Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) occurs when uncontrolled growth occurs in the small cells of the lung leading to the development of malignant (cancerous) tumours.  It is also known as small cell lung carcinoma and oat cell carcinoma (due to the appearance of the cells).  According to Cancer Research UK it accounts for approximately 20% of all lung cancers.  In this article I will be discussing this condition in greater detail.

There are three types of SCLC:

1) SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is the main type of SCLC accounting for approximately 95% of all SCLC cases.

2) MIXED SMALL CELL/LARGE CELL CARCINOMA:- This is a sub-type of SCLC that is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.  It is believed to account for 4-6% of SCLC cases.

3) COMBINED SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is a sub-type of SCLC which combines with squamous cell carcinoma (a type of lung cancer that develops in the bronchi) and/or adenocarcinoma (a type of lung cancer that develops in the cells that produce phlegm).  It is believed to account for 1% of SCLC cases.

There are multiple risk factors associated with SCLC and these are very similar to the risk factors associated with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):

1) SMOKING:- Smoking is the leading risk factor associated with SCLC and is believed to account for around 90% of cases.  It is more strongly linked with SCLC than NSCLC.  Even if you are not a smoker, passive tobacco smoke can increase your risk of contracting SCLC.  Quitting smoking gradually decreases your risk of developing SCLC with your risk returning to that of a non-smoker 15 years after quitting.

2) URANIUM:- Exposure to uranium is believed to increase your risk of contracting SCLC with people who mine uranium believed to be 28 times more likely to develop the condition.  Combining exposure to uranium with smoking increases your risk even further.

3) RADON:- Radon is created from the breakdown of uranium and is another factor which increases your risk of developing SCLC.

4) ASBESTOS:- Asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma but it is also believed to increase your risk of contracting SCLC.  Combining cigarette smoking with asbestos exposure further increases your risk.

5) DIET:- According to this research a diet that is low in fruit and vegetables can increase your risk of contracting lung cancer.

The most common symptoms of SCLC are symptoms you would expect to occur with damage to the lungs.  They include:

- A regular cough.
- A change in the cough (if you have had the cough for a long time).
- Breathlessness.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up phlegm with signs of blood.
- Hoarse voice.
- Pain when coughing.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should see your doctor immediately.  They will then be able to investigate further and perform a number of tests to determine whether or not you have developed SCLC:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- Your doctor will usually begin the testing process with a physical exam.  This will allow them to assess your general health and to experience your symptoms first hand.  They will ask a number of questions related to your general health and your smoking habits.  If after the physical exam your doctor feels you may be at risk of SCLC they will schedule further testing.

2) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will reveal any abnormalities in your lungs which could turn out to be lung cancer.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan takes multiple x-rays to build a 3D picture of the inside of your body and get a more detailed look at any abnormalities.

4) BRONCHOSCOPY:- This test involves a narrow, flexible tube called a bronchoscope into your throat.  The doctor can then use this bronchoscope to look at the inside of your airways for any possible tumours.

5) LUNG BIOPSY:- A bronchoscope can also be used to take samples of tissue from the lungs which can then be examined under the microscope.  This procedure is referred to as a biopsy.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have SCLC then your doctor will recommend that you start treatment immediately.  The treatment options for SCLC are discussed below:

1) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to kill the cancer cells.

2) RADIOTHERAPHY:- This involves using high levels of energy radiation to kill the cancer cells.

Unfortunately, even with treatment the outlook for people who contract SCLC is not good.  According to eMedicineHealth the overall 5 year survival rate for people with SCLC is less than 20%.  Therefore, the best option is to stop yourself from developing SCLC by taking the following preventative steps:

1) QUIT SMOKING:- The number one way to reduce your risk of developing SCLC is to stop smoking or if you don’t smoke to carry on down this path and never start.

2) AVOID ASSOCIATED RISKS:- As discussed in the risk factors section of this article, uranium, radon and asbestos all increase your risk for developing SCLC.  Therefore, by avoiding these substances you can lower your risk of SCLC.

3) EAT MORE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES:- As identified in the risk factors section, fruit and vegetables contain a number of chemicals which can help prevent cell damage.  Therefore, increasing your intake can potentially reduce your risk.

SCLC is a condition which causes huge damage to your lungs and can rapidly spread to other areas of your body.  Survival rates for this disease are low.  However, unlike other forms of cancer were the exact causes are unknown, there are a number of specific risks associated with SCLC which means you have the opportunity to take preventative action.  I hope this article helps you identify the potential symptoms and most importantly reduce your risk.

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

Sources:
Combined Small Cell Carcinoma Information
Lung Cancer and Diet (Cancer Research UK)
Lung Cancer Information (BUPA)
Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Lung Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Carcinoma Information
Small Cell Lung Cancer Information (eMedicineHealth)
Small Cell Lung Cancer Information (Hycamtin)

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells start to develop in the mesothelium (a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen). It is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos (hence the alternate name “asbestos lung cancer”) and can take up to sixty years to develop fully. According to Cancer Backup UK it affects approximately 2000 people in the UK each year.  In this article I will be discussing mesothelioma in greater detail.

The mesothelium is divided into two parts:
1) THE PLEURA:- The lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma which affects the pleura is known as Pleural Mesothelioma.
2) THE PERITONEUM:- The lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma which affects the peritoneum is known as Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Of the two types, pleural mesothelioma is much more common with an estimated 12 cases of pleural mesothelioma for every 1 case of peritoneal mesothelioma. In the sections below I will discuss both types of mesothelioma in greater detail:

1) PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA:- The pleura is comprised of an inner layer (which is next to the lung) and an outer layer (which lines the wall of the chest). The two layers of the pleura slide over each other as we breath and often produce fluid to make this process easier.

When pleural mesothelioma develops the two layers become thicker and start to press inwards on the lungs. This can lead to the development of multiple symptoms including:
- Breathlessness.
- Coughing or Wheezing.
- Pain in the walls of the Chest.
- Pleural Effusion (where the lubricating fluid becomes trapped between the two layers of the pleura).

2) PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA:- The peritoneum is also comprised of an inner layer (which is next to the abdominal organs) and an outer layer (which coats the abdominal wall).

When peritoneal mesothelioma develops, the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum start to thicken. This can then lead to a number of symptoms including:
- Ascites (where fluid collects in the abdomen and causes swelling).
- Abdominal Pain.
- Improper Bowel Functioning.

Unike the majority of cancers where the causes are unknown, mesothelioma is thought to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Almost every person who develops mesothelioma has a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was previously imported into the UK in large quantities and was a very popular construction material. However, as our understanding of the material has grown the dangers of using asbestos have become clear. One of the dangers of asbestos is that when it becomes disturbed or damaged, very fine fibres are released. These fibres can then be unwittingly inhaled (leading to the ultimate possibility of pleural mesothelioma) or swallowed (leading to the ultimate possibility of peritoneal mesothelioma). In the 1980s UK imports of blue and brown asbestos were banned and in 1999 all importation and usage of asbestos was banned.

Mesothelioma is a very serious type of cancer and the survival rates are low. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned it is very important that you go and see your doctor immediately. When talking to your doctor try and inform them of any historical exposure to asbestos that you are aware of. Based on this they will then be able to perform a number of tests and make an accurate diagnosis. These tests include:

1) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will allow your doctor to check for any changes in your lungs (thickening of the pleura, fluid in the lungs etc) which indicate pleural mesothelioma.

2) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan takes a series of x-rays to build a 3D image of the inside of your body. This type of scan will allow your doctor to look for signs of both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

3) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC):- If the x-ray or CT scan reveal pleural effusion or ascites your doctor may then perform FNAC. This involves using a fine needle to extract some of the liquid from the pleura or peritoneum. This liquid can then be analysed for the presence of mesothelioma cells.

4) BIOPSY:- If the x-ray or CT scan indicate thickening of the mesothelium your doctor may perform a biopsy. This involves using a special type of needle to take a sample of cells which can then be analysed for mesothelioma.

If any of the tests reveal mesothelioma your doctor will then start you on the appropriate course of treatment. The appropriate treatment will depend upon how far advanced the mesothelioma is. A selection of the possible treatments are discussed below:

1) SURGERY:- If the mesothelioma has not spread significantly surgery may be viable. The most common type of surgery for mesothelioma involves removing the lining of the chest. However, in most cases surgery is not viable because the mesothelioma has spread too far.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to control the symptoms of mesothelioma and to slow its growth.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This involves using high energy radiation beams in an attempt to kill of the malignant cells. However, in most cases it is only effective in slowing the growth of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and according to Wikipedia it affects 1 person in every 1,000,000. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat if it is contracted. The number of people developing mesothelioma is expected to increase over the next few years, since it can take up to sixty years after exposure to asbestos before any symptoms surface. I hope this article has made you aware of the potential risks and helps you spot the symptoms as soon as possible.

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

Sources:
Asbestos Information (Wikipedia)
Mesothelioma Information (Cancer Backup UK)
Mesothelioma Information (Wikipedia)
Mesothelium Information (Wikipedia)

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast cells of both men and women. According to Cancer Research UK over 44,500 people develop breast cancer each year and of those approximately 300 are men. 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and it has become the most common type of cancer in the UK (with the exception of non melanoma skin cancer).

To understand the development of breast cancer you first need to understand the breast. The breast is a gland comprised of:
- Connective tissue (flesh).
- Fat.
- Gland tissue divided into lobes/lobules.

The lobes produce milk which drains into ducts which then drain onto the surface of the nipple. Breast cancer can develop in the cells that line the breast, the lobes and the ducts. Cancer which is confined to the lobes and ducts is referred to as ‘non-invasive’ because it has not yet developed the ability to spread to other areas of the body. Cancer which has moved into the surrounding breast tissue is referred to as ‘invasive’. Men have small amounts of breast tissue behind their nipples hence the possibility of breast cancer in males.

As with other types of cancer it is not known exactly what causes these cells to become cancerous. However, there are a number of strong risk factors associated with breast cancer development:

1) AGE:- According to BreastCancer.Org your risk increases as you age. From birth till age 39 your risk is believed to be 0.5%, from 40 till 59 your risk is believed to be 4% and from 60 till 79 your risk is believed to be 7%. The reason that your risk increases with age is that unfortunately the longer that you are alive the more chance you have of developing a genetic abnormality.

2) ALCOHOL:- According to this study your risk of breast cancer increases in relation to the average number of drinks you consume daily.

3) BREAST CANCER HISTORY:- Developing breast cancer in one breast increases the risk of it developing in the other breast in the future.

4) CHILDREN:- Having no children is believed to increase the risk of contracting breast cancer. The later you have your children is also believed to increase the risk of breast cancer development.

5) HEIGHT:- Taller women are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

6) MENSTRUATION:- Women who start having their periods early or have their menopause late are believed to be at an increased risk of contracting breast cancer.

7) FAMILY HISTORY:- A family history of breast cancer or other types of cancer increases your risk of developing the condition. There are also (at the time of writing) two specific genes associated with breast cancer – BRCA1 and BRCA2.

8) RADIATION:- According to this study from BreastCancer.org exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

9) WEIGHT:- Being overweight reduces your risk of developing breast cancer pre-menopause but increases your risk of developing breast cancer post-menopause.

Breast cancer does not always show symptoms but there are a few things you can look out for. These include:

1) A LUMP IN THE BREAST:- In many cases women will notice a lump in their breasts whilst washing or examining them. This lump is often hard with uneven edges and generally painless.

2) A CHANGE IN THE BREAST SKIN:- Breast cancer can cause the breast skin to become wrinkled or swollen. In some cases the skin may change and become like the skin of an orange.

3) DISHCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:- In some cases the nipple may emit bloody discharge and pus that can be clear, green or yellow.

4) INWARD NIPPLES:- Breast cancer can cause the nipple to be pulled in and turn inwards.

If you notice any of the above symptoms or have any other reason to suspect you may have breast cancer then you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform a number of tests which will help identify breast cancer. These tests include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- The first stage of screening for breast cancer often involves a physical examination by your doctor. If this physical exam reveals any lumps or other signs of breast cancer your doctor will then schedule further tests.

2) MAMMOGRAMS:- A mammogram is the term given to breast x-rays. A mammogram is good for identifying abnormalities in the breast but does not always reveal whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

3) ULTRASOUND:- Ultrasound scanning is often used to determine whether any lumps found in the breast are liquid or solid.

4) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC):- This involves inserting a needle into any lumps that are found to determine whether it contains fluid (a cyst) or it is solid. The needle also allows some of the cells to be removed for microscope examination (a process called cytology) to determine whether the lump is benign or malignant.

If any of the above tests reveal breast cancer then the next stage is treatment. Treatment chosen will depend upon how far the breast cancer has developed. Treatments include:

1) SURGERY:- There are generally two types of breast cancer surgery; breast conservation (removal of the tumour and surrounding breast tissue) and mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). The option chosen will depend upon the size of the lump because breast conservation will not be possible with larger lumps.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy is generally used on all breast conservation patients. This is usually given daily between Monday and Friday for three to five weeks. It is also used on mastectomy patients where there is thought to be a risk of recurrence.

3) HORMONES:- Certain tumours are sensitive to oestrogen and an effective way to treat these types of tumour is to stop oestrogen reaching them. The most common way to do this is by taking a medicine called tamoxifen.

4) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves being given a combination of anti-cancer medicines. One of the negative side effects of chemotherapy is that it can also kill normally dividing cells such as blood cells and hair cells.

The effectiveness of breast cancer treatments varies depending upon a number of factors including the type of tumour and the size of the tumour. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of ever getting breast cancer. These include:

1) REDUCING YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:- As identified in the above risk factors there is a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to limit your intake to less than one drink per day.

2) CONTROL YOUR BODY WEIGHT:- Although being overweight reduces your risk of developing breast cancer pre-menopause, it is still a good idea to control your weight. Putting weight on pre-menopause will make it more difficult to lose post-menopause (when it starts to increase your risk) and being overweight also puts you at risk for other types of cancer. Therefore, you should try and keep your weight within a healthy level.

3) EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET:- Although there is no direct link between breast cancer and diet eating a healthy, balanced diet will make it easier for you to control your body weight.

4) EXERCISE REGULARLY:- According to this article exercise can reduce your risk of contracting breast cancer by as much as 20%.

Breast cancer can not be fully prevented but by following the above advice you can reduce your risk. Furthermore, by examining your breasts regularly for lumps or abnormalities you can catch any potential breast cancer early, increasing the chances of effective treatment. Whilst I cannot say that you will never develop breast cancer I hope this article significantly reduces your chances of contracting the disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast 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 Breast Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Breast Cancer and Age (BreastCancer.Org)
Breast Cancer and Exercise (BBC)
Breast Cancer and Radiation (BreastCancer.org)
Breast Cancer Information (Breast Cancer Care)
Breast Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Breast Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Breast Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Menopause Information (Wikipedia)

*****

If you enjoyed reading this article then you may be interested in Natural Cancer Treatments That Work. This insightful ebook collection contains over 300 drug free, alternative cancer treatments that you can start taking advantage of today:

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) describes any type of cancer which affects the last section of the digestive system. This is usually the colon (large bowel) or the or rectum (back passage). According to Bowel Cancer UK it is “the third most common cancer in the UK affecting men and women”. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK affecting men and women accounting for over 16,000 fatalities each year.

Colon cancer usually develops from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. Many of these polyps are benign (non-cancerous) but some are malignant (cancerous). If these malignant polyps are left untreated colon cancer can develop and over time these cancerous growths can then spread to other areas of the body.

Although we understand how colon cancer develops the exact causes are unknown. However, there are a number of associated risk factors:

1) AGE: Your risk of contracting colon cancer increases as you age. 85% of colon cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of 60 and cases of colon cancer in those younger than 50 are rare.

2) ALCOHOL: A number of studies have looked at the links between colon cancer and alcohol and the results have been mixed. However, according to About.com the type of alcohol consumed plays a key role. Beer and spirits are both believed to increase your risk of developing colon cancer whilst drinking wine in moderation (one or two glasses a week) could lower your risk by up to 60%.

3) DIET: According to this study from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) diets that are high in red and processed meat increase the risk of colon cancer. The study looked at 500,000 people across Europe for a period of 10 years and suggested that the risk for bowel cancer was a third higher in people who regularly ate more than two 80 gram portions of red or processed meat per day compared with those who ate less than one per week. The study also found that a low fibre diet increased the risk of colon cancer and that individuals who ate one or more portions of fish every other day were almost a third less likely to develop bowel cancer than those who ate fish less than once a week.

4) FAMILY HISTORY: If you have a family history of colon cancer it not only increases your risk of contracting the disease but it also increases your risk of developing it early. Furthermore, there a number of hereditary diseases which can increase your risk of getting colon cancer including familial adenomatous polyposis (a hereditary disease where multiple polyps form in the large intestine and can transform into colon cancer if left untreated) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (inherited mutations that reduce the self repair capacity of DNA, increasing the risk of cancer).

5) INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: This refers to a number of inflammatory conditions which affect the large intestine. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease (an autoimmune disease which affects the digestive tract) and ulcerative colitis (a condition where ulcers develop within the intestine).

6) SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: According to this article from Cancer Research UK the risk of contracting colon cancer is halved in those who exercise regularly. Therefore, leading a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for developing colon cancer.

7) SMOKING: Smokers are believed to be up to three times more likely to develop colon cancer than none smokers.

There are a number of symptoms associated with colon cancer. In the beginning the symptoms can be quite general but they often get worse as the malignant tumour grows. The symptoms include:

1) ABDOMINAL PAIN: Any prolonged abdominal pain should be treated with suspicion.

2) BLOODY STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING: This is probably the most common symptom of colon cancer. If you notice any blood in your faeces or coming out of your anus you should go see your doctor immediately.

3) CHANGES IN YOUR BOWEL MOVEMENTS: This often happens in the form of constipation (when you have difficulty passing stools because they become hardened) or diarrhoea (when your stools become watery and it becomes difficult to control the frequency of your bowel movements). Any change in your bowel movement which lasts for more than a couple of weeks should be treated with suspicion.

4) UNEXPLAINED TIREDNESS

5) UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

If you notice any of the above symptoms you should go see your doctor immediately. They will then be able to investigate further for colon cancer. The first stage of this investigation will usually involve your doctor performing a rectal exam with a gloved finger to feel for any lumps or swelling. If after this initial exam your doctor feels that you need further treatment he may pass you on to a hospital for a colonoscopy. This is a procedure where a fibre optic camera is passed through the anus via a flexible tube, allowing your doctor to perform a visual analysis.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer it then needs to be staged before an appropriate treatment can be offered. One of the most common staging methods is Duke’s classification which stages colon cancer in the following way:

1) DUKE A: When the cancer is in the lining of your colon or rectum.

2) DUKE B: When the cancer has grown into the muscle layer in the colon or rectum wall.

3) DUKE C: When the cancer has spread to at least one lymph node gland (glands which remove unwanted bacteria from your body).

4) DUKE D: When the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, usually your liver or lungs.

Colon cancer which is diagnosed in the early stages is much more treatable than colon cancer which is in the latter stages. Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer but chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also viable alternatives:

1) SURGERY: Surgery attempts to remove the cancerous cells from the colon. In most cases the bowel can be stitched back together following surgery but if not then a colostomy (a surgical procedure which attaches part of the colon to the abdominal wall). may have to be performed.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY: This involves using anti-cancer medications to eradicate cancerous cells. It can be used to treat colon cancer but is more commonly used to shrink the malignant tumour prior to surgery.

3) RADIOTHERAPY: This involves using high energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. Again this treatment is more commonly used to shrink malignant tumours before surgery.

Following your colon cancer treatment your doctor may then recommend continuing with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Although the above treatments may be required to treat your colon cancer, if you have not yet been diagnosed it makes sense to take preventative action so that you never have to go through the complications of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer:

1) EXERCISE REGULARLY: One of the risk factors for colon cancer is a sedentary lifestyle. By exercising regularly (30 minutes for at least 5 days a week) you can notably reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer.

2) IMPROVE YOUR DIET: As identified earlier in this article, a diet that is high in red or processed meat and low in fibre can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. Therefore, by cutting down on your intake of red and processed meat and getting plenty of fibre (from fruits, vegetables and whole grains) you can reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer. Moderating your alcohol intake is another dietary change you can make to further reduce your risk.

3) QUIT SMOKING: Smoking puts you at risk for a number of cancer types including colon cancer. By kicking the habit you can cut your risk considerably.

4) REGULAR SCREENING: The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program is being rolled out nationally and is expected to achieve nationwide coverage by 2009. The aim of the program is to detect bowel cancer at an early stage which will ensure more effective treatment. The program offers screening every two years for those aged between 60 and 69. As you age your risk of getting colon cancer increases so getting screened regularly is essential. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides you with the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. However, it is highly treatable when caught early. I hope this article has helped you fully understand the risks associated with colon cancer and more importantly inspires you to take preventative action. By making a few positive lifestyle changes you can hopefully improve your fitness levels and live a life that is free from colon cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon 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 Colon Cancer (About)
Bowel Cancer Information (Bowel Cancer UK)
Cancer of the Colon (NHS Direct)
Colon Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Colon Information (Wikipedia)
Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer Information (BBC)
Colorectal Polyp Information (Wikipedia)
Colostomy Information (Wikipedia)
Crohn’s Disease Information (Wikipedia)
Diet and Colon Cancer Information (BBC)
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Wikipedia)
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Information (Wikipedia)
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information (NHS)
Protecting against Bowel Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Rectum Information (Wikipedia)
Smoking and Bowel Cancer (Cancer Backup)

Hello Everyone. The Free Fitness Tips Newsletter - July 2008 is now online.

You can view the HTML version by Clicking Here.

You can view the PDF version by Clicking Here.

If you have any comments at all regarding this month’s newsletter then please add your feedback to this post.

Hello Everyone. I’ve now finished my article series on diabetes and thought this would be a good time to give away another free ebook before I jump into my next topic. The free ebook is 75 Exciting Exercise Tips which unsuprisingly contains 75 exercise related tips. Below are just a few of the tips contained inside 75 Exciting Exercise Tips:

—–

1) GO TO THE ZOO:- Going to the zoo provides you with a fun day out and lots of walking to get some exercise.

2) CONSTRUCTION:- Putting together buildings and bridges is a great form of exercise. If you choose the right project it can also be great fun too.

3) VOLUNTEERING:- Volunteering very rarely involves sitting down doing desk work. It is usually quite a physical task such as walking a dog, moving boxes etc. It’s therefore another opportunity to exercise and can also allow you to meet new friends.

4) BABY SIT:- Young children are usually hard work. If you baby sit and play games with them you will burn some additional calories.

5) DECORATE:- If your house needs decorating, doing it yourself is a great opportunity to do it yourself and burn some calories. Alternatively, you can use special occasions as an opportunity to decorate your house. If you are throwing a party, or if it’s Christmas, Easter etc, get the decorations out and spruce the place up. The moving about will help you burn some calories.

—–

Some interesting tips I’m sure you will agree. If you want to download all 75 tips then use the link below. Also don’t forget that the ebook comes with full giveaway rights so if you want to pass it on to your friends, family or website visitors please do so.

Click Here to Download 75 Exciting Exercise Tips!

A lot of my recent blog posts have been focussing on diabetes. Since this is a fitness blog I hope you have made the link between diabetes and fitness. For those of you who have not, I will be outlining the link between the two in this article.

1) THE CAUSES OF DIABETES:- As I discussed in my article on the causes of diabetes it is currently unknown what causes the various types of diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes is associated with a number of risk factors including inactivity and obesity. Both of these risk factors can be eliminated by doing more exercise and eating more healthily. In other words you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by becoming a fitter person.

2) PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is effectively an early indicator of type 2 diabetes. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes you are still have the opportunity to take preventative action before full type 2 diabetes develops. But what is this preventative action? Yes, you guessed it - a healthy diet and regular exercise. So not only is improving your fitness an excellent way to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes but it is also a fantastic way to stop any symptoms that do manifest from developing further.

3) TREATING DIABETES:- There are a number of treatments for diabetes. Some diabetics may require insulin injections or medication. However, all diabetics can benefit from regular exercise and a healthy diet. Regular exercise helps you keep your blood sugar under control, improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Eating a healthier diet can also help you keep your diabetes under control with an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that certain types of food (including fibre, fruit and vegetables) can assist in keeping your blood sugar levels normal.

There is still a lot to learn about diabetes. Very little is known about the exact causes and at the moment there are no effective cures. However, the information that we do have presents a strong link between diabetes and fitness levels. By improving your fitness levels and leading a healthier lifestyle, you can seriously reduce your chances of developing diabetes. Even if you are already diabetic, improving your health and fitness can significantly reduce the impact that diabetes has on your life. Whatever your current situation is, the evidence we do have regarding diabetes presents another compelling case for improving your fitness levels.

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.

As regular readers of this blog probably know by now, diabetes develops either when your body stops producing insulin or your body’s cells stop responding to insulin. As a result your body struggles to convert blood sugar/glucose into energy and your blood sugar levels start to rise. Over time these high blood sugar levels cause damage to your blood vessels, nerves and organs. In this article I will be outlining the main areas of your body that diabetes can cause damage to and discuss how this damage can be avoided.

1) THE HEART:- If you suffer from diabetes then unfortunately you have an increased chance of suffering from heart disease also. The reason for this is that high blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and restrict the flow of blood to your heart.

There are a number of symptoms related to heart disease which you should try to look out for. These include:

- Breathlessness.
- Chest Pains.
- Irregular Heartbeats.
- Swollen Ankles.

To reduce your risk of contracting heart disease you must first make sure that you are treating your diabetes effectively. After you have done this you should also consult your doctor to see if there is anything else you can do. Quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight all contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease.

2) THE KIDNEYS:- Diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys with this type of damage being commonly known as diabetic nephropathy. The kidney’s main function is to filter waste products from the blood and if the blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged, the kidneys function less effectively. In the worst cases diabetic nephropathy can lead to kidney failure, although this is very rare.

To treat diabetic nephropathy, you again need to be treating your diabetes effectively. The next step after this is to get your blood pressure checked because hypertension (high blood pressure) is known to accelerate diabetic nephropathy. If you have high blood pressure also then you will need to consult your doctor who will be able to give you advice on treating high blood pressure.

3) THE EYES:- As I mentioned when discussing the symptoms of diabetes, diabetics are at risk of diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when the light sensitive tissues on your retina become damaged by the high levels of glucose in your blood. Over time this can cause your vision to become blurred and in the worst cases lead to complete loss of vision. People with diabetes are also twice as likely to develop cataracts (when the clear lens of the eye becomes clouded) and glaucoma (when the optic nerve of the eye becomes damaged).

To reduce the risk of getting eye damage you need to keep your diabetes under control and also have yearly eye examinations, so that if any eye damage does develop it can be treated in the early stages. If the eye damage gets too serious it can be treated through surgery in most cases.

4) THE NERVES:- Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to nerve damage which contributes to diabetic neuropathy (a nerve disorder caused by diabetes). There are a number of types of neuropathy including:

- Peripheral Neuropathy:- Nerve disorders associated with the feet, toes, lower and upper legs, the hands and the arms.
- Autonomic Neuropathy:- Nerve disorders affecting the bowel, the bladder, the digestive system, perspiration and sexual response.
- Proximal Neuropathy:- Nerve disorders affecting the hips, buttocks and thighs.
- Focal Neuropathy:- Nerve disorders which rapidly affect a nerve or a group of nerves.

The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending upon the type and the individual. Some people will experience no symptoms at all. Others will feel numbness, tingling or pain.

To prevent diabetic neuropathy you need to keep your blood sugar levels stable by managing your diabetes properly. This will help to keep your nerves protected. More specific treatments may also be used for specific types of neuropathy.

5) THE FEET:- Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common types of diabetic neuropathy and it very often affects the sensory nerves in the legs and feet. If the nerves in your legs and feet become damaged, your feet usually become numb meaning that cuts and sores often go unnoticed. On top of this, the blood vessels in your legs and feet can become damaged by the high levels of glucose in your blood, meaning that the blood supply to the feet is restricted. Therefore, these unnoticed cuts and sores take longer to heal and are more likely to become infected. If they do become infected this can lead to further complications and in the worst cases amputation may be necessary.

To prevent damage to the feet a number of precautions are required. First, you should make sure that you are taking good care of your feet. Your footwear should be comfortable, your nails should be cut regularly and your feet should be washed daily. Secondly, you should inspect your feet daily to identify any cuts, sores, bruises or ulcers. If you find any these should be treated by yourself or your doctor as soon as possible. Thirdly, you should have a regular foot examination performed by a professional. They may be able to detect foot problems which your daily inspection has missed. Finally, you need to keep your diabetes under control. This will reduce your risk of developing foot complications as your nerves will be more receptive to feeling and the blood flow to your feet will be improved.

6) THE GUMS:- The blood vessel damage caused by diabetes can weaken the gums and make them more susceptible to infections. On top of this, high levels of glucose in the mouth fluids encourage bacteria to grow.

There are a number of symptoms related to gum infection which you should look out for. These include:

- Bleeding of the gums that is stimulated by brushing or flossing.
- Constant Bad Breath.
- Loose Teeth.
- Puss in between the teeth or gums.
- Receding Gums.

However, for the most accurate diagnosis you should consult your dentist. If you are diagnosed with gum disease then they will be able to advise you on the most effective treatment.

To reduce your risk of developing gum disease you need to keep your diabetes under control and combine this with a good oral health routine. Daily brushing and flossing can significantly reduce the chances of gum disease developing.

7) THE SEXUAL ORGANS:- Diabetes can affect the sexual organs of both men and women. Diabetic neuropathy in men can lead to the erectile tissue becoming damaged, ultimately causing erectile dysfunction. According to Diabetes.co.uk nearly one third of male diabetics suffer from erectile dysfunction. Damage to the blood vessels also puts female diabetics at risk of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder lining) and limited clitoral stimulation during sex because of the limited blood flow.

In the majority of cases, damage to the sexual organs can be reduced through stricter treatment of your diabetes. In fact, many of the above problems will disappear with better diabetes management. However, if you are on top of your diabetes and still experiencing problems with your sexual organs you should consult your doctor. They will then be able to determine the probable cause and give you further advice and treatment.

I hope this article has shown you just how serious diabetes can be. I’m not trying to use scare tactics but if you don’t stick to an effective diabetes treatment plan you can cause a lot of damage to your body. The majority of this damage can be avoided completely if you stick to a healthy diet, exercise regularly and follow a sensible diabetes treatment plan in order to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

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.

Sources:
Blood Sugar/Glucose Information (Wikipedia)
Diabetes Complications Information 1 (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetes Complications Information 2
Diabetes and Sex Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Type 1 Diabetes Complications (NHS Direct)
Type 2 Diabetes Complication (NHS Direct)

*****

If you liked this article and want to find out more about reducing the damage caused by type 2 diabetes you should try Patrick ‘The Diabetic Warrior’ Lecky’s Heal Diabetes Now Membership site. As a member you will recieve one 6-8 page downloadable PDF lesson every 9-10 days for a full year. Each lesson is packed full of proven natural healing content from Patrick himself:

My last few articles have discussed the various types of diabetes, aspects of diabetes and a number of treatments for diabetes. In this article, I am going to bring this information together and explain how you can treat diabetes effectively.

Diabetes (whatever the type) is essentially caused by your body not getting enough insulin a hormone which helps the body convert blood sugar into energy). This is usually a result of; your cells becoming resistant to insulin, your pancreas (a gland which produces a number of vital hormones) not producing enough insulin or a combination of both. This lack of insulin causes large fluctuations in your blood sugar/glucose (your body’s primary source of energy) levels which can lead to the development of further symptoms. Therefore, the key to controlling your diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels. But how do you do this? Like with most things, there is not one set answer. There are actually a number of things you need do to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. In the list below I have outlined the main things you can do to keep your blood sugar levels normal and keep your diabetes under control:

1) MONITOR YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS:- Keeping a check on your blood sugar levels is essential, whatever type of diabetes you may have. Regular blood sugar testing will allow you to see if your blood sugar is staying within normal levels and check how well your body is responding to your current diabetes treatments.

The frequency with which you need to check your blood sugar levels will depend entirely on you and your diabetes. Typically, type 1 diabetics will need to check their blood sugar levels more often (up to five times per day) whereas type 2 diabetics will only need to check once every few days. However, remember that this is only a general rule and you should seek the advice of your doctor to get more accurate advice.

There are a number of tests which allow you to monitor your blood sugar levels. The most convenient of these is the random blood glucose (RBG) test which can be performed using a portable blood glucose monitor. This will allow you to test your blood sugar levels whenever and wherever you want. Normal blood sugar levels are generally as follows:

- Between 70 and 130 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) before eating.
- Less than 180 mg/dL after eating.
- Approximately 140 mg/dL just before going to bed.

Normal blood sugar readings suggest that your diabetes is under control and your diabetes treatments are proving effective. However, blood sugar readings that are consistently above normal levels indicate that your current diabetes treatments are not working effectively. In this case you should notify your doctor immediately because your diabetes is not under control and could become hazardous to your health if not treated quickly.

2) MODIFY YOUR DIET:- Modifying your diet is probably the most effective natural treatment for diabetes. Your body gets glucose from the food you consume, so it makes sense that by choosing your food more carefully you can have greater control over your blood sugar levels. To keep your blood sugar levels within control the following dietary changes are recommended:

- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Control your daily caloric intake.
- Eat a balanced diet consisting of 45%-65% carbohydrates, 15%-20% proteins and 20%-35% fats.
- Moderate your intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates.
- Increase your intake of fibre.
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and veg per day.
- Reduce your salt intake.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption.

As you can see there’s nothing too drastic here. In fact most of the changes would be made as part of normal healthy diet. However, by implementing them you can reduce your body’s resistance to insulin and keep your blood sugar levels much more stable.

3) DO MORE EXERCISE:- Exercise helps control your diabetes in a number of ways. Firstly, exercise makes you burn more glucose for energy and therefore is an effective way to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Secondly, it can improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin according to this article. Finally, exercise helps you keep your weight under control which according to this article from DLife further improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

For best results you should try to exercise regularly (at least 3 or 4 times per week) and perform a combination of cardiovascular exercise (e.g. cycling, swimming, jogging) and resistance training (e.g. bodyweight training, weight lifting). However, when exercising make sure that you keep yourself hydrated, check your blood sugar levels regularly and have a quick supply of glucose and insulin to hand in case your blood sugar change rapidly.

4) USE INSULIN IF NECESSARY:- Insulin helps your body use blood sugar for energy and in doing this helps keep your blood sugar levels under control. If you have type 1 diabetes you will need to take insulin because your body can no longer produce it. 40% of type 2 diabetics require insulin, so if you have type 2 you may be able to get by without it. The best way to determine whether or not you need insulin is to consult your doctor.

There are lots of different types and brands of insulin available but they all fall under four main categories:

- Rapid Acting Insulin:- This type of insulin reaches the blood 15 minutes after injection and peaks 30 to 90 minutes later. It can last for up to 5 hours.
- Short Acting Insulin:- This type of insulin reaches the blood 30 minutes after injection and peaks 2 to 4 hours later. It can last between 4 to 8 hours.
- Intermediate Acting Insulin:- This type of insulin reaches the blood 2 to 6 hours after injection and peaks 4 to 14 hours later. It can last for 14 to 20 hours
- Long Acting Insulin:- This type of insulin reaches the blood 6 to 14 hours after injection and does not peak (or peaks very slightly 10 to 16 hours after injection). It can last for 20 to 24 hours.

Since each individual responds to insulin differently there is no set rule for the type of insulin you use or the frequency with which you administer it. You will need to consult your doctor to decide upon which insulin type is suitable and how often you will need to take it.

Injection is the most common way to administer insulin. However, research into diabetes has meant that a number of alternatives are becoming available including:

- Insulin Inhalers:- Insulin inhalers are a realistic alternative to insulin injections. However, the increased cost of insulin inhalers means (at present) they have failed to gain the popularity of insulin injections.
- Insulin Jet Injectors:- These devices send a fine spray of insulin through the skin using high pressure air.
- Insulin Pumps:- These programmable devices allow multiple insulin injections to be administered automatically in accordance with your daily regime.
- Oral Insulin:- It is difficult to administer insulin orally because the body’s digestive system breaks it down before it reaches the bloodstream. However, a number of advances have been made and according to this article oral insulin may soon be a reality.

When taking insulin you need to take a number of precautions. First, you need to make sure that it does not interact with any other medications you are taking. This article provides a list of medications that are known to interact with insulin but you are advised to also consult your GP. Secondly, you need to make sure that you do not overdose on insulin. Taking too much insulin causes hypoglycaemia (extremely low blood sugar levels) for which the symptoms range from mild (dizziness, headaches, sweating) to serious (coma, seizure).

5) ALWAYS CARRY FAST ACTING CARBOHYDRATES:- Just as insulin is necessary for lowering your blood sugar levels, fast acting carbohydrates may be needed to raise your blood sugar levels if they get too low. Apart from overdosing on insulin your blood sugar levels also become low if you eat too little, consume too much alcohol and sometimes following exercise.

Fast acting carbohydrates are simply carbohydrates which enter your bloodstream quickly. Sources include; sugar, fruit and glucose tablets. You should always carry some with you so that you are prepared should your blood sugar levels drop.

6) TRY ALTERNATIVE NATURAL REMEDIES:- Natural remedies are not a substitute for diet, exercise and possible insulin injections. However, they can be an effective supplement to your existing diabetes treatment. There are lots of natural remedies for diabetes that have been suggested. For example, fish oils are believed to improve the body’s response to insulin and massage can improve circulation which relieves a number of diabetic complications.

For the majority of people, treating diabetes will mean that lifestyle changes are necessary. However, that does not mean diabetes has to control your life. You will have to do some exercise, you will have to monitor your blood sugar levels, you will most probably have to alter your diet and you may have to take insulin. This change will be difficult in the beginning but as you get your diabetes under control it will become easier.

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.

Sources:
Blood Sugar/Glucose Information (Wikipedia)
Diabetes and Blood Glucose Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetes and Blood Glucose Monitors Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Diabetes Causes and Risks Information (DLife)
Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity Information (Diabetes Care Journals)
Hypoglycaemia Information (Net Doctor)
Insulin Information (Wikipedia)
Insulin Side Effects Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Oral Insulin Information (Diabetes.co.uk)
Pancreas Information (Wikipedia)

Hello everyone. I recently found out that I am the recipient of an Arte Y Pico award from not one but two bloggers. The first of these two bloggers is Angie from Vibrant Healthy U, an excellent health and fitness blog with some great post including this unique offering; The Eyes Have It. The second award came from Asithi of Small Steps to Health, another great health blog which I enjoy reading even though I don’t always share the same opinions as Asithi on certain topics - for example milk. Anyway, thankyou both for the award. One of the most rewarding things about running this blog is receiving comments and recognition from others.

Anyway, the rules of this award are as follows:

1) Select five blogs that you consider deserving of the award.

2) Include the name of the author and a link to the blog, for each award designated.

3) Award winner must display the award graphic and name the blogger that bestowed the award on them.

4) Include a link to the Arte Y Pico blog, in order to share the origin of the award.

I’ve already completed steps 3 and 4 so all that’s left is to pass the award on to five more bloggers. Here’s my top five:

1) The Fitness Black Book:- This is a fitness blog written by Rusty which (in his own words) shows you how to get ‘Lean and Toned, Not Bulky’. There are two big things I like about Rusty’s blog. First, his posts on fit celebrities really allow you to see the look he is trying to achieve. Secondly, the blog is actually quite funny too.

2) The All Muscle Building Blog:- This blog is quite a new one on my reading list and is written by Pat. The posts are generally short but always full of useful information. Lots of the stuff I’ve read on Pat’s blog was completely new to me which one of the reasons that I have become a regular reader.

3) Anti-Aging Nutrtion News:- Although I’m only in my early twenties I’ve still found this blog by GiGi to be one of my regular reads. The nutritional information GiGi provides is top notch and her posts have given me the lowdown on some very healthy foods that I was completely unaware of prior to reading.

4) Muscle Post:- Another great blog on muscle building from Tony. Again this is a new blog but one which I read regularly. The focus of Tony’s blog is on exercises which build muscles and he has provided some great tips which I can carry over to the gym.

5) Health Nut Wannabee Mom:- This is a great blog from Heidi. She updates most days with the focus being on nutrition. The best thing about Heidi’s blog is that the tips are easy to follow, practical and suitable for normal, everyday people.

Thanks to everyone for the award and well done to the five bloggers who I have passed the award on to. I wish you continued success with your blogs and hope to be a long time reader of each of them.