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...]
Overuse of CT scans can cause cancer
Overuse of CT scans will increase risk of cancer due to excessive exposure to radiation. According to a research article in the "New England Journal of Medicine", this cancer risk is very high in children due to sensitive tissues in them. According to Columbia University scientists, 2% of cancers are due to this excessive exposure to radiation in the coming days. As per researchers, 30% of diagnostic tests recommended by doctors are unnecessary. But due to increase in legal suits by patients, physicians are not wanting to take undue risks and recommending as many tests as possible. According to a study, 20 million adults and 1 million children are undergoing unnecessary CT scans annually. 62 million scans were done on US citizens in 2006 of which 4 million were on children. 30% of these scans are unnecessary which is alarming. MRI and ultrasound are comparatively safer than CT scans as they have less radiation exposure. But CT scans are the best diagnostic method to detect cancer as they produce 3-dimensional images of the organs. Physicians should be extra cautious in recommending CT scans for children. They should evaluate other diagnostic options before recommending CT scan. You can read more information on this research report in the November issue of New England Journal of Medicine. … [Read more...]
10 year mobile use- 200% rise in cancer risk
If you are using mobile phone regularly for more than 10 years (1 hour daily use), you are at double the risk of getting cancer, according to a Spanish study . You will get malignant brain tumour on the side of brain where you held mobile handset. Researchers analyzed results from 11 studies before coming to conclusion. This research study was published in the Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine. Children are at more risk of getting cancer as their skulls are thin and nervous system is in development stage. Parents should discourage children from using mobile by explaining health hazards Brain cancer of glial cells is the most common cancer that occurs from regular mobile use. Acoustic Neuroma is another form of cancer that occurs from mobile use. Those who have used their phones for at least a decade are 20 per cent more likely to contract acoustic neuromas and 30 per cent more likely to get malignant gliomas. Mobile users are also at risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. But mobile operators and handset manufacturers are regularly dismissing these claims because of lack of concrete evidence as most mobile users are using them for less than 10 years. There are claiming the report of Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research programme report as supporting evidence which was released in September. Every mobile manufacturer should publish Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) levels on mobile handsets. Low radiation models are defined as having SAR of 0.6 or under. … [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...]
Cancer cases are on rise in Asian countries
Cancer cases are increasing in Asian countries due to increased adaptation of western habits like eating junk foods, smoking and alcoholism even in females. According to some studies, there will be 60% increase in cancer incidence in Asian countries. Increased industrialization (pollution), low literacy rates and poor health care standards are other major reasons for increased cancer rates. Screening tests for cancer are rarely done in poor Asian countries due to low quality of health care. Rising economic standards and globalisation added fuel to the fire. Cancer statistics: 45% of cancer deaths are reported from Asia-Pacific countries. If proper measures are not taken, this will rise to 70% by 2020. China alone accounts for 20% new cancer cases and is the 2nd most cause of medical deaths in China. Due to increased screening and preventive measures, cancer deaths are in decline in Western countries. According to World health organisation (WHO), 40% CANCERS are preventable by good diet habits, exercise and stay away from smoking. Smoking is the major reason for these deaths with Lung Cancer is the number one cancer in Asian countries followed by stomach and liver cancers. Hepatitis B Viral infection is the major reason for liver cancer. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is another cancer causative factor. How to control cancer incidence and prevent cancer deaths? 1. Lack of screening facilities like Mammogram and Pap smear in poor Asian countries. 2. Increase in smoking and Alcoholism in Asian countries especially China and India.3. Non-availability of vaccines against HPV and Hepatitis B in poor countries.4. Poor health care standards and economic standards.5. Expensive chemotherapy is not affordable to poor Asians.6. Low illiteracy levels there by lack of health education.7. Asian Governments need to spend more money to raise health care standards.8. Governments should ban smoking in public places and in movies and relative ads in other popular mediums. Don’t forget 40% cancer cases are preventable. … [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...]
Breast Cancer in Females – Causes
Breast cancer in females occupies second place among all the cancers in Indians as per the world Health organization‘s (WHO) report. It is reported that 80,000 females are affected by breast Cancer in 2002. With increase in disposable income and change in diet and life style, Breast cancer is on rise among Indians. Causes of Breast Cancer: 1. Not taking preventive measures. 2. If mother and sisters are also having the history of the breast cancer. 3. Infertility. 4. Who become pregnant after attaining 30 years of age. 5. Menopause after50 years of age. 6. Increase in weight after menopause. 7. Taking H.R.T.(Hormone Replacement therapy) 8. Menarche (first menstrual cycle) at the age of 12 years. 9. On oral contraceptive pills for more than 5 years. 10. Taking more fatty diet. Prevention of Breast Cancer: 1. Every woman has to check her breasts personally after attaining 30 years of age. 2. Monthly once, fix a day or date for testing her self the breasts. Consult the doctor if you find any of the following symptoms and signs: 1. When touch by the hand, if you find any change in the size and structure of the breast. 2. Any swelling or solid mass, redness in the breasts. 3. Itching sensation and Utricaria on the nipple or around it. 4. In drawing of the nipples. 5. Any secretion from the nipples. 6. Pain in the breasts, not relating to menstrual cycle time. Test: Mammogram: This test should be done annually from 30 years onwards especially in women who are at risk. Follow the natural rules in marriage, having children and breast feeding. Reduce fat diet and take more vegetables and fruits. Stay away from fast foods. … [Read more...]
Colon Cancer – Causes and Symptoms
Colon cancer is the cancer of the large intestine. It is the second most cancer in incidence and third most cause of cancer deaths in the western world. 5 million people are dying each year around the world. In United states of America alone, 0.15 million new cases are being diagnosed each year. It is a preventable diseases. Change in the diet habits is the mojor factor behind increased number of colon cancer cases. Causes of Colon Cancer: 1. Diet rich in fat content and Non-vegetarian diet. Fast foods is one of the major reason for increases cancer cases. Increase in red meat and decrease in fruits in the diet is the chief contributing factor. 2. Benign Polyps - If diagnosed early, we can prevent colon cancer cases. 3. Genes: 18% of chance of acquiring colon cancer in the first degree relatives. Risk increases with age especially after 55 years. 4. Alcohol drinking and Tobacco smoking. Signs and Symptoms of colon cancer: 1.Passing of blood in the stools. Change in bowel habits. 2. Constipation 3. Increased frequency of Diarrhoea 4. Anaemia 5. Pain in the abdomen and Abdomenal discomfort. 6. Weight Loss without specific reason. The above all signs and symptoms may appear at the same time or some of them may appear. With increased use of screening tests, early diagnosis of colon cancer cases is rising in the western world. … [Read more...]
