Cancer + Original Articles

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.

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 National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 21, 550 new cases of ovarian cancer in 2009, and approximately 15, 000 women will die from it.

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.

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 new 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.

Ted Kennedy’s dies from a rare but lethal cancer. Here’s a look at the five deadliest cancers and the factors that may increase your risk. With the recent passing of senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy, the spotlight is again 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. Brain and spinal column cancers are extremely rare--according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

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. It's a loss keenly felt in the cancer community as Kennedy was an avid advocate for a cure.

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.

If detected early, many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Cancer is a disease characterized by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy or carcinoma. There are more than 100 types of cancer, and some of the most common forms include breast, lung, skin, and colon cancer. Fortunately, the risk of developing many types of cancer can be reduced through lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or adapting a healthier diet.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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. The public was stunned when Dana Reeves, wife of actor Christopher Reeves, died at age 44 from lung cancer. Reeves was never a smoker. Her death was a reminder that nonsmokers are not immune from lung cancer, especially when exposed to secondhand smoke.

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 ninety 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.

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, a look at the disease by the numbers. Lung cancer—the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung—is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the United States, the disease kills more people each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer combined.

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.

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 a 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 eight most frightening modern health threats.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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. Many experts say adults should get 1,000 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.

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.

Breast cancer death rates have been declining, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatments. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Breast cancera malignant tumor that starts from cells in the breastis the most common type of cancer in women, after nonmelanoma skin cancer. It's also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, following only lung cancer. Fortunately, death rates from breast cancer have been gradually declining in recent years, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatment methods.

There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. An estimated one in eight 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 lower your risk. Follow these tips to prevent breast cancer and to support finding a cure: Maintain a healthy weight.