Archive for the ‘Cancer and Tumors’ Category
False Beliefs About Breast Cancer (I)
Worldwide, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the second leading cause of death in women. Knowledge and early detection of tumor is the best prevention. And to achieve this we need to be informed. Today we will see some major misconceptions about breast cancer.
“Breast cancer cannot be prevented.”
FALSE. Periodic monitoring for early detection becomes the only way to treat it on time and increase the chances of a cure. The survival rate 5 years after diagnosis and early treatment is 96%. You are conducting studies with drugs that could
prevent breast cancer.
“If there are no symptoms should not worry.”
FALSE. 75% of nearly 18,000 women each year who are diagnosed with this disease had no known risk factors or symptoms. It is therefore important to monitor periodically, although in some cases the disease is announced from any symptoms such as lumps in the breast, changes in color or texture of the skin, hard or persistent axillary nodes, among others.
“There is no right age to start with the controls.”
FALSE. The WHO recommendations and Intersociedades Argentine Consensus indicates that we must perform a mammogram every year after age 40. If a woman has a family history of breast cancer begins ten years before the age of onset of disease in your family. Due to the particularity of each woman’s age and the frequency may be determined by your doctor.
“Self-examination is not used to detect breast cancer.”
FALSE. The method is used to detect breast cancer early, but is valid for awareness regarding breast care.
“The ultrasound replace mammography”
FALSE. They are two different types of techniques with specific purposes and uses, and often complementary at the discretion of the physician, but ultrasound does not replace mammography.
Factors that Increase the Possibility of Developing Breast Cancer (II)
But preventive measures can be taken to prevent breast cancer have a limited impact, know that you can always do something to prevent the risk: choosing a healthy lifestyle, not snuff, with exercise and good habits. Today we will talk about the factors that increase the possibility of breast cancer.
Mammography from age 50
X-ray of the breast is a good method for early detection and, like MRI, has significantly improved the prognosis of the disease, but their age and frequency of application are discussed within the medical community because, among other things it is a chest irradiation, which is a risk factor. Although some experts advise to do it after 40 or 45 years, its benefit is unproven. Instead, it is beyond doubt that should do it every one or two years between 50 and 65 years of age.
Self-exploration and exploration
since it is not harmful, as is generally recommended for women of childbearing age in conjunction with breast self-examination each period, and postmenopausal women, once a month. It is also important to see a doctor once a year for a full gynecological examination.
When they jump the warning signs
No time to waste. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after you notice the presence of a lump, redness or retraction of the skin or nipple changes in any discharge, however small or that seem harmless such alterations.
Overweight: the enemy n ° 1
once the woman stops having periods, the amount of fat that accumulates in your body is related to the incidence of breast cancer. The more fat women have more estrogen is produced by exposing the breast to a greater amount of these hormones; the excess is related to the disease.
Breastfeeding: a healthy habit
The long-term breastfeeding decreases slightly the risk of breast cancer while women are in their childbearing years, subject to breast-feed her child during at least one year.
What are the Most Common Breast Conditions
There are several breast conditions and each has its own treatment. But most important is to take preventive measures by breast self-examination and medical consultation at least once a year.
What are the most common breast conditions?
MASTITIS: These inflammations or infections. Are identified by their red color of the skin and cause severe pain and edema. To treat the condition, prescribed medication, vitamins or a gel may be prescribed to relieve pain.
DYSPLASIA: These are the most common. Are named to alterations in the structure of the breast (the normal state is soft, smooth and even) producing agglomerates, lumpy changes. Tri-fold to the two, in one or in a very tough, very restrictive and the characteristics of a nodule. To address this breast disease, medication prescribed therapy can vary in vitamin E, A and B6, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory.
NODE: A localized hardness, a lump, a well circumscribed in one place. It may be a cyst with fluid or mild dysplasia. Cancer begins as a nodule, therefore, is essential to clarify the nature quickly. The treatment for this condition varies from anti-estrogen medication, anti-inflammatory oral antibiotics. Sometimes a tri-fold using local cream based on progesterone.
Fibroadenoma Fibroids are presented commonly between 25 and 30 years and sometimes are mistaken for a benign tumor, therefore, should be treated and operated to exclude all doubts. They are located very well and it looks hard. As for their treatment is identical to the previous condition.
Cysts are lumps cno water inside. Not operate, only made a puncture to remove fluid. Some special cases are treated surgically. As for their treatment is identical to the previous condition.
BREAST CANCER: They have many characteristics and variability. The positive is that with early screening are detected easily without harming health. In relation to treatment will require several treatments simultaneously.
Factors that Increase the Possibility of Developing Breast Cancer (I)
The woman who flees from overweight, exercise, take protective qualities of plant foods, avoid alcohol, self-examination and meeting the medical examinations, reduce the risk to his chest. The incidence of breast cancer has tripled in the last 50 years, and although it is suspected that environmental factors such as diet, may influence the increase in cases, not yet identified with certainty the agents that cause it.
Moreover, although preventive measures you can take to prevent breast cancer have a limited impact, know that you can always do something to prevent the risk: choosing a healthy lifestyle, not snuff, with exercise and good habits. Today we begin to talk about the factors that increase the possibility of breast cancer.
In most genetic risk, more control
Between 5 and 8% of breast cancers are hereditary. Women with a history of the disease in three or more first degree, it is advisable to undergo a genetic test, consisting of a blood test to check if they carry mutations in their genes that predispose to illness. In these cases should begin breast exams as advised before the rest of the female population, and conducted a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) after 25 years, which helps to detect tumors when they are smaller and therefore more curable.
The disadvantages of late pregnancy
other factors are reproductive. A menarche (first period) early and late menopause, primarily a large interval between the first period and first pregnancy, at which breast cells are differentiated and no longer can become malignant, are factors that can trigger breast cancer.
In the early twentieth century reached menarche at age 15, and first pregnancy at 18-19, so that the period for which there is a carcinogenic stimulus was 3 to 4 years. Now, menarche is ahead of the 12-in appearance is influenced by a higher intake of calories, and first pregnancy
# Is more late-around 26 years on average, but sometimes much later, because, among other things, the incorporation of women to work, so the risk has increased sixfold.
Increased Risk of Lung Cancer by Removing the Ovaries
According to recent reports that women ovaries removed and undergo premature menopause because of this, amounting to almost double your chances of getting lung cancer.
An investigation by the University of Montreal determined, after evaluating 422 women with lung cancer and 577 healthy women, the menopause raises the risk of this cancer. You can specify that it is only in cases of premature menopause by removing the ovaries, but also the natural premature menopause.
It also ruled that factors that have to do with menstruation or pregnancy figures involved in cancer risk. But it was confirmed that women who were younger at the time of onset of menopause developed lung cancer.
This discovery could lead to a future women opt for surgery does not take care of the ovaries and increase their rate of lung cancer risk. Further studies on this subject are expected to elucidate what causes menopause increase cancer cases. So far no one knows what is the determining factor, only that there is an increase in the case of young women with menopause and is something that should be investigated in depth.
Treatment of Psoriasis Contributes to Cancer Risk
Psoriasis Treatment
Patients with psoriasis do a long-term therapy called PUVA, which is associated with increased risk of cancer. Specifically fatal malignant melanoma and skin cancer at least mortal known as carcinoma, squamous cell. Patients get this treatment to relieve symptoms of the disease. Even studies of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center showed that even the new treatment systems raise the risk.
In therapy, patients receiving ultraviolet light and photosensitizing psoralen (the radiation treatment of type B does not increase the risk.) The drugs used in treatment (mycophenolate or cyclosporine) are associated with increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders. These conditions increase the production of lymphocytes, those that respond to infection.
Not yet known for certain whether the new therapies biopharmaceuticals, using genetic engineering, developed a malignant disorder. Further studies are needed to determine this relationship. The ‘inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor’ itself could increase slightly the risk of blood cancer or skin melanoma.
Skin cancer: foods against cancer of the skin
Some foods may slow the development of some cancers and prevent or combat skin cancer. For example, fruits and vegetables and whole grains have been known for natural ability to prevent and fight against skin cancer. Because of their phytochemical composition, these types of foods better protect the body against cancer in general and against skin cancer in particular.
Foods low in fat and those that are rich in fiber are the best to ward off skin cancer. As dietary fiber are moving the intestine faster, carcinogenic toxins can not accumulate or be stored too long in vital organs. Eat these foods regularly will better prevent skin cancer.
Several studies have shown that consuming green tea (especially if you add lemon) helps in preventing skin cancer. People who regularly drink green tea or black tea (those who drink at least 2 cups a day) will have a better chance of avoiding skin cancer. The teas are rich in antioxidants and fight the cancer cells. They really make a difference, especially if you add a slice of lemon (also rich in antioxidants).
The high content antioxydans in some fruits may also protect against skin cancer. Extracts of grape and pomegranate can block the inflammation of skin cells caused by UVB and fight against the development of skin lesions resulting.
Carotenoids are a type of molecules found in fruits and vegetables in yellow, red and orange. Eating fruits and vegetables of these colors can increase the presence of these molecules in the skin, improving protection against ultraviolet (UV).
Tomatoes are considered most effective in neutralizing free radicals caused by UV rays. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, one of the most potent antioxidants. Lycopene triggers enzymes (in the body and around the cells) which neutralize carcinogens and allows them to be excreted quickly from the body (especially if your diet is rich in fiber). Transforming natural tomato sauces tomato (marinara sauce, ketchup, etc..) Greatly increases the amount of lycopene per serving.
One study showed that eating tomato paste each day increases by 30% the level of skin protection against sunlight. Consuming this food also increases significantly the levels of collagen, another crucial factor in maintaining the integrity of your skin.
Peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which gives them the pungent taste. In cancer cells of the skin, it induces a state of apoptosis, a process also known as programmed cell death. In short, peppers (especially the more spicy) push cancer cells to commit suicide. So if you like spicy food, you’re lucky. If you do not like spicy food at all and can not stand the peppers, you can learn to love the spices and then the cancer cells of the skin will be very difficult to grow.
Another study focused on the fact that certain vegetables, like onions and broccoli, may prevent skin cancer.
Reduce consumption of alcohol is also recommended to fight against skin cancer. People who drink large amounts of alcohol are 65% more likely to suffer from skin cancer.
Polyunsaturated fats are considered a good fat, but they can also weaken your immune system so do not eat too much either vegetable oils.
Types of Melanoma
Melanoma, showing the shape, volume and color variables, can develop in the skin surface.
In men usually appear on the trunk, from shoulders to hips, head or neck. Conversely, women especially in the legs or trunk. You may not exclude other parts of the body, can also be developed under the fingernails, palms or soles of the feet.
It is important to remember that this is not a contagious disease, so there is no risk of contact with people who suffer from it. There are several types of melanoma:
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Research has found a group of risk factors, or circumstances that make a person more likely to develop tumors.
Age: Risk increases with age. Most breast cancer occurs more than 50 years, at 60 the risk is higher and very rarely below 35 years, although there is a possibility.
Sex women: more likely to develop breast cancer. Men could also suffer, but the probability is one out of every hundred women.
Family history: probably rise if the sisters, mothers or women suffering from this disease. In addition, this risk increases if the family has had cancer before menopause has been done, or has affected both breasts.
Causes of Aggressive Breast Cancer
According to new research by U.S. scientists, a hormone responsible for milk production blocks a gene that makes breast cancer more aggressive. The discovery could lead to better diagnostic tests for breast cancer and new treatments for disease.
It is the hormone prolactin, which normally stimulates breast development and milk production, and found to reduce levels of a known oncogene BCL6. Previous studies have shown that BCL6 plays an important but poorly differentiated in breast cancer, and women who develop breast cancer have a poor prognosis.
By far, the role of prolactin in breast cancer is done through the pathway of a protein called Stat5, the researchers said, and the deactivation of Stat5 is associated with a poorly differentiated breast cancer.