Since colon cancer is a dangerous disease and it is important to know about this disease. To keep yourself healthy and disease free you have to aware about the symptoms about some dangerous diseases like colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon (large intestine). It is sometimes called colorectal cancer, and it refers to cancer that affects the colon or/and the rectum. The colon and the rectum are both part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
What is the Colon?
The colon is an important part of the digestive system, it helps the body absorb nutrients, minerals, and water. The colon also helps rid the body of waste in the form of stool. The colon makes up the majority of the large intestine, approximately six feet in length. The last six inches or so of the large intestine are the rectum and the anal canal.
What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
There are many symptoms involved with the Colon cancer can have many symptoms. However, in the early stages, people with colon cancer often have no symptoms at all. This is why regular screening beginning at 50 is an important investment in your healthy future.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
1. A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
2. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
3. Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
4. A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
5. Weakness or fatigue
6. Unexplained weight loss
7. Loss of appetite
8. Unexplained fatigue (extreme tiredness)
9. Nausea or vomiting
10. Anemia (low red blood cell count or low iron in your red blood cells)
11. Jaundice (yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes)
12. Loss of appetite
13. A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
14. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Fast Facts about Colon Cancer
• Colon cancer is the 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the U.S.
• About 105,000 cases were diagnosed in 2005 in the U.S.
• Only 39% of colon cancer cases are detected early
• It is the second leading cause of cancer realted death in the U.S.
What Causes Colon Cancer
Although researchers don’t know yet what definitely causes colon cancer, they have identified several risk factors for developing colon cancer. Risk factors include age, diet, genetics, alcohol and other factors.
How to Find Out if You Have Colon Cancer
If you have found any symptoms of the above please consult with your doctor immediately. It is recommended that people 50 and over have a colonoscopy every 10 years if they are at average risk. There are other methods of colon cancer screening beside the colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor about which is best for you and how often to get screened.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body’s mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2) peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the sac which surrounds the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.
The concern over the mines stems from several reports that have indicated large impacts on the health of those living and working in nearby areas. Residents in Hongseong and Boryeong counties in South Chungcheong Province are just a few that have been affected by asbestos-related diseases through inhaling the toxic asbestos fibers.
Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.
One of these diseases is mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma). The biggest problem with this disease is the fact that as many as 50 years can pass by before symptoms finally arise.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and palpitations.
Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States, asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s – 1970s. During the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By the 19
Another example of an area that has felt the impacts of a closed asbestos mine is Libby, Montana in the United States. Since the official closing of the mine in 1990, more than 200 Libby residents have passed away from an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. Currently, over a thousand residents are still suffering from a disease related to asbestos exposure.
80s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. There are three types of asbestos exposure.
The Social Security Administration is making it easier for ill and disabled patients to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The compassionate allowances initiative was announced in October 2008 as a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s standards. Both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are included on the list of 88 qualifying rare diseases and cancers.
Pleural Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium. Peritoneal mesothelioma, also caused by asbestos exposure, affects the lining of the abdomen. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated with varying degrees of success through the use of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation.
Mesothelioma has an extended latency period with symptoms sometimes taking between 20-40 years to appear. By the time the symptoms appear the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, and most patients are unable to work at this point necessitating a need for the early receipt of Social Security benefits.
Daniel E. Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says “the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program will help streamline the disability benefits application process so that benefits are quickly provided to those who need them most.”
The SSA held public hearings to gather information from experts on rare diseases and cancers, enlisted the assistance of the National Institutes of Health, and also held public outreach hearings, and received public comments to develop the initial list of 50 conditions comprised of 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers.
This month the SSA added 38 conditions by holding additional public outreach hearings, working closely with the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, and other groups. They also reviewed information gathered from previous hearings and consulted with their internal expert medical staff.
Compassionate allowances will allow the SSA to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal objective medical information. When combined with the agency’s Quick Disability Determination process, close to ten percent of disability claims, or a quarter million cases, could be decided in an average of six to eight days.
Commissioner Astrue said, “I am committed to a process that is as fair and speedy as possible. The launch of Compassionate Allowances is another step to ensuring Americans with disabilities, especially those with certain cancers and rare diseases, get the benefits they need quickly.”
Exposure to asbestos, a known human carcinogen, is the direct cause of many diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Tens of thousands of individuals, especially working men and women, have died from mesothelioma in the last couple of decades and there are approximately 3 ,000 new diagnoses every year.
The dangers of asbestos were known to many companies that made asbestos-related products as early as the 1920s. However, asbestos continued to be used up until the 1980s — when most asbestos products were banned in the United States and other countries. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. The latency period can be as long as 50 years. People exposed to asbestos in the 1950’s and 1960’s are just now showing signs of mesothelioma.
In a recent interview, Joseph W. Belluck, a partner in Belluck & Fox LLP , a New York law firm that focuses on representing victims of asbestos-related disease, says, “getting to the cause of asbestos-related disease involves taking a thorough life history.” There are those who know automatically how they were exposed to asbestos, then there are other people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma who have no idea how or when they could have been exposed to asbestos.
Life History
For those patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who cannot pinpoint their asbestos exposure, Belluck will delve into their life to find a point where the toxic substance could have been inhaled into their system.
1. Occupation. Knowing all the occupations the patient held is critical. While mesothelioma is most closely associated to industrial workers including construction workers, insulators, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians and sheet metal workers, other jobs may have involved handling asbestos. Dentists that make casts for fillings, jewelers using crucibles, and laboratory technicians who have used Bunsen burners could all have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
2. Occupation of Household Members. Asbestos is so toxic that mesothelioma has been diagnosed in family members whose only exposure came from contact with stray fibers and particles that have built-up on the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.
3. Home Renovations or Mechanic Work. The risk of developing mesothelioma can occur due to renovation or repair work in the home, as well as through mechanical work on car brakes or clutches. Many older homes contain insulation made from asbestos fibers, which once disturbed, can be inhaled creating a risk for mesothelioma. During brake and clutch maintenance, the pads and linings are often filed down, releasing asbestos dust.
4. Military Background. Military personnel may have been exposed to asbestos between the 1940s and 1970s. Some jobs required military workers to cut asbestos-laden materials, or work in enclosed spaces, such as ship interiors, where loose asbestos fibers circulated freely. Even occupants of base housing constructed prior to 1970 could be at risk.
Mesothelioma Prevention Tips
While doctors are not sure why some people exposed to asbestos contract mesothelioma and others do not, the best way to prevent mesothelioma is to limit or eliminate interaction with asbestos fibers. If you know you have been exposed to asbestos in your past, contact your doctor even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Early detection can significantly increase your survival rate.
If you are aware of a potential asbestos-exposure risk, bring it to the attention of the proper authorities, and do not attempt to dispose of the asbestos yourself. Improper handling of asbestos can put you and others at risk.
Stay informed on asbestos-related news, mesothelioma treatments, and risks and hazards pertaining to asbestos in your area. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to avoid potential risks.
Though knowledge and consciousness are the first steps towards prevention, taking precautionary measures and following these steps can help you prevent cervical cancer disease.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the forms of cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Knowing that cervical cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and accepting that everyone is at risk is the first step towards effective prevention. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection which is present in 99.7% of cervical cancer cases, and thus prevention includes:
Having safe sex with a single partner, using condoms though not fool proof, is a practice.
Avoiding smoking
Having a healthy lifestyle
Diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, fruits, fiber and whole wheat products
Physical activity & exercise.
Maintaining healthy weight
Controlling stress levels
Getting screened regularity and knowing about pap smear & HPV DNA tests.
It is appropriate that women above 30 have both HPV DNA test and a pap test at the time screening as this helps in early diagnosis.
For women above 30, if both the HPV DNA test and pap test are negative, pre-cancerous changes or cancer is highly unlikely and testing does not need to be repeated for three years. If the pap test is negative and the HR-HPV test is positive, both should be repeated in 6-12 months.
Vaccination against specific types of HPV is another way to reduce infection rates and thereby reducing incidence of cervical cancer.
Vaccines provide protection against two low-risk and two high-risk types and is expected to provide protection against 90 percent of genital warts and 70 percent of cervical cancers.
Did you know that mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure can be prevented at home?
Mesothelioma is a violent, rare cancer that can affect the lungs, the heart or the abdomen. Caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is diagnosed in close to 3,000 Americans each year. If you are not aware about how to prevent mesothelioma, below is the list of tips that can help you to live mesothelioma free life.
Mesothelioma is a disease characterized by scattered pulmonary fibrosis from the penetration of asbestos dust into the lungs. Current laws restrict the use of asbestos, but many industries used it in the past. Therefore, exposure occurred, and may still occur, in various jobs, comprising of manufacturing and mining of asbestos, shipbuilding, demolition of structures containing asbestos, and roofing. Materials such as cement, clothing brake linings, vinyl asbestos tile, shingles, and fireproof paint, and filters all contained asbestos at one time, and many of these materials are still in existence. Additional diseases related to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and asbestos pleural effusion.
Frequency Cases increase in the US
Statistical reports show that more than 2,000 Americans are affected with mesothelioma every year. However, even if most cases occur at work, many are still affected right at their own home. This does not necessarily mean homeowners use asbestos at home. Surveys reveal that cases of mesothelioma at home are commonly caused by asbestos dust brought at home.
People who work at industrial companies or construction sites, or simply those who have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos may unconsciously bring asbestos dust at home. Asbestos dust may stick to clothes, hair, skin, cars, or even in their tools. Hence, to avoid Mesothelioma, learn the prevention asbestos at home tips.
Tips to prevent mesothelioma disease:
1. Learn to recognize asbestos
The problem with most people who get sick with mesothelioma, even if they are not working in an industrial company or construction field, is that they do not know how to recognize asbestos or asbestos-containing products right at their own home.
The government has already passed laws and is now implementing full restrictions and control on the use of asbestos in home products. Asbestos containing products are considered as one of the primary factors for developing mesothelioma.
Hence, if you are planning to buy tools for your home, try to check if they contain asbestos. Some of the products that normally contain asbestos are floor adhesives, door gaskets, boilers, furnace ducts, vinyl floor tiles, textured paint, fireproof gloves, asbestos cement roofing, etc.
2. Buy quality materials
The use of asbestos cannot simply be ignored considering the fact that they have high resistance to fire. However, it is best that you check on the quality of the asbestos containing product you are about to buy. Low quality or damaged products may tend to emit asbestos dust, which can infiltrate your lungs and may develop mesothelioma.
3. Dispose asbestos dust before going home
Workers at an asbestos infested environment must try to eliminate any signs of asbestos dust from his clothing or tools. Before going home, it is best that the employee must take a bath thoroughly and wash his clothes carefully to eradicate asbestos dust.
4. Health Screenings.
Contact a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Early detection can significantly increase your survival rate.
5. Question asbestos risks.
If you are aware of a potential asbestos-exposure risk, bring it to the attention of the proper authorities.
6. Be wary on floors that contain asbestos
If you have used asbestos containing products in your home, such as the flooring, it is best not to wax or brush the floor. Brushing or waxing the asbestos containing flooring may discharge “microscopic fibers” into the air, increasing the risk of inhaling asbestos dust.
7. Do not sweep suspected asbestos dust
If you think you are about to sweep asbestos dust, leave it alone. Dust particles may only infiltrate the lungs once inhaled. This can be prevented by leaving asbestos dust alone. Do not let them fly into the air.
Prevention is better than cure. Hence, to avoid mesothelioma, it is best to learn the prevention asbestos at home tips and start a life away from health hazard.
People from all over the world come to India for cancer treatments. There are several cancer institutes in India that are inventing various new methods in treatment of cancer. The cancer centers hospitals of India provide treatment to abroad patients at a very less price as compared to the cost of abroad cancer surgery hospitals. In India medical treatment centers for cancer treatment are at Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Cancer surgeries have produced 85% of successful results in India by completely curing the patients.
The development of advanced cancer surgery procedures lead to higher survival rate and improve the quality of life. The cancer survival patients are able to get back to their work normally as before they were. Because of low cost of cancer treatment and availability of experienced surgeons in India, cancer surgery institute of India are gaining more popularity and many abroad patients are attracted to India for getting their cancer treatment done at low cost.
People come to India not only for cancer treatments but for other types of treatment too. India has world class bone and joint institute that offer effective treatment and have faster recovery rates. Indian doctors are also qualified and very well known for their skills. Indian medical industry is booming and new and advanced technologies are being employed at different hospitals in the country.
Medical tourism is a new and growing concept worldwide many countries invite patients from other countries and provide low cost packages to abroad patients for their treatment. Medical tourism of India provides different low cost packages to abroad patients for their treatment in India. For comfortable stay of abroad patients they arrange very good accommodation, their tickets and provision of good treatment facilities is also taken care by them. Many abroad patients are getting attracted to India for their treatment.
If you have been the regular with your news channel, then you must be knowing that people from all over the globe are being fouled with H1N1 virus or better known as Swine Flu. It is also known as influenza H1N1 which has spread out to the other various countries majorly by travelling from one another country.
Influenza H1N1 is a virus that originated from pigs which was initially discovered in April, 2009. H1N1 virus has been found infecting the people and is spreading extensively. Due to this reason, it is very essential that people take all the sanitary and health precautions. Till now, this major virus has taken away a lot of lives not only in India or Asia, but it has spread its wings in all the parts of world.
H1N1 virus spreads just like the other seasonal virus that is through sneeze and cough. Although it spreads very easily like the other virus but it does not get away like them. It needs proper medication and alertness. With a lot of research, the vaccination and proper medication has been developed by the scientist who can now save the lives of the affected people.
A proper care has to be taken in order to beat this epidemic. Regular washing of hands is very essential. It is also important that if you are infected with the H1N1 virus, then you get cut off from the rest of the world so that others do not suffer from the same Influenza H1N1. Proper exercise, food and a healthy living can beat this life taking diseases which has already claimed a lot of lives in all over the world.
Bird Flu is becoming a dreadful terror for the countries especially in Asia. This epidemic has been growing drastically and has become a matter of major concern. According to a recent update and statistic, the bird flu has claimed lives of more than 50 people in the Southeast Asia and has also caused the death of the millions of the poultry. This virus of bird flu can become a major serious if it keep spreading with the same intensity and develops the ability of very easy transmission from person to person.
Due to this reason, it has now become very essential that people start taking the bird flu prevention so that this deadly flu does not spread and comes to an end.
The present bird flu is resistant to the older flu medications. But, the medicines remain susceptible to the new medicines or drugs such as Relenza or Ramiflu. But, the supplies of such drugs are really very less. The Antiviral drugs may also be used for the bird flu prevention and treatment against such influenza.
The vaccination is also a good idea to get away from the bird flu as you get immune and do not get affected by the attack of the virus.
Bird Flu has been claiming many lives since it’s on set and now it has become very essential that it is curbed down or else it might result in a pandemic. Other than the deaths, this diseases causes a lot more heath problems which includes respiratory illness, chest pains, sore throat, headaches, fever, conjunctivitis, breathing problems and a lot more health issues. Thus, taking a proper care and adopting bird flu prevention measures is a must.
Even as questions are being raised about whether the swine flu scare was blown up to benefit pharma companies, evidence has surfaced that several members of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) vaccine board which pushed countries to buy the H1N1 vaccine have had significant ties with pharma companies.
This fact, which is bound to raise issues of conflict of interest, was exposed by Danish daily ‘Information’ last month. TOI attempted to get WHO’s response, but several emails sent to the office of the WHO director-general on January 9 met with no response.
Documents acquired through the Danish Freedom of Information Act revealed that Prof Juhani Eskola, a Finnish member of the WHO board on vaccines, ‘Strategic Advisory Group of Experts’ (SAGE), received almost 6.3 million euros in 2009 for his vaccine research programme, THL, from the vaccine manufacturers, GSK, qualifying GSK as THL’s main source of income. SAGE advises WHO chief Margaret Chan and recommends which vaccines and how much of it member countries should purchase, pointed out the Danish newspaper.
Apart from Prof Juhani Eskola, who received almost 6.3 million euros for his vaccine research programme, Danish journalists reported on six other members of ‘Strategic Advisory Group of Experts’ (SAGE) with financial ties to various pharmaceutical companies. These include Dr Peter Figueroa, Dr Neil Ferguson, Prof Malik Peiris, Dr Arnold Monto, Dr Friedrich Hayden and Dr Albert Osterhaus. Barring Dr Figuero, who revealed that he had accepted a research grant from Merck, none of the others made any disclosures.
Many of the pharmaceutical companies with which the vaccine board members had ties, are also the manufacturers of vaccines including the H1N1 vaccine like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis, Solvay, Baxter, MedImmune and Sanofi Aventis. None of the WHO members on the vaccine board, barring one, declared any conflict of interest despite having extensive financial ties with the pharmaceutical companies in the form of research grants and consultancies.
In a statement issued on December 3, 2009, WHO claims that numerous safeguards are in place to manage possible conflicts of interest or their perception. “Members of SAGE are required to declare all professional and financial interests, including funding received from pharmaceutical companies or consultancies or other forms of professional engagement with pharmaceutical companies.
The names and affiliations of members of SAGE and of SAGE working groups are published on the WHO web site, together with meeting reports and declarations of interest submitted by the experts. Allegations of undeclared conflicts of interest are taken very seriously by WHO, and are immediately investigated,” says the statement. However, there is no such disclosure by these SAGE members on the WHO website.
Importance to know Colon Cancer Symptoms
