Do You Know What Your Risks Are of Developing Breast Cancer?
By: Patricia Wagner

*Many women all over the world fear breast cancer. It is a killer! It is one of the leading causes of death for women and even men are not immune.

*Not that long ago a diagnosis of breast cancer would have been like receiving a death sentence! That's because it was often fatal. However, things are different today because of the amazing advances in medical science in the area of breast cancer research.

*For example, a lot more treatments are available to you today than were available 20 years ago. And many women are survivors of this dreaded disease.

*Do you know your personal risk factor for developing breast cancer?

*It's obvious that just because you're a woman you are more at risk than a man would be. As you age, your risks increase. But you can't really change that. Your genetic makeup is another risk factor. If breast cancer claimed your mother, that increases your risks as well. If you had another close family member who developed breast cancer that also increases your risk of developing it yourself. The age that you had your first menstrual period also affects your risk factor. If you started menstruating before the age of 12, your risk increases. If you passed through menopause after the age of 50, that also increases your risk.

*There is a test available now that you can take to see if you carry a mutated gene related to breast cancer.

*If you have menopausal symptoms and you are taking estrogen with progesterone, that will increase your risk of developing breast cancer by a small percent. Taking birth control pills is another factor in slightly increasing your risk of having this disease. Your risks will increase if you drink alcoholic beverages and smoke. Obesity may lead to breast cancer as well. You will increase your risks if you seldom exercise. Those who have never breast fed their babies have an increased risk too.

*Surprisingly, even men can suffer from breast cancer. And no one really knows who will be its next victim.

*As you have seen in this article, there are some risks that you have control over, while there are other risks over which you have no control.

*Here are some risks that you can control. Choose healthy habits like regular exercise and watching your weight. Avoid alcoholic beverages as much as possible and don't smoke.

*If your genetic background is a risk factor for you, be sure to have regular mammograms and breast examinations by your doctor. You ought to examine your own breasts every month too.

*Now that you know a little more about what your own personal risk factors for breast cancer are, you can choose healthy habits to protect yourself. And don't forget to schedule regular examinations by your doctor and examine your breasts yourself once a month. Be sure to include a yearly mammogram for your protection from breast cancer.

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Colon Cancer Early Symptoms
By: Sandra Kim Leong

*Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer or bowel cancer, is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. The cancer is most curable when detected before the development of the symptoms or during early symptoms. One of the important colon cancer early symptoms is rectal bleeding. But unfortunately, most people mistakenly consider the bleeding as hemorrhoids and avoid consulting a doctor.

*Bowel movements can result in bleeding. Even then, there may not be any major discharge of blood and bleeding will be occasional. Dried blood in the stool indicates tumor in colon and normal blood is an indication of tumor in rectum. Blood in the stool can also be due to several other reasons. Constant loss of blood can lead to anemia. Instead of becoming a self-appointed doctor, it is better to have a proper screening done.

*Most of the colon cancer early symptoms may go unnoticed as they do not cause severe discomfort or might be considered as other ailments. Narrow stools, for a prolonged period of time, are an indication of some sort of growth in the colon or rectum. The narrowing results as the waste material tries to navigate through the tumor.

*When there is a growth happening in the colon, it will be reflected in your bowel movement. The cancerous growth hampers the smooth movement of the bowels. This can result in constipation. In a prolonged situation of constipation, you should consult a doctor. Bloating and cramping resulting from constipation are the other symptoms.

*Another colon cancer early symptom is nausea and vomiting without any reason. In fact, obstruction caused by tumor can trigger periodic episodes of nausea and vomiting. Flatulence and other disorders caused by gas can be due to the obstruction created by the cancerous growth. A tumor in the rectum causes a feeling of unfinished defecation. Persistent occurrence of such a feeling indicates the presence of a tumor which is mistaken by the body as stool.

*Apart from the symptoms related to bowel movement, yet another early symptom of colon cancer is weight loss, which is not attributed to any particular reason like diet or exercise. Such a weight loss is a clear sign that the body is undergoing some serious changes. The tumor might be hampering with the capacity of the colon to absorb moisture from food residues.

*Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. Most people are likely to ignore these colon cancer early symptoms as natural occurrences associated with the tough modern daily routine.

*Colon cancer early symptoms are likely to be ignored by most of the people. When there is a constant disturbance in bowel movement, it is wise to take the advice of a doctor. Those with family history of colon cancer and people above the age of 50 should get colon examination done periodically.

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How To Get Compensation For Mesothelioma Cancer?
By: Ian Koch

*There are various types of cancer. Some of these types are relatively easy to treat and even heal others are more difficult. In average the figure has passed 50% when it comes to full restoration from cancer. But like I said, the variety is large. Mesothelioma cancer is one of the deadliest disease conditions encountered in people living at the areas of industries that manufacture the asbestos and the related materials. The mesothelioma cancer is being treated at the specialized hospitals that take this as a challenge. It is important to note that you won't exhibit signs of mesothelioma until 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos.

*There are different stages of the mesothelioma cancer. However, the advanced stages are more difficult to cure. Mesothelioma cancer cannot be called as the lung cancer. If you're hailing from Illinois, you can consult the Illinois mesothelioma attorneys for getting settlement from the defenders.

*The cells associated with the development of mesothelioma cancer are seen outside of lung tissues and are also noticed in the areas of abdominal cavity outside of the peritoneal membrane of the body.

*Recently subtraction hybridization techniques are being employed in the therapy of these mesothelioma cancer conditions, in addition to the application of the gene therapy.

*However, once the cancer stages are in the advanced stages, then the treatment becomes more difficult in reality due to the extensive involvements that are encountered in the affected persons.

*Illinois mesothelioma Lawyers are always available like those in case of Chicago to help the victims of asbestos or asbestos containing materials. The lawyers help the affected persons to sue against those who are responsible for such occurrence of cancerous growths.

*Many times, the legal representatives come across cases of peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma cases due to the long-standing exposure to this asbestos. The lawyers may not get any consultation fees and they often work on the contingent fees, which is a highly negligible one.

*The fee may be paid at the end after the winning of the case against the corporation or the firm that is responsible for the cancerous growths in the pleura or the peritoneum. Through out the USA, the cases are often filed in both Chicago and Illinois.

*The experienced mesothelioma attorneys are famous for the knowledge on the asbestos and they are capable of finding out the responsible persons for the development of such conditions in the victims.

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Prostate Cancer, the Most Prevelant Non-Skin Cancer in the US
By: Tyson J Stevenson

*According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, this type of cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer in the United States. A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every three minutes, and one dies every seventeen minutes. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men second to lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that over 70% of diagnosed prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 65. These two organizations, as well as others are working toward increasing public awareness and making screenings more readily available to all populations. Research

*In order to catch prostate cancer in its early stages, it is recommended that men with no risk factors get an annual screening every year beginning at age 50. If there is a relative, such as a father or brother who has been diagnosed, then the recommended age to begin prostate screening is 45. In men with at an even higher risk, such as African American men and those with a higher familial incidence, routing screening should begin at age 40. For many men, it may be more embarrassing than uncomfortable to initiate and undergo a rectal examination or blood PSA test.

*Prostate cancer usually exhibits no symptoms and the only way it can be detected is through a rectal prostate exam or a blood PSA screening. The Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that if signs are present, they may be subtle and attributed to other causes, such as, painful or difficult urination, urinary frequency, painful ejaculation, difficulty obtaining an erection, blood in urine or semen, and pain or stiffness below the waist and above the knees.

*There are different treatment regimens available for prostate cancer, such as hormonal treatment or chemotherapy, depending on to which stage the cancer has progressed, whether it is localized, recurrent, or metastatic. The physician may even recommend no treatment depending on the individual situation, and what the patient feels is best for him. A second or even third opinion should be sought regarding the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan, for peace of mind that whatever path chosen is the right one. Cancer can be very scary to many people, creating a great deal of stress. When newly diagnosed, patients may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings to their physician as well as their loved ones, and they should be encouraged to seek spiritual and/or psychological counseling to help them accept the situation for what it is and deal with it in a healthy manner.

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Protect Your Baby - Talc Is Extremely Dangerous
By: John Morris

*Before using body powder on you or your baby, consider that not all body powder products are baby-safe. Body powders as well as baby powders, having talc as main ingredient may do more harm to you and your baby than good.

1. Talc Is Like Abestos!

*Talc is a rock that is mined and processed by crushing and grinding, drying the grinded materials, and then milling them. Through processing, a number of trace minerals are eliminated, but some minute fibers that are comparable to ABESTOS are not separated. Talc, as it is cheap and widely available, is the main ingredient of most baby powders, perfumed body powders and medicated body powders. You put yourself and your baby at risk when you inhale these products. Body powder is used after bath to keep skin smelling good or to relieve irritated skin. Plenty of individuals are still unaware of the inextricable connection between talc and asbestos. In fact, these two chemicals are very much alike.

2. Talc Causes Cancer!

*Particles of talc can cause lung and ovarian tumors. Studies have clearly shown that constant and repeated use of powder in the female's genital area lead to cancer! Talc is able to move inside the reproductive system becomes lodged along the ovary lining. Studies show that talc particles are found in the ovarian tumor and researchers say that women with ovarian tumors have the habit of using talcum powder on their genital area.

3. Powder Inhalation Causes Deaths!

*Since the early 1980's, records prove that several infants die each year due to accidental baby powder inhalation. Talc is a household hazard. It is used on babies to prevent diaper rash and to absorb moisture in the skin, keeping babies fresh. Evidently, dusting with baby powder endangers your infant's lungs as there is great possibility of inhaling the product. It is dangerous to expose your baby to this carcinogen. Swelling and irritation of the lungs may occur when the powder is inhaled, and therefore may lead to breathing difficulties. Also, if talc gets in contact with baby's rash or broken skin, inflammatory reaction may take place and that could be very uncomfortable.

4. Use A Substitute!

*- Instead of powder, use petroleum jelly on babies bottoms every diaper change. It is very effective in preventing diaper rash, because it provides the skin with a film, keeping wetness off the skin.
*- Use medicated ointments to treat rashes on babies and on your skin.
*- Ask your pediatrician about other options and products that you can safely use as a bapy powder substitute.
*- Cornstarch mixed with baking soda is a great and safer alternative, to keep you and your baby fresh. It is much coarser than body or baby powder, and you can also add fragrance in it, if you want to smell good after applying it.

5. Products Worth Checking Into

1- Neways body and baby powder
2- Natural body powder
3- Dermaglow Natural body and baby powder
4- Lady Emily's Talc-free body powder
5- Johnson's cornstarch baby powder
6- Burt's bee dusting body powder
7- PuriSorb. Very mild, good for all types of skin and formulated with chitosan, aloe vera, tapioca starch, and vitamin E.

6. Guidelines

1- Check and read the label. The product MUST be talc-free.
2- Check the date on the container and make sure that the product is fresh. Powder that is stored too long can breed bacteria and contaminate your or your baby's skin.
3- Don't apply baby powder directly from the container. Pour it first on your palm and gently pat it unto baby's bottom. Keep powder away from baby's face.
4- Likewise, be gentle in applying body powder to yourself. Never dust it on your face and neck directly, to avoid inhaling it, as this can lead to throat irritation.
5- Don't use body powder on both your and your baby girl's genital area, as well as to areas surrounding it.
6- Avoid putting powder on baby's skin creases, as the powder cakes can build up and encourage bacteria growth and can cause fungal infection.
7- If you have sensitive skin, an unscented body powder will be best for you.
- During diaper change, never let your baby play with the powder; it can accidentally spill on his face, causing him to choke, or that he will inhale too much powder and lead to serious lung complication.

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Wigs Help Patients Handle the Challenges of Treatment
By: Tom Sample

*Like it or not, humans are vain creatures. One of the top fears of a cancer patient, beyond the thought of losing life, is the concern over losing hair. Since cancer treatment is half medicine and half attitude, overcoming the vain concerns is key in most treatment plans. Here's where good wigs can come into play, but for many, the expense is great.

*Through American Cancer Society sponsorship programs and even through agencies like Locks of Love, anyone can get involved in helping make sure high-quality wigs get to the patients who need them. Wearing a wig is maybe not the same as having a full head of one's own hair, but if a high quality wig is offered, the only one who is likely to know the difference will be the person wearing it. Plus, wigs can even be fun, whimsical and fantastic for those who don't face treatment.

*Wigs of today are not the same as they were in years gone by. High quality wigs look natural, mimic genuine colors and are fitted correctly to a person's head so a natural appearance is presented. Super high quality wigs can cost hundreds of dollars though, so for the cancer patient, the expense can be prohibitive.

*Youngsters who have faced hair loss can be helped through organizations such as Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids. Locks of Love provides wigs made of human hair for optimum natural appearances. There are even programs tailored especially for adults and those who face hair loss for other medical reasons.

*Supporting agencies that provide wigs to those in need is fairly simple for anyone to do. Most American Cancer Society branches, for example, take donations for their wig programs. The branches provide fittings and wigs free of charge to patients who cannot afford them. Everything from a $1 to $1,000 and beyond helps and just about every penny donated stays local, and monies can even be earmarked for set programs.

*Locks of Love takes donations of money and hair. Donors of hair all over America and beyond give to this program by growing their locks to a set length and having them chopped for the wig creation organization. The hair is then shipped to the agency, which processes it for use in wigs for youngsters who need them.

*When people look good, they tend to feel good. For the cancer patient, attitude can be half the battle. The horrors of the disease alone can be hard for some to face, but the hair loss that goes along with it can be a blow that's hard for many to take. To get involved in donating full wigs, hair or money to the cause, check with agencies such as Lock of Love or the American Cancer Society for programs in your region.

*A wig might seem like a simplistic thing to give a cancer patient, but it's not. In fact, the little bit of self-esteem it returns to the person can make all the difference in the world.

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Pain Relief for Cancer Patients
By: Timothy Rea

*If you suffer from cancer-related pain, you have more than one option for pain relief.

*About one in three patients experience pain from cancer. The more advanced the cancer, the more likely it is that you will have pain and require some sort of pain management or pain relief.

*Cancer pain can be severe or mild, and it can be constant or it may only occur once in awhile. As cancer research progresses, doctors have become quite familiar with all forms of cancer-related pain and with the pain relief options they can offer their patients.

*Pain can come from treatments, from nerve pressure or from tumors. Depending on the severity and source of the pain, your doctor will prescribe aspirin, acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, or perhaps even codeine, or stronger medications like morphine, oxycondone, or others.

*In some cases, your doctor may prescribe massage, self-hypnosis, meditation, acupuncture or acupressure for pain relief.

*If you plan to use medication for pain relief, you should understand that pain medications do have side effects. You may become constipated, feel confused or lethargic, or even have hallucinations in extreme cases. If your doctor gives you a prescription for pain relief, be sure to stay in touch with him or her and let the doctor know if you have symptoms or side effects.

*Sometimes, the symptoms or side effects are temporary, while your body is adjusting to the new medication, and these symptoms may disappear after a week or two. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medication like Advil, ibuprofens or other medication, with frequency, be sure to have your doctor check your blood pressure and perform periodic blood work to monitor your kidney function etc.

*If taken regularly, aspirin can cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, so you'll want to monitor your health and symptoms carefully.
When you talk to your doctor about pain relief, your doctor will probably ask you to rate your pain on a scale of one to ten. How severe does the pain get? How often do you get the pain? What type of pain are you feeling?

*With this information in mind, your doctor will recommend pain relief techniques or medications. Remember, YOU are the patient. If you do not want to take a certain medication or you would prefer a more natural method of pain management, discuss these preferences with your doctor and ask for recommendations.

*If you find that you are still not able to achieve relief from the pain you feel, ask your doctor to refer you to a Pain Management clinic or specialist. All large cancer treatment programs have pain management services and these are covered by standard health insurance policies. You do not have to suffer in silence!

*If you work together with your doctor and other specialists, you can find a pain management technique or combination of techniques and medication, to help you handle your cancer-related pain.

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