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 - any disease or 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,
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.
Bladder Cancer
The stats for 2005, indicate that 63,210 men and women were diagnosed with bladder cancer and 13,180 died from bladder cancer complications. The median age for bladder cancer diagnosis was 62. The most common bladder cancer is Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder (cells that make up the inner lining of the bladder). As with other cancers, the exact cause of bladder cancer is uncertain. However, several factors may influence its development: Cigarette smoking, chemical exposures, radiation and/or chemotherapy, chronic bladder infections and parasitic infections.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer:
The signs and symptoms of bladder cancer are the same as those for non-cancerous infections. If you experience any signs or symptoms listed next, you should consult the healthcare provider of your choice: blood in urine; painful urination; urinary frequency; abdominal pain; anemia; bone pain or tenderness; lethargy and fatigue; weight loss.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer accounts for 2% of all cancers in the US. There are 3 main types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinoma (the part of the kidney that filters blood and produces urine); transitional cell carcinoma (the area of the kidney where the urine collects and drains) and Wilms' Tumor (occurs in the embryonic cells of the kidney). Seventy percent of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. Wilms' Tumor affects children 5 and under and has a strong genetic tie. Risk factors associated with renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma are: cigarette smoking and obesity.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:
A lump or mass in the kidney area or abdomen; blood in the urine; lower back pain or pain in the side that doesn't go away; fatigue; recurrent fever; loss of appetite; weight loss; intestinal obstruction; general feeling of poor health.
Colon-Colorectal Cancer
Colon-colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon/rectum) is the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. In 2006 (latest available statistics), 139,127 people were diagnosed with colon-colorectal cancer. 53,196 people died from colon-colorectal cancer complications. People age 50 or older are most at risk for colon-colorectal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Colon-Colorectal Cancer:
History of colon polyps; history of diverticulosis and/or diverticulitis; blood in or on your stool (bowel movements); pains, aches, or cramps in your stomach that don't go away; weight loss; change in bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea).
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer arise from the surface lining of the esophagus. There are two primary classes of esophageal cancer: squameous cell carcinoma (associated with smoking and alcohol consumption) and adenocarcinomas (associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease). A general rule of thumb for determining esophageal cancer is: A cancer in the upper 2/3rds of the esophagus is squameous cell carcinoma and a cancer in the lower 1/3rd of the esophagus is an adenocarcinoma. Most patients are over 60 at diagnosis with 67 being the median age for esophageal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer:
The most common sign of esophageal cancer is difficult or painful swallowing. Another early sign is a husky or raspy voice. Fluids and soft foods are usually tolerated while hard or bulky foods (breads/meats/etc) are more difficult to swallow. Increasing signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting leading to weight loss.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is also known as gastric cancer. It is uncommon in the US. Japan leads the world in stomach cancer cases. Risk factors associated with stomach cancer are: diet high in salty and/or smoked foods; diet low in fruits and/or vegetables; food contaminated with aflatoxin fungus; family history of stomach cancer; infection from helicobacterpylori (bacteria often found in ulcer conditions); chronic stomach inflammation (aka gastritis); pernicious anemia; smoking and stomach polyps.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Cancer:
Fatigue; feeling bloated and/or full after eating; heartburn; indigestion; nausea and/or vomiting; stomach pain and weight loss.
Cancer Prevention Tips:
Scientists are studying how best to prevent breast cancer. Ways to help you lower your risk of getting cancer include the following:
Know your body.
Be familiar with "normal" marks (moles, freckles, etc.) and lumps or bumps
Do periodic self-check for any abnormal marks, lumps or bumps.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Limit alcohol.
Get plenty of rest.
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>.
