Cancer is curable: Demystifying many cancer myths

Some believe cancer is incurable, quite a few think it is contagious and many others feel it can be caused by hair-dyes and anti-perspirants - myths like these expose our little knowledge about the much-feared disease which, if addressed timely, can be cured, doctors say.
According to health experts, many myths are associated with cancer, but adapting a healthy lifestyle can help people keep it at bay. India has more than three
million cancer patients, and these figures paint a pale picture of our understanding of the disease.
One of the biggest myths about cancer, according to Rajeev Kumar, senior consultant oncologist, Rockland Hospital, Qutab Institutional Area, is that cancer is
incurable.
"Rather, cancer is the most curable of all chronic diseases," Kumar told IANS.
"One can never cure diabetes or hypertension, but cancer, if detected early and treated well, can be cured," Kumar added.

Agreed Preeti Jain, consultant oncology surgeon, Columbia Asia Hospital, who said that people with cancer can live "happier lives" if detected early.

"Neither is it true that surgery increases the risk of cancer," Jain said, adding that surgeries rather help combat the disease.

Explaining the reasons behind the lack of awareness related to cancer, Manish Singhal, senior consultant medical oncology, IOSPL at Fortis Hospital, Noida, said that it is because people believe in self-medication.

"Such misconceptions prevail despite information being available, because a majority of the population believes in self-medication with little or no access to complete information on the disease," Singhal told IANS.

Jain added that lack of information can be attributed to cancer being a mass disease.
"If we penetrate India geographically, we will find that many people are still unaware about the disease. They know that cancer is a disease; but its type or detection, is not known to many," she said.
Singhal further said that neither is cancer hereditary or contagious, nor is caused by hair dyes and anti-perspirants.

"Only in five to 10 percent of cases, cancers are hereditary. But the most common symptoms of cancer are caused by genetic changes that occur throughout a person's lifetime," he said.

Singhal added that such changes are caused by tobacco use, too much ultraviolet radiation and exposure to certain chemicals.

Another myth, according to experts, is that women fear one of the causes of breast cancer are "underwire brassieres", though there is no substantial evidence to support this theory.

Suggesting a comprehensive campaign to help raise awareness, Kumar said that apart from the media, doctors and health workers should also participate.

"Cancer survivors are probably the best source of spreading awareness," he said.

According to Singhal, diligently following eight norms, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, protecting oneself from the sun and getting screening tests done, can help lower one's risk of cancer.

"Diet can also influence some cancers. Cancers of the stomach, bowel, lung, prostate and uterus are more likely to develop if your diet is high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre," Singhal told IANS.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-

HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS

HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Screening family history helps prevent diseases

Screening family history could lead to preventive treatment of multiple cancers, heart disease and diabetes - altering the destiny of many of these diseases that pass on from generation to generation, a study has indicated.

Researchers have identified a set of questions that can be used to identify people who may be at increased risk of various diseases because of their family history of these conditions.

The family history screening questionnaire can be used to provide insight into people's susceptibility to breast, ovarian, bowel and prostate cancer, melanoma, ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes, researchers claimed.

"This finding could be used as a screening tool in general practice to identify people who need a more detailed discussion about their family history of cancer, diabetes or heart disease," said Jon Emery, a professor of primary care cancer research at University of Melbourne in Australia.

"Some people may require referral to a genetics clinic to discuss genetic testing, many more may require earlier cancer screening and lifestyle management," he added.

Family medical history remains the most relevant genetic risk tool in use in clinical practice.

Evidence suggests that having knowledge of a family history of a specific condition is associated with improved uptake of a range of disease-preventative activities, such as cancer screening and reduced sun exposure.

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-

HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-

HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS

HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Ways to help reduce colorectal cancer risk revealed

Researchers have revealed few ways to help reduce and prevent risk of colorectal cancer-cancer of the colon or rectum affecting both men and women- which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

"Before someone gets colon cancer, there is a precancerous polyp that can be removed", Steven Itzkowitz , MD, Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said. "Because polyps do not usually cause symptoms, it is important to go for screening even if you feel perfectly well".

In addition to screening, diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. Experts offer few ways to help lower your chances.

It has been advised that quitting smoking can help. Not only can smoking predispose a person to colon cancer, but it can also cause many others. Consider joining a smoking cessation group or ask your doctor for assistance.

Keep the weight down. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical. Incorporate simple lifestyle changes into your day: eat breakfast every morning, bring lunch to work, and order an appetizer instead of an entree when eating out.

The experts revealed that one can lower their risk by increasing their activity level. Completing 150 to 300 minutes of physical activity a week, which is easily achieved in 20-30 minute increments daily, can help.

Increasing dietary fiber by having more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet can help move waste material out of the body more efficiently. Swap out white rice, boxed mashed potatoes and pasta for brown rice, quinoa, faro or wheat berries.

It was suggested that limiting alcohol consumption and lowering red meat intake can also help cut the risk of colorectal cancer.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com

Breastfeeding reduces chances of breast cancer,says expert

 Experts of a Cancer institute threw light on the treatment of breast cancer on Saturday. .

Director and head of department of medical oncology,  said that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women with an estimated 1.38 million new cases diagnosed in 2008 (23% of all cancers) and ranks second overall (10.9% of all cancers).

Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer worldwide. It accounts for 16% of all cancers among women and 22.9% of invasive cancers among them. Around 18.2% of all cancer deaths worldwide are from breast cancer.

He added that the breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the second leading cause of death (next to cervix) among women in India with 1,15,251 cases and mortality of 53,592 as per the GLOBOCAN data.

One in 58 women are affected by breast cancer in the age group 30-70 years and are mainly from the urban population.

It is found to be the most frequent cancer among women in cosmopolitan cities.

Breast cancer rates are much higher in developed nations compared to developing ones. There are several reasons for this, with possibly life-expectancy being one of the key factors this type of cancer is more common in elderly women, women in the richest countries live much longer than those in the poorest nations.

Dr. said that the first symptoms of breast cancer are usually an area of thickened tissue in the breast. Majority of lumps are not cancerous, however, women should get them checked regularly.

Women are usually diagnosed with breast cancer after routine breast cancer screening or after detecting certain signs and symptoms and seeing the doctor.

Breast cancer stages range from early, curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, with a variety of treatments.

The main breast cancer treatment options are radiation, known as radiotherapy, surgery, biological therapy (targeted drug therapy), hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Some lifestyle changes can help significantly reduce a woman's risk of developing breast cancer like avoiding alcohol consumption, more physical exercise, balanced diet, post menopausal hormone therapy, management of body-weight, breast cancer screening and breastfeeding after deliveries.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

Evidence lacking on glaucoma screening

There is not enough evidence to say whether screening adults without vision problems for glaucoma has any clear benefit.

Many people have the degenerative eye condition, which occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve fibres that run between the eye and the brain.

In its new recommendations,  says there are not enough data showing tests for glaucoma are accurate and that treating early glaucoma ultimately prevents vision loss and improves quality of life.

"At this point, probably the most critical gap in the evidence is an approach to screening that actually works," said a Dr. 

She said a full-on eye exam that could adequately detect early signs of glaucoma takes a long time and is "way too complicated for a primary care appointment."

In looking over past studies, it was found some evidence that treating early glaucoma can reduce the chance people will develop tiny defects in the visual field, which are usually unnoticeable.

However, there is "inadequate evidence" that treatment for people without symptoms can prevent more serious vision loss and blindness, the panel wrote.

"It's clear that the treatment can improve the disease," but "It's not crystal clear that the treatment of disease before it's noticeable improves the outcome."

What's more, most glaucoma tests available in primary care offices aren't very accurate,  and can't discern when vision problems are likely to get worse. That could lead some people who never would have developed advanced glaucoma to be diagnosed and treated unnecessarily.

A glaucoma researcher  said screening can still be useful when performed by an ophthalmologist.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

I've not given details about designs, but those interested are free to mail me for the same.

Glaucoma Screening

How often you should get your eyes checked depends on your age and risk factors. They include being African-American or Hispanic, being over 60, eye injury, steroid use, and a family history of glaucoma. People without risk factors or symptoms of eye disease should get a baseline eye exam, including a test for glaucoma, at age 40.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

A colonoscopy is a common screening test for colorectal cancer. While you’re mildly sedated, a doctor inserts a small flexible tube equipped with a camera into your colon. If he/she finds a polyp, he/she can often remove it right then. Another type of test is a flexible sigmoidoscopy, which looks into the lower part of the colon. If you’re at average risk, screening usually starts at age 50. 

Osteoporosis Screening Tests

Osteoporosis Screening Tests

A special type of X-ray called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can measure bone strength and find osteoporosis before breaks happen. It can also help predict the risk of future breaks. This screening is recommended for all women age 65 and above. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, you may need to start sooner.

AWARENESS CODE FOR BREAST CANCER

1) KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL FOR YOU.

2) KNOW WHAT CHANGES TO LOOK FOR

3) REPORT ANY CHANGES TO YOUR DOCTOR WITHOUT ANY DELAY

4) HAVE AN ANNUAL SCREENING - MAMMOGRAM IF YOU'RE OVER 40 YEARS.

WHAT SYMPTOMS TO LOOK FOR

1) A CHANGE IN SIZE. ONE BREAST MAY HAVE BECOME NOTICEABLY LARGER OR SMALLER.

2) A NIPPLE MAY BECOME INVERTED ( PULLED IN) OR CHANGE POSITION OR SHAPE.

3)  A RASH ON OR AROUND THE NIPPLES.

4) PUCKERING OR DIMPLING OF SKIN.

5) A SWELLING UNDER THE ARMPIT OR AROUND THE COLLARBONE (LYMPH NODES).

6) A LUMP OR THICKENING IN THE BREAST THAT FEELS DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE TISSUE.

7) CONSTANT PAIN IN ONE PART OF THE BREAST OR ARMPIT.

SOME WAYS TO LOWER CANCER RISK

1) Be Smoke Free.

Lung cancer kills more women and men  than any other cancer

every year. The vast majority of those deaths are due to

smoking.

And that’s just lung cancer. Smoking has also been linked to more than a dozen other cancers and accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths overall.

That's why many doctors will tell you that the biggest anti-cancer step you can take is to stop smoking, or never start. But even if you’re having trouble quitting entirely, you can reduce your cancer risk significantly by just cutting back.

A study  found that smokers who cut back from about 20 cigarettes per day to less than 10 per day reduced their lung cancer risk by 27%. It’s a good first step, but don't stop there; quit completely for your health's sake.

Even if you’re a nonsmoker, don’t assume smoke isn’t permeating your life. About 3,000 cases of lung cancer each year occur as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke, and there are strong indicators that other cancers may be linked to secondhand smoke as well.

If you’re in a closed bar or nightclub and 100 people in there are smoking, you might as well be . When you leave a bar and your clothes are smelling of tobacco, you’ve inhaled a lot of cigarette smoke.

So think twice before spending regular nights out in smoke-filled clubs, or letting your child ride home regularly with someone who smokes in the car.

2 ) Being obese isn't good

Many people probably know that carrying too much weight around isn’t good for your heart, but did you know that it’s a major risk factor for cancer as well? Obesity is the culprit behind some 14% of cancer deaths, and more than 3% of new cancer cases, every year.

No. 1 recommendation for cancer risk reduction is to stay as lean as possible within a healthy weight range. This may be one of the most important ways to prevent cancer.

 Being overweight, is linked to a wide variety of cancers, including oesophageal, pancreatic, gall bladder, breast, endometrial, and kidney cancers.

3) Exercise daily

All forms of physical activity help to prevent many forms of cancer. You may not get six-pack abs with 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, but a number of studies have found evidence that just this much physical activity can cut your risk of many common cancers by 30% to 50%.

It doesn’t matter that much what kind of exercise you do, or when -- just do it

.

4 ) Eat more veggies

Here are a number of different foods that may help to prevent certain types of cancer. For example, tomatoes, watermelon, and other foods containing lycopene have evidence showing that they probably reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

But if you’re aiming to slice your risk of many cancers across the board, load your plate with plants, particularly non-starchy vegetables and fruits. That’s why it is recommended  to eat mostly foods that come from plants -- at least 14 ounces every day. The Mediterranean diet, St. Tropez diet, and the green diet all are based on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Diets that tend to prevent cancer are rich in plant-based foods.

 Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains should cover two-thirds of your plate; the other one-third should contain lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy.

5 ) Be Alcohol free

When it comes to health, alcohol wields a double-edged sword. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that light alcohol consumption, especially red wine,may be beneficial for heart health.

But on the other hand, it appears that any alcohol consumption can raise your risk of cancer.

 The more you drink, the greater the risk, especially for certain cancers like those of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. And if you smoke, too, the combined effects of drinking and smoking shoot your risk for these up even higher.

6)  Be Stress Free

There’s no convincing evidence that, by itself, stress is an independent risk factor for cancer. But what it cando is lead people to engage in unhealthy behavior in an effort to cope with stress. If you’re overeating, drinking, or smoking to self-medicate your stress away, those behaviors all raise your cancer risk.

So instead, finding healthy ways of coping with stress, like exercise (which helps to reduce cancer risk), meditation,  yoga, being with family, developing a hobby, all helps.

7) Take Screening Tests Regularly

Many screening tests for various cancers, like mammograms and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, don’t actually prevent cancer -- they just catch it at a very early stage, when it may be more treatable.

But other tests, like Pap tests and colonoscopies, can help detect precancerous changes that, if left untreated, can turn into cervical cancer or colon cancer.

There are many confusing messages about what screening tests different people should use, and when. Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, talk to your doctor about your individual situation.

Take screening mammograms, for instance. The question isn’t “Should women under 50 get mammograms?” but “Should I,given my own personal situation and family health history, start mammograms before 50?”

Things about your health situation change, and so does  knowledge about cancer and screening. Ask your doctor about it this year, and next year, and the year after that.

8) KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

Family history is where we can really create a personalized strategy for cutting cancer risk and catching it early. But it’s a piece I don’t think people bring up nearly often enough.

The Surgeon General’s family history initiative lets you create a personalized diagram that you can download to keep on your own computer, or copy and share with other family members to keep the info flowing.

9). Aspirin  with  Caution.

Should you take aspirin to prevent cancer? The jury’s still out, but at least some evidence points that way. A large study published in 2010 found that daily use of low-dose aspirin can cut the risk of death due to certain cancers (primarily lung, colorectal, and esophageal cancer) by as much as 21%.

But regular aspirin use can come with side effects, especially stomach bleeding and irritation. Most experts say it’s way too soon to recommend a cancer-fighting aspirin a day.

“We’d all like preventing cancer to be as easy as taking a little pill, but the fact is that you’ll reduce your cancer risk much more by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and eating fruits and vegetables than you will by taking aspirin,” Ruffin says.

Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin on a regular basis for any reason