In the next few issues, we will discuss various types of cancers, the classic symptoms associated with each and lifestyle/behavioral changes that may aid in preventing cancer.
In the U.S., only a medical practitioner may diagnose - or name - disease disease process. It is not my goal as a professional consultant to diagnose you. It is my goal to educate you regarding symptoms of cancer, lifestyle/behavioral changes that may aid in preventing cancer and treatment choices. It is your God-given and Constitutional right to choose the treatment method that is right for you. Those choice include: medical; natural; or an integrative approach of both natural and medical methodologies. For more information, please visit my website, www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com>.
Principle for Optimum Health
: Do not ignore symptoms! If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
Cancer Overview
Cancer Definition: Normal cells that have been altered.
It is estimated that more than one in three Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer. In 2006 (latest available stats), more than 3 million Americans were being treated for cancer. Research indicates that conventional medical therapies fail as much as 50% of the time. But, do not despair! Research indicates that if we spent more time on cancer prevention rather than treatment, the number of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. could drop as much as a third! This translates into 100,000 fewer cancer cases and 60,000 prevented cancer deaths by 2015 (based upon 2006 stats) .
It is easy to get the idea that anything and everything can cause cancer. It seems like we're assaulted from all sides by cancer activators that we can't control. That's because cancer is not a single disease with a single cause. Rather, cancer is a multi-dimensional disease with many factors. Yet, most cancers are preventable. Ninety percent of all types of cancer is related to diet, lifestyle habits, environmental pollutants and chemicals. Hereditary factors account for 5% most cancers are related to lifestyle causes indicate that we can positively affect their source factors ourselves - both to prevent cancer from occurring and helping ourselves when it has.
The CDC suggests the following as early detection signs of cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see the healthcare provider of your choice immediately.
1. A change in bowel or bladder habits, blood in either
2. Chronic indigestion, bloating, heartburn, difficulty swallowing
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge of the vagina
4. Lumps or thickening of breasts or testicles
5. Chronic cough or voice hoarseness, bloody sputum
6. Growth or changes in warts or moles or scaly skin patches that never go away, especially if they become inflamed or ulcerate
7. Unusual weight loss
8. Long, unexplained anemia or fatigue.
Breast Cancer
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 2005, (the most recent year numbers are available), 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. In that same year, 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.
Are you at risk of developing breast cancer?
Synthetic estrogens can place women (and men) at greater risk for developing breast cancer by increasing their estrogen levels hundreds of times. Studies indicate a clear connection between HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and breast cancer. A 2002 study indicates women taking HRT for just 5 years had a 40% greater risk of developing breast cancer. Another study indicated that long-term HRT may increase the risk of one of the most dangerous types of breast cancer as much as 85%. Women who inherit the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene have up to 85% chance of developing the disease. Breast cancer or prostate cancer in a woman's father's family doubles her risk.
The greatest rise in breast cancer occurred after World War II, an era that ushered in massive amounts of new chemicals, processed foods, and drugs such super-antibiotics and hormone therapy. Public awareness regarding common synthetic estrogens has increased over the past few years. To name a few, common synthetic estrogens can be found in everyday items such as: pesticides, household chemicals, common plastics.
Other factors that may put you at risk are:
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Getting older.
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Not having children, or having your first child later in life.
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Starting your first menstrual period at an early age.
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Beginning menopause at a late age.
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Having a personal history of breast cancer or certain benign breast diseases, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia.
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Having close family relatives (such as a mother, sister, father, or daughter) who have had breast cancer.
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Having a genetic condition, such as certain mutations in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
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Having been treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest.
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Being overweight, particularly after menopause.
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Using hormone replacement therapy for a long time. Using oral contraceptives.
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Drinking alcohol.
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Being physically inactive.
The mammogram debate:
Early detection can mean less radical medical intervention, but it is not prevention. The scientific community still debates whether or not death rates from breast cancer are reduced at all by mammograms in women under 50. A study reported in the National Cancer Institute Journal indicated that false positives occurred 16% of the time. Other research indicates mammograms can miss cancer 15% of the time. And other studies indicate that by the time a tumor reaches detectable size, it may have been growing for 10 years or longer.
Is there an alternative to mammograms?
Thermography is an effective alternative to mammograms. In 1982, the FDA approved thermography as a highly advanced health scanning technique that offers the benefits of breast cancer screening with the drawbacks of mammogram radiation. For women who refuse mammograms due to the health risks associated with them, thermography offers a safe alternative.
Signs/Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
Nipple discharge or scaly skin patches around nipples or nipple retraction; breast lumps, especially firm lumps with poorly defined edges that don't move when touched or don't change during your cycle, often along with breast skin irritation or dimpling; change in breast texture or color; unusual enlargement of armpit lymph nodes; any breast changes not related to cycle; chronic swollen sores around mouth, gums or jaw; unexplained severe morning nausea; hypothyroidism is regularly involved in breast cancer.
Cancer Prevention Tips:
Scientists are studying how best to prevent breast cancer. Ways to help you lower your risk of getting breast cancer include the following:
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Know your body.
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Be familiar with "normal" marks (moles, freckles, etc.) and lumps or bumps
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Do periodic self-check for any abnormal marks, lumps or bumps.
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Exercise regularly.
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Maintain a healthy weight.
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Avoid using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or find out the risks and benefits of HRT and if it is right for you.
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Limit alcohol.
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Get plenty of rest.
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Maintain immune system health.
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives; integrative medicine; Pam Anderson, DNM (Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry), RN (Registered Nurse) and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter for optimum health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
