The breasts sit on the chest muscles that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and ducts.
Breast cancer incidence is much higher in industrialised Western countries, whether in Europe or North America, than in developing countries. North American women have the highest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Among women in the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second-most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 (12.5%) lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 35 (3%) chance of breast cancer causing their death. In 2007, breast cancer was expected to cause 40,910 deaths in the U.S. (7% of cancer deaths; almost 2% of all deaths)
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates.
Breast cancer is the number one disease that women in the United States fear the most, and for compelling reasons. It is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). Unfortunately, it is also on the rise worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, this year about 175,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 43,300 deaths from breast cancer will occur among women in the USA.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women in North America and Europe. Close to 200,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2001. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women behind lung cancer. The lifetime risk of any particular woman getting breast cancer is about 1 in 8 although the lifetime risk of dying from breast cancer is much lower at 1 in 28. Men are also at risk for development of breast cancer, although this risk is much lower than it is for women.
Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early. Monthly breast self-examinations should begin at age 20. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammography.
The most serious cancers are metastatic cancers. Metastasis means that the cancer has spread from the place where it started into other tissues distant from the original tumor site. The most common place for breast cancer to metastasize is into the lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone on the same side as the cancer. Other common sites of breast cancer metastasis are the brain, the bones, and the liver.
Death rates from breast cancer have been gradually declining and continue to decline. These decreases are likely due both to increased awareness and screening and improved treatment methods.
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the clinical term for a cancerous tumor on the prostate gland. As prostate cancer grows, it may spread to the interior of the gland, to tissues near the prostate, to sac-like structures attached to the prostate (seminal vesicles), and to distant parts of the body (e.g., bones, liver, lungs). Prostate cancer confined to the gland often is treated successfully.
The prostate is about the size of a large walnut. It is located close to the rectum just below the bladder at the base of the penis. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men. It usually grows slowly and can often be cured or managed successfully.
Risk Factors Any man can develop prostate cancer. Age, race, family history, and diet may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
What Are the Key Statistics About Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates that during 2008 about 186,320 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 35 will die of it. More than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.
Causes and Risk Factors Scientists don’t know exactly what causes prostate cancer. They cannot explain why one man gets prostate cancer and another does not. However, they have been able to identify some risk factors that are associated with the disease. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease.
Diagnosis Most of the time, prostate cancer does not produce symptoms in its early stages. Approximately 40 percent of prostate cancers are not diagnosed until they have spread beyond the
prostate. Screening tests are usually the first step in diagnosing prostate cancer. When prostate cancer is detected early — when it is still confined to the prostate gland —
there is an excellent chance of successful treatment with minimal or short-term side effects. Mayo Clinic has many tools to help clarify abnormal findings. Read more about prostate cancer diagnosis.
Treatment Prostate cancer may be localised (only affecting the prostate), or it may be locally advanced or advanced (the cancer has moved outside the prostate). If your doctors believe the cancer just affects the gland, they will discuss different kinds of treatment with you. These could be · Active surveillance (sometimes called watchful waiting) – where the state of the cancer is closely observed and treatment started only when, or if, necessary · External Beam Radiotherapy – where radiation is used to kill cancer cells · Surgery – where the prostate is removed
Treatment for prostate cancer may damage nerves and muscles near the prostate and the bowel and this may cause unwanted side effects. The side effects of prostate cancer treatment include: · Impotence · Fertility problems · Urinary incontinence · Bowel problems · Loss of interest in sex · Change in body image
Cancer is also known by the medical term malignant neoplasm. It is a disease which presents itself in a host of different ways, in a host of different areas of the body, and kills hosts of people every year. What is the real risk of you developing cancer, and what can you do to identify cancer symptoms, and even help work towards a cure for cancer?
Cancer is basically the uncontrolled growth of certain types of tissue or cells. They invade on cells that are adjacent to them, impairing their normal function (this is especially dangerous in the case of heart cancer, brain cancer, and lung cancer). Cancers can also spread to areas of the body other than their original location, through the lymphatic system or the circulatory system. There are benign forms of tumors, which do not invade their surrounding tissue, and do not spread to other areas of the body, and these are sometimes recognized as a precursor to cancer.
Cancer is incredibly prolific worldwide, and there has never been a singular cause or single best treatment identified. It has been estimated that cancer causes around 13% of all deaths worldwide -as the title suggests, it has recently been found that cancer kills 20,000 people each day. As you read this article, there will be hundreds of people the world over, dying from cancer. While 12 million people every year are diagnosed with some form of cancer, approximately 7.6 million of those die.
It is expected that this year, there will be around 2.9 million people in the developed world that die of cancer, out of 5.4 million new cases of diagnosed cancer. In the developing world, around 4.7 million people will die of cancer, out of 6.7 million new cases.
If you are a woman in the developed world, the form of cancer you are most likely to get is either breast, colorectal, or lung cancer. Women in the developing world were found to be far more likely to contract cervical cancer or stomach cancer, both of which are caused by viruses.
Men in the developed world most frequently have prostate, lung or colorectal cancer, while those in the developing world are more likely to get stomach, lung or liver cancer. The reason for the much greater incidence of stomach cancer in both men and women in the developing world is that it is caused by a bacterium Helicobacter pylori, while the greater incidence of cervical cancer in women is attributed to the prevalence of the human papillomavirus.
Since cancer symptoms vary among the different types, it is important to have any niggling health worries checked out by a professional. Be aware of your family medical history, and know the symptoms of cancers to which you might be susceptible. Sometimes seemingly unimportant things, like shortness of breath or lack of energy, can signal cancer. Other common cancer symptoms include lumps or swellings, which could indicate a tumor, enlarged lymph nodes, bone pain, weight loss , poor appetite, persistent coughs, or excessive sweating, especially night sweating. A symptom of heat cancer is an irregular heart beat.
The cure for cancer remains the holy grail of medicine. However, there are some breakthroughs in recent times which hold much promise for specific types of cancers, including lung cancer and skin cancer. Keep yourself abreast of developments, and ask your health professional if any of them may be pertinent in your case.
According to the National Institute of Health in 2006 approximately 1500 people die each day in the United States due to cancer and about 3400 people are diagnosed with cancer each day. Sadly these stats have only grown higher in the past two years. Cancer and cancer related forums have been a large hub for people to communicate within. These forums allow you to speak about your disease, worries, questions, etc. As well as receive tips and advice from other members of the forum. The communities on these forums are very closely knit, some of the people on the forums are dealing with the disease right now in the present and some have dealt with it in the past. Either way, these forums are a spectacular place to join up and talk to some like minded people about cancer and other related diseases such as Leukemia, Colon, Bone, Brain, Liver, Breast, Kidney and many others.
The categories in which these cancers are available in on these forums varies in several different categories such as common cancers, cancers in women, cancers in men, blood and lymphatic system cancers, skin, digestive, urinary, miscellaneous, etc. Even if you have a really rare cancer, chances are someone on these forums has it or had as well. The forums aren’t just a few small groups of people. Thousands upon thousands of people join these sites, looking for the same support, as you are looking for.
Sometime during your disease you may feel completely alone and scared. But this isn’t something you have to deal with on your own, take a look at the forums below to find a community that you can participate in:
- Ovarian Cancer Inspire: Inspire connects patients, families, friends, caregivers and health professionals for health and wellness support. Inspire works with trusted health
- Gold Bamboo: Skin Cancer Support groups and discussion forums Information
- Cancer Society: Cancer Society Support Forum
- Consumer Health Forums: Please feel free to browse our Health Support Groups on any issue you like. Consumer Health Forums, Physical illness and injury, Cancer
On Top Of Cancer Org: Cancer support forums Cancer bulletin boards, less active (shared experience) – cancer message board, less active
You can also find forums with your specific disease such as Breast, Oral, Prostate as well as forums within your state. Simply go to your favorite search engine and enter in the terms relevant to what you are looking for.
Breast cancer stages are based on whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive, whether the lymph nodes have been affected, whether the cancer cells have already spread beyond the breast, and the size of the tumor.
The purpose of identifying the stage in breast cancer is to organize the different factors and features of the cancer. In organizing the factors involved, the prognosis or the most likely outcome of the disease will be identified. The doctor can also provide the patient with the best treatment guide for the disease.
Stage 0. In this stage, the breast cancer is non-invasive. It just simply means that there is no sign of non-cancerous abnormal cells or cancerous cells getting out of the part of the breast where they started. These cells have not yet invaded other neighboring normal tissues in the breast.
Stage 1.
In this stage, the breast cancer is said to be invasive. The cancer cells are already breaking out of the part of the breast where they started and they have already invaded neighboring normal tissues. But in Stage 1, the lymph nodes are not affected or involved and the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters.
Stage 2.
Stage 2 is described as invasive breast cancer and is subdivided into two categories: Stage 2A and Stage 2B. In Stage 2A, there is no tumor in the breast but a 2 centimeters or less tumor can be found scattered in the axillary lymph nodes, which is the lymph node found under the arm.
Another case of Stage 2A is that, the tumor is larger than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 centimeters and has not spread in the axillary lymph nodes. In stage 2B, the tumor is also larger than 2 centimeters but not more than 5 and has already spread to the axillary lymph nodes or if the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters, the tumor has not yet spread the axillary lymph nodes.
Stage 3.
Stage 3 is described as one of the invasive breast cancer stages and is subdivided into 3 categories: Stage 3A, Stage 3B and Stage 3C. In Stage 3A, there is no tumor in the breast but it is found in the axillary lymph nodes or the lymph nodes near the breast bone. The tumor has the size of less than 5 centimeters or more and they are clustered together or they may stick to other structures.
In Stage 3B, the tumor may be of any size and found in the lymph nodes under the arm or near the breastbone, chest wall and/or skin of the breast, clustered together or sticking to other structures. In Stage 3C, there can still be no sign of cancer in the breast. The tumor may be of any size and found to be spread to the chest wall, lymph nodes above or below the collarbone, lymph nodes under the arm or breastbone.
Stage 4.
Stage 4 is described as one of the invasive breast cancer stages in which the cancer has already spread to other organs of the body; usually the brain, lungs, liver or bone.
Technically speaking, all skin cancer is potentially lethal if not treated. However, there are more serious forms of the condition, though they are a lot rarer.
Mycosis Fungoides
Mycosis Fungoides is an extremely rare form of skin cancer and it tends to affect twice as many men as it does women. Many people assume that it is an innocent fungal infection when they first hear the name; however it is in fact a much more sinister condition which is a type of cutaneous T cell Lymphoma.
Generally a cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is an uncontrollable growth within the skin of the T cells within the body. Whilst most people do not notice any change to their daily life once they do have Mycosis Fungoides, it still does need to be treated as soon as possible.
Who Mycosis Fungoides affects the Most and what causes it:
Mycosis Fungoides seems to affect black skinned people more than fair skinned people, and as mentioned earlier, it tends to affect men more than women.
Whilst it is possible for the condition to strike at any age, it does seem to affect older people generally over the age of fifty. Why the condition appears is currently unknown but you definitely cannot pass it on to anybody else. The condition is also not hereditary and the symptoms do tend to vary from person to person.
Itching seems to be the most common form of symptom in most people, and the condition itself seems to appear in various stages. During its early stages, the skin will develop small patches of redness, though in darker skins the patches may simply just look darker than usual.
The patches are generally extremely itchy and you may notice that some patches are raised from the skin. They tend to appear mainly on the buttocks, under the arms, on the hips and on the chest.
The second stage usually includes skin tumors. The color of the lumps seems to now be a violet color and they are also raised. They are sometimes ulcerated, though that does not happen all the time.
Next is the redness stage where as well as skin patches and raised lumps, large sections of the skin also turn red. These areas of the skin also tend to be really itchy and they often look quite scaly too. You may also notice that the folds of skin on your face and in the palms of your hands become quite thick and they could even crack.
Finally, if not treated, the condition tends to spread to other parts of the body and usually the first parts of the body to be affected are the lymph nodes.
These then become inflamed and at this stage they can become cancerous. If they are cancerous, the condition can spread to the liver, the lungs and even the bone marrow.
Usually, it takes around six years to diagnose Mycosis Fungoides from the start of the symptoms appearing. This can make it difficult to treat early and as mentioned, people generally do not know they have the condition and so their normal lives are usually not disrupted.
It is extremely common to confuse the condition with other conditions and usually in order to fully diagnose this condition; a skin sample will need to be taken.
Usually if caught early, steroid creams can be used to clear up the condition, though if it is cancerous, chemotherapy may need to be used. As rare as it is, Mycosis Fungoides does occur in some people and it does take an extremely long time to realize that you actually have it.
It usually does not turn out to be fatal, but if it is left untreated for an extremely long length of time from diagnosis, it can unfortunately lead to death.
Any type of skin cancer is potentially dangerous, you just have to catch it early enough and look out for any symptoms whatsoever that give the condition away.
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cell divide uncontrollably also known as carcinoma or malignant tumor,it can develop in almost all organs in your body this are colon, lungs, breast, skin and even bones.it also goes with gender because common cancer in men are prostrate,lung and colon cancer while in women are breast,colon and lung cancer.
Cancer is caused by pesticides used in agriculture and homestead,such that as you protect yourself from malaria you are causing more harm in your body.other causes are radiation(UVL), sunlight,smoking(tobacco), benzene,some virus and poisonous mushroom mostly found in peanut plant.but causes of many cancer still remain unknown.
Diet play a big role because you find gastric cancer very common in Japan,also in part of Africa where most people consume fast food chicken that are injected to mature in a month.However report shows that the most fatal one globally is lung cancer.Recently studies and reports shows how our society as a whole has grown heavier and chubbier,this being one of cause of cancer.
Other type of cancer are kidney, skin, brain, cervical, intestinal, leukemia, liver, ovarian,pancreatic and Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer.symptoms of cancer vary with location of tumor,like lung cancer cause coughing,shortness of breath or even chest pain.Colon cancer on the other hand causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool.
Did you know some cancers may not have any symptoms at all.while others like gallbladder cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage.Common general symptom are unplanned weight loss,malaise,loss of appetite,fever, persistent fatigue ,sweating at night,change of skin and chills.
Cancer is the general term used for diseases in which normal cells separate without any control thus involving other tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to various parts of the body through the blood and lymph system.
Wild cell growth turns into cancer when it is exposed to carcinogens (Cancer- causing substance) genetic defects, or viruses. A tumour is formed when cancer cells multiply large masses of tissue. In some cases tumours limit themselves to one spot in the body; some can be removed by surgery. These kinds of tumours may cause little harm and is termed benign. Hostile tumours are called malignant. The study of cancer is called oncology.
Causes of Cancer
People get lung cancer most of the time from smoking tobacco which is said to have carcinogenic substance mainly known as tobacco smoke. Some carcinogens include certain chemicals, the Sun’s ultraviolet light, and radiation. Cancer can be formed by several viruses by altering the DNA of a host cell and converting the cell’s normal genes into cancer – causing genes, or oncogenes. Genetic factors – such as chromosomal abnormalities or the inheritance of faulty genes from a parent of fore parent. This could most likely cause these persons who inherit these genes can end up having cancer. People that are Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality are susceptible to leukaemia.
How is cancer formed?
When a normal cell transforms into a cancer cell the genetic material (deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA) of a cell is changed, or mutated. Tumours don’t form over night they formed over decades or a certain amount of years, because of this it is very susceptible to formed into a cancer cell as time goes along. Most cancer occurs after the age of fifty, yet some are detected earlier in life, it varies.
Different types of cancer
It has been accessed that there are over more than 200 different types of cancers. They are named after the tissue or the organ they begin to form. The term Leukemia refers to cancer of white blood cells (can be also called leukocytes). Melanomas are cancers that begin in melanocytes (skin pigmentation.
Names of Cancers
Lung Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Kidney (Renal Cell) Cancer
Non- Hodgkin Lymphoma Pancreatic Cancer
Skin Cancer
Non-melanoma thyroid Cancer
Prostrate Cancer
Leukemia
Bladder Cancer
Bone Cancer
Bile Duct Cancer
Brain Tumour
Appendix Cancer
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Cervical cancer
Childhood cancer
Eye Cancer
Gall bladder Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Lip and oral Cancer
Liver Cancer
Mouth Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Salivary Cancer
Urethral Cancer
Vaginal Cancer
Vulvar Cancer
Treatments for cancer
Oncologists have been using Chemotherapy, or drug therapy to help cancer patience around the world. When cancer spreads to different parts of the body chemotherapy is used to help treat the cancer, before it gets worst. The immune system is weak when cancer spreads through the body. Therefore a treatment name immune enhancing drugs or antibodies are also used to help build back up the immune system and to destroy abnormal cells. There has been an anticancer drug that kills cancer cells while leaving the good ones alive. This drug was introduced in the spring of 2001. The drug, Gleevec has proven to work very strongly against chronic myelogenous leukaemia, leukaemia is one of the four main types of blood cancer.
How can u prevent cancer?
Cancer can be prevented by doing the following:
¬For all smokers the only way that you can avoid yourself from getting lung cancer is to stop smoking.
¬Try not to be in the sun for lengthy periods, too much exposure to the sun can cause cancer
¬Lessen your high- fat diets
¬Avoid alcohol as much as possible
¬Unsafe sex
¬Other Carcinogens could prevent more than 80% of all cancer cases.
¬Do yearly testing; this would detect it in the early stage if you are tested positive, early treatment can be taken.
The following are various tests than can be taken to see if you have cancer.
Skin Cancer: Skin examination this is done by the naked eye of the doctor. If any area may look suspicious then biopsy is done and under the microscope cancer cells are examined
Prostate Cancer:
· Digital Rectal Examination: Prostrate is examined by a doctor using his/her finger from the lower part from the rectum. When you reach fifty years it must be done at least once a year. If there was any sign before that you may have prostrate then do a test once every year even though you may be under forty
Breast Cancer:
· Breast Self Examination: when you reach twenty years of age, this examination must be taken once every month.
· Clinical Breast Examination: the breasts and regions under the arms should be examined also, between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Once every three years this examination should be carried out, and once every year after the age of forty.
· Mammogram: Imaging of the breasts with X rays. It must be done once every year after 40 years of age.
An illustration of how a mammogram is done
Lung Cancer:
Chest X-ray: It is imaging of organs and bones in chest with X-ray. Especially if you are a smoker you should do chest x –rays at least twice a year.
Colorectal Cancer:
· Fecal Occult Blood Test: Blood in stool which can be seen only under microscope is examined. It must be done once every year after 50 years of age.
Why cancer has and is becoming more prevalent
Over the last generation there has been vast difference between the way we use to live and how we are now living. I can almost say that we live in a different world. Technology has been increased by a large percentage. Smelter plants, environmental chemical, polluted air, microwaves, computers, utensils and a lot of foods are said to be cancerous to us. Meats that are harmonized (e.g. chicken), plants, vegetables, fruits etc. these are all things that should make us healthy, but instead it can be deadly to us. Because of the amount of hormones that are being injected into them, plants and trees are being sprayed with insecticide, fertilizers as though these liquids are water. Then they are being sold to groceries, farmers etc, for us to buy and eat.
Is there any cure for cancer?
Since cancer has been detected, no cure solution has ever been introduced. Various anti–cancer tablets and chemotherapy was put in place in order to control cancer cells. Cancer, AIDS and Sugar diabetes are the three major sicknesses that have no cure. Although there are things out there to help cancer. It is proven that more and more people are getting cancer. Women have become prone to Breast cancer for the past 3o years. United States had even poured out $30 billion to help find a solution to cure cancer.
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be enormously overwhelming and frightening for anyone. But when the diagnosis is that of metastatic breast cancer, the fear can be staggering. This type of cancer is defined as breast cancer that has spread from the breast – the original site of the cancer – to other parts of the body such as the bones, lungs, or liver. The treatment may be devastating to a newly diagnosed patient; but new advances in treatment can help manage symptoms and increase longevity.
When cancer cells break away from the originally affected site, and spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system, this is referred to as metastatic cancer. When the original cancer site – or primary site, as it is referred to by physicians – is the breast – and cancer cells spread from this location – this becomes known as metastatic breast cancer. The cancer that has moved from the breast and developed in other locations becomes known as the secondary cancer.
The treatment options for this cancer are the same as treating any other cancer. But treatment must be aggressive based on the stage of this particular disease. Because the definition of metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, treatment must be speedy and assertive in order to stop the spread of the cells to any further locations in the body.
Treatment plans may include surgery wherein the cancerous growths are removed from the body; radiation during which affected cells are attacked with pinpoint x-ray technology; and chemotherapy which exposes the patient to a course of intravenous drug therapy designed to stop the growth of cancer cells. In most cases, however, a combination of several therapies will be used in order to achieve the greatest chance of success. There are also experimental and holistic therapies that patients often try in conjunction with other therapies and under the guidance of their doctor. As the needs of each patient vary, so do the treatment plans.
The most common secondary locations are the lungs, brain, liver, and bones. Metastatic breast cancer is certainly not confined to these locations and not all may be affected; these are statistically the most frequently affected areas. However it is not defined as cancer that has spread to any places close to the breast such as skin, muscles underneath or around the breast, or bones nearby the primary cancer location.
While a frightening diagnosis, it does not have to mean a death sentence. Armed with the most up-to-date research and treatment options, patients can act as advocates for their own health, making educated decisions regarding the course of their treatment. As research continues concerning the newest and best ways to treat metastatic breast cancer, sufferers and their families will continue to see advances in medical treatment that will foster health and save lives.
Prostate cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells that results in the formation of a tumor in the prostate gland. Prostate, the walnut sized gland, is a part of the reproductive system which lies deep in the pelvis. It is located in front of the rectum and underneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra, (the urine tube running from the bladder, through the prostate and the penis). It contains gland cells that produce some of the seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen and supports the ejaculatory ducts, or sperm tubes. The prostate continues to grow till a man reaches adulthood and is maintained after it reaches normal size as long as male hormones are produced.
Prostate cancer begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It is the most common cancer in men older than age 50. In most men, the cancer grows very slowly. In fact, many men with the disease will never know they have the condition. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself, and the majority of patients with this type of cancer can live for years with no problems. In some cases, it may spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. Most Prostate cancers originate in the posterior prostate gland, the rest originate near the urethra. Often the disease has no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. However, as the tumor grows, it may spread from the prostate to surrounding areas like lymph nodes, bones or other organs. This may result in back pain. Men with prostate cancer may experience any of the following symptoms.
A need to urinate frequently, especially at night; Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; Weak or interrupted flow of urine; Painful or burning urination or bowel movement; Difficulty in having an erection; Painful ejaculation; Blood in urine or semen; or Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Men aged 50 and above have the chances of developing prostate cancer. Those who have a family history of prostate cancer should consider screening at age 45.
Prostate cancer can be staged as ‘A,B,C,D’. Stage A and B cancers are curable. Stages C and D are treatable, but their prognoses are discouraging.
Stage A - This is the very early stage without any sysmtoms, in this stage cancer cells are confined to the prostate. It can be identified with PAS tests and Biopsy. This type of cancer is usually curable.
Stage B – In this stage, it is known that cancer is in several places within the prostate. It is detectable by PAS.
Stage C - In this stage, cancer cells can be found throughout the prostate as well as near by tissue or the bladder. This stage is determined by Digital Rectal Exam, or CT/ MRI scans, and/or Sonography. Some Stage C cancers are curable.
Stage D : At this stage, cancer has spread beyond the prostate and nearby lymph nodes, distant bones, organs such as liver, lungs and also to other tissues. This is usually determined by bone scan, Prostascint scan or other studies. Stage D cancer is not curable but treatable.
Treatment
Treatment depends on individual circumstances such as the man’s age and general health, extent of the cancer etc. Elderly patients with minor sysmptoms., early stage cancer, or coexisting illness may be treated conservatively.
There are many different ways to treat prostate cancer. It is advisable to get advise from two or more doctors before making a final decision about the treatment. Treatment includes Prostatectomy and Hormone Therapy or anti-antrogen drugs, Chemotherapy and Radio Therapy.
Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy, is used either alone or in combination with surgery or radiation. It is based on the fact that prostate cancer cells frequently use the male hormone , testosterone as a Fertilizer and the absence of this hormone may lead to the death or weakening of prostate cancer cells. So It is used to stop the production of testosterone hormone and hence a person with Stage C and D cancer can have their life extended and improved by the use of hormonal therapy.
There are side effects associated with Hormone therapy. They include hot flashes, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, decrease in muscle mass and strength, personality changes, decreased mentation and osteoporosis.
Prostatectomy : Patients in good health and under age 70 is usually offered surgery as a treatment option. Various types of surgical procedures are done depending on the stage of prostate cancer and patient’s over all health.
Prostatectomy is the most common treatment option for localized prostate cancer. It involves surgical removal of prostate gland and some other near by tissues and reattaching the urethra and bladder. It will prevent further spread of the cancer. If the prostate cancer is in the early stages, prostatectomy can treat the cancer completely. This is done either through a surgical incision in the lower abdomen or the space between the scrotum and rectum.
These procedures also produce side effects like impotency, Urinary incontinence, narrowing of the urethra and difficulty in urination.
Radio Therapy: It is a form of treatment which uses high levels of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing thus reducing damage to healthy cells. It is more effective for early stage prostate cancer.
Good nutrition is an important part of recovering from the side effects of radiation therapy.
Slight skin changes will be visible after radiation. Skin may become red, swollen, warm and sensitive, as if in a sunburn but it is temporary. The long term effects include, slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores, increased or decreased sensitivity of the skin and a thickening of tissue or skin.
Chemotherapy: It is a combination of drugs which is effective to kill or slow the growth of rapidly multiplying cells. Chemotherapy is usually prescribed to men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy drugs are carefully controlled in both dosage and frequency so that cancer cells are destroyed while minimizing the risk to healthy cells. As the drugs circulate throughout the whole body, they can effect the healthy cells also.
The side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lowered blood counts, reduced ability of the blood to clot, and an increased risk of infection.
HOMEOPATHY TREATMENT:
CROTALUS : cancer with haematuria.
CONIUM : On every emotion, with itching of prepuce.
SEPIA : discharge during stool.
KALI BHICH : pain during chronic prostates.
SILICEA : While straining at stool.
NITRIC ACID : Discharge after stool.
NUX VOMICA : discharge during stool.
THUJA : When the discharge is greenish and thick.
STAPHISAGRIA : prostatic discharge after sexual excesses.
SELENIUM : discharge during stool.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C)
