By Deborah J. Botti Published: 2:00 AM – 11/23/11

Recent findings have called into question the value of regular PSA screening for men. PSA — prostate specific antigen-based screening — is a simple blood test that can lead to the early detection of prostate cancer.

Arlene Ryan of Kingston can’t help but recall her father-in-law’s experience. “My husband’s father’s prostate cancer was diagnosed because of a broken bone,” she says, pointing to the fact that metastasizing prostate cancer has a penchant for bones. “He died at 63. Of course, we’re against what this study indicates.”

Frank E. Schuerholz of Middletown, a retired educator and one of the organizers of the Middletown Chapter of the Us too support group back in 1995 — a group he continues to facilitate — says that somewhat controversial report by the United States Preventive Services Task Force was the topic of discussion at the meeting early this month.

Prostate Cancer 101 has been imparting information to the newly diagnosed for almost 17 years. It meets the first Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the Hurley Reformed Church.

Arlene Ryan, a nurse and board member, has been involved since her husband’s diagnosis 10 years ago. “We give them the tools. We tell them to bring their wives or girlfriends. We are not doctors and we do not give medical advice, but the one thing are group does is take away the fear factor,” she says. “Most likely, you will not die of this disease – but it’s not a one-size-fits-all, and you only have one shot at the treatment that’s best for you. We empower you.”

And then, Ryan says, they encourage men to come back and share their stories. “We had a guy last month attend – who was a month from surgery and felt good,” she says.

For more information, call her at 338-9229.

“The bottom line is that patients today are encouraged to be informed and to make decisions based on feedback and education,” says Schuerholz.

And that simple PSA blood test is part of that information necessary to make an informed decision, the experts say.

“Before the PSA, a large percentage of men presented with metastatic disease at the initial time of diagnosis. We don’t see that anymore,” says Dr. Gerard Galarneau, a urologist with Middletown Urologic Associates and chief of staff at Orange Regional Medical Center. “It’s not a perfect test, but you shouldn’t have to take four steps backward. It provides important information.”

And Galarneau believes that hundreds of his practice’s patients are alive today because of that test.

The test measures prostate-specific antigens or a type of protein in the blood.

“The PSA was never meant to be a screening test. Rather, it was meant to follow men after surgery. If the prostate is removed, the PSA should be zero,” says Galarneau.

However, a correlation was discovered between PSA levels that rose above four and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

“All the guys (in Us TOO) were pleased they found out about their prostate cancer with the PSA test, followed by a biopsy,” says Schuerholz.

Because in most cases, the cancer was detected in its very early stages, offering the most treatment options.

“Right now, the PSA is the only real measurement a man has to determine if he has prostate cancer,” says Ryan. “By the time symptoms appear, treatment might not work.”

The PSA test for Arlene’s husband Bill Ryan when he was 60 was borderline normal. Given his father’s outcome, Bill took action.

“The Internet offers a lot of information, but it’s also confusing and conflicting — especially 10 years ago,” says Arlene, who is also a nurse. “What helped us was the group.”

The support group she’s referring to is Prostate Cancer 101, of which she’s an active board member. she attends the meetings in Hurley while her husband continues to work full time.

Toward the goal of providing education and useful tools with which men can address their cancer, her group keeps an ongoing list, with permission, of contact information and each man’s physician and treatment selected.

“I called the men on that list of about the same age as my husband who had surgery,” she says. “We then went for a second opinion, and the doctor said the surgeon we selected was excellent, ‘But we could do seeds.’

“I then called all the people on the list with seeds, and was reassured there was no recurrence.”

So why is this group flagging PSA tests?

The USPSTF board concluded:

“Prostate-specific antigen-based screening results in small or no reduction in prostate cancer-specific mortality and is associated with harms related to subsequent evaluation and treatments, some of which may be unnecessary.”

“I will concede, there probably is some overtesting and overtreatment out there,” says Galarneau. “Older men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and less likely to die from it. So an 80-year-old probably does not need treatment — but a 50-year-old probably does.”

“Are we needlessly spending a lot of money?” is the question Schuerholz says the study really asks. Schuerholz’s cancer was detected in November 1992, at the age of 58, following a PSA test. “Studies indicate that most men will develop prostate cancer if they live long enough.”

That’s where sound medical judgment and patient-physician communication become critical. Individual circumstances vary — as do the cancers. Many prostate cancers are slow-growing — but some are aggressive.

There is a theory, says Galarneau, that younger men who get prostate cancer will also typically be at risk for a more aggressive cancer.

“But older guys can get an aggressive prostate cancer, too,” he says.

So it’s not really the PSA test in and of itself that’s coming under the microscope — but the more expensive biopsies and subsequent treatments that follow.

If a 60-year-old man on oxygen with several chronic conditions has a rising PSA score, is treatment warranted?

Conversely, just because a man is 75, should he automatically not have a PSA test? what if he’s in picture-perfect health with an activity level and mental outlook decades below his chronological age — but there’s an aggressive cancer taking hold?

Or what about a typical 75-year-old with a slower-growing cancer? should he immediately undergo the rigors of treatment?

“We can debate individually who should and should not have a PSA test,” says Galarneau. “But a blanket statement is just wrong. … An informed patient needs to make an informed decision — along with his doctor, spouse and family.”

Cancer is not the only cause of an elevated PSA score.

“It can be an infection or a benign growth,” says Schuerholz.

So what’s next? Generally, a DRE, or digital rectal exam would be recommended, during which the physician would be able to feel an enlarged prostate.

Then the question becomes when, and if, to biopsy. your physician’s advice, in conjunction with the wealth of information available to discuss, will provide the answer.

“Some say it’s not so bad,” says Ryan of the rectal probe used to shoot the little needles — under local anesthesia, of course.

Not only is the intent of the biopsy to confirm or deny cancer, but it can offer a window into the type of cancer itself. The Gleason grade or score assigns a number value to the cancer cells. Typically, the lower the number, the better the prognosis, but that isn’t always the case.

“Prostate cancer is a very complex disease,” says Ryan.

“It’s important to know your scores, to document and chart your PSA levels and to understand what they mean,” says Schuerholz.

As a result of the pathology determined by the biopsy, a protocol that can now be chosen for an early-stage cancer that probably won’t affect the duration of a patient’s life is “watchful waiting,” says Galarneau, also called “active surveillance.”

“Active surveillance wasn’t even an option 10 years ago,” says Ryan. “For those men who fall within certain guidelines, the PSA test can be repeated every three to six months, watch the trend and continue not to treat until a change is noted.”

Schuerholz says there’s a 75-year-old member of his group who elected just that five years ago.

“His PSA levels are monitored regularly, he’s in good health and has no symptoms,” he says.

There are others who would not be able to psychologically deal with knowing they have cancer and are not actively trying to get rid of it.

“My husband never would have been able to choose active surveillance because of his dad,” says Ryan, who points to a couple of men from her group who did chose active surveillance — and began treatment a couple of years after diagnosis when the PSA levels began to rise.

“They had two years without side effects,” she says. “Treatment is not a free lunch.”

Galarneau says the gold standard of treatment is surgery; and there are often choices in that category, too — open or robotic, the latter of which is less invasive.

Cryosurgery is another technique, wherein the diseased tissue is frozen. Radiation is also available — either from an outside source or the seeds, as well as hormone therapy — or a combination of approaches, particularly if the cancer is aggressive.

“Radiation and surgery generally have very close outcomes now,” says Galarneau.

Still, there are side effects — incontinence and erectile dysfunction of most concern among men — and the older the patient, the more likely to experience side effects, says Galarneau. some may have already experienced some difficulties — worsened by the surgery.

“Untreated prostate cancer will cause impotence,” says Galarneau. “With treatment, at least you’re getting rid of the cancer. and we try to spare the nerves (required for sexual performance).”

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By Amanda Hromadka, DPT, CLT Physical Therapy for Women, Inc. Published: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 2:56 p.m. last Modified: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 2:56 p.m.

Did you know the human body has one system that regulates immunity, digestion, and the balance of fluids and proteins? the lymphatic system is complex, and serves a vital role in human health, circulating lymph fluid, which is made up of proteins, fats and other cells, from the skin to the blood system.

The lymphatic system requires healthy lymph nodes and vessels to function efficiently. the most common lymphatic system disorder is called lymphedema. Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymph fluid and most commonly shows up as swelling in the arms or legs, but it can also be present in other areas of the body.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema means a person is born with abnormal or missing lymph nodes. Secondary lymphedema is caused from trauma or surgically removing lymph nodes. (ie: following surgery for breast or uterine cancer). either way, typical lymphedema symptoms can include: decreased flexibility in the affected arms or legs, increased size of the arms or legs, prolonged infections, feelings of heaviness and/or discomfort, and possibly malignancy.

While there is currently no cure for lymphedema, physical therapy can greatly assist with ideal management. Lymphedema can be treated through the use of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).CDT has four components: skin care, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression, and specifically designed exercise programs.

For skin care, it is important to protect the involved area of the body against any signs of infection or trauma. Lotion is recommended to prevent any cracking of the skin that could eventually lead to infections. MLD is the hands-on process of re-routing the lymph fluid from unhealthy to healthy lymph nodes. this light and gentle massage technique has been proven to reduce the amount of swelling, decrease discomfort, regenerate tissue, and improve venous conditions. MLD helps reduce the size of the swollen area, and the compression garments help maintain the size of the affected area. Compression garments can be ordered in a variety of different pressure amounts, sizes, colors, and textures. These compression garments are to be worn during the day and during exercises. Additional methods of compression may be recommended for nighttime wear. Exercise programs are designed for each individual and can include movements to increase flexibility, strength, stabilization, endurance, etc.

A good CDT program of skin care, MLD, compression, and exercise helps manage lymphedema. Prevention and early intervention are important parts of the success of managing lymphedema. It is recommended to avoid extreme temperatures, infections, and/or trauma to the involved area of the body to significantly decrease the risk for developing lymphedema symptoms.

Physical Therapy for Women offers Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) by Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT). If you, or someone you know, could benefit from lymphedema management, please call Physical Therapy for Women for more information.

Vaginal cancer is uncommon but is severe type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. Primary vaginal cancer is quite rare in the common population of women, but a specific form of vaginal cancer is statistically significant in women. Vaginal cancer occurs more frequently in women when they cross the age of 50, but that is not précised, it can happen at any age, even in infancy and can be cured if diagnosed and treated in early stages. Surgery alone or surgery combined with pelvic radiation is typically used to treat vaginal cancer. According to some statistic it has been calculated that around 2,000 women are suffering from this rare type of gynecological cancer each year.

Vagina is a muscular canal from the cervix to the outside of the body. It has an average length of about six to seven inches. the walls of vagina are lined with mucus membrane.the vagina consists of vulva that includes labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, bulb of the vsttibules, vstibules of the vagina and the only part of the vagina that can be normally viewed without any instrument from outside is the vaginal opening.the PH balance of the vagina is normally acidic, and which controls and discourage the occurrence of infections in vagina. Normally-occurring bacteria create the acidic environment in vagina. When a vagina is healthy it produces secretions which regulates and cleanse the environment of vagina, just like the saliva regulates the cleanliness and environment of the mouth. these secretions from vagina are commonly termed as vaginal discharge. A vagina is healthy if the secretions from vagina is normal vaginal discharge.

There are mainly two types of vaginal cancer:

1. Vaginal Squamous cell carcinoma

2. Vaginal Adenocarcinoma

1. Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma

Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma is one the most widespread and common type of vaginal cancer which can be found in the women who are at the age of 60 or above 60, squamous cell carcinoma occurs from the thin, flat squamous cells that line the vagina. A malignant new growth made up of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate surrounding tissues and to give rise to metastases. an initially local carcinoma developed from squamous epithelium and characterized by cuboid cells and keratinization, it forms occurring in the skin, usually originating in sun-damaged areas or preexisting lesions.

2. Vaginal andenocarcinoma

Vaginal adenocarcinoma begins from the glandular cells in the inside layer of the vagina and this type of cancer is mostly found in women who are of 30 or younger.

It’s the symptoms through which a doctor or a patient understand not much but little about the diseases which they sense and describe. some very common symptoms of vaginal cancer are:

• One can notice abnormal vaginal bleeding mostly happens after sexual intercourse.
• Prepubertal.
• Postmenopause. It is one of the main symptom that is experienced during vaginal cancer.
• Postcoital.
• Instrumental.
• Frequent urination.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain in pelvic area.
• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Often there are no symptoms and cancer is found through a routine gynecologic exam. Women who suspect exposure to DES should undergo a more careful gynecological exam on a regular basis because the normal procedure does not closely examine the areas of the vagina.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom in women. It is normal especially in child bearing age. Normal vaginal discharge is not of much concern but an abnormal vaginal discharge should be taken seriously as it can be a symptom of vaginal cancer. This care is rare and not as much of troublesome but one should consult and should diagnose the abnormal vaginal cancer by a doctor as a precautionary step.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can also be one of the main causes of vaginal cancer, therefore it should be taken seriously and one should consult doctor to know the root cause of urinating frequently. This can be correlated to an increase in fluid intake in your diet or due to some common urinary tract infection, but still best thing is to consult your doctor immediately.  One of the symptoms can be presence of blood in urine, not so easy to get noticed through naked eye, but pink spots in panties or any spot on toilet tissue ( while wiping and cleaning) shouldn’t be ignored.

Pelvic Pain

The pelvic pain which keep on continuing for about 3 months or more than it, used to be considered chronic while less than this duration is considered acute. It can be one of the symptoms of vaginal cancer. Pelvic pain usually happens when vaginal cancer starts to spread in vagina. in Pelvic pain a person feels pain or pressure in the abdomen areas. the pain may be constant or can occur after sometime. many women describe pelvic pain as dull and sharp pains.

The pain might be stable or it might be frequent, if the pelvic pain is severe, it might disturb your health badly and can come in the way of your daily routine. Most of the women describe pelvic pain as dull and sometimes very sharp. the character and beginning of pelvic pain or any factors that ease or make it worse are important and one should properly diagnose it.

A vaginal clump that is felt personally or by physician can also be a symptom of vaginal cancer. There can be several causes of vaginal clumps in the body including vaginal cysts, vaginal infections etc. A biopsy might be necessary to check whether the vaginal mass is cancerous or not.

Changes in the bowel functioning can also be a sign of vaginal cancer. Women may experience severe constipation or black stools as the indicators of vaginal cancer. they may feel the bowl is not completely finished after having a bowel movement.

The exact causes of vaginal cancer are still unknown but there are several risk factors for vaginal cancer. A risk factor is an activity or condition that is associated with another disease.

Risk factor for vaginal cancer includes women infected with the HPV virus and being 30 or younger or 60 or over of age.

Stretching of the pelvic ligaments may cause the uterus to sag into vagina or extend outside the vagina. This condition is known as prolapse. It can be treated by surgery or by wearing pessary where pessary is a device to keep the uterus in place. the use of vaginal pessary can lead to higher risk of vaginal cancer. the exposure to synthetic hormones DES while in the mother’s womb also increases the risk.

In a basic physical examination the patient discloses symptoms, medications and family medical history that may be useful for the doctor. During a pelvic test, the doctor use to check the  abnormalities. A colposcopy is done if the abnormalities are seen by the doctor.

Biopsy can be also done to check and diagnose more accurately. in biopsy, small tissue samples are taken and then examined by a pathologist. A biopsy is usually done during colposcopy. A local anesthetic is used to ease discomfort and pain of the patient.If vaginal cancer is confirmed then several more test are taken to check what stage the cancer is progressed to.

Everyone’s experiences differ when diagnosed with cancer. Coping with a new case can be difficult but learning early on how to cope with cancer will provide you with strength and determination to fight against cancer.

Vaginal cancer may spread to distant areas of body, such as lungs, liver and pelvic bones.

Treatment for vaginal cancer can have a significant emotional impact, particularly in women who have not yet reached the menopause and need to have radiotherapy. This treatment triggers an early menopause, which means women have to come to terms with the fact that they will never be able to have children.

Women feel sense of loss and bereavement after treatment and this may trigger the start of depression.

Talking to other women who have similar treatment can give you emotional support and reassurance.

The hospital staff may be able to recommend a suitable local support group.

Cancer treatment can involve one or several different treatments.Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are standard methods of treating many types of cancer.

Before getting treated the patient should be aware of side effects, risk and benefits of the treatment. Woman who is more educated about cancer, she can better communicate to a physician and she can be proactive in treatment decisions.

Surgery is sometimes used to remove the cancer but most patients are treated with the radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to vagina, then radiation and chemotherapy both are given.

Sarcoma botryoides is a type of cancer in which grapelike structures appear in the vagina of infants. Sarcoma may be at times treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Try to avoid being contaminated with HPV and sexually transmitted virus is a best way to reduce risk for developing vaginal cancer. HPV is a highly common virus. about 80% of women are infected with this virus by the age of 50.

HPV can cause many types of cancer like cervical cancer and there is a link seen between vaginal cancer and HPV.

Vaginal cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured but it’s better to take the preventive measures for this disease timely. Researches are taking place to reduce the causes of vaginal cancer. Vaginal cancer is as serious as the other cancers are. If any of these symptoms are noticed by you, don’t overlook it, take it seriously and rush to your doctor to consult. Right step taken at right time gives solution to any problem, but exceptions are there, where medical science is itself helpless.

Share and enjoy:You might also like Tips To Prevent CancerPrevent Cancer Among all the dangerous disease of this world cancer is thought to be the one which is… Breast Cancer ChemotherapyBreast Cancer usually takes places due to an abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the breast. This… Stage 2 Breast CancerAfter the breast cancer has been diagnosed it is important for the doctor to take up the process of ‘staging’…. Preventing cancer by vegetables1. VegetableAccording to several research, the cruciferous vegetable, such as white cauliflower, broccoli,…

Today prostate cancer is the third a large amount for all basis of mortality commencing cancer popular men of entirely ages next is the a large amount for all basis of mortality commencing cancer clothed in men ended 75 living old. Men who are younger than 40 are not often increasingly diagnosed in the midst of prostate cancer except they must immobile experienced it’s possible. It’s estimated with the intention of in attendance are approximately 234,460 men popular the U.S. who willpower be present diagnosed by prostate cancer this year, moreover approximately 27,350 desire ultimately go to meet your maker commencing this disease.

Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself. a large amount patients by prostate cancer can aware representing living exclusive of some problems. The prostate is a walnut-sized makeup with the intention of makes positive carve up of a man’s reproductive system. it wraps almost the urethra, the tube with the intention of carries urine outdated of the group as a consequence for the reason that of this can basis urinary problems. clothed in a large amount men, prostate cancer grows self-same unhurriedly as a consequence a large amount men desire not at all get they boast it.

If the cancer is immovable clothed in its initial stages, a large amount men willpower not familiarity some symptoms. a large amount prostate cancer symptoms, while coupled in the midst of prostate cancer, are extra at that moment apt to ensue linked to non-cancerous conditions. then having individual before extra cancer symptoms does not require with the intention of you comprise prostate cancer.

One of the a large amount conventional symptoms is the incapacity to urinate. proviso this has happened to you hardship to progress checkered acceptably away. in attendance are a not many additional symptoms to be real experienced of. as a consequence in attendance are additional symptoms with the intention of are not be real mentioned here. Your medical doctor desire perhaps manipulate what’s more individual before two of the a large amount conventional tests representing prostate cancer detection. Urine before prostatic fluid cytology may possibly bring to light a number of infrequent cells. as a consequence in attendance are some latent downsides to PSA testing. representing example, a far above the ground PSA does not forever represent a unwearied has prostate cancer in addition to in attendance is a slice of dialogue on the subject of whether the PSA test is unfailing before not.

The resolution all but whether to pursue a PSA test must ensue based taking place a dialogue together with your doctor. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test dealings the PSA enzyme clothed in your blood representing abnormalities. moreover a chest x-ray may possibly be present completed to distinguish proviso in attendance has been a smooth out (metastasis) of cancer proviso you boast been diagnosed together with it.

The prevailing normal treatment of surgery, radiation therapy, then hormonal therapy can interfere by libido taking place a transient before enduring basis. incapacity is a latent complication bearing in mind equally a prostatectomy as well as radiation therapy. a number of drugs in the midst of many decided elevation things are living being worn to treat highly developed prostate cancer, blocking the creation of testosterone. This is called element castration. This has the similar answer in the same way as surgical amputation of the testes.

Side things of chemotherapy drugs depend taking place which ones you bring moreover how time and again plus how elongated they’re in use for. Prostate cancer with the intention of has metastasized may possibly ensue treated traditionally together with drugs to lower testosterone levels, surgery to take out the testes, chemotherapy before not anything at all. The approaches to treatment contain bring to a close study along with to come to think about it whether before not the cancer is emergent unhurriedly afterward proviso it isn’t causing a few symptoms.

OHSU (Oregon wellbeing Sciences University) is start a learning of Acupuncture to the same degree a treatment representing excitable flashes representing men together with prostate cancer before prostate cancer survivors. additional medications worn representing hormonal therapy, in the midst of elevation effects, contain the androgen-blocking agents, which preclude testosterone commencing attaching to the prostate cells. The normal treatment of prostate cancer has time and again been controversial.

Know just come again? completely your treatment options are more willingly than you activate a few treatment plan. with treatment options can diverge based taking place the period of the tumor. Hormone handling is worn generally because a treatment to relieve symptoms popular men whose cancer has spread.

For a relating to diet sound out a number of of the supplements with the intention of stop every disease before weakness contain vitamin B12 — the methylcobalamin key not cyanocobalamin, furthermore force to dependable it’s sub-lingual — dissolves unhurriedly underneath the tongue. and vitamin D3 – markedly proviso you humbug find a each day dose of 15 to 20 transcription of sun taking place your arms afterward legs as a result you can force to your identifiable vitamin D3. obtain a number of lacinato kale with juice a little trees popular your food processor beside by musical carrots. representing organic treatment options representing the prostate force to an appointment together with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath. request something like representing referrals.

The formerly movement all the rage organization your prostate wellbeing is to achieve a decided diet change. every experts would concur taking place this. manipulate a insufficiently flaxseed lubricate all along in the midst of sea green lubricate all the rage your each day bleak leafy salad, not at all iceburg lettuce. creation a carroty tea, by means of addition a bony slice before two of clean gingerroot to angry run seems to be present beneficial to countless people.

You may possibly neediness to deem captivating cod liver lubricate before search lubricate supplements all day. proviso at every single one viable eliminate every one of hormone-containing foods comparable meat as well as dairy commencing your diet. Eat high-fiber food and drink comparable sensitive nuts (soak them overnight clothed in run in the beginning to relief the enzyme inhibitors), perishing seeds, moreover dried fruit, such because dates, moreover figs.

While the numeral of men diagnosed in the midst of prostate cancer remnants high, survival charge are intensely humanizing perhaps – perhaps for the reason that of development all the rage diet. It’s weighty to progress for example educated in the same way as viable afterward recite every one of the newest books, ebooks, wounding sharpness wellbeing newsletters, marginal wellbeing newsletters with inquiries available. just the once you are diagnosed you may possibly would like to sign up a regional hold grouping everyplace members let somebody in on their experiences.

1. Prostate Cancer Symptoms – what you should Know
2. Prostate Cancer Treatment
3. Alternative Prostate Treatment–All about It
4. The International Academic Exchange on Prostate Disease
5. Take the Orthodox Cancer Treatment Aong With Complementary Extras

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and the rate is rising, alarming figures show.

Scientists blame obesity, alcohol and the growing tendency to delay motherhood for record levels of the disease.

Up to 47,700 women are being diagnosed every year, equal to 130 a day. That is double the number 30 years ago.

Testing time: Almost 50,000 women are being diagnosed with breast cancer every year

Experts describe the figures as a ‘wake-up call’ and say thousands could avoid the disease if they drank less, maintained a healthy weight and took more exercise.

The rise has also been blamed on the fact that increasing numbers are delaying motherhood and consequently having fewer children. The figures show that there are now 124 cases per 100,000 women, twice as many as any other type of cancer.

Scientists believe some forms of breast cancer are triggered by the sex hormone oestrogen, which is linked to obesity, alcohol consumption, having fewer children and not breastfeeding.

They also blame hormone replacement therapy taken by millions every year to combat the symptoms of the menopause.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that 47,700 women were diagnosed in 2008, compared to 42,400 in 1999 and just 24,120 in 1978.

Women are most at risk once they reach the menopause and 22,900 new cases – almost half – occur among those aged 50 to 69.

Doctors believe many tumours are caused by unhealthy lifestyles and are urging women to change their eating and drinking habits, particularly during the menopause.

Probable causes: Experts blame lifestyle choices such as alcohol and obesity, along with a growing wish to put off motherhood, for the spike in cancer rates

Research has found that obesity increases the risk of breast cancer after the menopause by up to 30 per cent. The overweight are also more likely to develop tumours.

Fat cells produce oestrogen and levels of this cancer-triggering hormone can be twice as high in obese women as those of a healthy weight.

Alcohol is also thought to raise the levels of oestrogen. Previous studies have shown that drinking even only one glass of wine a day can raise the risk of breast cancer by a fifth.

Women may also be increasing their risk by having fewer children, or none at all, because the levels of oestrogen decline during pregnancy. those who delay motherhood and consequently have fewer babies will be exposed to oestrogen for a higher proportion of their lives.

The risk is elevated further because breast-feeding has been shown to protect against the tumours as it lowers the level of oestrogen and other hormones.

Dr Kat Arney, from Cancer Research UK, said: ‘there are several lifestyle factors such as alcohol, weight and activity which increase the risk.

‘it is also linked to a woman’s reproductive history. If a woman starts having children earlier in life she is less at risk. A woman who does not start having children until her thirties will only have one, maybe two.’

She added that the popularity of HRT was also a factor and urged women to take it for as limited a time as possible.

Dr Rachel Greig, of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: ‘These figures are a wake-up call and should not be ignored.

‘more women are developing breast cancer and, although survival is improving thanks to breakthroughs in breast awareness, screening and treatment, we clearly have much further to go.

‘A two-pronged attack is needed – commitment to research into the causes of breast cancer, supported by women arming themselves with knowledge of the risks that may contribute to the disease.

‘Some risk factors, such as getting older, cannot be changed but the good news is that others can. by drinking less, maintaining a healthy weight and getting physically active, women can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.’

A major study in 2009 said that more than 40 per cent of breast cancers could be prevented if women made simple lifestyle changes.

The report by the World Cancer Research Fund advised women to take least 30 minutes of exercise a day and limit alcohol to one unit a day – a single small glass of wine.

ScienceDaily (Jan. 18, 2011) — Many risk factors for breast cancer are well studied and documented. thus, scientists are sure by now that early first menstrual period, late onset of menopause and a family history of breast cancer are associated with an increased breast cancer risk.

However, neither an individual woman nor medicine can influence whether family members develop breast cancer or at what age menopause starts — these are risk factors on which we have no influence. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center in the team of Associate Professor (PD) Dr. Karen Steindorf and Professor Dr. Jenny Chang-Claude, jointly with Professor Dr. Dieter Flesch-Janys of Hamburg Eppendorf University Hospitals, have been searching for risk factors which can be influenced by changes in lifestyle and behavior.

"58,000 women in Germany are diagnosed with breast cancer each year," says Jenny Chang-Claude."therefore, a key question is whether there are behavioral changes that might help to lower the disease risk. our study aims to determine the percentage of cases where these avoidable risk factors are responsible."

The researchers focused on aspects such as taking hormones for relief of menopausal symptoms (hormone replacement therapy), physical activity, overweight and alcohol consumption. All these lifestyle factors have been identified in prior studies as possible risk factors for the development of breast cancer.

In their current MARIE study, which is supported by Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid), the epidemiologists studied 6,386 female controls along with 3,074 patients who had been diagnosed with breast cancer after the onset of menopause. On the basis of these data, the scientists calculated the percentage of cancer cases that is attributable to a particular risk factor (or a particular combination of several risk factors).

Of the modifiable lifestyle factors, it is primarily hormone replacement therapy and a lack of physical activity which increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol consumption and overweight were found to have less influence on breast cancer risk. thus, 19.4 percent of invasive postmenopausal breast cancer are attributed to hormone replacement therapy; 12.8 percent to a lack of physical activity. Both factors together are responsible for 29.8 percent of breast cancer cases. When the investigators took a separate look at the group of patients whose tumors have receptors for sex hormones (hormone receptor-positive breast tumors), they determined an even higher value of 37.9 percent. The study leaders emphasize that these results reflect the situation in Germany with our typical lifestyle and may differ in countries with other lifestyles.

Non-modifiable factors such as family history or age at first and last menstrual period account for 37.2 percent in total of all malignant postmenopausal breast cancers. "that means that two factors which each woman has in her own hands are responsible for a similar number of postmenopausal breast cancer cases as the non-modifiable factors," Karen Steindorf says. "if behavioral changes in these two areas could be brought about, almost 30 percent of breast cancers after menopause could be prevented." therefore, the DKFZ researchers recommend women to take more exercise and to refrain from hormone replacement therapy, unless it is absolutely necessary.

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The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Journal Reference:

1. Benjamin B.E. Barnes, Karen Steindorf, Rebecca Hein, Dieter Flesch-Janys, Jenny Chang-Claude. Population attributable risk of invasive postmenopausal breast cancer and breast cancer subtypes for modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Cancer Epidemiology, 2010; DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2010.11.003

Note: if no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: this article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Colon Cancer ? Symptoms & Treatments

Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine or the rectum. The colon makes up the longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food.

Colon cancer does not always present symptoms in the early stages. Colon cancer symptoms usually do not appear until the disease has progressed into an advanced stage.

Most colon cancers originate from small, noncancerous tumors called adenomatous polyps that form on the inner walls of the large intestine. Some of these polyps may grow into malignant colon cancers over time if they are not removed during colonoscopy. Colon cancer cells will invade and damage healthy tissue that is near the tumor causing many complications.

There is no single cause for colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.

You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have :

1. Cancer elsewhere in the body2. Colorectal polyps3. Crohn’s disease4. Family history of colon cancer5. Personal history of breast cancer6. Ulcerative colitis7. Smokers and heavy drinkers have an increased risk of developing colon cancer

Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

Colon cancer can have many symptoms. however, in the early stages, people with colon cancer often have no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening beginning at 50 is an important investment in your healthy future.

1. a change in bowel habits2. Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely3. Blood, either bright red or very dark in the stool4. Stools that are narrower than usual5. General abdominal discomfort such as frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramps6. Weight loss with no known reason7. Constant tiredness8. Vomiting

Unfortunately, colon cancers can be well advanced before they are detected. The most effective prevention of colon cancer is early detection and removal of precancerous colon polyps before they turn cancerous. Even in cases where cancer has already developed, early detection still significantly improves the chances of a cure by surgically removing the cancer before the disease spreads to other organs.

Other things you can do to lower your risk include the following:

1. Quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes has been clearly linked with higher risk of colon cancer

2. take an aspirin or baby aspirin every day.

3. take a safe dose of folic acid cevery day.

4. Engage in physical activity every day.

5. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

Different types of treatment are available for patients with colon cancer. The primary treatment of colon cancer is to surgically remove part or all of your colon. Treatment for colon cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. Depending on the stage and size of your tumor, your doctor will remove your cancer with Local excision, Resection, Radiofrequency ablation and Cryosurgery

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body

Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

Some of the tests that were done to diagnose the cancer or to find out the stage of the cancer may be repeated. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. Decisions about whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may be based on the results of these tests.

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