Sunday, January 23, 2011

Bowel Cancer SymptomsIn medical terminology

Bowel Cancer is also referred to cancer of the colon or the rectum. Its initial symptoms are very unassuming and routine, like diarrhea and constipation to abdominal pain. However, it is the persistence of these symptoms which give the first indication of a more serious problem. This form of cancer usually affects the lining of the large intestine and then spreads to affect the whole of the large bowel. Normally, it does not affect the small bowel so commonly.

The symptoms to watch out for are:

* Rectal Bleeding - This is one of the initial signs. You will observe blood in the feces either actual blood or tar like appearance.

* Abdominal Pain and Feeling of Fullness - Any abdominal pain which refuses to go away with normal and routine medication requires scanning for colon cancer. You will want to visit the toilet but the body will not pass any stools. In case the cancer tumor is located lower in the rectum, there will be pain during bowel movement too.

* Sudden Change in Bowel Habit - The stools will be thinner than the normal and the frequency will be more. You may also notice decomposed blood in the stool.

* Fatigue and Weakness - This is due to gradual but continuous blood loss during bowel movement. In such cases an Anaemic condition indicates an internal malfunctioning.

* Diarrhea - Normal diarrhea due to a stomach infection goes away with routine medication. In the case of colon cancer, this condition continues inspite of the medication. If this happens it needs further investigation.

* Sudden Weight Loss - All cancers show similar conditions of weight loss due to the cancer cells burning more calories than normal healthy cells.In addition to the above associated symptoms may be constipation and vomiting for prolonged periods. Incase this cancer is diagnosed early, there are good chances of recovery. Better still is taking all possible precautions like restricting consumption of red meat, increasing the dosage of greens as part of the food intake, getting on with a regular exercise regimen thus controlling one's weight.Finally, being aware of the symptoms will at least increase the chances of early detection and remedial treatment.Emily McLauglin administers TheSymptomsOfCancer.com. For more information on bowel cancer symptoms, visit http://www.thesymptomsofcancer.com/bowel-cancer-symptoms.htmlArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_McLaughlin
   

Skin Cancer

MolesIt is normal to have moles on your body as practically everyone has dozens of moles on their body. Most of these moles are non-malignant, and are of no danger. However there is a chance for some of these moles to become cancerous and these moles are called skin cancer moles.It is the moles that have been around for a long time, or which suddenly appear that are called skin cancer moles. Existing moles that suddenly change specific characteristics may become skin cancer moles.Basically, skin cancer manifests itself as an abnormal accumulation of cells that resembles a sore or pimple that does not heal. These sores may bleed or ooze fluid, crust or scab over and may also ooze and bleed again. While cancer may occur anywhere on the skin, it is most common on areas exposed to the sun.Skin cancer and skin moles are not painful but may manifest itself as sores that do not heal. This is why cancer sometimes goes unnoticed. The moment you find some difference in the ABCD of any mole on your body, or if you develop new moles on your body, it is better to consult your doctor about it as soon as possible.

You can find out if moles are cancerous by following the ABCD rule:

1. Asymmetry is when half of the growth acquires a different shape from the other. You have to look at both halves of the mole, as if it had an imaginary line in its middle. If you find the mole is not equal, you have to have it examined.

2. Borders that are irregular because of scalloped or uneven edges are signs of skin cancer moles. Even moles that bleed, itch or are painful indicate cancer.

3. Colors where the mole changes color with its growth or where there is lack of uniformity in color are signs of skin cancer. Melanomas acquire different colors like black, brown and tan shades and may have red, white and blue specks.

4. Diameter of a mole that is larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser depicts cancerous moles and should be tested for skin cancer. So keep checking moles for an increase in its diameter.It is important that you regularly examine your skin for new moles and for changes in existing moles. Stand infront of a mirror, and examine moles on both the front and back of your body, including under your arms.Remember that melanoma or cancer moles are a dangerous and invasive form of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body, including under fingernails. The risks of melanoma are increased if you have a mole from birth. Ask your doctor for the best mole removal method for you.Darlene L Johnson attends the University of Seattle pursuing a degree in alternative medicine. She is an entrepreneur working as a freelance writer for alternative skin care product lines, specializing in mole removal.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_L_Johnson
   

Life With Lung Cancer

Surviving lung cancer means more than just beating the physical disease. There are also emotional and mental challenges that come with dealing with cancer. Learning to live with the disease and the required treatments and medical visits that arise because of it is crucial to survival.The treatments for cancer can be harsh on the body. Surgery may remove a tumor, but it may also remove parts of or entire organs in the process. After surviving the cancer procedure itself, patients must then learn to survive the new condition they find their bodies in. It is possible that the body will function differently due to the surgery. Procedures like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also have lasting effects on a patient's general health.

In addition to these physical challenges, many patients also experience emotional trials as a result of being diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing therapy to treat it. Some fear that the cancer will return after it has been treated. Others find it difficult to cope with the lasting effects of the cancer and the way it interrupts their daily life. They could also experience a sense of isolation if they perceive that their loved ones don't or can't understand their feelings.

Negative feelings arising because of cancer are not unusual. The tribulation of surviving the disease - hearing the diagnosis, undergoing therapy, coping with side effects - commonly causes uncertainty and negativity. Those struggling to survive with lung cancer may feel depressed or anxious because of the disease. It is also not unusual for patients to experience anger and fear due to their illness.Coping with these emotions is part of the challenge of surviving lung cancer. The first step to doing that is simply to admit that those emotions are there and to try to discern why. Additionally, it is important to realize that these reactions are natural and normal, and may even be helpful.

Anger can result from a diagnosis of lung cancer. Feeling angry about being the one struck with the disease, the one who has to endure the stress and worry of treatment, is normal. Some find that this anger is actually a motivating force as they learn to survive with lung cancer. It can help patients to become assertive about what they want and need from treatment. In patients who do not find their anger motivating and helpful, it is possible to include counseling as part of their new routine for surviving the cancer.

In contrast to anger, other patients could feel depressed as they attempt to survive with lung cancer. Some patients no longer feel like their usual selves and lose interest in the things that had been their favorite activities before their diagnosis. Depression can be destructive. A patient who has survived lung cancer but is now depressed may need support from loved ones in order to cope with their new reality.

Despite any of these feelings, patients surviving with lung cancer should take pro-active steps to managing their disease and going on with their lives. Eating a healthy diet it one way to do this, as a balanced diet not only promotes general good healthy, but can also help patients feel like they are in control of some aspect of their lives still. Exercise also promotes good health and can reduce the risk of the lung cancer returning or spreading.Adam Bradley is a book publisher of How-To and information books. While doing research on surviving lung cancer, he was shocked by the tremendous amount of bad information, scams, and bogus agencies. He felt that having to spend countless hours sorting articles and web pages just to find help during a period when time is of the essence was absurd. To help the victims and families of those exposed to asbestos, he and his research team compiled this information and offer a free 15 part Mini-Course at: Asbestos Cancer Resources.com.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_J_Bradley
   

Cancer Prevention Foods

Many medical experts in the field of traditional cancer treating as well as many who are considered to be experts in the non-traditional fields of cancer treating believe that adhering to a certain dietary life style will help in the battle to prevent cancer. That isn't to say that if you eat some particular food regularly that you will be less apt to get cancer but rather that being on a balanced diet which consists of certain food will serve as a good preventative.Beans, lentils and peas contain saponis, which in many cases will stop the reproduction of cancer cells protease inhibitors, which often have been proven to stop the division of cancer cells and phytic acid, which many medical professionals feel tests have shown has often been known to slow down the production of tumors.

Berries and known to be an excellent source of vitamin C which many medical professionals believe that their studies have shown to be a major combatant against cancer.

Spinach, kale romaine lettuce, leaf lettuce, dandelion greens, mustard greens, collard greens, chicory and Swiss chard contain carotenoids which fight against cancer by ridding the body of certain components before they can form an attack against the body. Many medical professionals feel that their studies tend to show that these carotenoids are especially effective in fighting against breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer.

Other vegetables which have proven to be effective against cancer are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale. These are believed to have proven to be especially effective in putting up a good defensive against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and stomach.

Garlic is believed by many medical professionals to be effective in slowing and sometimes even stopping cancers of the prostate, bladder, colon and stomach.

Grapes, green tea, soy foods, these also are foods considered to be strong preventatives and combatants against cancer.In spite of the fact that many medical professionals, both traditional and non-traditional, support the idea that these foods do indeed battle cancer it is important that one not decide to wage battle against cancer, either as a preventative or a cure on one's own using simply a diet plan as a combative. Talk to your doctor, set up a battle plan, possibly one which consists of traditional cancer treatments and dietary ones as well. Your doctor has studied this, talk to him/her and get their advice. Then make your decisions wisely.For more information about Cancer Prevention Foods visit our site http://www.howcurecancer.com.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brijesh_Ghelani
    Brijesh Ghelani - EzineArticles Expert Author

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

Endometrial Cancer or Uterine Cancer is caused by cancer cell growth directly on the lining of the uterus. Most women mistake the vaginal bleeding to be caused by menopause. This misconception is quite common.

We are going to see some symptoms that may or may not indicate uterine cancer. They may be caused due to other maladies too. To confirm whether any of these symptoms actually leads to uterine cancer, you should go to a doctor to confirm.

Some of the symptoms that have been observed in uterine cancer patients:

* Pain in the pelvic region.
* Pain while urinating.
* Bleeding from the vaginal region.
* Difficulty while urinating.
* Discharge from the vagina.
* Painful sensation while indulging in sexual intercourse.

Studies have shown that bleeding from the vagina is the most common type of symptoms that have been observed. Initially, there might not be bleeding, rather a discharge. This will turn to bleeding later.

Types who are most prone to uterine cancer:

* Women aged 50 years or more.
* Endometrial hyperplasia.
* Women who have an increase in their hormones. These may be women who have fewer children, who have had ovarian tumors or undergone therapy for estrogen replacement.

The treatment is not the same for every woman. Many factors have to be taken into consideration. Factors like age, advance of the cancer etc. have to be kept in mind.

Treatment is either one or a combination of these - surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

In the initial stages, if the spread of the cancer is not that advanced, doctors will try to completely remove the cancerous cells from the woman's uterus. If the disease has progressed, generally there is some surgery along with chemo or radiotherapy. This helps to stop the growth of cancerous cells in other parts of the body.

The good part about uterine cancer is that if it is detected early, then there is a very good chance of curing it completely. Patients are also advised to take part in trials which can sometimes give very good results.

Alternative treatments also exist for uterine cancer:

* Following special types of diets.
* Acupuncture.
* Meditating also helps.
* Taking sufficient quantity of vitamins.
* Visualization and Spiritual healing.There are many recorded cases where women have felt that alternative treatments have helped them immensely. What is not recommended is to mix and match. It is always better to stick to a single plan of action - go the traditional way or the alternative, but not both.Emily McLauglin administers TheSymptomsOfCancer.com. For more information on uterine cancer symptoms, visit http://www.thesymptomsofcancer.com/uterine-cancer-symptoms.htmlArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emily_McLaughlin
   

5 Ovary Cancer Symptoms

Cancer, one of the medical issues that none of us want to think about. There are so many different kinds of cancer and each one can affect everyone in slightly different way. One particular cancer, ovarian cancer, is definitely a more severe type. The Ovary Cancer Symptoms should be known by every woman in order to stay as healthy as possible.

Ovarian cancer, or the silent killer, unfortunately is not diagnosed until the later stages due to the symptoms are usually overlooked or misdiagnosed. This particular cancer usually occurs in women over 50 but can occur during the younger years. As with any type of cancer, the sooner it is discovered, the sooner the proper treatment can be started and the cancer terminated.

1 - Abdominal swelling/bloating - This is a common symptom for a variety of medical conditions therefore this symptom is easily overlooked. It has been reported of lower abdominal discomfort occurs after eating.

2 - Poor Appetite - Most women today have this "symptom". The woman's daily routine can be so hectic that the right foods are not eaten as it is much easier to grab a cheeseburger and fries or simply there is a loss of appetite which again can result from any number of issues occurring.

3 - Weight Loss - Another symptom that can be a symptom of other issues such as stress or simply by beginning a new exercise program in order to willingly lose unwanted weight.

4 - Constipation - If you are not eating right, therefore not getting enough fiber, you will probably suffer from constipation.

5 - Bleeding - This symptom may be a less common symptom for other medical issues so if you have any of the first four symptoms along with bleeding from the vaginal area, you should consult with your doctor or gynecologist.As it was noted earlier, there really aren't any extremely noticeable ovary cancer symptoms that will indicate to a woman that she needs to have the issue addressed immediately. It is unfortunate that for this particular cancer, it can go unnoticed for an indefinite period of time. You have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.For more useful information on ovarian cysts, check out Ovarian Cysts What Are They also, visit http://paulasbeautyshop.com/Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Carpenter
    Paula Carpenter - EzineArticles Expert Author

Advanced Colon Cancer Symptoms

Advanced Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colon cancer is a serious problem and unfortunately affects a great many people. If not detected early, it can cause significant damage and death. So while early detection is key, here are some advanced colon cancer symptoms to be aware of.First of all it is very unfortunate that many people have no idea they have colon cancer until the symptoms are quite advanced. But in earlier stages, some common symptoms may include fatigue, night sweats, anemia, blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, lack of bowel movements or pain in the right shoulder.It is particularly important to address the situation where you find blood in the stool. There are many reasons why blood might show up in the stool and they have nothing to do with cancer. However this is something which should not be ignored and it is always a good idea to check it out with your Doctor to be sure.If the disease progresses unchecked, some symptoms of more advanced stages can include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and overall weakness. The patient may also experience bleeding which can add to anemia and weakness and fatigue in general.As said earlier, the symptoms may not arise until the disease is further along. However if you have concerns, then thorough diagnosis is key. The best way to do so is through a procedure called a colonoscopy. The intent is to identify polyps in the colon and catch them before they become cancerous.If treatment is required, it is almost always done through surgery. Following this radiation and chemotherapy are used to hopefully eradicate any remaining signs of cancer and minimize its chances of spreading.To learn more about Advanced Colon Cancer Symptoms just visit our free help site at http://www.colonhealthfacts.comArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Edmondson