tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59687069977885535372024-11-01T04:49:58.113-07:00Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-11233449110639680482012-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:42:00.489-08:00Taking estrogen may increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer.Estrogen is probably the hardest-working hormone in a woman’s body, but it also has a dark side: Research has determined that estrogen often plays a key role in the development of breast cancer, especially after a woman reaches menopause. How? The estrogen in a woman’s body seems to raise breast cancer risk by encouraging the growth of breast tissue, which can speed up an existing tumor’s growth. Here's what you need to know. <br /><P>• <B>Combination hormone therapy (HT):</B> If you’re considering taking estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone) to give you relief from annoying menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, be sure to limit the time you’re on the drugs. That’s because over time your breast cancer risk climbs, says JoAnn Manson, MD, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of Hot Flashes, Hormones & Your Health.</P><br /><P>"In the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial, when women got seven years of estrogen alone, there was no increased risk of breast cancer, but after four to five years on combined hormone therapy, the risk emerges," she says. In fact, over time, estrogen plus progestin can raise a woman’s risk for breast cancer by 24%; even if you take estrogen on its own for more than 10 to 15 years, your risk may still go up.</P><br /><P>Dr. Manson was a coauthor on a March 2008 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association that followed up on the WHI trial. It showed that even after the women <A href="http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/299/9/1036" target="_blank">stopped taking combination HT</A>, their breast cancer risk remained elevated. "The risk of breast cancer does decline after stopping hormone therapy," she stresses, "but if a tumor has formed while a woman is on hormones it’s very likely to come to light even after she stops hormones, so there is some residual risk. Stopping drug therapy doesn’t mean a tumor evaporates, but the risk gradually declines."</P><br /><P>• <B>HT and early diagnosis of breast cancer:</B> If you have no family history of the disease, you’ve probably been encouraged to get your first mammogram by age 40 and every one to two years after that to help ensure that any tumor is caught early, when it’s most treatable. That’s good advice, but taking HT may complicate things. "Estrogen-and-progestin HT can lead to increased mammographic density"—denser breast tissue—"that can obscure breast tumors and delay diagnosis," says Dr. Manson. Denser breasts are believed to be an independent risk factor for breast cancer, but they also make it harder to accurately read a mammogram and that "can lead to abnormal mammograms that may require extensive follow-up and anxiety about repeat testing and even unnecessary biopsies," Dr. Manson adds.</P><br /><P>• <B>HT and risk for benign breast disease:</B> In April 2008, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that postmenopausal women who’d taken estrogen on its own doubled their risk of a noncancerous type of breast disease, but one that’s associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. A September 2008 study led by the same author, Thomas E. Rohan, MD, PhD, an epidemiologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York City, found similarly disturbing evidence in a study of women taking estrogen and progestin: Combined HT raised a woman’s risk of benign breast disease by 74%.</P><br /><P><A href="http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20250049,00.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</A></P>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-12448015612848455732012-01-10T11:52:00.000-08:002012-01-10T11:52:00.565-08:00 <IMG alt=estrogen-hormone-breast-cancer src="/estrogen-hormone-breast-cancer-150.jpg"> Taking estrogen may increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer.Getting relief from menopause symptoms doesn’t need to mean estrogen-only treatments or combined <A href="about:/health/library/topic/0,,hw228763_tn9952,00.html">hormone therapy</A> (HT), which may increase your risk of breast cancer. If you can, consider nondrug remedies first, says JoAnn Manson, MD, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the author of Hot Flashes, Hormones & Your Health. <P>Dr. Manson has several suggestions for managing hot flashes and night sweats:</P>Wear layered clothing.Lower the thermostat.Use portable fans.Avoid dietary triggers such as caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol.Avoid tobacco.Increase your intake of soy-based foods.Consider trying the herb black cohosh.A low dose of a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or the antiseizure medication gabapentin may also be useful, according to Kala Visvanathan, MBBS, assistant professor of epidemiology and oncology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore. Alternative Therapy for Side Effects<IMG alt=acupuncture-woman-cancer src="/acupuncture-woman-cancer-75.jpg" width=75 height=75>More than 80% of breast cancer patients have tried complementary therapies.  <A href="about:www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20188906,00.html">Read more</A>"If a woman has only vaginal dryness and discomfort with intercourse and no other symptoms, she can use a topical estrogen or a vaginal estrogen ring, which have a much lower absorption of estrogen," adds Dr. Manson, who notes that relaxation and breathing techniques have worked for some women as well. "I would encourage women to try lifestyle modifications before going with estrogen, especially if they have mild symptoms," she says. <P>Dr. Visvanathan agrees: "You definitely want to try simple things first, then go to [HT] if you need to. It used to be that hormones were the first thing you tried, but the paradigm is changing because we’ve determined the long-term breast cancer and cardiovascular risk associated with HT, and because the benefits of HT have been shown to be less effective than previously thought. Women with modest menopausal symptoms can often treat their symptoms effectively with nonmedical therapies."</P>Have you tried estrogen alternatives for hot flashes?If you end up needing estrogen or combination HT, though, and you want to keep your breast cancer risk low while still keeping menopause symptoms in check, ask your doctor about transdermal patches, gels, and sprays, which deliver low doses of estrogen through the skin and may have fewer risks than pills. "Transdermal estrogen may be less likely to cause blood clots and gallbladder disease," Dr. Manson explains. "And lower doses may be less likely to increase the risk of breast cancer or other cancers." <P>The bottom line: Consider alternative approaches to see if one or several together can control your menopause symptoms before turning to oral estrogen or combination HT. </P><br /><p><a href="http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20250054,00.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-2718806107977815782012-01-09T10:36:00.000-08:002012-01-09T10:36:00.424-08:00There is no proven link between <A href="http://www.health.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</A> and household products, whether they be soap or water bottles. But many consumers, activists, and experts are concerned that a variety of goods contain <A href="http://es.epa.gov/ncer/science/endocrine/" target="_blank">hormone disruptors</A>, chemicals that when absorbed into the body can mimic or interfere with hormones such as estrogen. Some researchers believe that chemicals with estrogenic characteristics can cause normal breast cells to divide. <br /><P>"Each time they divide, they have the risk of copying DNA incorrectly and creating mutations in key genes, which may lead to increased breast cancer risk," says Suzanne Snedeker, PhD, the associate director for translational research for the <A href="http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/" target="_blank">Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors</A> at Cornell University. Chemicals that mimic estrogen might also enable an existing breast tumor to keep growing, because most tumors depend on estrogen to grow. </P><br /><P>Individual products contain only small amounts of these questionable chemicals, if they do at all. But there is growing concern that the ubiquity of such agents in <A href="about:/health/condition-article/0,,20242656,00.html">cosmetics</A>, household products, and certain plastics, may have a cumulative estrogenic effect. "We are not saying if you use a certain product with estrogenic ingredients it will cause breast cancer," Snedeker says. "But the science suggests your risk may be reduced if you avoid these ingredients." Here are a few ways to play it safe.</P><br /><P><A href="http://slideshows.health.com/slide_shows/10359/slides/11601">View the slideshow</A> </P><br /><P><A href="http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20248052,00.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View the original article here</A></P>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-37015096144599181272012-01-08T09:33:00.000-08:002012-01-08T09:33:00.622-08:00 <P>Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that is characterized by widespread pain in the body. Such pain that is felt by a person with fibromyalgia is often referred to as allodynia, a kind of pain that results from something that does not usually cause pain. </P><P>Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that is characterized by widespread pain in the body. Such pain that is felt by a person with fibromyalgia is often referred to as allodynia, a kind of pain that results from something that does not usually cause pain. Research tells us that fibromyalgia affects more women than men in a ratio of 9:1, and while the condition was not considered a disease by some medical experts in the past, it is now recognized as a diagnosable disorder by many. People who are suffering from fibro may experience chronic symptoms such as widespread body pain, unusual feelings of fatigue, oversensitivity to pressure, nerve pain, muscle spasm and twitching, limb weakness, constipation, palpitations, and severe sleeping problems.</P><P>While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, experts suggest that such condition can be controlled or managed. However, the problem should be diagnosed and treated immediately since it has a tendency to get worse. Since stress is considered as the largest precipitating factor of fibromyalgia, the best thing you can do is to learn how to manage stress in your life. There are many reasons why people get stressed. Common sources of stress may include your work, your family, and even your health. Perhaps the reason why women are more prone to fibro than men is that they have a tendency to juggle work and family, which is a common cause of stress for them. In order to avoid work- and family-related stress, try not to take your job with you at home, and try to leave family matters at home instead of bringing them with you to work. By doing this, you can focus at one thing at a time and the chances of you getting stressed will be minimized.</P><P>Eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep and rest, and living an active lifestyle are also essential if you are to overcome fibromyalgia. A well-balanced diet should include fresh fruits and green, leafy vegetables. Both fruits and veggies contain antioxidants that does not only boost your health but also help you beat stress. These foods include bananas, spinach, broccoli, nuts, and blueberries. At the same time, you would want to avoid food that contains a lot of preservatives and sweeteners. In addition, drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated and try to limit your intake of caffeine and soda.</P><P>One of the commons sign of fibromyalgia is chronic sleep disturbances. This may be caused by anxiety as a result of stress. To combat this symptom, it is important that you avoid over stimulating your mind a few hours before going to sleep. If possible, turn off your television or personal computer an hour before bedtime. This way, you can condition your mind for sleep and rest. If watching TV, surfing the internet, or reading a book is part of your pre bedtime routine, just see to it that you watch or read something with light content so as not to stimulate your mind. Furthermore, try to go to bed as early as 10PM. According to studies, it is the period between 10PM and 6AM that the body works fulltime in repairing broken tissues and damaged cells.</P><P>Regular physical activity is also an excellent way to deal with fibromyalgia. Studies show that there is a strong link between stress and a lack of exercise. This is simply because exercise helps the body release “feel good” chemicals called endorphins that help boost the mood and get rid of stress. Therefore, if you fail to exercise regularly, you are only increasing your susceptibility to stress that may lead to conditions such as fibromyalgia. </P><P>When it comes to dealing with pain that is associated with fibromyalgia, perhaps the best thing to do is control the it through relaxation. A person with fibro may feel excruciating pain even from a gentle pat on the back. But if you can train your mind to expect lesser pain when pressure is applied on your skin, then that’s just what you’re going to receive. This may not be the easiest solution to dealing with fibromyalgia, but once you learn this technique, along with managing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and staying physically active, you will have a huge chance of overcoming the said condition.</P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/dealing-with-fibromyalgia" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-23027953669345295292012-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:30:01.143-08:00 <P>Osteoporosis is a major problem in the modern world. A woman had a higher chance, at almost 10 times greater, of getting a fracture related to osteoporosis compared to being diagnosed with breast cancer.</P><P>Osteoporosis is a major problem in the modern world. A woman had a higher chance, at almost 10 times greater, of getting a fracture related to osteoporosis compared to being diagnosed with breast cancer. Osteoporosis is also found to be five times more likely to occur than a heart attack. Anyone planning to live up to 85 years old would have a 30% chance of getting a hip fracture. </P><P>Why is this so? Experts believe that part of the problem lies in the basic human mindset over these last three decades: believing that medicine was the answer to all the physical issues faced by human beings. As such, diet and lifestyle took a backseat. Unfortunately, for osteoporosis especially, the drugs commonly prescribed are actually not as effective as people believe. They have also recently been found to have more long-term side effects, which include a wide range of physical ailments as well! </P><P>From these findings, experts are fast pointing back to proper nutrition and exercise. Medication is now only resorted to in cases of severe osteoporosis or when the person has suffered a fracture related to osteoporosis. For example, fractures related to osteoporosis typically come about from falls. The risk that an individual has for suffering a fall is actually more directly related to her balance skills and strength compared to her bone density score. Granted, muscles and bones have their size and strength decrease as the person ages; but there are factors that directly affect this decline, including muscle strength that is responsible for moving that bone. Regular exercise not only builds muscle, the bone also benefits from being strengthened and increased in its density. It would seem that bones react to stress in a way similar to muscles, wherein they become stronger and bigger. </P><P>As such, having regular exercise is a great way to fight against osteoporosis, most particularly the back and the legs. Experts in fact believe that muscle strength is an accurate gauge of predicting bone strength, and that improving muscle strength is actually the most effective way of improving the strength of one’s bones. </P><P>Meanwhile, nutrition is also an important determinant of the health of one’s bones. Of course, just about any woman has heard all the hype about an inadequate supply of dairy being directly related to poor levels of calcium which ultimately results in osteoporosis. But do you know that calcium is not all there is when it comes to bone health? Fruits and vegetables continue to lay claim as the best food choices, even over dairy, for dealing with osteoporosis. Why? These food choices, as well as beans and nuts, not only come rich in calcium, they also contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vegetable protein. They also come with micronutrients and phytochemicals that play a crucial role in bone health. Vitamin K is also found to be crucial for bone health, and fruits and vegetables are rich in this nutrient. </P><P>While calcium is indeed important, a person actually does not need as much of it as she is led to believe, and dairy certainly is not the only source. In fact, when a person eats a fairly balanced diet high in fruits and veggies, she will not likely be lacking in calcium, as fruits and veggies, as are all “natural” foods, all contain calcium. The advantage of fruits and veggies as a source of calcium is that they are alkaline, or they do not produce acid, which do not result in the loss of calcium through the urinary tract. Also, the absorption rate of calcium for green vegetables is found to be more than 50%, while milk has been found to have about 32% absorption rate. </P><P>It would seem that the reason why dairy was added and popularized as a calcium source could be related to the average American diet centered on meat and carbs. When a person’s diet was only composed of refined grains, animal meat, and sugar, calcium will definitely be lacking, and dairy seems to be the right answer. However, experts also show that relying on dairy without having enough vegetables may actually worsen one’s bone health. </P><P>Vitamin D is another crucial vitamin. Children know this as the vitamin we get from the sun. Perhaps the problem with osteoporosis could be related to the higher probability of people working indoors all day, and thus becoming deficient in the sunshine vitamin. </P><P>From these points, it would seem that your best bet for fighting osteoporosis would therefore be a balanced diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, a regular exercise program, and a good dose of frolicking in the sun—with the necessary sunscreen, of course! </P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/protecting-yourself-against-osteoporosis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-52468665289385868022012-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:002012-01-06T10:24:00.648-08:00 <P>The itching and burning sensation caused by yeast infections are largely common among women, although if a man has a wife who suffers from it, he may also be infected. Scientifically, it is called Candida Candidiasis, with the infection caused by the more than 20 species of microscopic fungi or yeast. </P><P>The itching and burning sensation caused by yeast infections are largely common among women, although if a man has a wife who suffers from it, he may also be infected. Scientifically, it is called Candida Candidiasis, with the infection caused by the more than 20 species of microscopic fungi or yeast. These infections can happen around dentures, nailbeds, beneath skin folds, or under one’s breast and in the vagina. They are generally more common as the woman ages, but they may also happen to younger women. </P><P>If you happen to have these uncomfortable infections, check out these natural remedies before you run out to the pharmacy for synthetic cures that may only alleviate the discomfort temporarily: </P><P>1. Plain yogurt is well known for carrying good bacteria; these good bacteria help fight yeast. Do you know you can use yogurt both externally and internally? Make sure you buy the plain and unsweetened yogurt, though, as yeast actually thrives on sugar. If you want, you can also opt for making your own yogurt with a yogurt starter; this way you can experiment with other kinds of milk, such as almond or soy. Whether you buy or make your own yogurt, take some before your meals to give your stomach the good bacteria it needs in digestion. For an external application, you can use a tampon dipped in the plain yogurt and use it as you would a regular tampon. Alternatively, you can also just apply some yogurt on the surface outside. Just be sure not to leave the tampon in for long period of time, as it tends to be counterproductive. Wipe off the yogurt as soon as you feel an alleviation of the itch.</P><P>2. Garlic is another great yeast-fighter. You can use a garlic tablet or garlic clove to be put on the affected parts in intervals of a few hours each time, or as necessary. If you opt for garlic tablets, check that the ingredients are pure and natural. In addition to putting the garlic pieces in the affected areas, you can also up your consumption of garlic, preferably raw. One lady recommends pressing a whole garlic clove, then downing it with water. In addition to helping you fight off the yeast infection, garlic is known for its ability to lower blood pressure as well as reduce bad cholesterol. </P><P>3. Apple-cider vinegar is another good remedy for yeast infections. Although it may also be taken both externally and internally, it is considered a bit too strong to apply directly onto the skin. Sure, it will get rid of the yeast that way, but you will also feel a burning sensation that might be more uncomfortable than the infection to begin with! If you do choose to use it externally, you can choose to dilute a cup of apple cider vinegar into bathwater just before you take a hot bath. Some women find that the relief tends to be temporary, though, especially when compared with garlic. Also, make sure you buy apple cider vinegar that is as natural and not as processed, as plain white vinegar will feed the yeast.</P><P>4. Water is actually found to be a great natural remedy for yeast infections: drinking more than the recommended 8 glasses a day has been proven to reduce the chances of getting infected with yeast. This is due to the fact that drinking more water results in more urination, allowing the body to wash out whatever sugars may be present that could feed the yeast. </P><P>5. Oil of oregano is another good natural remedy for yeast infections, as it is known to be very powerful against yeast. Check the directions for taking it internally; also, find one that has a high level of carvacrol content, since this is found to be the active ingredient in killing yeast. </P><P>These natural remedies are found to be very effective in fighting off yeast infections. If symptoms still persist, you might want to schedule a trip to the doctor, but if you can have them go away with natural means, why not, right? Alongside these treatments, try to avoid sugar as well as refined foods, as these feed yeast. Just be careful not to overdo any of these, and if relief still does not come, do not hesitate to consult your health specialist. </P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/natural-remedies-for-yeast-infections" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-86013423642444623092012-01-05T11:12:00.000-08:002012-01-05T11:12:01.267-08:00 <P>Though many women have ovarian cancer but the symptoms are vague and so difficult to understand or decide. In many times the symptoms may be attributed to some other problems like indigestion, consequences of aging or weight gain etc.</P><P>So Some of the main symptoms of ovarian cancer are</P><P>1. General abdominal discomfort or pain- This is a prominent symptom of ovarian cancer. You will often find problems in your abdomen. These problems may persist or they may appear in repeated succession. Some of the problems that you may encounter are gas, pressure, indigestion, bloating, swelling, cramps et cetera. These problems will be present throughout the year.</P><P>2. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or frequent urination - All these problems are seen when you have ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer will change your body and so your body will react to the stimuli by showing nausea, frequent urination, diarrhea etc. When you find these symptoms too much or too often, then go to your doctor.</P><P>3. Unexplained weight loss or gain – Unexpected weight loss may be another ovarian cancer symptom. Suddenly you may gain weight. It happens in such a high volume that you can feel it as soon as it happens. Sometimes you may lose weight also. Whether the weight loss or gain, both happens in high multitude, which is easily visible. When you find such problem, talk to your doctor. Please do not ignore it.</P><P>4. Abnormal vaginal bleeding – Abnormal vaginal bleeding is another ovarian cancer symptom. If you find that there is vaginal bleeding at other times than at the time of your menstrual cycle, then you should be careful and talk to your doctor. Such abnormal bleeding may be dangerous. Bleeding may also happen during your menstrual cycle. Bleeding may happen at different rate. It may also have some foul scent. So such symptoms will tell you that you probably have ovarian cancer.</P><P>5. Unusual fatigue- You may feel vary tired sometimes. Tiredness may be there throughout the day or only in a part of the day. Tiredness may pull you down throughout the day. In some cases you may feel tired during the morning or evening time. Unusual fatigue results from the fact that your body is not well and some of the cells at your ovary are not working, as they should be. When you have fatigue for a unusually long time, then go to your doctor and go through a check up.</P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/womens_health/5_major_ovarian_cancer_symptoms" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-23865335213801677672012-01-04T12:03:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:03:00.613-08:00 <P>Female Breast cancer is the single most biggest concern for female health. We are planning to write a lot about it on MedsAvailable so I will not cover it much here.</P><P>I just want to keep this article very specific to The Reasons why Women Get <A href="http://www.longtermcareinsurancetree.com/blog/breast-cancer.html">Breast Cancer</A>. Here are the -<BR>5 Top Reasons Why Women get Breast Cancer</P><P>1. Environment and Surroundings<BR>Environment is one of the top reasons why women get breast cancer. Any exposure to radiation may cause cancer in women. Use of radiation for treatment of different diseases may cause breast cancer.</P><P>Pesticides - Other environment factor may be DDT and such other pesticides. Pesticides are another cause of breast cancer. Pesticides that are used in the agricultural activities come to your body through the agricultural produce. So avoid such products. Go organic. Organic agricultural produce reduces the risk o breast cancer.</P><P>2. Unbalanced Diet<BR>Diet may be another reason why women get breast cancer. If your diet includes too much fat, then there may be a chance of breast cancer. So limit your fat intake. Your diet should be well balanced to avoid any problem in future. You can ask for doctor’s or dietician’s advice when deciding the diet for you.</P><P>You should take regular food. Irregularity in taking food may create several problems which may lead to cancer.</P><P>3. Alcohol<BR>Alcohol may increase the risk of breast cancer in women. A regular drinking habit will increase your risk of breast cancer many a times. So do not drink regularly and Avoid alcohol if possible. If you want to take it then take it in limit.</P><P>4. Genes and heredity<BR>One of the 5 top reasons why women get breast cancer is your genes. Breast cancer is inherited from the parents in many cases. Accordin to researchers, 10% of the breast cancer may be due to hereditary reasons. A gene named BRCA1 is found to be responsible for breast cancer in many cases. In general, this gene does not cause cancer. But when it mutates it may cause breast cancer.</P><P>The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you grow old. After 50 years of age, the chances are far more than at other time.</P><P>Another women breast cancer causing gene is there- BRCA2. It I also responsible for breast cancer in women.</P><P>5.Hormones<BR>The risk of breast cancer increases with several hormonal factors</P><P>1. If you menstruate early<BR>2. If your menopause starts after 51<BR>3. If you have your first child after 30 years of age<BR>4. If you do not have a child<BR>5. If you have breast cancer then do not go for hormone replacement therapy as it may accelerate the cancer.</P><P>Hormonal change in women body may also be a cause of breast cancer.</P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/womens_health/5_top_reasons_why_women_get_breast_cancer" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-17820283076185968332012-01-03T11:44:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:44:01.262-08:00 <P>Osteoporosis is a dreaded bone condition for aging people, especially for women, wherein bone mass deteriorates and eventually results in frequent fractures or other injuries. But do you know that there is a way to prevent osteoporosis, or at least lessen your risk for it, even from a very young age? </P><P>Osteoporosis is a dreaded bone condition for aging people, especially for women, wherein bone mass deteriorates and eventually results in frequent fractures or other injuries. But do you know that there is a way to prevent osteoporosis, or at least lessen your risk for it, even from a very young age? Studies show that there are certain factors that improve a woman’s chances of not acquiring osteoporosis when she ages: </P><P>Before the age of thirty: </P><P>1. A woman’s level of physical activity in her teens dictates the bone mass she accumulates during that time. For example, a woman who frequently exercises has greater chances of having extra bone density to see her through old age. Even better would be strength resistance exercises such as weight lifting, of course, after the onset of puberty. This improves bone density the most, compared to all other types of exercises, although any physically active lifestyle is always better than a sedentary one.<BR>2. The regular consumption of milk during one’s teenage years as well as early adulthood also contribute to the calcium that you ingest; this results in a greater production of bone mass for that age. Studies show that women’s bone density stops growing and starts deteriorating when she reaches the age of thirty, so it is crucial that you stock up on it before that age. </P><P>After the age of thirty:<BR>1. Consistent exercise is still a must for keeping your bones healthy. Just as in your teen years, regularly undertaking strength training exercises will help you ensure that your muscles are developing well, giving less strain on your bones. Stretching exercises that improve your flexibility also lessen your chances of injury during a sudden movement or fall.<BR>2. Taking calcium supplements from this age is usually recommended by doctors. This can be in the form of calcium drinks, or even milk with higher levels of calcium designed for middle-aged women. </P><P>When you are pregnant:<BR>1. When you become pregnant, some of the calcium in your body goes to the unborn fetus. This is why obstetricians typically prescribe not just iron for the pregnant mom, but also calcium. There are myths about how some women lose their teeth when they get pregnant because the baby “eats” up all her calcium. While this is certainly an exaggeration, the connection between teeth and calcium may not be undermined: there is definitely a connection between a mother’s calcium levels and her pregnancy. As such it is even more important during pregnancy, at any age, for a woman to take in calcium supplements are recommended by her doctor.<BR>2. If your pregnancy has no threat of abortion, from the second trimester, your doctor may allow you to undergo certain exercises. This not only benefits your overall health, but also helps ensure that your bones and muscles get enough movement, especially as you start carrying a growing weight inside your body. This added strain means your bones need the necessary supplements, too! </P><P>When you are over forty:<BR>1. From age forty up, doctors will typically up your dosage of calcium supplements. Whereas, at age thirty, you probably took them nonchalantly, from forty years old up, it would be best if you took them religiously. This is because your bone density has the greatest risk of deteriorating from this point onwards. Eating a lot of calcium-rich food like green leafy vegetables and dairy might also help, although you need to watch out for high-fat dairy products.<BR>2. Living an active lifestyle is still crucial. If, at this age, you cannot perform the exercise routines you used to do when you were younger, you still have one option that is still considered the best exercise no matter what your age: walking. Walking a few miles each week should ensure that you are living a healthy lifestyle. </P><P>From these pointers, you can surely gather that a calcium-rich diet and a bone-friendly exercise regime are crucial no matter what your age. In any case, you can see that it is an easy fight against osteoporosis, although a certain level of consistency is necessary to maintain your bone density throughout the decades! </P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/preventing-osteoporosis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-60855373843409840482012-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-02T11:37:05.953-08:00 <P>Nobody wants to linger at the gynecologist’s clinic: the faster you get out of there, the better, right? Breast exams, pelvic exams, and pap smears are hardly the most comfortable experiences, and if you could get away with not having them, you probably with. </P><P>Nobody wants to linger at the gynecologist’s clinic: the faster you get out of there, the better, right? Breast exams, pelvic exams, and pap smears are hardly the most comfortable experiences, and if you could get away with not having them, you probably with. </P><P>Do you know that there are things you would be better off asking your gynecologist instead of rushing through your consultation? As a medical expert given the responsibility of overseeing your health, gynecologists actually want you to be open with them. After all, they cannot very well deal with issues that you have not opened up with them about. In fact, this is truer for women who are in their 20s and 30s, deemed to be the prime of health; typically, women of this age just visit the gynecologist perhaps to get a required form filled out or to get a new prescription for pills. Generally, they leave right after those needs are met, resulting in important information being overlooked. These issues include possibly crucial health problems, ranging from sexual satisfaction to HIV testing. </P><P>The following are four things that you should ask your gynecologist, as she will likely be more than willing to help you sort through them as long as you ask: </P><P>1. Should I have tests done for sexually transmitted diseases? A common predicament among gynecologists is the lack of honesty among their patients regarding their sexual activity. The doctor will be much more able to help if the patient would at least share a possibly risk-taking sexual lifestyle. These experts actually desire to be able to help their patients become educated about certain risks, as well as to help them avoid contracting serious diseases. Proper education is deemed to be an important key for proper avoidance. With the patient’s sharing of crucial info, the doctor will no longer be limited to simply waiting for symptoms of STDs to occur, but she may also recommend an increased frequency of Pap smears, if high-risk HPV is detected; this is because the human papillomavirus is a link to cervical cancer. If there is sexual promiscuity, a doctor may recommend annual tests for HIV, or even tests for hepatitis C.<BR>2. Can I use a different contraceptive? If you have been using a certain contraceptive for the past few months or years, there is always room for something that could possibly work better. For example, if you have been using pills and yet keep forgetting to take them on schedule, asking your doctor for another recommendation will help you greatly.<BR>3. How do I deal with my incontinence? Majority of young women refuse to bring up incontinence, although as high as 20% of them undergo the condition either in their teens, in their 20s or in their 30s. Only about 50% of these women who have the problem dare to share the problem with their doctor. Incontinence can come about after childbirth, while many other factors can influence it, too, such as high intake of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, hot peppers, or iced drinks. Doctors will typically recommend Kegel exercises to “retrain” your bladder, as it has been proven to work 80% of the time.<BR>4. How do I deal with sexual problems? Indeed, this question causes the biggest squirming among doctors and patients alike. But the gynecologist will likely be the best person to help you deal with them. Sometimes, medication plays a crucial role in lowering libido in women. Your doctor will be able to check for physical causes of pain or discomfort during intercourse, and if not, she may refer you to a sex therapist. </P><P>These four issues are among those that most women are embarrassed about to ask their gynecologists. But in the end, it is well worth it to get past the shyness and simply share what’s on your mind; after all, doctors are gifts to help take care of you, and it would be in your best interest to take full advantage of their skills and knowledge. As with most health issues, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and the earlier you bring up your concerns, the faster it will likely be to find a solution! </P><br /><p><a href="http://medsavailable.com/articles/4-things-you-should-ask-your-gynecologist" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-82324219739062798542011-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:002011-12-31T10:41:00.208-08:00 <P>You must have heard about breast cancer awareness especially in the month of October. It is celebrated as the month of awareness in all developed countries to promote the importance of being aware and its role in early detection.</P><P><STRONG>Why Be Breast Aware?</STRONG></P><P>Most of women don't understand the importance of being aware as a result the number of cancer related deaths increase. Breast cancer awareness is not a prevention to breast cancer, but it is a way to know breasts in detail so that any unusual change can be noticed soon after it takes place.</P><P>Women need to stay in touch with their breast constantly so that they become familiar with usual and unusual changes. In the case of enlightened awareness it becomes easy for women to notice unusual changes comparatively.</P><P>Self breast check is strongly recommended for improved awareness as it keeps women in close contact with breasts and it becomes natural for them to feel changes. This check is advised to be started at the age of 20 as development of breasts is almost complete at this age and as women are always at higher risk than men so special care is mandatory for them to maintain good health of breast.</P><P>Self breast check should be performed even after menopause because most of the cases are diagnosed in women at this stage so they need to monitor their breast monthly. Most women assume that at this age the risk is decreased, but it is a misconception and risk increases due to certain reasons.</P><P>If a woman was not in habit of self check before menopause she can start it as and when she comes to know about its importance as there is no age limit to learn and perform it. Just one thing is essential to perform it regularly and that is willingness of women to be aware because where there is a will there is a way.</P><P>No training is required for it just by doing it for couple of months every woman can do it efficiently, by doing this check a woman can stay alert about breast health and unusual changes can be noticed as and when they take place. Any day of the month can be selected that can be memorized easily, it is better to choose the day after periods to have true picture of breast condition. Your simple step can change your life. So, think about it.</P><P>James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about <A href="http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer" target=_new>breast cancer</A>, <A href="http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/" target=_new>breast awareness</A> and breast examination. You can contact him directly at <A href="mailto:james@breastlight.com">james@breastlight.com</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6733718" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-30210181341248306462011-12-30T10:22:00.000-08:002011-12-30T10:22:01.196-08:00 <P>Although breast cancer refers to cancerous tumors that develop in the breast tissue, it also has different types. Some of them are common while others are rare.</P><P>The most common type of the cancer is invasive duct carcinoma accounting for 80% of the invasive cancers of the breast. 10% of the invasive cancers of the breast are invasive lobular carcinoma. Invasive duct carcinoma starts from the ducts in the breast while invasive lobular carcinoma originates from the glands that are responsible for milk production. Other types of cancer of the breast include mucinous carcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer and medullary carcinoma. Treatment of the cancer will depend on the type of cancer one has been diagnosed with. Different types of cancer of the breast have different rates of spreading to other organs.</P><P>Cancer of the breast forms a lump in the breast. By the time the lump is big enough to be felt during a physical examination, the cancer might have already advanced. It is therefore important for one to go for regular mammograms especially those above the age of 50. It also helps because during the initial stages of the disease, the cancer does not produce any symptoms. Some may not have any signs or symptoms while in others, symptoms of the same cancer might be different.</P><P>Other symptoms of breast cancer in women include;</P><P>Apart from the traditional symptom which is the formation of a lump on the breast or under the arm, it can also be accompanied by a rash depending on the type of cancer. <BR>The cancer can also cause changes in the size, texture, temperature, shape and color of the breast and/or nipples <BR>Discharge from the nipple. This can be clear or bloody. <BR>Overturning of the nipple. The nipple will also feel itchy and have a burning sensation <BR>Pain in the nipples and breast area</P><P>During the final stage of breast cancer, it has already spread to other organs of the body such as the liver, lungs and brain. The symptoms will depend on the organ affected. Some of them include</P><P>Neurological problems such as headaches <BR>Jaundice because of the cancers spread to the liver <BR>Loss of appetite <BR>Continuous and uncontrollable loss of weight <BR>Bone pain <BR>Other symptoms of stage four cancer of the breast include skin ulcers, pink like discharge from the nipples and the lump on the breast becomes easily visible.</P><P>Emma Wanjiku is an experienced writer and publisher who focusses/reports on issues affecting you. Her research is based on aspects and topics of life that matter. She is a trained journalist. For daily health tips and fitness information, access her health site at <A href="http://www.emmalifetips.com/" target=_new>http://www.emmalifetips.com/</A></P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6662891" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-57737428699120702882011-12-29T10:14:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:14:00.452-08:00 <P>Husbands have to suffer a lot when their wives are out on a vacation for a day or two. This is when they realize that their wives manage their houses, kids, offices and everything incredibly well. A Woman has to be fit as a fiddle round the clock right from making early breakfast for her son to late night dinner for her husband. All this requires a lot of hard work, patience and of course strength. Be it a Sunday or a Monday, she doesn't get any time to sit and think about her health. Women have proved their immense talent in every field. They try to be perfect mothers, wives, colleagues, employees and friends but if all of this is at stake of their health then this is of no use. Health comes first but for women it comes very first.</P><P>If they are over thirty, special attention needs to be given to their health, nutrition and weaknesses. Breast Cancer it is becoming quite frequent in women these days. The symptoms may vary from swelling to skin changes. Other symptoms can be dimpling, breast pain, nipple pain, nipple discharge, redness or thickening of breast skin or any kind of lump. Any lump which can be felt might not be cancer. If they feel that the lump is spread non-uniformly then they should go for cancer examination. The lump might be tender and small and might not be felt. Regular check up might help detecting it. One thing which must be remembered is that cancer can be killed if detected at early stages.</P><P>Prevention: <BR>A healthy diet and regular exercise are necessary not only for maintaining overall health but also to prevent breast cancer. An aerobic activity for decent 30-60 minutes, fruits, vegetables and whole grain diet with low fat, limited red meat consumption and no alcohol are a few steps which would put you at lower risks of having breast cancer. These tips if followed regularly would help you remain healthy for the rest of your life.</P><P>A woman who has had full term pregnancy before age of 30 or if she has fed her children for over 12 months is at lower risk than a woman who has not. The key to avoid this cancer is staying healthy and fit. If a woman is at risk of having cancer based on above criteria she should do Breast Self Examination every month and should go to doctor for regular check up. Tamoxifen and Raloxifen are two drugs to prevent breast cancer. A doctor must be consulted before their use to know about the risks and benefits they have.</P><P>If you are a woman, do follow these tips to stay healthy, fit and smart. You must remember that there are a lot of lives connected with you. Falling sick and getting tired are not in your dictionary. If you are a husband, take good care of her and ensure that she is regular in her check-ups. If you are a son, make her feel happy and proud of you because you know she is important to you. Keep telling her 'stay healthy mom'.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6482827" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-78817500760683365042011-12-28T09:24:00.000-08:002011-12-28T09:24:01.090-08:00 <P>We've been seeing a lot of NFL players wearing pink this month. Every October, we celebrate our strides against breast cancer and push to make people aware of the disease and help hunt for a cure. Certainly, when efforts such as these have come before, we have been stalwart, and winners against cancer. All one has to do is look back on the 1960's and see the horrible disease that childhood leukemia was, and now, 95% survival rates and 60% remission rates are the rule. Or how about cervical and uterine cancer, and our success against this one time leading cause of cancer death in women, now controlled.</P><P>National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so important. Over the years it has helped to raise awareness of the severity of the disease in medical and economic impact. Ultimately, we look for ways to save human lives. Much has changed over the years. One has to remember that just not long ago, we "Baby Boomers" watched as our mothers succumbed to the most common death inducing cancer in women, uterine cancer. That's right. Up until the early 1970's, this was the cancer most common in killing women. The fight with breast cancer has been ongoing, with diagnostic screening meeting new challenges around every turn.</P><P>In 1959, the introduction of a standard screen called The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear changed everything, and a national campaign to get women into the doctor for Pap screenings created a paradigm shift in the routine care of women when visiting their doctor. With this tool, we eventually discovered that there was a culprit now known as, "The Papillomavirus"; we were able to develop a vaccine against. With this victory, however, Breast cancer became the real malignant villain in taking down women. It has become rampant, involving all kinds of theories as to cause, including everything from medicines, hormones, and lifestyle practices to oncogenetics and environmental exposure.</P><P>Controversial guidelines in physical screenings and imaging continue to change. Economically, it seems sometimes that insurance companies drive our screening studies. Basing guidelines on thready actuarial information, they change mammography guidelines constantly, jumping on any information that suggests spending less on screening. Now, a recent study suggests that mammography may not be as important as previously thought in reducing a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer. Coming on the heels of guideline changes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2009, indicating women do not need mammograms in their 40s, this latest research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, adds another "scratch your head" position to the idea that mammograms make a substantial impact in saving lives.</P><P>The study, conducted in Norway, showed that women who receive breast cancer screenings have a 10 percent lower risk of dying from cancer, but researchers could trace only a third of this so-called reduced risk to mammograms themselves. Screenings reduced death from breast cancer by only 2.4 per 100,000 women. The Norwegian study followed more than 40,000 women with breast cancer.</P><P>American women shouldn't be too quick to back away from recommended biannual screenings for breast cancer for those over age 50, however. Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, feels the Norwegian study was too short in duration. According to Dr. Brawley, "The report's estimate of the relative value of mammography is lower than in a number of previous screening studies". This may be due to the relatively short two year follow-up of the population. Brawley points out, that most randomized trials have at least 10 years of follow-up after the last round of screenings, and many have covered periods of 20 to 40 years.</P><P>Dr. Daniel B. Kopans, professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, agrees and feels the study was incomplete and not long enough in duration. "This study contradicts other studies from the Netherlands and Sweden which show just the opposite, namely that screening accounts for over 60% of the decrease in deaths seen over the past 50 years," he says. "I suspect that most everyone who cares for women with breast cancer would acknowledge that therapy only saves lives when breast cancers are found and treated early."</P><P>As a physician, I must add that the ability of doctors to perform a thorough palpatory exam is crucial. Many doctors just have their patient lie down on the exam table and circumferentially feel both breasts and consider them examined. The real physician will ask pertinent questions while examining the "patient", not just their breasts. In addition, the exam should start with a visual exam of the patient and her breasts, looking carefully for skin and nipple changes, and then utilizing maneuvers that force breast tissue to respond to different angles of muscular contraction along the chest wall. This captures lesions deep along the ligamentous attachments of the breasts. This should then be followed with a very thorough palpatory exam of both breasts and the axillae.</P><P>I should also comment that regular breast cancer screenings heighten women's awareness of the disease. This leads to early detection and a better prognosis. While the American Cancer Society no longer recommends monthly breast self-examination, I feel current guidelines regarding mammography should not be changed. The total body of science supports the fact that regular mammography is an important part of a woman's preventative health care.</P><P>Wear some pink this month,</P><P>Dr. Counce</P><P>Dr. Counce founded The Conservatory of Medical Arts and Sciences. A non-profit higher education platform institution, The Conservatory of Medical Arts and Sciences began as a medical academy and tutorship to aid local college students in Colorado Springs, Colorado, however, The Conservatory website has grown and now reaches not only a large contingent of college students in the United States, but has reached World Wide. We now have a vast number of supporters and users in Europe, including France, Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, and The United Kingdom. Our large base of supporters and students in China, India, Japan, and The Republic of Korea, continues to grow exponentially.</P><P>Dr. Counce maintains a regular blog at The Conservatory website called The Searchlight Messenger.<BR>The Doctor is well known to provide a well rounded, leadership level educational experience to any teaching environment. He pursues an attitude of "make everyone glad they met with you today". He commands authority of knowledge, is an eloquent speaker, pursues the student/mentor relationship, and cultivates introspection.</P><P>Visit The Conservatory at <A href="http://www.venture17.com/" target=_new>http://www.venture17.com/</A></P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6634488" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-62113607996298205892011-12-27T10:12:00.000-08:002011-12-27T10:12:01.034-08:00 <P>Breast cancers are not all the same and they behave differently. To effectively target breast cancer cells with the right therapy requires that we identify the cancer subtype. By knowing the subtype and which genes the cancer expresses, we know which drugs to use, as different receptors accept different drugs.</P><P>While some subtypes lend themselves well to very specific targeted types of treatment, Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBCs) do not. TNBCs do, however, respond to other types of treatment. This article looks at the population that is most likely to be in the TNBC group.</P><P>Breast cancer tissue is typically tested for specific receptors to estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2-neu). The presence of any of these receptors, allows for targeted therapy. Targeted therapy utilizes drugs that recognize these receptors, thereby affecting only those cancer cells.</P><P>Estrogen or progesterone receptors are treated with what is called endocrine therapy. The most recognized drug used to target either of these receptors is tamoxifen. In post-menopausal women, drugs called aromastase inhibitors (Arimidex, Femara, Aromasin) perform a similar task of essentially blocking the bodies own estrogen from binding to and stimulating cancer cells that may be circulating in the body or at the site of the original tumor.</P><P>The presence of these receptors is a favorable prognostic indicator. The presence of the HER2 receptor is actually a poor prognostic indicator, suggesting a more aggressive disease. A relatively recent breakthrough in breast cancer treatment was the discovery of Herceptin, a drug that targets this receptor. While still suggesting more aggressive disease, the use of Herceptin, along with chemotherapy, has had a remarkably positive impact on the treatment of those cancers that posses this receptor.</P><P>Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC), don't have any of these receptors. Thus, there is no effective targeted therapy. 10-20% of all invasive breast cancers are 'Triple Negative'. Younger women and African American women are more likely to develop this subtype of breast cancer.</P><P>In addition, women with a BRCA1 mutation are more likely to be 'triple negative'. In fact, the diagnosis of TNBC is now an indication to consider genetic testing. In addition, these subtypes of breast cancers respond differently to therapies. TNBC's tend to respond very well to chemotherapy. Thus, the indications for chemotherapy in this subgroup tends to include even small, lymph-node-negative patients.</P><P>A major focus of current research is trying to find drugs to interfere with the growth of TNBC, as well as discover new targets that might exist in this subtype. By identifying Support groups of TNBC patients have formed. For information go to <A href="http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target=_new>http://www.tnbcfoundation.org</A>.</P><P><B>About the Author</B></P><P><A href="http://compbreastcare.com/about.aspx" target=_new>Dr. Eric Brown</A> has twice been voted "Top Doc" in the Detroit Metro area. He is certified in breast ultrasound by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, is trained in Oncoplastic Surgery (plastic surgery for the treatment of breast disease), and is a member of The American Society of Breast Surgeons and The American Society of Breast Disease.</P><P>Dr. Brown is the Director of the Breast Care Center, as well as, The Center of Excellence Director for Breast Care, at Beaumont Hospital. His clinic is <A href="http://compbreastcare.com/" target=_new>Comprehensive Breast Care</A> in Troy, MI.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6635352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-66140074770467536072011-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:002011-12-26T11:03:00.490-08:00 <P>It is a harsh reality that breast cancer has become a leading cause of death in women worldwide. According to studies 13 % of all women have a great risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. The reasons for developing this cancer have not yet been determined, but by modifying your lifestyle you can reduce your cancer risk. You can make small changes to reduce your cancer risk.</P><P><STRONG>Follow a Healthy Diet Plan </STRONG></P><P>Healthy food promotes a healthy life by reducing your risk of cancer and strengthening your immune system. A strong immune system defends you against diseases and the same is the case with cancer. A Healthy diet plan contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains and food items rich in fiber. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that can prevent cellular damage caused by breast cancer.</P><P>Cut back on processed food and red meat as they are rich in saturated fat that can increase your cancer risk. Avoid alcohol because certain breast cancer tumors are estrogen sensitive and alcohol can increase the level of estrogen.</P><P><STRONG>Maintain A</STRONG><STRONG>Healthy Body Weight</STRONG></P><P>Body weight is an important factor to maintain your overall health. If you are obese you are more likely to develop all sorts of diseases including breast cancer. You should be neither underweight nor overweight.</P><P><STRONG>Exercise Regularly </STRONG></P><P>Exercise is a healthy activity for everyone. It not only helps combat obesity, but also reduces cancer risk. The aim of exercise is to move the body so exercise can be in the form of jogging, walking, swimming etc. It is better to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to reduce your risk.</P><P><STRONG>Don't Smoke </STRONG></P><P>Smoking is harmful for your health and affects all organs of the body. It is one of the sure-fire ways to increase your cancer risk. Don't smoke for the sake of your health and life.</P><P><STRONG>Breastfeed if Possible </STRONG></P><P>New mothers have the option to start breastfeeding to reduce cancer risk. Those who are going to become mothers in the future can use this option for reducing their risk as well. Breastfeeding can reduce your cancer risk by 7 %.</P><P><STRONG>Examine your breasts </STRONG></P><P>You should examine your breasts monthly to check for any unusual changes. It can be done by every woman easily in privacy of her home. It helps you take necessary action in time.</P><P>You can make all these changes in <A href="http://www.breastlight.com/" rel="nofollow" target=_new>Breast Cancer Awareness Month</A> for your well-being. The benefits you will get by making these changes will help you reduce your risk for developing breast cancer.</P><P>James is a blogger and writer. He usually writes about <A href="http://www.breastlight.com/breast-awareness/breast-cancer" target=_new>breast cancer</A>, breast awareness and breast examination. You can contact him directly at <A href="mailto:james@breastlight.com">james@breastlight.com</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6705111" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-41536416362895702832011-12-25T10:44:00.000-08:002011-12-25T10:44:00.072-08:00 <P>Breast cancer is a condition in which the cells of the breast undergo a malignant growth. The malignant growth of the cells results in a group of cancerous cells (also called malignant tumor) which may spread into surrounding tissues or even to distant parts of the body. This deadly disease can occur in both men and women. However, men are less likely to be affected by it.</P><P>To cure the disease, doctors usually recommend their patients to take any or a combination of these treatment options: radiation therapy, targeted drugs, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery to remove a part or the entire affected breast. Sometimes, even after the cancer cells are successfully removed, the disease may re-occur. On the other hand, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, making it a metastatic breast cancer.</P><P>When a person reaches the metastatic stage, it means that the cancer cells have spread way beyond the affected breast. This condition happens when the cells break away from the cancer in the breast. The spread of the cells can occur in lymphatic vessels or blood vessels which may build up a new cancer deposit.</P><P>Metastatic breast cancer is also called secondary, invasive, or advanced breast cancer. At this stage, the cells can even be found in the liver, lungs, bones, and brain. Often the disease does not spread to these areas altogether but the location of the spread varies between sufferers. Moreover, it can happen before or after the treatments given to the patient.</P><P>When the cancer cells have spread to the liver, usually the patient suffers from symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, appetite loss, and uncomfortable feeling around the liver area (the right side of the stomach). Some can also suffer from jaundice while others may develop swollen stomach due to fluid build up in the liver. On the other hand, when the cells have reached the lungs, symptoms include dry cough, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and feeling of heaviness in the chest.</P><P>The spread of breast cancer to the bone can elicit symptoms including constant pain in the affected bone which is worsened during movements and creates uneasiness during night sleep. When it has spread to the brain, usually the patient will experience persistent headache, vomiting, and nausea. If the cancerous cells attack a particular part of the brain, other symptoms such as seizures, weakened limbs, or blurry vision may also occur. However, it is also worth noting that these symptoms can be a warning signs of other diseases. At any rate, you should consult a doctor should you experience any of these symptoms.</P><P>The article above is a short introduction about <A href="http://breast-cancer-information.com/what-is-metastatic-breast-cancer" target=_new>what is metastatic breast cancer</A> and its common affected areas. For thorough information about the prevention and cure for the disease, please follow our links.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6481998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-58485071655266997782011-12-24T10:36:00.000-08:002011-12-24T10:36:00.572-08:00 <P>The American Cancer Society expects that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2011, 57,650 new cases of CIS (the non-invasive form of breast cancer), and that about 39,520 women will die from breast cancer. That's too many! What should Boomer women know about prevention?</P><P>There has been much publicity about Vitamin D of late. Now studies have shown that the mighty vitamin D can also help protect all of us Baby Boomer women against breast cancer.</P><P>I encourage every woman to check her vitamin D level regularly and keep it in the optimal range. Based upon the outdated requirements for this important vitamin, which have recently been increased, "normal" is not the same as optimal. Many of us have been told by our physician for years that our vitamin D levels are normal. It's time to get them checked against the newer "optimal" standards.</P><P>Most docs today now recommend supplementing with 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 per day, as well as getting as much from your diet as you can. I know it's hard to get all you need from food. Fatty fish like Salmon, herring, catfish and halibut are good sources, but if you don't like fish it can be difficult to find high levels of this important vitamin in other foods.</P><P>There is another easy way to optimize our vitamin D. Make sure you are getting plenty of regular, safe, sun exposure. Believe it or not, the sun is actually the best source of vitamin D. The sun's UVB rays help our bodies manufacture vitamin D in the fat layer under the skin. Our own body can make all the vitamin D we need from regular sun exposure. We should spend about fifteen minutes showing some skin before we put on our sunscreen; exposing the skin is good for us as long as we don't burn.</P><P>There is also evidence that <STRONG>Vitamin K </STRONG>not only helps activate proteins that are involved in the structuring of bone mass, which is good news for all of us Baby Boomer women, but recent <A href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12888897?dopt=Abstract" rel="nofollow" target=_new>studies</A> show it also has an anti-cancer effect; vitamin K has been used in the treatment of several different cancers, including breast cancer. You can get your vitamin K in swiss chard, kale, parsley and spinach, broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, liver, soybean oil and wheat bran. Many more choices here than with vitamin D, however, supplements are also available if you'd prefer.</P><P><STRONG>Diet</STRONG>and <STRONG>Exercise</STRONG> are hugely important in preventing breast cancer. A study published in the " <A href="http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/25/17/2345.abstract?ijkey=b8ae0c0bdeda486872bc27444bc95ca7e750045e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha" rel="nofollow" target=_new>Journal of Clinical Oncology</A> " reinforces previous findings that women with breast cancer greatly reduce their risk of recurrence by eating a healthy, plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly. This study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, tracked dietary patterns and exercise habits of nearly 1,500 women who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Researchers found that the death rate for women who consumed a high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and practiced good exercise habits, was 44% lower than the rate for women who exercised little and ate few plant-based foods. Almost half the risk, wow!</P><P>So, as my dear ol'gram used to say: "take your vities, eat all your veggies, and get plenty of fresh air!"</P><P>Best of Health,</P><P>Kathi</P><P>Kathi Casey, The Healthy Boomer Body Expert provides weight loss tips, relief from Menopause Symptoms, Sciatic Nerve Pain Remedies and more: <A href="http://www.healthyboomerbody.com/" target=_new>http://www.healthyboomerbody.com/</A></P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6658369" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5968706997788553537.post-10432996325272626022011-12-23T09:46:00.001-08:002011-12-23T09:46:09.839-08:00 <P>Thousands of women every year all over the world start the most difficult battle they will ever encounter. These women will spend more time with doctors and in hospitals then most of us spend in an entire lifetime. They endure toxic substances pumped into their bodies on a regular basis in the slim hope it will save their lives. I am speaking of the millions of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.</P><P>Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed of all cancers in women. There has been much money contributed to research for the cure, but there remain thousands of women who will receive this devastating diagnosis. This disease not only affects the patient herself but her family and friends who will suffer along with her.</P><P>A lot of us know someone with breast cancer and know first hand how much pain it causes everyone involved. It is unbelievably difficult to stand by and watch a loved one in so much pain and be helpless to offer any relief. The hopelessness one feels is indescribable as they watch their loved one go through the physical and mental stress inherent in patients with breast cancer.</P><P>Most women are naturally fixers. It's part of their womanly makeup. So, many of us find it difficult to stand back and do nothing when someone we care for is hurting. Unfortunately, we can't wave our magic wands and make it all better. Since most of us are average people and not scientists or researchers, we'll never find the cure for cancer. But, we can support those who are searching for answers.</P><P>All of us have the ability to make a difference in the lives of women suffering from breast cancer. Donating to cancer research positively impacts efforts to create better drugs and possible cures. With enough funding, leading scientist across the country can devote their time and resources to the cause. Donating is easy and varying. You can support cancer research through monetary donations or by donating your time and talents to the more administrative aspects of fundraising. Of course, some people join Susan G. Koman's Race for the Cure, others simply send in pink Yoplait lids.</P><P>Those who donate money for research are angels. There are other ways to qualify as an angel. Women with breast cancer rack up huge medical bills which can bankrupt their families. If you know someone with breast cancer and want to help, drop off some groceries or lasagna or homemade scones. Ask them what more they need that you can help with and start a neighborhood crusade to make a positive difference to a family on their own block.</P><P>Breast cancer affects millions of women and their families. Thankfully, due to all the money and time donated to cancer research, advances have been made in the treatment of breast cancer. Yet, there are still many women who do not survive. I have known two women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. One beat it and inspires many people by telling her story. Sadly, my other friend did not make it. She left behind a beautiful three year old daughter and an amazing husband. She was one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and I support breast cancer research in honor of her. I strongly encourage others to do the same because I want to put an end to the grief. If we all team together, a permanent cure for breast cancer might be just around the corner.</P><P>If you enjoyed the previous article, you may go and check out other similar articles or reviews at <A href="http://angie-tewis.net/angie-tewis/" target=_new>Angie Tewis</A> or this <A href="http://angietewissite.com/angie-tewis-puts-family/" target=_new>Angie Tewis Article</A>.</P><br /><p><a href="http://EzineArticles.com/6669890" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View the original article here</a></p>Beautiful Youhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17330033770989932906noreply@blogger.com0