Cancer Myths

Author: Prashant K Shukla

There is not much awareness about cancer and that is why there are many myths that surround this medical condition. One thing which every one should know about the cancer is the early warning sign, so that the same can be treated and cured. The common myths about cancer are –

1. Use of cell phones can cause cancer.
Again this is a very common belief that cell phones can cause cancer. There is no credible study available that consistently proves that using a cell phone has the ability to cause cancer.

2. Hair dye can cause brain cancer.
Hair dye never causes cancer however this is a very common myth believed world over. The common belief was that hair dye can cause brain tumor, but there is no evidence of it causing brain tumors. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms that hair dye does not increase the risk of developing cancer.

3. Cancer can cause hair loss or hair loss indicates cancer.
Cancer does not cause hair loss. However, hair loss can be a side effect of cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. That too not with everyone, there are people who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation and did not lose their hair.

4. One can inherit cancer from parents.
This is not true with all types of cancer. This means that one will not inherit cancer from parents for sure. However there are few types of cancer which can be passed down genetically, like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. If a parent has any of these cancers, the cancer gene may be passed to their child. But this does not mean that the child will suffer from cancer surely. It can only increase the likelihood of developing cancer.

5. Breast cancer is found in women only.
This is the biggest cancer myth and believed by most. Men too can have breast cancer. As per an estimate 1500 men will be diagnosed and about 500 will die from the disease this year. However male breast cancer is very uncommon, yet it happens.

6. Cancer can be contagious.
In fact there is No type of cancer is contagious. However, there are two viruses which are contagious, Hepatitis C and HPV, they can cause cancer. Hep C causes liver cancer whereas HPV is a known risk factor for cervical cancer. Both of these viruses can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. However, Hep C is more often transmitted through blood to blood contact such as sharing needles and transfusions.

7. Pharmaceutical companies have the cure for cancer but are hiding it.
If this was true, thousands of loved ones of pharmaceutical businessmen have not died due to this deadly disease. pharmaceutical researchers are actually fighting very hard to find some solution instead. This is the result of their hard word alone that today we can cure many types of cancer successfully.

8. Cancer means death.
Yes, this could be but not always that cancer means death. New breakthroughs have made it possible to treat the cancer in early detection of of the disease. An estimate is that more than 35% of cancer patients reach or exceed the five year survivor life!

9. Use of antiperspirants and deodorant can cause cancer.
According to the National Cancer Society, there is no conclusive evidence from recent studies that wearing them can cause cancer. This cancer myth is by far one of the most popular among women for that it can cause breast cancer.

10. Positive thinking cures cancer.
Positive thinking does not cure cancer but surely plays very significant role during cancer treatment. Optimistic attitude helps increasing the quality of life during treatment. Although there is no scientific evidence that positive attitude cures cancer.

All the above mentioned are wrong notions. As one sees symptoms that are warning signs of cancer, one should rush to a doctor.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/cancer-myths-1954048.html

About the Author

Prashant K Shukla is a successful author. Visit http://cancertypesinfo.com/2010/01/cancer-myths/ to read more articles from Prashant K Shukla.

Bone Cancer Treatment

Author: Cancer Treatment

Bone cancers are rare forms of cancer that can affect any bone in the body. Two types of bone cancer are multiple myeloma and bone sarcomas. Bone cancers can also happen when tumors that start in other organs, such as breasts, lung, and prostate, metastasize (spread) to the bone. Multiple myeloma is the most common type of bone cancer. Basic information about Bone cancer symptoms and treatment.

Blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MIRs and ultrasound can all be used in the diagnosis of bone cancer and cancer of the bone marrow. Ultimately however, only a bone biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis. By examining a sample of tissue, a Pathologist can determine whether cancer is present and how fast it's growing, crucial information in determining the best course of treatment.

Types of Bone Cancer: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer. It rarely occurs in adults older than 25 years old. Osteosarcoma is usually found in the bones of the arms, legs and pelvis, and in bones that grow rapidly, such as the shoulders and knees.

Ewing's sarcoma is commonly found in children ages 4 to 15, and is rare in adults older than 30. It is an aggressive cancer typically found in the center of the long bones of the arms and legs.

Chondrosarcoma is found in cartilage cells and accounts for about 25 percent of bone tumors, making it the second most common type. Unlike most other bone cancers, it is most common in people older than 40. It is typically found in the large bones of the hips and pelvis.

Bone Cancer Symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling or tenderness of the joints
• Fractures
• Fatigue, fever, weight loss, anemia
• Bone dysplasia with medullary fibrosarcoma
• Eosinophilic granuloma
• Multiple Myeloma

The symptoms of bone cancer vary from one person to another according to the location and size of the bone cancer. Pain is one of the most common bone cancer symptoms. Generally, there is a gradual increase in the severity of the symptoms with time. At first, the pain may only be felt with activity or at night.

These are common types of Bone Cancer Treatment:

Surgery

How bone cancer is treated depends on the type of tumor, how aggressive it is, the location of the tumor and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, or a combination of the three.
Risks include infection, damage to surrounding muscles, nerves and blood vessels, and recurrence of the cancer. Patients are often prescribed a course of physical therapy after surgery to help them regain full use and strength in the limb where the tumor was removed.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is administered by an oncologist, and comprises a series of powerful intravenous drug treatments aimed at stopping and reversing the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor, making surgery less invasive. After surgery, it is used as a safeguard to kill any remaining cancer cells. The drugs kill cancer cells, but also affect hair, digestive tract cells and blood-forming cells. Loss of hair, nausea, loss of appetite, anemia and low energy are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects usually go away quickly after chemotherapy stops. Chemotherapy patients are sometimes referred to nutritionists to help with the anemia and loss of appetite.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is administered by a radiation oncologist, and comprises a series of high-energy X-rays aimed at the site of the tumor. This treatment is given in small doses over several days, sometimes months. The most common side effects are loss of appetite, fatigue and damage to the skin and other soft tissue at the site of the treatment. Patients who undergo surgery near the site of radiation therapy sometimes are slow to heal because of damage to the blood vessels at the site. Most side effects go away quickly after radiation therapy is over, but problems with slow healing may persist.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/bone-cancer-treatment-2793236.html

About the Author

Sarasota Interventional Radiology using Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Bone cancer treatment. Interventional radiology technique has really proved to be helpful to diagnose some of the most dangerous diseases like cancer. More Info Visit http://www.sivr.net

5 critical points on contraceptive pills and your health

Author: NDanial

Modern contraceptive pills have evolved into a much safer option for birth control. However, lack of understanding of the evidence related to its health benefit among the public leading to the spread of myths about the use of pill for birth control. Here's a list of the top 5 questions surrounding the contraceptive pill.

1. Does pill causes cancer?

This is not true. The use of pill has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of reproductive organs cancer such as cancer of uterus and ovary. Scientific research findings revealed that the risk of ovarian cancer actually decrease by 10-12% after a year of use, and about 50% decrease after five years of use. The similar protective effects were also true for endometrial cancer.

2. Does pill causes weight gain?

This may be true with the earlier oestrogen pill as it promote water retention which normally occurs before menstruation. Today, modern low dose contraceptive pill that contain low oestrogen can overcome water retention that contributed to weight gain.

3. Does pill reduces fertility?

This might be true in the early 60s whereby the pill was contains higher dose of hormones. However, with modern low dose pill women can rapidly return to their pre-existing level of fertility upon discontinuing the pill. There are many other factors that could affect fertility for example age.

4. Does pill causes birth defects?

There are no scientific evidences to link the use of pill and birth defects. In fact, more that 100 million of women worldwide have benefited from use of the pill.

5. Does pill delay menopause?

There is no evidence to show that taking the pill delay or affect the onset of menopause in a woman.

You can find more article and video related tips from the author's article directory site.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/5-critical-points-on-contraceptive-pills-and-your-health-4063742.html

About the Author

Author's website: http://www.articleprima.asia

Mesothelioma Cancer, And The Asbestos Exposure Risk Component

Author: Mesothelioma Law

Excessive cough, breathlessness, chest pain, weakness, cachexia (unexplained weight loss) etc are a fraction of the traits of a dreaded cancer called mesothelioma. It is a cancer affecting mesothelium of pleura, peritoneum, and/or pericardium. The cancer cells grow fast at times and lead to metastasis to distant organs in the body, thus evoking an undesirable prognosis.

If we examine the number of cases of this cancer worldwide, we percieve that it is regretably increasing over years and the information say that it may climb further. What is the root cause behind this damaging cancer?

The leading factor that governs the mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. The contact with asbestos fiber is compared to setting ourselves up to be unsuccessful. The incidence of the disease is therefore high in occupations those get direct contact with asbestos. The sectors include ship yard field, roof shingles, construction trade, etc..

This is exactly why the laborers listed here are at the highest threat of getting the mesothelioma cancer. Also several solvents and chemicals used in specific industrial sectors are risky and could work as triggers for genetic mutation to happen.

Inevitably the genetic mutation continues as the key causative variable for almost any cancer. But asbestos exposure serves as a trigger for this mutation. The particles of asbestos are microscopic and they are often breathed in simply while working in its location. These particles when inhaled stick in the lungs and possess the capacity to remain there for very long period. This initiates the beginning of the cancer although it takes two or three decades for symptoms to surface.

That's the reason why many general practitioners overlook the diagnosis and consider the severe cough is because of pneumonia. Though very careful investigative studies, doctors can diagnose mesothelioma, and pleural biopsy is the final test that confirms the diagnosis. It is definitely good for the affected individual when this diagnosis is conducted at beginning stages so that his probability of recuperation and life improve by leaps and bounds.

Comprehending the dangerous effect of asbestos, for this reason, numerous governments today (like UK Government) have taken strict actions against the occupational environment and have resolved the amounts of asbestos allowable in the workplaces. But in countless developing countries, using asbestos is the norm, and this is increasing the incidence of mesothelioma.

The most significant aspect about avoidance of asbestos exposure is that for putting into action such prevention, employers need not devote huge dollars. Merely making accessible a well-fitting mask is enough for protecting enormous amounts of asbestos employees throughout the world. However this action seems difficult for some companies. That is the reason why these companies currently can be disciplined and sought compensations from by filing a lawsuit.

The mesothelioma sufferers can speak to mesothelioma law firm and file a case against such reckless employers. No question prevention is much better than a cure. But if your company cuased you to endure this serious cancer, you should be due compensation for health-related expenses and lost wages.

Just beware of this harmful cancer. If you or your family member is working in comparable industries, help to make certain your employer is taking care of appropriate preventive steps and if not, you can raise your voice in opposition to it! You ought to have safety at your job!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-injury-articles/mesothelioma-cancer-and-the-asbetos-exposure-risk-component-2155355.html

About the Author

Proceed here to acquire more details on locating Mesothelioma Legal Advice

What Is Breast Cancer And How Can You Treat It

Author: Kate Sherman

Did you realize there are many different types of treatments for breast cancer? Radiation therapy destroys the cancer tissue and prevents them from growing inside the entire body. This helps prevent multiplication of it. Radiation has also improved by leaps and bounds. The latest treatments on this cancer also consists of specific radiation. This is much more effective and helps prevent injury towards the surrounding healthy cells too. Radiation can now be provided in appropriate dosages with lower unwanted effects. The following are a couple of tips about this dangerous illness.

In the healthcare world today, the treatment for breast cancer involves many kinds of approaches. The initial analysis and clinical work up is the guide towards the type of remedy you will undergo.You can find some requirements which your remedy depends like the cellular composition of the cancer, the dimensions of the growth, and the phase of your hormonal status. Your general health status also plays a role in deciding the type of treatment. This information will take you through several from the latest treatments on breast cancer.

Generally there is really a good deal happening in your tissue. In the event that the cells that are developing out of control are normal cells, the growth is not cancerous. However, if the tissues which are developing out of control are abnormal and do not perform like the body's usual cells, the tumor is malignant.

Quite a few individuals choose surgical treatment. Surgical treatment and radiation therapy are most effective when the growth is localized towards the breast and can be easily removed. Benign tumors and small sized tumors are treated in this manner. The newest treatments on breast most cancers include improvements in chemotherapy, hormone treatment. These are utilized in advanced phases of cancer when the growth is no longer confined just to the breast.

The actual reproduction of cells becomes imbalanced. Breast cancer is if your cells begin to grow and reproduce out of control, which creates an assortment of cells called a tumor. However, just because you have a unknown growth within the breast doesn't mean it needs to be dangerous.

One option is to test is opting for different kinds of surgery. Breast cancer surgery is aimed at removing the bulk from the cancer tissue. Better surgical options have emerged which give patients the chance to undergo reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. Surgery may also be within the breast or lymph node which may be found during a diagnosis. Newest remedies on this topic have medical choices which include a prophylactic mastectomy or perhaps a removal of the sex gland in a few instances.

The source from the names for each cancer is rather easy. They are named after the part from the body from which they develop. Breast cancer stems within the breast tissue. Like other cancerous tissues, it can invade and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. Additionally , it may pass through to other parts of the human body and form brand new growths. This is called metastasis and can be very dangerous

There are many dangerous but sometimes effective methods to combat cancer. Chemotherapy is considered systemic therapy as it targets cancerous cells within the entire body. It can also be supplemented by a bone marrow or stem cell transplant that is beneficial in mostcases where the immune system is severely compromised. Stem cell treatment offers incredible possibilities in cases like breast cancer which have the potential to turn into any of the body's cells and replicate at a faster pace to fight this lethal disease.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/what-is-breast-cancer-and-how-can-you-treat-it-1948660.html

About the Author

To get more info on curing breast cancer or other forms of this disease, you can CLICK HERE