Health for human | Lack of sunlight is known associated with various diseases, ranging from the flu, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Several studies have been referring to a substance contained in the important sun exposure, namely vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency appeared to result in serious consequences for health, especially in sub-tropical countries that have little exposure to sunlight. This is the reason the country's population often sunbathe on the beach.
Vitamin D not only helps the body absorb calcium is important for bone, but also play a role in the immune system by helping reduce inflammation. Suspected chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease and cancer. Here are some of the dangerous diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency include:
1. diabetes
A study in 2011 and found that obese children who have low vitamin D levels are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes as adults. Whereas in adults who have low vitamin D levels, the likelihood of type 2 diabetes rose to 57 percent.
2. cancer
A study published in the British Medical Journal showed that people in her blood contained a lot of vitamin D had 40 percent lower risk of developing colon cancer compared with people who have low levels of vitamins.
3. multiple sclerosis
The researchers also said there is a relationship between vitamin D deficiency with multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is most common in people who live far from the equator and just a little exposure to sunlight.
4. rheumatoid arthritis
Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis. In a study conducted in January 2012, among the babies who died suddenly, at 75 per cent were found to be deficient in vitamin D.
How to get your intake of sunlight?
Sunlight provides 90 percent of vitamin D the body needs. When the heat and ultraviolet light touches the skin, the production of vitamin D is activated. In food, the main natural sources are liver and fish oil. Eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, as well as some foods such as cereals, fresh fruit juices and yogurt fortified with vitamin D.
"A serving of fortified foods only provide nearly 20 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin D. It is difficult to get all of their vitamin D from food alone," said Catherine Collins, a dietician at St George's Hospital.
Many people avoid going out without wearing sunscreen and then end up with a deficiency of vitamin D. Research has found that people who were diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, are the ones with the lowest levels of vitamin D.
To meet the ideal intake of vitamin D, sun exposure on a regular basis during the summer is very necessary. Duration is about 10 to 15 minutes each day without sunscreen at 11:00 to 15:00, when the sun is hot - heat it.
The ability of the body make vitamin D decreases with age. People aged over 65 years are advised to consume a vitamin D supplement 10 mcg per day. Dark-skinned people do not produce vitamin with ease. Nursing mothers and pregnant women should consume 10 micrograms of vitamin D supplements to ensure their children have healthy bone and protected from osteoporosis later in life.
Fat people should also take supplements, because vitamin D can be locked into the fat cells and can not be used by the body. Children aged 6 months - 5 years should be taking vitamin D supplements as much as 7 mcg every day because his bones are going through a critical stage of development. Vitamin D deficiency rickets has led to a surge of cases drastically.
Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cancer. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Alternative Radiation Cream Treat Skin Cancer Without Surgery
Health for human | Although quite effective, surgical removal of skin cancer is often not preferred because it leaves a scar. Now there are alternatives to cure it, namely the efficacy of radiation with the cream has been clinically tested in Italy.
The test cream containing radioactive substances rhenium-188 was conducted in several hospitals in Italy, involving 700 patients with skin cancer. Quoted from Dailymail, Friday (01/06/2012), its effectiveness to kill cancer observed in these trials is quite high at 95 percent.
In addition to not leave scars, skin cancer treatment with radiation cream also has another advantage. For example, can reach cancer cells particularly difficult locations may not face such an operation on the surface of the eye or ear.
Another plus is very easy to use. Cream is packaged in a plaster lives taped, and then within 2 hours of exposure to radiation will work to kill cancer cells specifically claimed that side effects are very minimal.
Types of skin cancer can be cured by this cream is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which has a medium level of malignancy. As for malignant melanoma, experts do not recommend the use of these creams and more recommend surgery.
However, this breakthrough gives great hope for patients with skin cancer which is very much. For this type of carcinoma cancer alone, either basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell can infect every year 100,000 patients throughout New England.
Unfortunately due to experiments performed is still very limited, this cream has not received marketing authorization and still have to undergo some refinement. But it is expected, within two years of this cream will be available in the European market and beyond.
The test cream containing radioactive substances rhenium-188 was conducted in several hospitals in Italy, involving 700 patients with skin cancer. Quoted from Dailymail, Friday (01/06/2012), its effectiveness to kill cancer observed in these trials is quite high at 95 percent.
In addition to not leave scars, skin cancer treatment with radiation cream also has another advantage. For example, can reach cancer cells particularly difficult locations may not face such an operation on the surface of the eye or ear.
Another plus is very easy to use. Cream is packaged in a plaster lives taped, and then within 2 hours of exposure to radiation will work to kill cancer cells specifically claimed that side effects are very minimal.
Types of skin cancer can be cured by this cream is basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which has a medium level of malignancy. As for malignant melanoma, experts do not recommend the use of these creams and more recommend surgery.
However, this breakthrough gives great hope for patients with skin cancer which is very much. For this type of carcinoma cancer alone, either basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell can infect every year 100,000 patients throughout New England.
Unfortunately due to experiments performed is still very limited, this cream has not received marketing authorization and still have to undergo some refinement. But it is expected, within two years of this cream will be available in the European market and beyond.
Discovered Short-Term Effects of Electric Cigarettes
Health for human | There may be some of the readers who have been using an electric cigarette. Electronic cigarettes have been marketed as safer alternatives. But the study found evidence of this electric cigarette can cause changes in the airways users in quick time.
Researchers found after 5 minutes using an electric cigarette, users showed signs of airway constriction as measured by several types of tests of respiratory and inflammation. The results of this study are reported in the journal Chest.
"This is the first evidence showing that an electric cigarette can cause acute physiological effects in a very fast," said study chairman Constantine I. Vardavas of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at the Harvard School of Public Health, as quoted by Reuters on Friday (01/06/2012).
In this new study, Vardavas and colleagues in Athens involving 30 healthy men who smoked cigarettes electric cigarette to see if this affects the airways of users.
It turned out that in the short term, smoking has been estimated to cause and effect in the long term can cause lung diseases such as emphysema or cancer. However, research on long-term effects are still needed.
Researchers found after 5 minutes using an electric cigarette, users showed signs of airway constriction as measured by several types of tests of respiratory and inflammation. The results of this study are reported in the journal Chest.
"This is the first evidence showing that an electric cigarette can cause acute physiological effects in a very fast," said study chairman Constantine I. Vardavas of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at the Harvard School of Public Health, as quoted by Reuters on Friday (01/06/2012).
In this new study, Vardavas and colleagues in Athens involving 30 healthy men who smoked cigarettes electric cigarette to see if this affects the airways of users.
It turned out that in the short term, smoking has been estimated to cause and effect in the long term can cause lung diseases such as emphysema or cancer. However, research on long-term effects are still needed.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Diseases Suffered Many of Motherhood
Health for human | Mother's Day is always commemorated on December 22, it is fitting for the health of the mothers received special attention. In the course of his life, there are some diseases that are often found in the mother.
"We can all come into the world as it comes out of the womb of the mother. It is appropriate we are all always care and attention to our mothers. I try to parse a few of several diseases that are often found the mother, among others, breast cancer, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), "said Dr. Ari Fahrial H Sham, SpPD-KGEH, MMB, FINASIM, health practitioners from the University of Indonesia,
1. breast cancer
Men and women have breasts, but breast cancer affects more women than men. Breast cancer is one of the biggest causes of death for women.
Hospital Information Data System (SIRS) in 2007, breast cancer ranks first in hospitalized patients in all hospitals in Indonesia (16.85%), followed by cervical cancer (11.78%).
The incidence of breast cancer is currently an estimated 39 per 100,000 population in 2008. As with other cancers, the earlier the cancer treatment principle is found the easier to treat. Because the breast is an organ outside of the body, of course, early detection will be easier to do with BSE, among others (check your own breasts).
"Women should always remember that they are at risk for having a lump in her breast, she has 100 times the risk of breast cancer compared to men," continued Dr. Ari.
Another risk that should also be considered for each woman to the occurrence of breast cancer is family history that have a history of tumors or breast cancer, age over 45 years, no children, her first pregnancy over 30 years and history of menstruation at age less than 12 years of age or menopausal length up to over 55 years.
"Therefore, for all mothers especially with high risk should always remember to check regularly for themselves whether there is a lump in her breast. If you feel a lump you should immediately see a doctor to ensure that there is a bump," said the doctor was born June 19, 1966 .
2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
The disease is experienced by nine times more in women than in men. SLE disease occurs in 30-50 cases in 100,000 population. SLE disease is an autoimmune disease.
This disease occurs in young women of childbearing age. Characterized by hair loss, skin disorders, especially in the form of red-red facial skin like a butterfly and it will grow red when exposed to sunlight, aches in the joints and muscles, fever is not too high and recurring canker sores.
SLE can cause various organ disorders include blood disorders, kidney disorders, heart and vascular disorders, pulmonary disorders, disorders of the digestive organs, organs such as intestine, stomach and liver, central nervous system disorders and disorders of the eye. Patients who have SLE because of interference with blood clotting may also experience recurrent miscarriages.
"Given the multi-organ complications, early detection of disease is also important so that complications can involve many organs can be prevented. For those patients already known to suffer from SLE, it is advisable to take medication regularly and to keep it regularly to control complications of SLE disease does not occur , "continued Dr. Ari.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Incidence of IBS in women report an average of 2-3 times more than men. Patients with IBS typically come with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain, accompanied by bloating may be accompanied by diarrhea or even constipation. Abdominal pain is usually reduced after defecation.
The disease is about 10-15 percent of world population. There were no differences of race on the incidence of this disease. Patients with IBS can come up with diarrhea or difficult bowel movements. Through further examination found no abnormalities in these patients or not found organic abnormalities.
IBS is a functional disease. Many patients who come to the doctor with stomach bloating sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. Especially after eating certain foods such as too fat or too spicy. Patients may not feel this complaint before.
"Is this IBS disease dangerous to life threatening? The answer is no, but this would interfere with IBS disease activity of patients with IBS problems. Complaints bloating and abdominal pain this will certainly reduce the quality of life, because complaints can arise at any time or any time that is usually triggered by certain foods or stress factors. arising out of stress factors could be for many reasons such as lack of sleep, too tired, family problems, school or work problems, "explains Dr. Ari who earned a doctorate in biomedical sciences in 2011.
In some women, menstrual complaints and sparked IBS during pregnancy. The handling of these patients usually by avoiding certain foods such as fatty foods, too stimulating food such as spicy foods, coffee, fizzy drinks.
The drugs are given anti-anxiety medication as needed, drugs to treat cramps (antispasmodic), anti-diarrhea or laxative depends on the state chapter. Probiotics can also be given primarily to complaints of IBS with hard bowel movements. With regular medication and avoiding trigger factors we can control this disease.
"We can all come into the world as it comes out of the womb of the mother. It is appropriate we are all always care and attention to our mothers. I try to parse a few of several diseases that are often found the mother, among others, breast cancer, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), "said Dr. Ari Fahrial H Sham, SpPD-KGEH, MMB, FINASIM, health practitioners from the University of Indonesia,
1. breast cancer
Men and women have breasts, but breast cancer affects more women than men. Breast cancer is one of the biggest causes of death for women.
Hospital Information Data System (SIRS) in 2007, breast cancer ranks first in hospitalized patients in all hospitals in Indonesia (16.85%), followed by cervical cancer (11.78%).
The incidence of breast cancer is currently an estimated 39 per 100,000 population in 2008. As with other cancers, the earlier the cancer treatment principle is found the easier to treat. Because the breast is an organ outside of the body, of course, early detection will be easier to do with BSE, among others (check your own breasts).
"Women should always remember that they are at risk for having a lump in her breast, she has 100 times the risk of breast cancer compared to men," continued Dr. Ari.
Another risk that should also be considered for each woman to the occurrence of breast cancer is family history that have a history of tumors or breast cancer, age over 45 years, no children, her first pregnancy over 30 years and history of menstruation at age less than 12 years of age or menopausal length up to over 55 years.
"Therefore, for all mothers especially with high risk should always remember to check regularly for themselves whether there is a lump in her breast. If you feel a lump you should immediately see a doctor to ensure that there is a bump," said the doctor was born June 19, 1966 .
2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
The disease is experienced by nine times more in women than in men. SLE disease occurs in 30-50 cases in 100,000 population. SLE disease is an autoimmune disease.
This disease occurs in young women of childbearing age. Characterized by hair loss, skin disorders, especially in the form of red-red facial skin like a butterfly and it will grow red when exposed to sunlight, aches in the joints and muscles, fever is not too high and recurring canker sores.
SLE can cause various organ disorders include blood disorders, kidney disorders, heart and vascular disorders, pulmonary disorders, disorders of the digestive organs, organs such as intestine, stomach and liver, central nervous system disorders and disorders of the eye. Patients who have SLE because of interference with blood clotting may also experience recurrent miscarriages.
"Given the multi-organ complications, early detection of disease is also important so that complications can involve many organs can be prevented. For those patients already known to suffer from SLE, it is advisable to take medication regularly and to keep it regularly to control complications of SLE disease does not occur , "continued Dr. Ari.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Incidence of IBS in women report an average of 2-3 times more than men. Patients with IBS typically come with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain, accompanied by bloating may be accompanied by diarrhea or even constipation. Abdominal pain is usually reduced after defecation.
The disease is about 10-15 percent of world population. There were no differences of race on the incidence of this disease. Patients with IBS can come up with diarrhea or difficult bowel movements. Through further examination found no abnormalities in these patients or not found organic abnormalities.
IBS is a functional disease. Many patients who come to the doctor with stomach bloating sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain and diarrhea. Especially after eating certain foods such as too fat or too spicy. Patients may not feel this complaint before.
"Is this IBS disease dangerous to life threatening? The answer is no, but this would interfere with IBS disease activity of patients with IBS problems. Complaints bloating and abdominal pain this will certainly reduce the quality of life, because complaints can arise at any time or any time that is usually triggered by certain foods or stress factors. arising out of stress factors could be for many reasons such as lack of sleep, too tired, family problems, school or work problems, "explains Dr. Ari who earned a doctorate in biomedical sciences in 2011.
In some women, menstrual complaints and sparked IBS during pregnancy. The handling of these patients usually by avoiding certain foods such as fatty foods, too stimulating food such as spicy foods, coffee, fizzy drinks.
The drugs are given anti-anxiety medication as needed, drugs to treat cramps (antispasmodic), anti-diarrhea or laxative depends on the state chapter. Probiotics can also be given primarily to complaints of IBS with hard bowel movements. With regular medication and avoiding trigger factors we can control this disease.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Oral sex can cause mouth cancer?
Health for human | Did you know that the activity of oral sex can cause mouth cancer? A study from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Scientists say that the activity of oral sex is one way the migration of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes cervical cancer of the cervix into the mouth that can cause a the emergence of oral cancer.
A study also noted the number of patients with oral cancer is increasing every year during the last ten years, even more than people with testicular cancer and cervical cancer itself. Average people are those aged under 45 years in which their sexual activity is high.
Prevention
Although oral sex is one cause of oral cancer, but you need not worry too much, because the risk of contracting cancer of the mouth through oral sex is still quite low at 1:10,000 people. Instead cigarettes widened still a major factor causing oral cancer in addition to alcohol. Both are 30 times higher risk of causing cancer of the mouth than oral sex. But it helps you stay alert, remain loyal and not bergant-pair change in sexual intercourse is the best way to avoid yourself from oral cancer. Another way is by first memerikasaan yourself and your partner to the clinic teeth and gums for STD testing or oral health checks to ensure that you or your partner does not carry the HPV virus. This is mainly done for couples who want to get married.
Vaccination
Vaccination is also an alternative to the virus outbreak prevention of HPV, but HPV vaccination is only done for women, especially young women, while men can only do cervical cancer prevention vaccination by injection is carried out for 6 months with a fairly expensive cost.
Couple Sexual History
Not sure of the partner's sexual history sometimes makes you still feel unsafe to perform oral sex although the test results stating that you both do not carry the HPV virus. For it would not hurt if you wear protective gear or condoms during oral sex. Although it's not a fun way for your sex life and your partner, but better play safe rather than treatment?
Handling
Early detection of oral cancer may increase treatment success rates. Alert in case of membranes around the mouth wound that never healed after three weeks, or the appearance of small bumps around the mouth red and white. Immediately contact your doctor immediately if you have any indication of contracting cancer in your mouth.
A study also noted the number of patients with oral cancer is increasing every year during the last ten years, even more than people with testicular cancer and cervical cancer itself. Average people are those aged under 45 years in which their sexual activity is high.
Prevention
Although oral sex is one cause of oral cancer, but you need not worry too much, because the risk of contracting cancer of the mouth through oral sex is still quite low at 1:10,000 people. Instead cigarettes widened still a major factor causing oral cancer in addition to alcohol. Both are 30 times higher risk of causing cancer of the mouth than oral sex. But it helps you stay alert, remain loyal and not bergant-pair change in sexual intercourse is the best way to avoid yourself from oral cancer. Another way is by first memerikasaan yourself and your partner to the clinic teeth and gums for STD testing or oral health checks to ensure that you or your partner does not carry the HPV virus. This is mainly done for couples who want to get married.
Vaccination
Vaccination is also an alternative to the virus outbreak prevention of HPV, but HPV vaccination is only done for women, especially young women, while men can only do cervical cancer prevention vaccination by injection is carried out for 6 months with a fairly expensive cost.
Couple Sexual History
Not sure of the partner's sexual history sometimes makes you still feel unsafe to perform oral sex although the test results stating that you both do not carry the HPV virus. For it would not hurt if you wear protective gear or condoms during oral sex. Although it's not a fun way for your sex life and your partner, but better play safe rather than treatment?
Handling
Early detection of oral cancer may increase treatment success rates. Alert in case of membranes around the mouth wound that never healed after three weeks, or the appearance of small bumps around the mouth red and white. Immediately contact your doctor immediately if you have any indication of contracting cancer in your mouth.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cancer symptoms and Diagnosis
All cancer patients suffer a lot and have to go through complicated procedures and proper treatment to ensure that the disease can be dealt with. However, till just a couple of decades back most patients died from cancer. With excellent developments in technology cancer has become a disease which can be easily treated and that is excellent news for a lot of patients. But do you wish you could look for signs of cancer so that you can deal with it very early on? There are certain symptoms which you can look for which might diagnose any sign of cancer early on.
First of all, women and girls need to be taught the importance of looking for early signs of breast cancer. It is the most potent form of cancer that has been affecting women and girls and it is difficult to know at what age this might start. You can start with being cautious. If you feel a lump near your breasts or underarm than instantly have it checked out. High chances are that it will just be some kind of a boil but in some cases you can prevent any form of infection from spreading if you deal with it very early on in the day.
All women need to go for checkups because cancer can also affect other parts of the body like the cervix. Proper check up and treatment just might help stop that. If you are getting a splitting headache which is blinding and extreme then go in for a checkup for tumors in brain. Of course there have been cases when cancer patients did not have many signs to look for before being afflicted with the disease but you can always stay safe. Stop smoking too much or avoid company of people who smoke to reduce chances of lung cancer.
This Cancer Article is Anonymously submitted and is a Part of Health Articles and cancer section.
Obesity’s Links to Cancer
In recent years, countless studies have begun to shed light on a connection that many doctors have long suspected existed: that between obesity and cancer. As a matter of fact, a study recently conducted in the U.S. concludes that there are over 100,000 cases of cancer in that country each year that could be prevented if people took measures to reduce body fat. These cases account for around 6% of all cancer cases, and with obesity on the rise virtually everywhere, we’re likely to see these numbers go up in the coming years.
How Does Obesity Lead to Cancer?
In general, the higher one’s BMI (body mass index), the more at risk they are for cancer. Most classification systems say that obese people have a BMI index over 30, while people who are merely overweight have a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Being in these categories creates a higher risk of all sorts of illnesses in addition to cancer, including diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Without getting too technical, obesity leads to cancer, basically, by disrupting the body’s natural chemical balance. Excess fat causes people to produce unhealthy amounts of the types of chemicals, especially certain hormones, that are associated with increased cancer risk. Meanwhile, excess fat also suppresses the production of certain other chemicals that help to fight back against cancer. For example, obese people tend to have lower levels of testosterone, a hormone which is known to have tumor-fighting properties.
Types of Cancer Caused by Obesity
There are two types of cancer that are thought to be frequently associated with increased levels of insulin and estrogen in obese women: breast cancer, and uterine (endometrial) cancer. In the case of uterine cancer, as much as 40 percent of all cases are directly linked to cancer. The ratio is smaller when it comes to breast cancer, but doctors think that the trend is increasing.
In men, overweight and obesity are thought to have a strong connection with colon cancer, a connection which is not found in women. One theory behind this fact is that men and women tend to store fat in different places. While women store it around the thighs, buttocks, and hips, men tend to store it around the abdomen. It’s thought that high levels of fat around the mid-section in obese men creates a type of chemical imbalance that effects the digestive system, particularly the colon.
Finally, in both men and women, esophogeal cancer has a high correlation with obesity. Obese people are twice as likely to develop a form of cancer known as adenocarcinoma, which some doctors think may be related to high levels of gastric reflux among overweight people.
Can Healthy Lifestyle Reverse the Risk?
The result of this new information is that it gives us yet another reason to spread awareness about the health risks associated with obesity. More research is needed into whether or not the risk of cancer associated with obesity can be reduced by losing weight, but doctors say that it can’t hurt. While being obese for a substantial period of time may cause some permanent damage, the less time an individual spends living an unhealthy lifestyle, the better.
How dangerous is cancer?
Needless to say, cancer is a dangerous disease and has been labeled as a very common cause because of which a lot of people die everyday. There has been a lot of speculation on how difficult and dangerous cancer is. And that is true because patients have to go through a lot to survive the disease. But if you are diagnosed with cancer and have given up all hopes on survival then you are probably mistaken. There have been so many miracle stories where people have braved cancer or fought the battle for an incredibly long time because of sheer strength of mind.
You cannot treat cancer by yourself because complicated procedures, therapies and a lot more is involved. You most certainly need to go a physician who will recommend a cancer specialist. There are many institutions all across the world, primarily dedicated to the cause of treating cancer and if your medical insurance is in order then you can try your luck in such institutions which have some of the best doctors, very well equipped to deal with cancer. It is also important for all patients to remember and keep in mind that a lot of expense is required and it is important to keep your hopes high.
If you are a cancer patient you will be going through a lot. You will feel weak, look weak, feel disheartened and have a lot of complicated therapies conducted on you. But do not compromise on who you are and feel hopeful even if you are all worn out because the mind controls the body. If you can cheat your mind into feeling stronger then you might just emerge out of the entire process a winner and this has been a time tested method that has worked on a lot of cancer patients.
Important Information about Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare aggressive cancerous disease of the mesothelium, which is a type of protective tissue that surrounds organs found in the thoracic and abdominal cavity such as the lungs, heart, liver, and abdominal organs. Most of the time, cancer does not occur with a single cause; rather it is a group of diseases with multiple causes, symptoms, treatments, and prognosis. But in the unique case of mesothelioma, there is a specific cause for this cancer which is asbestos.
Risk Factors
Several agents or factors are implicated in the development of mesothelioma. However, generally, asbestos is still the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Virus
In very rare situations, a Simian vacuolating virus (SV40) may act as a carcinogen and potentiate asbestos in causing malignant mesothelioma. The SV40 is a highly controversial virus due to the contamination of polio vaccines between the year 1955 and 1963. Millions of people in the United States were said to be exposed to the virus.
However, there is no clear evidence yet whether SV40 is responsible for certain mesotheliomas.
In very rare situations, a Simian vacuolating virus (SV40) may act as a carcinogen and potentiate asbestos in causing malignant mesothelioma. The SV40 is a highly controversial virus due to the contamination of polio vaccines between the year 1955 and 1963. Millions of people in the United States were said to be exposed to the virus.
However, there is no clear evidence yet whether SV40 is responsible for certain mesotheliomas.
Erionite (Zeolite)
Exposure to erionate, a type of zeolite mineral which has similar properties with asbestos, is suggested to be one of the causes of mesothelioma in some villages in Turkey.
Radiation
Therapeutic radiation using thorium oxide (thorotrast) has been reported to increase the risk of developing pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma in certain people.
Smoking
Smoking alone is not considered to affect the development of mesothelioma, however, when smoking is combined with asbestos exposure, the risk of having mesothelioma significantly increases.
Asbestos
For several decades, asbestos remains the primary cause of the development of mesothelioma and a number of lung diseases. Inhalation of the particles is the most common route of entry, which is why most cases of mesothelioma occur in people working in the asbestos industry.
A Closer Look on Asbestos
Asbestos is the given name of a certain family of minerals that occur in fibrous form. These fibers can be processed into a variety of materials that are uniquely resistant to fire, heat, and corrosion. Asbestos can be spun and woven into textiles, matted into insulating materials, or used with other substances to make numerous products, including brake linings, clutch pads, and roofing and flooring materials. Because of these, asbestos is almost irreplaceable as no other substance provides its desirable properties.
Nevertheless, manufacturers are developing replacement materials because of the issues surrounding the production of asbestos products. Inhalation of asbestos’ very minute fibers over a period as little as one to two months has been linked to cancers of the lung, lung-cavity lining or mesothelioma, asbestosis, and severe lung impairment.
Types of Asbestos
There are two general varieties of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole.
Serpentine
Chrysotile, obtained from serpentine rocks, is the most abundant and widely used form of asbestos accounting for 90% of asbestos used for production of new materials.
Amphibole
Amphiboles are long, thin fibers that are more potent in causing lung cancer and associated diseases. Amphiboles include amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Among these, crocidolite is the more potent carcinogen which is due to its rod-like appearance that enables the fiber to easily penetrate the lungs and into the pleura. They may cause irritation and long-term inflammation of the mesothelium altering cellular structures leading to cancer. Asbestos can also cause the production of free radicals that damage cells that further potentiate cancer growth. It has been suggested that some of the fibers may be coughed up and swallowed into the gastrointestinal tract. In this way, asbestos can cause peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma.
People who are working with asbestos have the highest risk of contracting mesothelioma. But family members of these workers may also incur the disease due to particles that may be carried along with the worker’s clothing and hair. Aside from that, those who are residing in a room with products built from asbestos are likely to inhale the particles without knowing it. Houses and structure built in the late 1800s to mid 1900s are more prone to use such materials because asbestos has been widely used commercially during this period. The latency period of mesothelioma can last between 20 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma must be diagnosed using the medical history of a person and adiologic studies such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans. But because mesothelioma may mimic several lung conditions, there may be a need for chest tube thoracostomy, pericardiocentesis, or paracentesis depending on the location of the tumour. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The disease will be staged according to the TNM system: tumor (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M).
Unfortunately, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed when it is already at its late stage. Treatment options vary depending on the staging and extent of metastasis. Surgery in adjunct to radiation and chemotherapy are the best options available. In advanced stages, treatment would be difficult; hence, palliative (supportive) care is rendered to treat the symptoms. However the disease itself is still there.
Unfortunately, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed when it is already at its late stage. Treatment options vary depending on the staging and extent of metastasis. Surgery in adjunct to radiation and chemotherapy are the best options available. In advanced stages, treatment would be difficult; hence, palliative (supportive) care is rendered to treat the symptoms. However the disease itself is still there.
Despite the many dangers of asbestos usage, many people are still exposed to asbestos especially in countries like India, China, and Russia. The Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that 3,000 to 12,000 cases of cancer, usually fatal, are caused annually in the United States by asbestos exposure. But controversies continue to surround the issue of asbestos as a health hazard. Thousands of asbestos-related diseases and mortalities have been documented and yet, some countries have not placed any ban on asbestos products.
Cancer Prevention is Better than Cure
Cancer is perhaps the deadliest and most terrifying disease a person can have in our generation today. According to research, about 1500 people die of cancer each day, making it next to heart disease in rank. You can call it a silent killer, because it slowly eats away a person’s life. And although a huge development in the medical world has made treatment for cancer a lot easier, still, the best way to fight cancer is to stop it in its tracks. Preventing cancer is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, the best methods you can try to deal with it are usually free.
Studying your family history of the disease is one of the first things you need to do to find out whether your risks for cancer are high or not. Cancer can be hereditary, so if a certain type of cancer runs in the family, there’s a big chance you can acquire the disease as well. If this is the case, talk to your doctor and set up an appointment where you can be screened and tested for cancer risk.
If you are not a smoker or alcohol drinker, it would be best if you never start at all. But if you are, you might want to gradually cut the habit if you want to keep cancer at bay. Tobacco smoking and exposure to it is the greatest risk factor for lung cancer. It’s also responsible for other types of health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and even degenerative brain disease. Even if you don’t put a cigarette between your lips, as long as you’re in range of someone who’s smoking incessantly, you can still be putting yourself at risk.
Excessive intake of alcohol can also have the same impact to your health as smoking. In fact, almost 4% of cancer cases are attributed to alcohol drinking. According to one study, a person’s risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus can be increased by alcohol and tobacco. Not only that, it is said to increase a person’s risk for liver, rectal, colon, and breast cancer as well. To prevent cancer altogether, start doing away with these two deadly habits as soon as possible.
Another thing you can do to stay away from cancer is to practice sun-safety. We thank the sun for various reasons, but while it can be a source of life and energy, it can also be the cause of skin cancer. For your information, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and millions of people in the US alone are diagnosed with it each year. It takes time for the signs of sun damage to appear in the skin but most of the damage done is a result of cumulative exposures to harmful UV rays. It’s not only by going to the beach that you can acquire sun damage. Even by just getting a sun tan from a tanning salon can put your skin’s health at risk.
To avoid sun damage, always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 protection or higher 30 minutes before you go outside each day. Try to wear clothes that will cover your arms and the back of our hands as well, because these are the spots where signs of sun damage usually appear. Bring an umbrella or wear a large hat to protect your face, and wear sunglasses for your eyes.
The kind of food that you eat also plays a major role when it comes to preventing or delaying the onset of diseases like cancer. Some of the food that you eat on a daily basis can actually increase your cancer risk. Such foods include processed meat, sweets, and foods rich in salt and preservatives. To fight cancer, include more foods that are rich in antioxidants in your daily menu. Antioxidants help reverse the damage done by free radicals in the body. They also help boost your immune system so that your body doesn’t easily succumb to cancer and other diseases.
Moreover, try to involve yourself in physical activities as much as you can. Even thirty minutes of brisk walking each day can cut down your risk for cancer by up to 80 percent! And get enough sleep and rest too. It is during sleep time that your body heals and repairs damaged cells and tissues.
Finally, don’t forget to visit your doctor once every three months and have a general checkup. Most cancers can be stopped when detected in their early stages.
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