breast cancer or some other disease. Look closely at your nipples too and watch out for any soreness, any flaking skin or a change in the way your nipples point from when you last examined them.

Then put your hands on your hips, turn to the side and look at your breasts from different angles so that you can see all of your breasts. Be aware of any changes in the shape of your breasts from previous exams; your breasts may differ from each other in shape though.

Check that there is no nipple discharge, even if they are lightly squeezed.

Make sure there are no lumps in your armpit. People often don’t know that breast cancer can show up there, rather than the breast itself.

Put one of your hands at the back your head, which tends to flatten out your breast and any lumps will be easier to feel. Press your fingertips gently all over your breast. To make sure you cover the whole area, do this up and down first, then round in circles, radiating out from your nipple. Remember to examine both breasts – and your nipples themselves.

If you find a worrying change in your breast, or a lump, stay calm. Remember almost all breasts lumps and discoloration are not breast cancer. Regular breast exams will help you detect problems early – speak to your doctor if you find a lump or a change in the texture and colour of your breasts and the skin on them. It probably won’t be breast cancer, but your doctor may still be able to help.