Cancer

How to Fight Cancer and Win – A Book Review

2005-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

By David Snape

How to Fight Cancer and Win is a book written by William L. Fischer.

You might find this book interesting and useful. Despite being published in 1992, it remains (as of this writing) among the top 20,000 sellers on a popular book-selling site.

William Fischer worked for pharmaceutical companies in Germany. He later became a writer on natural healing methods and has traveled far to learn the healing methods that exist in different cultures.

In his book, How to Fight Cancer and Win, William doesn`t advise you to ignore your oncologist`s treatment plan. He does, however, give you plenty of information on how to supplement your fight against cancer. Flaxseed oil is part of that advice.

Fighting cancer can be a tough battle to win. I have met a few people who believe they have beaten their cancer through a powerful system called Falun Dafa.

You can download a book filled with stories of people that have overcome all kinds of illness here: clearwisdom.net/emh/download/publications/health_index.html

If you know of someone who has cancer, perhaps you should let him or her know about both of these resources.

This article is for information purposes only. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any health condition. If you have or suspect you have a health condition, contact your physician immediately. That is especially so for something as serious as cancer.

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. He maintains a site on that theme: http://tobeinformed.com

Lycopene Effective with Prostate Cancer Treatment

2005-07-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

By Darin Ingels

Men with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene in addition to surgical removal of the testicles may experience less active disease, less bone pain, and live longer than those who only have surgical removal of the testicles, according to a new study in British Journal of Urology
International (2003;92:375–8). This is exciting news for millions of men who have to undergo aggressive treatment for advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men over the age of 50 years, with more than 200,000 new cases each year in the United States. The cause of prostate cancer, like many other cancers, is unknown; however, some studies suggest alterations in testosterone metabolism may play a role in its development. Prostate cancer is generally slow growing and may not cause any symptoms until late in the disease. Symptoms may include frequent or painful urination, dribbling after urination, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, or blood in the urine. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), so men experiencing these symptoms should consult their physician for an accurate diagnosis.

In the new study, 54 men with advanced prostate cancer were randomly assigned to have surgical removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) alone or orchidectomy plus oral supplementation with 4 mg of lycopene a day. Measurements of PSA (a blood marker of prostate cancer activity), bone scans, and urinary flow were taken initially and every three months for two years. Men receiving lycopene started on the day of their surgery.

After six months, PSA had significantly decreased in both groups, indicating a reduction in prostate cancer activity. However, PSA levels in those receiving lycopene were more than 65% lower than in those who did not receive lycopene. After two years, PSA levels in the lycopene treatment group had fallen into the normal range, while those who only underwent surgery still had PSA levels more than twice the upper limit of normal. Urinary symptoms significantly improved in both groups, but better improvement was again observed in the lycopene group. The lycopene group also experienced less bone pain.

The survival rates after two years in the lycopene-plus-surgery group and surgery-only groups were 87% and 78%, respectively, a statistically significant difference. No adverse side effects were observed in men taking lycopene.LycopeneLycopene is one of a group of compounds called carotenoids. It is found in high amounts in tomatoes.

The findings of this study corroborate the findings of other similar studies examining the effectiveness of lycopene in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the amount used in the current study (4 mg per day) was substantially less than the amounts used in other studies (30 mg per day). It may also help stimulate the immune system and has been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their own. Although more research is needed to clarify what amount of lycopene is most effective, men with prostate cancer may benefit from taking daily lycopene supplements. Eating one moderately sized tomato a day also provides approximately 4 mg of lycopene. Other tomato products, such as an 8-ounce portion of tomato juice or tomato paste may provide up to 25 mg of lycopene.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor`s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Vitamin Herb University.

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Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Warning Signs and Causes

2005-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

By Craig Whitley

What is Mesothelioma?

Chances are you may never have heard of mesothelioma cancer unless you or a relative have the disease. Still considered as a rare cancer, it has been popularized by its linkage to asbestos.

Exactly what is mesothelioma cancer or malignant mesothelioma? Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly cancer of the mesothelium, or lining of the lung and chest cavity. However, it sometimes can be a deadly cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, and is slow forming – often taking between 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma in the lung and chest cavity are as follows:

- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Weight Loss
- Chest Pain

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma in the abdomen are as follows:

- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Weight Loss

Wondering How You Could Have Gotten Mesothelioma Cancer?

Several diseases are associated with exposure to asbestos. They include: malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural effusion, pleural plaques and thickening, and lung cancer.
Prior to 1975 asbestos fibers were commonly used. You could have been exposed to asbestos while working at any number of different industries. Chief among the possibilities would be jobs at asbestos mining and milling plants, shipyards, fireproofing and heating, construction, automotive repair, insulation, pipefitting and boilermaking.

If you did not work in one of these industries or another that used asbestos, it is also possible that you could have been exposed if someone in your household worked with asbestos and carried asbestos fibers home on his or her clothing, hair or body. You may also have been exposed indirectly by living near asbestos mines.

Although it is true that most patients with malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related diseases likely had prolonged exposure to asbestos over a long period of time, it is also possible for one to develop one of these diseases from a brief exposure to asbestos.

The odds of developing lung cancer from smoking also increases significantly from exposure to asbestos. Although most people with lung cancer are told that their lung cancer was caused from smoking, if you or someone you know has lung cancer and also worked in an environment that gave you exposure to asbestos, it is highly recommended that you contact an attorney that specializes in handling mesothelioma and lung cancer cases caused by exposure to asbestos. The justice system has been very generous in its rewards to people who suffer diseases caused by asbestos exposure.

To learn more about mesothelioma cancer I recommend you visit http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-online.com when searching for web resources covering mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma-Cancer-Online.com is an excellent resource center that offers recommendations and directory listings for numerous
websites related to mesothelioma cancer, along with articles and books about mesothelioma cancer.

About the Author:

Craig Whitley is a widely-published author and owner of the popular search engine Seek Dolphin. He routinely scouts the Internet for great web resources like Mesothelioma Cancer Online.

Whiskey: An Antidote For Cancer?

2005-07-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

By Charlene J. Nuble

Some scientists believe that whiskey may be one of the keys to preventing the Big C

For a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against cancer? Sounds controversial.

Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet to be proven. According to one of the theory’s proponents, a consultant to the whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, the antioxidants present in whiskey,
particularly ellagic acid, can reduce the risk of developing cancer, since this acid fights the unstable atoms that aid in rapid cell replication. He added that the more cells were produced, the more likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. “Whiskey can protect you from cancer and science
proves it,” he said, speaking at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down the harmful free radicals present in our body.

However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to certain kinds of
cancer, such as those in the esophagus, throat, mouth, bowel and liver. Dr Swan’s idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data supporting them. Contrariwise, according to the agency’s head of cancer information Lesley Walker, there
exists evidence that high alcohol consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in the fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid
can also be found in certain fruits.

The concept that a certain type of alcohol may help deter cancer is novel and, for frequent drinkers, even noble. What liquor patron would ignore this theory? But, still, Dr Swan’s ideas remain untested and there does not exist any known positive link between whiskey and cancer. If there would be
something that suggest this is true sometime in the future, then it will be considered revolutionary. However, in the absence of adequate information at present, whiskey as a deterrent to cancer is a dubious thought. While we all hope and pray that an alternative treatment to cancer will surface
soon, this is probably not the time to become this optimistic about whiskey’s alleged benefits.

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Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR`S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
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Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about cancer, please go to: http://cancer.besthealthlink.net/ (http://cancer.besthealthlink.net/) or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/ (http://www.besthealthlink.net/
)

Battling Cancer with Whiskey

2005-06-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

By Charlene J. Nuble

Some scientists believe that whiskey may be one of the keys to preventing the Big C

For a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against cancer? Sounds controversial.

Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet to be proven. According to one of the theory’s proponents, a consultant to the whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, the antioxidants present in whiskey, particularly ellagic acid, can reduce the risk of developing cancer, since this acid fights the unstable atoms that aid in rapid cell replication. He added that the more cells were produced, the more likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. “Whiskey can protect you from cancer and science proves it,” he said, speaking at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down the harmful free radicals present in our body.

However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to certain kinds of cancer, such as those in the esophagus, throat, mouth, bowel and liver. Dr Swan’s idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data supporting them. Contrariwise, according to the agency’s head of cancer information Lesley Walker, there exists evidence that high alcohol consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in the fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid can also be found in certain fruits.

The concept that a certain type of alcohol may help deter cancer is novel and, for frequent drinkers, even noble. What liquor patron would ignore this theory? But, still, Dr Swan’s ideas remain untested and there does not exist any known positive link between whiskey and cancer. If there would be something that suggest this is true sometime in the future, then it will be considered revolutionary. However, in the absence of adequate information at present, whiskey as a deterrent to cancer is a dubious thought. While we all hope and pray that an alternative treatment to cancer will surface soon, this is probably not the time to become this optimistic about whiskey’s alleged benefits.

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Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about cancer, please go to: http://cancer.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

New Drug Offers Hope to Cancer Patients

2005-06-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

By ARA Content

(ARA) - A decade ago, research into angiogenesis-inhibiting compounds was still in a relative state of infancy. The principle itself was not new -- as far back as the early `70s, there was speculation that human cancer tumors could not grow beyond a few millimeters in diameter without obtaining their own blood supply. But opinion was still divided in the scientific community.

Angiogenesis itself is a natural and necessary physiological function, which refers to the process by which new blood vessels form and develop. In its pathological form, however, angiogenesis is also implicated in the progression of more than 20 different diseases, including cancer.

In order to grow, solid tumors need to be supplied by blood vessels that act as conduits for oxygen and nutrients. Once a vascular network has been generated around a tumor, cancerous cells can then invade the rest of the body, a process called metastasis. Angiogenesis inhibitors block the formation of new blood vessels, without which cancerous cells are starved and tumors cannot grow.

In recent years, the therapeutic potential of angiogenesis inhibitors has gained wide acceptance. Indeed, the scientific community now believes that more than 90 percent of all cancer cases are angiogenesis dependent. The industry spends nearly $4 billion annually in angiogenic research and more than 100 research organizations and companies are currently developing angiogenesis-blocking drugs.

Æterna Laboratories Inc. is at the forefront of this effort. In fact, it is one of the very few biotechnology companies in the world with an angiogenesis-blocker in Phase lll clinical development. Its proprietary compound, Neovastat, is currently the subject of Phase III trials in lung and kidney cancer and a Phase ll trial in multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.

Neovastat possesses multiple mechanisms of action that counteract the angiogenic process. Among competing products, this makes it unique. It has also shown an excellent safety profile in clinical trials. Further advantages of Neovastat are that it is orally administered, which makes it convenient for patients who must receive treatment on a long-term basis, and it may be taken in association with standard therapies such as chemotherapy.

Angiogenesis blockers are not a cure for cancer. They are a form of treatment -- in the same way that insulin is a treatment for diabetes -- that should allow patients to lead a more normal life, without suffering from the often debilitating side-effects that some treatments can produce.

Æterna`s clinical trials strategy has targeted forms of cancer for which there is an urgent need for new therapies. Since 1996, Neovastat has been tested in more than 850 patients in North American and European countries. Currently, Neovastat is the subject of three clinical trials, targeting three forms of cancer. For multiple myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer, the drug is in Phase II trials with 125 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe. This trial should be completed in early 2003. For progressive renal cell carcinoma, the drug is in Phase III trials with 302 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe, which should be completed in early 2003. For non-small cell lung cancer, Neovastat is in a Phase III trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute with 760 patients in the United States and Canada. This trial should be completed in 2005.

Once the clinical trials are complete, health authorities in various countries can then assess these results and make decisions on approval.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com

EDITOR`S NOTE: For more information about current trials call (888) 349-3232. For additional information, contact Paul Burroughs, director of communications, (418) 652-8525, Ext. 406. Neovastat is being developed by Æterna Laboratories of Quebec, Canada.

To learn more about anti-angiogenesis and Æterna Laboratories, visit the Æterna Web site at www.aeterna.com . For more information about the NCI`s clinical trials, visit http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov.

New Class of Drugs Brings Hope to Cancer Patients

2005-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

By ARA Content

(ARA) - This is an exciting time in cancer research. Recent information on angiogenesis -- the growth of new blood vessels -- is providing researchers opportunities to find new ways to slow or stop a tumor`s growth by cutting off the blood supply it needs.

Angiogenesis performs a critical role in the development of cancer. To grow, solid tumors need oxygen and nutrients provided by new blood vessels. Once a vascular network has been generated, cancer cells can also invade the rest of the body, a process called metastasis. Currently, researchers believe that more than 90 percent of all cancer cases are angiogenesis-dependent.

The good news is that a novel class of drugs, which acts as angiogenesis inhibitors, shows great potential in fighting more than 20 different diseases, including many types of cancer.

These "anti-angiogenesis" drugs being developed and tested block the formation of new blood vessels, starving cancerous cells and stopping tumor growth. One drug being tested, Neovastat, was discovered in 1994 and is derived from cartilage tissue. Neovastat is the only angiogenesis inhibitor being developed in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical universe that has four mechanisms of action to combat blood vessel growth. Furthermore, Neovastat is taken orally, making it convenient for patients who need long-term treatment, and it has shown minimal side effects in clinical trials. This means that unlike standard chemotherapy, Neovastat is not likely to interfere with a patient`s immune system, or cause adverse gastrointestinal symptoms or hair loss.

In addition, because most cancer cells are genetically unstable and more prone to mutations, resistance is a major problem with many chemotherapy agents. But since anti-angiogenesis drugs target normal endothelial cells that are not genetically unstable, drug resistance is less likely to develop and has not been a problem so far in clinical trials.

Another hope is that angiogenesis inhibitors can be used in combination with therapies that directly target tumor cells. Because anti-angiogenic drugs and chemotherapy are aimed at different cellular targets, it is possible that the combination will prove even more effective than either therapy is as a stand-alone.

Currently, Neovastat is the subject of three clinical trials, targeting three forms of cancer for which there are urgent needs for new therapies. For multiple myeloma, the second most common form of blood cancer, the drug is in phase two trials with 125 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe. This trial should be completed by the end of 2002. For progressive renal cell carcinoma, the drug is in phase three trials with 280 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe, which should be completed in early 2003. For non-small cell lung cancer, Neovastat is in a phase three trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute with 760 patients in the United States and Canada. This trial should be completed in 2005.

Once the clinical trials are complete, health authorities in various countries can then assess test results and make decisions on approval.

Neovastat is being developed by Aeterna Laboratories of Quebec, Canada. For more information about current trials, call (888) 349-3232. If you are an oncologist, contact Claude Hariton, PhD, vice president of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, (418) 652-8525, Ext. 306.

To learn more about anti-angiogenesis and Aeterna Laboratories, visit the Aeterna Web site at www.aeterna.com. For more information about the NCI`s clinical trials, visit http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov.

Courtesy ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com (http://www.ARAcontent.com); e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com (mailto:info@ARAcontent.com)

Cancer risk in processed meats

2005-06-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

By Anonymous

A DIET with lots of processed meats as in hot dogs and sausages raises the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a study. The researchers found that heavy consumers of processed meats -- 40g a day or more -- were 67 per cent more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas than study participants with the lowest intake. In addition, a diet rich in pork and red meat -- 70g a day or more -- also increased pancreatic cancer risk by about 50 per cent, according to the study.

Dr Ute Nothlings, the study`s lead investigator from the Cancer Research Centre at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, said "the results suggest that carcinogenic substances related to meat preparation, rather than their inherent fat or cholesterol content, might be responsible." She noted, however, that the study did not examine cooking methods and her team is now working to collect that data.

www.medical-explorer.com

Alternative medicine in food- Shallots

2005-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

By Anita Cherry

Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae) where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.

There has been lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds -sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.

Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of common onions and established that shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to
inhibit and kill cancer cells.

Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus protects against Alzheimer’s disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.

Anita cherry is a health enthusiast who offers informative tips on health. http://www.healthinfoforyou.com/an/shallots%20as%20alternative%20medicine.htm

How Second Hand Smoke Threatens Your Health

2005-05-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

By Alex Fir

Secondhand smoking, breathing in of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is also called passive smoking. It is when a person breathes in smoke given off into the environment by other people.

Secondhand smoke or ETS is a combination of side stream smoke coming straight from the burning tobacco and the mainstream smoke that is exhaled by the smoker. It comprises of over 4000 chemical constituents, a large proportion of which are the inducers of respiratory illnesses and around 40 are known or suspected carcinogens.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified ETS as a class A (known human) carcinogen along with other known carcinogens such as arsenic, asbestos and benzene etc.

ETS is unfiltered, thus the levels of carcinogens in it are much more than in smoke inhaled directly by an active smoker. Smoking of a cigarette produces smoke from two major places, mainly from the tip of cigarette and from the rest of the cigarette as the hot vapors liberated through the cigarette and its filter.

About 70% to 80 % of ETS is from the burning tip of cigarette and comprises of the highest levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and various other carcinogens. Therefore, a constant exposure to an ETS is apparently even more injurious than directly smoking a cigarette for an equivalent period.

Effects of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Immediate effects:

Immediate effects of secondhand smoking comprise of eye irritation, cough, sore throat, headache, nausea and dizziness.

Long-term effects:

Lung cancer: The major cause of lung cancer among non-smokers is secondhand smoke. One of the studies revealed that hospitality workers who were exposed to secondhand smoke became three times more prone to lung cancer.

Cardiovascular problems: ETS can induce short-term and long-term harm to the heart by decreasing its functional capacity and lowering the capacity of blood to carry oxygen. Some of the chemicals in secondhand smoke can block or harden the arteries, causing problems like atherosclerosis, hypertension and later heart attack. In one of the studies, it was found that secondhand smoking enhances the risk of a heart attack by at least two times.

Stroke: Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke run at least 80% more risk of stroke than do the non-exposed people.

Asthma: One of the studies revealed that the non-smokers exposed to ETS at work showed at least twice the risk of asthma than the non-exposed people did. Those who were exposed to ETS at home as well, showed as much as five times greater risk for asthma than the non-exposed people did. In individuals who already suffer from asthma, exposure to ETS can significantly decline their lung function.

Breast Cancer: Some of the recent studies have revealed ETS to increase the risk of breast cancer among women.

Effects on the fetus:

Smoking by a pregnant woman can have various serious consequences on the developing fetus.

• Babies born to women who smoked during their pregnancy have a low birth weight and are often born prematurely.

• Their organs, chiefly the lungs, are smaller than of other babies and these babies are more susceptible to cot death.

• They are more prone to illness all their life and are more likely to become addicted to the tobacco later in their life.

Effect on Children

• Kids that are exposed to secondhand smoke from either parent during the first year of their lives are far more likely to be afflicted with asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and other respiratory problems than kids who were not exposed.

• Secondhand smoking may also predispose children to the impairment of the blood circulatory system, behavioral problems and olfactory (nasal) problems.

• It also increases their susceptibility to develop cancer during their adulthood.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death among humans. Visit "Cancer Information", FREE web site for those who want to learn how to deal with this vicious disease.
http://www.cancer-data.com

Gift Giving for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Families

2005-05-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

By Adriana Copaceanu

Did you know that each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die? One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.

The above statistics are scary to say the least. If you have loved ones or friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I am sure you`ve often wondered what, if anything, you can do to help them.

Here are some gifts that are appropriate for cancer patients, and their families to give encouragement, and support.

Probably one of the most important gifts you can offer, is the gift of your time: time to listen, and time to be with them as they accept the fact that they have cancer, and go through their treatment.

A small journal is another idea: they can put on paper their thoughts, their struggles, and their accomplishments as they fight this battle.

A book of inspiring, encouraging words will do wonders for their soul. One suggestion would be Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul: 101 Stories of Courage and Inspiration from Those Who Have Survived Cancer.

Don`t forget a nice teddy bear they can hug, and a CD of soft, comforting, music.

Some cancer patients develop sensitivity to fragrance, so please stay away from scented items.

Again, remember that at times, all they need is to have someone to talk to, or hold their hand: be there for them!

For your information:

If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.

Don`t miss your mammogram this year. Several national organizations will have a list of the facilities that participate in National Mammography Day. To find a place near you, call:

American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
1-800-IM-AWARE

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO)
1-888-80-NABCO

National Cancer Institute
1-800-4-CANCER

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
1-800-221-2141

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don`t blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you`ll find at her site: (http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com). Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up
for her free monthly newsletter at (http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm)