Friday, May 30, 2008

Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a dangerous disease. It is important to get it checked as soon as you discover some of the symptoms that indicate skin cancer. However, as the experts have always said, "prevention is better than cure." You should focus on prevention skin cancer from attacking your skin.

Skin plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. It is the largest organ in your body, and it protects you from potential problems caused by such factors as dehydration, the sun, bacterial infections, and pollution. However, there are limits to the skin's ability to provide protection. Various factors can cause damage that cannot be repaired. This is how skin cancer may develop.

Anyone can develop skin cancer. It does not attack any particular age, race or skin type. Certain skin types are more vulnerable to skin cancer as compared to others. People with fair skin, light hair and light eye colour or a large number of moles or freckles are more vulnerable

One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. UV rays are invisible, and are produced by the sun and tanning lamps. Most often, skin cancer is the result of overexposure to the sun.

Here are the main actions to prevent from cancer:

- Tip 1

Make sure that you protect yourself from the harmful ultra-violet rays of sun. Apply a good sunscreen with high SPF or sun protection factor generously before going out in the sun. Re-apply 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure begins. You should also re-apply sunscreen after vigorous activity that could remove the product, such as swimming, towelling or excessive sweating and rubbing.

- Tip 2

Do not spend a lot of time outdoors. Arrange your time in the sun for morning or afternoon, and avoid high noon. Dress in dark colours and protective clothing. Also wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding tissues. Select shaded areas for outdoor activities. Always use sunscreen and lip balm.

Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and sand. Remember that water activities can increases exposure to reflective UV rays.

- Tip 3

Most people are under a notion that a tanning bed can be safe option. A tanning-bed can be more dangerous than exposing your skin to sun´s rays. Better is to use a sunless tanning lotion. It is available in different varieties for different skin types. Remember that a sunless tan lotion will not provide you SPF protection.

The rule is that the best colour for you is the one you were born with. Keep checking your body regularly for any moles lesions or skin irregulation. See your doctor right away if you notice an abnormally dark or discoloured patches or spots, or bleeding, crusting or change in the colour, size, or shape of a mole.



For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Foods that Help During Skin Cancer Treatment

When undergoing skin cancer treatment, it is important to take special care of diet you take. However, in most cases, it becomes very difficult to focus on eating the right type of foods when undergoing cancer treatments. It becomes more difficult when you undergo radiation treatment or chemotherapy.

This therapy may dramatically affect your appetite. You need for counseling so that you can get proper nutritional supplements to make you feel stronger and feel faster during the treatment of skin cancer.

Here are certain foods and supplements to help you eat properly during skin cancer treatment:

a) Vitamin C

You should focus on eating foods rich in Vitamin C. Eat a lot of broccoli, spinach as well as citrus fruits. You should also consult your doctor about the fact whether taking a good amount of vitamin C will help. Experts believe that vitamin C speeds up the healing process soon after biopsy or an excision.

b) Vitamin A and D supplements

Eating foods rich in vitamin A and D will help a lot in your skin cancer treatment. Since people undergoing skin cancer are forbidden to go under direct sunlight, supplements for vitamin D become an important addition to the diet.

c) Fruits and Vegetables

You should eat a lot of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Also drink a lot of water. Any amount of dehydration in the body can prove harmful, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. This can eventually result in serious side effects such as dry itchy skin, acne, rashes and peeling.

d) Raw food

Experts feel that eating raw food helps in treating a lot of disease. It also helps in enhancing the effects of skin cancer treatment. Raw foods are expert in killing cancer cells. When food is cooked, about 100% of all enzymes in a food are killed. This is because most foods contain necessary enzymes required to digest the food. Cooking food burdens body and disrupts many items reaching the body. Cooking food actually damage, the overall value of the food in several ways. Hence, it is important to eat vegetables in raw forms.

e) Juice Vegetables and Fruits

There are several benefits of juicing vegetables and fruits. First and foremost, juicing allows the nutrients more digestible and removes obstructing fibers. Another main advantage is that when you juice fruits and vegetables, you tend to have a lot more vegetables and fruits than normally. Juices play vital role in treating skin cancer.

f) Specific Vegetable Juices

Certain vegetable juices are very healthy and helpful in treating skin cancer. You may also go for vegetable juice by mixing carrot juice, beetroot juice, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.



For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Effective Homemade Remedies for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer existing in the world. A lot of research and studies have been conducted for discovering and inventing the remedies for this serious disease.

It is a type of harmful, malignant growth affecting the skin of about one million people in a year in U.S.A. There are several causes such as severe sun burns, long term exposure to Ultra violet rays and a lot of others.

You need to do something about the condition of your skin as soon as you observe some of the warning signs. Some of the indications include change in the appearance of the skin such as a mole or sore that does not heal.

Skin cancer can occur in the following forms:

a) Basal Cell Carcinoma

b) Squamous Cell Carcinoma

c) Melanoma

- Basal Cell Carcinoma This is referred to as the most common type of skin cancer. It does not spread to other parts of the body. It can invade other tissues surrounding the area.

- Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of cancer usually appears on the face, lips or rims of the ear. It starts from the squamous cells that are found in the tissues that forming the surface of the skin, respiratory and digestion tracts and lining of the hollow organs of your body. Reddish or Brownish wart lesions or nodules on forehead and cheeks.

- Melanoma

It is considered to be the most serious form of skin cancer as it tends to spread all over the body in a short period of time. The cancer may ooze bleed or itch. It is not painful.

There are several effective home remedies for treating skin cancer.

Here are some of the great remedies to try out:

- Coconut oil or butter remedy

Virgin coconut oil or butter is a good home remedy for skin care. It makes a good moisturizer and provides a good protective larger that locks in natural moisture as it has good solidifying property. You need to place the coconut butter in small lip palm or eye cream jars. You can also put it in a small sterilized jar.

- Aloe Vera Aloe Vera is a great skin care remedy. It has been used effectively to treat dry skin, burns, insect bites and skin irritations. It is also good for acne, cuts and abrasions.

- Honey Honey softens the skin and reduces wrinkles. It also adds to the glow of the skin.

- Ayurvedic Remedy This is a holistic approach and does a lot of good to the skin.

- Skin cleansers It cleanses the skin and removes dead cells from the surface of the skin. It will also remove the dust and dirt that chokes the pores on the skin. Try making cleansers at home via using vegetable oils, coconut oil and water. Sesame, palm and coconut oils make good cleansers. Seaweeds can also strengthen the immunity and healthy functions of the skin via providing the minerals required.

- Skin toners Toning of the skin with lemon oil and lavender oil is good. You can also add vitamin C crystals as a preservative and antioxidant. When using witch hazel, make sure you combine it with moisturizers such as vitamin E and honey.

- Water Drink at least six glasses of water to moisturize your skin.

All the above mentioned home remedies for skin cancer treatment are powerful and effective. You can try some of these to benefit from them.

However, you need to take to your doctor prior to using these methods to avoid any type of side effects that may occur.



For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

Friday, May 23, 2008

Easy Ways to Deal with Skin Cancer Side Effects

Sufferings from side effects are very common when undergoing a treatment for skin cancer. This is more common if you are receiving radiation treatments or chemotherapy. One tends to suffer from several skin conditions such as rashes, redness, acne, peeling and dryness frequently. Some skin cancer patients may also feel that they are more sensitive to sunlight. Other may observe their nails becoming brittle and dark.

However, there is nothing to panic because consistent consultation with your health care team can cure some of these side effects and may also treat them.

Here are some great tips to deal with certain side effects one may face during the treatment of skin cancer:

a) You can easily deal with rashes and itches via powdering your body with corn starch.

b) Take frequent showers and use a moisturizing soap to relieve dry skin problems. You must avoid long hot baths. Hot baths only necessary when you are or an oatmeal treatment.

c) It would not be wise to use any products on your skin. The products you must avoid must include cologne, perfume, after shave lotion and all products containing alcohol. These products can dry out your skin. Also avoid using all types of astringents including witch hazel.

d) Inform your doctor immediately about any pain or burning sensation on your skin while on IV drugs. Pain or burning sensation is an indication that medicine is leaking out the veins.

e) Ask your doctor whether you can take B vitamins to deal with brittle or darkened finger or toe nails. You can also protect your nails via wearing proper gloves or foot wear when working or gardening

f) You need to take certain precaution while going outside once you find yourself hyper sensitive to sunlight. Wear good sunscreen, wear protective clothing. Also use lip balms to deal with this side effects.

g) Keep visiting an oncologist or dermatologist about your progress during the treatment.

h) You should avoid tanning beds and heat lamps at tanning salons. The ultraviolet ray coming out of these heat lamps (UV-A rays) can easily penetrate in to the skin deeper as compared to UV-B rays that come from sunlight.

i) Take supplements for vitamin A or D. Try using dairy products enriched with vitamin A and D.

j) Ask for certain creams and moisturizers that may be effective against the dryness due to skin cancer treatment.

k) Keep your face clean and dry if you are suffering from acne due to skin cancer treatment. Ask your doctor in charge to prescribe you some medicated creams or soaps for the same.

l) Always apply cream and lotion while your skin is still moist to combat dryness.

m) A colloid oatmeal bath or diphenhydramine for generalized purities resulting from the treatment of skin cancer.

n) Buy nail-strengthening products.

o) Avoid going out in the sunlight between 10: 00 a.m. and 4: 00 p.m.

p) Always wear long-sleeve cotton shirts, pants and hats with a wide brim. These hats will help you to get some relief from hair loss via blocking the harmful ultraviolet sun rays.

q) Keep informing your doctor about any inconvenience that you face during the skin cancer treatment.



For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Detecting Skin Cancer Made Easy

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer existing in the world. It can strike at any age group. Most people do not consider skin cancer as a serious problem. However, it is important to know that the cancer can be really difficult to handle or even deadly if not treated directly.

It is important to keep on performing regular self examination so that you can come to know about the problem at an early stage.

Here are certain tips on examining your self for skin cancer so that the disease does not turn out to be serious or ugly in the future. While conducting a self examination, you should keep in mind that about 1 in 5 people can have some form of skin cancer in their entire lifetime.

Experts recommend that you need to check yourself for skin cancer on a monthly basis in order to spot the problem.

You would require some mirrors in order to see all parts of your body. Try to check the entire area of your body. You need to analyze your head, face and scalp in the mirror.

Gradually examine the other parts of your body. Make sure that you check the genital areas also check the portion between your toes well.

When doing a self examination for skin cancer, you must check for irregular moles. Usually, mal-formed moles are a result of malignant melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you find an asymmetrical mole on your body, consult your doctor.

Remember that most moles complete their growth prior to the age of twenty. In case, the mole on your body starts growing after the age of twenty, consult your doctor immediately.

Another important thing to check for irregularities on the borders of the mole. The borders should be well defined and uniform in growth. Another symptom of skin cancer is a mole that changes color to a dark red, black or white. This is a direct indication of development of skin cancer on your body.

Remember that early diagnosis may be the only way to surviving skin cancer. In case, you spot anything you might feel a problem, consult an oncologist or dermatologist on an immediate basis. A little caution from your side may do wonders to your body.

Moles on the body can turn in to cancerous melanomas. Hence it is very important to check your moles on a regular basis and talk to your doctor whenever you feel that there is a sign of danger.

The best thing to do is to follow a 4 step, A-B-C-D guide when checking your moles. In case, any of the points mentioned below are true, talk to your doctor right away.

a) Asymmetry In case, 1/2 of the mole does not match the other half, there is a problem. Any mole or birthmark with skin growth that increases in size should be reported to doctor.

b) Border The border of the mole should not be ragged, notched or blurred.

c) Color In case, the mole is a mixture of brown, black and tan contact a doctor.

d) Diameter A mole larger than pencil eraser is an important sign of skin cancer.



For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Win A Unique Volkswagen Van And Help Teenage Cancer Trust

9 APRIL 2008 UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT), together with legendary rock band, The Who, are launching a worldwide competition to win a unique 1965 ‘split-screen’ Volkswagen Transporter van with special The Who ‘Magic Bus’ branding.

The competition to win the iconic van, provided by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, will be launched by Roger Daltrey CBE, The Who frontman and patron of TCT, on Tuesday 8 April at the opening night of the annual TCT week of fund raising gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in London, which includes performances from Madness, Muse, Paul Weller, Joan Armatrading, The Fratellis and, of course, The Who.

This unique Volkswagen van will be on display outside the Royal Albert Hall until the last TCT gig on Sunday 13 April. It has been signed by The Who’s Roger Daltrey CBE and Pete Townsend, and branded with a unique design by The Who’s art director, Richard Evans, featuring the band’s famous target logo together with images of the original band members, including Keith Moon and John Entwistle.

Tickets for the competition are available from www.thewhomagicbus.com and cost £5 each, with all net proceeds being donated to TCT. All entrants receive a free download of a previously unreleased live performance by The Who of its famous hit ‘Magic Bus’.

Inspiration for the competition stems from a successful collaboration between The Who and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles last year which resulted in a special live performance by the band at an international celebration event of 60 years of the Volkswagen van in Hannover, Germany in October.

Stephan Schaller, Head of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘We really hope that many people will take part in this competition so we can help TCT to support many more teenagers with cancer.’

Roger Daltrey CBE said: ‘As a long standing Patron of TCT, I am delighted to launch this unique competition. It will help TCT raise essential funds so that we can build more teenage cancer units within the NHS. The UK is a world leader in providing this support for teenagers with cancer and in 2008 we will open five new units and start building work on a further two.’

TCT, founded in 1990, focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer, who often receive inappropriate facilities catering for children or the elderly, by providing specialist units in NHS hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and an environment where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation. TCT has built units in London, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow and Newcastle. TCT also funds a team to teach young people in schools, colleges and universities about cancer, prevention and healthy living. Further information is available from www.teenagecancertrust.org.



www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Prostate Cancer - Information on Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland. It helps make semen, the fluid that contains sperm. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body. A young man's prostate is about the size of a walnut. It slowly grows larger with age. If it gets too large, it can cause problems. This is very common after age 50. The older men get, the more likely they are to have prostate trouble.

Prostate cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells that results in the formation of a tumor in the prostate gland. Prostate, the walnut sized gland, is a part of the reproductive system which lies deep in the pelvis. It is located in front of the rectum and underneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, (the urine tube running from the bladder, through the prostate and the penis). It contains gland cells that produce some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen and supports the ejaculatory ducts, or sperm tubes. The prostate continues to grow till a man reaches adulthood and is maintained after it reaches normal size as long as male hormones are produced.

The growth of prostate cells and the way the prostate gland works is dependent on the male sex hormone, testosterone, which is produced in the testicles.

Prostate cancer develops most frequently in men over fifty. This cancer can occur only in men, as the prostate is exclusively of the male reproductive tract. It is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States, where it is responsible for more male deaths than any other cancer, except lung cancer. However, many men who develop prostate cancer never have symptoms, undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other causes. Many factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.

NHL (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is yet another common form of cancer. This refers to a the growth of a large group of cancers that affect the immunity system. The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are those of fever and weight loss, a sure sign that the immunity system has been affected. This is a cancer that can affect any age group, and its treatment is completely dependent on the stage of detection of the cancer.

Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. If prostate cancer is detected early -- when it's still confined to the prostate gland -- you have a better chance of successful treatment.

Prostate cancer is found mainly in older men. As men age, the prostate may get bigger and block the urethra or bladder. This may cause difficulty in urination or can interfere with sexual function. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed to correct it. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or of other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms of prostate cancer.

Radical prostatectomy is a surgery to remove the whole prostate gland and the nearby lymph nodes. Most men who have this surgery are under general anesthesia (puts you into a sleep-like state). After the prostate gland is taken out, a catheter (a narrow rubber tube) is put through the penis into the bladder to carry urine out of the body until the area heals.



Read about Herbal Remedies, Natural Remedies and Cures. Also read about Breast Enhancement and Breast Enlargement and Home Remedies

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

10 Ways to Cope with Breast Cancer

If you or someone you know is suffering from breast cancer there are some steps you can take to cope with this horrible disease. You are not alone so read a compilation of things you can do.

Statistics show that over 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, but the good news is: Due to earlier detection and improved treatments, breast cancer deaths are declining.

Breast cancer brings on many physical and emotional changes in women and is a fearful and burdensome experience. If you are one of the many women facing this dreaded disease or know someone who is facing breast cancer, here are ten ways that will hopefully make coping with it easier.

1. Turn to the Lord

Pray to the Lord for strength and courage. Keep your faith in him always. Find a special scripture and read it whenever you are feeling down.

You will be amazed at the strength and comfort this will give you during this time. Remember, God always listens and he answers our prayers.

2. Talk to a Friend

Find a friend or family member that you can confide in and are not afraid to express your different emotions in front of them.

Just being able to share your feelings and know that someone is listening will be a big factor in getting rid of some of your anxiety.

3. Hug Someone Hug your friends and family whenever you feel the need for support and comfort. Words do not have to be spoken, because the hug will tell it all.

You'll be amazed at how good this makes you and the person you hug feel.

4. Facing Breast Cancer is Constantly On Your Mind

When you find out you have breast cancer, your first thought when you wake up every morning will be about how you and your family are going to deal with this.

Remember, this is a normal reaction at first. Have patience and eventually this thought will change from dreading the future to excitement about how you will become a survivor.

5. Focus on Life One Day at a Time

Slow down and take time each day to do things that you want to do. If you feel up to it, spend the day with someone you really like.

Most of all keep a positive attitude every day and don't worry about what is going to happen tomorrow.

6. Cry When You Need To

You may find yourself crying a lot during this time. This is perfectly normal because you are facing a crisis you never expected.

Don't be ashamed to cry or let others see you cry. Crying is a good way of dealing with your stress and is a large factor in emotional healing.

7. Ask For Help

Don't be afraid to ask friends for help with errands and taking care of your younger children. If your spouse or children volunteer to do your chores, accept their offer.

Remember, everyone sincerely wants to help you during this difficult period. This will also give your family and friends a chance to show you how much they appreciate what you have done for them.

8. Support is Available.

Besides the support you receive from your family and friends, you can also go to the local women's breast cancer support group. You will reap many benefits from the relationships you establish with other breast cancer survivors at the support groups.

There are also support groups available for your family members if they feel they need to talk about their feelings.

9. Do Something for Yourself

If you feel up to it, spend the day shopping or going to a movie. Curl up on the couch with a good book or watch a funny video. "Take a Nap" if you want to.

10. Don't Feel Alone

Always remember, you are not alone and you are a Cancer Survivor!!!!

Hopefully, these steps offered you some comfort and took some of the anxiety of breast cancer away. Remember, look forward to your future and appreciate TODAY!!!



Bob Pardue is owner of the PictureMed breast cancer info site. Learn more about breast cancer in women by visiting http://www.picturemed.com/breast-cancer/contents.htm right now ...

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Cervical Cancer - Symptoms and Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer: malignant cancer of the cervix uteri or cervical area. It may present with vaginal bleeding but symptoms may be absent until the cancer is in its advanced stages, which has made cervical cancer the focus of intense screening efforts using the Pap smear. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has reduced the incidence of invasive cervical cancer by 50% or more.

The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called the uterine cervix. The body (upper part) of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix. The part next to the vagina is the exocervix (or ectocervix). The place where these 2 parts meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers start in the transformation zone.

About 85% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the scaly, flat, skinlike cells covering the cervix. Most other cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from gland cells, or adenosquamous carcinomas, which develop from a combination of cell types.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms usually don't appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may start and stop between regular menstrual periods or may occur after sexual intercourse.

Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal,or a change in your menstrual cycle that you can't explain.

Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before. Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam.

Pain during urination: Bladder pain or pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This cervical cancer symptom usually occurs when cancer has spread to the bladder.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer most commonly begins in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix (squamous cells). Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 80 percent of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer can also occur in the glandular cells that line the upper portion of the cervix.

Genetic material that comes from certain forms of HPV has been found in cervical tissues that show cancerous or precancerous changes.

Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You get HPV by having sex with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

The virus is a sexually transmitted disease. There are more than 50 types of human papilloma virus (HPV) that infect humans. Types 6 and 11 usually cause warts, while types 16, 18, 31 and 33 usually result in high-grade cervical dysplasia (CIN-2 and CIN-3) and carcinomas.

More than 90 percent of all cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and researchers believe that this cancer may be a sexually transmitted disease. There is much evidence that cervical carcinoma is related to sexually transmitted organisms.

Chemical exposure: Women who work on farms or in the manufacturing industry may be exposed to chemicals that can increase their risk of cervical cancer.

Women who have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, often take drugs that weaken the body's natural immunity or its ability to fight off disease. These women also have an increased risk for cervical cancer and should be closely monitored by their gynecologist for the development of precancerous changes to the cervix.



Read about Herbal Treatment Natural Remedies Cures. Also read about Breast Enhancement and Breast Enlargement and Health Questions Answers Discussion Forum

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Vulvar cancer - Information on Vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare diagnosis, representing about 5% of all gynecologic cancers, and only about 1% of all female cancers in general. There are about 3,500 new cases reported annually in the US and approximately 900 death a year attributed to this disease. The incidence of vulvar cancers has remained stable over the past two decades but the rates of precancerous lesions has more than doubled over the same period of time. The cause for the growing number of cases is not well-understood.

Vulvar cancer is most common in women over 50 years of age. Additional risk factors for vulvar cancer include having multiple sexual partners, cervical cancer, and the presence of chronic vaginal and vulvar inflammations. This typeof cancer is often associated with sexually transmitted diseases.

The vulva is the skin and fatty tissue between the upper thighs of women, from the area of the anus to about an inch below the pubic hairline. Cancer of the vulva most often affects the two skin folds (or lips) around the vagina, known as the labia.

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer. It forms in a woman's external genitals, called the vulva. The cancer usually develops slowly over several years. First, precancerous cells grow on vulvar skin. This is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or dysplasia. Not all VIN cases turn into cancer, but it is best to treat it early.

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips), and the opening of the vagina and its glands. Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.

At the front of the vagina, the labia minora meet to form a fold or small hood of skin called the prepuce. Beneath it lies the clitoris, an approximately ¾-inch structure of highly sensitive tissue that becomes swollen with blood during sexual stimulation. At the lower end, just beneath the vaginal opening, is the fourchette, where the labia minora meet. Beyond the fourchette is the anus, the opening to the rectum. The space between the vagina and the anus is called the perineum.

Most women with cancer of the vulva are over age 50. However, it is becoming more common in women under age 40. Women who have constant itching and changes in the color and the way the vulva looks are at a high risk to get cancer of the vulva. A doctor should be seen if there is bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods), severe burning/itching or pain in the vulva, or if the skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough.

Vulvar cancer is usually treated with surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size, depth and spread of the cancer. Your doctor will review all the options for surgery and the pros and cons of each option. Some people may also need radiation therapy.

It is best treated by excision or sometimes by laser evaporation. If a large area is involved and must be removed, then a skin graft can be applied. These premalignant conditions are likely to recur after treatment so continued follow up is a necessity. Another condition that can occur on the vulva and also cause itching and soreness is called lichen sclerosis. It is not a premalignant change, but an atrophy of the skin. It will not be improved by anti-yeast medications either. It can be diagnosed by biopsy.



Read about Herbal Treatment Natural Remedies Cures. Also read about Breast Enhancement and Breast Enlargement and Health Questions Answers Discussion Forum

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Colon Cancer - What Is Colon Cancer

The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Malignant tumors of the large intestine are called cancers. Benign polyps do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Benign polyps can be easily removed during colonoscopy and are not life-threatening. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they can become malignant (cancerous) over time.

Colon cancer is the term commonly used to describe colo-rectal (or bowel) cancer. The colon is part of the intestines. These consist of the small intestine (the section between the stomach and the appendix) and the large intestine (from the appendix to the anus). The large intestine is divided into the long colon and a short rectum, just before the anus. Two thirds of these cancers occur in the colon and one third in the rectum, with very few in the small intestine.

The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus, twisting and turning through your abdomen (belly). Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Constipation, having a bowel movement less than three times a week, can be your body's way of suggesting that you make some minor adjustments in diet or exercise. However, constipation can also be a symptom of a colon cancer. In the beginning of the colon, waste material is slushy and can easily maneuver around anything that gets in its way. But as it nears the end of the colon, stool solidifies and is less forgiving of obstacles.

The impact of environment on colon cancer risk isn't very clear. But, you can use what exists to make informed health decisions. For example, if you're an American asbestos employee who works the late shift and lives in a house of smokers, well, you might want to make colon cancer screening a priority. Few people will actually fit that description, but you get the idea. If you think you're in an environment that may increase your risk of developing colon cancer, please talk to your doctor about it.

Abdominal Pain: Swelling and pain of the abdomen are also symptoms of colon cancer. This usually occurs when the intestine is blocked by a tumor. If the tumor grows large, then nausea and vomiting can occur.

Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate other conditions. Bright red blood you notice on bathroom tissue more commonly comes from hemorrhoids or minor tears (fissures) in your anus, for example. In addition, certain foods, such as beets or red licorice, can turn your stools red. Iron supplements and some anti-diarrheal medications may make stools black. Still, it's best to have any sign of blood or change in your stools checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious.



Read about Body Building Tips and Girls Discussion Forum Message Board. Also Read About How to Solve a Problem

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer may help save your life. When the disease is discovered early, you have more treatment options and a better chance for a cure. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous. Yet the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women is a lump or thickening in the breast. Often, the lump is painless.

Changes in the skin of the breast include redness, changes in texture, and puckering. These changes are usually caused by skin diseases but occasionally can be associated with breast cancer.

Between ages 41 - 58, there may be a small bit of non-bloody leakage from the nipples of both breasts. This leakage is usually due to hormonal changes and is not worrisome. However, if the fluid is leaking from only one nipple, is a new discharge, or is bloody, there are several tests that can be done to discover what is causing it. Ask your doctor for a professional opinion on your next steps.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease.

Breast discharge is a common problem and is rarely a symptom of cancer. Discharge is most concerning if it is from only one breast or if it is bloody. In any case, all breast discharge should be evaluated.

Sometimes there are no symptoms of breast cancer when it is in the early stages. If you notice a lump, or are experiencing anything unusual, you must report the symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible. Performing a monthly self breast exam is the one of the best ways to notice any changes in your breasts.

Degree of relativity of the family member with breast cancer affects individual risk. For example, the relative risk of patients with an affected first-degree relative is 1.5-2 times higher when compared to controls without affected family members. Even more significantly, having two first-degree relatives affected (female or male) increases relative risk by more than 4-6 times when compared to patients without this risk factor.

Third, age of the affected relative at time of diagnosis also influences risk. A patient with a mother diagnosed when younger than 60 years is at 2 times increased risk. Finally, bilateral cancer in a first-degree relative may increase risk by more than 6 times.

Breast cancer doesn't always start as a suspicious lump. Others symptoms may include itchiness near the nipple, dimpled breast skin, an armpit lump, or a swelling, hot sensation in the breast.

Pain doesn't usually mean cancer. Many healthy women find that their breasts feel lumpy and tender before a period. And some benign breast lumps are painful. Many women get pain in their breasts for a while, which goes after a time. There may be no obvious reason for the pain, even with lots of tests. Most breast pain is not caused by cancer, but some breast cancers do cause pain, so if you are worried, see your GP.

Any changes in the breast should be reported to a doctor without delay. Symptoms can be caused by cancer or by a number of less serious conditions. Early diagnosis is especially important for breast cancer because the disease responds best to treatment before it has spread. The earlier breast cancer is found and treated, the better a woman's chance for complete recovery.



Read about Body Building Tips and Girls Discussion Forum Message Board. Also Read About How to Solve a Problem