Aging and Disease

Cancer often refers to diseases that often occur as a result of the abnormal growth of cells in different body parts. Cancer may then take place in the lungs, the brain or breasts. This article will focus on two distinct cancers and their likely causes. Though the causes of cancer are dissimilar, depending on the cancer type, they nonetheless share one common factor. This is the hereditary factor.

It is difficult to ascertain the real causes of cancer. Still, heredity is cited as the principal cause. Family history places one at a high risk of developing cancer. Such cancers as brain and ovarian are often associated with hereditary factors. Cancer may also result in people who may have at one time or another suffered from the diseases. This makes prior history another cause of the diseases. Nonetheless, there are other factors that often linked to external environment that cause diverse types of cancer.

Cancer is again attributed to air pollution and smoking. Still, radiation and sunlight are also said to result in cancer. In the United States the most common form of cancer is lung cancer which is as a result of cigarette smoking. Of the lung cancer cases that have been reported in the US, cigarette smoking is responsible for 90% of them. Those affected the most are the active smokers. However, a 24% probability exists for passive smokers to also develop lung cancer. Conversely, 1% of cases linked to lung cancer are said to be caused by air pollution. Vehicle, power plant and industrial emissions are said to be the major air pollutants, the causes of lung cancer.

A victim’s personal situation can be linked to the development of certain cancers. Case in point, cancer in women is likely to be caused by hormones. According to reports, early menstruation and late menopauses in women is likely to result in breast cancer. Concomitantly, the use of hormone replacement therapy by post menopausal women exposes them to the risk of developing breast cancer. While there is no evidence in support of this, birth control pills are also said to be probable causes of breast cancer.

Factors such as heredity and prior history with the disease are said to be the principal causes of cancer. However, particular cancers have particular causes. Consequently, breast cancer may be said to occur as a result of the use of hormone replacement therapy, hormones and even the use of birth control pills. Conversely, lung cancer is said to be caused by smoking and air pollution.

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It’s difficult to say why one person would get Breast cancer and another would not. Sometimes it may seem that Cancer cannot be avoided but there are things that one can do to reduce the risk of this most painful and sometimes fatal disease. You can start by living a healthy lifestyle and taking charge of your health. If Cancer can’t be prevented, treatment is more likely to be successful if it’s found early.
Early detection is finding Breast cancer at an early state and is often easier to treat. Recognising symptoms and getting regular checkups help detect cancer early .Be aware of your body and don’t ignore changes, as the sooner a report is made to your doctor ,the sooner a problem can be dealt with.
Screening is the early detection of cancer by testing or checking for disease when one has no symptoms. Some cancers can be discovered this way and can be treated early.
It’s important to note that no screening test for cancer is 100% accurate. For example a screening test can show signs of cancer when there is none, or not show Breast cancer when there is.

Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer starts in the cells of the breast tissue.and covers an area larger than just the breast.It extends up to the colar bone and from the armpit across to the breastbone in the centre of the chest.It can also be found in men but is very rare.Breast Cancer can happen at any age,but most cases occur in women over the age of 50.It can be found and successfully treated if detected early.
Breast Cancer Tests:
Mammography is a low-dose x-ray of the breasts.
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) a physical examination of the breast by a trained professional.
Some women have a higher risk for breast cancer and should consider testing regularly if you had breast cancer before; you have a history of breast biopsies; you have a family history of breast cancer.
You can also be more aware of how your breasts normally look and feel so that changes can be readily recognised. bear in mind that the breast feel different during the menstrual cycle.
Signs to look for:
• A lump or swelling in the armpit.
• Changes in size and shape of breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin(orange peel skin)
• Redness, swelling and increased warmth in the infected breast.
• Inverted nipple, nipple turns inward.
• Crusting or scaling on the nipple.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix and grows very slowly. The cells of the cervix start to change and become abnormal. These abnormal cells are precancerous, meaning that they are not cancer. Precancerous changes to the cervix are called cervical dysplasia. Cervical cancer and cervical dysplasiain the early stages often do not cause any symptoms. Having regular tests can detect both and they can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.
Having multiple sexual partners , or becoming sexually active at an early age can put you at greater risk for developing cervical cancer. These factors increase your risk of being exposed to HPV. HPV is a group of viruses that can be passed easily from person to person through sexual contact. HPV infections are common and usually go away without treatment because the immune systemgets rid of the virus. Certain types of HPV virus can cause changes to cells in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer Tests:
Pap Test : laboratory examination of cells taken from the cervix to detect changes. It can detect changes early before cancer develops.
Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of the organs within the pelvis through the vagina.
These tests should be taken every 1 to 3 years.once you become sexually active.Even if you have stopped having sex, continue to have the tests.
Signs to Look for:
• Abnormal bleeding or bloodstained discharge from the vagina between periods
• Unusually long or heavy periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Watery discharge from the vagina
• Increased discharge from the vagina
• Bleeding from the vagina after menopause

Colorectal Cancer
Most colorectal cancers start in the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum.Colorectal cancer often grows slowly and in a predictable way.. It may not cause any symptoms in its early stages as the abdomen has lots of room for the cancer to grow and develop.Screening tests often can detect the cancer before symptoms develop ,and it can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.

Colorectal Cancer Tests:
If you are 50 years or older , have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every 2 years.
Colonoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the entire colon, using a thin flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Sigmoidoscopy: a test that lets the doctor look at the lining of the rectum and lower part of the colon,using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.
Double Contrast Barium Enema: an x-ray of the colon and rectum,that uses a special dye called barium,that helps the doctor see the lining of the colon more clearly.
Higher risk if:
A family member has the disease; a personal history of colorectal cancer; diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease or polyps; inherited condition of colon cancer.
Signs to look for:
• General discomfort in the abdomen(bloating , fullness, cramps)
• Change in bowel habits eg. Diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stools
• Narrower than usual stools
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Feeling that the bowels have not been completely emptied.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weight loss.

Skin cancer
The different kinds of skin cancer begin in different kinds of cells in the skin.(Basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma cell
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your self from the sun. Protect skin from the sun especially between 11a.m. and 4p.m.,or when the UV index is 3 or higher. Stay in the shade or indoors , out of the sun during these times. Cover your skin if you have to be exposed to the rays of the sun,and wear a hat. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Wearing sunglasses can prevent damage to the eyes. Avoid using indoor tanning equipment. Check skin regularly.

Signs to Look for:
Changes in shape colour and size of birthmarks and moles
Sores that don’t heal
Patches of skin that bleed itch,or become red and bumpy.

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Cancer identifies a disease that arises due to the cells abnormally dividing then later attacking other body tissues. The cancerous cells usually extend to other parts of the body via the lymphatic or blood system. The environmental causes of cancer refer to those factors that do not relate to inherited or hereditary factors. Cancer has been termed to be one of the major death causes with over two-thirds of it arising from environmental factors. With the knowledge that various environment agents can cause cancer, it is vital for people to change their lifestyles and environmental activities that are likely to cause cancer.

In order to answer the question what causes cancer, it is vital to know that these factors can be both external as well as personal. External environmental causes of cancer identify those environmental pollutants, which increase the cancer risk. Over 85 percent of cancers cases arise owing to lifestyle preferences individuals make placing them at high risks of developing cancer. For instance, tobacco causes over 30 percent cancer deaths. The risk of developing cancer due to environmental factors is incomparable. Ultra violet rays from the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds cause different skin cancer types such as melanoma. Various environmental causes of cancer amount from people’s way of life and exposure to agents found in the water or air.

Over years, epidemiologists have estimated the new cancer cases and death percentages caused by environmental agents. For instance, about 30% cancer deaths are attributed to tobacco. Other cancer cases are caused by water and air pollution, occupations, medical procedures and medicine. When establishing what environmental factors cause cancer, it is important to bear in mind some of these environmental factors. Another environmental cause of cancer is ionizing radiation. Exposure to radiation from sources like radon, cosmic rays, atomic bombs, nuclear bomb tests done on the ground and X-ray is a cause of cancer.

Carcinogens identify substances believed to increase the risk of developing cancer. To make out what causes cancer, bear in mind environmental carcinogens. In some instances, carcinogens damage the DNA directly while in some, the cause is indirect. This explains why not each exposure to a carcinogen leads to cancer. The extent and intensity of exposure to ecological carcinogens determines the chances of developing cancer. Some ecological carcinogens include chemicals, infectious agents, and air pollution. Exposure to particular chemicals, parasites, and bacteria are known risk factors for various cancer types.

Generally, the main environmental causes of cancer are related to the personal environment of an individual and include lifestyle choices such as tobacco use and diet among others. External environmental factors referring to agents in the environment like environmental pollutants, sun exposure and radiation also increase cancer risks.

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Anyone who has suffered through acid reflux knows just how painful a condition it can be. Also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), this annoying state occurs when acid in the stomach back up, or reflux, into your esophagus. The muscular tube that leads from your throat straight to your tummy is known as your esophagus. Usually during acid reflux, the materials from the stomach remain, which causes heartburn, and can cause nausea. If left untreated over time, it can lead to damage of the esophagus.

If you are experiencing acid reflux, you will find that the materials in your stomach will move back up your throat and into your mouth, with the acid causing a burning sensation in your throat. You may even find undigested pieces of food make its way back up.

What Causes Heartburn?

Normally blamed on a defective lower esophageal sphincter, there is treatment for acid reflux once you establish the causes. The esophageal sphincter can be found as a tough rim of muscle that surrounds the lower end of the esophagus. The sphincter contracts, which pushes your food into your stomach.

GERD occurs when the sphincter can not push the food into the stomach, either because it is not strong enough, or, it relaxes completely, resulting in allowing chemicals and food in the stomach to rush back into the esophagus.

Other potential reasons associated with acid reflux include a hiatal hernia and a “weak” or “slow” esophagus that doesn’t contract strongly enough to move the food to the stomach in a timely manner.

How Is Acid Reflux Treated?

Before you speak to your doctor about what pills you can take to relieve acid reflux, you may want to consider a few lifestyle changes first. Eat smaller meals, lose some weight, quit drinking alcohol, quit smoking and remain active and awake for at least a couple of hours after meals. These are all sound suggestions whether you have acid reflux or not.

There are some over the counter drugs that can ease symptoms of heartburn such as Pepcid and Zantac. These Histamine Receptor Antagonists work by decreasing the amount of acid in your stomach. If you want to neutralize the acid, consider Mylanta and Tagamet.

A couple of quick points to consider:

- acid reflux cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed if you modify your lifestyle, and with some medications designed to help remedy heartburn

- recent studies from the US Department of Health suggest that 7 million people in the US suffer from acid reflux

- while not being the main cause for acid reflux disease, spicy foods can in fact worsen symptoms associated with acid reflux disease in some people

Finally, if there is still no relief from acid reflux symptoms, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prevacid. These medicines prevent the release of acid into the stomach and intestines. Finally, promotility agents, such as Reglan, may be used to force the esophagus to empty more quickly and to speed digestion. If you are experiencing acid reflux, talk to your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you.

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Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for roughly 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that grows on the lining of the heart. The lining of the heart is extremely important because it plays an important role in protecting the heart from damage and so pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely serious condition. Pericardial mesothelioma becomes a terminal illness if not treated aggressively in its early stages.

Like all other forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs. From the lungs, the fibres can either pass into the lymphatic system and then be transported to the lining of the lungs or they can gradually move across to the lining of the heart over a long period of time. Over a long period of time, asbestos fibres can accumulate on the lining of the heart and this is when pericardial mesothelioma becomes a likelihood. Due to the fact that asbestos is still present in many public buildings, the possibility of pericardial mesothelioma is a reality for everyone, although for most, very unlikely.

Those with the highest chance of having mesothelioma are those who have been in constant contact with mesothelioma for a length of time as short as a few months. These are people like construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. Those who are in contact with people who are constantly exposed to asbestos are also at risk due to the fact that asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair and so can be carried around.

Presently, cases of mesothelioma are increasing including pericardial mesothelioma. Elderly men who are approaching 60 – 70 years of age are just starting to suffer from pericardial mesothelioma due to its long latency period (amount of time the symptoms take to show) of 30 – 50 years. They are suffering because this was the generation who worked with asbestos and amongst asbestos when asbestos was an extremely popular building material in the 1950s – 1970s. These men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.

Pericardial mesothelioma has a number of symptoms but these only start to take effect in the cancer’s latest stages when it is almost fully matured and developed. These symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. What often makes pericardial mesothelioma so difficult to treat is that its symptoms are typical of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia. To be treated effectively, pericardial mesothelioma needs to be treated aggressively in its early stages and so many patients’ treatments are given too late because of a delay in diagnosis.

Treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited and as yet, success rates for curing pericardial mesothelioma are very low. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early the cancer is treated and how aggressively. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to try to kill off cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses radiation to try to kill off cancerous cells although this is extremely difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma because too much radiation can badly damage the heart.

Dual therapy is a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery comes in two different types, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures. Aggressive surgery is only used on the strongest of patients such as young and healthy men and consists of removing a large portion of the cancer and attempts to gain control over the cancer. Palliative procedures are a more passive way of dealing with pericardial mesothelioma and just attempts to relieve the patient of the symptoms.

Research is being done into pericardial mesothelioma in research stations all over the USA and many pharmaceutical companies are also attempting to find new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, much research has been unsuccessful.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

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