Bladder Cancer - Cause
The cause of bladder cancer is not known. Changes in the genetic material (DNA) of bladder cells may play a role. Chemicals in the environment and cigarette smoking also may play a role. And when the lining of the bladder is irritated for a long time, cell changes that lead to cancer may occur. Some things that cause this are radiation treatment, having catheters in place for a long time, or having the parasite that causes schistosomiasis.
Bladder cancer is twice as likely to develop in smokers than in nonsmokers. Experts believe that smoking causes about half of bladder cancer in men and more than one-fourth of bladder cancer in women.1
Exposure to chemicals and other substances at work-including dyes, paints, leather dust, and others-may also cause bladder cancer.
From: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/bladder-cancer/bladder-cancer-cause
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Change Your Habits, Change Your Life
We all know that making lifestyle changes, maintaining a healthy weight and eating healthy are essential in the prevention and fight against cancer. But most people lack the will power to commit to lifestyle changes and sticking to a plan that maintains healthy living over time. I found several books by Danna Demetre right on the mark and very inspiring in this area. I am introducing two of them here.
Several years ago I had the privelege of attending a workshop presented by Danna Demetre, who is the author of several books on weight loss, wellness and fitness, not to mention a popular international conference and retreat speaker, and radio personality. Danna has a passion for encouraging others with these life-changing truths. It is her desire to help them dig beneath the surface to find greater balance and purpose in all the dimensions of their lives. Years of mentoring and teaching have earned her the reputation of being the “Christian Woman’s Total Life Coach”. She is also the founder of a ministry called“Women of Purpose”, the president of Lifestyle Dimensions and the host of a weekly radio show called Healthy Solutions Today. For more information, visit her website at www.dannademetre.com.
More on Mouthwash and Toothpaste
There is speculation out there as to whether or not artificial sweeteners can contribute to some cancers. A friend whose sister died two years ago from oral cancer had no history of ever using any tobacco products, the #1 known cause of oral cancers. It was suggested that perhaps her chronic use of sugarless gums most of her life (which have artificial sweeteners) may have played a role.
With that information in mind, I have been on a quest for mouthwashes and toothpastes as well which are free of artificial sweeteners and other artificial ingredients, as well as alcohol. These are some of the products I found:
Natural Dentist Mouthwash: Contains no alcohol, artificial sweeteners or additives. Has an orange flavor. It takes some getting used to, but we are using it at home
Tom's Natural Toothpaste. Contains Xylitol rather than Sorbitol. What I have read about Xylitol is that it seems to be of a natural, plant origin, has some beneficial qualities, and has not been given the same bad rap as Sorbitol. For now we are using it. The verdict is still out.Friday, September 25, 2009
Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore
15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore
WebMD uncovers common cancer warning signs women often overlook.
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Women tend to be more vigilant than men about getting recommended health checkups and cancer screenings, according to studies and experts.
They're generally more willing, as well, to get potentially worrisome symptoms checked out, says Mary Daly, MD, oncologist and head of the department of clinical genetics at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
But not always. Younger women, for instance, tend to ignore symptoms that could point to cancer. "They have this notion that cancer is a problem of older people," Daly tells WebMD. And they're often right, but plenty of young people get cancer, too.
Of course, some women are as skilled as men are at switching to denial mode. "There are people who deliberately ignore their cancer symptoms," says Hannah Linden, MD, a medical oncologist. She is a joint associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. It's usually denial, but not always, she says. "For some, there is a cultural belief that cancer is incurable, so why go there."
Talking about worrisome symptoms shouldn't make people overreact, says Ranit Mishori, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. "I don't want to give people the impression they should look for every little thing," she says.
With that healthy balance between denial and hypochondria in mind, WebMD asked experts to talk about the symptoms that may not immediately make a woman worry about cancer, but that should be checked out. Read on for 15 possible cancer symptoms women often ignore.
No. 1: Unexplained Weight Loss
Many women would be delighted to lose weight without trying. But unexplained weight loss -- say 10 pounds in a month without an increase in exercise or a decrease in food intake -- should be checked out, Mishori says.
"Unexplained weight loss is cancer unless proven not," she says. It could, of course, turn out to be another condition, such as an overactive thyroid.
Expect your doctor to run tests to check the thyroid and perhaps order a CT scan of different organs. The doctor needs to "rule out the possibilities, one by one," Mishori says.
No. 2: Bloating
Bloating is so common that many women just live with it. But it could point to ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly -- even when you haven't eaten much -- and urinary problems, such as having an urgent need to go to the bathroom.
If the bloating occurs almost every day and persists for more than a few weeks, you should consult your physician. Expect your doctor to take a careful history and order a CT scan and blood tests, among others.
No. 3: Breast Changes
Most women know their breasts well, even if they don't do regular self-exams, and know to be on the lookout for lumps. But that's not the only breast symptom that could point to cancer. Redness and thickening of the skin on the breast, which could indicate a very rare but aggressive form of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, also needs to be examined, Linden says. "If you have a rash that persists over weeks, you have to get it evaluated," she says.
Likewise, if the look of a nipple changes, or if you notice discharge (and aren’t breastfeeding), see your doctor. "If it's outgoing normally and turns in," she says, that's not a good sign. "If your nipples are inverted chronically, no big deal." It's the change in appearance that could be a worrisome symptom.
If you have breast changes, expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine the breast, and order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and perhaps a biopsy.
No. 4: Between-Period Bleeding or Other Unusual Bleeding
''Premenopausal women tend to ignore between-period bleeding," Daly says. They also tend to ignore bleeding from the GI tract, mistakenly thinking it is from their period. But between-period bleeding, especially if you are typically regular, bears checking out, she says. So does bleeding after menopause, as it could be a symptom of endometrial cancer. GI bleeding could be a symptom of colorectal cancer.
Think about what's normal for you, says Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of breast and gynecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. "If a woman never spots [between periods] and she spots, it's abnormal for her. For someone else, it might not be."
"Endometrial cancer is a common gynecologic cancer," Saslow says. "At least three-quarters who get it have some abnormal bleeding as an early sign."
Your doctor will take a careful history and, depending on the timing of the bleeding and other symptoms, probably order an ultrasound or biopsy.
No. 5: Skin Changes
Most of us know to look for any changes in moles -- a well-known sign of skin cancer. But we should also watch for changes in skin pigmentation, Daly says.
If you suddenly develop bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling, that should be checked, too, she says. It's difficult to say how long is too long to observe skin changes before you go to the doctor, but most experts say not longer than several weeks.
No. 6: Difficulty Swallowing
If you have difficulty swallowing, you may have already changed your diet so chewing isn't so difficult, perhaps turning to soups or liquid foods such as protein shakes.
But that difficulty could be a sign of a GI cancer, such as in the esophagus, says Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.
Expect your doctor to take a careful history and order tests such as a chest X-ray or exams of the GI tract.
No. 7: Blood in the Wrong Place
If you notice blood in your urine or your stool, don’t assume it's from a hemorrhoid, says Mishori. "It could be colon cancer."
Expect your doctor to ask questions and perhaps order testing such as a colonoscopy, an exam of the colon to look for cancer.
Seeing blood in the toilet bowl may actually be from the vagina if a woman is menstruating, Mishori says. But if not, it should be checked to rule out bladder or kidney cancer, she says.
Coughing up blood should be evaluated, too. One occasion of blood in the wrong place may not point to anything, Mishori says, but if it happens more than once, go see your doctor.
No. 8: Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression
Any woman who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup, says Lichtenfeld. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but it's a poorly understood connection.
No. 9: Indigestion
Women who have been pregnant may remember the indigestion that occurred as they gained weight. But indigestion for no apparent reason may be a red flag.
It could be an early clue to cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.
Expect your doctor to take a careful history and ask questions about the indigestion before deciding which tests to order, if any.
No. 10: Mouth Changes
Smokers should be especially alert for any white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue, according to the American Cancer Society. Both can point to a precancerous condition called leukoplakia that can progress to oral cancer.
Ask your dentist or doctor to take a look and decide what should be done next.
No. 11: Pain
As people age they seem to complain more of various aches and pains, but pain, as vague as it may be, can also be an early symptom of some cancers, although most pain complaints are not from cancer.
Pain that persists and is unexplained needs to be checked out. Expect your physician to take a careful history, and based on that information decide what further testing, if any, is needed.
No. 12: Changes in the Lymph Nodes
If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck -- or anywhere else -- it could be worrisome, Linden says.
"If you have a lymph node that gets progressively larger, and it's [been] longer than a month, see a doctor," she says. Your doctor will examine you and figure out any associated issues (such as infection) that could explain the lymph node enlargement.
If there are none, your doctor will typically order a biopsy.
No. 13: Fever
If you have a fever that isn't explained by influenza or other infection, it could point to cancer. Fevers more often occur after cancer has spread from its original site, but it can also point to early blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
Other cancer symptoms can include jaundice, or a change in the color of your stool.
Expect your doctor to conduct a careful physical exam and take a medical history, and then order tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other tests, depending on the findings.
No. 14: Fatigue
Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer -- as well as a host of other problems. It can set in after the cancer has grown, but it may also occur early in certain cancers, such as leukemia or with some colon or stomach cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
No. 15: Persistent Cough
Coughs are expected with colds, the flu, allergies, and sometimes are a side effect of medications. But a very prolonged cough -- defined as lasting more than three or four weeks -- should not be ignored, Mishori says.
You would expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine your throat, check out your lung functioning and perhaps order X-rays, especially if you are a smoker.
From:http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/15-cancer-symptoms-women-ignore
Lifestyle Changes Cut Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers Say Exercise and Diet May Prevent Some Cases of Breast Cancer
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
Sept. 3, 2009 -- More than 70,000 breast cancer cases a year in the U.S., or 40% of all cases, could be prevented with lifestyle measures like maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising, and limiting alcohol consumption, a new analysis shows.
The joint project from the nonprofit research groups American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund represents the largest review ever of the research examining lifestyle and breast cancer.
Researchers analyzed nearly 1,000 studies, including 81 conducted since the data were last examined in 2007.
"It is now very clear that lifestyle is a strong modifiable risk factor for breast cancer, but I don't think women have really gotten the message," says Cancer Institute of New Jersey epidemiology professor Elisa Bandera, MD, PhD, who helped write the report.
"Women tend to overestimate the role of genetics in breast cancer and underestimate lifestyle," Bandera tells WebMD. "I don't know how many times I've heard a patient say, 'I can't have breast cancer. Nobody in my family has it.' Women are very concerned about breast cancer, and they need to know they can lower their risk with lifestyle."
Lose Weight to Lower Risk of Breast Cancer
Perhaps the biggest single thing a woman can do to lower her risk, especially after menopause, is maintain a healthy weight.
Obesity is now widely recognized as the most important modifiable risk factor for breast cancer among postmenopausal women, and it also increases a postmenopausal woman's chance of dying from the disease once she has it.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that as many as 18,000 deaths from breast cancer each year in the U.S. could be prevented in women over age 50 by maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood.
About three out of four breast cancers in this age group are fueled by the hormone estrogen, which is also produced in fat tissue. Estrogen levels in overweight, postmenopausal women are 50% to 100% higher than among lean women, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Breast cancers also tend to be detected later in overweight women, mainly because tumors are harder to detect with mammography.
The joint report recommends that women stay as lean as possible without being underweight to lower their breast cancer risk.
Other recommendations include:
- Get moving: Women should engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, every day. According to the National Cancer Institute, women can reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer by 25% if they remain physically active.
- Limit alcohol: Women who drink alcohol should limit their consumption to no more than one drink a day.
- Breastfeed: New mothers should breastfeed their infants exclusively for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods. There is convincing evidence that breastfeeding lowers breast cancer risk.
- Eat healthy foods: The report recommends avoiding junk foods, limiting red meat and salt, and making fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains the mainstays of a healthy diet.
Plant-Based Diet
Nutritionist Colleen Doyle, RD, of the American Cancer Society, tells WebMD that although no single food, food group, or nutrient has been shown to lower breast cancer risk, it is clear that eating a healthy, mostly plant-based diet is protective.
A red meat and processed meat-heavy diet is now known to increase the risk for colorectal cancer, and there is some suggestion that these foods increase breast cancer risk as well.
Doyle says the research attempting to target the role of single foods, food group, or nutrient in breast cancer has largely been a bust.
"Years ago, we recommended limiting all fats and that evolved into limiting saturated fats," she says. "Now we have moved away from specific food-based recommendations to focusing on an overall dietary pattern stressing a wide variety of mostly plant-based foods."
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also recommends a mostly plant-based diet to lower cancer risk. To promote the idea, the group has developed what it calls the "new American plate" to replace the more traditional meal that has meat as its main component and refined starches as a mainstay.
AICR nutritionist Alice Bender, RD, tells WebMD that at least two-thirds of the "new" plate should be plant based, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or beans; no more than one-third of any meal should come from animal protein.
"This is an easy way to visualize what a healthy diet should look like," she says. "It's really pretty simple."
All this info taken from the following link:http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20090903/lifestyle-changes-cut-breast-cancer-risk?ecd=wnl_can_091509
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Mouthwash and Oral Cancer
I found this article, and thought it was thought provoking, considering that last night I realized that all my mouthwashes and toothpaste has artificial sweeteners in them:
This article from the following website: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1113422/Mouthwash-causes-oral-cancer-pulled-supermarkets-say-experts.html
Mouthwash 'causes oral cancer' and should be pulled from supermarkets, say experts
By Daniel Martin
Last updated at 1:47 AM on 13th January 2009
Mouthwashes can cause oral cancer and should be removed from supermarket shelves, an expert said last night.
There is 'sufficient evidence' that those containing alcohol contribute to increased risk of the disease, according to a review of the latest studies by an Australian scientist.
Professor Michael McCullough, whose findings are published in the Dental Journal of Australia, said some mouthwashes were more dangerous than wine or beer because they contained higher concentrations of alcohol - as high as 26 per cent proof.
The ethanol in mouthwash is thought to allow cancer-causing substances to permeate the lining of the mouth more easily and cause harm.
He said they should only be available with a prescription and for short-term use.
'We see people with oral cancer who have no other risk factors than the use of alcohol-containing mouthwash, so what we've done in this study is review all the evidence that's out there,' he said.
Smoking and alcohol consumption are well-established risk factors in oral cancer which is diagnosed in 5,000 people in the UK each year, and causes 1,600 deaths.
Professor McCullough, from Melbourne University, said the alcohol in mouthwash allows cancer-causing substances such as nicotine to penetrate the lining of the mouth more easily.
And it can mean a toxic breakdown product of alcohol called acetaldehyde - another carcinogen - can accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth.
The review reported evidence from an international study of 3,210 people which found daily mouthwash use was a 'significant risk factor' for head and neck cancer.
The effects were worst in smokers who had a nine-fold increased risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Those who drank alcohol had more than five times the risk.
Last night a British Dental Association spokesman said the evidence was 'not conclusive' and more research was needed.
Yinka Ebo, from Cancer Research UK, said: ' Mouthwash users may be more likely to have poor oral hygiene so more research is needed to find out if it's the mouthwash or the poor oral hygiene that increases the risk of mouth cancer.'
A spokesman for Johnson & Johnson, which makes Listerine, dismissed the claim.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Trader Joe's - Good source of organic, natural products
Recently I went to Trader Joe's and found some products that I thought were a great way to fight cancer by eating healthy and avoiding toxins and chemicals, or "free radicals" which promote the growth and development of cancer. Here are some of my favorites:
Finally, Bacon without Nitrates. Also free of preservatives and MSG.
Heart Healthy, Organic Cereal with Blueberries (anti-oxidants) and fiber, which helps prevent colon cancer.
Nitrate and Nitrite free, MSG free all natural hot dogs. Avoid unnecessary toxins and free radicals.
These tasty whole-wheat crackers make a nice addition to soups, or just an easy, healthy snack, with fiber to help prevent colon cancer.
These all-natural whole-grain corn chips have a nice nutty flavor and are very addictive.
Dried Blueberries, with no preservatives or artificial chemicals, are one of the highest sources of anti-oxidants that help to fight against cancer.
This herbal tea gives a double punch of anti-oxidants, with both green tea and blueberries.
Here is a laundry soap we have tried which is free of phosphates and better for the environment, free of caustic chemicals.
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