Tag: Cancer

Nutrition for Esophageal Cancer

18 May, 2010 (03:35) | Cancer | By: Health news

Nutrition for esophageal cancer patients is very vital as they find it hard to swallow foods and drink liquids including water. Patients might not get enough energy to even eat foods that they might lack energy to fight against esophageal cancer. But eating healthy foods should not be neglected. Patients suffering from esophageal cancer should find ways to incorporate healthy foods and nutrition rich foods in their diet. The selected foods should offer good calories to help the body stay healthy and also to make swallowing easy.

Esophageal cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy or surgery might feel their throat irritated and sore and might avoid eating protein rich meats, vegetables and fruits rich in fibers naturally. Hence, opting to eat soft or moist foods is not considered abnormal or uncommon. Apart from trying to lower the side effects and cure cancer, patients can also do various things to eat and swallow foods easier. Patients need to choose foods that are soft and easy to swallow like puddings, milkshakes, soups, eggs, ice creams and jellies. These offer good calories to keep up the weight of the patients and also offer them good energy to perform day to day tasks and also help in preventing unintentional weight loss.

An excellent method to retain the nutrients of foods is to convert them in the form of purees by mashing them using hand or blender. Oatmeal is also a good option to get enough calories but they should be diluted well with warm water or milk so that they do not get stuck in the throat when consuming them. Beans can also be made into puree as they offer good proteins. They can be mixed with some broth and consumed. Patients can take more time for eating foods in order to munch them properly before swallowing them. Foods can be made into smaller bites or pieces for easy munching.

Nutrition requirements for esophageal cancer patients can differ from one person to person depending on various factors like their age, occupation (sedentary or heavy work), place of living (hot or cold climate), genetic factors and so on. There is no standard nutritional allowances prescribed for esophageal cancer patients but nutritional allowances are determined based on individuals.

Patients who find it very hard to intake or consume any food items can take the advice of doctors and start taking nutritional supplements in the liquid form as they contain huge quantities of calories and nutrition required for survival and recovery. Monitoring patients from time to time is very important to add some nutrients or change them.

Global Oncology Biomarkers Market

4 May, 2010 (23:49) | Cancer | By: Health news

Cancer is recognized as a major cause of mortality world over; accounting for 7.4 million (or 13%) of all deaths in 2004. The WHO estimates the incidence of cancer to continue rising to reach an estimated 9.2 million deaths in 2015. The rising prevalence of the disease forms one of the major factors driving the growth of the oncology biomarkers market.

Biomarker are chemical, physical, or biological parameters that can be used to indicate disease states. Oncology biomarkers facilitate high-speed, non-invasive cancer diagnosis; and are believed to enhance early cancer detection and screening. The demand for oncology biomarkers is also increasing because of their ability to trace the exact type of cancer and to target patient-specific molecular structure.

The oncology biomarkers market offers high-growth opportunities with the numerous initiatives to encourage biomarker-based cancer treatment. Government agencies such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) ) are have taken an active interest in the field, especially with the declining success to failure rate of oncology drugs

Market Estimates and Forecasts

The report categorizes the Global oncology biomarkers market as follows: * Oncology biomarkers discovery market * Oncology biomarkers diagnostics market Each section will provide market data, market drivers, trends and opportunities, top-selling products, key players, and competitive outlook. This report will also provide market tables for covering the sub-segments and micro-markets. In addition, the report also provides more than 15 company profiles for each of its sub-segments.

What makes our reports unique?

* We provide the longest market segmentation chain in this industry- not many reports provide market breakdown upto level 5. * We provide 10% customization. Normally it is seen that clients do not find specific market intelligence that they are looking for. Our customization will ensure that you necessarily get the market intelligence you are looking for and we get a loyal customer. * We conduct detailed market positioning, product positioning and competitive positioning. Entry strategies, gaps and opportunities are identified for all the stakeholders. * Comprehensive market analysis for the following sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Biotechnology, Semiconductor and Electronics, Energy and Power Supplies, Food and Beverages, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Industrial Automation, and Telecom and IT. We also analyze retailers and super-retailers, technology providers, and research and development (R&D) companies.

Key questions answered

* Which are the high-growth segments/cash cows and how is the market segmented in terms of oral drugs, injectables? * What are market estimates and forecasts; which markets are doing well and which are not? * Where are the gaps and opportunities; what is driving the market? * Which are the key playing fields? Which are the winning edge imperatives? * How is the competitive outlook; who are the main players in each of the segments; what are the key selling products; what are their strategic directives, operational strengths and product pipelines? Who is doing what?

Powerful Research and analysis

The analysts working with MarketsandMarkets come from renowned publishers and market research firms, globally, adding their expertise and domain understanding. We get the facts from over 22,000 news and information sources, a huge database of key industry participants and draw on our relationships with more than 900 market research companies across the world. We, at MarketsandMarkets, are inspired to help our clients grow by providing qualitative business insights with our huge market intelligence repository.

Stages of Breast Cancer

3 May, 2010 (18:13) | Breast Cancer | By: Health news

On confirmation of the breast cancer from biopsy report, the doctors go through an extensive study about the extent or the stage of the cancer that will help to adopt the right type of treatment best suitable for the patient. Whether the cancer is localized or has spread to other parts of the body can be determined by staging that involves different types of screening including the blood test.

Bone scan is done by entering a small amount of radioactive substance into the blood vessel which gets collected in the bones, and the pictures taken confirm the spread of cancer to the bones.

CT scan of the breast cancer is done by taking pictures of the affected area through the X-rays to study whether the cancer has affected the lungs and liver.

Lymph node biopsy is done by inserting radioactive blue dye through a needle near the tumor or the nipple and checked for the cancerous lymphatic cells.

The different stages of breast cancer include -

  • Stage 0 – This stage can be also termed as Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which indicates that the abnormal cells of the breast duct have not spread outside or invaded other local tissues. This stage cannot be termed cancerous but if untreated can turn into breast cancer.
  • Stage I indicates the earliest stage of breast cancer where the tumor is not more than 2 centimeters and the cancerous cells have affected only the breast tissue not spreading beyond.
  • Stage II – This may include features -
  • 1. The tumor size not more than 2 centimeters but the cancer has affected the under arm lymph nodes or the cancer is localized.

    2. The tumor size is of 2-5 centimeter and the cancer affecting the underarm lymph nodes.

  • Stage III comprises of three stages like Stage IIIA, IIIB and IIIC.
  • In Stage IIIA tumor is 5centimeters length across and the cancer has spread to the under arm lymph nodes. The cancer may spread to the single or attached lymph nodes under the arm and it may also affect the lymph nodes behind the breast bone.

    In Stage IIIB the tumor may be of any size that grows along the chest wall or on the breast skin forming lumps and nodules. The under arm lymph nodes and the lymph nodes behind the breast bone may also be affected.

    In this stage the inflammatory breast cancer may also occur with the breast becoming red and swollen.

    In Stage IIIC the tumor may be of any size with the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes of under arm, behind the breast bone and also including the lymphatic nodes of the collarbone.

  • Stage IV or the metastatic change indicates the spread of the breast cancer to other parts of the body like liver and bones.
  • Different Cancer Treatments

    23 April, 2010 (18:41) | Cancer Treatment | By: Health news

    Cancer is a disease that weakens a person once they hear it. It is a disease wherein there is only a fifty-fifty chance of getting well. It is sad to know that more and more people across the globe are dying every single day because of cancer. If we are not precautious with regards to proper care of our bodies, then we might be candidates of this disease.

    Who gets cancer? Anyone can get the disease. It is not only a hereditary disease but it may also be acquired or develop by itself if we have poor immune system. Lifestyle attributes to the development of this type of illness. For instance, if an individual is a chain smoker, he is at high risk of getting lung cancer. If he loves to eat carcinogenic food preparations or perhaps have irregular bowel movement, then he is at high risk of colon cancer. There are still so many types of cancer that we really need to know about. Unfortunately, due to having busy lives, some people have taken learning important facts for granted not knowing that it will be very helpful to them.

    Treatment of cancer depends upon the severity. There are several options for a cancer patient to consider. We all have heard of the treatment chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works through the use of chemotherapeutic drugs that will destroy cancer cells. This treatment does not really cure the disease but it helps in alleviating the symptoms. One advantage of chemotherapy is that it has the ability to reach cancer cells that have already metastasized in other parts of the body.

    Another popular treatment is through undergoing surgery. Through surgery, the cancerous part or the tumor is surgically removed. Like for example in breast cancer, the patient undergoes mastectomy which is the removal of the affected breast. Through the surgery, it will prevent the cancer cells from affecting other parts of the body. Cancer surgery will help in removing localized tumors so that follow-up treatment like radiation and chemotherapy will be more effective.

    And lastly, there is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can be a curative treatment for cancer or it could also be a palliative one. In radiation therapy, the DNA of cancer cells is damaged through the help of protons, electrons and neutrons that will ionize the DNA cells and thus will break its chain. In other words, it helps destroy cells and shrink the tumor. To prevent damage of normal tissues, radiation oncologist will make sure that the external beam radiation are focused on several angles of exposure that will intersect at the tumor and will then receive a much larger and absorbed dose. This type of treatment is proven effective in some childhood types of cancer.

    Before a cancer patient is treated, he needs to briefly talk with his physician in order for him to know the different options that he can take to survive. It is hard to accept that our loved ones or perhaps a dear friend has this disease. Our support and our presence will always be the best treatment that they will ever receive.

    Asbestos Mesothelioma and Sugar

    22 April, 2010 (04:38) | Mesothelioma | By: Health news

    In the fight against asbestos mesothelioma cancer, cutting sugar out of your diet is critical in aiding your immune system. When you eat sugar, a chain of events occurs starting with your insulin level increasing dramatically. With the increased insulin levels, growth hormone levels are also reduced which then suppresses your immune system.

    When your insulin level increases, any excess sugar is stored as fat cells. And of course, more fat cells in your body means that you put greater pressure on your heart to pump more oxygenated blood to the fat cells, which leaves less oxygen to combat the asbestos mesothelioma cancer cells.

    According to one study, eating just 1/2 a cup of sugar or two cans of pop, can suppress 91% of your immune system for up to 6 hours.

    Sugar in the form of granular sugar and syrup such as that found in pop, is called sucrose. When it is present in the stomach it breaks down easily into glucose which is what triggers the insulin reaction. Your body only needs about a teaspoon of glucose in your blood at any time, so when you drink a can of pop, it’s like a dump truck just dumped a load of sugar in your system instantly. Your body goes into an extreme reaction and dramatically increases the insulin in your body to promote fat storage.

    So imagine that in one day, you drank two cans of pop, ate 2 chocolate bars and had an ice cream for dessert. That’s about the equivalent of 1 cup of sugar and that’s not even including the breads and pastas that you ate which would eventually convert to sucrose over time. With that level of sugar in your body, you could be suppressing your immune system for up to 12 hours a day! That’s 12 hours that your body can’t fight the asbestos mesothelioma cancer and that’s 12 hours that the cancer can freely grow without threat from your immune system.

    Treatments For Prostate Cancer

    26 March, 2010 (23:25) | Prostate cancer | By: Health news

    The treatment had made use of radiation therapy since 1915. During those times the results have not been very acceptable because the radiation rays did not infiltrate deeply in irradiating the cancer cells and instead to skin tumor and morbidity. However, in 1980 equipments such as linear accelerators were utilized by oncologists. These helped to get to targeted areas better and added the pace of the elevated energy elements being delivered.

    There are three types of radiation which rely on the kind of high energy elements being delivered in the treatment of cancer. – 3D-CRT (3 Dimentional Conformal Radiation Therapy) – uses subatomic electrons on aiming elevated energy particles/waves some photon radiation – Neutron Beam Therapy which uses neutrons – Proton Beam Therapy which uses protons

    Fractionated radiation cure for cancer

    This external ray radiation is delivering little doses of radiation to targeted part of the patient’s body over 9 weeks or more, relying on the case. The normal and healthy prostate cells can recover easily from these little doses rays while the tumor cells can not recover.

    Patients with tumor in the prostate who want to be treated through external radiation therapy must have the following: 6 or lower Gleason score; 10 or lower PSA scale; Contained or localized tumor in prostate gland; No abdominal mark tissue because of previous surgical operation.

    PSA scale of ten or lower and Gleason score of six or lesser means that tumor is enclosed in the prostate gland itself and was not able to scatter in the tissues or organs around. Medication for prostate tumor such as IMRT and 3D-CRT are good because they destruct the tumor in the prostate gland while the organs and tissues surrounding it are unaffected and unattached. If the tumor had spread already then the danger is greater in the surrounding area.

    When the patients have scar tissues in the abdominal region because of surgical operations done earlier, the intestines and colon will be open to extra radiation. All patients who have undergone radiation cure for prostate cancer cannot be given again.

    Salvage medication for prostate cancer.

    This kind of cure involves brachytherapy. However, radiotherapy is not recommended as salvage treatment for cancer of the prostate if brachytherapy is not successful because prostate gland was treated already of elevated doses of radiation. Radiotherapy is given to patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate. Cryotherapy is also a cure for tumor of the prostate that is suggested as salvage treatment when radiotherapy is not successful. Cryotherapy involves the chilling of the tumor cells from the prostate gland to destroy them.

    Bowel Cancer Symptoms and treatment

    18 March, 2010 (18:53) | Cancer | By: Health news

    Bowel cancer can occur at any age, but is more common among individuals aged 60 and above. Bowel cancer is also known as colorectal cancer. It affects the large bowel and rectum. In rare scenarios, cancer of the small bowl is also possible.

    The large bowel is also known as the colon. It comprises the last section of the digestive system. The longer and thinner part of the bowel is referred as the small bowel. Food consumed passes through the small bowl. Here the nutrients are absorbed. Food waste is then transported to the large bowel where the feces collect before it is eliminated through the anus. There are many Bowel Cancer Symptoms.

    The large bowel comprises of three sections: ascending, transverse, and descending. The place where the feces collect before it passes through the anus is also known as the rectum.

    Cancers of the large bowel develop from small and benign growths of tissue known as polyps. These extend from the lining of the wall of the bowel. In some cases, polyps become cancerous over a period of time. The cancer needs to be treated on time. Otherwise, it can grow the bowel walls and spread to other body parts.

    Bowel Cancer Symptoms

    Bowel cancer is relatively painless, especially in the early stages. However, the bowel cancer symptoms can be extremely disrupting.

  • Feces contain small traces of blood. This may be mixed with the feces or may appear as flecks on the surface. The blood is visible in the toilet or on toilet paper. To determine the presence of blood look into the toilet before flushing.
  • Changes in the bowel habits for numerous weeks. Visiting the toilet frequently or having bouts of diarrhea are common.
  • Weight loss with no exact cause and loss of appetite
  • Tiredness and fatigue for no obvious reasons. This may be due to the small amount of blood loss through the bowel, causing anemia. Anemia is characterized by low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
  • Stomach ache or swelling in the abdomen
  • These symptoms are not restricted to bowel cancer. However, bowel cancer symptoms cannot be ignored. Detecting the disease on time will help in better cure.

    Causes of Bowl Cancer

    The exact causes of bowel cancer are not known. Age is a main factor in the development of bowel cancer. Nearly 80% of those having bowel cancer are aged over 60.

    The chances of developing bowel cancer increases with the following:

  • A family history of bowel cancer
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer are two inherited bowel conditions that increase the risk
  • Bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • A diet low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables but high in processed meats
  • Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Asbestos

    6 March, 2010 (22:54) | Cancer, Cancer Treatment | By: admin

    There is a worldwide campaign against the use of asbestos, and laws have been laid banning its production. Asbestos was named after the Greek word for indestructible. A great reason why asbestos is such a deadly mineral is its indestructibility. Asbestos was used as a cheap and stable ingredient of construction that was resilient to corrosion, heat, fire etc. Chrysotile is the most popular form although Crocidolite and Amosite are used too.

    Asbestos is a stable mineral which was used for lot many purposes before its potential risk was discovered. It is used along with concrete for ceilings, as a thermal insulation layer, and also as fire retardant, because of the nature of its particles which are not easily affected by heat, or pressure.

    Asbestos is dangerous because the particles of asbestos could live on and on for a long time. Through demotion of buildings, renovation etc, asbestos fibers can be released in air and might find their way into water resources too. These particles are extremely small, sometimes 700 times smaller than human air, which makes them extremely difficult targets for cleansing. This particulate matter finds its way into the body where it causes numerous health issues. Most of the asbestos particles can enter the human system through inhalation or ingestion.

    Asbestos has been deemed as a category 1 carcinogen, and most people with prolonged exposure to this deadly mineral have been seen to develop cancer in the long term. The asbestos particles are very durable, and do not evaporate in heat or dissolve in liquids. Hence these particles cannot be easily destroyed and hence remain in the human system once they enter it causing irreparable damage.

    People exposed to asbestos debris have a high chance of developing lung cancer, and the survival rate is rather low over a one to five year period. Asbestos fibers that are breathed also injure the delicate lining of the lungs and other internal organs. The scar tissues due to abrasion caused by asbestos fibers also known as pleural plaques result in asbestosis. Mesothelioma is another cancer caused by breathing in air with high asbestos content. This develops from Mesothelium which is a protective lining of most of the internal organs.

    Even family members, who wash clothes of the person exposed to asbestos, are susceptible to this form of cancer. This cancer could develop, in some cases, years after a worker has stopped working at construction sites. This fact is what makes asbestos exposure all the more dangerous.

    The law prohibits hiring workers for asbestos removal or renovation, without proper certification or approval. There are special contractors, who specialize in dealing with asbestos and only they should be hired for the task. Removing asbestos while destroying older buildings is hence done very careful after lot of wetting. This ensures that the asbestos powder is not dry and released in the air as small particles. Instead, the wet asbestos and concrete particles could be collected in polythenes that can be later sealed and disposed off. The disposal of asbestos too needs special permissions.

    Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer

    3 March, 2010 (22:21) | Breast Cancer | By: admin

    Breast cancer is one of the leading killer cancers for women. Normally people know that it is only women that are susceptible to this. But did you know that there are many cases where men have also gotten this type of cancer? As this is very common form of cancer so each person needs to educate themselves about prevention of breast cancer. There is no definite way to prevent breast cancer but you can do much to reduce your risk of developing it significantly. Especially women should concentrate on keeping breast health through healthy diet and exercise to prevent breast cancer.
    Following are the few tips to lower your chances of breast cancer:

    1. Daily physical activity is very essential. It is not only important for overall health; it also can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
    2. You should maintain your body weight. The main reason to significantly increase breast cancer risk is basically weight gain in midlife.
    3. Women who gain weight in mature age are at a higher risk for than women who have been overweight since babyhood.
    4. Women who breastfeed their offspring may have a somewhat lower risk of developing breast cancer.
    5. It is essential to regular intake of natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You should take eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. It helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

    Usually, a woman who had cancer in one breast has more chances of developing cancer in the opposite breast. It is preferable to follow a healthy living style to be secure from the return of breast cancer.
    These are some tips if you follow these than these will definitely increase your chances to prevent breast cancer.

    Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

    2 March, 2010 (15:09) | Prostate cancer | By: Health news

    So you have just being diagnosed with prostate cancer and you think it’s the end for you? If yes, you are absolutely wrong. It might have been the end for you several years ago, but not today when so many people are now surviving the condition all over the world. This article explains why prostate cancer is no longer a killer disease and reveals what you can do to ensure you are among the many survivors of the condition.

    You see, the major reason lots of people died from this condition in the past had to do with the fact that medical science hadn’t advanced as far as it has today. Apart from the treatment, even diagnosis was not as easy in the past as it is nowadays. Today, with the many highly effective ways of testing for and treating prostate cancer, there are now lots more survivors than was the case several years ago.

    Instead of thinking your world has come to an end because of this condition, you should be positive and committed to finding a solution. Talk to your doctors for the best treatment option available to you. Don’t rush into going for surgery until and unless that’s the best and most effective solution available to you. Also, it’s important for you to do your own research into the different treatments available so that you can have a firmer understanding of what is best for you or not.

    In all, you should be strong willed and determined to survive the condition, despite your diagnosis. I have heard that some people who have died from the condition died not just because of the cancerous tumors but because they had lost all hopes deep within them. You see, I believe strongly that no matter how powerful any drug or treatment is for cancer, if you don’t have the confidence and commitment to survive, it won’t help.

    As you have seen from this article, diagnosis of prostate cancer or even any other cancer for that matter doesn’t translate to an automatic death sentence. Lots of people have survived and continue to survive cancer. If such people can survive, you can as well.

    Symptoms and Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer

    22 February, 2010 (12:21) | Cancer, Cancer Treatment | By: admin

    The pancreas does some very important functions for the body. This organ produces enzymes that helps the small intestines with digestion and absorbing nutrients. The pancreas also has the important function of producing insulin. This is why you really need to make sure if you have any family history or any of the risk factors of pancreatic cancer to have it regularly checked. Most of the time with pancreatic cancer it will start out with absolutely no symptoms at all. This means that by the time anyone really notices that they have any pancreatic cancer symptoms, the cancer may be in more advanced stages.

    The symptoms, after the cancer has become more advanced, may cause one to believe that it is just a simple stomach virus or other digestive problem. You may develop pain near the stomach. Some people may experience extreme tiredness and being weak which will also possibly make you think it is just some kind of virus. Some may experience insomnia which is a common problem for people even if they do not have pancreatic cancer. Some people will experience weight loss. While others may have jaundice. Jaundice is when you have a yellowing color of your skin and the whites of your eyes will turn a yellowish color. Unfortunately, these symptoms may not even be noticed until you are in some of the more advanced stages of the disease. Anyone who has been experiencing any kind of discomfort in their abdomen or upper back or have had any of these symptoms need to be checked out by a doctor to be properly diagnosed. The earlier pancreatic cancer is diagnosed the greater chance you have at surviving it. Often even if you do have pancreatic cancer treated, there is always that chance that you may have a recurrence which may mean that if will be more severe.

    The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is often very unfavorable no matter if it is caught in the early stages or in the more advanced stages. This is due to how rapidly it will spread to different parts of the body before you will even notice a problem. This is what makes pancreatic cancer so life threatening to people. If the cancer has spread, then many people do not make it for more than one year after diagnosis. If it has not spread to other organs then there is a higher rate of survival if it is treated promptly.

    Page 1 of 41234