LEUKEMIA cancer

Introduction

Leukemia is the most dangerous type of cancer in which the blood cells mainly the white blood cells become affected. These cells are the abnormal cells which differ in appearance from healthy blood cells and do not function effectively.

Leukemia is caused due to the infection of two types of cells. If the lymphoid cells are affected, the disease is called Lymphocyte Leukemia and if the myeloid cells are affected, it is called Myelogenous Leukemia. Depending on the rate of growth leukemia may be acute or chronic. Acute Leukemia: the affected cells divide and grows rapidly and do not work normally. Loss of muscle controls, vomiting, and seizures are the symptoms of acute leukemia. Sores in the eyes or on the skin may produce. In some cases leukemia may collect in the testicles and produce swelling. Chronic Leukemia: Chronic leukemia cells grow slowly. In the initial stage symptoms are not found but in the later stages when the leukemia cells increases in the blood symptoms are detected.

Types of leukemia

there are mainly four types of leukemia

1. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
   

   this type of leukemia is mainly found in children and in some cases of adults over the age of 65. It is rarely found in the age group of 20-65.



2. Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
   

   this type of leukemia is found in adults and rarely in children.



3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
   

   This type of leukemia mainly affects adults of the age group of over 55 and rarely Young. It is not found in children.



4. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
   

   This type of leukemia is mainly found in adults and rarely children.

   
   

Causes of Leukemia

There are many factors that induce Leukemia. These are the following:

1. Workers working with chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde are at a greater risk of developing leukemia.


2. High-level exposure to radiations may induce leukemia.


3. Cancer fighting drugs, which are used by cancer patients, may induce leukemia.


4. Smoking induces AML


5. Family life history of leukemia.


6. People diseased with Myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disease; possess higher risk of developing leukemia.

• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck or armpit


• Swelling of liver, spleen


• Petechiae - tiny pinpoint red spots under the skin


• Anemia - red blood cells are unhealthy


• Shortness of breath, coughing, chest pains


• Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from an enlarged spleen)


• Chronic infections


• Loss of appetite and hence weight loss


• Headache


• Loss of muscle control

Diagnosis

After carefully looking at the symptoms of leukemia the doctor may ask about the family medical history of the patient. After that ask for the following tests

1. The doctor checks for swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver.


2. Leukemia causes a very high level of leukocytes and low level of platelets hemoglobin.


3. Cytogenetics- chromosomes of cells from samples of peripheral blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes should be examined.


4. Chest X-ray will show the effect of leukemia in the chest.


5. Biopsy- The doctor extracts a small part of bone marrow from a large bone and examines it under the microscope. Biopsy is the sure way for the detection of leukemia.

Spinal tap-The doctor removes some of the cerebrospinal fluid and the lab checks the fluid for leukemia cells or other signs of problems

PREVENTION OF CANCER

Cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Risk of cancer tends to increase with age. It is one of the principal causes of death around the world. Brutality of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and metastasis. The uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells cause damage to the DNA, which in turn cause gene mutation. These mutations can be caused by radiation, chemicals or physical agents that cause cancer, which are called carcinogens, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome.

Prevention

This can be done only through avoiding carcinogens or altering their metabolism. Cancer can be prevented through studying a close association between daily routine activities, styles of living, environmental exposures and the specific cancers. Alcohol drinking is associated with risk of oral, esophageal, breast, and other cancers. Smoking is closely associated with lung cancer or mesothelioma. Exposure to the radiations like ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation can cause a number of cancers. Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of colon, breast, and possibly other cancers. Overweight is associated with colon, breast and endometrial. So through avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, physical activities and through maintaining body weight one can decrease the risk of developing several types of cancers. And also through avoiding the exposure of ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation one can decrease the risk of developing several types of cancers.

Mesothelioma cancer

Introduction

Mesothelioma is the most deadliest form of cancer caused due to previous exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops when the malignant cells develop in the protective covering named peritoneal mesothelium protecting most of the body organs internally. Most of People suffering from mesothelioma cancer are the people working on the jobs where they inhale asbestos fibers or dust or the people inhaling asbestos in the cement environment or people inhaling asbestos while washing the asbestos stacked clothes. People working in the industries like cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation are more at risk.

Asbestos

Asbestos has also been shown to mediate the entry of foreign DNA into target cells. Incorporation of this foreign DNA may lead to mutations and oncogenesis by several possible mechanisms:

• Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes


• Activation of oncogenes


• Activation of proto-oncogenes due to incorporation of foreign DNA containing a promoter region


• Activation of DNA repair enzymes, which may be prone to error


• Activation of telomerase


• Prevention of apoptosis

Mesothelioma cancer does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

Types of mesothelioma cancer

There are two main types of mesothelioma cancer. Pleural mesothelioma or lung cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma

1. Pleural mesothelioma or lung cancer
   

   Pleural mesothelioma is found to be the most lethal. Asbestos remains cut in to the inner layers of lungs and reach pleura mesothelium. After cutting mesothelium, these remains cause irritation and develop cancerous tumors and affects the lining surrounding and lubricating the lungs. Without lubrication expansion and contraction of lungs get affecting, resulting in to the abnormal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide

   
   Signs and symptoms of Pleural mesothelioma:
   
   
   
   • Shortness of breath
   
   
   • Persistent coughing
   
   
   • Chest wall pain
   
   
   • Wheezing and hoarseness
   
   
   • Pleural effusions or fluid surrounding the lung
   
   
   • Blood in the sputum coughed up
   
   
   
   Diagnosis
   
   
   
   • Medical history of patient
   
   
   • Chest X-ray. It shows the thickening of pleural wall, which is commonly due to asbestos exposure.
   
   
   • Lung function tests
   
   
   • CT scan or MRI
   
   
   • If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology
   
   
   • Biopsy is needed if cytology is positive
   
   
   • Detection of mesothelin related protein in the serum
   
   
   • 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.
   
   
   
   


2. Peritoneal mesothelioma
   

   Asbestos fibers ingested and reached the digestive tract, these cut through the lining of stomach and intestines. Asbestos fibers here cut these organs and penetrate the peritoneal mesothelium, develop tumors and hence, develop peritoneal mesothelioma. As a result hinder the lubricating action of these organs. As a consequence these organs are no more able to lubricate and process the food.

   
   

   Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma:

   
   
   
   
   • Weight loss and Cachexia
   
   
   • Abdominal swelling and pain
   
   
   • Bowel obstruction
   
   
   • Anemia and fever
   
   
   • Blood clotting abnormalities
   
   
   • Abdominal mass
   
   
   • Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
   
   
   • If mesothelioma spread beyond mesothelium then it may cause pain, dangerous swelling, swelling of neck or face. But all the symptoms of mesothelioma develop after 20 to 50 years exposure of asbestos.
   
   
   
   Diagnosis:
   
   
   
   • Medical history of patient
   
   
   • Chest X-ray
   
   
   • Detection of mesothelin related protein in the serum
   
   
   • EMA (epithelial membrane antigen) in a membranous distribution
   
   
   • 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.
   
   
   
   

Treatment

1. Surgery
   

   (a) Pleurectomy / decortication- lining of chest is removed. This is the most common surgery (b) Extra pleural pneumonectomy (EPP)- lining of the inside of the chest, the hemi-diaphragm and the pericardium are removed.

   
   


2. Radiation
   

   Tumor is highly resistant to radiotherapy and this is helpful in obstructing the major blood vessel and hence, prevents the growth of tumors.

   
   


3. Chemotherapy
   

   Pemetrexed is used for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is used in combination with Cisplatin.

   
   


4. Heated Intraoperative Intra-peritoneal Chemotherapy
   

   The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible followed by the direct administration of a chemotherapy agent, heated to between 40 and 48°C, in the abdomen. Perfuse the fluid for 60 to 120 minutes and then drain it. Heating the chemotherapy treatment increases the penetration of the drugs into tissues. Also, heating itself damages the malignant cells more than the normal cells.

   
   

Tea, lemon peels and skin cancer

Taking two cups of tea daily can decrease the risk of skin cancer

US researchers cater the tea taking Habits of 1400 people with skin cancer and 700 people without skin cancer for the research. Chemicals in the tea provide some protection against cancer, according to a study of European journal of cancer. While some British cancer experts consider protection of skin as the best method for the protection against the disease. In Britain every year around 70,000 people become cancerous. According to a team at Dartmouth Medical School sunlight is main cause of 90% of skin cancer cases. It looked upon 770 adults with basal cell carcinoma and 696 with squamous cell carcinoma. Both are skin cell cancers.

Lemon peel

Two groups ageing between 25 to 74 years are taken, one of healthy and other of cancerous people group. Their utilization of both green and black teas is taken in to account. Antioxidants are present in both of kinds, which will check the development of cancer cells. According to this research people who are habitual of taking tea are at lower risk of developing cancer. People taking tea two or more cups of tea daily are at 65% lower risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Drinking tea can protect against basal cell carcinoma but to a lesser degree. Benefits of drinking tea can increase by adding lemon peel to the tea, which is very common in US than UK. According to a team led by Dr Judy Rees, the constituents of tea are found to protect against a variety of diseases and cancers. But the most intoxicating are Polyphenols. The protective effect of tea can also reveal that how cancer develops.

Breasts Cancer And Smoker Adolescent

According to Dr Janet E Olson from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester Minnesota (the USA) the risk of breast cancer begun during the female adolescent broke to smoke or not. Woman who smoke in the adolescent are at more risk of developing breast cancer. According to another research women who began smoking before the first pregnancy are at more risk of breast cancer after the menopause than women who began smoking after the first pregnancy.

Researches like adolescent women who smoke regularly can develop or they are at more risk of developing cancer, are factual and not only the gossips. This is because a women who has undergone one pregnancy, is in the close connection with the development of the breast as a women serve her baby with her milk, and hence is at less risk of developing breast cancer if they start smoking after one pregnancy. On the other hand a smoker adolescent women or a women who has postponed first pregnancy is more at breast cancer risk, as she has to develop breasts.

Dr Olson and the team carried out investigation on a range of the women aged 55 till 69 years during 1986 and afterwards were followed to 1999. On the whole 37.105 women it was identified were risky breasts cancer including 7.095 women who began smoked before they experienced first pregnancy. At the same time 4.186 among them smoked after first pregnancy. 2.017 women are affected by breast cancer during the study period. A woman who has smoked before the first pregnancy is at 21% more risk of developing breast cancer than a woman who had not smoked. Women who began smoked after giving birth first will enter the healthy category.

Pleural Mesothelioma cancer

These days among the cancer mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is found to be the most lethal. It affects the lining surrounding and lubricating the lungs, which is mesothelium. Without lubrication expansion and contraction of lungs get affecting, resulting in to the abnormal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. But unluckily, this vital part of our body mostly caught to mesothelioma when we came in the asbestos environment and inhale asbestos. Asbestos is used as heat-resistant and flame-retardant in myriad manufacturing.

Asbestos fibers are small, jagged particles, not visible to the naked eyes, so the workers inhale these fibers or these attach to the hair and clothes of the workers, and as a consequence the workers and families of these workers caught to mesothelioma. On inhalation these jagged asbestos remains cut in to the inner layers of lungs and reach pleura mesothelium. After cutting mesothelium these remains cause irritation and develop cancerous tumors. Pleural mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose at early stage as it take a long time to develop.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma at early stages are- chest pain, pleural effusion, coughing, blood clots, shortness of breath, wheezing and hoarseness. But these symptoms are similar to that of flu or pneumonia, which are less fatal. But pleural mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose at early stage as it take a long time to develop. When it is detected it is so deep rooted that it is too late for the treatment. The cancer cells from the lungs can easily circulate throughout the bloodstream and spread cancer to other organs, which will produce the most difficult situation. Hence, pleural mesothelioma is 100% mortal. Treatments such as photodynamic, gene, angiogenesis and immunotherapy treatments, however give some hope of life to the people suffering from mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma cancer

Prior exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma cancer. People working in asbestos environment used to inhale asbestos dust and fibers, which will cause mesothelioma. Malignant cells develop in the protective lining covering most of the internal organs and cause mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma cancer is of two types - (1) Pleural - it affects pleura, which is outer lining of lungs and chest cavity. (2) Peritoneal mesothelioma – peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (sac surrounding heart).

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are – chest wall pain, pleural outpouring, cough, hoarseness and shortness of breath, all due to accumulation of fluid in pleural space. Many tumor masses get developed in severe cases. Collapse of lungs or Pneumothorax is other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity) are symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Blood clotting abnormality, bowel obstruction, anemia and fever are some other symptoms.

Tumors affecting abdominal cavity do not produce symptoms until the late stage. It causes abdominal pain ascites, abnormal buildup of fluid in abdomen that cause abdominal problems and weight loss. A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

Thrombophlebitis disseminated intra-vascular coagulation due to blood clots in veins is another symptom of mesothelioma. This may cause harsh bleeding in body organs, jaundice, yellowish eyes and skin, low blood sugar level and blood clots in arteries of lungs

Fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer

If you want to reduce your risk of several common types of cancer, help may be no farther away than your kitchen (Yahoo News).

A trio of new studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research on Sunday found that vegetables and fruits help lower your chances of getting head and neck, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

One of the studies even found that just one additional serving of vegetables or fruits could help lower the risk of head and neck cancer. Still, the more fruits and vegetables you can consume, the better.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer

The most painful and deadliest form of cancer, peritoneal mesothalioma is caused by asbestos. Asbestos is used as heat-resistant and flame-retardant in myriad manufacturing. During this process asbestos fibers are released in air. Asbestos fibers are small, jagged particles, not visible to the naked eyes, so the workers inhale these fibers or these attach to the hair and clothes of the workers and consequently carry these fibers to the friends and family members.

When these asbestos fibers are ingested and reached the digestive tract, these cut through the lining of stomach and intestines. Asbestos fibers here cut these organs and penetrate the peritoneal mesothelium, develop tumors and hence, develop peritoneal mesothelioma. As a result hinder the lubricating action of these organs. As a consequence these organs are no more able to lubricate and process the food.

Abnormal bowel function, Fluid buildup in the abdomen, Weight loss, Abdominal mass, Abdominal pain and blood clots are the main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. But unluckily peritoneal mesothelioma is detected only when it reached the most advanced and non-curable stage. It is 100% mortal and highly painful. So the patient should be provided with a treatment that give comfort and lessen the pain. After diagnose most of victims surrender within 6 to 8 months while a few cases administer to survive longer.

New treatments like photodynamic, gene, angiogenesis, and immunotherapy are somehow hopeful for victims of this deadly disease.

Which is better radiation or surgery for Mesothelioma cancer

Mesothelioma patients after the early treatment for chemotherapy, radiation treatments is better option than surgery for the advanced non-small lung cancer and out of all lung cancer cases about 80% are non-small lung cancer cases. 579 new cases of late stage of lung cancer are reported in the Journal of National Cancer Institute. These non-small lung cancer cases are so advanced that surgery is no more beneficial.

Out of these 579 patients 167 patients got surgery and165 received radiation treatment after performing or undergoing chemotherapy. Patients having radiation treatment survived for 17.5 months and those who undergo a surgery survived for 16.4 months in average. Because of its low complications and deaths radiation treatment is more preferable than surgery irrespective of the reports. According to which five year survival rate is 15.7% for the patients having surgery and 14% for the patients having radiation treatment.

These results are important for the patients who have undergone chemotherapy and are still suffering from lung cancer. So the patients as well as the centers providing treatment to mesothelioma patients are advised to follow the radiation treatment after chemotherapy.

How to avoid MESOTHELIOMA cancer

Inhalation of asbestos fibers in to the lungs is the main reason of Lung cancer or Mesothelioma. Asbestos is highly associated with lung cancer because the workers who are working in asbestos exposing units are mainly detected with this disease. Mesothelioma mainly affects the lungs and abdomen.

A person working in environment having Asbestos did not mean that he has Mesothelioma because some persons are highly resistant genes to the diseases. But we do not know what our body can handle regarding our health. So we need to take some precautions while working in such an environment. People working around asbestos must have to wear shielding clothing, which will avoid the hazard. After you need a clean change of clothes because if the asbestos fibers remain intact to your clothes then that will be risky for your family and you. So your child get Mesothelioma is some how depends upon you, because if you carry asbestos fibers at home then your child can caught to the disease.

You should watch for the signs or symptoms of Mesothelioma and get early treatment. Abdominal pain, weight loss, blood clotting, anemia and fever are the main symptoms. These symptoms may be of other disease so you have to consult a doctor.

How smoking cause mesothelioma cancer

Mesothelioma is also known as lung cancer. Mesothelioma is the most fatal among all the cancers. Number of people dying from breast, colon and prostate cancer is much less than the people dying from lung cancer. According to the reports of American Cancer Society there will be 213,380 new cases of mesothelioma in 2007, Out of which around 160,390 people will die.

Chain-smoking is the major reason for lung cancer. In US, out of the mesothelioma cases diagnosed, about 80 percent cases are because of smoking. Cigarette smoking is most dangerous as it greatly increases the chances of developing mesothelioma. Cigar smoking and tobacco smoking is also very harmful and can enhance the chances of developing mesothelioma. Avoiding cigarette smoking, cigar smoking and tobacco smoking before the development of lung cancer can reduce this and it will replace the affected tissues with normal one i.e. help in maintaining the healthy lungs.

If you are a passive smoker i.e. if you live with one who smokes, greatly increases the chances of developing cancer than a person who doesn’t live with a smoker. A passive smoker is at high risk of getting cancer than a smoker. There are some other factors which also enhance cancer and these are as following

• Arsenic in drinking water.


• Exposure to asbestos, asbestos cause cancer in lining of lungs and cause Mesothelioma.


• Marijuana cigarettes have more tar than regular cigarettes, hence more harmful.


• You are at higher risk if you had family member who had Mesothelioma.


• Exposure to radon, also cause cancer.


• Lack of fruits and vegetables in diet also increase the risk of cancer.

The most common symptoms according to American Cancer Society are – Regular cough, Roughness, Breath shortness, Bloody sputum, Weight loss, Loss of hunger.

PSA Test for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer will kill a man if not recovered and got a right treatment at right time. The prostate cancer PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is the simplest test for the detection of cancer in prostate. Blood is taken and the doctors will detect whether there is cancer or not. PSA test is accurate up to 85 to 90% for cancer detection but not 100%.

Elevated PSA test may put forward the prostate cancer and if you got important results you have to go for supplementary testing for assessment of prostate cancer. The last thing you want to do is to allow prostate cancer to grow beyond the prostate gland.

Elevated PSA test results may be due to BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or may be due to Prostatitis and Lower Urinary Tract symptoms, so do not get tense of abnormal results. Results more than higher does not mean that you have got cancer and on the other hand if the results are normal then it doesn’t mean that you are free from cancer.

In dealing with the Prostate Specific Antigen test cancer results one have to take the guide of doctor and follow it significantly. PSA levels can also increase with age. Relative size of your prostate also plays a vital role in the results. It is also noticeable that two out of three people who have shown the elevated PSA results are not having a MALIGNANT TUMOUR.

A PSA test can be helpful in detecting cancerous condition before other symptoms, and the early detection helps in controlling the prostate cancer in the early stages. PSA test has significantly decreased the number of deaths due to prostate cancer.

Preventing cancer with natural products

Vegetables cannot be substituted with vitamins pills and other synthetic substances as scientists have found that fruits and vegetables are major source of phytochemicals and antioxidants that reduces the chances of cancer.

Phytochemicals are the chemicals of natural origin from plants. They are not the minerals or vitamins, not even nutrients and cannot be obtained from animals. In the recent time study shows the beneficial effect of phytoChemicals in protection from cancer. These also help in other diseases like heart diseases, adult diabetes etc.

Phytochemicals acts as blocking agent or suppressing agent that suppress the cancer causing factors, Carcinogens. Hence check for the growth of cancerous cells in the body. For example:

Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower) contain a phytochemical INDOLE that acts as suppressing agent by increasing the enzymes in colon that inactivates the carcinogens. Carcinogens interfere in normal functioning of body cells by acting as free radicals but the suppressing agents have checked this.

Some fruits and vegetables contain more potent cancer fighters than others. Crucifers for colon cancer, risk of lung cancer decreases considerably through high fruit and carrot intake. Risk of stomach cancer can be decreased through eating one or more onions every day. Studies suggest that soy foods diminish cancer risk in many areas, including breast, colon, rectum, lung, and stomach. The National Cancer Institute advocates a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Some people do not eat any at all. Phytochemicals benefit whether fruits or vegetables are raw, canned, frozen, juiced, or peeled. Pickling, boiling, microwave, baked or dried.

Genetic cause of cancer

Cancer has become the most fatal disorder these days. Genetically Cancer can be looked upon as a problem with differentiation and development. When normal cells of animals differentiate, there are control mechanisms to regulate their growth and division. When cells multiply, they become crowded and start touching each other. This surface contact results in inhibition of cell movement and division.

On the other hand, cells which continue to divide and give rise to a tissue mass referred to as tumour. These can also invade other tissues and tumours can arises in new locations, this is cancer. The genetic information is present in codon form and due to the attack of X-rays, viruses and chemical mutagens these codons get change. Epstein-barr, herpes virus and Papilloma virus are main cancer causing viruses. Many cancers appear essentially due to the activation of a set of genes referred to as ONCOGENES.

There are about 20 viral genes, which are known to cause cancer. These genes are called VIRAL ONCOGENES. Surprisingly, each VIRAL ONCOGENES has a homologous base sequence in the DNA of the normal animal cells. This sequence is named PROTOONCOGENE. PROTOONCOGENES control the production of proteins, which stimulate the growth and cell division. PROTOONCOGENES turned on to cause cancer and this happens in 2 ways -

1. A PROTOONCOGENE is placed next to a gene that is not normally next to it and this boosts its expression.


2. PROTOONCOGENE is moved from its normal position on a chromosome and placed next to a gene, which is normally very active.

Many PROTOONCOGENES are involved in normal growth and development of cells. In cancer this normal function is subverted so that the PROTOONCOGENES are slightly altered or broken into fragments or amplified and are transferred to a new chromosomal location. These ONCOGENES now come under an altered environment and different regulatory controls. All these changes result in altered genomic complement and lead to the formation of abnormal proteins, which now are responsible for the uncontrolled growth, which is cancerous.

Obesity enhances risk of cancer

A chemical produced by fat cells makes colon cancers grow faster, a US study has suggested. The hormone leptin is a key for the rapid growth of human colon cancer cells. Leptin is found to be more in those people who have more fat cells in the body. Hence obese people are found to have three times more chances of developing colon cancer (BBC NEWS).

Study of San Diego team has shown that the hormone leptin hindered the process of programmed cell death, and hence resulting in cancerous cells. Researches have shown that the colon cancer cells have "receptors" on their surfaces for the attachment of the hormone leptin. Hormone binds with receptors and forms a hormone receptor complex that triggers the growth of human colon cancer cells. Obesity increases the chance of developing breast cancer and also doubled the risk of prostate cancer.

Professor Alan Clarke said: "This research builds on previous work suggesting that leptin, a hormone released from fat cells, may play a role in the link between obesity and cancer.

"Although at an early stage, the findings shed light both on the development of bowel cancer and the link between obesity and cancer."

Dr Kim Barrett, who led the research, said: "These results may explain why obesity increases a person's risk of colonel cancer"

So, all this shows that obesity and cancer are highly linked. An obese person is at much higher risk position of developing cancer than a healthy man and the reason is fat hormone which are in high concentration in an obese person than a normal healthy person.

Lifestyle change that helps to avoid cancer

Fruits and vegetables can help us in fighting against cancer along with making us healthy but this can be done effectively if we are serving these “5 a day”. Black raspberry is helpful in inhabiting throat cancer. In recent it is also discovered that Black raspberry, blueberry and cloudy apple juice are helpful in inhabiting colon cancer. But irrespective of all this there is a list of 5 lifestyle guidelines to counterpart the risk of cancer, which are as following –

1. Five serving of produce every day
   

   Polynutrients are natural chemical compounds, which are helpful; in maintaining health, their number is up to thousands and many of them are helpful in protection against cancer. Fruits and vegetables are main sources of phytonutrients. These fruits and vegetables are having different combination of phytonutrients. A man is suggested to have nine serving of these fruits and vegetables but need to eat at least five of them daily so that they got a variety.

   
   

   VITAMIN C rich produce like strawberries, peppers and citrus fruits are helpful in reducing the risk of colon, breast, stomach, esophagus and bladder cancers. CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage contain glucosinolates phytonutrients, these will retard metabolism of carcinogens and allow the body to generate detoxification enzymes. Leafy green and orange colored vegetables like spinach and carrots can reduce the risk of stomach, lung and colon cancer.

   
   


2. Avoiding more pickled, salty and smoked foods
   

   Through salt Helicobacter pylori bacteria can flourish which increases the risk of cancer. Salt can also damage the lining of throat and stomach and can cause esophageal cancer. This category includes the salts, pickles, salted fish and meats and also the pickled vegetables; but all these are brand based i.e. if these are processed well then they are less harmful. Smoked meats like smoked lox and whitefish can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.

   
   


3. Avoiding more saturated and trans fat
   

   Studies show that saturated and trans fats increase the risk of prostate and breast cancer, but their role is entirely clear whether they cause cancer or not but everyone need to avoid these fats as these are bad for health. These unhealthy fats can cause the inflammation in whole body, which will in turn cause damage of cells.

   
   

   Animal based foods like beef, butter, milk dairy products, lard; fried foods are the sources of saturated fats. On the other hand trans fats are found in some packed baked goods and snack foods, fried foods and fast food dishes.

   
   


4. Taking good dose of Vitamin D
   

   Colon, prostate, ovaries and breast cancer are some how linked with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D stops the proliferation of cancerous and pre-cancerous cells and also blocks the development of blood vessels, which feed the tumors. So everyone is suggested to take enough amount of vitamin D rich foods like fatty fish, non-fat yogurt and reduced fat cheese and sunlight, which is a great source of vitamin D.

   
   


5. Avoiding high temperatures cooked meats
   

   Heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which increase the risk of stomach, colon, breast and pancreatic cancer, are produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures. HCAs are mostly found in fried, broiled meats, which are prepared at high temperatures. Boiling and stewing of meat produce the least, while Roasting and baking produce fewer HCAs.

   
   

Facts about prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is most common cancer in American men apart from skin cancer. This type of cancer directly affects the prostate gland, which is located in front of rectum and beneath the urinary bladder. This gland produce the sperm transporting milky fluid called seminal fluid.

Cancer symptoms like inability to urinate can imitate with other diseases, so one has to undergo a check-up. One may not experience the symptoms of prostate cancer if caught earliest. There are a number of symptoms of prostate cancer and if you experience one or more symptoms it does not mean that you have prostate cancer.

A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis or your doctor advises you to undergo one or more tests like PSA test. Now a day a new test, which is more sensitive than PSA test, is available named AMACR, used for determining prostate cancer. Urinalysis shows whether there is blood in urine or not.

Treatment wise speaking prostate cancer patient can undergo surgery but only after thorough evaluation. Patient can undergo prostatectomy, which removes the complete prostate gland. Surgical removal of testes can be done after hormonal drugs and hormonal manipulation. Levels of testosterone should be adjusted.

Main complication after prostatectomy is weakness. Another option available is radiation therapy, which is used to treat A, B and C stages of prostate cancer. Surgery is a risky option for some patients, so the straight option them is radiation therapy. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes.

Prostate cancer mainly affects the old age men, most of whom will be facing many other physical complications. So person having prostate cancer need not to fear from death because a number of treatments are available to cure it and we have to make a firm decision to face this problem.

Whom Lymphatic cancer affects the most

Lymphocytes are specialized and very important cells of the human immune system and in a lymphoma patient these cells get affected and become cancerous. As a result immune response to bacterial and viral attack become weak. According to me lymphoma is the most dangerous type of cancer, as the sufferers realize it in the later stages.

There are two main age groups, which are likely to be affected from lymphoma, one is 25 to 35 and second is above 60s. Immune system of people above 60s become weak naturally and prone to infection, and as a consequence body is no longer able to eradicate the mutated cells and these cells multiply and change in to cancer. On the other hand researches had shown that 25 to 35 years old people are also more susceptible to this disorder.

There is a little bias in the disease regarding gender; men are three times more susceptible to the disease than women. Some scientists think that Female hormones may protect from disease, as the women become aged and hormone level decreases, the chances of developing lymphoma starts equal to their male counterparts. On the other hand male hormone make men more susceptible and with decrease in hormone level male become less prone to the disease.

Geographically Western countries like UK, America, Australia and Germany etc have higher incidences of lymphoma than Asia and Africa. Their rich lifestyle with alcohol and fatty foods and polluted environment with carcinogenic substances dispose westerners to lymphoma.

But, this not answerable why some people get affected and others not, while both are living in similar environment.

Lymphatic cancer

Lymphoma or lymph node cancer is approximately 5% of all cancers. The high risk is between fifteen to thirty four and over forty-four, but this does not mean that people outside this range are not at risk. Men are affected more by lymphoma than women. Lymph node cancer is also called lymphatic cancer as it involves lymphatic system. Lymphatic system is an integral part of human body immune system.

Hodgkin’s disease is a type of lymph node cancer. Statistically it also affects in the same age group. Night sweat, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue and fever are most common symptoms of Hodgkin’s disease. All other types of lymph node cancer are known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s are similar to that of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Families with lymph node cancer history fall within higher risk group.

In United States 75% lymph node cancer has increased since 1973. Research has shown that one in fifty-two men and one in sixty-one women in the United States will catch Non-Hodgkin lymphoma within their lifetime. This big increase is due to the greater exposure to herbicides and pesticides.

If lymphatic cancer is detected at early stages then there are many modern and effective treatments are available for it’s cure. A person suffering from lymphatic cancer need not to become tense, because now a day’s medical science has a vast understanding of lymph node cancer, and a number of new inventions are made regarding the cure of this type of cancer. Also the sufferers need to accept the challenge of cancer and struggle in life and I am sure that one-day man will defeat cancer.

What Lymphoma cancer means?

What is Lymphatic cancer?

Lymphoma is a group of disease rather than a single disease in which the cells of the immune system become cancerous and start multiplying wildly in a lymph node. In the beginning a single lymph node can be affected but later cancer spread fast through lymphatic system in order to affect other nodes and also the other tissues, like bone marrow, become affected.

Immune cells including the T and the B cells which in turn are the two main defense mechanisms against infection and illness, become cancerous. These cells travels via blood through lymphatic system and hence lymphoma cancer can be very mobile and affect far located areas of body than original site of cancer. A sufferer due to the higher mobility of the lymphoma cancers often experiences symptoms like swollen lymph glands at other places but these may be related with cancer or other diseases like flu, because a lymphoma patient become less resistant even to the weakest of pathogens.

If you have swollen lymph glands that do not mean that you have lymphoma cancer because many other disease that requires immune system will produce mild swelling in the lymph glands. But if you feel swelling in the gland that is painless you should consult your doctor.

Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are two main types of lymphoma cancer. In Hodgkin’s disease, painless enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, commonly in neck, chest and armpits takes place. Fevers, night sweats, weight loss and bone pain are main symptoms showing spreading of cancer from the initial sites. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, more common of the two, can initiate in the same manner but the patient can also develops an enlarged spleen anemia and general malaise.

Lymphoma patient need not to be hopeless as it is diagnosable. Lymphoma patient Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a bone marrow transplant can get rid from lymphoma cancer.

What Leukemia cancer Means?

Cancer can affect every part of body, but when it affects the most critical organs like heart, lungs and blood, it is considered most harmful and non-curable disease. But when cancer affects the blood tissue it become a threat to life and this type of cancer is known as leukemia. An over-exposure to benzene or radioactive radiations can cause leukemia. It will cause abnormal circulation of blood, which affects supply of essential nutrients to the body.

Blood is the most important connective tissue of a living being or we can call it life of man. Leukemia can affect the whole body, as Blood inter-relates all body organs like heart, brain, kidneys and lungs with one another and also supplies oxygen and essential nutrients to every part of body. So it will cause the dysfunction of organs by supplying injurious particles. Hence blood cancer is most terrible disease.

In leukemia white blood cells or leukocytes become abnormal. These are vital for functioning of body as these fight against the infection. So due to fall in number and change in form of leukocytes because of leukemia, cellular immunity fell down damaging the body defense against infection. Main symptoms of disease are high production of abnormal and infected leukocytes by the marrow. Modified leukocytes can damage the normal functioning of red blood cells leading to the hindered oxygen supply and of course leading to Anemia. Cancerous cells obstruct the tissue supply with hemoglobin and the body cells suffer from the lack of iron. Headache, night sweats and neuro-psychic appears when cancerous cells reach the brain.

Cancerous leukemia cells are easily detectable under microscope and suspected is advised to undergo bone marrow inspection. Leukemia is pointed out by swollen lymph nodes through out the body and mainly around neck and thighs. Chemotherapy is most effective treatment when patient have to swallow many drugs. Patients losing hair and skin texture may go under radiotherapy.

Leukemia can be cured if detected and treated at right time. Bone marrow transplant can help to regain healthy white cells.

Main reasons for cancer

DR. Warburg thought that the people are looking for the causes of cancer from decades and I will explain the basic or primary cause of cancer so that people will identify and understand the secondary causes of cancer.

Lack of oxygen or de-oxygenation is the primary cause of cancer. Some people become cancerous in twenties of cigarette smoking while other smoke for eighties and remain healthy. This is because smoking lower down the oxygen level and body cells try to mutate to live in the abnormal state and as a consequence the cells may die or they adapt to survive. “Most of North Americans and Europeans sustain in this type of abnormal state”. Cells mutate to become cancerous or deadly in the low oxygen environment ”. As a result Cells mutate to become cancerous and of course deadly if these cells reproduce and spread through out the body and the process is called metastasis.

Discovery of doctor Warburg was not accepted at once but he has discovered something marvelous that cancer cells metabolize and live in an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment. But these cells are transformed from healthy cells, which can’t live without oxygen for long time so cancer cells are quite different from the healthy cells. Cancer cells are enemies of our body as these metabolize at higher rate and consume maximum amount of energy.

Sodas and cigarettes create an environment, which is susceptible for cancer cells; hence these are secondary causes of cancer. Cigarettes inhibits the alveoli in the lungs from getting oxygen.

Now that you know the primary cause of cancer you are ahead of most folk, and can focus on truly protecting your health by keeping your body oxygenated using the many methods available through nutrition or simple lifestyle changes.