http://buzzingniches.com/ Articles at Buzzing Niches Article Directory en-us http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/lower-your-cances-of-getting-breast-cancer.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/lower-your-cances-of-getting-breast-cancer.html Sat, 24 Apr 2010 10:33:35 -0600
In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5'10" weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of "Your Personal Guide to Wellness" notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

"Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer," notes Thun, "and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer.... Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals". There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains - in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars - the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of "What Color is Your Diet", says "It appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer". At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become a health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

2. Match your diet to your body's requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don't use the remote control to change TV channels.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, "Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes" shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn't. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it's never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight. Staying healthy means longer life.

For more information and learning about medical miracles see us online. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-checks-more-than-a-matter-of-style.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-checks-more-than-a-matter-of-style.html Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:57:09 -0600
Your personal inclinations and individuality can help you determine the kind of personalized checks that you want to carry. There is no lack of themes to choose from. There is pretty much something for everyone, from spiritual themes to animals. However, there are some check themes that are more than just a pleasant image. For example, if you order Breast Cancer checks, most companies actually donate money to various breast cancer foundations.

Apart from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst American women. As a matter of fact, 12% of American women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. That is 1 in 8 women. Someone you know has probably been diagnosed with breast cancer.

After lung cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause of women's cancer related deaths. Hope prevails, nonetheless. Breast cancer deaths have decreased steadily since 1990 and it is possible that early detection due to breast cancer awareness has helped lead to this decline.

Progress has been more abundant in the fight against breast cancer than in any other cancer. For one reason, there are many foundations and organizations that are out there helping to educate women on screenings and the early detection process. There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

If you choose to get personalized bank checks that feature breast cancer awareness, you should be aware that proceeds from the purchase can go to the treatment, education, and research aimed at finding a cure. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is one of the popular foundations that 10% of the breast cancer awareness checks goes to.

There are several different breast cancer awareness designs that you can choose from when ordering your checks. Everything from angel-themed checks to pretty retro-themed checks are available for purchase.

The pink ribbon checks are the most popular, however. Although simple in design, the pink ribbon is the globally recognized sign of breast cancer awareness.

Some companies will even let you create a customized message over the signature line, giving you another way of personalizing your checks. If you have lost a loved one to breast cancer, or if you want to share part of your own survival story, this can be a good way to get the message out.

If you would like to carry Breast Cancer Awareness checks, make sure that you do some research online first. Purchasing personalized checks online will usually save you money. Most check websites can save you 50% on checks than if you order them from your own bank. You'll generally get them in the same amount of time as well, about 2 or 3 days. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survivor-fundraiser-ideas-that-really-work.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survivor-fundraiser-ideas-that-really-work.html Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:16:49 -0600
There can hardly be a family in the world who have not now been touched or affected by breast cancer. The condition is certainly more common now than ever before and we shouldn't forget that men too - not only women - are starting to present with the problem. The press and media recently featured the example of a husband and wife in the UK who both developed a breast tumour.

Around the world too there are countless organizations and charitable bodies who have the goal of raising money to support breast cancer research. Every year they bring in millions of dollars in cash and pour it steadily towards the doctors and hospitals who specialize in cancer care. Some of them work on a purely local basis, others function on a national scale or beyond. All of them need large amounts of income to maintain their role and are always striving for new ways to keep the funding levels high and growing. They seem to constantly seek innovative ways to raise the capital required.

Few of the cancer support groups can match the worldwide fame of the Komen Foundation. Susan G Komen was a woman who had breast cancer. She built what was to begin with a small scale fund raising project. Nowadays the Komen organization is the biggest and most important of the world's cancer charities. They have become well known in part due to the road races they run in many American cities. In the UK, Race For Life is a similar concept.

The running events include such a broad variety of distances that generally there is something to suit almost all of us. Start with a short jog, extend away to a 5 mile or even 10 mile test and go on upward to a half marathon, full marathon or even a very long distance challenge. Simple local events like these earn the foundation countless millions of dollars in funds each calendar year as well as working to generate local and nationwide attention. Movie star participation generally guarantees that the press provide the event with a good deal of coverage.

If you can't imagine coping with even a short run then you can have the choice of participating in long distance sponsored walking spread around a couple of days. Quite a few of these types of charity walks grab the attention of tens of thousands who take part. One in the United kingdom is known as the Moon Walk. It begins at midnight and almost all those people that do it put on embellished and amazing bras.

But of course, lots of us earn money to support breast cancer on our own as well as within teams. You might simply want to get involved with a local fund raising event and convince your pals to sponsor you. At the end of the day, every penny counts.

If you feel able to donate money for breast cancer research then please do so - every donation is vital. You might be the last dollar that makes the difference to finding a cure. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-risk-factors.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-risk-factors.html Sun, 04 Apr 2010 08:57:38 -0600 Breast cancer is considered the second deadly disease in women. It is not known yet as to the exact cause for breast cancer. Some women that do not have it in their family can still develop breast cancer. There are, however, identified risk factors for breast cancer that all women should be aware of.

Knowing a woman's history of breast cancer her family is one of the risk factors to identify. If a close relative have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the woman should let her physician know. This way her physician can keep track of her health.

Another risk factor would be if the woman has a personal history of breast cancer. Depending on her first diagnosis and treatment, there could be a chance of reoccurrence in the same breast if it was not removed, the other breast, or in other areas of the body if the cancer has spread. It's important that the woman who had battled with breast cancer go in annually for a check up.

The two gene tests are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. This test will determine if the woman or family member is the carrier for the breast cancer gene. If this is positive, it will help the doctor and the carrier to determine how to detect breast cancer early in the family.

Abnormal cells in the breasts can be one of the risk factors. One of the diseases called atypical hyperplasia can turn into cancer cells. If a woman finds lumps in her breasts, it is best to see her physician and have the lumps determine whether or not it is breast disease, cyst, or malignant tumors.

Woman who live an unhealthy lifestyle and are over weight are considered a risk for breast cancer. It is important for women to know this fact so they can lose weight and eat healthy in order to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer.

Other risks includes early menstrual cycle in girls, delay in having kids until her 30's, never having children, delay in menopause after the age of 55, women taking years of menopausal hormone therapy, and race can all be high risk factors in getting breast cancer. A woman should always consult with her physician if she feels she may be at risk for breast cancer. It is recommended that a woman performs monthly self breast exams to identify changes in her breasts. If there are any changes or concerns, she should immediately consult her physician. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survivors-blog-for-others.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-survivors-blog-for-others.html Sat, 03 Apr 2010 05:59:17 -0600
Hospitals along with treatment centers have created a very wide range of guidance facilities and lots of benevolent organizations or even voluntary teams additionally assist patients to deal at every stage within the breast malignancy voyage. Outreach along with help and support expertise usually are offered extensively by hospitals and treatment centers, with charities and voluntary groups also helping women to cope as they experience all the different stages in their breast cancer treatments. Nevertheless, a growing number of, women tend to be reaching out to support each other by way of running a blog or perhaps also web-based sites talking (blank) their very individual ordeals through breast disease and its countless treatment options.

So just exactly why does this kind of thing take place? Could it be introduced (blank) through the characteristics belonging to the disease or even possibly might it be simply the particular sea alteration in modern day communities relationship with I.T. which has caused women in later life to be content to spend a few hours each day blogging, posting on twitter or running a Bebo page? No matter what the trigger, the phenonmenon exists and is likely to be a developing pattern.

Would you be able to write in relation to your experiences if it happened to you? Following early reluctance and possibly a small amount of shyness, the actual response is yes for quite a few women. The action of logging or recording an individual's private thoughts is equally self healing and supportive for others. Medical practitioners and nurses can try his or her very best in order to guide you yet there is something distinctive, some thing powerful in experiencing how another woman managed a similar thing you are experiencing.

From hair loss to hot flushes, from joint pains to brittle finger nails - these blog sites have it all covered. The content is not world class journalism. Sometimes it's very raw and hard to read - but it's real and it's incredibly authentic both in the way of writing and in the intent to reach out and support.

If you have breast cancer - or any other chronic disease for that matter - then you really should give some thought to starting a blog or an online journal. It's easy to get started and you'll be amazed at how sharing your pain with a wider audience can help both them and you to cope. Don't hold back - give it a try today. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer--symptoms-you-need-to-look-out.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer--symptoms-you-need-to-look-out.html Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:33:41 -0600
Lobular Carcinoma will start in the part of the breast which is called lobules. In certain rare cases breast cancer can also start in other areas of the breast. Early detection of breast cancer is the main key to getting it into remission and leads to much higher rates of survival. You should always do self breast exams and if you are over the age of thirty-five you should get a yearly mammogram.

The best chance of survival is to search for the problem in the early stages such as stage one or two. If this is found in stage one, then you have a pretty high chance of survival, so this is good news for you.

The hormone estrogen in certain types of chest cancer cases actually causes the cancer to grow at a very rapid rate. This is called HER2-positive cancer. The name comes from a gene who's job is to make the cells grow, divide and finally do repairs on themselves. When a cell goes haywire and begins the duplication process to many times and cancer is present this will cause the gene to duplicate and rapidly grown the cancer. Research shows that women that have this type of cancer have a much higher chance to come out of remission. This problem is also seen as much more aggressive

The very beginning stages of this problem cannot be seen or felt but as the disease progresses these symptoms may or may not appear. You may notice one or both of your nipples changing in size and appearance, the breasts may start to feel very lumpy. You may also feel lumps in your armpits. The lumps may be very tough and hard to the touch and your nipples may begin to drip or leak.

As the evil disease of this horrible problem begins to progress one may begin to notice some if not all of these differing symptoms. The bones may become very painful, the breasts may feel very uncomfortable, a swollen arm. This may be the one that is closest to the breast with cancer in it, the creation and development of skin ulcers and the loss of weight more than likely rapidly and unintentionally.

Cancer treatments may include the following: Hormonal therapy to block certain hormones that fuel cancer growth, targeted therapy to interfere with cancer cell growth and function, radiation therapy which helps to destroy all of the tissue that has cancer in it, chemotherapy which helps to destroy the cells causing cancer and surgery to eradicate all traces of the cancer. This may include a lumpectomy or a mastectomy depending on personal choice and the severity of the cancer. Also, hormonal Therapy and Targeted therapy may be discussed and tried.

At age twenty and over start and continue with monthly breast exams. Women who are thirty five and older need to get yearly mammograms. Depending on your families history with breast cancer you may wish to consult your physician regarding what types of early testing you can do. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/mastectomy-bra-choices-how-to-find-clothes-after-mastectomy-surgery.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/mastectomy-bra-choices-how-to-find-clothes-after-mastectomy-surgery.html Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:22:48 -0600
For most women that have needed mastectomy surgical treatment there are various difficulties to be prepared for. Following the initial stages of recovery when most women will use no prosthesis, or simply use a soft fabric breast form for comfort and ease.

Deciding upon and fitting a suitable prosthesis is sometimes postponed for several weeks until the chest wall heals and until chemotherapy or radiotherapy is over.

Nearly all women who've had to have a mastectomy will wear specially adapted underwear. This is intended to permit them to dress in regular apparel and to get back to a sense of feeling normal - even so the choice is generally problematic.

Mastectomy bras are made utilizing pouches in the cup area to support a breast prosthesis.

There is a large selection of styles and shades of mastectomy bras and a growing number of are being included in the market all the time. Design and fit changes are continually advancing too. If you're unsatisfied with the ease and comfort and fit of your latest mastectomy bra, then I would recommend that you continue your search.

The silicone breast prosthesis simulates the natural bust in its contour and weight. The primary advantage of prosthesis is usually to supply evenness and good balance to the breast cancer survivor's physique. Getting the most suitable prosthesis is essentially important to your final comfort level.

With a good fitting prosthesis, and a well-designed and fitted mastectomy bra, you'll be helping to stabilize your posture and provide security for your chest and breast cancer malignancy scars. As well, you can reduce your chances of back troubles and shoulder and neck problems. And also, your favorite pre-surgery attire will continue to suit you well. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screenings.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-screenings.html Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:05:45 -0600 breast cancer would undergo different tests to determine if and where the cancer has spread. Here is a brief overview of the different types of image tests:

Before women choose their breast cancer treatment with their physicians, they have chest x-rays to determine their heart and lung capacity. This test evaluates the lungs, heart, ribs, and diaphragm and is the most common diagnostic x-ray examination. It produces images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels and spinal and chest bones and is generally completed within 15 minutes. This procedure is painless and physicians can have results almost immediately.

The mammogram is an x-ray test that is used for women with signs or no signs of breast cancer. It is recommended by the National Cancer institute that women above age 40 get a mammogram every one to two years. It is also stated that women of higher risks may need to be checked more often or earlier than age 40. Physicians insist that if you are at higher risk, the most effective way to identify breast cancer early is through both a clinical breast exam and mammogram.

Bone scans are unique in that they create pictures of all the bones of the body, which show if the cancer has spread from one organ to a bone. A physician injects radioactive material into the patient's blood vessel that travels through their bloodstream. Pictures are produced from a scanner that detects the material collected in the bones.

A Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is a machine that rotates around a patient and takes several pictures of the body. The pictures are then merged and sliced into different parts of the body, which are usually the chest and abdomen in breast cancer patients. The process of this type of imaging test lasts for a longer time period than other x-ray exams, as the patient lies still on a table that moves in and out of the scanning machine.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan uses radio waves and strong magnets that are turned into detailed pictures of the body to check for tumors. If the patient has been already diagnosed MRI scans can be used to determine the size of the tumor.

The ultrasound is a common and cheaper imaging test used to create sonograms that produce pictures of soft tissues that are not always shown on x-rays. For most breast cancer patients, ultrasounds are used to check if the lumps are tumors or cysts, as well as inspect lumps that do not show up as well on mammograms. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

PET scans are not as detailed as CT or MRI scans, but is useful for finding out where the cancer has spread across the entire body. The way this is done is by injecting the patient with a substance of sugar and radioactive material and after 45 minutes of the substance flowing through the body, the PET scanner translates the radiation it detects into pictures. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/inflammatory-breast-cancer.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/inflammatory-breast-cancer.html Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:37:17 -0600 Inflammatory Breast Cancer . It is a type of breast cancer that is inflamed or swollen and has a red appearance instead of a lump form. It is harder to detect because you can not feel it like a lump. It is an aggressive cancer although it is a rare form of breast cancer.

Some signs to look for are: bruising around the breasts, pain, difference in texture and thickness of the breast, nipple discharge, burning sensation, and aching. If any of these symptoms occur, you must go seek a physician right away.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer is primarily diagnosed by a doctor's examination, with biopsies, mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to confirm the doctor's diagnoses. The treatment of IBC is done through many different therapies. There are chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery.

Chemotherapy treatment is usually the first step in treating IBC. Chemotherapy is usually given intravenously to kill all cancer cells in the body. Because chemotherapy can not target just the bad, cancer cells, all of the cells in the body are destroyed. This can lead to one of the side effects of hair loss.

After chemotherapy treatments are completed, the next step in fighting breast cancer is surgery and/or radiation therapy. Surgery can be the removal of the breast and surrounding tissues. Radiation therapy is more targeted to the cancer area than chemotherapy.

The problem with IBC is that it can spread to other areas of the body faster than other breast cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, the survival rate for patients with IBC is between 25 to 50 percent. They also note that although the survival rate is low, the statistics they give are based on a large number of patients and should not be applied to a person's specific situation and urge people to consult with their doctor for their particular condition.

To emphasis on early detection, it is recommended that women at all ages should perform a monthly breast self exam. This monthly exam will allow women to detect any changes in their breasts. If a woman find anything unusual or feel any discomfort, she should see her physician as soon as possible. ]]> http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/when-you-re-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer.html http://buzzingniches.com/disease-and-illness/breast-cancer/when-you-re-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer.html Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:00:52 -0700
Telling friends, family and work colleagues

Telling someone that you have cancer is a very difficult thing to do. Many people are shocked and find it difficult to know what to say. Give them time and whatever you do, don't feel guilty for how they feel about it. Accept that some friends may find it so difficult to deal with that they may begin avoid you. This is their problem and not yours. Don't waste time worrying over their friendship because the people who do stick around are your true friends. If it's easier then ask a close friend or family member to let everyone else know. They can also act as an information point because people will want to know how you are at various stages of your treatment.

Understanding your treatment plan

You will be given a team of doctors that will include surgeons, oncologists, specialist breast care nurses and radiographers. These are your team, they are experienced and have seen and dealt with many cases like yours. Remember, they're used to questions so don't be afraid to ask them anything you need to know. If you have any questions about your treatment plan then your breast care nurse is your first point of information. If she doesn't know the answer to your question, she'll find out for you.

Going in to hospital

For many people having surgery for breast cancer this will be their first visit to hospital. You'll be given all the information you need before being admitted and again you can ask your breast care nurse if you have any concerns. Take pyjamas that you feel comfortable in for after your surgery but remember you will need to be able to remove them easily for the staff to check your wounds so often button up pyjama tops are best. You might want to take some squash with you to add to the water that you're encourage to drink and take some magazine or light reading for when you're feeling a bit better after your surgery. Most wards have a contact number for relatives and friends which you can give to your family and friends should they wish to contact you.

After surgery

After coming home from hospital you will need to take things easy for a little while. Make sure that you have help at home and that you don't do any lifting or strenuous housework. You're body will tell you when you're ready to start doing light chores around the house. When people offer to do things to help you they really mean it so don't be afraid to let them. It often makes them feel better to be able to help.

Diet and Exercise

When you're starting to feel better then gentle exercise such as walking will aid in your recovery and make you feel better. Don't do anything too strenuous. Now is not the time to be worrying about losing weight or keeping fit. The main priority now is to look after you and to get well.

Future fears

There will come a time when your main treatment has been carried out and your cancer care team don't need to see you quite so often. For some people this can feel a little daunting because you've become so used to having regular checks and because you may have fears that your cancer will return. Again, talk to your breast care nurse. She will be able to tell you what to look out for and hopefully allay your fears. ]]>