What is Diabetes?

In the past I have written a number of articles on diabetes.  Today I want to bring all this diabetes information together and give the topic an extensive write up.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes  mellitus (often abbreviated to simply diabetes) is a disease that develops when your blood glucose levels become extremely high because either:
- Your body is not producing enough insulin.
- Your body is not responding to insulin properly.

In non-diabetic people the pancreas responds to high blood glucose levels by releasing insulin.  Insulin allows your body’s cells to take glucose from the blood and either use it for energy or store it for later use in the form of glycogen or fat.  This causes your overall blood glucose levels to fall.  When they reach a certain level your pancreas stops releasing insulin and starts to release glucagon.  Glucagon causes your liver to convert glycogen stores back into glucose and then release it into the blood.  This causes your overall blood glucose levels to rise.  When they reach a certain level your body stops releasing glucagon, starts releasing insulin and the whole process starts again.

The above process allows your pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels ensuring that they are never too high and never too low.  However, in diabetic people this process goes wrong and their pancreas stops producing enough insulin or their cells stop responding to insulin properly.  This inability to use or produce insulin means that diabetic people’s cells cannot easily take glucose from the blood.  As a result the blood glucose levels in diabetic people become extremely high.  This can cause numerous problems which I will be discussing later on in this article.

WHAT TYPES OF DIABETES ARE THERE?

There are four main types of diabetes:

1) GESTATIONAL DIABETES:- Gestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or the abbreviated GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.  It normally occurs during the second half of a woman’s pregnancy and then goes away after the baby is born.  Around 5% of pregnant women are believed to suffer from GDM.

Since GDM is a temporary form of the disease it does not pose an immediate threat to your health.  However, it still needs to be managed properly by making good dietary choices and participating in regular exercise (more on this later in the article).  Failure to manage GDM in this way can lead to pre-eclampsia (a form of high blood pressure) and macrosomia (a new born baby with a high birth weight) which can have a negative impact on your pregnancy and make giving birth more difficult.  Badly managed GDM can also increase your chances of contracting the condition during future pregnancies and makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in later life.

2) PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes describes people with higher than normal blood glucose levels.  A pre-diabetic’s blood glucose levels are not considered high enough to be classed as type 2 diabetes.  However, pre-diabetes almost always develops into full type 2 diabetes if positive lifestyle changes are not made.  Fortunately, pre-diabetes can be reversed if modify your diet and exercise routine accordingly.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes) develops when your pancreas can no longer produce insulin.  It is not as common as type 2 diabetes representing between 5% and 10% of diabetes cases.  However, it is a much more serious disease and can be fatal if it is not managed properly.  Type 1 diabetes always needs to be treated with insulin injections although a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you better manage the condition.

If you suffer from type 1 diabetes your body will not be able to produce insulin.  Therefore, it needs to be managed a lot more closely than other types of diabetes.  First, you will need to eat right and exercise regularly.  However, you will also need to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly using a glucometer and supply your body with insulin through daily injections.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES:- Type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes) develops when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or your body’s cells become resistant to insulin.  It is much more common than type 1 diabetes representing between 90% and 95% of diabetes cases.  Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through lifestyle changes alone but approximately 40% of sufferers require insulin injections.

In most cases type 2 diabetes can be managed through a good diet and regular exercise routine alone.  You will still need to monitor your blood glucose levels at regular, daily intervals using a glucometer but in 60% of cases no insulin injections are required.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES?

1) GESTATIONAL DIABETES:- GDM is thought to be caused by hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.  During this time the placenta produces insulin resistant hormones in an effort to make sure the growing baby gets enough glucose.  This can cause a pregnant woman’s insulin requirements to increase by two or three times the normal rate.  If their pancreas cannot supply enough insulin to meet this increased demand GDM develops.

2) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas becomes damaged and cannot produce insulin.  In most cases this damage happens when your immune system malfunctions and starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas.  It is not known what causes the body’s immune system to malfunction in this way.  Some believe it is a reaction to certain types of infection.  Others believe it is an inherited genetic weakness.  Another theory is that faulty nerves cause this immune system response.

3) PRE-DIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early sign of type 2 diabetes and therefore develops in the same way.  Type 2 diabetes develops when your cells start to resist insulin for some unknown reason.  This makes it more difficult for them to use glucose.  Since your cells are not getting enough insulin or glucose your pancreas responds by releasing more insulin and your liver responds by breaking down glycogen and releasing more glucose.  In the long run these responses impair your pancreas’s ability to produce insulin, make your cells more resistant to insulin and raises your blood glucose levels.

The exact reason for your cells becoming insulin resistant is unknown.  Age, ethnicity, having other family members with type 2 diabetes and contracting GDM whilst pregnant are all thought to increase your risk of developing this condition.  However, the biggest risk factors are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.  Being obese increases the amount of fat cells in your body.  This makes you more resistant to insulin because fat cells have less insulin receptors than muscle cells and also increase the total number of cells that your pancreas has to supply with insulin.  A lack of exercise contributes to obesity and also makes your body less effective at controlling blood glucose levels.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

1) HYPERGLYCAEMIA:- Hyperglycaemia refers to blood glucose levels that are consistently higher than 126 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)  In diabetics it is almost always the result of a low insulin levels.  Hyperglycaemia can be aggravated by eating too many sugars or carbohydrates, not doing enough exercise or becoming stressed.  It has a number of noticeable symptoms which include; blurred vision, hunger, frequent urination and thirst.  Mild hyperglycaemia can be treated with insulin injections but more serious hyperglycaemia requires hospital treatment.

2) HYPOGLYCAEMIA:- Hypoglycaemia refers to blood glucose levels that are consistently lower than 70 mg/dL.  It is normally the result of having too much insulin in your body.  In diabetics, hypoglycaemia is often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, not eating enough before exercising or injecting too much insulin.  It is therefore most common in type 1 diabetics because they have to inject insulin on a regular basis.  The symptoms of hyperglycaemia include; blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, shaking and sweating.  Mild hypoglycaemia can be treated by consuming 10g – 20g of sugar with glucose tablets being a good way to do this.  However, more serious hypoglycaemia leads to unconsciousness and therefore requires medical attention.

3) DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS (DKA):- DKA refers to a high concentration of ketone bodies in your blood stream.  In diabetics it develops when your body’s cells cannot get the glucose they need because of low insulin levels.  This leads to muscle and fat being broken down for energy instead.  The breakdown of fat causes ketones to be released into your blood stream as a by product.  If your body continues to use fat for energy these ketones build up in the blood which causes your body to enter a state of DKA.  The symptoms of DKA include; abdominal pain, fruity smelling breath, loss of appetite and vomiting.  DKA is a very serious condition and can be fatal if immediate medical treatment is not applied.

4) HYPEROSMOTIC NON-KETOTIC ACIDOSIS (HONK):- HONK (also referred to as nonketotic hyperosmolar coma, nonketotic hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNKC)) is a diabetic coma.  It develops when low insulin levels lead to your blood glucose levels becoming excessively high.  Your body attempts to remove this excess glucose by passing more urine.  This can then lead to extreme dehydration and eventually HONK.  HONK has multiple symptoms which include; dry skin, a fever and increased thirst.  Like DKA, HONK is a very serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.

5) PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY:- Peripheral neuropathy refers to the loss of nerve function in your arms or legs.  In diabetics, it is often the result of long term nerve damage that diabetes can cause but it can also be due to alcoholism, disease, infection and vitamin deficiency.  The main symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include; a high sensitivity to being touched, a lack of co-ordination and tingling in your hands and feet which can spread into your arms and legs.  Mild peripheral neuropathy can be managed by eating a healthy, vitamin rich diet but more serious peripheral neuropathy may need to be treated with painkillers.

6) DIABETIC RETINOPATHY:- Diabetic retinopathy refers to damaged blood vessels in the retina.  It is the result of high blood glucose levels causing your eyes to swell and ultimately damaging the capillaries which supply your retina with blood.  Diabetic retinopathy can affect your vision in various ways such as; dark streaks that block your vision, floating spots in your vision and poor night vision.  For mild diabetic retinopathy these symptoms can be reduced by making good nutrition and exercise choices.  However, for sever diabetic retinopathy corrective laser surgery may need to be applied.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS FOR DIABETES?

1) FASTING PLASMA GLUCOSE (FPG) TEST:- The FPG test measures the levels of glucose in a person’s blood following a fast.  It is one of the most popular diabetes tests around but cannot be used to test for GDM.  The test involves fasting for eight hours.  Following this a blood sample is taken and the glucose levels in this sample are measured.  A reading of 99 mg/dL is considered normal whilst a reading between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL suggests that you have pre-diabetes.  A reading of 126 mg/dL or above indicates that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes which then leads to a re-test to confirm.

2) ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT):- The OGTT measures the levels of glucose in a person’s blood following the consumption of a glucose drink.  It can be used to test for all types of diabetes.  The first stage of the OGTT is identical to the FPG test where you fast for eight hours and have a blood sample taken.  For the second stage you are given the glucose drink and then have a blood sample taken at three hourly intervals following consumption.  If the OGTT is being used to test for GDM then only the second stage is performed.  The results of the test are based on the final blood sample with a reading of 139 mg/dL considered normal and a reading between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL indicating pre-diabetes.  Readings of 200 mg/dL and above suggest that you have either type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.

3) RANDOM BLOOD GLUCOSE (RBG) TEST:- The RBG test is relatively simple and involves pricking your finger with a lancing device, placing a drop of blood on a test strip then putting this strip into a glucometer.  If the glucometer shows a reading of 200 mg/dL or above this suggests you might have diabetes.  However, since glucometers are designed for home testing they are not accurate enough to be the sole basis of a diabetes diagnosis.  Therefore, if a RBG test indicates that you have diabetes go to your doctor for a second opinion and further testing.

4) KETONE TEST:- This test looks for ketones in your blood stream or urine.  High levels of ketones can indicate that your cells are not using glucose properly.  This may be due to low levels of insulin in your body and therefore can indicate diabetes.  The blood ketone test involves a blood sample being taken and tested by your doctor.  The urine ketone test can be performed at home and involves the use of special test strips.  Whilst the urine test is more convenient the blood test is more accurate.

5) URINE GLUCOSE TEST:- This test looks for glucose in the urine.  It involves urinating in a plastic container which is then passed to your doctor for testing.  Urine does not normally contain glucose.  However, when your blood glucose levels reach 180 mg/dL and above it starts to appear in your urine.  Having glucose in your urine does not mean you definitely have diabetes but it does act as an indicator for the disease.

6) GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN TEST:- This test measures your glycosylated haemoglobin levels through a blood sample.  Unlike the above tests, the glycosylated haemoglobin test is not a test for diabetes but a test to see how well diabetics are managing their condition.  Glycosylated haemoglobin levels of between 4% and 6% are normal for non-diabetics whilst levels of 7% are normal for diabetics who are managing their condition effectively.  Levels of glycosylated haemoglobin above 7% suggest that your diabetes is not being managed effectively.

HOW CAN DIABETES BE TREATED?

All types of diabetes cause one fundamental problem – poor blood glucose control.  Therefore, the key to treating diabetes is keeping your blood glucose levels within a normal range.  Whilst diabetes cannot be 100% cured the treatments below will allow you to keep the condition under control.

1) MONITOR YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS:- Regular blood glucose checks will allow you to see if your diabetes is under control and also how your body is responding to current treatments.  Generally, type 1 diabetics will need to check their blood glucose levels much more frequently than type 2 diabetics.  However, this is not always the case and you should consult your doctor on this.  You can monitor your blood glucose levels by performing a RBG test with a portable glucometer.  Levels between 70 mg/dL and 130 mg/dL before eating, less than 180 mg/dL after eating and around 140 mg/dL before going to bed are all considered normal and suggest that your diabetes is under control.  Readings that are consistently above normal suggest that your current treatment program is not working properly in which case you should go see your doctor immediately.

2) EAT THE RIGHT FOODS:- The food you eat can have a big effect on your blood glucose levels.  Eating more high fibre foods, reducing your alcohol intake, reducing your intake of sugars, eating slow digesting carbohydrates and eating more fruits and vegetables are all dietary changes that can help keep your blood glucose levels under control.

3) INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS:- Exercise can increase your body’s responsiveness to insulin and stimulate the use of glucose in your cells.  In the long term it can also reduce your body fat levels which further improve your body’s responsiveness to insulin.  Although exercise is a very good way to manage diabetes it is important that you check your blood glucose levels regularly whilst exercising, stay hydrated and have a source of glucose and insulin to hand if needed.

4) USE INSULIN IF NEEDED:- As discussed above, all type 1 diabetic require insulin whilst 40% of type 2 diabetics need it.  There are four main types of insulin; rapid acting insulin (which reaches the blood 15 minutes after injecting and can last up to 5 hours), short acting insulin (which reaches the blood 30 minutes after injection and can last up to 8 hours), intermediate acting insulin (which reaches the blood 2 to 6 hours after injection and can last for up to 20 hours) and long acting insulin (which reaches the blood 6 to 14 hours after injection and lasts for up to 24 hours).  To determine the type of insulin you will need you should consult your doctor.  They will be able to tell you which type is most suitable for you.  When taking insulin you need to be sure that you do not overdose and also that it does not interact with any other medications you are taking.

5) ALWAYS HAVE RAPIDLY DIGESTING CARBOHYDRATES TO HAND:- Overdosing on insulin, drinking too much alcohol and not eating enough can all cause your blood glucose to drop below normal levels.  In these situations you need to increase your blood glucose levels relatively quickly.  Rapidly digesting carbohydrates enter your blood stream quickly, increasing your glucose levels and therefore should be carried at all times.  Good sources of rapidly digesting carbohydrates include; sweets and chocolate, fruit and glucose tablets.

6) TRY NATURAL REMEDIES:- There are a number of natural remedies for diabetes.  Whilst they are not a substitute for the above five steps they can be a useful addition to any diabetes treatment program.  Some examples of natural remedies include fish oil supplementation, hydrotherapy and massage.

WHAT DAMAGE CAN UNTREATED DIABETES CAUSE?

1) DAMAGE TO YOUR HEART:- Consistently high blood glucose levels damages your blood vessels which in turn restricts the flow of blood to your heart.  If your heart is not getting enough blood it becomes weak and this increases your risk of heart disease.

2) DAMAGE TO YOUR KIDNEYS:- Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the blood vessels which supply your kidneys.  This damage which is referred to as diabetic nephropathy makes the kidneys function less effectively and in the worst cases can lead to kidney failure.

3) DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES:- Poorly managed diabetes can damage the light sensitive tissues of your retina which leads to the symptom diabetic retinopathy (discussed above).  Diabetes also increases your risk of developing cataracts (clouding of the clear lens that covers your eye) and glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve).

4) DAMAGE TO YOUR NERVES:- Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a type of nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy.  Diabetic neuropathy can be further broken down into; autonomic neuropathy (nerve disorders affecting the bowel, bladder, digestive system, perspiration and sexual response), focal neuropathy (sudden, specific damage to a nerve or group of nerves), peripheral neuropathy (nerve disorders affecting the feet, toes, lower and upper legs, the hands and the arms) and proximal neuropathy (nerve disorders affecting the hips, buttocks and thighs).

5) DAMAGE TO YOUR FEET:- Diabetes can damage the blood vessels that supply your feet, which restricts their blood supply and ultimately causes long term damage.  Diabetes can also cause peripheral neuropathy which means you lose the feeling in your feet.  This indirectly damages your feet because you fail to notice cuts and sores which makes them more likely to get infected.  To minimise this damage you should inspect your feet on a daily basis and if you notice any cuts, sores or infections that do not disappear after a few days you should go see your doctor.

6) DAMAGE TO YOUR GUMS:- Poorly managed diabetes can weaken your gums and make them more likely to get infected.  High levels of glucose in your mouth fluids can also encourage bacteria to grow which causes further damage to your gums.  To reduce the risk of gum damage you should follow a good oral health routine by brushing your teeth daily, flossing daily and visiting your dentist on a regular basis.

7) DAMAGE TO YOUR SEXUAL ORGANS:- Diabetes can damage the blood vessels which supply the sexual organs and restrict the flow of blood to them.  In men this can lead to erectile dysfunction.  In women it can cause vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder lining) and limited clitoral stimulation during sex (because of the poor blood supply).

I hope this article has given you a full overview of diabetes.  Whilst there is a lot of information here I hope you have learnt something new about this condition.  There are multiple types of diabetes but they all cause the same fundamental problem – poor blood sugar control.  Your ability to keep your blood sugar levels close to normal ultimately dictates how diabetes will affect you.  Whilst medical assistance may be required, leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to minimising the impact diabetes has on you.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. Before making any lifestyle changes you should always seek your doctors advice. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes then you should speak to your doctor right away.

What is Cancer?

In a number of my previous posts I discussed the various types of cancer.  However, one thing I failed to do in these posts was to actually define cancer and explain what it is.  That’s why today I am going to discuss exactly what cancer is and explain the various types, causes, signs & symptoms, tests and the treatments available.

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a disease that affects the body’s cells.  Every cell contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a substance that contains coded instructions called genes.  These genes tell the body’s cells when to divide and reproduce and when to die.  This leads to a controlled process where old cells die and existing cells divide to create new cells that replace them.  However, when DNA becomes disrupted or damaged in a cell it may start to divide uncontrollably or not die when it should.  Every time that cell divides the disrupted or damaged DNA is reproduced leading to an increased number of cells that are dividing uncontrollably and not dying when they should.  These rapidly multiplying cells eventually cause a lump to develop which is referred to as a tumour.

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Benign tumour cells do not spread to and affect other areas of the body.  However, they can still cause problems if they grow continuously and start to press against surrounding organs.  Malignant tumour cells can spread to and affect other areas of the body making them much more dangerous.  If a benign tumour is identified and removed it will not cause any further problems.  If a malignant tumour is identified and removed it can still cause problems if the cancerous cells spread to other areas of the body and further malignant tumours develop.

WHAT TYPES OF CANCER ARE THERE?

There are four main types of cancer:

1) CARCINOMAS:- Carcinomas are cancers that develop in the lining of the body (the skin) and the organs.  They are the most common type of cancer representing around 85% of cancer cases.  There are four main types of carcinoma;
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of the mouth, gullet and airways).
- Adenocarcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of glands in the body).
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of the bladder and the urinary system).
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the skin).

2) LEUKAEMIAS & LYMPHOMAS:- Leukaemias and lymphomas are cancers that develop in the tissues where white blood cells are created.  They represent around 7% of cancer cases.

3) SARCOMAS:- Sarcomas are very rare cancers that develop in the connective tissues of the body.  They represent less than 1% of all cancer cases but can be split into two types:
- Bone Sarcomas (cancer that develops in the bones).
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas (cancer that develops in other connective tissues e.g. muscle, fatty tissue).

4) OTHER CANCERS:- Brain tumours and other rare tumours make up the remaining types of cancer.

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

As I already mentioned, anything that damages or disrupts the genes can eventually cause cancer.  However, there are a number of further factors that can influence your chances of developing cancer and I have discussed these below:

1) AGE:- The normal process of cell division is not 100% perfect.  Every time our cells reproduce tiny errors may occur.  On top of this many of the chemical reactions that occur in our body’s cells release DNA damaging by products.  As we get older our cells have replicated more times and more chemical reactions have occurred.  Therefore, the chances of these tiny errors being replicated and our DNA becoming damaged is increased.

2) CARCINOGENS:- There are numerous substances that can damage our DNA.  These include; asbestos, car exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, radiation and ultraviolet light.  The greater our exposure to these substances the greater the risk of our DNA becoming damaged.

3) POOR DIET:- Diet is believed to influence your overall cancer risk although it is not fully understood which elements of diet have an impact.  Research has suggested that fresh fruit and vegetables can help prevent cancer (possibly because they contain anti-oxidants which help protect from and repair cellular damage) whilst fatty, processed foods can increase your risk of developing this disease.

4) LACK OF EXERCISE:- Regular physical activity is believed to protect you against multiple types of cancer whilst a lack of exercise can increase your chances of developing certain types.  However, it is not known why exercise affects your likelihood of developing cancer in this way.

5) INHERITED GENETIC CONDITIONS:- There are a number of inherited genetic conditions that increase your chances of getting cancer.  For example, women who are born with a mutated BRCA gene are more likely to develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer than women who do not have this mutation.

6) VIRUSES:- Certain viruses increase your cancer risk.  For example, the human papilloma virus (HPV) can make you more likely to develop cervical cancer.

7) WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM:- People who have a weak immune system are more likely to develop cancer.  It is not fully understood why this is the case but it is thought to be because people with a weak immune system cannot combat viruses that are linked to cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CANCER?

Cancer is often difficult to detect and the symptoms are often related to specific types of cancer.  For example, coughing often indicates lung cancer whilst problems urinating are more likely to suggest prostate cancer.  However, there are a number of general symptoms that you can look out for and I have listed these below:

1) LUMPS:- Tumours can sometimes lead to the formation of lumps on the skin.  If you notice any bumps or lumps that were not there before you should go see your doctor right away.  Most lumps turn out to be non-cancerous but they should still be treated with suspicion.  Your doctor will be able to perform a proper diagnosis and do further tests if necessary to determine whether any lumps are cancerous.

2) CHANGES IN BOWEL HABITS:- If you notice any unusual bowel habits this is a possible sign that a tumour has developed.  Rectal bleeding, problems urinating, constipation and diarrhoea are all potential signs of cancer.  If you notice any changes to your regular bowel habits you should inform your doctor immediately.

3) BLEEDING:- Unexplained bleeding is almost always a sign that something is wrong.  Coughing up blood is a potential sign of lung cancer whilst rectal bleeding can indicate prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.  If your skin starts to bleed this could be a sign of skin cancer whilst nosebleeds are a potential sign of leukaemia.  Bleeding may not necessarily be linked to cancer but it could be linked to organ damage or another disease.  Any unnatural bleeding should be treated with suspicion and you should see your doctor right away.

4) UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS:- Weight loss that cannot be explained is another sign that something is wrong.  If a tumour has developed in the digestive tract it could cause blockages and stop you digesting food properly.  Certain tumours also release chemicals that increase your metabolism meaning that you burn more calories than usual.  If you notice you have lost weight and cannot think of any rational reason then go and see your doctor and explain your concerns.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS FOR CANCER?

There are a variety of cancer tests available.  Some of these test are tailored to specific types of cancer.  For example, a mammogram is used to test for breast cancer.  However, other tests can be used to universally test for a wide range of cancers and I have outlined these below:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- A physical examination is the first test used for a variety of cancers and will be performed by your doctor.  For cancers where there are obvious physical symptoms your doctor will often inspect your body for these signs.  For example a physical exam for prostate cancer will involve your doctor using a gloved finger to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate.  Even cancers that do not have any immediately obvious physical symptoms may involve a physical examination.  For example the first test for lung cancer will often involve your doctor assessing your overall health, measuring how much you smoke and listening to any coughs you might have.

2) X-RAY:- An x-ray allows your doctor to see any abnormalities or lumps that may turn out to be cancerous.  These abnormalities may turn out to be non-cancerous but they can also be an early warning sign for cancer.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan uses multiple x-rays to build a 3D picture of the inside of your body.  This will then provide your doctor with a more detailed 3D view of any potential abnormalities.

4) ULTRASOUND:- An ultrasound involves using sound waves to build up an internal picture of your body.  For some types of cancer an ultrasound is more useful than an x-ray or CT scan because it reveals whether any lumps are fluid (and therefore non-cancerous) or solid (and potentially cancerous).

5) ENDOSCOPY:- This involves your doctor using a small, thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to inspect the inside of your body and look at any abnormalities in more detail.  There are many different types of endoscopy.  For example, a bronchoscopy involves inserting a small, thin, flexible tube down your throat to look at the inside of your airways whilst other types involve making a small incision in a part of the body to insert the endoscope.

6) BIOPSY:- This involves your doctor using a special type of needle to take a tissue sample which can then be analysed under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.  Certain types of endoscope can also be used to perform a biopsy.  Although this is one of the best cancer tests available it is not 100% accurate with some biopsies coming back negative despite cancerous cells being present.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR CANCER?

Just like the tests for cancer there are also a variety of treatments for cancer available.  However, the three main types are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

1) SURGERY:- Surgery attempts to remove the cancerous tumour from the body.  The effectiveness of surgery will generally depend upon how far the cancer has spread.  With early stage cancers surgery is usually very effective and the whole tumour can be removed.  However, with more advanced cancers surgery may not be possible.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves using high energy radiation rays to kill cancer cells.  It can sometimes be used as an effective cancer treatment but it is mostly used either pre-surgery (to shrink the cancerous cells and make the surgery easier to perform) or post surgery (to kill off any remaining cancerous cells).  Radiotherapy is also used to improve the quality of life in cancer patients when the cancer is no longer treatable.  This type of cancer treatment can sometimes lead to nausea and vomiting depending upon the strength of the radiation used

3) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink cancerous cells.  Like radiotherapy it can treat some cancers effectively but it is generally used to make surgeries easier to perform and kill off any cancer cells after surgery.  Chemotherapy treatment is not perfect because it often kills non-cancerous cells too.  As a result chemotherapy patients often suffer from a number of unwanted side effects including hair loss, nausea and diarrhoea.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT CANCER?

There is no sure fire way to prevent cancer.  Someone who is very healthy may develop this disease early in their life whilst another person who smokes and drinks heavily and leads a sedentary lifestyle may never suffer from this disease.  However, there are are a number of lifestyle changes you can make that greatly reduce your chances of developing this disease.

1) QUIT SMOKING:- Cigarette smoke contains over 70 carcinogens (chemicals that damage the DNA and cause cancer to develop).  Every time you smoke a cigarette these carcinogens are transported to your lungs greatly increasing your chances of developing lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.  However, from the lungs these carcinogens can also pass to other areas of your body via the blood and the lymphatic system greatly increasing your risk for other types of cancer.  Quitting smoking cuts out these carcinogens and is therefore one of the best ways to prevent cancer from developing.

2) EAT HEALTHY:- The links between diet and cancer are still not fully understood.  However, eating a healthy diet does seem to help prevent a number of types of cancer.  Diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables, high in fibre and full of vitamins are believed to help reduce your cancer risk possibly because vitamins contain anti-oxidants that help protect your cells and DNA from damage whilst fibre can help your body fully absorb these vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat.

3) EXERCISE REGULARLY:- Like with diet it is not known why regular physical activity can help prevent certain types of cancer.  However, your risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer (to name a few) are all thought to be lowered if you participate in regular physical activity.

4) REDUCING YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:- Alcohol consumption is another factor that has an influence on your chances of developing cancer.  It is not known exactly why but this article suggests it could be down to acetaldehyde (the hangover chemical), the effect alcohol has on your hormones, the effect alcohol has on your folate levels and the damage alcohol causes to your body’s cells.  The more alcohol you consume the greater your cancer risk is thought to be.

However, the way in which you consume this alcohol is not thought to affect your chances of developing cancer.  For example, if you consume 10 units of alcohol per week you are more likely to develop cancer than someone who consumes 5 units per week but the way you drink these units has little to no impact.  Whether you drink 2 units a day Monday to Friday or all 10 units on Friday night your cancer risk will be the same.

I hope this article has helped you understand what exactly cancer is and given you a brief overview of the topic.  Although there is plenty more research to be done on cancer there are definite links between cancer and lifestyle.  Although it is not the only factor, by leading a healthy, fit, active lifestyle and eating nutritious whole foods you can seriously reduce your risk of contracting cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
How does Alcohol cause Cancer? (Cancer Research UK)
What is Cancer? (BBC)
What is Cancer? (Cancer Backup)
What is Cancer? (Cancer Research UK)

6 Foods to Boost your Immune System this Christmas

In one of my recent articles I discussed how Christmas unfortunately brings with it an increased chance of getting the common cold or the flu.  Since there are so many different types of cold and flu virus the body can never be completely immune to them.  However, by making sure your immune system is working at full strength you can ensure that your body is in the best position possible to fight the common cold or the flu if you contract them.  That’s why today I will be sharing with you six foods that can keep your immune system strong over Christmas.

1) ORANGES:- Oranges seem to be a lot more abundant over Christmas with the main reason being that people use them to make their own Christingles.  Luckily, they are also a rich source of vitamin C.  As I discussed in a recent post, whilst vitamin C does not have a significant impact on your ability to prevent colds it can help boost your immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells that fight infection.

Oranges are small, easy to carry and can be pretty much eaten at any time making them a perfect immune system boosting snack.  Try snacking on them at work or grabbing one instead of a mince pie next time the Christmas treats come out.

2) NUTS:- Nuts are another food that seem to get associated with Christmas.  Yesterday I walked through the supermarket and saw a packet of fruit and nuts rebranded as ‘Christmas’ fruit and nuts (I wonder how long it took them to come up with that ).  However, the marketing guys may have it right in terms of your immune system.  Nuts are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin E and selenium.  Research suggests that both vitamin B6 and B9 support a healthy immune system.  Vitamin E and selenium work together to enhance the production of immune system B-cells (that produce antibodies to destroy bacteria) and also act as antioxidants (that protect the immune system’s cells from oxidative damage).

Nuts are also very portable and make the perfect snack to keep at your work desk.  If you find them too dry or bland then you could even pick up a ‘Christmas’ fruit and nut mix to give you some variety.  Not only are they a festive snack but they are much better for your immune system than the sweets and chocolates that will undoubtedly be offered around.

3) TURKEY:- Turkey is probably the most festive food you can find.  Unless you are vegetarian, it is highly likely that you will eat some turkey during the holiday period.  Luckily, it is quite a healthy choice and it is good for your immune system too.  It is rich in vitamin B1, B6 and zinc.  As discussed above the B vitamins have been linked with enhancing the immune system whilst zinc helps the body produce infection fighting white blood cells.

Unlike the other foods discussed in this article you are not going to have to go out of your way to get some turkey this Christmas.  It’s more than likely that turkey will be part of your Christmas meal and the leftovers can then be used to make some wholemeal sandwiches that you can bring to work.  Alternatively, you can use the leftovers to cook up another meal such as a curry, casserole or stew.

4) MUSHROOMS:- Mushrooms are not very festive at all.  However, they are good for your immune system (and in my opinion very tasty too) so you should try to incorporate them into your Christmas meals.  Mushrooms are rich in a number of B-vitamins, vitamin C and zinc all of which can help boost your immune system (as I discussed above).  Research also suggests that mushrooms activate the T cells of the immune system which help the body defend itself from viruses and infection.

Mushrooms are available in all supermarkets and most small grocery stores.  They are amazingly versatile and can be eaten with most foods.  I use them in curries, fajitas, pasta bakes, salads, omelettes and much more.  Since it’s Christmas you should have lots of turkey left over so why not make a turkey casserole, stew or curry and throw in lots of mushrooms.  Not only will it add a new level of texture and taste to the meal but it will also keep your immune system in top shape.

5) GREEN TEA:- Green tea isn’t the most popular drink around Christmas with hot chocolate and coffee being most people’s first choice.  However, of the hot drinks available it is one of the best for your immune system.  Research suggests that green tea can enhance the disease fighting capacity of the immune system’s T cells.

Green tea is relatively easy to source and available from most supermarkets.  Whilst the taste may take some getting used to it can be drank at any time during the day.  All you need is access to some hot water.  You don’t have to replace all your hot drinks with green tea but if you normally have six cups of coffee and tea per day, why not try replacing three of them with green tea?  That way you will still be able to have your normal hot drinks whilst also boosting your immune system.

6) YOGURT:- Yogurt has gained a lot of publicity recently with a lot of companies now selling it as a ‘natural immune system booster’ in small bottles.  Although it’s not a very festive food, research suggests that these companies are right.  A lot of the cells that power the immune system are found in the gut and yoghurt contains pro-biotics which help keep the gut healthy.  A healthy gut therefore supports a healthy immune system.

Yogurt is available in most supermarkets and small grocery stores.  Plus, you do not need to go for the bottled ‘natural immune system boosters’.  A pot of natural or live yoghurt can do just as much for your immune system and costs a lot less.  Whilst I find natural yoghurt quite plain on its own, if you eat it with fruit such as blueberries or pineapple it becomes a really tasty meal.  I have natural yogurt and fruit for breakfast most mornings so why not try having yogurt first thing in the morning or even have it as a dessert option on Christmas day.  It’s still very tasty and will do much more for your immune system than the mince pies and cakes.

I hope this article has helped you understand how you can keep your immune system strong this Christmas.  Whilst some (or even most of these foods) would not be your first festive food choice they will do wonders for your immune system.  Try incorporating them into your diet using some of the suggestions I have suggested and hopefully you can avoid any colds and flu this Christmas.

What do you guys think?  Are there any foods I have missed that can help people boost their immune system?  Do you have any extra special serving suggestions and recipes for the foods I have listed?  If so leave a comment on this post.

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Can Vitamin C Help You Avoid Christmas Colds?

As I discussed in my last article we are more susceptible to both the common cold and flu around Christmas time when the weather goes cold.  Whilst there is no cure for the common cold or the flu there are a number of popular suggestions for preventing it.  One such suggestions is to take high doses of vitamin C.  Today, I will be discussing if vitamin C really can help prevent the common cold and any of the other potential benefits it can offer you over this Christmas period.

In my previous post on vitamin C I mentioned that one of the benefits is that it can reduce the symptoms of the common cold.  However, research into this area has shown that these benefits may be limited.  According to Hemilä et al [1] vitamin C does not help prevent the common cold but does reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms slightly.  So if it cannot help prevent the common cold and it can only improve the symptoms marginally is there any reason to consume vitamin C this Christmas?  Absolutely.  Read on to find out why.

1) IT CAN HELP WITH CHAPPED LIPS:- People’s lips often become chapped during Christmas because the air is dry and lacks moisture.  On top of this cold winds dry the lips out even further.  Once the lips get chapped they often become damaged and cracked.  Vitamin C is essential in the healing of all types of wounds so not getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) over Christmas could leave you with sore, dry lips.

2) IT CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM:- Although it has already been established that vitamin C does not have a significant effect on the common cold, it does have a major role to play in the immune system.  It promotes the production of white blood cells and antibodies (which help your body fight viral infections).  It also acts as an antioxidant meaning that it protects the body’s cells (including those that make up the immune system) from the damage that oxygen can cause.  Therefore, vitamin C is essential for keeping your immune system performing at its peak.  This is especially important during Christmas and winter when you are more susceptible to infections such as the common cold and the more serious flu virus.

3) IT CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT:- Christmas is usually a time when our diet and exercise regime starts to slide.  The cold weather makes us want to wrap up and sit indoors whilst the high calorie treats such as mince pies, cookies and eggnog seem to be everywhere we look.  However, by making a concious effort to consume the RDA of vitamin C you will be eating healthier, lower calorie foods.  Oranges, tomatoes, kiwis and peppers are all rich in vitamin C and provide a nutrient dense, low calorie alternative to some of the Christmas treats mentioned above.

Vitamin C may not do what it is famous for and protect you from the common cold over Christmas.  However, that’s no excuse to avoid it.  Like the other vitamins, vitamin C is a vital for your health and could prove even more beneficial during the Christmas holidays.

What do you guys think?  Have I missed any of the key Christmas benefits associated with vitamin C?  Are there any other vitamins and minerals you would recommend during the Christmas period?

Sources:
[1] Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B, Douglas B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD000980. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub3.

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The Common Cold & the Flu Explained

As we roll into December it just seems to get colder and colder (well over here in the UK at least).  Generally, this is not a good time for people trying to follow a fitness regime.  High calorie foods such as minced pies and Christmas sweets seem to be coming more and more abundant whilst the cold weather makes it increasingly difficult to get the motivation to do some exercise.  On top of this winter and Christmas time seem to bring with them two unpleasant health ailments – the common cold and the flu (also known as influenza).  Many people seem to confuse the symptoms of these two conditions but they are completely unique.  In this article I will attempt to dispel this confusion and outline the differences between the common cold and the flu.

1) THE COMMON COLD:- The common cold is caused by two main types of virus – rhinoviruses and coronaviruses.  These viruses infiltrate the cells in the nose and throat and then rewrite their DNA to mimic them.  They then use this DNA to replicate more virus cells allowing the cold to spread.

The symptoms of the common cold are generally uncomfortable but not life threatening or incapacitating.  You may feel slightly weak and unwell but in most cases you can function as you normally would.  It should not prevent you from going about your day to day tasks.  Since the common cold attacks the nose and the throat the symptoms are usually specific to these areas and include:
- Blocked or runny nose.
- Coughing.
- Headaches or light headedness.
- Sneezing.
- Sore or swollen throat.
- Watery eyes.
- Weakness.

The common cold is spread by being in contact with infected people.  Kissing, touching, breathing, coughing and sneezing are all potential ways that the disease can be transmitted.  However, there is no clear evidence as to why people are more susceptible to the common cold during the winter months.  Research has been performed into whether being cold makes you more likely to catch one of these cold viruses and the findings suggest it does not.  The most sensible theory appears to be that since it is cold during winter, people spend more time indoors and in close proximity which makes it easier for these viruses to spread from one individual to another.

There is currently no cure for the common cold as there are over 200 variations of the virus.  Even if you catch a cold today and your body’s immune system adapts to it you could still catch a different variation in the future which your immune system has not yet adapted to.  Medications and natural remedies can be used to fight the symptoms but the only way to get over a cold is to stick it out for a few days and let your body’s immune system do its job.

2) THE FLU (INFLUENZA):- The flu is caused by the influenza viruses.  These viruses act in a similar way to rhinoviruses and coronaviruses by infiltrating the cells in the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs.  The influenza viruses then rewrite the DNA of these cells and use it to replicate, allowing the virus to spread.

In the beginning the symptoms of flu are similar to those of the common cold.  However, after a day or two they suddenly become much worse.  Whereas a common cold usually comes on gradually, most people can specifically say when they got the flu.  You can rarely function properly if you are suffering from the flu and in most cases you will have to rest in bed for a few days.  Since the flu infects the windpipes and lungs as well as the nose and throat the symptoms are much more wide reaching and include:
- Chills.
- Coughing.
- Fever.
- Headaches.
- Muscle aches or pains.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.

Like with the common cold, flu occurs mainly in the winter months with huge numbers of people around the globe being affected during the cold half of the year in each hemisphere.  It is spread by being in contact with someone who has the flu.  Again no one is quite sure why it is more prevalent in the winter months but (like with colds) the popular suggestions is that people spend more time indoors and in close proximity during winter so transmission of the flu virus is easier.  Other theories include that the virus may survive for longer in cold environments with low humidity and that since people’s vitamin D levels are generally lower in the winter (the body produces its own vitamin D when exposed to sunlight and people normally get little sunlight during winter) this has an impact on their immunity to this disease.

Similarly to the common cold there is no cure for flu because the virus is constantly mutating and new strains become dominant each year.  Influenza vaccines (which contain purified and inactive material from a mixture of the most dominant viral strains) and antiviral drugs (special types of drugs can be treating viral infections) can both prove effective ways to protect yourself from the latest types of flu.  However, they can never give you complete immunity because there are always new strains developing.

Both the common cold and the flu share a lot of similarities.  They are both transmitted through contact with an infected person, they are both viral infections, they are both prevalent in the cold half of the year (although no one is 100% sure why) and at present there is no cure for either.  However, whilst the common cold is a relatively mild ailment the flu is a serious disease.  Flu is a very painful and dangerous condition which can be fatal.  If you suspect that you may have flu or you are worried about contracting flu this Christmas go see your doctor.  They will be able to provide you with professional advice on how to best deal with this condition.

I hope this article has helped you determine the differences between the common cold and the flu this Christmas.  Hopefully, you, your family and your friends manage to avoid the flu and have a fantastic Christmas.  However, if you get a cold don’t make the mistake of saying you have got the flu.  One of my pet hates is when people complain they have the flu when all they really have is a sore throat and a runny nose.  At least now I can refer them back to this article

As always comments are appreciated.  Have I missed any key information out regarding the common cold or the flu?  Do you agree with the points made in this article?

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Can Improving your Fitness Help Prevent Cancer?

In my last few articles I have discussed the main types of cancer in some depth.  Whilst some of the articles did go a little outside this blog’s topic area there was a reason for this.  I had heard from a number of people that a lot of modern health ailments including diabetes and cancer were largely due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and an increasingly poor diet, particularly in the developed Western world.  After identifying strong links between diabetes and fitness I wanted to determine whether this was also true for cancer.  So what are my conclusion on the topic?  Read on to find out.

1) DIET:- According to this study you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by eating less red meat and consuming more fibre.  This study also suggests that a fibre rich diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Apart from the direct links between diet and cancer mentioned above, there are also some less direct links between diet and other types of cancer.  This article suggests that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help prevent lung cancer and the associated small cell lung cancer because of the antioxidants and vitamins they contain.  Diet is also believed to influence your risk of contracting breast cancer and ovarian cancer with this article and this article suggesting that what we eat could affect our chances of developing these two types of cancer.

Although it is difficult to correlate diet and cancer risk (due to the huge variances in what individuals eat every day e.g. two people with a healthy diet may still eat completely different foods), there does seem to be some kind of link between the two.  In particular, a diet rich in fibre (particularly if that fibre is sourced from fruits and vegetables) looks like it can help prevent a variety of cancers.  Adding a little fibre to your diet is not hard.  Eat a couple of pieces of fruit each day and add some extra vegetables to your evening meal and not only could you be protecting yourself from cancer but you will feel a lot better too.  Ever since I made a concious effort to get more fibre into my diet I have felt more alert and less tired.  If it helps me reduce my risk of cancer too then that’s a fantastic bonus.

2) EXERCISE:- Like diet, there are a number of strong links between certain types of cancer and exercise.  This article suggests that regular exercise can reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer by up to 50%.  Breast cancer risk is also thought to be reduced through regular exercise, with this article indicating that moderate exercise five times per week can lower your chances of getting the disease.  Physical activity is also linked with a reduced risk of lung cancer according to this article.  For prostate cancer, the same study indicates that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day can reduce your risk.  Exercise can help prevent ovarian cancer too according to this article.  This article even goes as far as suggesting that your risk of skin cancer can be reduced through exercise.

Again, it is difficult to establish a causal relationship between exercise and cancer because there are so many other factors at play.  Whilst some of the evidence is less than convincing (the skin cancer experiment was only performed on mice) and research into the links between cancer and exercise needs to be more conclusive, there does appear to be a connection.  We are still quite a way from understanding exactly why exercise can reduce the risk for certain cancer types but surely it is worth investing 30 minutes per day until that conclusive evidence materialises?  Doing more physical activity is not difficult.  You just have to make the commitment and set aside the time each day.  By doing this not only will you help potentially protect yourself against cancer but you will also realise many more fantastic benefits.

3) ALCOHOL:- According to this article, alcohol consumption can cause 7 types of cancer which are:

- Breast Cancer.
- Colon Cancer.
- Laryngeal Cancer (the voice box).
- Liver Cancer.
- Mouth Cancer.
- Oesophageal Cancer (the food pipe).
- Pharyngeal Cancer (the upper throat).

Drinking more alcohol increases your risk whilst cutting down reduces your risk.  It also does not matter what type of alcoholic beverage you consume (wine, beer or spirit) because it is the actual alcohol that does the damage, not the other ingredients in the drink.  There are however believed to be safe limits for alcohol consumption which are:

- 2 units/1 small drink per day for women.
- 3 or 4 units/2 small drinks per day for men.

Of the cancer types I have discussed in detail, alcohol affects breast cancer and colon cancer.  It appears that reducing your consumption could really reduce your risk for these two types of cancer.  Unlike the evidence on diet and exercise, the link between alcohol and cancer risk is much stronger as it is established that alcohol can damage your cells.

Cutting down on alcohol can be hard, especially when it has become part of your lifestyle.  For me personally, taking alcohol out of my life completely would be nearly impossible.  The key here is to make small changes.  If you are used to drinking alcohol with every meal then instead try and drink it with every other meal instead.  If you tend to drink a lot on nights out with friends then try and drink less next time or if you find this too difficult try and have fewer alcohol orientated nights out.  Simply do whatever you can to reduce your alcoholic intake from what it was previously and you will be taking steps towards preventing a number of cancers.

4) SMOKING:- As most people know smoking is strongly linked with lung cancer (and small cell lung cancer.  According to Cancer Research UK 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.  Smoking is also linked with an increased risk of mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer which develops as a result of asbestos exposure) when combined with exposure to asbestos according to the National Cancer Institute.

However, what most people do not know is that smoking is linked other non-lung related cancers too.  According to this article smoking increases your risk for colon cancer because the carcinogens in the tobacco are transported to the colon after smoking.  Cancer Research UK also suggest that smoking is responsible for the following cancers:

- Bladder Cancer.
- Cervix Cancer.
- Kidney Cancer.
- Laryngeal Cancer (the voice box).
- Liver Cancer.
- Mouth Cancer.
- Oesophageal Cancer (the food pipe).
- Pancreatic Cancer.
- Stomach Cancer.

According to the same article, from Cancer Research UK smoking is the biggest cause of cancer worldwide accounting for an astonishing 25% of UK cancer deaths.  The reason behind this is that cigarettes contain a huge 70 cancer causing substances which enter the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, every time cigarette smoke is inhaled.

Whilst there are links between diet, exercise, alcohol and cancer, none of these are as strong as the link between smoking and cancer.  Smoking significantly increases your chances of developing certain types of cancer so if you do currently smoke I highly recommend that you quit.  If you do not smoke then don’t even think of starting.  I have never been a regular smoker so I am not going to try and imagine how difficult it can be for some people to quit.  However, I have written a series of articles on quitting smoking that may prove helpful.  Although quitting is unlikely to be easy, by giving up the cigarettes for good you will realise a number of health benefits and eliminate the most significant cancer risk around.

Although more research still needs to be done to drill down the exact causes of certain cancers there is more than enough evidence available to establish a strong link between cancer risk and lifestyle choices.  When little was known about cancer it was seen as an abnormal disease which was difficult to treat.  However, as more and more research into the topic becomes available it can be seen that we should be looking towards cancer prevention so that it never becomes advanced enough to require cancer treatment.  Improving your health and fitness levels by exercising regularly, improving your diet, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking is one of the best preventative measures you can take.  Whilst being fitter will not make you immune to cancer, it will seriously lower your risk.  If you have been reading this blog for some time then cancer prevention is another thing that you can add to the long list of fitness benefits.  If you are just getting started on your fitness program or want to improve your fitness levels, then what better incentive to get going today?  I hope you have enjoyed these articles on cancer and found them informative.  If you have anything you would like to add please leave me a comment.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Alcohol and Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Breast Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Colon Cancer Study (BBC)
Diet and Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Ovarian Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Exercise and Breast Cancer (BBC)
Exercise and Colon Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Exercise and Lung Cancer (Medical News Today)
Exercise and Ovarian Cancer (Medical News Today)
Exercise and Skin Cancer (The Times Online)
Lifestyle and Prostate Cancer Study (Natural News)
Smoking and Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Smoking and Colon Cancer (About.com)
Smoking and Lung Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Smoking and Mesothelioma (National Cancer Institute)

Skin Cancer Explained

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops from malignant growths on the skin.  Unlike other forms of cancer, skin cancer can usually spotted in the early stages because clearly visible tumours develop on the skin.  Despite this it is still one of the most common cancers with the NHS claiming that it affects 60,000 people each year.

Although there are different types of skin cancer (which I will be discussing below), the associated risk factors are very similar for all types.  They include:

1) ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT:- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is believed to be the leading cause of skin cancer.  This is because the radiation found in UV waves causes mutations in our skin cells over time which ultimately become cancerous.  Staying out in the sun too long and using tanning beds regularly are two common ways that people become overly exposed to UV light.

2) SKIN TYPE:- Black or brown skinned people rarely contract skin cancer because the melanin pigment in their skin protects them from UV rays.  Fair skinned people (especially those who go red or freckle in the sun) have an increased risk of developing skin cancer because their skin offers little protection from UV rays.

3) GENETICS:- Having two or more close family members that developed skin cancer is believed to increase your risk of developing the condition too.  Furthermore, having the following genetic characteristics is believed to increase your risk of contracting skin cancer:
- Blonde or red hair.
- Blue eyes.
- Large number of freckles.
- Large number of moles.

4) EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS:- The following chemicals are believed to cause skin cancer in rare cases:
- Asphalt.
- Coal tar.
- Creosotes.
- Paraffin Waxes.
- Petroleum Derivatives.
- Pitch.
- Hair Dye.
- Soot.

The above risk factors are thought to make you more likely to contract any type of skin cancer.  There are two main forms of skin cancer; Non-Melanoma (which includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and Malignant Melanoma.  Non-melanoma is the most common of the two (accounting for over 90% of all skin cancers) but malignant melanoma is the most serious:

1) BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC):- This is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer.  It develops in the basal cells of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) and is believed to account for more than 75% of all skin cancers in the UK.  Most cases of BCC are slow growing and do not spread.  However, if not treated BCC can damage the skin leading to the development of an ulcer (known as ‘rodent ulcer’).

BCC can develop on any part of the skin but typically appears in any area that has been exposed to the sun such as; the arms, the legs and the face.  It usually appears as a small spot on the skin which can have a number of characteristics include:
- Bleeding.
- Crustiness.
- Itchiness.
- Redness.
- Scaly appearance.
- Smooth, pearly appearance.

2) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC):- This is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer.  It develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis and is believed to account for 15% to 20% of all skin cancers in the UK.  SCC is generally not dangerous if treated.  However, if left untreated for a long period it can spread to other areas of the body.

SCC can also develop all over the skin but is most likely to appear in areas that are typically exposed to the sun such as; the arms, the legs and the face.  SCC usually appears in the form of either:
- A hard, red lump.
- A flat, scaly, crusted area (similar to a scab).

3) MALIGNANT MELANOMA:- This is a type of skin cancer that develops from skin cells called melanocytes (which produce melanin and lead to the development of a long lasting tan).  It is believed to account for less than 10% of all skin cancers in the UK.  Unlike non-melanoma skin cancer, malignant melanoma is very dangerous if not treated early and is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Malignant melanomas usually develop on the arms, back, legs and face.  The first sign of possible malignant melanoma is a change in the appearance of one of your existing moles or the development of an entirely new mole.  Normal moles are the same colour all over, small (less than 6 millimetres (mm) in diameter) and oval shaped.  However, malignant melanomas will usually exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
- Bleeding and/or discharge.
- Different colours/shades (which can include brown, black blue or orange).
- Itchiness.
- Large size (over 6mm in diameter).
- Ragged edges.
- Uneven appearance.

If you notice any of the above signs, any other irregularities on your skin or any changes in your skin that do not disappear within a month you should go and see your doctor immediately.  Skin blemishes or new moles are not always cancerous but it is always worth taking the time to check.  Successful treatment of skin cancer (especially malignant melanoma) depends largely on early detection which your doctor can provide.  Upon seeing your doctor and explaining your concerns they will then be able to do some further tests for skin cancer.  These tests include:

1) VISUAL EXAM:- Since skin cancer is externally visible (unlike the majority of other cancers) your doctor will first look at the affected areas for any suspected tumours.  If any potential skin cancer is identified your doctor will then refer you to a dermatologist for a biopsy.

2) BIOPSY:- A biopsy is a process where a sample of tissues is taken from the affected area of the skin to be further examined for cancerous cells.  As skin cancer tumours are usually smaller than other types of tumour the biopsy can sometimes be used to remove the entire tumour, acting as both a test and treatment for skin cancer.

3) FURTHER TESTS:- If the results of the biopsy suggest that the skin cancer may have spread to other areas of your body, your doctor may schedule further tests.  These tests can include; blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans and X-rays.  You can read more about them in my other cancer articles.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have skin cancer and it could not be fully removed during the biopsy then you will require further treatment.  The various treatments for skin cancer are discussed below:

1) SURGERY:- This is the main type of treatment for skin cancer.  Small tumours can usually be removed under local anaesthetic.  Larger tumours may require a skin graft (where a layer of healthy skin is taken from another part of the body to replace the skin that was removed during surgery).  If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (glands which help the body dispose of unwanted bacteria) or there is a risk that it will, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed using surgery.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves aiming high levels of radiation at the cancerous cells to kill or shrink them.  It is often used as an alternative to surgery to avoid scarring when treating BCC and SCC and it can be very effective.  Radiotherapy is sometimes used after surgery if it is believed there is a risk the cancer cells may return.

3) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink the cancerous cells.  It is rarely used to treat skin cancer but when it is used this is usually in the form of a cream or injection, both of which are applied to the affectied area.

4) CRYOTHERAPY:- Cryotherapy involves freezing the affected tissues using liquid nitrogen.  This causes the are of skin cancer to scab over and after about a month this scab falls off the skin.  Cryotherapy is generally used to treat skin cancers that are in the early stages.

5) PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT):- This is a relatively new type of treatment which involves applying a cream that makes the affected area very sensitive to light.  After applying the cream a strong light is then shone on the cancerous cells to kill them.

Skin cancer treatments generally have very high success rates.  According to Cancer Backup 90% of people treated for BCC and SCC are completely cured.  However, it is much better if you never let the skin cancer reach this stage in the first place by taking the following preventative action:

1) AVOID OVER EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT:- The sun should not be avoided altogether.  Sunlight does have a number of benefits to the human body including promoting the production of vitamin D.  However, you do need to be careful when out in the sun and moderate your exposure.  If you are going to be out in the sun all day make sure there are shaded areas that you can pop into regularly.  This will help you avoid constant exposure to the sunlight.

2) APPLY SUNSCREEN:- Sunscreen can help block damaging UV rays from reaching your skin, reducing your risk of skin cancer developing.  You should apply it around 15 minutes before going out into the sun and make sure to re-apply regularly (based on the packet instructions).

3) DRESS FOR THE SUN:- If you are going to be out in the sun for long periods then make sure you wear the appropriate gear.  Although you may be tempted to go shirtless in an effort to top up your tan it is important to have a suitable top with you and to wear it some of the time in order to protect the skin on your back and front.  Perhaps, try alternating 30 minutes shirtless and 30 minutes with a top on.  It is also advisable to bring sunglasses and a sun hat to protect your eyes and face.

4) TAN GRADUALLY:- If you are determined to get a tan then make sure you do it gradually.  If you go on holiday then spend just 20 or 30 minutes in the sun on day 1 and then gradually increase your daily exposure by 5 or 10 minutes.  This will help you avoid sunburn which significantly increases the chance of your cells mutating and skin cancer developing.

5) AVOID SUNBEDS:- Sunbeds use concentrated UV rays to help you tan and because of this they are more dangerous than natural sunlight.  If you really want to tan then do it naturally and gradually or even better use tanning products such as spray tan or tanning cream.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and worldwide.  The reason behind this is believed to be the increased number of people taking holidays to hot, sunny locations and the increased obsessiveness with getting a healthy tan.  Although it is generally a treatable form of cancer, you should make it your aim to prevent any cancer where possible.  Skin cancer is largely preventable and I hope this article has shown you can reduce your risk.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Skin Cancer (Cancer Backup)
Skin Cancer (NHS Direct)
Skin Cancer (Wikipedia)
Skin Cancer – Malignant Melanoma (Net Doctor)
Skin Cancer – Non Melanoma (Net Doctor)

Ovarian Cancer Explained

Ovarian cancer develops when uncontrolled cell growth in the ovaries leads to the development of a malignant (cancerous) tumour.  According to the NHS it affects 7,000 women in the UK each year and is the fourth most common cancer amongst women (following breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer).  It can affect women of any age but it largely affects menopausal women (who are over 50 years old) and is very rare in women under 40.

To discuss ovarian cancer I will begin by further explaining the ovaries.  There are two ovaries (left and right) which are part of the female reproductive system.  When women reach childbearing age one of the ovaries releases an egg each month.  This egg passes down the fallopian tube (which connects the ovaries to the womb) where it can be fertilised with sperm.  If the egg is not fertilised it passes to the womb where it is lost during a woman’s monthly period.  The ovaries are also responsible for the production of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.  There are three main types of ovarian cancer:

1) EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which affects the layers of the ovary.  This is by far the most common type of ovarian cancer accounting for 80% of all cases.

2) GERM CELL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which originates from the egg making cells.  This accounts for approximately 15% of ovarian cancers.

3) STROMAL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which develops in the connective tissues of the ovaries.  This represents an estimated 5% of ovarian cancers.

Like with many types of cancer no one knows exactly what causes ovarian cancer.  However, there are multiple risk factors which include:

1) AGE:- As already discussed, your risk for ovarian cancer increases with age.  Very few women under the age of 40 contract ovarian cancer and the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over 50 years old.

2) ENDOMETRIOSIS:- This is a condition when the cells that normally line a woman’s womb spread to other parts of the body such as the bladder, bowel and ovaries.  Having endometriosis is believed to increase your risk of contracting ovarian cancer by a third.

3) FAMILY HISTORY:- The majority of ovarian cancers are not believed to run in families.  However, inheriting the the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are believed to put you at an increased risk of both ovarian cancer and breast cancer.  Having two or more close relatives (daughter, mother or sister) who developed ovarian cancer also increases your risk.

4) NUMBER OF EGGS RELEASED:- Every time a woman ovulates the surface of the ovary breaks in order to allow the egg to be released into the reproductive system.  To repair this broken surface the cells of the ovary have to divide and multiply.  If this happens too quickly a mass of malignant cells can form leading to the onset of ovarian cancer.  Therefore, the number of eggs your ovaries release over your lifetime can be considered a risk factor e.g. if you start your periods early or enter the menopause late, you have in theory caused more damage to your ovaries, increasing the chances of ovarian cancer developing.

5) OBESITY:- It is believed that being obese can increase your risk of contracting ovarian cancer by up to one third.

People suffering from ovarian cancer do not exhibit symptoms in all cases, especially in the early stages.  Even when symptoms do surface they are often very mild and go unnoticed or get mistaken for those of other less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).  However, doctors and medical professionals have become increasingly experienced at spotting the symptoms which can include:

- Bloating of the stomach.
- Constipation.
- Irregular periods.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain during sex.
- Pain in your lower abdomen or sides.
- Urinating more frequently.
- Tiredness.
- Weight loss.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately.  Even if you have confused the symptoms with IBS or PMS, it is always better to be on the safe side.  According to the NHS 95% of women will survive for five years or more if ovarian cancer is caught in the early stages, so following up on any symptoms could significantly improve your chances of overcoming this disease.  Once you have explained your concerns to your doctor they will then be able to perform a number of tests for ovarian cancer.  These include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAM:- The first test is likely to be a physical exam which will be performed by your doctor or a trained gynaecologist.  This will allow any abnormalities (which could turn out to be  to be ovarian tumours) to be felt.  The main limitation of the physical exam is that normal sized ovaries are small and difficult to feel, meaning that it is not very effective in detecting early ovarian cancer.

2) BLOOD TEST:- A blood test will test for higher than normal levels of CA125, a chemical that is produced by cancer cells and released into the bloodstream.  However, the blood test is not a fully reliable indicator of ovarian cancer.  You can have raised levels of CA125 and not have ovarian cancer or have normal levels of CA125 and have ovarian cancer.

3) ULTRASOUND SCAN:- This involves using sound waves to build a picture of your ovaries.  This picture can then be used to identify any abnormalities and determine whether they are fluid or solid.  If the abnormalities are solid or complex (a mixture of solid and fluid) they may be cancerous and a sample will need to be taken.

4) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- The CT scan uses multiple x-rays to build a 3D image of your ovaries.  This will then allow any tumours to be measured and also reveal whether the tumours have spread to other areas of the body.

5) LAPAROSCOPY:- This is a small operation performed under general anaesthetic which allows your doctor to look at your ovaries and the surrounding areas.  Your doctor will make a small incision into your lower abdomen and insert a laparascope (a thin fibre optic tube) which can then be used to look at the ovaries.

6) BIOPSY:- The laparascope can also be used to take a sample of tissues from the ovary for further examination.  This procedure is referred to as a biopsy.

7) ABDOMINAL FLUID ASPIRATION:- If your stomach has become swollen with fluid this may be a sign that ovarian cancer has spread to other areas of your body.  In this instance your doctor or gynaecologist will give you a local anaesthetic and drain this fluid using a long thin needle.  This fluid will then be tested for the presence of cancer cells.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have ovarian cancer your doctor will then stage the cancer.  Staging will show you how far the cancer has spread and also allow your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.  The stages range from 1 to 4 and are discussed below:

1) STAGE 1:- This is when the cancer is contained within the ovaries.  It can be further broken down into stage 1a (the cancer is inside just one ovary), 1b (the cancer is inside both ovaries) and 1c (the cancer is inside one or both ovaries and there are some cancer cells found on the surface of one or both ovaries).

2) STAGE 2:- This is when the cancer has grown outside the ovaries and is in the lower stomach area (pelvis).  It can be further broken down into stage 2a (the cancer is inside the fallopian tubes or womb), 2b (the cancer has grown into other tissues in the pelvis e.g. the bladder) and 2c (the cancer is inside the fallopian tubes, womb or other tissues and there are some cancer cells found on the surface of one or both ovaries).

3) STAGE 3:- This is when the cancer has grown outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity.  It can be further broken down into stage 3a (cancer can be seen under the microscope in tissues taken from the lining of the abdomen or intestines), stage 3b (there are tumour growths of 2cm or less on the abdominal lining) and 3c (there are tumour growths larger than 2cm on the abdominal lining).

4) STAGE 4:- This is when the cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs.

Based upon the staging of your ovarian cancer your doctor will then recommend a course of treatment.  The possible treatments for ovarian cancer include:

1) SURGERY:- Almost all cases of ovarian cancer require surgery.  If your ovarian cancer is stage 1 and contained within a single ovary you may only need that ovary and the adjoining fallopian tube removed, meaning that you may still be able to conceive.  However, in most other cases you will require a hysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the womb) which will mean you begin the menopause following surgery and will not be able to conceive.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to kill off any cancer cells.  Chemotherapy will generally be used to kill off any cancer cells that remain after surgery.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This involves using high levels of radiation to kill off any cancer cells.  Like with chemotherapy, radiotherapy is normally used to kill off any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Prevention of ovarian cancer is possible with anything that reduces or stops ovulation appearing to reduce your chances of contracting the disease.  Some factors that may help prevent ovarian cancer include:

- Early menopause.
- Oral contraceptives.
- Pregnancy.
- Starting periods later in life.
- Tubal litigation (having the fallopian tubes tied).

Ovarian cancer is not as common as lung cancer or breast cancer and because of this it does not receive as much coverage.  However, it is still important that you are aware of the symptoms and the various treatments.  Whilst there are no sure fire ways to prevent ovarian cancer I hope this article has given you the information you need to deal with this condition.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Wikipedia)
Ovarian Cancer Information (BUPA)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Cancer Backup)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Ovarian Cancer Information (eMedicineHealth)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Ovarian Cancer Information (NHS Direct)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome Information (Wikipedia)

Prostate Cancer Explained

Prostate cancer develops when cells of the prostate (a small gland located below the bladder which is responsible for producing fluid that protects the sperm) mutate and start to multiply out of control. According to Cancer Research UK it is the most common type of cancer in men (with the exception of non melanoma skin cancer) and approximately 24% of cancers diagnosed in men are prostate cancers. In total around 35,000 men are diagnosed with this disease in the UK each year. It generally affects men over 50 and is uncommon in younger males.

Like with many cancers, it is unclear exactly what causes prostate cancer to develop. However, there are a number of associated risk factors which include:

1) AGE:- Your risk for developing prostate cancer increases with age. As I have already mentioned, prostate cancer is rare in men who are less than 50 years old and according to Cancer Research UK 63% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 70 or over.

2) DIET:- Although there is no strong evidence linking prostate cancer and diet, it is believed that a diet high in animal fats, high in calcium and low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of developing this disease. It is also believed that the antioxidants lycopene (found in tomatoes and tomato products) and selenium (found in meat, fish, eggs and cereal) can reduce your risk of contracting prostate cancer.

3) FAMILY HISTORY:- If one of your close relatives has prostate cancer then this increases your risk of developing the condition also. In particular having a father or brother with prostate cancer (particularly if they contracted the condition before reaching 60) is believed to magnify your risk. A family history of breast cancer is also believed to increase your risk of contracting prostate cancer (particularly if a close relative developed breast cancer before reaching 40). The reason behind this is that it is thought a faulty inherited gene may be responsible for the development of cancers in certain families (although a specific gene has not yet been identified).

4) RACE:- Black men and mixed race men have a greater chance of developing colon cancer than white or Asian men. This is again believed to be down to inherited faulty genes but an exact cause has not been identified.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are largely linked to growth of the prostate which then puts pressure on the urethra (the vessel used to excrete urine from the body). They include:

- Blood in the Urine.
- Difficulty Urinating.
- Erectile Dysfunction.
- Frequent Urinating.
- Pain when Urinating.
- Strong urgency when the need to urinate arises i.e. having to rush to the toilet.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately. In a lot of cases the enlargement of the prostate is benign (non-cancerous) but on the other hand many men suffering from prostate cancer do not develop any symptoms. Therefore, if you have any concerns (however small) you should seek the advice of your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform a number of tests for prostate cancer which include:

1) PROTEIN SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) TEST:- PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate. A small amount of PSA is normally found in the blood but higher than normal levels can be found in men with prostate cancer. The PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of PSA in your blood. Whilst the PSA test can be useful in detecting early prostate cancer it does have a number of limitations, mainly because PSA levels can also be affected by:

- Age.
- Prostate Biopsies.
- Prostate Surgery.
- Urinary Catheters.

Even if the PSA test does uncover early prostate cancer there are still further complications. Since the majority of prostate cancers grow very slowly they may never grow large enough to affect an individual’s quality of life. In these cases, the negative side effects of treatment may be worse than the damage caused by the prostate cancer. Therefore, having a PSA test can actually create a dilemma as to whether you should opt for early treatment or not.

2) DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE):- This test involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum. Since the prostate gland is close to the rectum this will allow your doctor to feel for any abnormalities in your prostate. The main limitation of the DRE test is that your prostate may feel normal even when cancer cells are present.

3) TRANS RECTAL ULTRASOUND SCAN (TRUS):- This type of scan involves using sound waves to build a picture of your prostate. This picture can then be used to measure the size and thickness of the prostate. However, it has the same limitations as the DRE test in that a prostate may look normal even when it has become cancerous.

4) BIOPSY:- A biopsy involves samples of tissue being taken from the prostate for further examination. Biopsies can be performed at the same time as the TRUS and can allow your doctor to identify any cancerous cells in the prostate tissue. The main limitation of the biopsy is that it is not completely accurate with between 5% and 10% of biopsies coming back negative even when prostate cancer is present.

Although each of the tests have their limitations, collectively they work well in identifying prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is identified then your doctor will attempt to grade and stage the cancer. Grading refers to the appearance of cancer cells whilst staging describes how far the cancer has spread. One of the most popular grading systems is the Gleason grade which gives the prostate cancer a score between 1 and 10 (with 1 being the least aggressive and 10 being the most aggressive). For staging, prostate cancer usually falls under one of three bands:

1) LOCALISED (EARLY) PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that are still relatively small and contained within the prostate gland.

2) LOCALLY ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that have spread beyond the prostate gland into the nearby tissues.

3) ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

After your prostate cancer has been graded and staged your doctor will then be able to recommend a suitable treatment. Your doctors decision will also take into account your age, your general health and your medical history. Based on this one of the following will then be recommended:

1) ACTIVE MONITORING:- If an early prostate cancer is identified with a low grade then the most appropriate solution may be to continue monitoring the cancer but to perform no immediate treatment. This method is particularly suitable for men who are over 70 because the prostate cancer is very unlikely to have an adverse impact on their life.

2) BRACHYTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves your doctor using a needle to place radioactive seeds into your prostate gland. These seeds then deliver radiation to the prostate cancer directly. They remain in your prostate forever and over time they lose their radioactivity. This is a relatively new form of prostate cancer treatment but it is believed to be as effective as surgery. However, there are a number of side effects associated with this treatment. Approximately 30% of men will become impotent following brachytherapy and some men have also reported a temporary burning sensation when urinating after the treatment.

3) HORMONE THERAPY:- Prostate cancers depend upon the male hormone testosterone for growth. Hormone therapy uses drugs (and in some rare cases surgery too) to reduce the levels of testosterone in your body. This deprives the prostate cancer of testosterone in an attempt to halt its growth. This type of treatment is generally used to treat prostate cancers that are locally advanced or advanced. It is not 100% effective but it can successfully kill off some of the cancer cells and reduce the associated prostate cancer symptoms.

4) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves aiming high doses of radiation at the prostate to kill of the cancerous cells. It is generally used to treat localised prostate cancer with a low grade. There are a number of side effects associated with this treatment with around 40% of men becoming impotent following radiotherapy and about 2% experiencing incontinence (unintentional passing of urine).

5) SURGERY:- Radical prostatectomy surgery involves the removal of the entire prostate gland. It is believed to be one of the most effective treatments for low grade localised prostate cancers. Although it is very effective, side effects are common with this type of surgery with 70% of men experiencing some form of erectile dysfunction, 40% of men using experiencing minor incontinence and 2% of men experiencing serious incontinence.

6) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer medications to kill off or shrink any cancerous cells in the prostate. It may be offered as a treatment for prostate cancers that have become locally advanced or fully advanced. However, generally other prostate cancer treatments are opted for ahead of chemotherapy.

Deciding what to do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer creates a very difficult decision. Unlike the other types of cancer where treatment is generally a must, with prostate cancer there are a number of factors which can affect your decision. In some cases treatment will improve your life expectancy and quality of life but in other cases treatment can cause more problems than the prostate cancer ever will. On top of this there seems to be little preventative action that can be taken regarding prostate cancer. Although there are suggestions that the right diet can reduce your risk there is no solid evidence to support this. Ultimately, this is going to be a very difficult decision. Whilst this article provides you with some basic guidelines the best advice I can give you is to and see your doctor and fully discuss the eventualities of any decision you are considering. This will allow you to make the most informed decision possible.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Prostate cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Incontinence (NHS Direct)
Lycopene Information (Lycopene.org)
Prostate Cancer Information (Cancer Backup UK)
Prostate Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Prostate Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Prostate Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Prostate Information (Wikipedia)
Selenium Information (Wikipedia)
Testosterone Information (Wikipedia)
Urethra Information (Wikipedia)

*****

If you liked this article then you may be interested in learning more about The Mediterranean Diet. This diet contains low amounts of animal fat, low amounts of dairy products (calcium) and high amounts of fruit & vegetables. Therefore, this diet could potentially reduce your risk of contracting prostate cancer.  On top of this there are multiple other benefits associated with the mediterranean diet including improving your overall health, helping you lose weight, reducing your risk of heart disease and lowering your blood pressure. The Mediterranean Diet Ebook provides you with an easy to follow 28 day program which introduces you to all aspects of the diet and also gives you multiple tasty mediterranean recipes that you can try for yourself.

Lung Cancer Explained

Lung cancer occurs when uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue leads to the development of a malignant tumour.  According to the NHS lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the UK and the most common worldwide with approximately 38,000 people in the UK diagnosed with the disease each year.

There are a number of different types of lung cancer although they all fall under two main bands; Primary Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma.  In this article I will be focussing on primary lung cancer.  You can read more about mesothelioma by clicking here.  Primary lung cancer can be further broken down into two major categories:

1) SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC):- Approximately 20% of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers.  You can read more about small cell lung cancer by clicking here.

2) NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC):- Non small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases.  It can be further broken down into three categories; Squamous Cell Carcinoma (the most common type of lung cancer which develops in the cells that line the airways), Adenocarcinoma (a cancer which develops from the cells that produce mucus) and Large Cell Carcinoma (a cancer which can develop in any part of the lung and usually grows very rapidly).  Although there are small differences between the three types they all behave in similar ways.

Unlike other types of cancer where the causes are still unknown, there is strong evidence to suggest that a number of specific factors lead to the development of lung cancer.  These include:

1) SMOKING:- Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer with smokers believed to be 10 times more likely than non-smokers to contract the disease.  The risk also increases with the amount of cigarettes smoked with heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day) up to 40 times more likely to develop lung cancer.  Stopping smoking reduces your risk of developing lung cancer over time, with your risk returning to that of a non-smoker after 15 years.

2) GENES:- It is believed that certain people are more likely to develop lung cancer than others as the result of inherited faulty genes.  However, it is currently unknown what these faulty genes are.

3) RADON:- Radon is a gas created from the breakdown of uranium.  In certain parts of the UK (including the Peak District) this gas passes from the soil into the foundations of buildings.  Exposure to high levels of radon is believed to increase your risk for contracting lung cancer.

4) ASBESTOS:- As discussed in one of my previous articles, asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma.  However, it is also linked with an increased risk of primary lung cancer particularly if combined with cigarette smoking.

When primary lung cancer develops a number of symptoms usually begin to show.  These symptoms are similar to those associated with SCLC and include:

- A chronic cough.
- A change in an existing chronic cough.
- Breathlessness.
- Coughing up phlegm containing blood.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain when breathing or coughing.
- Tiredness.
- Weight loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms then you should see your doctor right away and explain your concerns.  They will then be able to perform the necessary tests to allow a proper diagnosis.  These tests will include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- Your doctor will usually kick off testing with a physical examination.  This will involve them assessing your general health, looking for any of the above symptoms and gauging how much you smoke.  If your doctor is concerned that you may have lung cancer following the physical exam they are likely to book you in for future tests.

2) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will allow any abnormalities and possible tumours in your lungs to be identified.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan uses multiple x-rays to create a 3D picture of the inside of your body.  This will then allow your doctor to look at any abnormalities/tumours in greater detail.

4) BRONCHOSCOPY:- This test involves using a bronchoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a viewing lens or camera on the end) so that your doctor can look at the inside of your airways and identify any possible tumours.

5) LUNG BIOPSY:- A bronchoscope can also be used to take tissue samples from the cells of your lungs and then looked at in more detail under the microscope.  This process is referred to as a biopsy.

If any of the above tests reveal that you do have lung cancer your doctor will then stage your cancer based on how far it has spread.  The stages of lung cancer are outlined below:

1) STAGE 1:- This is when the cancer is small and has not spread beyond the lungs.

2) STAGE 2:- This is when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (glands which help remove unwanted bacteria from the body) close to the affected lung.

3) STAGE 3:- This is when either; the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes furthest away from the affected lung but is still on the same side of the chest OR the cancer is only in the lymph nodes nearest to the affected lung but it has spread to the chest wall, the pleura (the lining of the lungs) or the mediastinum (middle of the chest).

4) STAGE 4:- This is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once your cancer has been diagnosed and staged your doctor will put you on a treatment plan.  The treatment chosen will depend upon a number of factors including; the size of the tumour, how far the cancer has spread, your overall health and the staging of the cancer.  A number of the possible treatment options are outlined below:

1) SURGERY:- Surgery is most commonly used with stage 1 lung cancer, providing your health permits it.  There are generally two types of surgery used to treat lung cancer; a lobectomy (where one lobe of a lung is removed) and a pneumonectomy (where an entire lung is removed).  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be suggested before and after surgery to maximise its effectiveness.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink the malignant cells.  It is often used in lung cancer stages 2 to 4 when the cancer has spread too far for surgery to be viable.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves using high doses of radiation to kill or shrink the cancerous cells.  Again, it is mainly used in lung cancer stages 2 to 4 when surgery is no longer viable.

Even with the appropriate treatment lung cancer is still a very damaging disease.  According to Net Doctor 10% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer can expect to be alive after 5 years with no signs of the cancer returning.  Therefore, it is advisable that you take preventative action and reduce your overall risk of developing lung cancer.  There are two major preventative actions you can take:

1) QUIT SMOKING:- The number one way to reduce your risk of contracting lung cancer is to stop smoking.  If you are a non-smoker then don’t start and try to avoid environments where you will be around smoke.

2) AVOID ASBESTOS AND RADON:- As I have already mentioned, asbestos and radon can both increase your chances of contracting lung cancer.  Therefore, try and avoid them where possible.

Lung cancer is a very serious health risk and any possible symptoms should not be ignored.  According to Net Doctor it is responsible for 40,000 fatalities in the UK each year.  However, unlike other types of cancer, with lung cancer you have the upper hand.  Smoking is the major risk factor and by making one simple lifestyle choice and choosing not to smoke you will hopefully never contract this terrible disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Lung Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Backup)
Lung Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Lung Cancer Information (NHS Direct)
Lung Cancer Information (Wikipedia)

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