Who Is More Prone To Develop Colorectal Cancer?

The exact reason why colon cancer develops in some persons and not in others is not clear. The incidence of colon cancer is quite varied among different countries and within different ethnic groups inside the same country. Industrialized countries like United States, Canada, UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan have a much higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to the less industrialized parts of the world like Asia, Africa, and South America. Colorectal cancer represent over 9 percent of all cancers in men and about 10 percent of all cancers in women world-wide. In industrialized countries the incidence of colorectal cancer can be as high as 12 to 14 of all cancers, and in non-industrialized countries much lower rates of about 7 to 8 percent of all cancers diagnosed may be colorectal cancer.

Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer diagnosed in the United States. Each year over 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50 percent of these patients will die from colorectal cancer. Colon cancer incidence is not much different between males and females, however colon cancer is slightly more prevalent in women compared to men (ratio of 1.2:1) but the rectal cancer is more common in males (ratio of 1.7:1).

Even though we do not know the exact cause of development of colorectal cancer, scientists have recognized several factors that can increase the risk of development of colorectal cancer. A risk factor for a disease is any condition that makes a person more likely to develop that diseases. Some of the risk factors like dietary factors are modifiable by the person involved while some other factors like age are un-modifiable. These risk factors may act in combination, and this combination of risk factors may be associated with cumulative increase in the risk of development of colorectal cancer. The simple presence of one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that someone will develop colorectal cancer. On the other hand absence of all risk factors does not mean that an individual will not develop colorectal cancer, but generally more risk factors you have higher is the chance of developing colorectal cancer. Environmental factors also may be playing a role in the development of colorectal cancer. People who migrate from areas of low risk to areas of the world with higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, they tend to acquire the risk of the country to which they are migrating. This finding suggests the presence of environmental factors causing higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Changes in dietary factors associated with migration may also be contributing to this increase in risk associated with migration from low risk areas to higher risk areas.

Risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer include the following:

Age over 50 years
Increased fat intake
Large intestinal polyps
Family history of colon cancer
Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Personal history of other cancers
Sedentary habits and lack of exercise
Obesity
Diabetes
Smoking
Alcohol content
Genetic colon cancer syndromes like Familial adenomatous polyposis or Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)

Persons who have high risk of colorectal cancer may undergo screening for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy once every 2 to 3 years. Screening colonoscopy is recommended for every one who is 50 years or older. If someone has a higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer, the screening may be initiated earlier than 50 years.

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What is a Colonoscopy?

I bet I can make a good guess and tell you what you are thinking of when you read the term colonoscopy. Well if you are really thinking, what would come to mind is the term "colon." As this usually is spoken of in conjunction with bowel movement and the rectum, you can decipher that a colonoscopy would then involve some form of procedure with this part of a body.

Additionally, making a deeper analysis, one can also break this word apart forming "colon" and "copy" which would then suggest some form of duplication or reproduction of a look-a-like! Well you are indeed on the right track!

Specifically, a colonoscopy is a process in which the colon and the rectum is examined visually. The term "copy" comes into play in this regard if you are able to decipher that as a picture of the colon is made, a duplicate is indeed formed. Exclusively, it is done by utilizing a flexible, thin span to place inside the rectum, making its way to the colon and receiving visuals of its inner walls by way of a camera. Normally, it is able to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths and ulcers within the colon. This is all in the effort to find out if colon cancer or any abnormalities are present.

The Procedure

A colonoscopy is usually carried out in a hospital or at an outpatient clinic. Right before the colonoscopy is done, the patient is given sedatives and painkillers with an injection in a vein. The patient is placed in a side position, often times on the left side with knees drawn to their chest. The anus is then checked for any blockages with the aid of a lubricated glove.

The colonoscope (also lubricated) is then inserted in the anal passage making its way to the upper colon until the appendix has been reached.

In cases where the colon needs to be opened more for this procedure, the doctor will pump air into the colon, tightly massage the walls of the abdomen and ask the patient to change their position (usually to the right side). Once a tumor or abnormality is found, a portion is taken by way of a biopsy in which treatment is obtained with the help of this sample. Air thereafter is allowed to escape the rectum so as to avoid painful and unpleasant feelings.
Other facts you may find useful about a colonoscopy is that in most cases it will not hurt if the procedure is done in the right way. Additionally, it is an important procedure that should be taken by all who have a family history of colon cancer or have experienced rectal bleeding.

Persons over the age of fifty years are usually encouraged to get a colonoscopy once every five years. If you are scheduled to undertake a colonoscopy, you will usually be given medication to cleanse your colon beforehand, making the doctor's work easier and examination much quicker!

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Lets Get Physical

In this modern age where everything is mobile this and cellular, that and can be done at the touch of a button or the click of a mouse, it is understandable that we have developed rather sedentary lifestyles. We sit in our air conditioned offices all day, behind computer screens and type our days away and then we get home and sit in front of bigger television screen and watch our nights away. On which we see advertisements for meals that are quick and easy to prepare. So we buy them in order not to waste time in the kitchen so that we may return all the sooner to the TV screen. On which we see advertisements for Internet banking so that we can bank from home so that we may save time driving to the bank and standing in queues and interacting with the teller. So we sign up in order to spend that time saved in front of the television. We can even do grocery shopping online and have it delivered to our doorsteps so we never have to leave our homes once we arrive from work. Isn't life convenient?

And we wonder why obesity is on the rise along with diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure and other chronic diseases. It's because no one gets out and does anything anymore. Of course it doesn't help that when you do venture out, you get mugged, but that's what big dogs are for, take them for walkies and you should be fine. Hopefully. The thing is, physical activity is extremely important. It's not something that we like to hear, because it's not something that we like to do therefore we're not doing it, but it's important nonetheless. And not just in a general "oh we have to stay healthy" kind of way, but in a very specific, exercise reduces the risk of cancer kind of way.

Physical activity makes your bones healthy and strong, it builds muscles and muscle and muscle mass and it increases the strength and flexibility of your joints. It also improves your psychological well-being even though you might think that you'd have to be nuts to exercise (the true lunatics are long distance runners, we all know they are completely round the bend). http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter.pressreleases/PhysicalActivity states that according to an IARC report regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer by 40 - 50% and breast cancer by 40%. Those are not insignificant figures. Physical activity also reduces the risk of lung and endometrial (uterus) cancer by 30-40% and prostate cancer by 10-30%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends moderate-intense physical activity for 30 minutes 5 or more days a week. The National Cancer Institute is exploring how cancer might be able to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. 1- testing the feasibility and benefits of a home based moderate exercise programme for breast cancer survivors. 2- testing the effectiveness nurse directed walking exercise programme to mitigate fatigue and maintain the physical functioning of prostate, breast and colorectal cancer patients during treatment.

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Makes the link between physical activity and cancer survival and recurrence. Studies have shown that patients who suffer from breast and colon cancer who walked 3-5 hours a week lowered their risk of death by 50%. That is a very encouraging figure and one that should get every cancer patient walking regardless of the type of cancer that they have. In 2006 the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) published an article that claimed that patients with early and advanced bowel cancer who exercise routinely after treatment are more likely to survive. In 2003 the same journal, JCO published an article stating that men with prostate cancer who exercised regularly showed decreased fatigue and an improved quality of life versus men who did not exercise or who exercised infrequently. The physical activity regulates hormones associated with prostate cancer risk; the same applies to breast cancer and exercise.

For those with cancer who want to start an exercise programme it is vital that they consult their doctor before they begin. This warning comes with every exercise programme and I doubt anyone ever pays any attention to it but its very serious for cancer patients. The programme must be designed to suit their level of fitness and their fitness goals. The activity recommended will depend on their medical condition. It is vital that they do not overexert themselves. This will not do them any good and will move them several step backwards instead. They should start with a short workout and gradually increase the time and the intensity. As with all workouts they should choose activities that they enjoy to prevent boredom and they should also alternate activities. Try to involve water sports if possible. Swimming is very good cardiovascular exercise and weight resistance, it is also easy on the joints. Tai chi and yoga are also good options as they promote strength and flexibility as well as relaxation. They also work on the mind as well as the body.

Physical activity might seem like too much of a mission to bother with but its benefits are literally life saving. Its not like we're talking about running a marathon or riding the Tour de Farce, a quick half hour walk a day will do, and then you can get back to the television with the self satisfaction of knowing that you earned your quick meal that night.

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Symptoms of Chronic and Acute Leukemia

Discovering leukemia while it is still in an early phase is crucial in its treatment because when the disease advances it starts to spread in the whole body and it's much harder to be treated.

Therefore it's important to learn the symptoms of leukemia so that you can can detect its signs and take the appropriate measures. Symptoms however may vary from one person to another and they also depend on what type of leukemia the patient has. Leukemia can be divided into two major types: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia, each having its specific symptoms.

Leukemia symptoms result from the fact that the blood cells of someone suffering from leukemia are diseased and they can't fulfill their role anymore.

Patients with acute leukemia have too little red blood cells in their bodies which leads to a general feeling of weakness and to a pale color.

On the other hand, a person with too many abnormal white blood cells can develop fever, is very easily bruised, will suddenly start bleeding out his/her nose or gums and sometimes they will feel pain in the joints.

Other common symptoms of leukemia are pain in the abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, sweating, and if the disease spreads to the brain headaches, disorientation, balance problems and confusion appears.

Acute leukemia develops much faster that chronic leukemia, but it's easier to be discovered because people come at the doctor because they feel sick. Chronic leukemia develops much slower but it's harder to detect it because very often it shows no specific symptoms and it's discovered when it has already advanced a lot. Always feeling weakend and getting infections often can be a sign so visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

If someone reports a few of these symptoms to the doctor then some special tests must be performed to determine whether the person has leukemia or not and if he/she has it then some other tests need to be done to determine what kind of treatment gives the best results.
The lymph and blood marrow must be examined and blood samples must also be processed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once the leukemia diagnose is established chemotherapy usually begins. The survival rate gets higher and higher each year.

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A Clean Colon Is the Body's First Line of Defense

Number one risk factor for colon cancer is age. Importantly, colon cancer is also one of the most curable forms of cancer. It has been well demonstrated that if colon cancer is caught in the earliest stages, the cure rate could be increased to 90%. Although colon cancer is among the most common forms of cancer, the number of new cases and the number of deaths attributed to the disease have declined in recent years due to improved screening and diagnostic techniques.

Diet and exercise play a huge role in prevention of colon cancer and other health related problems. Colon cancer prevention can help make colon cancer the number one preventable cancer. In the area of prevention, researchers are looking at the effects of curcumin (found in curry), resveratrol (found in red wine), ginger and the Mediterranean diet on the growth and development of colon cancer. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Cancer prevention is a lifelong plan including smart choices in our day to day lives. The Colon Cancer Prevention Program is open to all men and women over age 18 and is based in a newly renovated space conveniently located off the main Health Center lobby.

Diet may shield against two leading cancer killers. Diet is a factor, with red meat and animal fat topping the list of offenders. Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer. Dietary supplementation with 1500 mg of Calcium or more a day is associated with a lower incidence of colon cancer. A high fiber (vegetables) and low fat diet, regular exercise, maintenance of normal body weight and cessation of smoking are also beneficial. Though it is best to get one's vitamins from healthy diet, a recent study did show that women taking the RDA of Folic Acid and Vitamin B6 had a 70% less likely chance of colon cancer. Balanced and proper diet along with herbal cleansers will cleanse the colon over long periods of time but those with serious conditions need to take quick action.

A clean colon, that has a healthy balance of intestinal flora, is the body's first line of defense. Do whatever you can to lead a healthy lifestyle - including eating healthy foods, staying physically active, getting regular checkups and paying attention to your environment. Maintaining a healthy colon is one of the single most important steps you can take to detoxify your body of accumulated toxins and waste. This collaborative effort can help to generate widespread awareness of how to prevent the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screening. The benefits of conducting a colon cleansing have been lauded as long as I can remember (long time) as a means of eliminating accumulations of lingering waste from the digestive tract and leaving the body more healthy. In addition to flax seed, the psyllium in MetaCleanse encourages healthy elimination without chemical stimulants or laxatives and provides a daily source of dietary fiber to help maintain regularity.

Exercise has a strong protective effect against colon cancer, as does hormone replacement treatment in women. Exercise daily, keeping in mind that it is important to not overextend yourself while cleansing. Exercise stimulates movement through the bowel and reduces the time the colon is exposed to harmful substances(carcinogens) that may cause cancer. Studies have also found that exercise may increase colon cancer survival rates. I eat right, exercise 5 days a week, drink the minimum 8 glasses of water a day, and the first ingredient I read on a label is not the calories, but how much fiber it contains.

Natural colon cleanse is the most popular colon unclogging method today. Alternatively, several colon cleansers are packaged and supplied as part of a cleansing system that contains the colon cleansing components as a capsule or liquid that is taken with a glass of water plus nutritional shakes or snacks that have been formulated to complement the activity of the primary cleanser.

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Symptoms of Colon Cancer - What You Should Look Out For

Colon Cancer is a disease you want to find early, or at least before it has a chance to grow into the later stages of cancer. The main problem is that it can take a long time before you are able to feel any symptoms of any tumors growing in your colon depending on which part it's growing in. If you have any of the following symptoms please talk with your Doctor about testing for this horrible disease.

A Change In Your Bowel Habits.

If you start having a sudden increase or decrease in the amount of times you go to the restroom each day, and it persists for more than a few weeks, this could be due to a tumor that's blocking your waste in your Colon. Now the only problem here is that another non life threatening disease called Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also mimics the same symptoms. So talk to your Doctor if you are having this problem.

Your Stool Has Changed Shape or Color.

If your stool begins to look extremely flat or pencil thin, this can be a sign that you have a tumor in your colon that is blocking the normal passage of your fecal matter. This can cause it to flatten or come out in small portions that are pencil thin. If your stool is darkened and almost black then that can indicate that it has blood in it that is from a portion of the upper colon.

Any time you have blood in the stool you should contact your physician to have tests done ruling out any types of cancer. Many cancer symptoms mimic other non life threatening diseases so it's always best to rule out any chances that it's serious.

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Preventing Cancer And Cleansing The Colon

Colon cancer is the second largest cancer inducer that kills Americans. What we as people need is the information at our fingertips to know and understand what the leading source of sickness is and how it comes about. The colon is like the "sewer system" of the body. It is the organ that collects the waste that comes from the small intestine. What happens in the colon (also known as the large intestine) is that matter sticks to the side of colon. It is believed that polyps in the colon which are unusual growths in the colon can capture this waste and spread disease through out the body. A regular colonoscopy is recommended along with a natural non-medicinal colon cleansing program.

Most people will not mention to their doctors that they are having problems with constipation or other conditions such as bloating and diarrhea. It's just too embarrassing; well this article explains how just cleaning one part of your body can be beneficial to your whole body.

To solve problems such as excess gas, fatigue, or even prevent cancer itself one needs to look into colon cleansing as a sign of a better, healthier life. A poor colon can also cause weight gain, joint pain and even back aches, (the colon is right where our lower back is located).

Foods to avoid and that must be alleviated are fast foods, processed foods and anything kept with preservatives. Foods that are recommended are foods highly nutritious in fiber, most recommend fruits and vegetables. Now of course when we were young we are used to thinking that these are foods that are not desired but if you want to live healthy and longer it is recommended you stopped doing bad habits, learn and become wise to treating your colon with the proper information nothing will go wrong.

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Color Cancer: Vegetable-state Terminal Cancer Brought Back to Life by Herbs

Poh is a 54-year old female. She had a 14 cm tumour in her distal sigmoid colon. She underwent surgery. The cancer was staged as Duke's C. About two weeks after surgery, Poh underwent twenty-five times of radiation treatment and at the same time took the oral chemo-drug, Xeloda. Within a week after being on Xeloda, Poh became uncomfortable, her heart beat rapidly and she had difficulty breathing. The doctor stopped her Xeloda and replaced it with UFT. Before Poh could even finish a course of UFT, her legs started to weaken and her entire person lost strength. She could not walk and had to be confined to the wheelchair.

MRI of her brain did not show any evidence of metastasis. There were, however, disc bulges at C5/C6, L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1. This was diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis.

Poh's husband and son came to seek our help on 4 November 2005. Tears welled up in his eyes as he related his wife's story. He said: "After the surgery, my wife was alright. She was normal -- could walk around perfectly, could eat and do the normal chores in the house. It was only after she started radiotherapy and took the oral chemo-drugs that her condition deteriorated. This happened within about two months after the surgery. Everybody I asked told me to do all these."

Poh was indeed in bad shape. She was put on morphine and had to lie in bed unable to move by herself. If she gets up, she will feel breathless. At one time, she had to be admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for twelve days. The family spent about RM 50,000 for her treatment. With anger and frustration her husband said: "I spent money is okay, but how could she end up like this?"

Poh was then a living vegetable.

After one week on the herbs, Poh was able to wake up from her bed and walked ten steps with the help of her husband! Her daughter said she was thrilled when she was able to stand up. Her case was not be hopeless after all. On 3 February 2006, i.e., three months on the herbs, Poh was able to walk into our centre! As of this writing (a year after being on herbs) Poh is doing fine. She leads a normal, pain-free life.

Story extracted from the author's book: Getting It Right.

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Testicular Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis

Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 20 and 39, and is the most common form of solid tumour in men between the ages of 15 and 34. It may also occur in young boys, but only about 3% of all testicular cancer is found in this group. Tumors usually occur in one testicle, however, 2-3% of tumors can occur in both testicles, either simultaneously or at a later date. Tumors can also spread to the lymph nodes, the lungs or other organs. It is more common among Caucasians than among men of African and Asian descent.

Causes
Although the exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, several factors seem to increase risk. These include a past medical history of undescended testicle(s), abnormal testicular development, Klinefelter's syndrome (a sex chromosome disorder that may be characterized by low levels of male hormones, sterility, development of breasts, and small testes), men whose mothers used diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy, or men who have had previous testicular cancer. There is no link between vasectomy
and elevated risk of testicular cancer.

Signs and Symptoms
The first sign is usually a firm, painless, smooth testicular mass which is sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the testicles. Other symptoms of testicular cancer include: a feeling of swelling in the scrotum, discomfort or pain in the scrotum, ache in the lower back, pelvis or groin area, collection of fluid in the scrotum, gynecomastia and nipple tenderness. In advanced stages symptoms include: ureteral obstruction, abdominal mass, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, pallor and lethargy.

Treatment
Testicular carcinoma can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surveillance, or a combination of these treatments. Testicular cancer may be more difficult to treat if it has spread to the liver, bones, or brain, but even in those cases, men can often be cured. If the cancer is a recurrence of a previous tumour, the treatment usually consists of chemotherapy using combinations of different medications, such as ifosfamide, cisplatin, etoposide, or vinblastine, sometimes followed by an autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem-cell transplant.

While it may be possible, in some cases, to remove testicular cancer tumors from a testis while leaving the testis functional, this is almost never done, as more than 95% of testicular tumors are malignant. Usually the scrotum is not removed so that prosthesis can be put in place. Hormone replacement therapy may be needed after bilateral orchiectomy (removal of both testes). Treatment for this condition does not normally affect sexuality, masculinity or erectile function.

Prognosis
Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers: in excess of 90%; essentially 100% if it has not metastasized. Less than five percent of those who have testicular cancer will have it again in the remaining testis.

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Lung Cancer Prognosis - Signs and Symptoms That Should Alert You

Lung cancer's early symptoms are quite similar to those of other illnesses, which often makes it hard to diagnose lung cancer until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. The fact that up to 25 percent of people with lung cancer may not exhibit any symptoms further increases the difficulty of procuring an early diagnosis.

During the physical exam, a physician will consider factors such as age, occupation and family history to form an understanding of how the patient's background affects their likelihood of certain symptoms being attributable to lung cancer or a more common illness.

While a 60-year old male with a history of smoking for four decades is a likely candidate for lung cancer, an 18 year-old female with no history of smoking is much less likely to have the disease.

Usually the first noticeable symptom of the disease is a recurring cough, which is a primary symptom in roughly eighty percent of cases. This is commonly known as "smoker's cough," because it is so common in habitual smokers. Nerve endings in the body's airways attempt to remove foreign substances, such as buildup from smoking; lung cancer affects these cells and thus the success of the lung's self-regulating mechanism. If a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer and has never exhibited the smoker's cough, they probably are afflicted with a tumor in a more minor passageway, which is why there is less outward irritation.

Coughing up blood is the second common symptom, and is caused by bleeding of the tumor as it increases in size and the patient expels mucous tainted with blood. Noticeable blood in the sputum should warrant a checkup with a doctor as soon as possible, in order to pinpoint the cause of the problem.

The third common symptom is wheezing, resulting from blockage of the airways due to the growth of a tumor. Some wheezing is audible to the naked ear, while at times wheezing can only be detected through the doctor's use of a stethoscope as the patient breathes.

Despite state of the art treatment protocols, the typical lung cancer prognosis with regard to its survival is rather poor. Frequently, a conclusive diagnosis is only possible when the cancer has already progressed to an advanced stage.

If any of the aforementioned symptoms have been noticed by you or a loved one, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor- an early diagnosis will contribute largely to your chances of recovery.

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Prostate Cancer Symptoms - What Are The Symptoms To Look Out For?

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer occuring in men in the United States today. It generally appears after the age of 50 and its incidence increases with age. Prostate cancer usually doesn't show any noticeable symptoms in its early stages and most men tend to ignore these early symptoms as being nothing more than a normal part of the ageing process. By the time they are aware of the symptoms, the cancer would have reached terminal stages of its development. So, what are the prostate cancer symptoms that we should be on the lookout for to prevent this situation from happening?

Early signs and symptoms of both benign and malignant prostate cancer can include the following:

- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;

- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;

- Weak or interrupted flow of urine;

- Painful or burning urination;

- Difficulty in having an erection;

- Painful ejaculation;

- Blood in urine or semen; or

- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips and upper thighs

These early prostate cancer symptoms are the body's warning signs that something is wrong inside our body. It may indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders such as the enlargement of the prostate gland (a condition called 'benign prostatic hyperplasia' or 'BPH' for short), prostatit, or some other forms of prostate infections which are usually benign. If left untreated, these conditions may become malignant and the cancer may start spreading beyond the prostate to the other part of our body. The only way to find out the truth of the condition and to control prostate cancer at its infancy is to undergo routine checkups with tests known as prostate-specific antigen, or a PSA test, and a digital rectal exam or DRE. Some statistics indicate that an early detection of the prostate cancer at its early stages increases your chances, by as high as 98%, for a full recovery from the cancer.

In its advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body and have many other symptoms. For instance, if it spreads to the bones, it may cause pain in your back, hips, pelvis, and other bony areas. Other suspicious symptoms included weight loss, particularly in elderly men, and difficulty in getting an erection (where you haven't had difficulty before).

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Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages

Signs and Symptoms

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

* chest wall pain

* pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung

* shortness of breath

* wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

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* abdominal pain

* ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

* a mass in the abdomen

* problems with bowel function

* weight loss

* blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis

* disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs

* jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin

* low blood sugar level

* pleural effusion

* pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs

* severe ascites

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may need to assess the stage to help plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

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Colon Cancer Stages

Colon cancer has five stages, and there are different treatment options for each level. The first stage, known as Stage 0, involves only the lining of the colon, which is also referred to as mucosa. At this stage, polyps, or benign tumors, can be removed when a colonoscopy takes place. Once they are removed, the chance of them recurring does not exist.

Stage I is present when the cancer spreads past the lining to the walls of the colon or rectum. The polyp that has not been treated becomes a tumor, and reaches the wall of the colon or rectum. Treatment options can include a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous part of the colon.

When the cancer reaches tissue that surrounds the colon, but does not reach the lymph nodes, there is a Stage II colon cancer present in the body. When cancer spreads from one part of the body to another like so, it is called metastasis. A resection surgery can be used for treatment at this stage. At this point, the five-year survival rate is dropped at a dramatic rate to 60 percent.

Next, there is Stage III colon cancer. This is when the cancer spreads to reach the lymph nodes, but not to other organs in the body. Treatment must be more aggressive than the earlier stages. This includes a surgical resection of the colon, chemotherapy and medical therapies.

When cancer spreads to other organs along with the lymph nodes, there is a Stage IV cancer of the colon. It can spread to the lungs and liver, among others. Treatment for this stage will include radiation, along with the other mentioned treatments. Recurrent cancer means the cancer comes back after treatment. Checkups are necessary to make sure the cancer does not come back, and to treat it early if it does.

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Fibroid Tumor Symptoms - What Are Leading Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors?

Fibroid tumor symptoms are often blamed on other causes. Sometimes, the symptoms of fibroid tumors are not even noticed, while other times the quality of life is affected every day. Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus. Fibroid tumors often grow in groups, and they can be as small as a pea or as large as an egg or even a grapefruit. Fibroid tumors afflict nearly 80% of North American women. About 40% of women will develop fibroid tumor symptoms during perimenopause, which is the age before menopause.

Here are the leading symptoms of fibroid tumors:

1. Pain - especially lower abdominal pain or pain and irritation in the bladder area. The pain can come and go or it can be somewhat constant. And pain with sexual activity can happen if the fibroid tumors grow in proximity to the vagina or become large enough to cause the vaginal walls to protrude.

2. Pressure on the bladder or lower abdomen - this pressure can result in having to urinate often. Also, you can feel a sense of urgency to urinate before you normally would expect to have to go. In rare cases, one can lose the ability to urinate.

3. Menstrual cycle problems - heavy bleeding or painful periods, sometimes bleeding between periods. Women with fibroids sometimes have periods that last 8 days or longer. If frequent or heavy bleeding occurs, the excessive blood loss can result in an anemic condition.

4. Increase in waist size and shape - even though there's no significant weight gain, your clothing no longer fits around the midsection.

5. Pressure on the rectum - the result is constipation and/or the development of hemorroids.

6. Depression, irritability - constant pain can wreak havoc with ones state of mind.

7. Infertility and pregnancy complications - a fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus if that wall is already occupied by one or more fibroids leading to miscarriage. When fibroid tumors are found near the fallopian tubes, the passage may be partially or totally blocked. This usually means that the egg cannot come down and the sperm cannot go up, so the egg and the sperm can never meet and pregnancy cannot occur. When a fertilized egg does implant in the uterine wall with a fibroid tumor located near the implantation site, the fibroid may continue to grow, demanding both space and nourishment needed by the fetus. The result may be miscarriage.

Fibroid tumor symptoms are the #1 reason women in their 30's or 40's have hysterectomies in the USA each year. 1 in 4 women will have complaints serious enough to seek medical treatment for the symptoms of fibroid tumors.

Fortunately, only about 1% of fibroid tumors are malignant. Physicians with patient health in mind will advise that hysterectomy should be performed only in the event of malignancy or other life-threatening condition such as heavy uncontrolled bleeding. That means far too many hysterectomies and removal of the uterus are used as a fibroid tumor symptoms treatment. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms of fibroid tumors other than the fibroid itself. Other women will have one or more of the symptoms listed above.

Why do fibroid tumors develop? There are several known factors that cause fibroid tumor growth and fibroid tumor symptoms in women. And instead of submitting to hysterectomy surgery, there are effective alternative treatments for symptoms of fibroid tumors. Learn as much as you can about this common medical condition affecting so many women today.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

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Skin Cancer - Squamous Cell Cancer - 1

This type of cancer involves the malignancy and proliferation of squamous (flat, scaly) cells. The squamous cell or keratinocyte, is the most abundant cell in the epidermis. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually localized, but it can spread (metastasize). It is easily treated and cured when confined to the skin. Most cutaneous SCC develops in individuals with known factors, such as excessive exposure to the sun.

Causes of Squamous Cell Cancer

Light-skinned individuals with excessive sun exposure are at the greatest risk of getting SCC.

Other predisposing factors are:

Excessive exposure to radiation or X rays.

Exposure to arsenic (chemical found in some water wells).

Excessive exposure to tars, soot, and some industrial oils.

SCC is more likely to develop in chronic ulcers and in burn scars and other scar tissue. Scar SCC usually develops years after the original injury.

Individuals who are chronically immuno-suppressed, by medication or disease, are predisposed to the development of skin cancer as well.

Signs & Symptoms of Squamous Cell Cancer

When SCC is confined to the epidermis, it is called squamous cell carcinoma or also referred to as Bowen's disease. When it penetrates through the epidermis and into the dermis It becomes invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma usually grows slowly, but in some cases, it grows rapidly. This cancer can damage nearby tissues and can be disfiguring. It can also spread cancer to other parts of the body.

Common areas of occurrence of SCC are- the face, lips, ears, and hands. The incidence of metastatic SCC varies. The larger and deeper lesions especially on the lips, hands, temples, and ears are more likely to spread to other parts of the body. In the next part we will discuss more about this cancer.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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Lung Cancer Prognosis

Prognosis deals with predicting about the way a disease spreads and its possible outcomes. Prognosis includes chances of recovery from the disease too. These are two aspects for prognosis of any disease. When a patient approaches a doctor with symptoms of lung cancer, the patient is advised to go through some tests to confirm detection. After analyzing the test results, doctors are able to ascertain the stage to which cancer has reached. Every stage has a specified course of treatment.

There are many questions that come up during and after the prognosis. The patient would first like to know if the disease is curable. Cancer detected in early stages is usually curable. The third and fourth stage cancers are a major concern. If cancer has grown to other parts of the body it almost is incurable. There is however a chance to increase life expectancy, if detected in early stages. Doctors informs their patient abut the stage cancer has reached and whether it is life threatening. The treatment is a long process with radiation or chemotherapy as part of treatment. Prognosis continues to change at every stage of treatment.

Doctors generally inform their patient about possible complications during course of treatment. They also inform patients about treatment required for such complications. Doctors also communicate the survival chances to the patient if necessary. The severity of the disease and possible time frame for treatment has to be considered by the patient.

Many of lung cancer centers have an in house support groups to help patients cope up with the disease. They also help them by counseling on their individual cases and explaining exact outcome of the disease.

It is advisable to remember that prognosis is just a prediction and can change during the course of treatment. Doctors inform patients about the stage and treatment of the disease to help them deal with it and be prepared for all eventualities.

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Worried About Getting Prostate Cancer -Think Living Foods

Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. Simply put, cancer that grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never even know they have the condition.

Men at higher risk for prostate cancer include African-American men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium; the lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat who reach the age of 80. Detected in its early stages, it can be effectively treated and cured. About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer.

One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate, get checked right away. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions.

If you have one or more symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom.

A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread or not. A chest x-ray may be done to see if there's a spread of cancer.

There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread).

What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often.

Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues. An oncologist, a cancer specialist, will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost. If you're not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts.

Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. Making ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts (soak them overnight first), raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil in your daily dark green salad.

The one thing that you should not do however is rely on information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision; double-check everything. If you do choose invasive conventional treatment, you can always change your diet and do non-invasive natural treatments too. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms.

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Are You Afraid to Get A Colonoscopy?

I'm 26 years old and I had to have my first colonoscopy done a few months back. My grandmother had and lost her battle against colon cancer. Of course this made me scared of what they may find but I found the American Cancer Society website useful to help calm down my nerves.

The only thing that you should really dread, if any, is the prep process. The prep time consists of drinking medicines that will help clean out your system. Of course you will not be able to have anything to eat or drink that is solid or has any type of flavor, unless you like broth and jell-o as long as it is not red. You will then spend pretty much all day in the bathroom. While I was prepping I came up with a few ideas to help make the prep time more productive.

Make sure you bring in a book or magazine, move your TV into your bathroom if you have space, use your laptop to play games on the internet or instant message your friends and see if they can guess what you are doing, play a hand-held videogame, if you are a female, paint your toe/ finger nails and wax/ shave your legs and one thing you need to always remember is to MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR PHONE INTO THE BATHROOM. You never know when the moment will hit when you have to "go". After all, it always seems that people call you whenever you are in the bathroom. I hope this will help you with making the prep time a bit easier to deal with.

For information on colonoscopies or to help you better understand the process and learn more about the procedure visit.

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Screening Procedure For Colon Cancer

Another helpful technique in diagnosing colon cancer is the stool-guaiac test or occult stool blood test which helps the doctor detect blood in your stool that is invisible to the naked eye. You should have one annually after the age of 50.

The results of this test will determine whether you need other screening procedures for colon cancer such as proctosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. What are these tongue-twisters?

In the former, the doctor uses a flexible, lighted tube called a proctosigmoidoscope to examine the lower portion of the colon and rectum - the area where cancers are usually found. This should be done initially at the age of 45 and every other year thereafter depending on your condition. For those with a family history of the disease, more frequent tests are required.

"Almost 50 percent of all colorectal cancer or polyps can be seen during such an examination. In addition, diagnosis of other diseases such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis can be made with this instrument. Samples of tissue can be taken through the instrument for later examination under a microscope (biopsy)," said Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book."

Colonoscopy, on the other hand, examines the entire colon using a somewhat similar instrument called a fiberoptic endoscope. This gives a clear view of the lining of the colon from the anus to the cecum (the beginning of the large bowel located in the right lower portion of the abdomen).

The endoscope also permits the physician to remove polyps and to search for a cause of chronic or acute bleeding when other tests have failed to do so.

In about half of cases, surgery can cure colon cancer. How extensive this will be depends on the location and size of the cancerous growth. The surgeon may remove the tumor and rejoin healthy pieces of the rectum so the patient can function normally. Or he may remove the entire rectum and create an artificial opening called a stoma on the abdominal wall for stool to pass out. This happens in about 20 percent of cases.

Additional treatment in the form of chemotherapy and radiation may follow. For cancer that has spread to the lungs, little can be done.

"In summary, remember, the key to the cure of colon cancer is early detection and immediate removal of the polyp or tumor. Follow-up chemotherapy and immunotherapy, even if malignancy appears to have been totally cut out, have also been shown to be effective," concluded Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in "The Best Treatment."

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Does Caffeine Increase Your Risk of Colo-rectal Cancer?

Colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women in the US. This year, nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer and over 50,000 people will die from the disease. Some strides have been made in prevention, and fewer cases are being diagnosed each year.

In the past few years, colorectal cancer screening has been responsible for reducing the number of incidences and deaths from this disease. Colo-rectal screening allows doctors to find small polyps in the colon and rectum and remove them. Left in the colon, these polyps often turn into cancer.
Colo-rectal screening also helps doctors find cancer in earlier stages, when treatments are more likely to be successful. In addition, colo-rectal cancer treatments have improved, reducing the mortality rate from this form of cancer.

But, as with any serious illness, we are also consistently looking for ways to prevent colo-rectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the most important steps you can take to prevent colo-rectal cancer are:

Get tested - In most cases, it is recommended that you get your first colo-rectal screening at age 50. However, if you have a family history of the disease, it may be recommended that you begin at an earlier age.

Eat right and exercise - The American Cancer society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and limiting your intake of high fat foods. Some studies also suggest that folic acid and calcium supplements can lower your risk. In addition to eating properly, it's also important to get regular exercise. Thirty minutes of exercise a day 5 days a week can help lower your risk of many diseases, including colo-rectal cancer. Being overweight is a risk factor for colo-rectal cancer, so be sure that you maintain a normal weight.

Stop smoking - Smokers have a 30-40% greater likelihood of developing colo-rectal cancer than non-smokers. Most people know that smoking increases their risk of lung cancer, but many are unaware at how significantly smoking increases your colo-rectal cancer risks.

Are other lifestyle habits increasing my risk?

There have been questions about other habits and whether or not they can increase your risk of colo-rectal cancer. One of the most commonly questioned habits is drinking caffeine.

One study, reported by the UK Tea Council, attempted to answer this question. The study observed men and women beginning in the early 1980s, and continuing on until 1998. The study observed dietary habits, other factors, among them caffeine consumption through drinking coffee or tea. Throughout the course of the study, just over 1400 cases of colo-rectal cancer were observed.

The study noted no increase in the incidence of colo-rectal cancer in those people who drank tea or coffee over those who did not consume these caffeinated beverages. So, researchers concluded that drinking tea and coffee with caffeine is perfectly safe and does not increase your colo-rectal cancer risk.

However, one additional finding in the study is particularly interesting. While the study did not find that drinking caffeinated beverages increased your colo-rectal cancer risk, it did find that drinking decaffeinated coffee seemed to actually lower your risk of rectal cancer over those people who never drank decaffeinated coffee.

This finding is surprising, as little research has been performed on any health benefits associated with decaffeinated beverages. Why the decaffeinated coffee offered protection is unclear, as is whether this protection extends to other decaffeinated beverages, such as tea.

As with most research conclusions, more studies and conclusions are needed before we fully understand the ramifications of drinking coffee and tea, whether caffeinated or not. As years go on, we'll have better direction on how to use such beverages to protect our health and reduce our risks.
In the meantime, it appears that drinking your favorite caffeinated beverages is safe.

This is good news for coffee and tea drinkers, whose beverage consumption mostly consists of these two drinks.

And, there's reason to believe that there might be health benefits associated with these beverages. Both coffee and tea are good sources of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important because they neutralize the free radicals created by our bodies during the digestion process. Left unchecked, these free radicals cause disease and aging. But, with the proper dose of daily anti-oxidants, we can prevent the damage that free radicals can do.

If you're interested in increasing your anti-oxidant intake, start by ensuring that your diet is loaded with fruits and vegetables. Some of the best fruit and vegetable sources are blueberries, artichokes, asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries and pomegranates.

But, the easiest way to get your daily anti-oxidants might just be to drink one of the world's most popular beverages. That's right, tea; particularly green tea, offers some of the best anti-oxidant protection you'll ever find. Green tea's most important anti-oxidant is EGCG, which has been linked with preventing, and even treating many forms of disease.

Green tea has been linked to preventing cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. It is also thought to naturally regulate blood sugar and help in weight management. It's likely the world's most perfect beverage - low in caffeine and rich in protection.

Preventing cancer is something all of us are concerned with. Even if you have a higher than average risk of developing colo-rectal cancer, it seems you're safe drinking your coffee and tea. However, your best bet for beverages just might be decaffeinated coffee and green tea to prevent this and other forms of disease.

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Knowing What The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer Are

Today because breast cancer is actually being diagnosed in its early stages of development, more and more women are now actually surviving this once deadly disease. There are many symptoms of breast cancer and in some cases; it may be the woman herself who realized something is wrong.

In most cases, the first symptom that a woman will notice is that they discover a lump in their breast. Although in some cases, this disease can be extremely deadly in most cases (9 out of 10 to be exact) the lump a woman finds is actually benign. Which means that they do not actually have cancer at all.

The most common forms of benign lumps a woman is likely to suffer from and which can often be mistaken for being breast cancer are cysts and fibroadenoma. Although a woman can suffer from these at any stage of her life, they more commonly occur once a woman has reached the age of 35 or beyond.

However if you begin to notice some changes in your breast which have not been there before then it would be advisable to seek medical attention. The kinds of changes, which can often a prelude to a woman suffering from breast cancer, are as follows:-

1. A lump has appeared or there is a thickening to a part of the breast that was not there previously. The size or shape of the breast has changed or there is now dimpling (similar in look to an orange skin) to the breast skin.

2. A change has occurred in the shape of your nipple. So if you suddenly find that yours has turned in or sinks into the breast or has become irregular in shape then it is wise to seek medical assistance. Or if you notice that, your nipple has begun to discharge any kind of fluid, especially if it is blood colored.

3. Another symptom of you possibly suffering from breast cancer is that there has a rash begun to appear on either the nipple or the area surrounding it.

4. If after carrying out a self-examination of your breasts you find a lump either on the breast themselves or in your armpits, it is advisable that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What is important for you to remember is that although the above symptoms may be a sign of you suffering from breast cancer there may be another medical condition, which could be causing them. Therefore if you are worried at any stage after carrying out a breast examination for yourself you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Certainly the early the symptoms of breast cancer can be diagnosed then the earlier treatment can be started. Which provides you with a much higher chance of actually surviving what was once a major killer of women in the world a few years ago.

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What is Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Colon?

One of the most aggressive and disastrous forms of cancer is neuroendocrine carcinoma of colon. The worst part of this disease is that it is usually detected at the advanced stages where is it very difficult to curb it and treat it.

As the symptoms of neuroendocrine colon cancer become visible only at very advanced stages, the survival rate of the patient diminishes. The polyps or tumors of the colon are malignant and are usually detected with distant metastases. In several surveys, the reports have revealed that most of the cases of neuroendocrine cancer result in to death.

Although the possibilities of neuroendocrine carcinoma in colon are very rare, but if unfortunately one is affected by this disease, the health of the patient becomes worse than those who are suffering form adenocarcinoma.

Researches have showcased that the results of this cancer do not differ with age, sex or tumor location. However, neuroendocrine colon carcinoma does depend on the stage of the tumor. The usual trends have revealed that people in stage 1 and 2 of cancer do not suffer from neuroendocrine colon cancer. On the other hand, in several cases, if the tumor is in stage 3 or 4, it is a laborious and tough job to treat the neuroendocrine colon carcinoma.

The medical science has very few methods to treat this kind of cancer. One of the most popular methods that the doctors often use is immunohistochemical staining methods. This method helps the doctors to detect the severity of the neuroendocrine colon cancer and helps to determine the suitable medication and treatment for it. Immunohistochemical staining methods is specifically used for neuroendocrine markers. It involves the staining of the tumor with a monoclonal antibody A-80. This process of staining helps to identify the quantum of neuroendocrine differentiation and the extent of damage caused to the health.

Neuroendocrine colon carcinoma is hard to treat. In a case study wherein several patients suffered from this disease were examined, it was observed that the average survival rate for this disease was approximately seven months. While in a predominant stage, the rates were as less as five months. Most of these cases were initially detected as carcinoids but later they developed in to neuroendocrine colon carcinoma. Neuroendocrine colon cancer has poor prognosis. Also surgery is not a cent percent successful treatment. So, even surgery does not provide a satisfactory cure. Therefore it becomes necessary to detect this disease on time and provide proper medication for it.

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Symptoms Of The Common Cancers

Each year statistics show that the number of cancer cases newly diagnosed continues to rise however advances in diagnostic procedures and treatments means that more and more lives are being saved. Not surprisingly, even more people could survive cancer if they knew the common signs and symptoms to look for because the earlier that cancer is diagnosed the better the chance of curing it.

This article will outline the main symptoms that are often experienced by sufferers of the most common forms of cancer. These symptoms can vary between people and so it may be that while some people experience all of the symptoms others may only have one or two.

Most common cancer in males

· Prostate cancer

Most common cancer in females

· Breast cancer

Most prevalent cancers common to both males and females

· Lung cancer

· Colon/rectal cancer

Below are the most common symptoms that a sufferer of these cancers may experience and which may help to secure an early diagnosis:

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The early symptoms of prostate cancer are often ignored until they start to become a nuisance.
These symptoms include:

· An inability to urinate even though the sufferer has an urge to go

· Prolonged urination that may take longer than normal to complete

· Frequent urination that gets worse during the night hours

· The feeling of needing to pass more urine even though there is none left

· Slight incontinence caused by the bladder failing to release the last drops of urine

Unfortunately the same set of symptoms can be caused by at least two other prostate complaints and so a diagnosis of prostate cancer is often delayed i.e. it is masked by one of the other two conditions.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

It is very rare for breast cancer symptoms to become apparent in the diseases early stages. When symptoms do occur they usually only affect one breast and may include:

· A lump in the breast which is usually painless and may be located deep within the breast tissue or just under the skin

· Dimpling of the skin in the area of the lump, or swelling of the skin with an 'orange peel' appearance

· Inversion of the nipple

· A bloodstained nipple discharge

If breast cancer is not treated it can quickly spread to the nearby lymph nodes and then to other organs, such as the lungs, liver and bones where it causes additional symptoms. Breast cancer statistics suggest that the number of newly diagnosed cases remains steady however the number of deaths is falling. This may be because of advances in treatment however it may also be because breast cancer awareness is now one of the major subjects in the public eye.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of lung cancer depend on how far advanced the tumour is however the initial symptoms may include:

· A new persistent cough, or a change in a long standing cough, sometimes with blood-streaked sputum

· Chest pain which may be felt as a dull ache or as a sharp pain that is worse on inhaling
· Shortness of breath

· Wheezing if the tumour is blocking an airway

· Abnormal curvature of the finger nails, known as clubbing

Secondary lung cancer i.e. cancer that originates elsewhere in the body and travels to the lungs, may not cause any symptoms or alternatively very mild symptoms and so anybody experiencing even slight symptoms should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Again colon cancer can remain undetected for a number of years and any early symptoms are attributed to other less serious conditions. The symptoms to look out for include:

· The presence of blood in the stools

· Anaemia i.e. pale skin, tiredness etc.

· A change in normal bowel movements that last longer than a few days

· A feeling of needing another bowel movement even though you have just been

· Other digestive symptoms i.e. nausea, vomiting, bloatedness, stomach cramps or a constant stomach ache, trapped gas.

Even though these symptoms are described as early symptoms they are in reality late symptoms and more often than not the cancer is in a late stage when it is finally diagnosed. In some cases the primary tumour i.e. that in the colon, fails to exhibit any symptoms at all and the sufferer only realizes they are ill when the cancer spreads to other areas of the body and secondary symptoms are felt there.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Diet Suggestions

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can fool you into thinking you have some other kind of illness, such as a stomach bug. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms also vary from person to person, and can even vary in an individual over time. It's important for anyone experiencing chronic digestive upset to see a physician to rule out other more serious conditions such as Crohn's disease, an infection, or cancer.

The Telltale Signs: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

You wake up in the morning and feel fine. A few hours later, a sudden intestinal cramp sends you racing for the bathroom, where diarrhea forces you to miss a meeting or classes at school. Such a scenario happens more frequently than you'd think. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 out of every 5 Americans may actually have irritable bowel syndrome.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS? No two people experience it the same, and someone who typically experiences one set of symptoms may shift and find themselves combating a whole new set of symptoms. That's what makes it difficult to diagnose and so important for a healthcare provider to rule out other diseases and make the official diagnosis.

Typical irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include:

Chronic constipation
Intestinal cramps
Frequent gas or flatulence, sometimes accompanied by intestinal pain
Diarrhea
Mucous in the stools

Possible Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The intestinal tract normally contracts in a smooth, regular motion called peristalsis. When the contractions become disrupted, cramps, diarrhea or constipation may result. If the condition is frequent or pervasive, a doctor may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors aren't sure what causes irritable bowel syndrome. Some possible causes include poor diet, a diet low in fiber, a miscommunication (or problems in the hormones) among the various chemical messengers between the nervous system and digestive system, food allergies or sensitivities, and stress.

Holistic health practitioners such as colon hydrotherapists believe that diet plays a very important role in the cause and relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. A diet heavy in flesh foods (meat, poultry), processed foods, and junk foods is difficult to process and wastes hard to eliminate because among other things it lacks fiber. Fiber is the indigestible material in plants. It acts like a little broom, sweeping wastes out through the colon. If you don't get enough fiber in your diet, fecal matter may build up in the colon.

While you may think this causes constipation - and it does sometimes - it can also cause diarrhea. The body sends more water to the area and pushes harder to eliminate the impacted matter. The resulting cramps, flatulence and diarrhea may make someone mistakenly think they're eating a fiber-rich diet, but it can also be a sign of a fiber-poor diet.

What You Can Do Now: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet

A diet rich in plant-based foods help many people overcome digestive troubles. Supplements containing beneficial soil bacteria and healthy probiotics can also reset the intestine's colonies of friendly bacteria, which are crucial for a healthy and well functioning digestive system. Many doctors recommend eliminating foods found to contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. These include alcohol, dairy, chocolate, and fried foods. We've also found that caffeinated foods, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages can increase symptoms.

While eliminating meat and dairy from the diet may seem drastic, you can take small steps to eliminate this common cause of digestive upset. Dairy is mucous-producing. Many people are also lactose intolerant and don't even know it, so eliminating milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese is a great step to control your irritable bowel syndrome. Go vegetarian if you can. A raw, living food diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods is the healthiest diet for the colon. It will certainly provide plenty of fiber, nutrients and more for a healthy body!

Most people can take charge of their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and make simple changes, such as changing their diet, to alter the course of this condition. Take charge of your health. Educate yourself on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and dietary choices to help prevent bouts of IBS!

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Side Effects of Treatment For Colorectal Cancer

Surgery

The time needed to heal after surgery is different for each person. Patients are often uncomfortable for the first few days. However, medicine can usually control the pain.

Clinical trials
A clinical trial is a controlled experiment that is used assess the safety and usefulness of treatments for hum disease and health problems. Generally, patients rece either the state-of-the-art standard treatment or a n therapy that may offer improved survival and/or cai fewer side effects. Participation in clinical trials provic essential information on the effectiveness and risks o new treatment.

Patients should cons their personal doctors and cancer specialists for detail information about appropriate treatment options.

It is common to feel weak or tired for some time after surgery.

Surgery for colorectal cancer sometimes causes constipation or diarrhea. The health care team monitors the patient for signs of bleeding, infection, or other problems requiring immediate treatment.

Radiation therapy
Side effects of radiation therapy for colorectal cancer include mild skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea, rectal irritation, the urge to defecate, bladder irritation, fatigue, or sexual problems. These often go away after treatments are completed.

Some degree of rectal and/or bladder irritation may be a permanent side effect. This can lead to diarrhea and frequent urination. If a patient has these or other side effects, they should be discussed with their doctor. There may be ways to lessen them.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells but also damage some normal cells. Doctors and other health care providers can help patients avoid or minimize side effects, which will depend on the type of drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. Side effects of chemotherapy may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of hair, hand and foot soreness, swelling and rashes, and mouth sores.

Because chemotherapy can damage the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, patients may experience low blood cell counts. This can increase the chances of infection (due to a shortage of white blood cells), bleeding, or bruising after minor cuts or injuries (due to a shortage of blood platelets).

There are remedies for many of the temporary side effects of chemotherapy. For example, antiemetic drugs can prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting, and hemotopoietic drugs can improve the levels of white and red blood cells. Persons receiving chemotherapy should talk with their doctor if they have any unrelieved side effects.

Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped. Hair grows back after treatment ends, though it may look different.

Pain
Having cancer does not have to mean having pain. For patients with pain, there are many different medicines, ways to receive the medicine, and alternative methods that can relieve pain. Pain may occur during or after treatment but should not be a constant feature after healing occurs. When a person is free from pain, he or she can sleep and eat better, enjoy the company of family and friends, and continue with work and hobbies.

There are many different medicines and methods available to control cancer pain. The method of pain control used will depend on the source of the discomfort. Doctors routinely seek information and resources necessary to make individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer as comfortable as possible. If a patient experiences persistent pain and the doctor does not suggest treatment options, the patient should ask to see a pain specialist or ask the doctor to consult a pain specialist. Pain specialists may be oncologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, other doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. A pain control team may also include psychologists and social workers.

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Cancer in the Bladder - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in your bladder, a balloon-shaped organ in your pelvic area that stores urine. It is the fourth most common type of cancer in men and the eighth most common type in women. Tumors can develop on the surface of the bladder wall or in more severe cases, within the wall and into the underlying muscles. Cancer in the bladder typically affects older adults, though it can occur at any age. Bladder tumors are 2 to 3 times more common in men.

Causes of Bladder Cancer

Smoking, gender, and diet can affect the risk of developing bladder cancer. Bladder carcinomas are also associated with industrial exposure to aromatic amines in dyes, paints, benzedine, nitrates, solvents, leather dust, inks, combustion products, rubber, and textiles. The period between exposure to the carcinogen and development of symptoms is about 18 years.

There is currently limited evidence that diet plays a part in the development of bladder cancer, but a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in fat may help reduce the risk. Urinary infections, kidney and bladder stones, and other causes of chronic bladder irritation have been linked with bladder cancer (especially squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder), but they do not necessarily cause bladder cancer.

Signs of Bladder Cancer

In early cases around 25% of patients have no symptoms. Commonly the first sign of bladder tumours is blood in the urine, pain after urination, urinary frequency and dribbling. However, these signs and symptoms are not specific to bladder cancer, and may also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, including prostate infections and cystitis.

Types of Bladder Cancer

Cancers are divided into superficial and invasive disease. Superficial bladder cancer is limited to the innermost linings of the bladder. Invasive bladder cancer has at least penetrated the muscular layer of the bladder wall. Less than 5% of bladder cancers in the United States are squamous cell carcinomas, however, worldwide this is the most common form, accounting for 75% of bladder carcinoma in underdeveloped nations. Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma) is by far the most common type of bladder cancer in the United States.

Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

Cancer in the bladder is usually curable if it is diagnosed while the cancer is still contained in the bladder, and up to 80% of tumors are diagnosed at this early stage. A biopsy for bladder cancer is usually done during cystoscopy. CT and Ultrasound scans, urinalysis and arteriography may also be done.

Treatment for Bladder Cancer

Treatments include bladder cancer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. The stage and grade of the cancer provides important information and can help guide treatment. Superficial bladder tumors are surgically removed with chemotherapy being added to the treatment regime to help prevent recurrence. Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (an external bag) is usually undertaken for invasive bladder cancer.

Several new compounds have shown activity against transitional cell bladder cancer and are now being tested in combination chemotherapy trials. BCG immunotherapy is the most effective intravesical therapy and involves a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis. Immunotherapy in the form of BCG instillation is also used to treat and prevent the recurrence of superficial tumors. Alternative bladder cancer treatments such as herbal treatment may also be of some benefit.

Risk Reduction

Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of getting bladder cancer and if you have been diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer, stopping smoking will reduce the risk of developing more tumours in the future. Bladder cancer has a recurrence rate of 50%-80% and therefore, doctors recommend cystoscopy screening every three months for the first two years after treatment. People who drink a lot of fluids each day have a lower rate of bladder cancer.

Survival Rates

The prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer, whether it is superficial or invasive bladder cancer, and whether it has spread to other places in the body. Superficial bladder cancer has a good prognosis, with 5-year survival rates of 82-100%. If a tumor has grown into the wall of the bladder but has not spread to other organs, treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, or combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with a five-year survival rate of 60% to 75%. Patients with more deeply invasive tumors,which are also usually less well differentiated, and those with lymphovascular invasion experience 5-year survival rates of 30% to 50% following radical cystectomy.

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Why Colon Cancer is So Deadly

Over 108,000 estimated people will be diagnosed with Colon Cancer in 2008. Nearly a third or more will die from the same disease. It's one of the most deadly forms of cancer due to it's normally late symptoms and it's ability to spread to other organs so quickly. The best prevention is to recognize any changes within your body that could possibly be a sign of this disease.

Colon Cancer, which forms in the large intestine, is a grouping of cells that grows into the cell walls of the Colon. Once it's penetrated the wall it then normally can and does pass to nearby organs which does not help the treatment of this cancer. The most commonly diagnosed spreading is to the Liver.

So what causes this type of Cancer you may ask?

This type of Cancer is caused primarily by hereditary circumstances, however it's not the only cause of this disease. African Americans are known to be more disposed to this type as well as any nationality that chooses to eat a diet in high fats.

You know what they say, everything causes Cancer these days so it's always best to live and eat as naturally as you can. All these extra ingredients definitely don't help and I have a feeling other types of foods don't help either.

What Are The Main Symptoms?

The main problem here is that once symptoms are showing themselves, it's normally in a more progressed state. However this does not mean you can't fight it as a large majority do fight this disease and are surviving even to this day. The main concern is getting to it before it has a chance to spread to any nearby organs or lymph nodes.

Common symptoms include:

A change in bowel habits.

Blood in the stool.

Loss of appetite.

Increasingly bad stomach pain.

Lack of energy.

Please, if you have any of these symptoms please contact your Doctor and find out the next steps involved in diagnosing this illness.

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Bowel Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care

Bowel cancer is also known by many as colorectal cancer. It is a common cancer, slow to develop, with over 34,000 people diagnosed in the UK each year. Over 80% of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over 60 years old. The symptoms of the disease can include changes in bowel habits, consistent diarrhoea or constipation, blood or mucus in the faeces, tiredness and weight loss or a pain or lump in the abdomen.

The exact cause of the cancer remains unknown but there are several factors that make people at more risk. Research suggests that diet may be a factor; those with a diet high in animal fat and protein and low in fibre have an increased risk of developing bowel cancer. Also those who have a high intake of alcohol may be at greater risk. People with a history of bowel cancer in the family may have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease but only 5-10% of sufferers have family members with the same illness.

If you think you have any of the symptoms of this cancer you should visit your GP straight away as early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling the disease. The doctor will do a physical examination and refer you to a hospital specialist if they think a cancer may be present.

There are three tests that may be conducted by hospital specialists to diagnose the cancer;

Barium enema which is a special x-ray of the large bowel where a mixture of barium and air is passed through the back passage into the bowel, the doctor can then watch the passage of the barium through the bowel on the x-ray screen and any abnormal areas can be seen.

Proctoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy is where air is pumped into the bowel and then a tube with a tiny light and camera is passed into the bowel so any abnormal areas can be seen. This test may be uncomfortable but not painful.

Colonoscopies are done when the doctor needs to see the whole length of the large bowel, the bowel must be empty and a colonoscope is passed into the bowel. This is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end to help show abnormal areas and swelling. During the test photos and samples of the cells on the inside of the large bowel can be taken. A sedative is usually given to make the procedure more comfortable.

Treatment depends on the stage and position of the cancer. Cancers affecting the colon and those affecting the rectum are usually treated in different ways. Patients with early stage cancer contained within the bowel wall can usually be completely cured with surgery. If the cancer has spread through the muscle of the bowel wall and into the lymph nodes there is a chance the cancer may return so chemotherapy is often done along with the surgery. People with rectal cancer may also be given radiotherapy before or after surgery.

With advanced stage bowel cancer where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as abdomen, liver and lungs it is not usually possible to fully cure but treatment may be able to control it for a long time, by reducing symptoms and giving a good quality of life.

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Colorectal Cancer Part 6: Chemotherapy for the Elderly -- Is It Worth It?

According to the editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine (Older age -- not a barrier to cancer treatment. Vol: 345: 1128-1129. October 2001), more than half of all new cancers in the US occur in patients 65 years of age or older. Similarly about two thirds to three fourth of colorectal cancer cases occur in this elderly age group and three fourths of them die of the disease. In another report, published in the same journal (Vol: 345: 1091-1097), entitled: "A pooled analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected colon cancer in elderly patients" Dr. Daniel Sargent and colleagues analysed data from 3,351 patients and compared the performance of patients in four different age groups. They concluded that:

1. "Selected elderly patients with colon cancer can receive the same benefit" from chemotherapy as their younger counterparts.

2. The five-year overall survival was 71% for those who received chemotherapy, and 64% for those who did not receive chemotherapy.

3. The toxic effects of the therapy were nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis and leucopenia (i.e., lowering of white blood cells). The toxic effects in those above 75 years old were not increased compared to other age groups.

Question: The difference of benefits between chemotherapy (5-FU + leucovorin or 5-FU
+ levamisole) and no chemotherapy was 7%. This benefit of increased survival comes with toxic side effects. While the younger patients might be able to tolerate the side effects, I wonder if the elderly would want to go through such "sufferings." To the oncologists and researchers, the results were "statistically significant," but from the viewpoint of patients, I wonder if it worth it?

Theodore, J. I. & Lamont, E.B (in: Effectiveness of adjuvant fluorouracil in clinical practice: A population-based cohort study of elderly patients with stage III colon cancer. J. of Clinical Oncology. October 2002. Vol: 20: 3992-3998) wrote:

"At five years, 52.7% of the elderly, stage III colon patients treated with adjuvant 5-FU were alive compared to only 40.7% of those untreated patients."

Questions: If you are old and had a surgery for your Stage 3 colon, but decided not to go for chemotherapy -- would you die soon after that? The answer is NO. The data of this research shows that you can still be alive after five years even if you do not undergo chemotherapy. Think about this carefully: for every 100 elderly patients who are subjected to chemotherapy, only 12 of them will benefit from the treatment. This means that 88 elderly patients have to endure the side effects of chemotherapy and they do not benefit from the treatment.

Yang, T.S. and colleagues (in: Phase II study of a weekly 8-hour 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin infusion for patients with advanced colorectal cancer: dose adjusted according to its toxicity. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2001. Vol:31: 610-615) studied 26 patients with unresectable, metastastatic or local recurrence colorectal cancer. Patients were treated with 5-FU + leucovorin. The results of their result were:

1. The study commenced in June 1998, but by December 2000, i.e., one and half years later, only 3 patients were alive, meaning 23 of the 26 patients or 88% were dead. They survived for 1.5 to 28.3 months (median survival = 12.1 months).

2. The overall survival rate was 53.8% after 1 year, and 11.5% after 2 years.

3. The most frequent side effects noted were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mucositis.

4. Hand-foot syndrome occurred in 11.5% of patients.

5. Fatigue or asthenia occurred in 57.7% of patients.

6. The study was terminated because the anticipated response rate was not achievable as expected.

Questions: Do the results of this study done in Taipei, Taiwan, not reflect the agonizing experiences of most cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy? Are we made to believe that chemotherapy is good for colorectal cancer when 88% were dead 1.5 years after undergoing chemotherapy?

I often tell this to cancer patients: How much longer you live is not important. How you live while alive is the crux of the issue. What is the point of being alive when you have to spend most of your time going in and out of the hospital or enduring the side effects of the treatment?

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