Sunday, February 7, 2010

Lung cancer when radon invites himself home

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas accounts for 9% of annual deaths from lung cancer in Europe. This carcinogen kills miners for centuries. But it is also present in our homes, where, even at low doses, it is particularly dangerous.

Radon is a carcinogen

For the French population exposure to radon is a major source of exposure to ionizing radiation. Radon is a radioactive gas that is naturally concentrated in poorly ventilated habitats. And we spend 90% of our lives in buildings, 70% at home. But radon is a lung carcinogen. He represents the 2nd cause of lung cancer. Although it lags far behind smoking, radon is responsible for approximately 9% of deaths from lung cancer in Europe. In France, the annual number of deaths from lung cancer is attributable to residential exposure to radon vary from 1234 to 2913, ie 5 to 12% of the 25,134 deaths from lung cancer in France.

Low doses of radon enough ...

According to one analysis identified in an article published in the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (BEH), the risk of lung cancer increases by 8.4% for every increase of 100 Bq/m3 the measured concentration of radon, which is adjusted an increase of 16%. But in the homes of people with cancer, the average concentration of radon is 104 Bq/m3 cons 97 Bq/m3 in the control group. Thus, most deaths are attributable to exposures well below 200 Bq/m3: 47% occur among 76% of French who are exposed to concentrations at 0 and 99 Bq/m3, 27% among those exposed to 9% over 200 Bq/m3. If we divided the subjects into groups according to concentrations of radon to which they are exposed, we find a linear relationship between cancer risk and cumulative dose. In other words, there is no threshold of dangerousness. The risk is almost the same for concentrations between 100 and 200 Bq/m3 and for concentrations below 100 Bq/m3.

In France, the average exposure is 90 Bq/m3, with lower concentrations in urban areas than in rural areas. Some departments were classified with high potential for radon. This is particularly the case of Brittany and Corsica where radon is responsible for 20% of annual deaths from lung cancer.

Please note that smoking is a powerful co-risk factor, especially since it is ubiquitous.

Protection against radon

The impact of radon exposure on the health of the population requires the implementation of policy actions. The Nuclear Safety Authority (NSA) has developed an action plan for 2005-2008 interdepartmental coordinating the actions of various national bodies involved in this field. It is organized around 3 themes:

- Construct a new policy for risk management of radon in existing houses and new construction;
- Supporting and monitoring the implementation of regulations for managing the risk associated with radon in public places;
- Improve and disseminate knowledge about exposures and risks associated with radon.

Note that exposures can be significantly reduced in homes by means often simple:

* Increase the level of aeration.
* Breakdown under floors.
* Installation of barrier antiradon.
* Sealing of soils.
* Boucher cracks.
* Avoid porous materials.
* For new homes: building pressure with double ventilation system sumps and connected to an extractor to pump the radon coming from the basement to the outside.

Note that there are devices for measuring the concentration of radon in his apartment. They are "dosimeters" that can be purchased from one company that sells (Algade, Dosirad, Saphymo). You can also use a professional.

Statins: cholesterol cons and lung cancer!

Smokers who have too much cholesterol they have better luck? In any case they would more than other smokers. Why? Because they take a statin, an anti-cholesterol, and that this molecule also protects against lung cancer!

Statins and cancer

Smokers are the luckiest paradoxically those who suffer from high cholesterol because treatment confers protection against lung cancer.
The description of this new effect of statins is particularly interesting because except smoking cessation, we do not currently have any weapons preventive from this terrible cancer.

Lung cancer

Each year there are 28,000 new cases of lung cancer and nearly 150,000 deaths (or 26 times more than road fatalities). In 95% cases it is caused by tobacco. Smokers and former smokers are the most concerned, but also non-smokers from passive smoking victims.

A 55% reduction in risk of lung cancer in statin

This study examined a population of approximately 480,000 persons followed in a clinic for veterans between 1998 and 2004. Lung cancer was reported in 7280 of these subjects (1.5%) and 164,000 were receiving treatment with statins (34%). Among subjects in whom lung cancer was reported, 27% were taking a statin, against 34% of those without cancer. Regardless of all the risks that may affect the risk of lung cancer (smoking, age, sex, weight, diabetes, alcohol consumption ...), we see that taking a statin for more than 6 months is associated with a 55% reduction in risk of lung cancer. This effect of statins appears from treatment over 6 months. Then, it seems that more processing time is longer, the protective effect tends to increase. In contrast, the type of statin and dosage does not seem to intervene in this study.

These data are important and are similar to those obtained for other statins on cancer. Studies should continue on the protection afforded by statins against tumors. It is at least a good reason for motivation for those who take a statin daily.

Lung cancer: It also affects non-smokers

Lung cancer also affects people who have never smoked. However, the lung tumors of these patients are generally not the same as those of smokers.

Lung cancer is different in smokers and nonsmokers

If smoking is the most important risk factors for lung cancer, the disease also affects non smokers. It is estimated that 15% of patients with lung cancer have never smoked. However, as an increasing number of data suggests, lung cancer non-smokers are often different from those diagnosed in smokers: the abnormalities observed in cancer cells of these two categories of patients are not the same.

What are the risk factors of lung cancer among non-smokers?

Side risk factor, it is well established that passive smoking and exposure to radon pollution play an important role in the occurrence of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Exposure to asbestos, wood smoke and fumes of cooking oil could also pose a risk. However, all of these factors can explain only half of cases of lung cancers diagnosed among non-smokers.

The treatment of lung cancer is different there too?

Later treatment, it appears already that certain drugs are more targeted therapy effective in non-smokers. This is particularly the case of "inhibitors of EGFR (Epidermic Growth Factor Receptor). But a better understanding of the molecular characteristics of tumors developing in people who never smoked could lead to an improvement in their care. It would not only choose treatments best suited among those existing, but also to develop new therapeutic molecules specifically targeting tumors from smokers.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Most common treatment for breast cancer

With advances in research, there are many options for treating breast cancer and you are invited to choose depends on several factors. Recently, scientists have claimed that it represents a new line, found a possible treatment for breast cancer. Currently, there is a combination of treatments. The main treatments are surgery, hormone therapy, biological (Herceptin), radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They can be used individually or in combination, depending on several factors, as noted:

type of breast cancer today
menopause, whether or not there
Tumor size
Degree of cancer cells
stage cancer
whether specific receptors,
general health of the patient

All of these factors are taken into account, which must be taken to the doctor.

Cancer is a class or classes in order to classify and evaluate the tumor, and doctors decided to give appropriate treatment. Given the stage of breast cancer, whether the cancer has spread and how it grew. This note, as well as cancer cells appear when viewed through a microscope. There are three levels: low (level 1, the slow-growing), intermediate (class 2) and high-class (class 3), rapidly growing tumors. They have a higher risk of returning to the first treatment, and if the operation took place around the tumor come from the tax will probably prescribe chemotherapy to destroy remaining cancer cells and thus reduce the risk of return. Grades and stages of breast cancer provide a general rule, as it is impossible to generalize how tumors will behave.

If the cancer is localized to the breast and underarm lymph nodes, and then spread to my treatment without surgery and chemotherapy and radiotherapy in combination with other treatment methods. Most people, however, begin treatment with surgery, and there are different types of operations that May be offered depending on the location and size of tumors. Mastectomy when the entire breast removed with a possible reconstruction, later. Lumpectomy removed when the tumor itself, together with a small amount of surrounding breast tissue. And, of course, radiation is concentrated on the chest, is likely to be invited.

There are many factors that will be offered alternative treatment, especially as the patient feels his options after selecting the appropriate treatment. There is no right or wrong answer to this decision, and every woman feels differently. It can be overwhelming, removes the entire breast, even if it might be desirable to have a lumpectomy with radiation therapy for some women. Some believe that they do not want radiation therapy, while others will choose them if you stuck to your chest.

There are different types of breast cancer and other cancers in general. Mesothelioma cancer is a very different type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma Symptoms include chest pain, such as general, shortness of breath and cough. Symptoms of breast cancer, and specific things that, including in-depth on the skin, changes shape and size of the breast, thickening or lump in the breast, nipple, irregular, especially when the internal problems, such as in, pulled out a rash on the nipple or area, colored discharge (blood), lump or swelling in the armpit.

There are many facts about breast cancer, functions, symptoms and treatment of breast cancer, but not knowledge and research, there are many variants, suffer from this disease.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Alternative treatment for breast cancer

It is gratifying to know at least something like the subject of cancer, diseases, and special courses in the laboratory, constantly in the minds of many good scientists, physicians and oncologists. This is a breakthrough on different levels of advanced cancer drug breakthrough excellent news for the treatment of this deadly malignancy. Some of the latest innovations in modern cancer include ultrasound (successful in detecting and treating prostate cancer), as well as advanced forms of isolated performances that help significantly unique forms of treatment, which may then be proposed.

Scientists worldwide are studying, practice different techniques to get a better understanding of different and various forms of cancer and how it can best be treated. The trend away from formal methods of radiation and surgery is inevitable in full swing, with exciting new developments coming into the center of attention all the time. This, together with other medicines and holistic therapy really is growing in popularity, that is the essence of the spirit of alternative treatments for breast cancer.

The only way that some people do not realize that such an approach is an alternative therapy for cancer. Since it is known that chemotherapy and surgery, as well as hard drugs such as morphine, are traditionally the exclusive means for the treatment of cancer and the result is still very much about life or death. This misunderstanding can not be ignored, because it proves that there are other alternatives as effective, especially for such as breast cancer.

For a complete list of available clinics and programs, to seek wise, first with your physician to find or detect any anomalies, as well as exploring many alternatives. With this collective approach to professional evaluation to the best knowledge of your body, you are much better and stronger position in all the necessary resources to use in their fight against the disease.

How cancer affects every organ in the body, if it spreads, it is known as metastasis, is often a much bigger problem if unrecognized and untreated, and it's important for women to thermograph. Alternative medicine is afraid of mammography. Furthermore, as men, it is equally important for the proper screening for prostate cancer, so it is caught before it is even the possibility of proliferation.

Through the use of cancer drug breakthrough in the form of alternative therapy, diet and exercise program, chemotherapy, and when she needed surgery and, if absolutely necessary, that, in the stages of cancer the way will be derived from existence. I just know that there are other alternatives out there to take over some of the burden of this disease on individuals and families.

It should be noted that a lifestyle change just the thing to be able to contribute to the fight against this disease and that it is not impossible, with the help of a qualified nutritionist or dietician in order to offer better food for the entire system. This, combined with regular exercise and relaxation, like meditation and deep breathing can benefit the growth of cells in the body, and May even bring harmony and diseased cells. What would you like to look for cancer, it is important to treat them seriously, while at the same time, if at all possible, even more quietly.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Important factors in breast cancer survivors

Individuals who have been identified and forecast to have breast cancer, restoring a shock in the early afternoon. Fortunately, the shock wears off, and get support. That's good, because the support is exactly what cancer patient needs at this critical moment in his life. This support can be provided to friends, family or even support groups.

Treatment of breast cancer is much better than in the past, thankfully. There are a number of factors for the success of treatment depends, however, there is a problem. The patient must be strong enough to be subjected to the treatment provided for testing. That is, they are emotional and physical preparation.

Cancer is not the only requirement. In fact, all cancer cells, perhaps in some parts of the body. There are several factors that May cause effects on these cells, one of which has a weakened immune system.

This is not the only reason for people developing breast cancer, though. As May have guessed, there are some hereditary causes. For example, it May be that is passed from ancestors. There is a process, of course, but still open for treatment, because May seems.

Sometimes treatment for breast cancer causes more harm than good. He has more than one person, which ended with a disease associated with the treatment itself. Complications often, especially when the immune system is weakened by chemotherapy.

There are several alternative treatments for breast cancer, you can see. Alternative methods of treatment and the more traditional can be separated. These are the things you need to go to the doctor, at some point.

Breast cancer can be serious, or it May be less serious, but in any case must be know. You must know what is happening in your body and you know as soon as possible. Support groups at every step, and if they do not want to go home, you can always use it, leaving support groups. There is always someone willing to help, you should find them.

If you want to be cured of their disease, then you should take steps to reduce stress in your life and make sure it is healthy. That is, they should be in the full sense of the word, to be good. His world and not afraid. This is where support groups come in, and you will be especially useful in this painful time.

Delaying the tendency of people only exacerbates the problem of breast cancer. Does it only hurts you! Do not let him go, and I think that the problem is resolved. Get the help you need! Increased significantly with the proper attention and care, the chances of getting the form of exploitation.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Causes of colon cancer

The main cause of malnutrition is adopted.

As causes of colon cancer is considered part of the diet. It is assumed that high-fat meat and rich, and thereby increasing the risk of diet low in fiber. Although this hypothesis has not been definitively proved, the indication of their accuracy but quite clear. Other risk factors are also counted and alcohol addiction, asbestos, and the frequent consumption of nitrosamines, for example in the form of cured one assumes that about 80 to 90 percent of colorectal diseases on nutritional and environmental factors are due. The risk of cancer increases from the 45th Year of life.

Adenomas or colon polyps can become malignant.

People who have benign tumors of the colon (called adenomas), one also speaks of intestinal polyps, there have a certain risk that convert it into a malignant tumor and thus into a cancer. If such a benign tumor, for example during a colonoscopy, found, we recommend the removal of the adenoma or during the investigation, e.g using a small loop.

Ulcerative colitis increases the risk of bowel cancer.

Patients who have chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the so-called ulcerative colitis suffer, also are at increased risk for colon cancer. Ulcerative colitis is known as a precancerous condition. This term describes diseases that are considered as potential "preliminary stage" for the development of cancer. For this reason, needed regular check-ups in ulcerative colitis by colonoscopy.

The risk increases with family pressures already at a young age.
For certain family obligations, or inherited diseases, there is an increased risk of getting colon cancer:
  • People who have a particular gene, as evidenced so-called HNPCC gene, cancer to 80 - 90 percent of colon cancer. Conversely, at 10 to 15 percent of all cancer patients found that gene.
  • In some families, this often leads to benign tumors of the colon (adenomas), one speaks of "familial adenomatous polyposis coli. At the risk of colorectal cancer is affected by the transformation of benign tumors to malignant tumors in 70 percent. However, less than 1 percent of patients with colon cancer, such polyposis coli.
  • There are also some hereditary diseases in which occur particularly in the large intestine to the formation of benign adenomas. These can turn into cancer. These genetic diseases include Gardner's syndrome, in which the risk of malignancy is 85 percent, Turcot syndrome (about 70 per cent risk of malignancy), and the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with only a low risk of malignancy.

Regular inspections are necessary.

Must be based on these family-related risks from the fact that the disease affected much earlier to cancer. Therefore, risk groups should have from 25 years of age once a year to an ultrasound examination every two years and perform an endoscopy.