Cancer will become number one killer by 2010, according world cancer report issued by World Health Organization. Heart diseases are now causing highest number of medical deaths in the world. People from poor and developing countries will suffer more due to changing diet habits, smoking and poor health care and non-availability of proper screening procedures. Cancer in 2010 will cause more deaths the combined death toll of AIDS, T.B and Malaria. Lung cancer due to smoking is the major reason for rising cancer deaths as mortality rate is very high in lung cancer. Cervical cancer is the major cause for cancer deaths in women in developing nations due to lack of screening to detect cancer in early stage and lack of vaccination against HPV. Cancer deaths are falling in developed nations due to proper health facilities, decline in smoking habit, regular screening, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis, better cancer awareness and affordability to take cancer treatment. Adoption of Western habits like eating junk food, lack of exercise and increase in bad habits like smoking and alcoholism are leading causes for increase in cancer in developing nations like India and China. Cancer statistics: 1. About 12 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in this year. 8 million people will die due to cancer in 2008. 2. About 27 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed by 2030, according to World Cancer Report. 17 million deaths occur due to cancer. 3. Lung cancer has highest mortality rate among all major cancers. Cancer and Smoking: 40% of smokers are living in India and China out of 1.3 billion smokers in the world. Smoking causes lung cancer which kills more people than any other type of cancer. Governments of developing nations should provide free screening procedures to all women to prevent deaths from diseases like cervical cancer and breast cancer. They should do mass scale vaccination against Hepatitis and HPV. … [Read more...]
Smoking, supplements effect on lung Cancer
Taking of Vitamin E supplements increase risk for lung cancer, according to cancer research in the University of Washington. Researchers conducted experiments on 78,000 adults over 4-year period. The lung cancer risk is especially high in smokers. This research study was published in the first issue of “American Journal of respiratory and Critical Care Medicine” which was published by American Thoracic society. Vitamins and cancer: 100 milligram increase intake of Vitamin will raise lung cancer risk by 7%. American Cancer Society is not recommending vitamin intake to prevent from lung cancer. Staying away from smoking is the best method to decrease lung cancer incidence. Vitamin D has some proven protective measures against breast, colon and ovarian cancers while foods rich in Vitamin A has shown effect in reducing cancer risk. American Cancer Society is recommending diet rich in green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits to protect from cancer. One should stay away from junk diet and refined foods to decrease cancer risk. Note: One should not take vitamin supplements with doctor’s advice. Smoking and Lung Cancer: According to a research study by University of California, Hydrogen peroxide in smoking is the major culprit for causing lung cancer. This research study was published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). Tobacco contains more than 4,000 chemical substances of which 43 substances are carcinogens. Smoking alone is responsible for 0.4 million deaths in the United States alone, according to Centre for Disease Prevention (CDC). Smoking is responsible for more than 80% of lung cancers in Americans and is the major cause of preventable deaths among Americans. Please share your opinion on harmful effects of smoking. … [Read more...]
How to prevent cancer?
American Institute for Cancer Research has done extensive studies on the prevention of cancer. The researchers did 7,000 extensive studies over 5 years to find the methods to prevent cancer. Tips to prevent Cancer: 1. Stay away from soft drinks and junk foods. These empty high calorie foods are not only responsible for cancer but also for chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. People should try to maintain their Body-Mass-Index (BMI) in between 21-23. 2. Obesity is the number one cause of cancer in non-smokers. Reduce your weight by exercise and healthy diet. Obese people are at high risk for cancers of Pancreas, Colon, Uterus and kidney. Obesity increases breast cancer risk in post-menopausal women. 3. Daily exercise for 30-45 minutes per day is must to stay away from chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. 4. Vegetarians have low risk of getting cancer when compared to non-vegetarians. Vegetables, fruits and grains consumption reduces cancer risk. Red meat increases cancer risk. Diet is crucial in preventing cancer incidence. 5. Smoking is the number one cause of cancer in the world especially for lung cancer. 6. Excess alcohol consumption is the major factor behind many cancers. Alcoholic women are at high risk when compared to men for same amount of alcohol consumption. 7. Junk foods not only responsible for obesity but also for cancer especially for cancers of gastro-intestinal tract. 8. Increased incidence of breast cancer in women of western countries is mainly due to Alcoholism and absence of breast feeding. 9. Reduce your salt intake. Spicy foods and pickles consumption raises your cancer risk. 10. People who are at risk by birth (genes) should screen regularly for cancer. 11. Diet supplements may not play vital role in preventing most cancer. But Vitamin A&D may prevent few cancers. It is better to consume nutrients through natural diet instead of supplements. According to “Facts Vs Fears Survey”, cancer is the number one health concern for 40% of Americans. If people follow above precautions, we can prevent 30-40% cancer cases. Click here for more information on this cancer prevention study. … [Read more...]
Lung Cancer – Causes, Symptoms and survival
All over the world, every year 1.2 million people are newly affected with lung cancer. One person is dying in every 30 seconds, due to lung cancer. This disease is increasing alarmingly and becoming a health problem not only in developed but also in developing countries. Lung cancer appears in two types: 1. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). 2. Non – small cell lung cancer: Out of all the lung cancers 80% are of this type. It is divided into three categories. i. Adeno carcinoma: It is very common type in this category and is more commonly occurs in women. ii. Spuamous cell carcinoma: It is a rare type and occurring more in men and in aged people. iii. Large cell carcinoma: It is also a rare type and grows very rapidly when compared to other types of cancers. It involves the entire lung.Source: Medicine World. Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer: Continuous cough Hoarseness of the throat (voice) Vomiting of the blood (Hemoptysis) Loss of weight Pain in the chest Loss of appetite without any reason Shortness of breathing Fever without any specific known cause Wheezing noises in the breathing. Causes of the lung cancer: 1. Tobacco smoking: It is the main cause in more than 90% of cases. It depends on for how many years the individual is in this habit and the number of cigarettes or cigars he is smoking daily. 2. Industrial pollution: Smoke coming out from the factories. 3. Vehicle pollution: Due to the use of petrol or gasoline containing lead, as fuel in vehicles. First of all, a change takes place in structure and function of some cells and these cells grow very rapidly than the neighboring normal cells. The rapidly grown cells become abnormal in size and appearance and form a hard mass or growth by sticking to each other. If there is only one growth at the site in the lung, it is called ‘’Primary Growth or Nodule.’’ If the nodule breaks in to small particles and spreads to other parts of the body through blood circulation and these small particles begins to grow in those parts (other than lungs), then this growth is called ‘’Secondary Growth’’. This process of spreading to new sites is known a ‘’Metastasis.’’Lung Cancer Survival: If it is diagnosed in the early stage and the treatment is provided at the earliest, the patient lives for more than five years. But it often diagnosed in the late stages and the treatment becomes very difficult and the person lives only for short period. By this time the cancer is already spread to other parts of the body. Governments should ban Tobacco smoking in public places. How does lung cancer develop? … [Read more...]
Occupational Cancer deaths are on rise
According to World Health Organisation (WHO), 0.2 million cancer deaths are due to their work place. Majority of these cancer deaths are due to Asbestos fibres, Benzene and second-hand smoke. Most of these cancer deaths are occurring in the developed world. World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on 28 April. The United Nations health agency marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a call for the removal cancer causing substances (Carcinogens) from workplaces. WHO laid more emphasis on these deaths because 90% these deaths are preventable. According to World Health Organisation, Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Bladder Cancer are the most common occupational cancers. 10% Lung cancer deaths are due to occupational hazards and around 90,000 deaths are due to asbestos fibres. The UN agency said 10% of lung cancer deaths are due to occupational hazards, and about 125 million people worldwide are exposed to asbestos at work, leading to at least 90,000 deaths each year. Mesothelioma is the cancer caused due to asbestos. Benzene, an inorganic compound used in rubber, dyes, drugs, diamonds and pesticide industries, is responsible for thousands of deaths due to leukaemia. Those who are exposed to second hand smoke are twice the risk of lung cancer than those in a smoke free environment. What is more pity is all these deaths are preventable causes of cancer. Governments should ban smoking in work places and crowded public places. There should be incentives for those companies who are providing strict and hygienic work environment. … [Read more...]
Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Incidence of Oral Cancer: 4, 81,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. In the United States alone, 34,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007. In America, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. Oral cancer is the most common cancer in India-accounting to 38% of the total cancers. In India, 70% of men and 20% of women use tobacco in one form or other. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and floor of the mouth. Risk Factors: 1. Tobacco Use: Most common cause for oral cancer. Nicotine: It is the addictive substance found in Tobacco. Bidi smoking is more harmful than Cigarette smoking. Hookah is not safe because Carbon Monoxide is not absorbed in water. 2. Alcoholism: Smoking and Alcoholism accounts for 70% of oral cancer cases. 3. Sun Exposure: Lip cancer is mainly due to excessive sun exposure. 4. History of head and neck cancer 5. Chronic irritation due to poorly fitting dentures. 6. Human Papilloma virus infection Signs and Symptoms of Oral cancer: 1. White and Red patches in the mouth 2. Bleeding in mouth 3. Non-healing sore on the lip or mouth. 4. Difficulty in swallowing. Oral Cancer Treatment: Treatment depends on the patient age, spread of the disease and medical history. 1. Surgery 2. Chemotherapy – Fractional dose chemotherapy. 3. Radiation therapy – Intensity modulated radiation therapy. Oral cancer prevention: Tobacco in any form (smoking, chewing, and rubbing) should not be used. Betel leaf and nuts should not be used. Regular dental checkups are necessary. Remove ill fitted dentures. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
February 4: World Cancer Day
The International Union against Cancer (UICC) and its member’s organizations in over 80 countries are dedicating World Cancer Day 2007 to detect and prevent cancer in the adults by targeting children. More than 90 million people may die due to cancer in the next 10 years if necessary preventive measures are not taken. World cancer day is an annual event is being observed on February 4th every year. Theme for World cancer day 2007 is “Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s World”. It aims to spread awareness about problems due to changing dietary habits and a path breaking vaccine for cervical cancer. The annual World Cancer Day (WCD) on 4 February 2007 marks the anniversary of the first World Summit against Cancer held in Paris on 4 February 2000 where the Millennium Charter of Paris 2000 was launched. Cancer Statistics: Globally more than 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year and it is estimated that there will be 15 million new cases every year by 2020. Cancer causes more than 6 million deaths every year worldwide. Lung cancer and Breast cancer account for 1.3 and 0.5 million deaths respectively. Cancer is the second highest cause of death in children between the ages of 1-14 years. As per official statistics, more than 1, 60,000 children are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Fortunately, childhood cancers are twice curable than adult cancers. 25-40 age group accounts for 25% of all cancer patients. Solid organ tumors, which occur in this age group are usually genetic in nature and depending on the grade and behavior of the tumor it is observed that prognosis is poor. Stage-1 cancer in a 50-year old is 90% curable, but a similar cancer in a 30-year old is around 70% curable. Worldwide, cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths for women. According to the FDA there are 470,000 new cases and 233,000 deaths each year. Every 1 in 12 women worldwide are suffering from breast cancer. New age women are reluctant to breast feed their babies is the major factor behind this increase in breast cancer cases. Cancer Prevention: More than 40%of cancer cases are preventable. Smoking and Obesity are the two main preventable causes. Environmental pollution and some viral infections like human papilloma virus are the other preventable causes. Changing diet habits towards fast foods and high calorie diet is gradually raising cancer cases in the high socio-economic groups. Tobacco use is the most common cause of preventable cancer deaths. Tobacco use alone accounts for some 1.5 million cancer deaths per year. More than 70% of cancer deaths occur in low income group people as they do not have necessary financial resources to undergo screening tests and use costly drugs. Vegetarian diet and fruits play a major role in preventing cancer. Stay away from fast foods, smoking and prevent the cancer. Cervical Cancer Vaccine: Gardasil, the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV) strains 6, 11, 16 and 18 which account for 70% of all cervical cancers. The vaccine is approved for use in females 9-26 years of age. Cervarix is an investigational vaccine that protects against 2 strains of HPV (16 and 18) that cause cervical cancer. This vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline is waiting for approval. Please comment on this article. … [Read more...]
