It is the result of the mutation of the energy-producing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in the cells. DNA contains the biological instruction that tells cells how to function and grow.
A cancer cell is not a foreign cell, it is a cell that has its genetic information tampered in such a way that it will not function normally.
The horrifying thing about cancer cells is that they grow and multiply very rapidly and spead themselves to other parts of the body (metastasize).
Most cancers are named after the part of the body where cancer first affects, the organ that is most likely the weakest. If it has spread from the breast to the bones, it is still called breast cancer.
Cancer is a degenerative disease which means it develops in the body over a period of time.
Cancer cells feed on sugar i.e. glucose in the blood.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer!
Conventional treatments include surgery, radiation, radioactive iodine injections and chemotherapy. Alternative or complementary treatments include nutritional therapy, chinese herbs and hyperthermia.
It is wise to have regular medical check-ups and maintain a healthy body state. The increased intake of fatty foods, processed foods, refined sugar (a high blood sugar level suppresses one's immune system) has found to be linked to many cancers.
The body's immune system can control and protect against cancer. Persons with good vitality can fight cancer more effectively than those with low vitality.
Alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts is a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Various studies have shown that pre and postmenopausal women who drink alcohol daily are at risk, whether beer, wine or liquor makes no difference. It may not be clear why alcohol increases the risk, however an important observation is that with a higher amount of alcohol intake, higher levels of estrogen are found in the blood. Too much of estrogen can initiate cancerous growth.
Reference : "Alcohol Consumption Increases The Risk Of Fatal Breast Cancer" Heather F. Cancer Causes and Control (Dec 2002);
"Alcohol, Tobacco and Breast Cancer - Collaborative Reanalysis of Individual Data from 53 Epidemiological Studies, including 58,515 Women with Breast Cancer and 95,067 Women without the Disease" Hamajima N, et al. British Journal of Cancer (Nov 2002) 87:1234-1245; "Alcohol and Breast Cancer : Review of Epidemiologic and Experimental Evidence and Potential Mechanisms" Keith S, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association (2001) 286(17):2143-2151
REFUSE TO GIVE UP FIGHTING Lots of people have survived all kinds of terminal, incurable, hopeless cancer you can ever imagine! Yes, there is hope. You can beat it too.
There is a strong link between the mind and body which means what you think can determine how your body responds to cancer cells.
TAKE CHARGE Be active, not passive. Ask these questions: What can you do to take charge of your health and healing today? What goals must I set? What changes must I make? Write your answers down and proceed to carry them out.
READ Read as many books, journals and magazines you can get hold of. Know your enemy. Inform and educate yourself what cancer is, the type of cancer that you are facing and how others have beaten it.
REST and DE-STRESS Get sufficient rest and sleep as cancer can wear you out easily. Also, do try to reduce the stress that you are experiencing; talk to someone, write down your problems or frustrations on a journal or whichever method that works best for you.
We have a choice to choose how we want to react despite the circumstances.
COMMUNICATE WITH DOCTORS Ensure that you get the doctors to explain clearly to you what their plans are. Do not be afraid to ask questions! Demand to be told everything.
BE A LISTENER It is okay not to know what to say just be there to listen and show you care.
BE SENSITIVE and PATIENT Understand the needs and fears. Be willing to become aware of how the ill individual or the person taking care of the him/her is feeling.
VOLUNTEER YOUR HELP Do not wait to be asked. Be available. Help can mean cooking meals, doing household chores, going marketing, offering to baby-sit, bringing the kids out and accompanying during hospital visits.
READ Gather as much information as possible. Search for inspiring stories about how cancer survivors fought and won. Many of the book titles listed on this site are examples.
SEND MONEY Consider giving a cash gift (an amount you can afford) because it can help alleviate the costs incurred, namely the expensive medical bills, daily expenditure or the loss of income if work has to be given up.
VITAMIN A and CAROTENOIDS
Maintain healthy skin, membranes of the respiratory and digestive tract.
Food sources - capsicums, carrots, cod-liver oil, spinach and tomatoes.
VITAMIN B
B1 (Thiamine) - maintains a healthy nervous system and metabolizes carbohydrates for the release of energy.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B2 (Riboflavin) - metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins for the release of energy.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B3 (Niacin) - metabolizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins for the release of energy, needed for hormone production, maintains healthy blood cells, brain, skin and nervous system. Required for normal growth.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B5 (Panthothenic acid) - required for the synthesis of steroids and steroid hormones. Maintains a healthy nervous system, immune system and adrenal gland function.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B6 (Pyridoxine) - required for the production of hormones, the conversion of tryptophan to niacin and the making of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA). Regulates blood glucose levels and aids in the synthesis of antibodies. Keeps a balance of sodium and phosphorus.
It produces properdin, a protein that destroys bacteria and viruses in the blood as part of the body's immune function. A shortage of this vitamin affects the nervous system, causes sleepiness, irritability and mood swings.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B8 (Biotin) - metabolizes carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids. Involved in the production of an enzyme glucokinase, which is essential to burn glucose.
Food sources - See Vitamins
B12 (Cobalamine) - metabolizes amino acids and fatty acids, makes DNA and essential for healthy blood cells, nerves, skin, hair and normal growth.
Food sources - See Vitamins
VITAMIN C
This is a well researched water-soluble vitamin and its list of health credentials include eliminating damaging free radicals, preventing the formation of cancer-causing culprits - nitrosomines, boosts immunity, fight off infections, helps the body remove harmful toxins.
VITAMIN E
Like vitamin C, it is a powerful defender of the body's cells against damages caused by free radicals on areas like the eye, skin and heart. It boosts immunity and can inhibit the formation of nitrosomines which are believed to be cancer-causing agents.
It protects healthy cells against toxins and radiation. It helps build body tissue, blood vessels and muscle fiber. Vitamin E slows down the aging process.
SELENIUM
This mineral forms part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase that disposes free radicals. Se and vitamin E work well together to enhance each other's functions. Low levels of Se has been linked to arthritis, cancer, heart disease, cataract and birth defects.
Long term use of more than 400 mcg can be toxic which can cause bad breath, fatigue, nail problems and hair loss.
Food sources - brazil nuts, buckwheat, organ meats, seafood. The amount of Se found in foods like asparagus, garlic and mushrooms is dependent on the amount of Se present in the soil in which they are grown.
SULPHUR
A mineral required for every cell's energy-producing mitochondria. It helps get rid of poisonous material.
ALOE VERA
For immunity, antiviral and antibacterial activity.
ASTRAGULUS
For immunity, anti-tumor activity, prevents metastasis and improve white-cell counts.
ECHINACEA
For immunity and antiviral activity.
A component called arabinogalactan is an anti-cancer agent.
GARLIC
Protective effects :
immunity, antibacterial activity, contains antioxidants such as allicin, quercetin and selenium.
Garlic is deadly to cancer cells.
GREEN TEA
Protective effects :
immunity, prevents metastasis, inhibits the formation of cancer-causing agents (e.g. nitrosamines) in the stomach,
MILK THISTLE
Supports the liver which is the main organ that eliminates toxins in the body.
It protects the liver against toxins, repairs damaged liver cells (hepatocytes) and promotes the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that enhances the immune system, strengthen cell membrane and helps the liver break down toxic chemicals.
:: FRUITS, VEGETABLES and SEEDS
BERRIES
Blackberries, blueberries, dark cherries, raspberries and strawberries contain an antioxidant that is an cancer-fighting agent known as ellagic acid, which causes cancer cells to self-distruct.
NONI
This tropical fruit has over 150 nutraceuticals and of these at least 6 have been shown in scientific studies to fight cancer. They are polysaccharides, proxeronine, anthraquinones (e.g. damnacanthal and alizarin), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), monoterpenes and terpenoid compounds (e.g. eugenol, beta carotene and ursolic acid). In addition research has showed that noni stimulates the body's production of cancer-fighting elements such as nitric oxide, interleukins, interferon, tumor necrosis factor, lipopolysaccharides and natural killer cells.
The strong antioxidant effects of other components in noni such as cystine, vitamins C and E help combat oxidative damage in the body cells.
TOMATOES
Contains antioxidant flavonoids and carotenoids.
Promotes immunity. The red pigment called lycopene (a carotenoid) is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent and fight cancers.
References :
"You Say Tomato, I Say Superfood" US health magazine Let's Live (Feb 2001);
Ask Dr. Weil (Aug 1999)
BEETROOT
According to Dr. John Heinerman's book
Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices (Prentice Hall, 1994),
this sulphur rich root has potent cancer-fighting properties based on research findings from a Hungarian physician, Alexandar Ferenczi.
Diluted beet root juice works more favourably.
FLAXSEED
One of the richest dietary sources of lignans, a class of phytoestrogens thought to help protect against breast, prostate and colon cancers.
Reference :
Ask Dr. Weil (Jun 2001)
:: MUSHROOMS
MAITAKE (D-fraction)
Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, Professor of microbial chemistry at Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan, found that maitake mushroom which contains an extract named D-fraction was effective against brain, breast, liver and prostate cancers.
It boosts the immune system, lowers excess blood sugar levels and prevents tumor growth.
It can help reduce the side-effects associated with chemotherapy.
Reference : "Maitake mushroom" American Cancer Society
REISHI
For immunity.
:: WHOLE GRAINS Choose organic brown rice or multi-grain rice, whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, wheat and oat flakes.
Phytic acid, also known as IP6 (inositol hexaphosphate) is found in the bran or hull of grains and beans. It is used to boost immunity and many research findings fou
:: WATER Water cleanses the body of impurites, stabilizes acid/base balance and flushes toxins and carcinogenic substances out of the body.
The more we drink, the quicker the harmful substances are flushed out.
:: BUYING VEGETABLES Choose fresh dark-green leafy vegetables. Whenever possible, choose vegetables that are "in season" as these vegetables have not been forced to grow and thus allowing nature to impart vital nutrients. Insist on organic or hydroponic vegetables whenever possible.
:: LOW-FAT COOKING METHODS Choose steaming, baking, stewing and boiling but don't overcook or else there will be no nutrients left.
:: ELIMINATE
Fatty foods, eg. deep fried foods, animal fats, margarine and cheeses with high-fat or high-salt content : Swiss, Bleu and Cheddar.
Sweet foods. Remember sugar feeds cancer cells.
Refined, iodized table salt. Substitute with organic sea salt (use only a pinch).
Processed foods, eg. smoked, charcoal-broiled and salt-cured foods.
Refined white sugar, white flour.
Artificial colorings, chemical preservatives.
Cigarettes, cigars and pipe.
Alcohol (avoid excessive consumption).
Over exposure to sun. Frequent sunburn may lead to skin cancer. Use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and wear a hat too. Skincare tips
Pomegranate juice against prostate cancer According to researchers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, pomegranate extract shows promising results in preventing prostate cancer or slowing its growth.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has higher levels of polyphenolic compounds, compared to red wine and green tea.
The researchers tested on mice who were injected with prostate cancer cells obtained from humans. The mice who received a very high dose of pomegranate extract showed a slower rate of cancer progression and their levels of prostate-specific antigen (a cancer marker) also decreased, compared to those fed with water.
More research is required to study its effect on human beings.
Reference : "Pomegranate fruit juice for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of prostate cancer" Arshi Malik, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2005) 102(41):14813-14818
Noni concentrate and breast tumor Researchers at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center used a human plcental vein and human breast tumor to test the effects of noni concentrate. They found that noni in concentrations of 5% (vol/vol) or greater was highly effective in stopping the growth of new blood vessels from the breast tumor. When used at a concentration of 10%, existing blood vessels to the breast tumor were degenerated.
Reference : "Inhibition of angiogenic initiation and disruption of newly established human vascular networks by juice from Morinda citrifolia (noni)" Hornick CA, et al. Angiogenesis (2003) 6(2):143-149
Noni leaves Researchers at the Rutgers University in New Jersey discovered an unusual compound called citrifolinoside in noni leaves which showed a significant inhibition of UVB-induced Activator Protein-1 (AP-1). AP-1 has been shown to cause skin cancer.
Reference : "A New Unusual Iridoid with Inhibition of Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) from the Leaves of Morinda citrifolia L." Sang Shengmin, et al. Organic Letters (2001) 3(9):1307-1309
Noni At the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Amercian Association for Cancer Research in New Orleans, Louisiana, noni was listed as one of the top ten alternative cancer treatments used in coventional settings.
Reference : American Association for Cancer Research (2001)
Garlic's protection against stomach and colorectal cancer A review of garlic studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has suggested that garlic has protective properties against stomach and colorectal cancer. An average intake of 6 garlic cloves per week, whether cooked or raw, reduced risk of both the cancers by half.
Reference : "Garlic consumption and cancer prevention: meta-analyses of colorectal and stomach cancers." Aaron T F, et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 72:1047-1052
White tea White tea may be the most potent tea when it comes to fighting cancer, according to a new study.
Reference : "White Tea as an Anticarcinogen" The Linus Pauling Institute (Jun 2000)
DIM (diindolylmethane) in cruciferous vegetables DIM (diindolylmethane) a natural nutrient found in broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and cabbage could help inhibit cancerous tumor cells (especially those estrogen-related cancers).
References : "Breast Cancer Risk" OBGYN News (Aug 29, 2002);
"3,3'-Diindolylmethane Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells" Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (Nov 1996) 228 (1);
"DIM - The New Hormone Balancer" US health magazine Let's Live (May 2000)
American Ginseng A crude fraction of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was found to reduce breast cancer cells significantly when high doses were used. Experiments are still ongoing to better understand the ability to inhibit and treat breast cancer.
Reference : The Linus Pauling Institute Newsletter Spring/Summer 2000, page 9-10.
Noni A trisaccharide fatty acid ester and 3 new glycosides isolated from the fruits of noni were responsible for reducing the development of pre-cancer cells in rats.
Reference : "Novel Glycosides from Noni (Morinda citrifolia)" Wang Mian-Ying, et al. Journal of Natural Products (Feb 2000) 63:1182-1183
Lemons A study conducted by the US National Cancer Institue on lemons which contain the chemical mono-turpene (present in citrus fruits) show signs of preventing cancer.
Reference : Breast Report, Good Medicine, Oct 1999, Page 80-81.
Flavonoids Flavonoids not only give vegetables, fruits and even flowers their colors, they are powerful antioxidants that could protect against cancer, heart disease and other disease.
Reference : Technicolor Health, US health magazine Let's Live, Sept 1999.
10 Antioxdiants 10 antioxidants could help fight cancer: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta carotene, lutein, pycnogenol, green tea, grape-seed extract, aplpha lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine and selenium.
Reference : Super Antioxidants, US health magazine Let's Live, Apr 1999.
Hyperthermia Hyperthermia is the application of heat to treat cancer. The heat temperature ranges between 107 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit (42 and 45 degrees Celsius). When heat is applied, it starves the tumor cells of nutrients and oxygen, so that they are eventually destroyed. It is non-toxic and there are no side effects. This treatment helps to treat difficult to reach places like thyroid, brain, liver, bone, ovaries, uterus, etc.
References : Hyperthermia Holistic Center, Valley Cancer Institute;
"Heat therapy" American Cancer Society.
Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is a treatment method that works to strengthen the immune system so as to fight against cancer.
Reference : Cancer Center in Greenwood
Melatonin Blind women have a lower risk of breast cancer than sighted women due to presence of high levels of melatonin.
Reference : "Risk of breast cancer among Norwegian women with visual impairment" J Kliukiene, et al.
British Journal of Cancer (2001) 84:397-399
Nitric oxide in noni According to Dr. Ann Hirazumi Kim's research, nitric oxide, a crucial chemical linked to the immune system and other critical systems within the body, may be modulated by noni. Her research showed that noni could help boost the immune system so as to fight off cancer more effectively.
Reference : "Anticancer activity of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) on intraperitoneally implanted Lewis Lung carcinoma in mice" Hirazumi A, et al. Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society(1994) 37:145-146
BLADDER Some symptoms : pain during urination, blood in urine and frequent urge to urinate.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Sometimes called urinary bladder cancer. The bladder is part of the urinary tract which consists of the kidneys, ureters and urethra. It is a hollow and expandable organ that collects urine regularly from the ureters after it is formed in the kidneys. The bladder will expand to make room when there is more urine until it is filled and ready to urinate.
The layer that lines the inside of the bladder is called the urothelium and there are other layers beneath it. Cancer attacks these layers.
Some risk factors : smoking and parasitic infection.
BONE Some symptoms : bone pain, a lump maybe visible and fracture.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Often known as primary bone cancer if cancer originates from the bone. The most common primary bone cancer is known as multiple myeloma where the cancerous tumor resides in the bone marrow, damaging the bone marrow's function to produce blood cells. This would lead to a shortage of both red and white blood cells.
The other common cancer is known as osteosarcoma which occurs in the knee though it can also originate in any bone.
Bones are one of the common sites where cancer would spread to from organs like breast, lung, colorectal and thyroid. Primary bone cancer is less common than bone metastasis (the spread of cancer to another part of the body).
BRAIN Some symptoms : severe headaches, dizziness, blur vision, vomitting and in some tumors seizures.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The brain is part of the nervous system that consists of the spinal cord and all nerves situated everywhere in the body. Brain cancer is also called malignant brain tumor where a tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing in the brain.
The brain consists of many different types of cells and tissues. Cancer affects these places.
Some risk factors : exposure to certain chemicals and virus infection.
BREAST Some symptoms : a persistent lump (may be painless) in the breast, change in the shape of the breast, bleeding or discharge from nipple, a new retraction of the nipple, dimpling of skin of the breast.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Practise BSE (breast self-examination) once a month after menstruation or get a doctor to teach you how to examine.
Some risk factors : family history, heavy smoking, alcohol, high levels of estrogen, stress and weight gain.
More help :
Breast Cancer Action - based in San-Francisco, the site contains useful information, news on the latest research and it probes into controversial reports that mispresent information about breast cancer, eg. a widely circulated email written about contracting this disease if one uses anti-perspirant.
Breast Cancer Institute - based in Australia, this site has loads of information, glossary of breast cancer terminology, stories from survivors and you can also participate in their unusual case studies.
National Breast Cancer Center - based in Australia, explore the links to lots and lots of other websites dedicated to inform about numerous topics such as risk factors, treatment, research findings, counselling guidelines, support groups, personal testimonies from patients and families. A glossary list is also available.
"Male Breast Cancer" - a short write-up adapted from the television show "Good Medicine" in Australia.
Cervical Some symptoms : bleeding in between periods for menstruating women, vaginal bleeding for post menopausal women. During the advance stage - bad-smelling vaginal discharge, pain in lower abdomen, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Cancerous growth occurs at the cervic which is the neck of the womb. A PAP smear screening can detect signs of cancer at it's early stage. A further examination would require the use of a colposcope to examine the cervic of any abnormality. A woman should have regular PAP smears once she is sexually active.
Cervical cancer is preventable because of it's long preinvasive state and that means complete cure is possible.
Some risk factors : intercourse at an early age, multiple sex partners, heavy smoking, gential warts.
COLON Some symptoms : blood in the stool, chronic constipation or diarrhea, bloating feeling and releasing of gas that causes abdomen pain.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Colon cancer and rectum cancer have many similar features, including symptoms. Colorectal cancer affects the intestines and rectum.
The colon has 4 sections - 1st section is called the ascending colon where it extends upward on the right side of the abdomen. 2nd section is called the transverse colon and it goes across the body to the left side. It is joined to the 3rd section known as the descending colon which continues downward on the left side. The 4th section is shaped like the letter 'S" and named sigmoid colon. This sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which is finally joined to the anus.
Cancer can occur on any of these 4 sections and in the rectum.
Some risk factors : family history, poor diet (high fat, low fibre), polyps (tissue masses) and old age.
Hypopharynx Some symptoms : persistent sore throat, ulcers that would not heal, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness and ear pain.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persistt for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The throat is also called the pharynx. Hypopharynx refers to the bottom portion of the throat.
The thin layer that lines the hypopharynx is known as epithelium. Cancer would attack this layer. Cancers that attacks this layer are called squamous cell carcinoma. Sometimes these cancers begin as precancers and would even disappear without any treatment when certain cancer-supporting factors are removed (eg. smoking).
Larynx Some symptoms : spitting blood, hoarseness, speaking, swallowing and breathing difficulty.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The larynx better known as the voice box or Adam's apple has 3 sections; vocal cords, the area above the vocal cords and the area beneath. The vocal cords not only produce sound but they ensure that swallowed food and saliva do not enter the lungs. The vocal cords would open up once there is breathing allowing air direct access into the lungs.
The thin layer that lines the larynx is known as epithelium. Cancers that attacks this layer are called squamous cell carcinoma. Sometimes these cancers begin as precancers and would even disappear without any treatment when certain cancer-supporting factors are removed (eg. smoking).
Leukemia Some symptoms : anaemia, fatigue, infection, fever, nose and gum bleed, bruise easily and slow healing of wounds. However these symptoms are misleading and does not necessarily indicate leukemia.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells, usually white blood cells. It is also called blood cancer.
There are 4 major types of leukemia determined by how fast this disease progresses and which kind of white blood cells are affected. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is the most common cancer in children.
Some risk factors : chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to radiation and chemicals like benzene.
Liver Some symptoms : abdominal pain, weight loss, a mass that can be felt in the upper right of the abdomen, mental confusion, lack of taste when consuming food and jaundice.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The liver has 2 sections: the right and left lobes. It is the largest and the busiest organ in the body, performing numerous important metabolic tasks.
Some functions are: detoxifies toxic substances (those could cause cancer); stores Vitamins A, B, D, iron and copper; converts glucose to glycogen (stored in the liver) and whenever necessary glycogen is released into the blood to maintain sugar levels.
It manufactures a yellow-green liquid called bile used to get rid of toxins and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder.
When the liver is sluggish or fails to function, there's a build up of toxins and that is damaging to the liver.
Some risk factors : die-hard alcoholics, infection with the Hepatitis B virus.
Lung Some symptoms : persistent cough, spitting out blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness and recurring infections (bronchitis and pneumonia).
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The lungs are 2 sponge-like organs. The right lung has 3 sections
called lobes while the left lung has 2 lobes since the heart takes up some of the place. The windpipe (trachea) which carries air into the lungs is further divided into tubes (bronchi) and smaller branches (bronchioles). At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs (alveoli). A thin and transparent
membrane called pleura covers the lungs and gives them the ability to move during breathing. Cancer attacks these areas of the lung and takes many years to develop.
Some risk factors : smoking, breathing in smoke from smokers and scarred lungs caused by lung diseases such as tuberculosis.
Lymphoma Some symptoms : painless enlargement of a lymph node usually in the neck or groin, short of breath, night sweats and anaemia.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Lymphomas are cancers affecting the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consist of lymphatic vessels (smaller than veins) carrying lymph. Lymph is transported to collection centers called lymph nodes where foreign substances are filtered away and white blood cells produced.
There are 2 types of lymphomas, Hodgkin's lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's disease) and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma is distingished by a unique-looking cancer cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. There are 4 types of Hodgkin lymphoma. Whereas Non-Hodgkin is distingished by other growth patterns within the lymph node.
Nasopharynx Some symptoms : persistent runny/blocked nose or at the eustachian tube (a small tube linking the back of the nose to the middle part of the ear), hearing loss (one side), humming sound in the ear and nose bleeds.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Nasopharynx refers to the area at the back of the nose and the upper part of the throat. It is also commonly referred to as nose cancer. There are afew types of nasopharynx cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common. Cancer may spread to the lymph nodes in the neck resulting in a lump.
Some risk factors : the Epstein-Barr virus, environmental pollutants and consuming foods with high-salt content.
Pancreas Some symptoms : weight loss, abdominal pain and jaundice.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The pancreas is a gland that is shaped like a leaf. It is surrounded by the abdomen, stomach and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine).
Most of the cells in the pancreas form exocrine glands that secrete pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes to break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. These enzymes flow from the pancreatic duct into the duodenum. While a smaller number of cells form the endocrine (hormone producing) cells which secrete 3 hormones : insulin (lowers sugar level in the blood), glucagon (raises sugar level in the blood) and somatostatin (stops the release of the other 2 hormones). All 3 hormones regulate the sugar levels in the blood and are released directly into the blood stream.
Cancer attacks these cells.
Some risk factors : smoking, old age and poor diet (high fat, low fiber)
Prostate Some symptoms : difficulty during urination, urinary infection and back pain.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
Rectum See Colon.
Skin Some symptoms : Any sore that fails to heal and appearance of new moles or changes in existing mole color/shape, often with an irregular smudgy outline.
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
There are several types of skin cancer, the most common being basal cell carcinoma while the most dangerous (because it spreads really fast) is known as melanoma.
Some risk factors : over exposure to the sun without protection, fair complexion, family history and smoking..
More help :
Melanomas - a short write-up adapted from the television show "Good Medicine" in Australia.
Stomach Some symptoms : discomfort after meals, loss of appetite and blood in vomit/stools.Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
It is part of the digestive tract that consists of the mouth, throat, esophagus (connects throat to stomach), small and large intestine, rectum and anus. It is a big hollow muscular organ shaped like a bean.
The stomach secretes gastric juice (containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin) to mix with food. After about 3 hours, a thick fluid called chyme is formed and it moves on to the small intestine where digestion continues.
It has 3 main sections: the cardia, the fundus and the antrum. Cancer attacks all these sections.
Some risk factors : poor diet (high in processed foods, low in fibre), smoking, alcohol and family history.
Thyroid Some symptoms : a painless lump in the neck (since the thyroid gland is very close to the skin), hoarseness
Having any of the symptoms doesn't mean you have cancer but if the symptoms do persist for a long period, consult a doctor to find out exactly what's happening.
The thyroid is a small gland just below the Adam's apple in the neck. 2 halves called the right and left lobe connected at the middle make up the thyroid. The thyroid gland requires iodine to secrete thyroid hormones which regulate the body's metabolic rate. It contains 2 types of cells known as thyroid follicle cells and C-cells. Cancer attacks these cells.
There are 4 main types: papillary, follicular, anaplastic and medullary. The most common being papillary cancer and also most often cured.
Some risk factors : previous radiation on the neck and low iodine diet.
"Cancer is not an "on or off" switch. No one goes to bed on Sunday night perfectly healthy and then wakes up Monday morning with stage 4 colon cancer metastasis to the liver. Cancer takes months, and probably years to develop."
"Elevating blood glucose in a cancer patient is like throwing gasoline on a smoldering fire."
- Patrick Quillin, Beating Cancer with Nutrition (Nutrition Times Press, 2001)
"REFUSING TO PLAY VICTIM. If you're going to have any chance of beating cancer, you must enter the fight with the attitude that you'll do everything possible to win - that you will be its victor, not its victim. Playing the role of victim is the most destructive attitude a person with cancer can entertain." - Anne E. Frähm, A Cancer Battle Plan (PIÑON Press, 1992)
"Good health does not come easily; you must work for it." - Charles B. Simobe, Cancer & Nutrition (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983)
"Realize that knowledge is your greatest asset. The more you know about your disease, the better you are able to be a team with your physicians and help yourself fight the cancer. In old days people were not told they had cancer. Today it is said that doctors don't beat cancer. Patients beat cancer with the help of their doctors." - Richard Bloch, Ten Commandments to Fight Cancer (www.blochcancer.org)
"60-70% (of cancer patients) are like actors auditioning for a part. They perform to satisfy the physician. They act the way they think the doctor wants them to act, hoping that then the doctor will do all the work & the medicine won't taste bad...They'll do what'll they're told-unless the doctor suggests radical changes in their lifestyle-but it never occurs to them to question the doctor's decision or strike out on their own by doing things for themselves that just 'feel right'. These are the people who, given a choice, would rather be operated on than actively work to get well." - Bernie S. Siegel, Love, Medicine and Miracles (Harper & Row, 1988)
"In Exodus 23-25, God said that He would "bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness from the midst of thee". This clearly indicates that the practical aspects of people's nutrition contribute prominently in being free of sickness." - Reginald Cherry, M.D., The Bible Cure (Harper San Francisco, 1998)
"The British Medical Association states that there is not a single cell of the body that is totally removed from the influence of minds & emotions." - Richard O. Brennam, Coronary? Cancer? God's Answer : Prevent It! (Harvest House, 1979)
"Know your enemy. Cut off enemy supply lines. Rebuild your natural defense system. Bring in reinforcements. Maintain morale. Carefully select your professional help." - Anne E. Frähm, A Cancer Battle Plan (PIÑON Press, 1992)
"The mental condition of the patient & psychological cooperation of the family & the environment play important roles in the restoration of the body. Every patient needs faith, love, hope & encouragement." - Max Gerson, A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases (The Gerson Institute, 1990)
"Find a doctor who believes God is greater than the medical association, & you have found a jewel." - Jason Winters, Killing Cancer: The Jason Winters Story (Vinton Pub, 1980)
"Nutrition will be a large part of medicine's future, & that future can be here now." - Robert C. Atkins, Dr. Atkins' Vital-Nutrient Solution (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998)
"...most experts agree that anyone gets cancer about 6 times per lifetime with one cancer cell sprouting up in everyone everyday. It is the surveillance of an alert and capable immune system that defends most of us from cancer." - Patrick Quillin, Beating Cancer with Nutrition (Nutrition Times Press, 2001)
"Because with modern-day medicine we have become side-tracked into treating the symptoms of disease & not the causes." - Sandra Cabot, The Liver Cleansing Diet (WHAS, 1966)
"We thought that we could poison the cancer out of the patient. But many cancers develop a drug resistance or hormone independence, while the toxic drugs compromise our immune systems and leave us "naked" in the battle with the cancer." - Patrick Quillin, Beating Cancer with Nutrition (Nutrition Times Press, 2001)
"Once a cancer mass is formed it develops its own blood supply and defence system. This process is called angiogensis. It then becomes increasingly difficult for the immune system to deal with the tumor, which now has a life of its own. One strategy, known as anti-angiogensis, involves cutting off the tumor's blood supply so that the tumor effectively starves to death. In 1976 Dr. Robert Langer, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discovered an hibitor of new blood vessels in tumors - shark cartilage. As cartilage has no blood supply it makes sense that it would contain such as an inhibitor. While different kinds of cartilage have been shown to have anti-tumor properties, shark cartilage has proved the most effective to date." - Patrick Holford, 100% Health (Judy Piatkus Pub Ltd, 1998)
"The Moerman Diet is not just for cancer patients. It can be followed by any person who wants to take responsibility for his or her own good health. Healthy people who follow the diet can expect to feel stronger, resist dietary deficiencies and related diseases, and see their weight normalize over a period of months.
Moerman's diet was remarkably similar to the wartime diet in both its ingredients and its effects. It stressed whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It included portions of diary products each day. It forbade such dietary villians as alcohol, coffee, meat, and tea. It has a negative effect on cancer." Ruth Jochems, Dr. Moerman's Anti-Cancer Diet, Holland's Revoluntionary Nutritional Program for Combating Cancer (Avery, 1990)
"There are two phases to cancer. The first phase involves damage to DNA, which can be caused by any number of factors, including carcinogens. The most widely known carcinogens are chemicals. While many carcinogenic chemicals are accidentally introduced to the body, some such as tobacco are self-induced. Other carcinogens include radiation. A 2001 government survey of 3,800 people by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention reported that most Amercians carry detectable traces of potentially deadly toxins in their blood and urine. However, when the human body is working properly, these toxins do not turn into cancer. However, when the body's immune system has been compromised, cancer may develop from exposure to toxins.
Of course, genetics is a very powerful determinant of cancer. Some viruses have also been linked to certain cancers. When introduced to the body, carcinogens attack the DNA of the exposed cells. The damage can result in cancer. Not everyone who is exposed to carcinogens contracts cancer; however, the greater the exposure the greater the risk.
The second phase of cancer involves uncontrolled growth. Damaged DNA alone does not cause cancer. However, if a damaged cell does not die or repair itself, then the cell can pass on its damaged DNA sequence. The cycle continues until a tumor develops. Eventually, a tumor may start to spread in a process called metastasis. Metastasis is when cancerous cells move from one part of the body to another. Originally it was thought that metastasis was random. However, current research has shown that certain cancers tend to metastasize to certain body parts.
Common cancer treatments place a great deal of emphasis on the second phase of uncontrolled growth. If damaged cells can be induced into apoptosis, then the cancer will be stopped or significantly slowed down again." - Neil Solomon, The Noni Solution (Direct Source, 2004)
"In the first-ever study, by Dr. Linus Pauling and Dr. Ewan Cameron in the 1970s, 100 terminally ill cancer patients were given 10g (10,000mg) of vitamin C each day and their outcome compared with that of 1000 cancer patients given conventional therapy. The survival rate was five times higher in those taking vitamin C and by 1978, while all the 1000 'control patients' had died, 13 of the vitamin C patients were still alive, with 12 apparently free from cancer. More recent studies have confirmed these findings. Dr. Murara and Dr. Morishige of Saga University in Japan showed that cancer patients on 5-30g of vitamin C a day lived six times longer than those on 4g or less, while those suffering from cancer of the uterus lived fifteen times longer on vitamin C therapy. These studies show that, while 1-5g of vitamin C may prevent cancer, cancer patients benefit most from 10g or more a day." - Patrick Holford, 100% Health (Judy Piatkus Pub Ltd, 1998)
"Large bowel cancer has been a particular interest of mine about fifteen years. It is generally believed that excess fat in the diet plays a role in causing large bowel cancer. It is now even more firmly believed that fibre in the diet provides protection against this disease, one of the commonest of all cancers in the West. How does fibre provide protection? Fibre in the diet makes the stool more acid. As a result there is less bacterial degradation of the normal bowel constituents into potential carcinogens (cancer-producing substances), so fibre probably reduces the carcinogens in your gut and mine. Also fibre increases the mass of the stool, so any carcinogens contained in it are beneficially diluted. In addition, intestinal transit time is shortened, so contact between carcinogens and the bowel lining is also shortened." - Brian Kellock, The Fibre Man-The Life-Story of Dr Denis Burkitt (Lion Pub plc, 1985)
"Bowel and breast cancer have very similar epidemiological features. Both diseases are always either common or rare together. You may wonder why breast cancer should be related to fibre and stools. Recent studies have shown that the amount of oestrogen you get rid of in you stools is directly related to the size of the stool. And this is inversely related to the oestrogen level in your plasma.
So the bigger your stool the lower your plasma oestrogen level. I'm not going to argue now how this links with breast cancer but know that oestrogen is cancer-linked and that vegetarians get less breast cancer than non-vegetarians. Nevertheless, excessive fat is probably a more important factor in causing this tumor.
Communities with high-fibre diests tend to have large floating stools. Western communities normally have small sinking stools. Large, floating stools throughout the world are associated with low rates of colo-rectal and breast cancer and other Westernn diseases. Small, sinking stools are associated with high rates. This is because fibre increases gas formation in the bowel. Some of this is passed as flatus, and some is trapped in the stools, making them float." - Brian Kellock, The Fibre Man-The Life-Story of Dr Denis Burkitt (Lion Pub plc, 1985)
"There are at least five specific substances found in noni that have anti-cancer properties.
Anthraquinones
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg)
Monoterpenes
Polysaccharides
Terpenoid compounds
In addition to containing ingredients that have been linked to anti-cancer properties, Dr. Kim's research has shown noni may modulate the production, activity, and effectiveness of some immune system agents, most of which are directly responsible for warding off diseases such as cancer. These immune system agents are nitric oxide, interleukins, interferon, tumor necrosis factor, lipopolysaccharide, and natural killer cells." - Neil Solomon, The Noni Solution (Direct Source, 2004)
"The noni fruit contains significant amounts of monoterpenes. Monoterpenes have been studied extensivey in the laboratory and have shown to have several cancer-fighting actions...One of the most exciting facts about monoterpenes is that when used with humans (even in large quantities) they exhibit no toxic effects on the body.
In a laboratory setting, researchers have found that monoterpenes inhibit the isoprenylation of the small G proteins. This could, theoretically, help the body resist cancer by stopping proliferation and inducing of apoptosis.
One of the most common monoterpenes scientists have examined is limonene (found in lemons and in noni juice). The monoterpene limonene has been shown to prevent mammary, liver, lung, and other cancers." - Neil Solomon, Cancer-How and Why Tahitian Noni Juice Helps in Treatment and Prevention (Direct Source, 2003)
"TAHITIAN NONI Juice may possess a cancer preventative, and including TAHITIAN NONI Juice in your diet may help prevent cancer and other diseases while maintaining overall good health." - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Vol. 952, at the Conference on Cancer Prevention, 10-11-2000
A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis. Harper SanFrancisco, 2001. The relections of the great scholar & Christian apologist on the death & loss of his wife (to cancer).
Linus Pauling Institute A research institute founded by Dr. Linu Pauling in 1901 to focus on disease prevention through vitamin supplementation & a healthy & balanced diet. Today, efforts continue in search of substances in the human diet that can naturally combat cancer & heart disease.
Oncology.com An online source for cancer news & info for patients, health-care professionals & the entire cancer community.
Medline Access medical journals from the world's largest biomedical library, the National Library of Medicine contains citations from over 3900 medical journals since 1966. Enter keywords at the search field & let the retrieval engine look for relevant articles. Try to use medical & specific keywords as this service is designed for medical professionals.
Medscape The most comprehensive collection of authoritative & useful medical information & educational programs online.
Safemedication.com Provides information on prescriptions & OTC drugs with regards to correct medication, dosages & side effects.
Bloch Cancer Foundation Based in Kansas City, Missouri & founded by Richard & Annette Bloch. Richard Bloch was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer & given 3 months to live in 1978 but now, he's cancer-free, healthy & dedicated to help others. This foundation has programs (such as a toll-free hotline & second opinion referral service) that aim to give cancer patients the best chance to beat it.
