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...]
10 tips to reduce Cancer risk
American Cancer Society is recommending following health guidelines to reduce Cancer risk by 50%. By making simple changes to your lifestyle and eating habits, you can reduce risk for cancers like Lung, breast and colon etc by more than 30-50%. 10 health tips to reduce cancer risk? 1. Stay away from smoking and chewing of tobacco products to reduce risk of lung cancer, Mouth, colon cancer and urinary bladder cancer incidence. 2. Regular screening for major cancers. We can prevent cancers of breast, prostate, colon, skin and cervix by screening. 3. Reduce alcohol consumption to prevent cancers of breast, colon, pancreas, oesophagus and head-neck. 4. Use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer or reduce incidence. 5. Regular exercise for 3-4 hours per week will reduce cancer incidence by 30-50%. 6. Control your weight by making proper diet changes and with regular exercise to prevent cancers of colon, breast, pancreas, kidney, liver and endometrium. Junk foods are major culprits for rise in obesity incidence. 7. Women should not post-menopausal hormonal therapy to reduce risk for cancers of breast, ovary and endometrial cancers. 8. Avoid exposure to carcinogens and radiation. 9. Vegetarians have low risk of getting cancer. Eat foods and green leafy vegetables and stay away from high calorie foods like soft drinks. 10. One should take proper medication to reduce cancer risk by consulting oncologist. More than 30% cancer deaths are preventable. We can reduce cancer occurrence by more than 30% if we follow above measures. Please share your opinion. … [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...]
New Lung cancer guidelines by ACCP
American college of chest physicians (ACCP) issued new guidelines on screening, preventing, staging and coping with cancer. These guidelines were published as a supplement to the special edition of the journal “Chest”, reviewed journal of ACCP. The recommendations were rigorously developed and reviewed by 100 multidisciplinary panel members, including pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons, integrative medicine specialists, oncology nurses, pathologists, health-care researchers, and epidemiologists. The guidelines were further reviewed and approved by the ACCP Thoracic Oncology Network, the Health and Science Policy Committee, the Board of Regents, and external reviewers from the journal Chest. The guidelines have been endorsed by the American Association for Bronchology, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Surgeons Oncology Group, American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Asian Pacific Society of Respirology, Oncology Nurses Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and the World Association of Bronchology. Lung cancer statistics: Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in United States. All the other 4 major cancers, colon, breast, pancreas and prostate, are causing less number of deaths than lung cancer. Lung cancer is responsible for 30% cancer deaths in men while it is at 26% in women. Tobacco use is the major cause for lung cancer. New Lung Cancer Guidelines: 1. Lung cancer screening: The ACCP advises against low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) scanning or chest X-rays to screen for lung cancer. Nodules are commonly found during screening. But to determine whether these nodules are cancerous or not requires additional testing which is invasive and expensive. This may cause risk for patient both physiologically and psychologically. Population screening for lung cancer may put patient at risk for further complications. 2. Lung cancer prevention: People at risk for lung cancer aren't advised to take beta-carotene supplements, vitamin E supplements, retinoids (vitamin A), N-acetylcysteine, selenium, or aspirin for lung cancer prevention. They have no preventive effects on the lung cancer. Vitamin A use may increase mortality among current smokers. Complementary therapies for Lung Cancer: For the first time, the ACCP has issued guidelines on the use of complementary therapies for lung cancer patients. The guidelines support the use of massage for lung cancer patients experiencing anxiety, mood disturbances, or chronic pain. The guidelines also recommend acupuncture for lung cancer patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, pain, or fatigue from their lung cancer treatment, and for those who haven't been able to quit smoking through other methods. Lung cancer patients should tell their doctors about any complementary therapies they use and avoid treatments that claim to replace conventional medical care, according to the ACCP. Electro stimulation wristbands are not recommended for managing chemo-induced nausea/vomiting, as studies show that they do little to delay nausea/vomiting compared with placebo. … [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...]
