Though there are three common form of skin cancer; the Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma, the first two are not very serious and can be treated and cured easily. The third type, Melanoma, the cancer of the melanocyte is the most severe of the lot and causes the most number of skin cancer associated death around the world.

What are the main causes of Skin Cancer?

.Exposure to sun

The number one cause of skin cancer is the over exposure to the Ultra Violet rays of the sun or any other sources. The time of exposure, the intensity of the UV rays and whether or not the skin was protected (with clothes or anti sun creams) all decides the chance of getting skin cancer in the long run.

.White skin

White skinned people are more prone to cancer of the skin than the darker skinned ones, and the difference comes due to the level of naturally occurring sun protecting pigment in the skin; melanin. Melanin pigment which is high in dark skin protects it from the harmful rays of the sun thus saving it from cancer. But dark skinned men too, do have a chance of the disease though comparatively less.

.Exposure to carcinogen

Certain chemicals like arsenic, tar, nicotine and oil are found to elevate the change of getting skin cancer. Though these come under skin carcinogen, only long term exposure is found to trigger the disease in many cases.

.Family history’

The genetic makeup and the family history can also contribute to the occurrence of skin cancer. Having someone in the family affected with skin cancer increases the chance of getting the disease.

Besides all these risk factors, there are still many factors that might cause skin cancer or elevate the chance of it.

How can skin cancer be treated?

There are a number of approaches to treat skin cancer depending on the severity of the disease and where it has affected. Early and proper diagnosis of the disease helps to treat it better and more effectively. The different approach towards effective treatment includes

.Surgery

Non melanomas cancer or tumour can be completely removed by different surgical approaches being followed today. Cryosurgery, simple excision, dermabrasion, laser surgery are among the surgical techniques that effectively removes the cancerous skin tissue.

.Chemotherapy

Inter venal or oral chemotherapeutic treatment targeted specifically on the cancerous cells can treat the cancer by either killing the cells or arresting their cell division capability. Cancer of the skin is also sometimes treated by applying the chemotherapeutic medicine on the affected skin in the form or creams or ointments.

.Radiation Therapy

The two forms, external or the internal radiation therapy may be used for the treatment depending on the type of cancer. Depending on the type of skin cancer and how much it had advanced, either form of the therapy is chosen.

.Photodynamic therapy

This is a more novel method to treat cancer and has little effect on the normal healthy tissue. Here photoactive drugs are given to the patient and these drugs specifically bind to the skin cells which are cancerous. When laser light is shone on the patients affected areas, the drug becomes active and kills off the diseased cells leaving of the normal cells.

What are the effects of Skin cancer treatment?

Different approaches towards the treatment of skin cancer have proven to be very effective in removing the tumour and controlling the cancerous growth. But as in every other cancer treatment, these treatment too comes with a few side effects.

Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue in the skin can result in a lifelong scar on the body. and sometimes even an expert surgeon cannot assure a cent percent zero scar removal of the cancer.

Chemotherapeutic treatment using creams and ointments can cause inflammation in the area of application. The inflammations caused in some people are so severe that they might have to discontinue the medication and switch to other treatment scheme. Chemotherapy can also cause nausea, vomiting and hair loss in the patients undergoing the treatment.

But after all the patent will be in gain undergoing the right cancer treatment on time, coz it will get rid of the most serious problem of all ‘Cancer’, set aside the smaller side effects coming with it.

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Prevention

The easiest way to fight this form of cancer is to never deal with it, which is why prevention is key. You’ve been beaten over the head with applying sun block liberally during the summer months, but that is only half the story. Many doctors are now recommending that sun block be worn year round whenever exposure is possible. That doesn’t mean you have to slather yourself to run outside and get the paper. If you plan to be out in the open for extended periods, even when its overcast, the suns harmful rays are still present and can still cause some damage to your skin. Consequentially, you want to choose a moisturizer or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.

Putting on cream once simply doesn’t cut it though, unless you are only out for a couple of hours. You should reapply according to the instructions on the product, which may include after contact with water or excessive sweat and every few hours. It also takes the cream a few minutes to become effective in blocking the rays, so apply it a little in advance of your outdoor excursion. In addition to keeping greased up regularly, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants when possible will greatly cut down on skin cancer risks. An umbrella can also help keep sun off of you during long walks.

Detection

Did you know that you could develop skin cancer even if you’re a regular sun block bather or hide in caves for the majority of your lifetime? One bad burn, even in your youth, can result in cancerous cells, so just because you actively try to prevent it, don’t think you don’t have to do regular spot checks as well. Smoking is another activity that can increase your risks. The most common signs of skin cancer are several different types of moles. Most people have birthmarks or moles that are not dangerous, but it is important to keep track because they can change over time. Moles that increase in size, change texture, color, or shape are all potentially forms of cancer. If you notice any marks on your skin that are painful, tender, hard, scaly, or even bleed sometimes these are also symptoms of skin cancer. It is important to have these checked immediately by a doctor who can take a sample and have it tested. Many forms can be completely removed if detected early enough.

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Prostate cancer begins in the prostate, a chestnut shaped gland located in the base of a man’s bladder just in front of the rectum. The prostate forms part of the male reproductive and urinary system and surrounds the base or neck of the bladder. It has two lobes that surround the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder, through the prostate and then out through the penis. The size of the prostate will vary from one man to another and will range from the size of a walnut to that of a small apple. The size of a man’s prostate usually increases with age. The prostate itself is covered in a layer of connective tissue called the prostatic capsule.

It is responsible for producing seminal fluid, the liquid that a man’s semen is carried in during orgasm. It also plays a part in controlling the flow of urine. The lobes that surround the urethra contain muscle fibres that contract to slow or stop the flow of urine through the urethra.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer will be found in almost 26,000 men this year. Twenty six thousand more men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer next year and another 26,000+ the year after that. In fact, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men.

While there is no known single cause of prostate cancer, some indicators figure larger than others. What is known is the risk of a man developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age. Few men under the age of 50 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Most prostate cancers are found in men around the age of 65 and higher. Another factor is whether any blood relatives have developed prostate cancer. Your chances of developing this disease increase markedly if family members have developed it.

In addition, men of African descent are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men while Asian men are least likely to develop it. The reasons for the disparity are not known.

Early Signs and Detection

Early detection of the disease is critical. This disease does not have many symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms become more serious and numerous as the cancer advances. Because other conditions can have similar symptoms, having any of the symptoms listed below does not necessarily mean you have cancer. What is important is having yourself checked if they develop.

The first sign may be a change in bladder habits:

Do you find you need to urinate more frequently?

• Do you have to get out of bed to urinate once, twice or even three times a night?
• Do you find your need to urinate is sometimes intense
• Do you ever have difficulty in getting your urine flow started?
• Do you have trouble in stopping your urine flow?
• Do you find you sometimes cannot urinate at all?
• Is your urine flow weak or decreased?
• Have you experienced a stoppage in urine flow?
• Have you had the sensation that your bladder has not completely emptied after urination?
• Have you experienced pain or a burning sensation while urinating?
• Other signs may be blood in your urine or semen or pain during orgasm.

 If you have experienced one or more of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor and get checked.

Later Signs and Symptoms

Prostate cancer is typically a slow-growing cancer. Symptoms usually begin to appear after the tumour becomes large enough to affect the surrounding tissues and organs. As the cancer progresses, other late signs and symptoms may appear.

You may experience pain in your bones or joints, especially in your back, hips, thighs and neck. You might experience weight loss or feel a general fatigue. You may also feel weakness or numbness in your legs or feet. Another sign is a low red blood cell count or anemia. This will be detected by blood tests carried out by your doctor. And finally, you may experience a loss of bladder control or bowel control.

Early detection and screening are crucial since the cure rate is quite high when caught in the early stages. Once the cancer metastasizes (spreads) outside of the prostate, cure is very unlikely. It is best to get regular screenings before you notice any prostate cancer symptoms, since symptoms are rarely felt in the early stages of the disease.

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What are the Treatment Options?

There are 5 treatment options available once a patient is diagnosed:

1. Observation
2. Radiation Therapy
3. Cryotherapy, or Freezing of the Cancerous Prostate
4. Hormone Therapy, Used in Conjunction with Radiation or Cryotherapy.
5. Prostatectomy, or the Removal of the Prostate

Surgery and radiation therapy are the most common choices of these options.

Surgery for Prostate Cancer

Several things factor in to the course of treatment, such as age, general health, stage of cancer and whether or not the cancer is localized or the chances of leaving cancer behind. Many men are good candidates for a radical prostatectomy, a procedure used to remove the entire prostate and any nearby tissue thought to have cancer cells. If the chances of leaving cancerous cells behind are slim and when it’s possible, your doctor may suggest a surgical technique which spares the nerves.

Surgery Options

Until recently, options in surgery were few and often included a large incision in the abdomen and significant recovery time. Today however, it can be done laparoscopically through several small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery may be performed either by hand, or through robot-assisted surgery. Robotic prostatectomy surgery uses cutting edge technology which gives the surgeon better visibility and an increased range of motion for a more thorough surgery and provides several benefits to the patient as well which include:

• Faster Recovery Time
• Less Pain
• Less Risk of Infection
• Less Blood Loss
• Lower Occurrence of Incontinence and Impotence

Special Considerations

It is important to understand that surgery may not remove all of the cancer and additional therapies might be necessary. The surgery may also cause side effects such as incontinence and erectile problems, which may or may not improve over time.

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Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.

Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey’s central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.

Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn’t live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral – a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.

Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity.

Erionite is no longer mined or marketed for commercial purposes.
Although other natural zeolites have many commercial uses (pet litter, soil conditioners, animal feed, waste-water treatment, gas absorbents, etc.) So potential occupational exposure to erionite occurs during the production and mining of other zeolites.

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The first and foremost thing to be done is to drastically reduce the intake of junk food. Processed and junk foods add empty calories. Eatables like burger, pizza, wafers, French fries etc have very high salt content which increases the sodium level of our body leading to cancer in future. Where as sweet tasting junk foods add excessive calories. Processed food like bread, salami, luncheon meat, sausages etc should also not be eaten much. Energy drinks and sweet processed juices are a strict no.

It is very essential to improve ones dietary habits for ensuring a healthy life. Fruits and vegetables in either raw or lightly cooked form should be taken at least 5 times in a day in small portions. Salad has to be eaten 4 times a week. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, fibrous foods, fruits, unprocessed sugar should be a daily affair.

The most important change to be brought for prevention of cancer is to do physical workouts. It is very essential to workout everyday for 30mins either by going for a walk, swim, jogging or cycling five times in a week to stay healthy. If the workout lasts for 60-90 minutes then it further reduces the risk of cancer. Exercising helps maintain ones body weight and avoid obesity or overweight problem. Researches and study show that obesity leads to diabetes and hypertension and cancer too. Breast cancer post menopause is very common in obese women. For men it can lead to rectum, colon and stomach cancer. It is advisable to walk up the steps and avoid vehicles while going somewhere close by.

One has to also take care of alcohol and smoking. Alcohol should be consumed moderately as excessive consumption could lead to pancreatic, oral, stomach, rectum, colon cancer. Smoking of any kind is a strictly prohibited as it leads to lung and oral cancer. In women alcohol and cigarettes, both have been found culprit for breast cancer.

There are basic things like 5 liters of water per day, avoidance of excessive caffeine, staying away from red meat etc which have to be taken care of.

Sleep too has been vaguely related to cancer. Proper sleep is very essential as the body is much more active and digestion too is proper if we have an 8 hour sleep. However in today’s competitive world late nights and rave parties seem to be a craze. But knowing all the pros and cons and drawbacks of this lifestyle it is sensible to maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle would assure us long and tension free life.

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The exact cause of the cancer remains unknown but there are several factors that make people at more risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Also those who have a high intake of alcohol may be at greater risk. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

If you think you have any of the symptoms of this cancer you should visit your GP straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling the disease. The doctor will do a physical examination and refer you to a hospital specialist if they think a cancer may be present.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Proctoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the bowel and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the bowel so any abnormal areas can be seen. This test may be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. This is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas and swelling. During the test photos and samples of the cells on the inside of the large bowel can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Cancers affecting the colon and those affecting the rectum are usually treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

With advanced stage bowel cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as abdomen, liver and lungs it is not usually possible to fully cure but treatment may be able to control it for a long time, by reducing symptoms and giving a good quality of life.

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There is some point in your life when you know someone or you are personally touched by cancer. Everyone reacts different to the disease. Some people get mad, some people sigh at what lies ahead for them. But everyone must agree that a positive attitude is what helps you heal.

That certain place in your heart, you hold so dearly, you share with so many other cancer survivors. One word, one thought, or one kind gesture can go such a long way. Other survivors know the right thing to say, the right questions for you to ask your doctors and so on. They are truly a godsend for so many.

If you are touched by cancer, it will test your faith, it will test your belief system, it will make you ask questions that you have no answers to. This isn’t about the regimen of different treatment methods prescribed by your doctor. This is the connection of one survivor to another. It’s not about waiting for the scientist to find a cure. It’s the molding of people in the masses, to be as one, for a common goal, to be healed.

Cancer is much more than the run of tests or chemo or radiation. It’s about all of the people that you come across, the surgeons, the doctors and the team of professionals along the way. I treasure not only their knowledge, but their ability to understand and their compassion. But mostly, I treasure other survivors because they genuinely know the ups and downs. They understand the effects of the toxic drugs that are pumped into your system. Survivors know all about your good days and your bad days. And mostly, they know the celebration when you’ve beat it.

People react differently to the word cancer. Some people will come running to your aid, others will treat it like it is some sort of contagious disease. You will not hear from those people until you feel much better. This is the time of your life when you find out who your true friends and family are. If is very important for you to know that there are some people that do not want to see you hurting and they don’t visit you because it hurts them to see you like that. Some people can’t accept the word cancer, but there is a bond with other cancer survivors.

So, here’s to a happy, healthy life. Here’s to you appreciating every breath and every kind word along the way. And here’s to you, someone who’s been touched by cancer. Hugs to all.

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1. Regular Check-ups

The first is to get regular check-ups. This can help make sure that you are catching any cancer that shows up early, and can also keep any existing cancers monitored. Your doctor can order regular tests to make sure you are staying healthy and cancer-free. Neglecting doctor’s visits can allow cancer to take hold and not be detected until chances of recovery are much lower.

2. Change your diet

The second is to change your diet patterns. Eating junk food, processed foods, fast food, red meats, as well as foods high in bad fats and cholesterol will increase your cancer risk. Eating less of these items will increase your chances of staying healthy. Modifying your diet to be rich in lean proteins, nuts, healthy fats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables will be the best change you can make. Diet plays such a critical role in how our body can defend itself and heal itself. A car with low quality gas and oil put into it won’t run as well as a similar car maintained with premium products. Your body is similar.

3. Bad habits and stress

The third is to change your habits. Smoking, drinking and stress can be highly detrimental to your fight against cancer. Smoking damages healthy cells and organs, and decreases the healthy oxygen that flows to your heart and in your body. This reduces the body’s ability to defend itself from other intruders including cancer, and may even cause cancer on its own. You can quit smoking with the help of programs or acupuncture.

Drinking can damage one’s liver and kidneys causing them to not work properly. These two organs are essential for filtering waste from the body. A buildup of waste also is taxing on your body and increases your chances of losing the fight against getting cancer. Cut alcohol consumption as much as you can, preferably down to one serving every 2-3 days.

Constant stress from a job or family can cause mental and physical health issues. This is because stress taxes the body and again reduces its ability to fight off cancer. Stress can easily be managed through exercise, prayer, yoga, meditation and relaxation.

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Cancer is a disease that demands a lot of factors. You need to strengthen your emotions, your body and your finances. Without any one of those, you will not be able to survive. You have to be strong every day of your life; it is a chance given to you to improve yourself and do something worth living for.

So, do you know the cancer survival tips which the author would like to impart to you?

Tip #1

Alternative cancer treatments

We all know that lots of people are doing and taking advantage of this technique to be healed. Cancer patients feel that alternative cancer treatments are among the best methods to treat their cancer. These treatments are often organic as it relies upon strengthening your disease fighting capability instead of destroying all cells, bad or good, that is common in chemotherapy. Acupuncture, Tai Chi and exercise are some of the most favored pursuits to aid alternative cancer treatments. They believe that through natural and organic means of healing, their bodies will be bolstered, and their cancer cured, without worrying about bad side effects of the regular cancer treatments.

Tip#2

Healthy diet

The pain of having chemo along with other therapies can also weaken you emotionally and physically. Eating healthy is among the most significant things that you’ve to consider. There are particular fruits and vegetables believed to be healthy and helpful for whoever has cancer – prepared with antioxidants to enhance your immune system. You may also try these as part of your healthy cancer survival diet.

Tip#3

Stabilize your emotions

To survive any problems and difficulties in life, you must strengthen your emotions. Keep your mindset light and clear each and every time so that you can concentrate on your goals. To keep in place your emotions usually means setting up your goals that you know you can prevail over your disease. Get a hold of your faith, or have some to maintain your mind on target and aimed at survival.

Tip#4

Maintain your health

Even though you’ve cancer, it’s crucial you do not disregard or forget about health issues or any symptoms you could have. Certainly, cancer is a bigger health issue but remember to constantly examine yourself for some other health conditions which might manifest while you’re focused on your cancer. With that, take vitamins and go through preventive treatments including vaccines or shots so you can steer clear of other illnesses which may complicate your cancer.

Tip#5

Believe

If you think you can, you’ve to believe you can. Believe you will be cured and you will be; things in life may happen if you believe. Once you have cancer and you feel that you will get over it with the aid of medical practices or alternative cancer treatments, I am quite sure that you will.

Cancer respects no celebrity and personality, so you have to take in mind that to survive cancer, you need a healthy and balanced mind set. Many of these tips will help you on your way to cancer survival. Your life will constantly be dependent on how you imagine it will go. So make sure to build a positive and balanced frame of mind to ensure that you can get over cancer and be healed.

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