Cancer + Original Articles

Nearly one in four women who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer will also develop this second condition. Learn more about the connection. Twenty-three percent of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to researchers from the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. African-American and Asian women and women younger than age 50 are at especially high risk.

A byproduct of the wine-making process, this supplement possesses powerful antioxidant power. There's been growing awareness in recent years of the health benefits of vitus vinifera, the seeds of red wine grapes. They contain antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which may offer important health-protective properties, including helping you to maintain better overall cardiovascular health.

Ever noticed how some people seem to be more resistant to getting sick? Preliminary research suggests this phenomenon may apply to cancer as well. You know the immune system is a collection of reactions and responses in our body that protects us from infections and disease. But can it protect us from cancer? There are two types of immune responses: innate and acquired. Everyone has innate immune protection, which is always prepared to defend us.

Researchers have identified an association among hormones and increased risk of diseases in people who smoke. Scientists are discovering more compelling reasons why quitting smoking is among the best ways to improve your health. A recent study has demonstrated a link between smoking and increased male and female hormones in post-menopausal women. These increased hormones may boost the risk for diseases like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

With many diseases, early detection results in better treatment results. But that's not the case with ovarian cancer. Here's why. Each year, about 20,000 U.S. women learn they have ovarian cancer. It accounts for about three percent of all cancers in women and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Early diagnosis generally does result in good outcomes. Unfortunately, most cases of ovarian cancer are already advanced by the time they are diagnosed.

A cleanse is purported to remove toxins and impurities from the body, but is it compatible with cancer treatment? Cleansing is a popular trend. From celebrities to our next-door neighbor, it seems like every one has tried a cleanse. Many holistic health practitioners recommend cleansing routines to help purge the body of accumulated toxins, metabolic waste, and dead cells, which they believe contribute to the development of disease.

Can a low-glycemic diet reduce your risk of developing cancer, or assist you through treatment? See what the research says. A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer prevention and can help patients withstand rigorous cancer treatments. A recent analysis of data from the AARP Diet and Health Study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggested a very weak association among glycemic index, glycemic load, and risk of cancer So What Exactly Are the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load? Sugar, or glucose, is our body's main source of energy.

Rates of this condition have doubled since the 1970s. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be controlled; others, like age and genetics, cannot. Though risk factors affect your chances of getting a disease such as cancer, having a risk factor, or even more than one, doesn't necessarily mean that you will get the disease. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some, like smoking, can be controlled.

By understanding the subtle differences between breast cancers, scientists are on the path to personalizing breast cancer treatment. Cancer clinicians currently classify breast cancer into three basic therapeutic groups: oestrogen receptor (ER) positive, HER2 (breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2), and triple negative, or basal-like, breast cancer.

Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men as it does in women. And increasing age is a major risk factor. Here's what you need to know. Oral cancers are the 6th most common cancers worldwide, and account for about 3 percent of all cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 52,000 people in the U.S. were estimated to be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012. Oral cancer is twice as common in men and the incidence generally increases with age.

This mysterious-sounding diagnosis is actually quite common. Approximately 3 percent of cancer diagnoses are Occult Primary Adenocarcinoma. Despite its ominous-sounding name, this diagnosis simply means physicians cannot determine in what part of the body a patient's cancer originated. It's more commonly called Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP).

Raise a glass to this recent finding: A compound in red wine may make prostate tumor cells more responsive to radiation treatment. Love a glass of red wine with dinner? It's not only tasty but a compound it contains may also be good for your health—especially if you're a man dealing with prostate cancer. Before you drink up, it's important to read on, though, since more research needs to be done to understand how to get the potential benefits of resveratrol to fight prostate cancer without experiencing side effects.

That miracle cure sound too good to be true? It probably is. Follow these tips to safeguard yourself and your family. From Acai berries to apricot pits, there have been many purported cures for what ails us. Things haven't changed much since the snake oil salesmen of the 1800s, says Marc I. Leavey, MD, of Lutherville, MD. Shady products are still being marketed based on our fears, anxieties, and the desire to do the best for our families.

Needles. Bandages. Even diseased organs. What actually happens to them? The answer depends on the rules of your state. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established some general laws governing the proper disposal of medical waste. Beyond this, stricter laws on handling different types of medical waste will vary from state to state. In general terms, most medical waste must be treated in some way to remove any hazards it contains.

Are you at risk for the fourth most common cancer among U.S. women? Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in the United States and the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Close to 50,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 8,200 killed by it in 2013.

This small gland can cause serious health issues, especially for women. For a small gland, the thyroid has a big responsibility. It controls many bodily activities by means of two hormones, called T3 and T4. When the thyroid produces the right amounts of T3 and T4, heart rate and metabolism function optimally. When the thyroid isn't working properly, problems can develop.

These diseases may share similar names, but they're actually quite distinct when it comes to symptoms and course of treatment. Lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs, the organs in your chest that help you breathe. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined, making lung cancer the deadliest type of cancer for both women and men.

It's important to be a well-informed, yet slightly skeptical, patient and healthcare consumer. Every day (or so it seems), there is a report about a new scientific finding about what causes or cures cancer (or other illness). It's all too easy to get your hopes up, so it's important to understand how to evaluate studies. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), scientific studies provide clues to deciphering the mysteries of cancer.

Experts estimate that 1 in 20 workers exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma, although it can take up to 40 years from initial exposure to a diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer for which there is a readily identifiable cause: asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in 1989. However, it was widely used in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, primarily for insulation on floors, ceilings, water pipes, and heating ducts.

The colonoscopy is both a screening tool and a preventative measure. Learn more about how this procedure can protect your health, and when it’s time to have one. The colonoscopy is the most widely used screening tool for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer, or CRC), the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps (growths). While about 20 percent of adults 50 and older have polyps, most never become cancerous.

Ethnicity and age account for significant differences in incidence and survivability of certain cancers and how well people respond to standard treatment. So how come more groups aren't being represented in studies? According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other health organizations, the burden of cancer is not equal among individuals in the general population. For example, all other things being equal, race and ethnicity account for significant differences in incidence and survivability of certain cancers and how well people respond to standard treatment.

A new study finds carcinogens in rice. Is there enough detected to cause widespread concern? Consumer Reports tested rice products and found that more than five dozen rice and rice products contained some level of inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen, according to Reuters. "The risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic include higher rates of some cancers and heart disease," explains Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Identifying the right treatment place for you is an essential ingredient in your cancer treatment plan. When you're diagnosed with cancer, you want to do everything you can to improve the likelihood you will recover. This includes deciding where to go for treatment and who should treat you. Cancer physicians Specialists, such as oncologists, have completed their residency training in specific areas and fulfilled certain requirements.

Which natural foods are the top standouts when it comes to boosting your cancer-fighting power? According to the 2009 Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention report, roughly one third of the most common cancers are preventable through diet, physical activity, and weight maintenance. By making healthy lifestyle changes, the report says, Americans could prevent as many as 45 percent of colon cancers and 38 percent of breast cancer cases.

Personalized plans based on your DNA offer hope for more targeted, more successful cancer treatment. While we tend to think of cancer as a single illness, it's really many diseases and within specific types of cancer, there are often multiple subtypes. For example, while all breast cancers are due to changes in the DNA of breast tissue, there are several varieties of breast cancer and each generally responds better to a somewhat different treatment program.

Despite widespread use for cancer treatment, chemotherapy (or chemo) does have its downsides. Some patients simply do not respond to chemotherapy. Others suffer a recurrence despite treatment, or later develop a second cancer, which might be related to previous chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy also harms healthy cells, often producing significant side effects.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth, back of the mouth, and lips. It usually begins in the flat cells that cover the surface of the mouth. The Oral Cancer Foundation predicts 40,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease in 2012. The oral cancer category includes cancers that occur in the mouth, very back of the mouth (known as the oropharynx), and the lips. Risk Factors Tobacco and alcohol.

Your body's own immune system is a germ-fighting machine. Scientists see promise in directing these powers toward eradicating cancer. Here's how. The immune system is a biological marvel. It protects the body from potential harm from foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Sometimes, however, the immune system has difficulty telling the difference between healthy cells and cancerous cells.

For every meal and even snacks, investigate the very best choices for the men in your life. Research shows the right diet can help men fight heart disease (the number one killer of men over 35) as well as other top killers including prostate and colon cancer which claim the lives of far too many brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands. Today, thanks to what we know about nutrition, it's possible to extend your life by adding more of the right foods to your diet and eating less of the wrong ones.

By studying how colon cancer cells metastasize, German researchers have uncovered a potential new approach to treating this cancer. German researchers at Technische Universität München's (TUM) Klinikum rechts der Isar and Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen may have uncovered a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The research study was published in the journal Cancer Cell.

An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year and 28 and 50 percent will die from the infection. Who's at risk for sepsis, and what can be done to prevent it? An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year—and 28 and 50 percent of these people will die from the infection. What's more, the number of patients being treated for sepsis has increased at an increasingly staggering cost—$17 billion dollars a year—due to a prolonged hospital stay to treat the condition.

Even with a lack of pain, cancer can make its presence known in many ways, although some symptoms are a bit vague and ambiguous. When you consider the side effects of cancer, what comes to mind? You probably think about pain and the presence of a noticeable lump (at least for common cancers such as breast or prostate cancer). According to the National Cancer Institute, early cancer does not usually cause pain, which makes it not a very good early warning symptom.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not as straightforward as you might imagine (or hope). There are several different types of breast cancer, some more serious than others. Get the facts. We can categorize types of breast cancers in several ways: By where they originate, by whether the cancer cells are isolated to one area or have spread, and by the tumor's hormonal status. Origins of Breast Cancer Breast cancer typically begins in the lobes, lobules, or ducts of the breast.

Anti-CD47 is an antibody, which is a protein that is part of the immune system and helps destroy harmful invaders. In test tube studies and experiments with mice, anti-CD47 shrank tumors and helped to prevent them from spreading. The immune system recognizes and attacks foreign cells, such as bacteria, that might harm our body. In order for cancer to develop and grow, tumor cells must hide from killer immune system cells. A particular protein on the surface of healthy cells, CD47, tells the immune system not to eat the healthy cells.

Almost any tumor can metastasize, although not all cancers do. When a cancer spreads, or metastasizes, it is often more aggressive than the primary tumor. The primary benefit of cancer screening is to catch cancers before they spread, or metastasize, and become more difficult to treat. Almost any tumor can metastasize, although not all cancers do. For example, according to the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, in developed countries such as the U.

Heartburn is just heartburn, right? Maybe. Long-term esophagus irritation increases your risk of some serious conditions and diseases. Long-term, untreated heartburn may become a life-threatening condition such as esophageal cancer. Rates of esophageal cancer in the United States have risen in recent decades—does having GERD increase your risk? A recent Danish study found that long-term irritation of the lining of the esophagus may increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer.

You hear something's good for you, and tomorrow you hear it's bad. Here's how to solve the puzzle when it comes to health claims. One day aspirin is good for you; the next day's report says it's linked to some sort of rare disease. If you follow medical news closely, it's not that surprising to find contradictory or conflicting information during the same week's news. Trying to stay on top of medical information—and use it to improve your health—can be quite challenging.

It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it? In 1988, the International Association for Cancer Research (IARC) classified diesel exhaust as a "probable carcinogen to humans." In 2012, it stopped hedging its bets and dropped the "probable." A large study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found an increase in the risk of death from lung cancer among underground miners exposed to diesel fumes.

Examine the evidence supporting how this already highly-regarded vitamin may slow down Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer cells and stop them from spreading. It's well known that nutrition plays a vital role in prolonging the life of cancer patients, as a strong immune system fueled by good nutrition helps keep your body strong and better able to tolerate treatment. Probing the role nutrition plays in cancer further, researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Iowa have found that patients with one type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma—diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)—could be helped by taking Vitamin D.

It's not really a knife, but this treatment tool is showing great promise with the most difficult-to-reach cancers. Some cancers are especially difficult to treat because of their proximity to critical body parts. Surgery and radiation, in particular, may damage healthy tissue close to the tumor. A few oncologists are treating these types of cancer with the NanoKnife, a new technology, which is not really a knife at all.

Get the health benefits without upsetting your stomach. You've heard that a daily aspirin regime has been shown to help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. It has also shown promise in the prevention of reducing pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancer. A study published in the November 2011 issue of The Lancet showed that a daily aspirin regime over the course of two years reduced risk of colorectal cancer by 60 percent in patients with Lynch syndrome, who are at high risk for the disease.

Two studies reveal enough of a connection between kidney cancer and some popular painkillers that more questions are warranted. If you regularly take painkillers, you may be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Results of a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, September 2011 issue, suggest that men and women who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include the over-the counter painkillers ibuprofen and naproxen, and the prescription Celebrex, are equally at risk, and the longer you use such drugs, the higher your cancer risk.

This physiological test reads the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breast. Could it be a replacement for mammography? Many women looking for an alternative to mammography wonder if breast thermography works for breast cancer screening.   Unlike mammograms, which look at the anatomy of the breast for lumps or masses, thermography is a physiological test: it reads the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breast.

We all know someone who develops cancer despite appearing healthy in every way. Why does it happen? Lance Armstrong may be the poster child for a seemingly highly healthy individual who develops cancer. Armstrong was a competitive athlete when he was diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer. He overcame his grim prognosis. Many otherwise healthy people are not as fortunate.

Over 35,000 women are diagnosed each year with uterine cancer. Here are the facts you need. As cancer is always named for the body of your body where it begins, when cancer starts in the uterus, it's called uterine cancer. The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ in your pelvis, the place a baby grows when you are pregnant. The most common type of uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, named because it develops in the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium.

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of death from cancer for American women. Rates have improved, but it's still essential to have the facts. The good news about cervical cancer is that early detection and prevention efforts have helped to decrease the incidence rates since 2004. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) the rate is now  2.1 percent per year in women younger than 50, and by 3.

It happens. It's scary. Here's what you need to know about when a mammogram shows an abnormal area that looks like cancer but is not. It's human nature to be nervous before undergoing a medical screening test, but for women who have a mammogram, a screening test done in healthy women to detect breast cancer early, the situation can turn serious if the test comes back with a false-positive result.

Here are 12 tips to take care of your nutritional needs, so your body has the strength it requires to fight your cancer and handle the rigors of treatment. Weight loss is common in people who have cancer. In fact, according to cancernet.org, up to 40 percent of cancer patients report unexplained weight loss when diagnosed, and up to 80 percent of those with advanced cancer have both weight loss and cachexia (loss of weight and muscle mass and generalized weakness).

About two-thirds of carcinoid tumors occur in the GI tract. Learn about symptoms and treatment options. Carcinoid syndrome is a cluster of symptoms—such as flushing, wheezing, and fast heart rate-associated with a rare, slow—growing tumor commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms occur when the tumors release too much of the hormone serotonin as well as other chemicals that cause varied symptoms, such as flushing, wheezing, fast heart rate, and diarrhea.

A strong intestinal barrier may be key to preventing certain cancers and other diseases. Here's how to strengthen yours. A leaky gut may be the cause of some cancers in the body, according to researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. A new study, published online in PLoS ONE, suggests that guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C)—a hormone receptor in the intestinal tract that has tumor-suppressing qualities—also plays a key role in strengthening the intestinal barrier and can possibly prevent cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Here’s why you should become familiar with the symptoms of Actinic Keratosis. Actinic Keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis), also known as AK or solar keratoses, is a precancerous skin condition that begins in the top layer of the skin. Extended exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation rays causes AK, so you generally see it in areas regularly exposed to the sun.

Determining what should be treated aggressively and what would do better to watch and wait is not always clear-cut. Understand the debate around ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS. The incidence of breast cancer is rising, and the drumbeat advocating early detection is growing louder. However, important facts about certain types of breast cancer are getting lost in all the noise. Approximately one-quarter of all new breast cancer diagnoses are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung (and other) cancers and is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. However, we all know individuals who smoke for a long time and never develop cancer. Surprisingly, despite the strong link, only a fraction of smokers will ever develop lung cancer in their lifetimes. There are several possible explanations why some smokers avoid this deadly disease while others are not so fortunate. Cigarette Chemicals Cause Cancer According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco smoke has more than 7,000 chemicals.

Although these diseases share similar names, they are quite different. Here’s how they are distinct. Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are both blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. These cancers occur when lymphocytes-types of white blood cells in the immune system that help protect us from infection and disease—start to grow abnormally and develop into lymphomas.

Here are the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for kidney cancer. Kidney cancer, or renal carcinoma, is a cancer that starts in the kidneys. According to the Kidney Cancer Association, kidney cancer is considered rare when compared to other types of cancer, as it comprises about 3 percent of the total number of cancer diagnoses each year.

Popping a piece of chocolate every day may offer protection against colon cancer. Here's why and the best bites for you. Got a sweet tooth? Good. You may be protecting yourself from colon cancer. Researchers from the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN) in Spain have found that cocoa—in addition to playing a role in heart health—may offer protection against intestinal bowel diseases, such as colon cancer.

If you’re confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you’re not alone. Get the facts. If you're confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you're not alone. The evidence is inconclusive and professional opinions vary widely about whether there is, in fact, a connection. Parabens are chemicals that manufacturers use to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics, toothpaste, pharmaceutical drugs, shampoos and conditioners, and shaving gels.

If detected early, many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. The incidence of cancer is growing worldwide. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts more than 1.6 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. in 2012. In addition to cancer's physical and emotional toll, it causes a significant financial burden on patients and society.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. The bad news is that lung cancer causes more deaths than any other type of cancer. The good news is that tobacco causes most lung cancers, making it also the most preventable type of cancer. In fact, 90 percent of lung cancers deaths in men and 80 percent in women are due to smoking.

Breast cancer death rates have been declining, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatments. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Mammography has long been the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer; however, the recommendations for who should be screened, at what age, and how often has become the topic of heated discussion among health professionals, breast cancer advocacy organizations, and survivors.

A new test may save thousands of lives by helping doctors diagnose bowel and pancreatic cancers earlier. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic and 143, 460 Americans will be diagnosed with bowel cancers (colon and rectal cancers) this year. However, a simple test could save thousands of lives each year, according to British researchers.

Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right. When it comes to scheduling doctor visits, some men are notorious procrastinators. But this can be risky. Routine preventive care can find diseases in the early stages when there are more options for treatment and better chances of treating the issue.

When it comes to a healthy body, the number on the scale may not be telling the whole story. What's your pefect body weight? 125 pounds? 150 pounds? Anything under 200? The truth is, a healthy body is defined by much more than what size jeans you wear, how you look in a bathing suit, or even what the scale says. For example, did you know that...

According to the American Urological Association, there are effective, life-extending treatments available today for men with advanced prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men (only lung cancer claims more lives). In 2010, the American Cancer Society reported 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer with 32,050 men dying from it. Prostate cancer is a urologic disease that approximately one in six men over the age of 50 will be diagnosed with in his lifetime.

Understanding basic cancer-study terms such as "statistical significance" and "NNT" can help you evaluate your treatment options. As you learn all you can about treatments for your type of cancer, making sense of the results of cancer studies can be daunting. But understanding a few basic terms can help. Statistical Significance When researchers conduct studies on potential treatments, they must determine if the results they observe are in fact due to the treatment, or are simply the result of chance.

What do the guidelines from the United States Preventive Task Force mean for you? In late 2009, the United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF) issued new recommendations for mammogram screening. The prevailing guidelines were for women to start screening mammograms at age 40 and then have annual mammograms. The USPTF instead recommended women with no known risk factors start screening at age 50 and have follow-up mammograms every two years.

Fatigue is often an intense side effect for cancer patients. Why does it happen and how can it be remedied? Cancer causes many symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the disease, and cancer treatments may produce side effects that range from very mild to debilitating. One of the most common effects of cancer and cancer treatment is fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue can be persistent—even lasting well beyond the end of treatment—and may significantly interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.

Scientists are at work on a vaccine that would prevent the development of cancer cells in the body. Get the update. Vaccines have virtually eliminated many deadly or debilitating diseases, and scientists are trying to replicate this success by developing effective cancer vaccines. Cancer begins when something alters the process of DNA sequencing within genes, which blocks the instructions that tell a cell to produce a normal version of itself.

Cancer drug shortages are a horrifying reality. Here's why it happens and what patients can do. Over the past few years, oncologists have experienced shortages in several older, but curative, chemotherapy drugs, including Doxil and methotrexate. Doxil primarily treats certain severe cases of ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. Methotrexate treats many forms of cancer, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood leukemia.

Occasional heartburn is no cause for concern. But chronic bouts can be linked to serious health problems, including cancer. Heartburn is the result of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, a tube in your throat that moves food from the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn sufferers describe the condition as a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone.

With a wealth of antioxidants, green tea is used for weight loss, skin care, and for anti-aging. Is it too good to be true? Research shows the benefits of green tea may range from rejuvenating older skin to warding off cancer. It contains a cornucopia of antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and vitamins C, D, and K. Green Tea for Weight Loss You are right to be suspicious of the green tea "miracle" weight loss formulas, but there is some truth to the fad.

Recent statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give women at birth an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men. So why is there such a gap? On average, men in the United States die approximately five years earlier than women. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2010 give women an average life expectancy of 80.4 years compared with 75.4 years for men.

When it comes to prostate cancer, does taking vitamin E help or hurt your chances of dodging the disease? A new study provides some answers. One large federal study investigated the role of vitamin E on prostate cancer. Published in the journal of American Medical Association, it found that men who take vitamin E may be increasing their risk for prostate cancer by up to 17 percent. Lead researcher, Eric A.

Cancer still holds mysteries, but scientists have made strides in uncovering what happens when a body develops cancer cells. In January 2000, two researchers published a famous and often cited article in the journal Cell, titled "Hallmarks of Cancer." They compared the development of a tumor to Darwin's theory of evolution: a succession of genetic changes leads to a progressive conversion of normal cells into cancer cells.

While it’s long been accepted that cancer is caused by mutated genes, some experts now put stock in a different belief. The prevailing theory of how cancer develops is that tumors begin when mutated genes trigger uncontrolled cell growth. However, some cancer experts attribute cancer to disrupted chromosomes, which alter the balance of thousands of genes and produce cells with entirely new traits.

Why would playing certain music boost a doctor's ability to detect cancer-causing polyps? Doctors who download Mozart while performing colonoscopies have higher chances of detecting adenomas, a polyp that is a precursor to colon cancer. This is according to researchers Catherine Noelle O'Shea, DO, and David Wolf, MD, of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health) Medical School.

This drug seems to offer relief from pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite, which are common side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. And there are other possible benefits as well. Because cannabis is illegal, scientific research on the medical benefits for cancer and other serious illnesses is limited, and much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there seems to be a growing body of data (and citizen demand) to support legalizing marijuana for medical purposes.

Everyone needs vitamin D for good health, but a debate continues to burn in the medical community over the best ways to get this important nutrient. The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.

Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk. One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.

Here are the risk factors, screening options, symptoms, and treatment methods for testicular cancer, a type of cancer that results in hundreds of deaths each year in the U.S. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one percent of American men will be diagnosed each year resulting in nearly 400 deaths. In recent years, the awareness of testicular cancer has risen, likely due to Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong receiving his own diagnosis back in 1996.

Knowing the symptoms of the different types of skin cancer and where to look for them on your body could save your life. Skin cancer can affect any area of your body exposed to sun, including the scalp. And believe it or not, it can even crop up in lesser-exposed areas like the palms of your hands, between your toes, even on your genitals. According to experts, cancerous skin lesions can appear suddenly or develop slowly, and the American Cancer Society advises that people see their doctors immediately if they see any of the following symptoms.

These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate. In today's busy world, medical exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other commitments. In fact, 28 percent of women don't go for their annual Pap tests, and only 32 percent know their cholesterol numbers. Could this behavior be compromising your health? Here's a list of five exams you can't afford to put off another day.

Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living. Although the health risks associated with smoking are irrefutable, many people have difficulty butting out. After all, nicotine is a powerful drug, and when smokers quit, they can experience withdrawal symptoms ranging from anger and irritability to headaches and insomnia.

Understanding the "fair test rule" is essential for evaluating cancer treatment options. We'd like to believe scientists have rigorously studied all tests and treatments and proven beyond a doubt that they are safe and effective. Unfortunately, medical research is complex and drawing definitive conclusions from study results is not always straightforward.

There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. An estimated 1in 8 women will be afflicted with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although there is no guaranteed protection against the disease, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Follow these tips to help prevent breast cancer and to support finding a cure: Maintain a healthy weight.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

Add these super foods to your diet, and give your health an instant boost. By now, you probably know which foods you should avoid sugary colas, greasy snacks, fatty fast foods. But what about the many nutritious foods nature has to offer? While many people are familiar with the well-publicized superfoods, such as berries, salmon, and spinach, there's an abundance of lesser-known treats that can also do wonders for your health.

Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms. Although it could potentially catch the disease in its early stages, it could also bring on unnecessary worry and angst. Learn more about the pros and cons of this controversial topic. Should you be tested for cancer? Maybe not, says H. Gilbert Welch, M.D., author of the same titled book. Welch is one of a growing group of health professionals urging individuals to make thoughtful decisions about cancer screenings. He says one way to become sick is to start looking for something to be wrong.

Clinical trial. Double blind. Experimental. Understanding the terminology associated with different types of studies will help you determine which one might be right for you. Most of what we know about cancer comes from the results of research studies. Understanding what makes for a good study is important if you're considering a new treatment option or deciding whether you should participate in a clinical trial. Research studies can be classified by type—observational or experimental—or time period.

Understanding terms like "disease-free survival rate," "progression-free survival rate," and "5-year survival rate" can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain. Trying to make sense of cancer statistics can be overwhelming. Adding to the confusion, many media reports lack context, and even reputable journals can promote misleading and overblown claims about cancer treatment. Understanding statistics, however, can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain.

Fresh fruits and vegetables help fight disease, but do you know which ones are best to prevent developing bowel cancer? Fruits and vegetables provide some of the most important nutrients you can consume, namely, disease-fighting antioxidants in the form of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (substances found only in plants that are known to protect your cells from destruction).

Eating the new shoots and tender leaves of bamboo may have powerful medicinal effects. Where would you find them? How are they prepared? And what health benefits might they possess? Fresh, young, edible bamboo shoots are grown in some parts of the United States and are sold at local farmer's markets, specialty food stores, and in some restaurants. You can find canned bamboo shoots in the Asian food section of most supermarkets, but fresh shoots are a little more difficult to come by.

When you read the headlines about the latest advancements in cancer treatments, do you find yourself wondering, "What does this really mean?" Here's a guide to understanding the meaning behind the numbers. Consider these two headlines, which announce the same study results: New drug cuts cancer risk by 50% Drug results in 2% drop in cancer risk In this hypothetical study described by the Annie Appleseed project, 100 women take a new drug for cancer and 100 women take a placebo.

Your scalp can be a hidden zone for skin cancer, but a new study and advocacy campaign gets behind an innovative solution. There's no question that the best way to beat skin cancer is to spot it early. Unfortunately, it's hard for you to see what may be growing on your own scalp or on the back of your neck. However, there is someone who already looks at that area carefully—your hairdresser.

Sorry grill-lovers, there's some bad news: New research supports the connection between consuming grilled, well-done red meat and an aggressive type of prostate cancer. In the study, lead author John Witte, PhD, professor at UCSF medical school and his colleagues compared about 500 men who recently had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer to a cancer-free group. "Each participant filled out detailed questionnaires about their diets over the previous year, including the amount of meat they ate and how it was prepared," Witte wrote in an email.

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex, and multiple healthcare professionals play key roles in providing comprehensive care. Here's who might be on your team. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer is complex and multiple healthcare professionals play a role in providing comprehensive care to patients. Oncology Physicians Physicians are either medical doctors (MDs) or osteopathic doctors (OD) and many complete additional training in specific medical conditions, such as oncology.

Suffering from anxiety? Stomach issues? A cold that won’t quit? There’s an herb for you. Herbs and spices are as at-home in your medicine chest as they are in your pantry.  That's because they possess powerful healing properties that have been used as medicinals for thousands of years.  Check out these 10 common herbs you may already have growing in your yard or sitting in your spice rack.

Learn what researchers have found about caffeine's effect on skin cancer prevention. You rarely hear about the health benefits of coffee. Instead, you're warned that it's linked to elevated heart rates, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and anxiety. But there may be some good news for people who still love their daily cups of joe.

While superficial matters may be low on your list of priorities when you're facing a serious illness, feeling good about how you look can lift your spirits and your self-confidence. Cancer treatments can wreak havoc on your appearance. While beauty may be low on your list of priorities when you're facing a serious illness, feeling good about how you look can lift your spirits and your self-confidence. Cancer patients have unique skin and hair care challenges.

When a cancer patient develops an infection, it's a serious health problem. Understand how infections usually start and how to recognize or prevent them. When a cancer patient develops an infection, it's a serious health problem. About 1 in 10 patients requires a hospital visit because of an infection. Cancer-related infections often arise from a condition called neutropenia, which occurs when a patient's white blood cell count declines.

Cancer patients may wonder if there are other, less toxic options than the traditional paths of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. There are, but, it can be difficult to separate and evaluate legitimate alternative therapies from shams. Some cancer patients wonder if there are other, less toxic options than the traditional paths of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. There are; however, it can be difficult to separate and evaluate legitimate alternative therapies from shams. Furthermore, your oncologist (and well-meaning family and friends) will likely try to dissuade you from straying from conventional care.

When it comes to getting regular checkups, men have a poor track record. But many health conditions can be better treated if detected early. Here's a list of the four deadliest cancers that affect men, plus useful tips on how to recognize the early signs. Men are notoriously bad guardians of their health. A survey of more than 2,000 men conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in 2007 revealed that 55 percent of all men have not seen their primary care physician for a physical exam within the past year.

One of the biggest worries for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, aside from the symptoms, is the heightened risk of cancer. What do these two conditions have in common, and what causes the increased risk? One of the biggest worries for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, aside from the joint pain and deformity they can experience, is the heightened risk of cancer—specifically lymphoma, a blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. What do these two conditions have in common, and what causes the increased risk? According to experts, what the two diseases have in common is a faulty immune system.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Fresh fruits and vegetables can help fight cancer, but do you know which ones are best for your bowel? Your gastrointestinal tract is actually one long tube that stretches from your mouth to your rectum, with lots of twists, turns, bulges, and folds in between.

While cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women, there are particular factors unique to men that make them more susceptible of ending the battle against cancer sooner than in women. Cancer—especially late in life—can be deadly, but a new report from the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals that the often precarious disease prefers men. Lead researcher Michael B. Cook, an epidemiologist with NCI explains that differences in "carcinogenic exposures, metabolism, and susceptibility," seem to be the cause.

While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. These 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome. While the quickest way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, the easiest way to prevent chronic conditions and improve longevity is through his diet. Following a balanced diet that is low in fat and simple carbohydrates and high in lean protein and whole grains is beneficial for both sexes; however, these 10 foods are particularly beneficial for those with the Y-chromosome.

While cancer treatments continue to become more effective and targeted, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. Understand the high-level trends and how they could affect you. Cancer has become a serious personal and public health problem. The mortality rate of cancer has declined over the past several decades due to advances in treatment. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. While humans have always faced cancer, it's become increasingly prevalent over the past century.

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and others have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves do more than flavor some of your favorite foods. These and other "sweet" spices have medicinal properties and are most effective as healers when used on a regular basis. Here's how to get more of them into your diet. Cinnamon In addition to treating stomach and intestinal problems such as bloating, gas, and spasms, cinnamon has been found to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.

You've heard of the digestive and nutritional benefits of flaxseed, now learn how you can incorporate this potent grain into your daily menu. Flaxseed is a grain that is rich in soluble fiber. It's also a plant source of phytochemicals called lignans and omega-3 fatty acids—a powerful antioxidant. Flaxseed has been commonly used as a laxative to improve constipation and promote digestive health.

Predictive models and biomarkers are two of the ways cancer medicine is becoming ever more specific. Learn about what they do and get the oncologist-recommended questions related to personalized treatment. Until now, cancer treatment has been largely a one-size-fits-all affair, although we now know every cancer patient's disease is different. As scientists learn more about cancer, they're working towards personalizing treatment for each patient. How cancer grows and spreads depends on many factors.

The typical smartphone user checks his phone an average of 34 times per day. What’s more, many people who compulsively check their cellphones are unaware that they are doing it. If you haven't done it yourself, you've certainly seen it: A group of people at a social gathering who, instead of conversing with each other, are pecking away at their cell phones. While this situation may sound strange, it's actually very common. A recent study in the journal Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that the typical smartphone user checked their phone an average of 34 times per day.

Mammograms save lives. Or do they? Breast cancer deaths have declined over the past two decades. Is this due to routine screenings or better treatment techniques? For years, women have been inundated with messages that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Yet, there's a substantial body of evidence that this is not the case. The Other Side of the Mammogram Picture Researchers have found that breast cancer rates increase significantly in countries after women begin undergoing regular mammograms.

Scientists from the University of Missouri have found that asthma could increase your risk for lung cancer. However, other experts say you don't need to panic. But there is consensus that asthma can cause damage to your lungs. Avoid these offenders to keep your lungs strong. According to scientists from the University of Missouri, asthma can put you at an increased risk for lung cancer. There's no need to panic though, because other experts don't think that the study findings are strong enough to identify any real cause and effect.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. In 2011, almost 241,000 men will be diagnosed with this disease. Before you make decisions about treatment, it's important to understand your options. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. In 2011, almost 241,000 men will be diagnosed with this disease. Before you make decisions about treatment, it's important to understand your options. Standard Treatment When deciding which treatment is best, oncologists consider several factors: your age, the stage of cancer at diagnosis, whether it's causing symptoms, your overall health, and your personal preferences.

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good. There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.

No one would choose cancer and face the uncertainty, treatment side effects, and disruption in their lives. Yet, despite all the downsides of cancer, some survivors say cancer was one of the best things to happen to them. Here's why. No one would choose cancer and face the uncertainty, treatment side effects, and disruption in their lives. Yet, despite all the downsides of cancer, some survivors say cancer was one of the best things to happen to them. Others acknowledge the unexpected gifts a cancer diagnosis bestowed on them.

One study found that support groups improved cancer survivors' mood, pain, symptom control, and social functioning. Here's what to consider in order to find a support group that works for you. Having cancer is scary, overwhelming, and can leave you feeling isolated, despite the dedicated attention of your cancer care team and the love of your family and friends. That's why many patients turn to support groups. In a support group, patients can share their cancer experiences and frustrations.

Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible. Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible. In men, breast tissue is primarily composed of tubular passages called ducts which are located under the nipple and in the areas surrounding it.

While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way. Complementary and alternative healing practices are becoming mainstream as people search for ways to support health naturally. While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.

Have you ever had an imaging test and the results showed something abnormal or inconclusive that was unrelated to the purpose of your test? If so, you are not alone. Overall, one in every 7.3 asymptomatic persons scanned will have an incidental finding. Have you ever had an imaging test and the results showed something abnormal or inconclusive that was unrelated to the purpose of your test? If so, you are not alone. Chances are the finding was nothing serious. However, it was probably more than a little scary at the time.

When you have prostate cancer, you want to get better as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of a successful recovery. When you have prostate cancer, you want to get better as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can improve your chances of a successful recovery. Here are some four areas of focus: 1. Healthy diet. Diet and cancer go hand in hand. For example, high-fat diets increase your risk for prostate cancer recurrence.

Giving blood is straightforward, safe, and infinitely helpful to those in need. So if you want to join the effort, here are six steps you can take to ensure the process is as easy as possible. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. What's more, nearly 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. Needless to say, the demand for blood is high. But blood donations are very popular among many Americans.

You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk? Cell phones have become ubiquitous worldwide, even in developing countries, so the very thought they might cause harm is hard to believe. While the data on a possible link between cell phone use and cancer has been inconsistent-and definitely controversial-the evidence is finally starting to accumulate.

Over the last few years, some hair salons and barbers have been dispensing more than just trims. They've been giving out health advice, too. In some communities, particularly where many African-Americans live, the local salon or barber shop is a cultural institution. Men and women alike visit these social hubs on a regular basis not only to get their hair done but to connect with friends and neighbors in a familiar, comforting environment where they can talk, share, vent, and just be themselves.

One of the ways you can make the most of being cancer free is by incorporating exercise into your regular lifestyle. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability says that people recovering from treatment or in remission have the most to gain from rehabilitation and exercise training. Remission—or the disappearance of all signs and symptoms of cancer—is every cancer patient's ultimate goal. One of the ways you can make the most of being cancer free is by incorporating exercise into your regular lifestyle. Considerable research has linked exercise to the prevention of many types of cancers.

Some physicians call ovarian cancer the silent killer because of its vague, non-specific symptoms. So on the surface, it sounds like regular screening would save lives. But it's not that simple. When detected early, oncologists can treat most cancers successfully and patients generally have a good long-term prognosis. However, women do not usually learn they have ovarian cancer until it has reached stage III or IV and treatment is often ineffective.

When a patient becomes resistant to chemotherapy, it becomes a much less effective treatment option. Now, scientists are working on ways to extend the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. There are many types of chemotherapy drugs physicians use to treat cancer patients and they vary in how they attack and destroy cancer cells. Some types of chemotherapy are more effective with certain types of cancers, and some work best in tandem with other drugs.

Numerous studies have linked the consumption of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and processed meats to an increased risk for a wide range of cancers. Backyard barbeques are the quintessential American summertime activity. They're a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy fresh, seasonal food cooked outdoors. However, it pays to be cautious when grilling meat. Scientists have linked barbequed meat to an increased risk of developing cancer.

When you apply sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," "sweat-resistant," or "SPF 100," are you truly getting the protection you paid for? These new sunscreen regulations can help you make the right choice to protect yourself. Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean? Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.

Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Here's how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office. Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Julie Silver, M.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and author of What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope and After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Stronger, Better weighs in on how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.

Thinking about signing up to be a bone marrow donor? Here's what's involved in this selfless act. For cancer patients, a bone-marrow transplant can a life-saving procedure. For the lucky some, a close relative turns out to be a perfect match. The rest need to turn elsewhere to find a bone-marrow donor, a task that may not be easy. You can help simply by signing up to be a marrow donor through a national registry.

Did you know that many products used for personal hygiene and beauty can be major sources of human exposure to dangerous chemicals? Every morning you brush your teeth, take a shower, and apply deodorants, creams, makeup, and other personal care products. Did you know, however, that many of these products are a major source of human exposure to dangerous chemicals? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that conducts independent research to expose health and environmental threats, the average consumer uses 10 personal care products daily that contain about 126 distinct ingredients.

Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Digestive problems tend to disguise themselves as other conditions, and as a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate diagnosis. But your health depends on it. Celiac Disease Perhaps the most often misdiagnosed chronic digestive problem is celiac disease, which affects as many as 1 in 133 people in the U.

Since 1992, up to 10 million worldwide have had breast implants. Now there's concern about whether implants lead to increased risk of lymphoma. Here are the facts you need. You may have heard news reports that breast implants cause lymphoma, and if you have implants, you might be concerned. The short answer is, you needn't be. Breast Implants and Cancer Risk Since 1992, up to two million women in the U.S. and up to 10 million worldwide have had breast implants, either for cosmetic reasons or following breast cancer surgery.

In a double-blind experiment in 2006, dogs distinguished lung and breast cancer patients from healthy controls. In a 2008 study, dogs not only detected ovarian cancer, they differentiated ovarian cancer from other gynecological malignancies. So, is it time for your pooch to apply to medical school? You may have heard stories about someone's four-legged companion saving his life by alerting him to an impending health crisis, such as an epileptic seizure or heart attack. Dogs may be man's best friend in cancer detection as well. In several different studies, dogs have detected cancer at a high rate of accuracy.

New innovations in cancer treatments are constantly in development. Alongside traditional medical advances, alternative medicine offers additional treatment and management options. Here are four such treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. New innovations in cancer treatments are constantly in development. Alongside traditional medical advances, alternative medicine offers additional treatment and management options. Here are four such treatments for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. So, when fresh air and sunshine beckons your family outside to play, be sure to pack sunscreen along with your diapers, snacks, and other essentials. Here's all you need to know. Sunshine warms our bodies, improves our mood and even gives us vitamin D—especially beneficial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. But the bright light has a dark side, too. Too much sun damages our skin and causes premature wrinkling, spotting, and can cause skin cancer, the most serious of which is melanoma.

Cancer scientists are slowly but surely making potentially promising discoveries in stem cell research and the breakthroughs could be significant. Cancer scientists are slowly but surely making potentially promising discoveries in stem cell research. Stem Cells 101 Stem cells are immature body cells. They make identical copies of themselves and mature into different tissue types to replace aging or damaged cells.

Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age. Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age. Breast Cancer Family History You have a family...

One chemo side effect is the potential to increase patients' risk for heart failure, particularly in those who already have heart disease. Here's what you should know and what you can do. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful chemicals to kill cancer cells or render them unable to divide and grow. Patients experience side effects from chemotherapy that range from annoying to life threatening. One of these side effects is the potential to increase patients' risk for heart failure, particularly in those who already have heart disease.

Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? It can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly. Be sure you know how to detect and deal with signs of this skin cancer. Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with it every year and while highly treatable, it can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly.

What could be the downsides of potentially detecting cancer or another serious disease before it advances to a more-difficult-to-treat stage? Well, 150 times more radiation than a chest x-ray, for one thing. There's no question that advanced imaging techniques help us detect cancer and other serious diseases, allowing early-and potentially life-saving-intervention. However, is it possible to have too much of a good thing? When it comes to full-body scans, the answer may be yes.

We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. We all know that eating a diet rich in whole grains is good for your heart. Now a new study shows that the kind of fiber found in whole grains may also reduce your risk of dying at an early age from a variety of other causes. The study, which was funded...

Newly uncovered connections between multiple myeloma and important molecular targets has already led to at least one new treatment strategy and shows promise in helping scientists develop other effective treatment options. If you're a patient with multiple myeloma, you'll find the recent progress in deciphering the human genome very exciting and promising. Multiple myeloma is cancer that forms in plasma cells, a type of white blood cells. When these abnormal (myeloma) cells accumulate in the bone marrow, they interfere with the production and function of normal blood cells.

Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, following the Mediterranean diet may keep your digestive system running smoothly. Following a Mediterranean diet has been shown to benefit heart health as well as reduce the incidence of cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Because one of the key components of this diet includes eating lots of whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables-which are all fiber-rich-following the Mediterranean diet may also keep your digestive system running smoothly.

This condition is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, which allows larger-than-normal particles such as undigested food, microbes, wastes, and toxins to get into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, triggering an immune response that causes inflammation. Although leaky gut syndrome (also known as intestinal hypermeability) isn't generally recognized by conventional physicians as a real medical condition, there is increasing evidence that the problem is genuine. Leaky gut syndrome is the result of damage to the intestinal lining.

The new technique of 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved the first system for digital mammography. The FDA reports that in pre-clinical studies, 3-D mammography was seven percent more accurate than traditional mammography. 3-D Mammography 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.

Researchers have found that women are 11 times more likely to develop this serious condition if they are missing teeth or have gum disease. What's the connection? If you need one more reason to take good care of your teeth and gums, here it is. Periodontal disease is linked to breast cancer. In a recent study, researchers found that women were 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if they were missing teeth or had gum disease.

What precautions should you consider when it comes to these radiation risks? Last month's report published in the British Medical Journal may be giving x-ray technicians and doctors reason to hesitate before ordering diagnostic radiation. The recent study of children in The United Kingdom (England and Wales) examined childhood cancer risks associated with exposure to x-rays and ultrasound scans both in utero and early infancy (age zero to 100 days) In the study, Preetha Rajaraman, PhD, of the U.

Could it be the smell of relief? Here's how to use essential oils to address pain and anxiety associated with cancer treatment and recovery. Aromatherapy is a type of complementary therapy and one that many cancer patients use in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. Aromatherapy 101 For centuries, humans have used essential oil for healing. Many essential oils, which are derived from the stems, leaves, flowers, and roots of plants, have pharmacologic actions, which is why they are used in aromatherapy.

What are the telltale signs of an insulinoma? It's an uncommon condition—many physicians never see a case in their lifetime. And insulinoma, which is an insulin-secreting tumor of the pancreas gland, can be very difficult to diagnose, says Jerome V. Tolbert, MD, Ph. D., medical director of the Outreach Team for the Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer being number one) it's not clear if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of treating what is generally a slow-growing and treatable (in the early stages) cancer. Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (lung cancer being number one) it's not clear if the benefits of screening outweigh the risks of treating what is generally a slow-growing and treatable (in the early stages) cancer.

The evidence is overwhelming that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, deliver compounds that help prevent the transformation of normal cells into cancer. When former president George H.W. Bush publicly proclaimed his dislike of broccoli, he wasn't doing himself any favors. This ubiquitous vegetable is part of a family of vegetables that is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to cancer prevention. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family.

Also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, the body absorbs too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses. Hemochromatosis, also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, causes the body to absorb too much iron from foods you eat. The excess iron then gets stored in your organs, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas, which over time can damage them and lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, and liver disease.

New, innovative tools are helping physicians predict, with greater accuracy, whose cancers are most likely to metastasize. It's every cancer patient's fear that his or her cancer will spread and become more difficult to treat. Fortunately, new, innovative tools are helping physicians predict, with greater accuracy, whose cancers are most likely to spread. This could have important implications for treating patients.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

Who would have thought that having allergies could actually be good for you? You may hate the sneezing, coughing, and itching that come with allergies, but researchers have discovered a new reason to appreciate this misery. Who would have thought that having allergies could actually be good for you? You may hate the sneezing, coughing, and itching that come with allergies, but researchers have discovered a new reason to appreciate this misery. They believe that your allergies may help prevent cancer.

New advances may make lymph node removal more targeted and less the norm. Have you ever had a leak in your air conditioning unit? The service technician probably injected a dye into the system so he could find the exact location of the leak. Researchers are experimenting with a similar procedure to help physicians determine appropriate treatment for breast cancer patients.

When it comes to kids and secondhand smoke, is there a safe level? And what does secondhand smoke affect? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! We know that smoking puts us at risk for countless health problems, especially cancer and heart disease. Despite the overwhelming evidence, many parents continue to smoke. In addition to compromising their own health, smoking parents put their children at risk for serious health issues by exposing them to secondhand smoke.

All eyes have been on Japan as residents struggle to recover from the earthquake and tsunami. Fears of nuclear radiation leaks persist, raising questions and concerns whether radiation will reach the U.S. and how much of a potential danger it would pose. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! All eyes have been on Japan as residents struggle to recover from the earthquake and tsunami. Fears of nuclear radiation leaks persist, raising questions and concerns whether radiation will reach the U.

If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor (taking your kids to the pediatrician doesn't count), you're probably long overdue for a checkup. Whether it's ego, lack of time, or just not fond of needles, men are known to resist medical care. If you can't remember the last time you saw a doctor (taking your kids to the pediatrician doesn't count), you're probably long overdue for a checkup. Whether it's ego, lack of time, or just not fond of needles, men are known to resist medical care. The statistics from the U.

It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer. And there are creative ways you can incorporate this super fruit into your daily menu. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Next time you make a fruit salad-why not toss in some black raspberries? It turns out that these sweet little berries may play a key role in preventing colon cancer, according to a University of Illinois at Chicago study that was reported in a recent issue of Cancer Prevention Research.

Treating cancer is a bit like solving a puzzle. Your physician has to figure out how to put the right pieces (treatments) together to provide the best outcome for you. Radiation and chemotherapy are two of the three most commonly used treatment options in an oncologist's arsenal; the other is surgery. You may receive one, two, or all three treatments. The goal of treatment is to kill or damage cancer cells. Treatment is individualized: two patients with similar cancers might receive different treatments.

The standard of care for ovarian cancer treatment has changed over time. What's the latest in the battle against this hard-to-diagnose disease? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common malignancy in postmenopausal women in the U.S. and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. Like so many cancers, it's highly treatable when caught early; however, few symptoms make it difficult to detect until it becomes advanced.

Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year, and the numbers are growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And are you doing enough to protect yourself? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Almost a quarter of a million Americans are diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma every year—and the number is growing. But what are the causes and warning signs? And what can you do to protect yourself? This kind of skin cancer may look like a red and scaly patch on your skin or a nodule.

What exactly is hospice care and how does it differ from hospital care? And how do you make the decision to place your loved one into hospice? Despite all the medical advances of the last century, there comes a time when even the most cutting-edge care may not be enough to prolong a life. At this time, hospice care should be considered. But what exactly is hospice care and how does it differ from hospital care? And how do you make the decision to place your loved one into hospice? Broadly speaking, hospice care refers to specialized care for terminally ill patients.

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

Recall the days of your childhood. Does it involve you drinking a half pint of milk each day at school? If so, it can have a tremendous impact on whether or not you're at risk for colon cancer. Children who drink milk every day at school may have a decreased risk of getting colon cancer later in life, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers reported that those who consumed milk at school on a daily basis had a 30 percent lower risk of developing this cancer than those who didn't.

Cancer treatments are powerful medicines. Coping with side effects can be challenging, but treating and managing side effects is a key component of your treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy can cause side effects that range from simply annoying to very serious. While most eventually disappear after treatment concludes, understanding and learning to cope with typical and unexpected side effects will help you better navigate the challenges of cancer treatment.

This alternative diet is held up by some as an effective method for managing cancer. Here are the principles so you can decide for yourself. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! When Christine Pirello was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia, her physician gravely told her she had three to six months left to live. She was only 26. A friend introduced her to Robert Pirello, who claimed he had a diet that could cure cancer.

Why are self-breast exams less in favor, and what options do you have now for detecting breast cancer? See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! "But no one in my family ever had breast cancer." This is an all-too-common response from women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. While family history is a significant risk factor, only about one in 10 women diagnosed have family members with breast cancer.

Douglas recently completed treatment for late stage IV throat cancer and is now in remission. Fans of the morally challenged tycoon Gordon Gecko from the movie Wall Street are happy to learn that leading man Michael Douglas declares himself free of cancer. Douglas recently completed treatment for late stage IV throat cancer. Cancer experts say that when caught early, throat cancer can be cured 85 percent of the time with surgery or radiation.

No cancer treatment is risk free and sometimes the side effects don't manifest until many years after treatment. No cancer treatment is risk free. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery all have their downsides. Cancer patients who underwent radiation therapy in the past are finding that sometimes the side effects don't manifest until many years after treatment. Studies show that radiation for breast cancer and Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph system, increase a patient's long-term risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute. In 2001, the National Cancer Institute began producing the NCI Cancer Trends Progress Report. Since then, it has updated it annually. The Report gives us an overall summary on the incidence and mortality of different types of cancer. So, if you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update (2009/2010)  Death rates for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers (the four most common types) continue to decline.

How can a simple task like swallowing become a difficult mission? You might think this should be easy for your muscles to do, but it takes more just strength. Swallowing may seem like a simple task, but, it takes about 50 pairs of muscles and nerves to bite, chew, and swallow. When you swallow, your tongue pushes food to the back of your throat where muscle contractions quickly move the food through the esophagus (the tube connecting your throat and stomach).

While cancer researchers have often come to conflicting conclusions in their studies, to date the results are encouraging. The humble and ubiquitous aspirin may play an important role in cancer prevention and treatment. In a review of 10 studies of aspirin and prostate cancer, aspirin reduced the risk of prostate cancer in eight studies; while two showed an increased risk.

The numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Understanding how they are determined can help. When your physician diagnoses you with cancer, she then needs to determine the stage of your cancer. For patients, the numbers and letters that describe cancer can sound mysterious and scary. Here is a brief overview of cancer staging. What is Cancer Staging? Staging describes how advanced your disease is and whether it has spread beyond the initial tumor site.

It's important to take control and define the type of medical care we want, or don't want, at the end of our life. Most people are not comfortable discussing their deaths. However, we all want to die with dignity and to have others respect our final wishes. It's important, then, to take control and define the type of medical care we want-or don't want-at the end of our life.

As many as five percent of all men may experience a thyroid disorder at any point in their lives. What are some thyroid problems you may encounter if you're male? Thyroid disease is often thought of as something that affects women, and indeed most cases of thyroid problems occur in females. But men definitely can suffer abnormalities of this small gland that controls endocrine function and metabolism. In fact, as many as five percent of all men may experience a thyroid disorder at any point in their lives.

In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Smoking acts as an antidepressant, making smokers feel good, at least in the short term. For years, physicians and smokers alike worried that quitting smoking would exacerbate depression in people who were already depressed. Researchers are accumulating evidence to disprove this notion.

Juicing is a practical way to get in your vitamins and minerals in a tasty and easy-to-digest way. See if this will be what it takes to finally get the amount of fruits and vegetables your body needs to function at its best. Getting plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet is critical to maintain good health, and juicing can provide you with a quick and easy way to get your daily requirement of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Other pluses include the juice you prepare yourself will taste better than its store-bought counterpart because it doesn't need to be heat-treated to kill germs to make it safe for storage.

Many of the products we use on a daily or weekly basis contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to increased risk of cancer. It's true there's no place home, especially when it comes to indoor pollution. Many of the products we use on a daily or weekly basis contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals, some of which are linked to increased risk of cancer. For example, one study found that women who reported the highest use of certain household products had a significantly higher risk for breast cancer.

Cancer treatment side effects can make it difficult for cancer patients to consume sufficient calories and adequate nutrition, but there are ways to make it easier to get the nutrition you need. Chemotherapy alters the smell and taste of some foods, making the idea of eating very unappealing. You may have trouble swallowing, especially if you have cancers of the head and neck. Chemotherapy side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation also make it tough to eat.

What are your options following the removal of a breast? Today, if you have breast cancer, you can often elect to have surgery that spares much of the breast tissue. If you must have, or choose to have, a total mastectomy, you then have the option to undergo breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction uses tissue or implants to rebuild a normal breast shape so both breasts look balanced when you are wearing a bra.

Does radiation from the airport x-ray scanners pose a health risk, including increased risk of cancer? Here are the facts. The use of new x-ray scanners to screen airline passengers has sparked vigorous debate on the safety and need for this level of screening. Proponents argue the screeners have been thoroughly tested and vetted by regulating bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration.

As anyone with a serious illness can attest, being a part of a supportive community is critical. Now, thanks to the Internet, you can reach far beyond your little corner of the world. That's what Jennifer Wilson Cooper, two-time ovarian cancer survivor, did. We are saddened to share the news of Jennifer Wilson Cooper's death on June 6, 2012. Jennifer's spirit lives on through her posts on her blog Fourseeds.com and through her generous spirit that touched so many. We are honored to have helped to bring you her inspiring story.

The spices that "warm up" winter foods may also play a big role in fighting off disease. Here, discover the benefits of these tasty treats from the earth. They smell wonderful, they taste great, and they're available everywhere. But there's even more good news: The spices that "warm up" winter foods are also used to treat a variety of ailments and, in some cases, fight off chronic disease. One of the...

Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community. Do they or don't they? The question of whether artificial sweeteners cause cancer has been hotly debated in the medical community. The conclusion: scientists don't think so. At least, the data collected so far is inconclusive, and does not point to a link.

After extensive studies to determine whether this concern is founded, the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society have come to a conclusion. Breast cancer is teeming with frightening rumors surrounding its causes. One of the most common is about whether antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer. We looked at the research presented by two reputable champions in the challenge to stop breast cancer: The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.

From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you become a survivor. And you are in good company. In 2010, the number of people in the U.S. living with cancer exceeded 11 million. From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you become a survivor. Here are a few ways to celebrate. Take care of your health and reduce your risk of recurrence. Cancer survivors are more at risk for a recurrence due to the effects of treatment, genetics, and other risk factors.

Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can feel a bit daunting, especially for busy families on the go. The good news is that it's a lot easier than you might imagine. Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, since obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods helps you maintain a healthy weight. Here are a few tips for adding healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet: Learn what a serving looks like.

If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. Is there a way to get good health care even if your finances are unstable? The cost of health insurance is scary, but having no health insurance can be downright terrifying. If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, covering the costs of all of the prescription drugs and doctor's visits you need may seem impossible.

If you're a woman using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may be frightened about developing cancer, but even more frightened about giving up your prescription. But hold on—things might not be as scary as they seem. We've all seen the headlines:  Hormone Replacement Therapy Increases Risks for Cancer! If you're a woman using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may be frightened about developing cancer, but even more frightened about giving up your prescription.

As difficult as a cancer diagnosis is, you can cope with it. Here are a few of the things you should do first after learning you have cancer. "You have cancer." These three words can make you feel as though you've been hit by a fast-moving train and then strapped into an out-of-control roller coaster. You probably wonder how you're going to cope with the stress, your fears, treatment side effects, and managing work, family, and other responsibilities while ill.

The Internet has made it possible for us to weigh in and share our opinions on just about everything. It makes sense then that we'd expect to also rate our healthcare providers. The Internet has made it possible for us to weigh in and share our opinions on just about everything we purchase or experience. Others' ratings of quality, service delivery, price, and value help us evaluate our options when we make purchasing decisions.

While each doctor and facility keeps its own records about you and your treatment, it's important to keep your own Personal Health Record. Here's how to do it. Whoever said we'd eventually become a paperless society never navigated the sea of paperwork you generate during treatment for a serious illness. Cancer patients are deluged with medical reports, insurance forms, legal papers, and other important documents.

Patients who participate in clinical trials receive the very best medical care and access to potential new treatments before they become widely available. By the time the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug or medical procedure, scientists have researched it thoroughly and tested it rigorously. After it shows promising results in the lab, researchers then conduct clinical trials, which test its safety and effectiveness in humans.

As a friend, you want to help, but some of us are not sure how best to navigate the emotional situation of supporting a friend who has cancer. With the incidence of cancer on the rise, it's quite likely you know someone who has some form of this disease. As a friend, you want to help, but some of us are not sure how best to navigate this emotional situation. If you fear doing or saying the wrong thing, you're not alone.

Gastric cancer has become more prevalent among some. There's good news and bad news about stomach (gastric) cancer. The good news is that the overall incidence of this cancer has declined significantly. This is particularly encouraging because stomach cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world.

The news that your child has cancer can be overwhelming. Here's where to start. Perhaps the only thing more devastating and frightening than discovering you have cancer is learning that your child has cancer. The news can be overwhelming. Here's where to start. It may help to know that more children than ever are surviving childhood cancers.

Preliminary studies using breath tests to identify patients with cancer may provide another option for doctors. So far, results show promise for detecting at least two types of cancers. Preliminary studies using breath tests to identify patients with cancer may provide another option for doctors. So far, results show promise for detecting at least lung and breast cancers. Early detection of cancer is critical. Catching tumors before they spread increases the likelihood treatment will be successful, so physicians need more accurate screening tools.

Ovarian cancer is among the sneakiest cancers. Its symptoms can be so vague that 80 percent of women who develop it don't know they have it until it's spread to other organs. Recent studies, however, reveal new genetic clues about who's at risk. Ovarian cancer is among the sneakiest cancers.  Its symptoms can be so vague that 80 percent of women who develop it don't know they have it until it's spread to other organs. Recent studies, however, reveal new genetic clues about who's at risk.

The goal of cancer treatment is to put the disease in remission. But cancer can recur in several different ways. The goal of cancer treatment is to put the disease in remission. Patients are in remission when all the signs and symptoms of their cancer disappear. For many patients, remission is permanent. When cancer recurs (returns), it is the same type of cancer.

You may be familiar with hospice, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses. However, you may not be as familiar with palliative care, a related concept that is invaluable to people with cancer or other serious illnesses. You may be familiar with hospice, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses. However, you may not be as familiar with palliative care, a related concept that is invaluable to people with cancer or other serious illnesses. What is Palliative Care? The goal of palliative care, sometimes called comfort care, is to make patients comfortable by treating the symptoms, side effects, and psychosocial aspects of dealing with serious illnesses, such as cancer.

The National Cancer Institute predicts more than 44,000 people will develop thyroid cancer in 2010. Thyroid cancer is the most common form of cancer of the endocrine system, an intricate communication system that uses specialized chemicals called hormones to send messages that control and coordinate various bodily functions. In addition to the thyroid, the endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pancreas, sex organs, and the pituitary, adrenal, and pineal glands.

A new type of camera is making it possible for doctors to get a better look at colorectal polyps and other lesions that may be missed with the current colonoscope alone. It's the one test nearly every one dreads, but one that could save your life: Getting a colorectal screening. A colonoscopy is a procedure that is used to see inside the colon and rectum. The procedure is done by inserting a thin, flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope), which has a small camera mounted on it, into the colon.

Despite what others may tell you, coffee has been found to have some serious health benefits. Despite what others may tell you, coffee has been found to have some serious health benefits. Your mother told you it would stunt your growth. Your dentist tells you it stains your teeth. With so many rumors surrounding coffee, it's hard to not feel guilty if you take part in more than your cup-a-day.

There is considerable anecdotal support of the value of Reiki for cancer patients. Scientific support for Reiki as an adjunct therapy for cancer and other serious diseases is also accumulating. Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances the body's own healing powers. It's based on the idea that we all have a life force energy that flows through us and we can tap into that energy to stay healthy or help us heal when we're ill.

Is it possible that certain widely-used pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment? There is a growing body of evidence that certain pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment, especially for colorectal and breast cancer. While results are mixed, the medical community is investing significant attention and resources to this subject.

The key to effective supplementation is to know what you're taking and why you're taking it. Whether you're trying to get fit or to enhance your sex life, taking supplements can be of great help. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, 53 percent of American adults take a multivitamin supplements, and 50 percent of adult men 18 and older take a multivitamin.

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...

If your child had leukemia, would you know it? This is one of the most common types of cancers affecting children today and with early detection, the cure rate is also very high. Many children with leukemia who get prompt and appropriate treatment are able to overcome their cancer and go on to live long and healthy lives.

There's new evidence that fructose, a type of sugar, is associated with pancreatic cancers. For some time the medical community has warned us about the well-established link between diet and the risk of developing cancer. Every day, it seems, new studies contribute yet another piece to this complex puzzle. Now there's evidence that fructose, a type of sugar, is associated with pancreatic cancers.

The National Cancer Institute predicts approximately 25,000 people will develop throat cancer in 2010. More than 20 years after Michael Douglas won an Oscar for Best Actor in the hit movie Wall Street, the actor is back in the limelight with the long-awaited sequel, Wall Street 2, and his recent announcement that he is battling stage IV throat cancer. After complaining of a persistent sore throat, Douglas made numerous visits to doctors before they discovered a walnut-sized lump on the back of his tongue.

New research shows an active, engaging social life may benefit people with cancer in specific ways. Does an active, engaging social life benefit people with cancer? Some researchers conclude there's a high probability that it does. In a recent experiment, mice with cancer lived in cages surrounded by other mice instead of living in isolation. The researchers referred to this as an "enriched environment.

The most common type of cancer in the United States is also widely misunderstood. Take action to keep you and your family safe from skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it's also widely misunderstood. Exposing the myths and taking action can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and melanoma.

Find out what makes this form of cancer so fatal. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in women in the U.S. and the fifth leading cancer-related cause of death. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 22,280 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2012, and approximately 15,500 women will die from it.

Produced naturally by our bodies, the hormone DHEA has been touted as the key to longevity. And some people have begun to supplement their bodies' own DHEA with a synthetic version of the hormone. But are they effective? You may have heard that a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is the key to longevity. Produced naturally by our bodies, it facilities the production of other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. But some people, looking for the secret to agelessness, are supplementing their bodies' own DHEA with a synthetic version of the hormone, sold in this country in pill form.

It’s hard to imagine anything positive about having asthma or eczema. However, a recent study suggested that men who have either immune system disease have a lower risk for common types of cancer. It's hard to imagine anything positive about having asthma or eczema. However, a recent study suggested that men who have either immune system disease have a lower risk for common types of cancer. Researchers suspect the over-reactive immune system may enhance our body's ability to remove malignant cells, which lowers the risk of cancer.

This supplement has a big reputation, but what do the studies show when it comes to cancer prevention? Fish oil is known for purported cancer prevention properties. One study showed that DHA (decosahexaenoic acid—one of the fatty acids in fish oil) stopped or reversed tumor growth of neuroblastoma, a deadly tumor that affects children. Six to nine percent of childhood cancers are neuroblastomas.

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start—-and complete—-treatment as soon as possible. However, there are times when physicians will postpone chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is one of the main components of cancer treatment for many patients. Oncologists often prescribe chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery or radiation to eradicate tumors and help prevent recurrence. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start-and complete-treatment as soon as possible.

Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support. Scientists have been accumulating evidence that a poor diet is a strong risk factor for colon and rectal cancer (colorectal). A new study provides additional, convincing support. Researchers found that dietary fiber and the density of fiber consumed (fiber intake density) are inversely associated with risks for colorectal and colon cancer.

One study stated that women with the highest self-reported use of household cleaning products had twice the risk of developing breast cancer. What should you do? The results of a recent study made news with scary, attention-grabbing headlines such as "Household cleaners may double risk of breast cancer," and "Could being too houseproud raise the risk of breast cancer?" The study in question stated that women with the highest self-reported use of household cleaning products had twice the risk of developing breast cancer.

Most men are more likely to get a tune-up for their car than they are a checkup for themselves. Don't let health take a backseat. Here, six health tests every man should have. Most men are more likely to get a tune-up for their car than they are a checkup for themselves. While the stereotype may be true in many instances, those who go to the doctor for regular visits tend to have longer, healthier lives.  Here, six tests every male should undergo so you don't let your health take a backseat.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 55 million pap smears are performed each year and of those, only 3.5 million are abnormal, requiring further medical follow-up. When your doctor says, "We need to talk about your Pap Smear," it's natural to jump to the wrong conclusion.  Worst case scenario: Your abnormal pap smear means cervical cancer.  More likely scenario? Something else is going on that's far less scary.

Despite all the warnings about the link between the sun and skin cancer, many people still try to keep tanned. So that prompts us to ask the question: how much tanning is too much? Despite all the warnings about the link between the sun and skin cancer, many people still try to get--and keep--a tan. So that prompts us to ask the question: How much tanning is too much? If you are one of the many people addicted to sun tanning (yes, it is addictive), the answer will disappoint you.

Here's the information you need to know to protect yourself when it comes to the herpes virus. It's scary to say, but genital herpes is incredibly common: nationwide, 16.2 percent, or about one out of six, people 14 to 49 years of age have genital HSV-2 infection. Most cases of genital herpes are caused by a herpes simplex virus called HSV-2, though some cases of this sexually transmitted disease are caused by another herpes simplex virus,  HSV-1.

Doctors and researchers are not clear on what causes this disease, which affects approximately 8,000 new patients each year, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). When it comes to cancer, prevention is the best medicine. Not smoking, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and having the appropriate tests taken are essential to limiting your risk of developing cancer. Testicular cancer, however, seems to complicate this fact.

Research and progress in targeted cancer therapy today may someday lead to highly effective, customized treatment for cancer patients. Targeted cancer therapy, also called molecular targeted drugs or therapy, blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the tumor’s growth. Research and progress in targeted cancer therapy today may someday lead to highly effective, customized treatment for cancer patients. Targeted cancer therapy—also called molecular targeted drugs or therapy—blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the tumor's growth.

Although the recommended testing procedure for prostate cancer is controversial, the truth is that prostate health should be of top priority for men ages 45 and older. Although the recommended testing procedure for prostate cancer is controversial, the truth is that prostate health should be of top priority for men ages 45 and older.  In order to prevent the development of prostate cancer, it is recommended that men undergo one of two tests: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or the digital rectal exam (DRE).

The oft-cited but confusing statistic that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps. The oft-cited but confusing statistic that 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps.

That's the question a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina are trying to answer. If it proves accurate, it may provide a cheaper, less invasive alternative to the colonoscopy. That's the question a team of researchers at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) are trying to answer. If it proves accurate, a simple urine test to diagnose colon cancer may provide a cheaper, less invasive alternative to colonoscopy-currently the gold standard for effective early screening of colon cancer.

Urine tests, which have been used to some degree to help screen for prostate, bladder, breast, and lung cancer, may also be effective for detecting and diagnosing colon cancer. There is potentially exciting news about colon cancer screening. Urine tests, which have been used to some degree to help screen for prostate, bladder, breast, and lung cancer, may also be effective for detecting and diagnosing colon cancer. A new study finds an increased level of metabolized tryptophan, one of the 22 amino acids found in proteins, in the urine of colon cancer patients.

Recent findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency found that air inside the home may be more polluted than outdoor air, because of toxins contained in common cleaning solutions. Warning: cleaning a dirty house may be hazardous to your health. If you typically reach for the strongest cleanser you can find to stop the spread of flu and other contagious illnesses, you may want to consider recent findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a brouhaha among cancer organizations, physicians, women's advocacy groups, and patients when it released its updated mammography screening recommendations. Here are the highlights from these guidelines. In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a brouhaha among cancer organizations, physicians, women's advocacy groups, and patients when it released its updated mammography screening recommendations. Here are the highlights from these guidelines.

Men and certain ethnic populations, including American Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans are more at risk for developing stomach cancer. Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, forms in one of the five layers of the stomach, but may spread deep into the stomach or nearby organs. Men and certain ethnic populations, including American Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and African Americans are more at risk for developing stomach cancer.

The Pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, looks for abnormal changes on the cells of the cervix that may indicate cervical cancer. Most women are accustomed to having a Pap smear as part of their regularly gynecological checkup. The Pap smear, or Papanicolaou test, looks for abnormal changes on the cells of the cervix (the narrow, lowest part of the uterus) that may indicate cervical cancer.

Yoga shows great promise for providing relief, which is great news for the millions of cancer survivors in the U.S. The conclusion of cancer treatment does not necessarily mean that cancer-related stress, anxiety, and treatment side effects end as well. Cancer survivors frequently report post-treatment difficulties, particularly fatigue, and poor sleep quality. Yoga shows great promise for providing relief, which is great news for the millions of cancer survivors in the U.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can strike in unexpected places, including the eye. Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can strike in unexpected places—including the eye. Melanoma of the eye, also called ocular or uveal melanoma, arises in the uveal tract of the eye. The uveal tract includes the iris (the colored part of the eye), the muscles that change the size of the pupil and shape of the lens (ciliary body), and the layer of blood vessels (choroid) that supports the eye.

The National Cancer Institute implicates environmental factors in about two-thirds of cancer cases. The U.S. President's Cancer Panel Report, released in April 2010, presented some sobering results: We have significantly underestimated the true burden of cancer caused by environmental factors. In fact, the National Cancer Institute implicates environmental factors in about two-thirds of cancer cases.

Despite safety precautions and the diligence of healthcare providers, sometimes physicians and nurses make medication errors. Chemotherapy drugs are part of many patients' overall cancer treatment. Despite safety precautions and the diligence of healthcare providers, sometimes physicians and nurses make medication errors. Because chemotherapy is so potent, mistakes can be life threatening, especially for children, who are three times more likely to be victims of medication errors.

Although it may seem to be a odd symptom, unusual sweating may be a sign of cancer. The act of sweating is our body's built-in cooling system. We normally sweat when we're in a warm environment or are exercising. When we have a fever due to the flu or other illness, it may also trigger sweating. And, as many women will attest, sweating and hot flashes are a frequent—and unwelcome—side effect of menopause.

Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, which makes a challenging situation even more difficult. Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer—especially those undergoing chemotherapy—which makes a challenging situation even more difficult. Chemotherapy and other treatments cause side effects, such as pain, itching, fever, and hot flashes that make sleep difficult.

Health experts have long linked processed foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, and most lunchmeats to many forms of cancers, including esophageal, lung, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate. Now they’ve added ovarian cancer to the list. Health experts have long linked processed foods, such as hot dogs, sausages, and most lunchmeats to many forms of cancers, including esophageal, lung, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, endometrial, and prostate. Now they've added ovarian cancer to the list.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a form of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are only about 4,000 new cases each year, although it’s the most common leukemia in children. When Evan Handler was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in 1985, it was considered an incurable disease. That was pretty devastating news to the then 24-year old actor who was a rising star. Since then, Handler has accumulated an extensive resume of TV roles, including his current role on Californication.

The statistics are sobering: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 145,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. But most cases can be caught before they turn into full-blown cancer. The statistics are sobering: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 145,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have about a two to five times greater risk of developing colon cancer than those in the general population, although the reasons aren't clear.

Men who have asthma are less likely to be diagnosed with common forms of cancer than their healthier counterparts. Common asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest discomfort can play an important role to ward off cancer. If you're a male with asthma, did you know that this condition could actually be good for your health? Researchers now believe this is true—at least when it comes to reducing your risk of being diagnosed with some of the most common forms of cancers.

Sun exposure is the single biggest risk factor for skin cancers, so here's what you need to know about sunscreens. Sunscreens are an important component of overall sun protection, but SPF ratings and confusing marketing language on sunscreen packaging make it difficult to evaluate what you are purchasing. Roughly one million Americans were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009.

Do multivitamins help prevent cancer? Or do they contribute to the risks? Find out here. There's been a recent flurry of reports about multivitamins and breast cancer. If you've been following the news, chances are that you're confused and not sure what to believe. Before you give up your daily multivitamin, here's a look at these studies.

When it comes to smoking, and quitting, men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. When it comes to smoking--and quitting--men and women are different. Understanding the distinctions between them can give you a leg up when you're ready to face the difficult task of quitting. The Differences Men tend to smoke from habit or to enhance positive sensations, while women often smoke as a buffer against negative feelings.

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Eating a diet high in animal fats has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer. Now, a new study published in The Journal of Nutrition is adding to a growing body of scientific evidence showing a connection between a diet rich in fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

People diagnosed with prevalent cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, for example, find it easy to find information about their disease and to receive care from experienced medical professionals. However, for the thousands of individuals with rare forms of cancer, things are a bit more complicated. People diagnosed with prevalent cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, find it easy to find information about their disease and to receive care from experienced medical professionals. However, for the thousands of individuals with rare forms of cancer, things are a bit more complicated.

A positive result on a cancer screening test means you have cancer, right? Not necessarily. A positive result on a cancer screening test means you have cancer, right? Not necessarily. The incidence of inaccurate screening results is more prevalent than you might realize. Before your next cancer screening, here's what you need to know about one type of result: the false positive.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in women over 45, and the fourth most common cancer in women. When detected and treated early, however, endometrial cancer patients have extremely good survival odds. Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in women over 45, and the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2008, about 40,000 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer. When detected and treated early, however, endometrial cancer patients have extremely good survival odds.

The colonoscopy exam may have just gotten easier. In the new "virtual" colonoscopy, images of the colon and rectum are taken via a CT scan, which the doctor can then examine for polyps or other precancerous changes. Colorectal cancer (of the colon or rectum) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., although when caught early, colon cancer is highly curable.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines call for colon screening to begin at age 50 for both men and women-or earlier if there's a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease or a strong family history of colon cancer.

Research suggests that your TV-viewing habit can be a deadly pastime. Americans watch more than five hours of television per day on average, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Neilsen Company. While you may have your weekly "must-watch" show , you may consider doing something else with those 25+ hours that you usually spend plopped in front of the television.

Cancer is an equal-opportunity disease. It strikes Olympic athletes, celebrities, and people who hold some of the highest positions in government. Happily, many famous cancer victims are also long-time cancer survivors. Cancer is an equal-opportunity disease. It strikes, Olympic athletes, CEOs, celebrities, and people who hold some of the highest positions in government. Happily, many famous cancer victims are also long-time cancer survivors. One of the most recent celebrities to share his story of survival may not be familiar by name or even by his face.

You can significantly reduce your risk for breast cancer recurrence by addressing three lifestyle-related risk factors: being overweight, smoking, and drinking excess alcohol. Learning you have breast cancer can be devastating. After you've completed treatment, the last thing you want to worry about is developing breast cancer a second time. Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your risk for breast cancer recurrence by addressing three lifestyle-related risk factors: being overweight, smoking, and drinking excess alcohol.

An easy way to help prevent breast cancer and increase survival in breast cancer patients may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that aspirin could possibly play a role inhibiting the development and recurrence of breast cancer. An easy way to help prevent breast cancer and increase survival in breast cancer patients may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that aspirin could possibly play a role inhibiting the development and recurrence of breast cancer.

Dizziness. Depression. Anxiety. Headache. Weight gain. If someone suggested you do something that might cause these, and other, unpleasant symptoms, you’d likely run the other way. But what if a few days of discomfort could have a profound affect on your health? Dizziness. Depression. Anxiety. Headache. Weight gain. If someone suggested you do something that might cause these, and other, unpleasant symptoms, you'd likely run the other way. But what if a few days of discomfort could have a profound affect on your health? These symptoms describe some of the potential side effects from nicotine withdrawal, which occurs when you quit smoking.

Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression. Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression. That's the bad news. The good news is that you can offset your risk of developing depression with two simple lifestyle modifications: drink green tea and exercise regularly.

A group of international scientists have found that some of the hundreds of types of bacteria in the digestive system may be linked to diseases such as cancer and Crohn's. A group of international scientists, led by Chinese researcher Wang Jun of the Beijing Genomics Institute, have found that some of the hundreds of types of bacteria in the digestive system may be linked to the causes of specific diseases, including cancer, diabetes and Crohn's disease.

Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with leukemia? Chances are you're overwhelmed with information and wonder: what's next? Here's what you need to know. Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with leukemia? If so, chances are you're overwhelmed with information and are wondering what's next. Here's what you need to know. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the tissues that form blood cells.

Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms. Bladder cancer is more prevalent than you might realize, although it does not get as much public attention as breast and other types of cancer. Fortunately, bladder cancer is highly treatable when caught early; so it pays to be familiar with its common symptoms.

Studies suggest the mango may be effective in preventing the growth of colon cancer cells. An added benefit? It may ward off breast cancer, too. It may be time to add mangoes to the growing list of superfoods. This delicious tropical fruit has long been known for its high fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content. Now, a laboratory study is showing that it may also be effective in preventing or killing certain colon and breast cancer cells.

With all the emphasis on early cancer screening, it’s no surprise that at-home screening tests are becoming widely available. However, just because you can screen yourself for some cancers, does that mean you should? With all the emphasis on early cancer screening, it's no surprise that at-home screening tests are becoming widely available. However, just because you can screen yourself for some cancers, does that mean you should? Ways to Self-Screen Currently you can purchase screening tests for breast, prostate, colorectal, and urinary cancer at your local pharmacy or on the Internet.

Recent study confirms pain relief benefits of marijuana. The first U.S. clinical trials in more than two decades on the medical benefits of marijuana confirm the herb is effective in reducing muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and pain caused by certain neurological injuries or illnesses, according to a recent report issued by Igor Grant, a psychiatrist who directs the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California-San Diego.

Massages are a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself. However, did you know massage also has therapeutic benefits for cancer patients? Massages are a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself. What you may not know, however, is that massage also has therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. Massage Therapy for Cancer Numerous studies have shown massage therapy to be beneficial for cancer patients.

Soda has become ubiquitous and the rate at which we drink these sugared beverages continues to rise. Many health experts are concerned about a link between soda consumption and increased risk for cancer. Soda has become ubiquitous in our society, and the rate at which we drink these sugared beverages continues to rise. Many health experts are concerned about a link between soda consumption and an increased risk for cancer. Several studies have linked carbonated soft drinks with a significant increase in the most common type of cancer of the esophagus in white men in the U.

Pain management is an integral part of cancer treatment, so it's important to tell your doctor if you're in pain or if your discomfort changes. If you recently learned you have cancer, you may be concerned about the extent of pain you'll experience. While most cancer patients do experience some pain, with proper care, you can control 70 to 90 percent of your cancer-related pain. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong.

Misconceptions about breast cancer are widespread. Here are a few of the most common breast cancer myths and the truth behind them. Misconceptions about breast cancer are widespread. Here are a few of the most common breast cancer myths. Myth: If I get breast cancer, I'm going to die. Truth: The chances are that you probably won't. Today, about 98 percent of breast cancer patients are still alive after five years, and the 10 year survival rate is 85 to 90 percent.

Physicians routinely use the simple urine test to monitor patients’ health and diagnose disease. Recently, however, scientists have discovered that urine tests may be helpful in detecting cancer as well. Physicians routinely use the simple urine test to monitor patients' health and diagnose disease. Recently, however, scientists have discovered that urine tests may be helpful in detecting cancer as well. A urine test reveals physiological changes in the body that may indicate health problem and can serve as an early warning system in patients who don't have symptoms.

Researchers have found that milk thistle may prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced liver damage. While chemotherapy is a critical component of cancer treatment for many patients, the medications are very powerful and often cause side effects, including liver damage. Currently there is no remedy for treating liver toxicity. However, researchers have found that the herb Milk Thistle may prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced liver damage.

What are the chances that this popular vegetable could be a potential cure for skin cancer? Read on to find out. Scientists have discovered that a phytochemical called solasodine glycoside, found in common fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and eggplant, has cancer-fighting properties. These properties have been discovered in natural substances before, but when extracted and developed into treatment therapies, they often prove ineffective.

Does soy prevent breast cancer or does it contribute to breast cancer? Find out here. The role of soy in breast cancer is controversial in the medical community and confusing for consumers. Does soy prevent breast cancer or does it contribute to breast cancer? For every study that supports one position, there seems to be another supporting the opposing view.

Amidst gloomy reports about the rates of cancer, there is a ray of good news. Over the past several decades, the incidence of colon and rectal cancers (colorectal, or CRC) has declined significantly. Amidst gloomy reports about the rates of cancer, there is a ray of good news. Over the past several decades, the incidence of colon and rectal cancers (colorectal, or CRC) has declined significantly. CRC is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America.

Sex has innumerable benefits, and growing evidence is proving that improved heart health is one of them. While evidence has been building about the overall health benefits of sexual activity, including easing depression and stress and relieving pain, a new study has found that men who have sex twice a week have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. ...

You probably don't associate asthma and cancer, but researchers may now have reason to believe that a new form of cancer treatment may also help improve your breathing difficulties. You probably don't associate asthma and cancer, but researchers may now have reason to believe that a new form of cancer treatment may also help improve your breathing difficulties. In fact, a new cancer trial drug called R-Roscovitine seems to make a real difference in controlling asthma symptoms.

There are numerous causes of infertility and almost as many treatments. Some women are concerned that pursuing infertility treatments may increase their risk for uterine cancer. If you’ve taken, or are considering, infertility treatments, here’s what you need to know. The inability to conceive is frustrating and disappointing for any woman who aspires to raise a family. So, it's no wonder why many couples turn to fertility treatments to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. There are numerous causes of infertility and almost as many treatments.

Women with ovarian cancer often have a poor prognosis because they aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat. Now, a new treatment regimen prolongs the life of women with certain types of advanced ovarian cancer. Women with ovarian cancer often have a poor prognosis because they aren't diagnosed until the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat. Now, a new treatment regimen prolongs the life of women with certain types of advanced ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Ovarian epithelial cancer, which forms in cells that line the ovaries, is rare; it accounts for about four percent of all cancers in women.

Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer. It's impossible to eliminate our exposure to all potentially harmful substances. However, we can take steps to reduce our risk from common cancer-causing substances.

Electrical pollution from cell phones and WiFi known as "electrosmog" is hazardous to our health, according to recent research. Electrosmog is invisible pollution in the form of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) resulting from the use of wireless technology such as cell phones, cordless phones, wireless networks, and mobile/cellular phone masts, towers and transmitters. Just as smog from car exhaust and manufacturing pollution has been shown to cause health problems, recent studies show that electrosmog is hazardous to our health.

Women who have survived breast cancer are understandably concerned that they will develop a second breast cancer. However, recent research shows that by limiting their alcohol consumption, breast cancer survivors significantly reduce their risk recurrence. Women who have survived breast cancer are understandably concerned that they will develop a second breast cancer. However, recent research shows that by limiting their alcohol consumption, breast cancer survivors significantly reduce their risk recurrence.

HPV is commonly linked with cervical cancer. Recently, researchers are fearful of HPV-related throat cancer. By now, you've probably heard of HPV—the human papilloma virus—which is the primary cause of cervical cancer and the target of Gardisal, a relatively new vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. However, physicians link HPV to other types of cancer as well, including cancers of the head and neck.

If you're experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you may unnecessarily jump to the conclusion that you have prostate cancer. That said, BPH could be a warning sign of things to come. Men who have an enlarged prostate gland or difficulty urinating may may jump to the conclusion they have prostate cancer. There are other conditions other than cancer, however, that may cause these symptoms. They also require medical attention. Normal prostate changes Two common changes in a man's prostate are part of the normal aging process: prostatis and BPH.

Hitting the weights most likely wouldn't be the first thing you'd do after breast cancer treatment. Oddly enough, however, experts say that this may be just what you need. In the past, physicians feared that upper body physical activity following breast cancer treatment put women at higher risk for lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the arm. Fortunately, numerous studies have put this fear to rest. What is Lymphedema? The lymphatic system is part of our body's immune system and helps us fight infections.

There’s nothing quite as scary as hearing the words “brain tumor.” Although cancer in the brain is a very serious condition, there are effective treatment options available. A tumor in the brain can be a primary tumor--meaning it originated in the brain--or a secondary tumor. Secondary tumors originate somewhere else in the body, such as the lung or breast, and spread to the brain through the blood stream or lymph system.

In an ideal world, we could prevent cancer instead of just treating it after the fact. For men, the possibility of one or more vaccines for preventing prostate cancer is looming large. Numerous prostate cancer vaccines are in development and in various stages of clinical trials. A clinical trial is a rigorous scientific study of a potential therapy using human subjects. Clinical trials begin after scientists have accumulated enough data in lab studies to believe the therapy will be effective and not cause undue harm.

There's good news for post-menopausal women who are at high risk for developing certain types of breast cancers. Researchers say a common spice may protect against some breast cancers. Even better, this ingredient is probably already in your kitchen pantry. Approximately six million women in the U.S. have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. However, a combination of estrogen and progestin HRT may predispose women to develop progestin-accelerated breast cancer.

Although 35,000 people in the U.S. develop brain cancer annually, physicians generally diagnose it after symptoms appear, when it’s usually too late to cure. Signs of brain tumors vary depending upon where in the brain they occur. Symptoms mimic those of other diseases, making brain cancer difficult to diagnose. Brain tumors produce neurological deficits by destroying brain tissue, stealing nutrients from normal brain cells, or exerting pressure in the brain.

If you don’t want to watch your health go up in smoke, resolve to quit today. It's a well-known fact that people with diabetes have a higher-than-average risk of cardiovascular disease. But when you add cigarettes to the equation, the picture gets considerably grimmer. "We think of diabetes as a disease of glucose metabolism but in fact it's a vascular disease, especially type 2," says Dr.

“Mammograms save lives.” This is the prevailing message from the medical community to women about breast cancer screening. But is it the right message? In July 2009, BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) reported that breast cancer is over-diagnosed and is correlated to the increase of breast cancer incidence in some communities. According to this study, physicians over-diagnose one in three breast cancers.

Stopping melanoma is a fight you can take on yourself. Here, tips on how to keep your skin cancer-free. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the leading cause of all skin cancer-related deaths. However, you don't have to live in fear of this disease. You can do a lot to prevent it in the first place. Here are a few tips to fight melanoma.

Arthritis sufferers have enough to worry about. However, research shows that those with RA may be at an increased risk for developing lymphoma. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be concerned about reports that suggest you are at higher risk for also developing lymphoma. Before you worry unnecessarily, here's what you need to know about the link between these two diseases. What is Lymphoma? Lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects white blood cells, or lymphocytes.

A cancer diagnosis is not just a life-changing event for the patient; it can also change a family. Changing Roles Chances are cancer has caused you (or someone in the family) to suddenly become a caretaker. You may providing emotional and spiritual support, daily care, or both. Caregiving is difficult emotionally and physically and can take a toll on your own health and quality of life.

Until recently, the traditional mammogram was the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Today, digital mammograms are also an option. Which is better? Physicians use mammograms in two ways: to screen women who have no signs of breast cancer and as a diagnostic tool to check for cancer after a woman or her physician notice other symptoms. The medical community has long advised women to begin screening for breast cancer at age 40 unless they have known risk factors, such as a family history of cancer.

Melanoma is often thought of as just a skin condition. What most don't know is how this form of cancer can occur in other places as well. Melanomas are the most serious type of skin cancer. However, melanoma also shows up in unusual places. Doctors often call them hidden melanomas because they are found in places you don't normally expect or check. Eye. Although rare, melanoma can occur in the middle of the three layers of the eye, called the uvea or uveal tract, which includes the iris (colored area), ciliary body (muscles that change size of pupil and shape of lens) and choroid (blood vessels that feed the eye).

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you! Would you like to inspire thousands by sharing your story? There are no better, more inspiring stories than those that are personal. At QualityHealth, we understand that you, our readers, have your own tales that are both unique and powerful, but most importantly, can serve as an inspiration to others.

Now that the cancer diagnosis has set in, it’s time for you to begin treatment. If your doctor has prescribed chemotherapy, here’s a brief look at what you can expect. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to cure cancer, control cancer or ease the symptoms of cancer. In addition to destroying tumor cells, chemotherapy also damages healthy cells. Both can cause side effects. Every patient experiences chemotherapy differently.

The coming years promise to bring a great many things to the health realm. Here, some of the most startling forecasts. When it comes to the future of our overall health, some say that technology has both blessed us and cursed us. On the one hand, technological advancements continue to show us amazing ways in which we can beat diseases and improve our quality of life. On the other hand, it has encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which has caused obesity rates (and the illnesses associated with them) to skyrocket, and it has contributed to climate changes that are threatening the stability of our ecosystems.

Brain cancer is one of the deadliest forms; however, it usually gets caught when it's already too late. Find out what you can do to prevent the worst from striking you or a loved one. Senator Ted Kennedy announced his intention to introduce legislation encouraging comprehensive cancer research weeks before suffering a seizure caused by an aggressive form of brain cancer. Kennedy's battle and eventual death helped raise awareness about deadly brain tumors.

There's more reason than ever to get your daily five servings. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to good health. Now, women have more reason than ever to make sure they get their daily five servings. Folate-rich diets have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancers. Citrus fruits, peas, beans and leafy green vegetables are all high in folate; a water-soluble B Vitamin that plays a key role in copying DNA.

Genes play a large role in whether or not someone is susceptible to a particular disease or condition. Find out if your family history raising your risk of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The National Cancer Institute predicts more than one million new cases in 2009. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is a primary risk factor for skin cancer.

If you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is a lot you'll need to consider. Read on for tips on how to cope with the most common complications. Prostate cancer treatment affects each man differently. Some sail through treatment with few, if any, side effects or complications. Others are may experience a litany of treatment related issues. The good news is that most problems caused by prostate cancer can be managed and often disappear following treatment.

More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2009. But there are things you can do to prevent the disease. Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is a frightening experience. But a diagnosis of skin cancer may be particularly scary, because in many cases, the patient has limited knowledge about what contributes to the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignant form of cancer in the United States, surpassing lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

For cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, a glass of vino each day may help keep side effects away. Radiation is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment. You may receive radiation therapy along or in conjunction with other cancer therapies. Radiation therapy uses high-energy waves to kill or damage cancer cells so they cannot divide. Although radiation therapy is effective for many types of cancer, physicians often use it to treat head and neck cancers, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and Hodgkin disease.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has announced he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Find out what you need to know about chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Until early November of this year, most people had never heard of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a rare form of cancer. However, when basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stunned fans by revealing he was receiving treatment for the disease, his announcement quickly thrust CML in the spotlight.

Controversy is brewing about whether routine PSA testing for prostate cancer is beneficial and whether it saves lives. The unanswered question is, do the benefits of testing outweigh the risks of follow up diagnostic procedures and prostate cancer treatment? The PSA tests measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen in a man's body. An elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer, but other conditions also increase PSA levels.

Find out what links your diet and your risk for developing this form of cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the number of cases worldwide is growing. In 27 of 51 international cancer registries, colon cancer cases increased between 1983 and 2002. This rise is more pronounced in areas that are advancing economically, such as countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and South America.

Learn about a surprising side effect of this common therapy. Menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have had plenty to worry about for the past several years. But now, they may have reason to celebrate.  A new study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, confirms what scientists have suspected for a while:  Older women who take hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms may have a significantly reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer.

How can this procedure help you? Find out here. A sigmoidoscopy is a tool physicians use to screen for colon and rectal cancer. You can think of a sigmoidoscopy as the little brother of a colonoscopy, which is the most familiar and widely used procedure for colon cancer screening. Like a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy examines the colon using a lighted tube and camera.

Find out how you can catch prostate cancer before it takes hold. Currently, there are two primary screening tools for prostate cancer: the PSA test and the Digital Rectal Exam. Doctors typically use both tests during an examination. A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in a man's body.

Learn how to catch this form of cancer before it takes hold. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a form of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of our body's immune system. Lymph nodes store white blood cells in clusters, or nodes, in the lymphatic system. Most lymph nodes reside in the neck, underarms and groin.

Emotions run high after recovering from breast cancer and rightfully so. Here, a guide to coping with changes in body image and treatment-related sexual problems. The National Cancer Institute reports that about half of women treated for breast cancer experience some form of long-term sexual dysfunction. Increasingly, younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are particularly vulnerable to, or distressed by, treatment-related sexual problems.

This simple blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced in the prostate, present in a man’s body. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is one of two primary screening tools for prostate cancer. This simple blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced in the prostate, present in a man's body. Men typically have an initial PSA screening at 50, or earlier if there's a family history of prostate cancer.

Colonoscopy isn't the only way to screen for colon cancer. The colonoscopy is not the only screening tool for colon cancer. If you're not familiar with the other procedures, it's not surprising. A report in the July 2009 issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that most primary care physicians don't discuss all the screening options for colon cancer endorsed by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and usually just recommend colonoscopy.

General health problems that put your sexual health at risk — and what you can do about it. Consider this: Thirty to 50 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction. Men in their 40s who have erectile dysfunction (ED) are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to men without ED. These are just a few examples of how your sexual health relates to overall health.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardisall, a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. We know for a fact that HPV—human papilloma virus—causes cervical cancer. Although less common, HPV can also cause other cancers as well. What is HPV? HPV is actually 100 related viruses. Each represents a different type of HPV. Some of them cause warts or papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors. HPV viruses live in the moist cells (called squamous epithelial cells) that line the organs and cavities in our body that open to the outside, such as the mouth and anus.

Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer confirms previous research showing that diabetes increases the risk of breast cancer. In this study elevated insulin levels in the blood appeared to raise the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Find out if getting some support is the boost you need to kick the habit. Why should I participate in a support group? When you begin smoking, it becomes a big part of your life. Giving it up is very stressful. For many long-time smokers, quitting is a major life change. Support groups provide an avenue to share experiences with other people who know what it's like, and who have struggled with the same physical and emotional challenges that you have.

Who would have thought that your allergies could be a blessing in disguise? If you suffer from severe allergies, you may find it hard to understand how your discomfort could actually turn out to be a real blessing.  But some researchers believe that the sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat and tiredness that go along with different types of hay fever and allergic reactions could actually be protective.

Here's a simple way to get to know your moles. If you're like most people, you have between 10 and 40 moles. Moles can be skin-colored or different shades of pink and brown, they can be raised or flat, and can change over time. Some changes are natural, but some can be indications of melanoma—the most deadly form of skin cancer.

As fans mourn the passing of Patrick Swayze from pancreatic cancer, learn about this deadly disease and how to reduce your risk. After a courageous battle, Patrick Swayze has died from pancreatic cancer. The Ghost and Dirty Dancing star was diagnosed just eighteen months ago in March 2008. Initially, doctors were optimistic about Swayze's prognosis. However, pancreatic cancer is widely held to be one of the deadliest cancers around.

Younger men who are very active sexually seem more prone to prostate cancer. It may seem like a cruel joke, but various studies are finding that the amount of sex you have may influence your prostate cancer risk. Men in their 20s and 30s who have a very active sex life are more likely to get prostate cancer, while men in their 50s who keep up even small levels of sexual activity have lower rates of the cancer.

Just because some are more notorious than others, doesn't make these cancers less deadly. Farrah Fawcett lost her battle to anal cancer in June after a two-year, very public struggle. Her story and the accompanying media coverage raised awareness of this rare type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts 5,290 new cases of anal cancer in 2009.

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, or thermography, may be the best breast cancer screening tool you’ve never heard of.   Although it is not widely used, studies show digital infrared thermal imaging, or thermography, is more effective than mammography--the current gold standard for breast cancer screening. Thermography detects early changes in the breast that increase a woman's risk for developing breast cancer.

Here, the link between diabetes and pancreatic cancer and a diabetes medication that can lower the risk. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer for men and women in the U.S. For years, pancreatic cancer and diabetes have been linked, but it still remains unclear about whether one disease causes the other. Last year there were over 42,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in the U.

A few alternative prostate cancer treatments are proving effective in scientific studies, providing men seeking natural remedies for prostate cancer more hope. Prostate cancer is the second most common type of malignancy for men behind skin cancer in statistics held by the American Cancer Society. Researchers have set out to determine whether some alternative prostate cancer treatments, such as DHEA, lycopene and acupuncture, can be effective.

Study shows that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more at risk for depression. Learn how to avoid secondhand smoke and improve your overall health. You probably already know that secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer, trigger asthma attacks, and increase your risk of allergies, respiratory irritation and infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Now, a study presented at the annual American Psychomatic Meeting shows that smoking can make you more likely to suffer from depression.

It's not possible to be addicted to tanning...is it? You know that relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling you have when you leave the tanning salon? It's not just in your head. Believe it or not, tanning is on the growing list of addictive behaviors. If you tan in a salon, you're not alone. More than one million Americans seek that day-in-the-sun look year-round.

Tanning addiction can cause serious health issues. Will teens be banned in order to protect them? Find out here. Does your teen visit a tanning salon to keep a golden glow year round? If so, he or she is not alone. In 2003, more than one quarter of teens between 15 and 18 visited a salon. Tanning bed use is increasing in teens, especially girls. So is the incidence of skin cancer.

Here’s a look at the five deadliest cancers and the factors that may increase your risk. With the passing of senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy a few years ago, the spotlight shone on brain cancer--one of the deadliest cancers. The survival rate for the most common form is very low, especially past the age of 55 where it's just one percent.

Is brain cancer treatable? The death of Ted Kennedy has sounded the alarm of this rare disease. New advances in treatment offer more hope than before. Although there has been a double-digit decline in all cancers, treatment and prevention remain major concerns for most people and health professionals. Recently, the focus has been on brain cancer after Senator Ted Kennedy passed away on August 25, 2009.

An overview of the most common causes of penis pain and treatment. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes penis pain or penile pain as any pain or discomfort in the penis. Pain can range from mild to severe and may affect different areas of the penis and be accompanied by other symptoms such as burning or lesions.

If you suspect, or have been diagnosed with, testicular cancer, you’re probably concerned about how the disease may affect your sexual desire and performance. Fortunately, most of the news is encouraging. Cancer and Sex Cancer and cancer treatment, regardless of the type of cancer, can cause physical and psychological sexual dysfunction. Your hormone levels may change; therapy may make you tired or cause pain; and medications, depression, changes in body image and some types of surgery may directly affect your sex life.

Learn how to protect your fertility when you have cancer. If you have cancer, surviving the disease is naturally your first priority. But some patients also need to know how to preserve fertility from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, research suggests that many oncologists are not properly advising cancer patients about their fertility options—even when those patients are just children or adolescents.

Research indicates that chemicals in sex toys can be dangerous. Sex toys, or sexual aids, are increasingly popular in the post-Sex and the City era. But, are sex toys dangerous? That's what a study commissioned by Greenpeace in the Netherlands set out to discover three years ago. The world-renowned organization recruited a research organization, TNO Built Environment and Geosciences, to investigate the presence of phthalates in sex toys, including vibrators and dildos.

Although the recently developed cervical cancer vaccine has been heavily marketed to young women and teen girls, it hasn’t gained a foothold among the population of older women. But, that may soon be changing. Although the recently developed cervical-cancer vaccine, known as Gardasil, has been heavily marketed to preteen and teen girls as well as young women in their early to mid twenties, it has not gained a foothold among the population of older women. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration currently approves the vaccine only for girls and women aged 9 to 26.

You know that cigarettes are harmful. But do you know why? Degreasing engines, dry cleaning clothes, removing nail polish, preserving dead bodies and controlling pests: do you know what these seemingly unrelated activities have in common? They all use toxic, hazardous chemicals-chemicals you subject your body to every time you smoke a cigarette.

The next time you’re in the produce aisle or the local farmers’ market, don’t pass the following fruits by. There's a world beyond the same old apples and oranges you've been buying forever. For starters, certain fruits have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and even ward off certain cancers. So, the next time you're in the produce aisle or the local farmers' market, don't pass the following fruits by.

See how far the benefits of this disease-fighting protein can go besides promoting bone health and rich nutrition. Soybeans are legumes, such as peas, beans and lentils. They are one of the world's most important crops. Soybeans are consumed many different ways including edamame (young green soybeans), soy milk, soy nuts, soy yogurt, soy cheese, tempeh, miso, tofu and in a variety of meat substitutes such as veggie burgers.

Numerous studies over the past seven years have produced conflicting results as to whether certain antidepressants reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug women with breast cancer often take. More than 500,000 women in the United States take tamoxifen. It is the oldest and most prescribed treatment for breast cancer and can reduce the risk of a woman developing breast cancer again by about 50 percent. However, tamoxifen causes side effects, especially hot flashes, which may become very uncomfortable.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the safety of autoimmune disorder drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the safety of TNF blockers, drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's, to determine if they are associated with an increased risk of cancer in children and young adults. What are TNF blockers? TNF, or tumor necrosis factor, is a naturally occurring protein in the body and may play a role in inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn's and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Find out how this one procedure can make all the difference. Colonoscopy is the most thorough and reliable form of screening for cancers of the colon and rectum. The good news is that although colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer, it's also highly preventable and treatable when detected early.

See what stem cell research can have in-store for cancer treatment. What are stem cells? Stem cells are immature cells that develop into specific cells to form organs and tissues in our body. The National Cancer Institute likens them to starter dough in baking. Stem cells help the body repair itself. Stem cells are different from normal cells in several important ways.

Getting a colonoscopy is one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer. However, there are a few things you should know before heading into this procedure. Doctors recommend that everyone have an initial colonoscopy at 50—sometimes earlier if you have risk factors, such as Crohn's disease or a family history of colon cancer. People with Crohn's begin colon cancer screening when they've had Crohn's for at least eight years, with follow up colonoscopies every one to two years.

If you have Crohn’s disease, you are probably already familiar with what it’s like to have a colonoscopy. Physicians use this procedure to diagnose bowel disease and it’s invaluable in screening for colon and rectal cancer. Unfortunately, having Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) puts you at greater risk for developing colon cancer. In fact, it's the third highest risk condition for this type of cancer (the good news is that it's highly treatable when caught early). Your increased risk depends on how long you've had Crohn's and how much of your bowel it has affected.

With so many women being diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it may seem inevitable that you or someone you know will get it. The good news is there are many things you can do to help prevent the disease. With so many women being diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it may seem inevitable that you or someone you know will get it. The National Cancer Institute predicts almost 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year, and more than 40,000 will die.

A new help for cancer patients may be on the horizon. We have nearly eradicated many serious and deadly diseases such as measles, mumps and polio thanks to the widespread use of vaccines. Researchers are now working hard to also developing vaccines to treat or prevent cancer. If you or a loved one has cancer, or you are at higher risk for developing cancer, here's the low down on cancer vaccines.

If you’re trying to quit smoking to reduce your risk of lung cancer, a journal may be an invaluable addition to your smoking cessation toolbox. Do you believe you can write your way to better health? Scientists say that writing in a journal confers numerous, documented health benefits-one of which can be quitting smoking. According to the American Cancer Society, only four to seven percent of people who try to quit smoking on any given attempt are successful without medications or some form of help.

After 20 years of treating breast cancer with less invasive techniques such as a lumpectomy, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Now, many women are opting to have both breasts removed after they develop cancer in one breast. If you are facing breast cancer, here’s what you should know. The procedure to remove both breasts is called contralateral (the corresponding part on the opposite side) prophylactic (preventative) mastectomy. Women choose prophylactic mastectomy to reduce their risk of, and their fear that, they will develop cancer in their other breast.

Secondhand smoke can be just as deadly as lighting up. What is secondhand smoke? Secondhand smoke comes from two sources: the smoke exhaled by a smoker, and the smoke given off by the actual cigarette as it burns. Inhaling secondhand smoke is also called passive or involuntary smoking. Like Reeves, approximately 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women with lung cancer never smoked.

There may be a new way to reduce your risk. The benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are complex and confusing. HRT, used to relieve symptoms of menopause, was the subject of the famous Women's Health initiative, a large-scale study that was halted in 2002 when HRT was shown to increase a woman's risk-and delay diagnosis-of breast cancer.

From symptoms to treatments, here's a rundown of what every woman should know. A cancer diagnosis is always scary but ovarian cancer is particularly frightening because it's difficult to detect in its early, most easily treated stages.  Once a woman knows she has it, it's often too late to cure.  The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually and 14,600 women will die from it.

How are these most feared diseases related? Among the causes of death that threaten individuals 35 and older, heart disease ranks number one, killing about 900,000 American every year. Cancer, responsible for claiming the lives of 550,000 yearly in the U.S., comes in second place. But heart disease and cancer share yet another bond: Ironically, the quest to cure cancer has sometimes given the incidence of heart disease a boost.

There are many types of surgical procedures physicians can perform to treat people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Here’s what you need to know about J pouch surgery. Seventy percent of Crohn's patients eventually require surgery to manage their disease. However, surgery may induce remission and provide relief from difficult symptoms, significantly improving patients' quality of life. One such method is J pouch surgery.

Can you utilize the power of antioxidants for breast cancer treatment? We routinely hear reports about antioxidants protecting us from serious illnesses, such as cancer. Many women have taken this information to heart and regularly take antioxidant vitamins and supplements. However, there are conflicting reports as to whether antioxidants help-or hurt-during chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.

The very latest in colorectal cancer developments. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common, and second deadliest, type of cancer. CRC includes all cancers of the colon and rectum. The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 106,000 patients will be diagnosed with CRC in 2009. However, the overall survival rates for cancers of the colon and rectum are increasing, thanks to early detection and improved treatment options.

Natural relief from chemotherapy-related nausea is as close as your kitchen. This wonder herb eases stomach upset—and a whole lot more. Zingiber Officinale. Unless you are an herbalist or botanist, you probably are not familiar with this plant by its official name. However, the plant's humble stem is a key ingredient in many ethnic dishes and you would quickly recognize its distinctive taste and smell.

You know exercise is good for your heart, but did you know it also plays an important role in preventing and treating breast cancer? Breast cancer statistics can be scary and may leave you feeling like you have no control over whether or not you develop this disease. However, simple lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet can help put you in charge of your own health.

You can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer--using your diet. The expression "you are what you eat" takes on new meaning when it comes to preventing breast and other cancers. Earlier this year, the American Institute of Cancer Research announced that about one third of the most common cancers in the United States are preventable through proper diet, physical activity and weight management.

Reducing your alcohol consumption reduces your risk of developing cancer. In our society, alcohol has taken center stage in so many of our social activities. Occasional alcohol consumption is relatively harmless. However, if you've been imbibing frequently, you may be putting yourself at higher risk for developing cancer. How Does Alcohol Affect Your Risk for Cancer? Researchers suspect alcohol increases cancer risk in several ways—the actual risks vary by type of cancer.

Those who stand in the limelight also stand up to—and for—cancer. From First Ladies to top athletes to Hollywood's biggest entertainers-cancer has proven to be an equal-opportunity disease. Rather than retreating from the public eye, however, many have used their star power as a platform to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

Colon cancer--common and highly curable Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 106,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. The symptoms of colon cancer mirror those of other disorders, which may cause patients to delay seeking prompt medical attention.

When it comes it sun exposure, too much of a good thing can lead to skin cancer. While it does not get quite as much press as breast or prostate cancer, skin cancer is actually the most common form of cancer. Physicians diagnose about one million people with non-melanoma skin cancer every year and attribute about 90 percent of these cases to sun exposure.

Don't let outdoor activities put you at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. In fact, more people develop skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. The American Cancer Society attributes most cases of skin cancers to sun exposure. While it's impossible to avoid the sun-and you shouldn't-you can protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays.

This silent disease is more common than you may think. It sneaks up on unsuspecting women with little warning and is the fourth leading cause of death in women in United States. Ovarian cancer kills more women than all gynecological cancers combined. Despite these morbid facts, you can take steps and make lifestyle choices that lower your risk of becoming another statistic in the battle against ovarian cancer: Motherhood.

Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes? Genetic screening determines your risk of developing certain cancers based on inherited genes that, when altered, are associated with cancer. The actual test is just a simple blood test. However, making the decision to be tested, and what to do with the results, is not simple at all.

You may be at higher risk, but there are ways you can protect yourself. The bad news is that people who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are at higher risk for developing colon cancer. The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Colon Cancer Primer Colon cancer tumors form in the epithelial cells of the large intestine.

If caught early, colon cancer has a very high cure rate. Learn what signs to look for. Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 106,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2009. The symptoms of colon cancer mirror those of other disorders, which may cause patients to delay seeking prompt medical attention.

This silent disease is more common than you may think. Learn how you can protect yourself. It sneaks up on unsuspecting women with little warning and is the fourth leading cause of death in women in United States. Ovarian cancer kills more women than all gynecological cancers combined. Despite these grave facts, you can take steps and make lifestyle choices that lower your risk of becoming another statistic in the battle against ovarian cancer.

Gene research continues to shed light on breast cancer, skin cancer, and other major health conditions. New genetic test identifies melanoma risk in pre-menopausal women Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in America and, in some cases, it can be deadly. Researchers at the NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered that a genetic variation almost quadruples the risk of melanoma in women under age 50.

You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history. Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.

Each year we hear of the latest in medical innovations. Although these improvements amaze us at times, the majority of Americans will never come in contact with the latest breakthroughs…or so you think. In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming demonstrated penicillin’s antibiotic properties. However, it was not until 1942 that the now common antibiotic was available for mass production. Likewise, the first approved flu vaccine was developed by the United States military during World War II; however, it was not available for the public until the late 1950s.

The next time you have a craving for deli meats, think twice. There could be health dangers lurking behind that deli counter. Here is the information you need to know before you make or buy your next sandwich. Meat Menace Your seemingly harmless deli meat may have a secret that could harm your health according to a growing number of health officials and researchers. Processed meats can be bad for your heart according to the American Heart Association due to their high levels of sodium and fat.

While medical advancements are constantly being made, Americans continue to fall behind on some basic health measures. How healthy are you? No, really. Your health goes beyond having the sniffles, an upset stomach, or a strained muscle. What's the state of your overall health and well being? Well, if you're anything like most Americans, it's not great—and it's getting worse as more people are being diagnosed with diseases like diabetes and asthma, are exercising less, and are gaining more weight.

Research suggests that certain foods can help reduce your cancer risk. While there's no single food that can protect you against cancer completely, a growing body of research suggests that certain edibles can help to reduce your risk. Some of these foods and spices may thwart the onset of the disease, while others can help to limit the spread of cancer cell growth.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year. What's the cost of poor health? A lot more than you may think. The nation's 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

A diet rich in whole grains can help lower the risk of some serious health conditions. Numerous studies continue to reveal the many health benefits of eating whole grains. While the benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least three servings daily, according to the Whole Grains Council, some studies show reduced risks of certain conditions from as little as one serving daily.

Could you be sick and not know it? Some diseases can sneak up on you without a single warning sign or with symptoms so nonspecific that it may take your physician precious time to figure out what's ailing you. Since early detection often results in more effective treatment, illnesses that slip under your (and your doctor's) radar can be especially dangerous.

Are French fries dangerous? Can popcorn make you sick? Find out which foods may cause cancer. Don't smoke. Always wear sunscreen. Maintain a healthy weight. These types of preventative measures can protect you from approximately half of all cancers. But what about your favorite foods, like popcorn, French fries, and bacon? According to a growing body of research, what you're eating could put you at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Not getting enough z's? You could be doing serious damage to your health. With a long list of to-dos and not enough hours in the day, you might be tempted to skimp on the amount of z's you get. Besides, you can sleep when you're dead, right? But, if you sleep less than six or seven hours a night, death might come sooner than you think.

Some may be hard to believe, but all are true. Maggots can heal wounds. Yawns are contagious. Laughter can keep the doctor away. Perhaps you've heard some of these before and have seriously doubted their verity. Is it possible, though, that they really are true? Read on for five of the strangest—yet truest—health facts: Drinking too much water can be harmful.

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits. One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.

Could today's innovations be hazardous to your health? Read on to get the real story. From famines and floods to wars and pandemics, the world has always been a dangerous place. But these days, the very innovations we rely on for modern convenience may be ruining our health. Is your cell phone or iPod making you sick? Could your deodorant, antibiotics, or bottled water be toxic? Read on to uncover the five most frightening modern health threats.

Working with your doctor to choose the appropriate treatments may help increase your chances of long-term survival. One of the most frightening diagnoses a woman can receive is that of breast cancer-not only because of the grave medical implications, but also because of the potential to lose all or part of her breasts. However, thanks to heightened public awareness and numerous breakthroughs over the past few decades, breast cancer is often survivable, and even if a mastectomy is necessary, plastic surgery can often correct irregularities or scars.

Late-shift workers put themselves at risk for certain illnesses. Is there anything they can do to protect their health? Trying to get enough sleep while working the late shift can feel like trying to swim upstream. Simply put, the human body is meant to be active during the daytime hours. In fact, humans' circadian rhythms (the body's biological sleep clock) are naturally programmed to promote sleep at night.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it's important to know the facts. Read on as we separate fact from fiction. A diagnosis of cancer can be frightening for both patients and their loved ones. But according to experts, many of the fears surrounding the disease are caused by misconceptions about the condition and its treatment. By learning the facts, you can ease your fears, cope with your diagnosis, and manage the disease more effectively.

Treatment for this rare form of cancer has advanced significantly in recent years. Bone cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the bone that destroys normal bone tissue. About 2,300 new cases of primary bone cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. "Primary" refers to bone cancer that actually begins in the bones.

Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Here, a guide to the disease, from screening to treatment. Colon cancer, also known as colorectal or large bowel cancer, is the third most common form of cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Nationally, there were 112,000 cases of colon cancer and 41,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2007, the organization estimated.

When it comes to UV exposure, is your town savvy or foolish? Find out here. It's no secret that protecting yourself from the sun can make you look years younger, not to mention lower your risk of skin cancer. But as it turns out, certain cities are savvier about UV protection than others. Which locations are the most and least UV aware? It's not just a matter of getting the most sunshine (sun-drenched locales like Miami and Tucson didn't make the list).

Find out how you can reduce your risk of acquiring this disease. Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer, and it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death. Breast cancer, which starts in the cells of the breast in men and women, is by far the most common cancer among women.

They could be nothing—or they could signify a serious health condition. Between 1994 and 2004, deaths due to cardiovascular disease declined by 8 percent, and from 1995 to 2001, the overall cancer survival rate improved by 15 percent. These medical victories owe much to a greater public awareness of warning signs, and consequently, earlier diagnoses.

Today's patches, gums, and inhalers may help smokers who want to quit but need to wean themselves off nicotine slowly. Quitting smoking isn't easy. More than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, yet only 5 to 10 percent are successful in any given attempt, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite these odds, more than 46 million Americans have managed to quit smoking for good, helping to decrease (or even eliminate) their risk of developing a range of serious health conditions.

Simple screw-ups are a part of life, but in medicine, these mistakes can be fatal. Learn how to protect yourself. Doctor mistakes can mean the difference between life and death, and sadly, these errors are all too common. According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, medical mistakes in hospitals alone are the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, exceeding those by car accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS.

Get the inside scoop on how certain countries manage to stay so slim. When it comes to obesity, it might seem as if America is tipping the scales-and for good reason. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States is the ninth fattest country in the world (second only to Kuwait and some South Pacific isles).

Could your state be decreasing your life expectancy? Find out if it's time to move. On average, an American can expect to enjoy about 78 years of life on this planet, according to a report by the United Nations. Factors such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices can extend or abbreviate this amount of time, but did you know that the area in which you live can play a part as well? Here, the states with the shortest life expectancies, as determined by the U.

More people are being diagnosed with brain tumors than ever before. Find out why. Both Senator Ted Kennedy and golfer Seve Ballesteros have undergone surgeries to remove brain tumors in recent months. The frightening diagnosis of a brain tumor is one that no one ever wants to hear. And, yet, it seems like it's becoming increasingly more common among people well-known and people unknown.

The relationship between human papillomavirus and cervical cancer is a complex one. Get the facts now. Human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, has gotten a great deal of attention lately, especially with regard to the HPV vaccine. But what exactly is HPV, and how is it related to cervical cancer? What is HPV? HPV is a large family of more than 100 viruses that infect the skin.

The outlook for people diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly, but when will we find a cure? Virtually everyone will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives, whether through a personal diagnosis or a loved one's struggle with the disease. So when we read magazine articles proclaiming earth-shattering discoveries that will lead to a single, reliable treatment, we want to believe them.

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Any cancer patient knows that chemotherapy means two things: a potential cure for cancer and side effects. Thankfully, there are several strategies to help minimize these adverse effects and get you back on your feet. Chemotherapy works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells, which grow and divide quickly.

Heartburn—or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), if it occurs regularly—is a common digestive disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The symptoms are all too familiar: a burning sensation just under the breastbone startles you awake in the middle of the night, or an unbearable acidic or sour taste in your mouth. Your stomach feels bloated, full. This scenario repeats itself for several nights, possibly over several weeks and months.

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