It is a fact that everyone wants to have a slimmer body. This is what drives many to subscribe to several exercise routines and even equipment. Furthermore, many recognize that constant muscle toning and visits to the gym will not be enough to get the body that they want. Hence, they turn to ways of reducing what they have by following several diet programs. If these are still not enough, there are a lot of available products that one can take that will help you burn fat faster. Today people who want to slim quickly have two options. It will be up to you to decide who will be your choice between natural weight loss pill and prescription alternatives.
What Can Natural Weight Loss Pills Do?
As the name implies these are pills that promote weight loss by introducing several natural ingredients into the body. These ingredients are often found naturally in fruits and vegetables but have been synthesized in the lab in order to be mass produced. Of course, there are also completely synthetic chemicals that are as effective. The main purpose of such chemicals in natural weight loss pills would be to burn fat. Depending on the active ingredient in a pill, it can help by bonding with fat or by increasing the metabolism of the body.
The biggest advantage of pills would be the number of clinical tests they have to undergo before they get released. This basically ensures the effectiveness of the pills in making a person slim down. Essentially, they can easily boast of these numbers whenever they market to everyone and indeed to do produce results. Their biggest drawbacks, on the other hand, unfortunately can be found on the tests they have conducted. Side effects of taking weight loss pills have also been well documented. These include headaches, vomiting, to more serious though less frequent cases such as allergies and uncontrollable bowel movement.
A Take on Prescription Alternatives
Context clues should tell you that prescription alternatives can be obtained without the prior approval of a doctor. Some of them can even be bought directly over the counter. These alternatives may come in the form of pills (though not FDA approved as they are considered as supplements) or simply a diet program were one eats a focused amount of specific food groups. The biggest advantage is that they are all natural, which means one will most likely not experience any side effects while taking them.
The biggest doubt about prescription alternatives would be the lack of convincing research about their efficacy. Most of them gained notoriety because they have been used for centuries in treatment of certain conditions or have been discovered in remote parts of the planet only to be found to have weight loss properties. This means that there have not been enough trials to confirm if they do produce concrete results. Even if they do, since they are not strictly regulated, there are some unscrupulous individuals who would release supplements promising to contain alternative ingredients only to deliver subpar products or even fake ones.
In the end, it would help to at least consult physicians and ask their opinions before committing to buy alternatives.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
why are women reluctant to make love
In marriage, sexual relations can serve as a means to achieve physical and emotional pleasure together. Therefore, do not there those who feel burdened.
Unfortunately, not all men understand the needs of his partner in bed. If not immediately talk about, sex can turn into an unpleasant experience that was reluctant to be repeated. Here are some things that often make women lazy romantic.
1. Trying new positions
Creativity is needed to avoid saturation intercourse. In the case of sex positions, are now countless more information about this, ranging from ancient style to modern Kamasutra style blue movies.
However, not a few women who are afraid when her partner asked her to make the position of "strange" or activities that surprising. Moreover, for many positions in the book often makes forehead frown and need for improvisation more difficult. When smooth communication with partners, of course this can be discussed, but if the husband likes to force, of course this can lead to trauma.
2. Rough
Biting the shoulder area, neck, or ear may be something that adds intimacy. Some people also unconsciously scratching or squeezing a particular body part. Without realizing it, these actions are often done too hard, causing pain.
3. Oral sex
For women this activity often leads to embarrassment. Many of the women who still perceive oral sex as something taboo, disgusting, and made uncomfortable. Seksologi experts say, many women are afraid to perform oral sex because they felt uncomfortable in the form of the body. Some women also fear their bodies out the smell was delicious.
4. High libido
Great partners in bed would be a dream of many women. But if the husband excessive sexual drive, can be overwhelmed his wife. Especially when the husband asked for sex timeless and tireless. This may be a punishment for a wife.
5. Trauma
Psychological trauma due to sexual experience was not pleasant in the past can make a woman being frigid or cold in bed. Can Penyebabkan forced sexual activity or had experienced sexual harassment. Trauma is often not visible from the outside. However, by identifying the subject of this trauma, the trauma can usually be eliminated. Ask the expert assistance to overcome the trauma.
6. Pain
Complaints of pain intercourse burning pain in the vaginal area (dyspareunia) would interrupt sex. The reason is the lack of lubrication in the vaginal area. To have sexual relations go smoothly, the husband must be smart in order to stimulate arousal wife so miss V mucus.
Unfortunately, not all men understand the needs of his partner in bed. If not immediately talk about, sex can turn into an unpleasant experience that was reluctant to be repeated. Here are some things that often make women lazy romantic.
1. Trying new positions
Creativity is needed to avoid saturation intercourse. In the case of sex positions, are now countless more information about this, ranging from ancient style to modern Kamasutra style blue movies.
However, not a few women who are afraid when her partner asked her to make the position of "strange" or activities that surprising. Moreover, for many positions in the book often makes forehead frown and need for improvisation more difficult. When smooth communication with partners, of course this can be discussed, but if the husband likes to force, of course this can lead to trauma.
2. Rough
Biting the shoulder area, neck, or ear may be something that adds intimacy. Some people also unconsciously scratching or squeezing a particular body part. Without realizing it, these actions are often done too hard, causing pain.
3. Oral sex
For women this activity often leads to embarrassment. Many of the women who still perceive oral sex as something taboo, disgusting, and made uncomfortable. Seksologi experts say, many women are afraid to perform oral sex because they felt uncomfortable in the form of the body. Some women also fear their bodies out the smell was delicious.
4. High libido
Great partners in bed would be a dream of many women. But if the husband excessive sexual drive, can be overwhelmed his wife. Especially when the husband asked for sex timeless and tireless. This may be a punishment for a wife.
5. Trauma
Psychological trauma due to sexual experience was not pleasant in the past can make a woman being frigid or cold in bed. Can Penyebabkan forced sexual activity or had experienced sexual harassment. Trauma is often not visible from the outside. However, by identifying the subject of this trauma, the trauma can usually be eliminated. Ask the expert assistance to overcome the trauma.
6. Pain
Complaints of pain intercourse burning pain in the vaginal area (dyspareunia) would interrupt sex. The reason is the lack of lubrication in the vaginal area. To have sexual relations go smoothly, the husband must be smart in order to stimulate arousal wife so miss V mucus.
Vitamin K, Blood and Bones friend
Once your child suddenly bounced from the bike. Calves graze so dripping blood. Small wound was then cleaned using cotton with a slightly suppressed. Before long, the blood stopped dripping and minor injuries were closed so the kids played tape bicycle again.
What makes the blood stops dripping with itself so you do not have to deal with reporters? Yes .. That is one important use of vitamin K. This vitamin is a vital requirement for the synthesis of several proteins including blood clotting. Also called coagulation vitamin, this vitamin in charge of guarding konsitensi the blood flow and freeze when needed. Soluble vitamins fat also plays an important role in bone formation and maintenance of the kidney. Type
Vitamin K is found in three different forms. The first is vitamin K1 or phylloquinone, which is kind of found and produced plants. The second is the K2, or menaquinone are also called, prepared by the beneficial bacteria in the digestive systems. And the third is a K3 or menadione is a vitamin made for those who are unable to absorb from food.
The entire vitamin K in your body is processed in the liver which will be used to produce substances that can make your blood freeze. Besides a role in coagulation, this vitamin is also essential for bone formation, especially species K1. Vitamin K1 was required for the absorption of calcium for bones to be the maximum and make sure no one target.
What is the need?
According to the standard RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance), vitamin K, a person needs depends on the weight. For adults, at least take 1 microgram per day per kg of body weight. So, if you weigh 50 kg then the need to reach 50 micrograms per day.
Source of vitamin K
To meet the needs of vitamin C is quite easy because in addition to relatively small numbers, our digestive systems contain bacteria that can synthesize vitamin K, which partially absorbed and stored in the liver. But as soon as the body needs to get more vitamin K from food.
Most sources of vitamin K in the body is synthesized by bacteria in the digestive system, but you can get vitamin K from foods such as liver, vegetables, green leafy vegetables similar kobis (cabbage) and milk.
Vitamin K in high concentrations are also found in soy milk, green tea, milk cows, and beef and liver. The types of probiotic foods, like yogurt that contains active healthy bacteria, can help stimulate the production of this vitamin.
Deficiency Symptoms
If vitamin K is not contained in the body, blood can not be frozen. This may mislead bleeding or hemorrhagic. However, vitamin K deficiency is rare because almost all of orag acquire and bacteria in the intestines from food. But the shortage may occur in infants because their digestive systems are sterile and do not contain bacteria that can synthesize vitamin K, breast milk contains only small amounts of vitamin K. For that baby is given a number of vitamin K at birth.
In adults, deficiency can occur due to lack of consumption of vegetables or taking too long antobiotik. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria in the gut that produce vitamin K. Sometimes vitamin K deficiency caused by liver disease or digestive problems.
Poisoning
You also may experience toxicity of vitamin K. This occurs only in people who received vitamin K replacement water soluble. The symptoms are hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), jaundice and brain damage.
What makes the blood stops dripping with itself so you do not have to deal with reporters? Yes .. That is one important use of vitamin K. This vitamin is a vital requirement for the synthesis of several proteins including blood clotting. Also called coagulation vitamin, this vitamin in charge of guarding konsitensi the blood flow and freeze when needed. Soluble vitamins fat also plays an important role in bone formation and maintenance of the kidney. Type
Vitamin K is found in three different forms. The first is vitamin K1 or phylloquinone, which is kind of found and produced plants. The second is the K2, or menaquinone are also called, prepared by the beneficial bacteria in the digestive systems. And the third is a K3 or menadione is a vitamin made for those who are unable to absorb from food.
The entire vitamin K in your body is processed in the liver which will be used to produce substances that can make your blood freeze. Besides a role in coagulation, this vitamin is also essential for bone formation, especially species K1. Vitamin K1 was required for the absorption of calcium for bones to be the maximum and make sure no one target.
What is the need?
According to the standard RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance), vitamin K, a person needs depends on the weight. For adults, at least take 1 microgram per day per kg of body weight. So, if you weigh 50 kg then the need to reach 50 micrograms per day.
Source of vitamin K
To meet the needs of vitamin C is quite easy because in addition to relatively small numbers, our digestive systems contain bacteria that can synthesize vitamin K, which partially absorbed and stored in the liver. But as soon as the body needs to get more vitamin K from food.
Most sources of vitamin K in the body is synthesized by bacteria in the digestive system, but you can get vitamin K from foods such as liver, vegetables, green leafy vegetables similar kobis (cabbage) and milk.
Vitamin K in high concentrations are also found in soy milk, green tea, milk cows, and beef and liver. The types of probiotic foods, like yogurt that contains active healthy bacteria, can help stimulate the production of this vitamin.
Deficiency Symptoms
If vitamin K is not contained in the body, blood can not be frozen. This may mislead bleeding or hemorrhagic. However, vitamin K deficiency is rare because almost all of orag acquire and bacteria in the intestines from food. But the shortage may occur in infants because their digestive systems are sterile and do not contain bacteria that can synthesize vitamin K, breast milk contains only small amounts of vitamin K. For that baby is given a number of vitamin K at birth.
In adults, deficiency can occur due to lack of consumption of vegetables or taking too long antobiotik. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria in the gut that produce vitamin K. Sometimes vitamin K deficiency caused by liver disease or digestive problems.
Poisoning
You also may experience toxicity of vitamin K. This occurs only in people who received vitamin K replacement water soluble. The symptoms are hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), jaundice and brain damage.
How To Reverse the Hair Loss Process and Regrow Hair Naturally
This question, "Can I reverse the hair loss process?" is asked many times a day by many people. The answer is there may very well be a treatment that will stop your particular type of hair loss.What can you do to make sure you will stop losing hair? The thinning seems to be increasing on a daily basis.
The one thing you should know is there are many causes of losing hair. You will need to find out what the specific cause of yours is related to.
The most common reason today is hormone related. The hormone DHT is the culprit when it comes to losing your hair.
Made by the body when too much testosterone is present, DHT is responsible for a large percentage of the population's hair loss. Cutting back on this hormone has had amazing results.
The hair loss process is stopped once the DHT is eliminated. The only way to do this is to use a product that will block DHT.
There are a number of ingredients that can help in this matter. Saw palmetto is one that has shown remarkable improvements when it comes to putting a stop to the damage DHT can cause.
Adding other ingredients such as magnesium and zinc as well as Biotin and Vitamin B6
are also beneficial. The help they provide is to encourage new hair to grow while allowing the remaining hair to be healthy.
Are you at risk for balding? If you believe you are, this is as good a time as any to try this solution and see if it works for loss of your hair.
The use of all natural products is beginning to be seen as the most important way to stop the hair loss process. Not so long ago the answer was to either have hair transplants or buy a hairpiece.
Today, however there are options that will help your natural hair to re-grow. This is becoming a more accepted process every day.
There are many people who have had excellent results for stopping the hair loss process when they use these natural ingredients. Although this may be a new process for today's men, these products have been used many years ago for a variety of problems.
The use of saw palmetto is a way of maintaining prostate health for men. In addition, as you have seen it has shown to be beneficial for stopping hair loss.
When we look to the past for solutions, we often find that our ancestors were pretty smart when it came to using natural ingredients. Be aware that the natural products are not just for men.
Women suffer from loss of hair as well, although it is not as noticeable. The female may produce too much testosterone after menopause which causes DHT to become a force to be reckoned with.
When the correct mixture of ingredients is used, the hair loss process is stopped and new hair will grow. Vitamins, herbs and minerals are the key to the successful treatment of hair loss.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
The one thing you should know is there are many causes of losing hair. You will need to find out what the specific cause of yours is related to.
The most common reason today is hormone related. The hormone DHT is the culprit when it comes to losing your hair.
Made by the body when too much testosterone is present, DHT is responsible for a large percentage of the population's hair loss. Cutting back on this hormone has had amazing results.
The hair loss process is stopped once the DHT is eliminated. The only way to do this is to use a product that will block DHT.
There are a number of ingredients that can help in this matter. Saw palmetto is one that has shown remarkable improvements when it comes to putting a stop to the damage DHT can cause.
Adding other ingredients such as magnesium and zinc as well as Biotin and Vitamin B6
are also beneficial. The help they provide is to encourage new hair to grow while allowing the remaining hair to be healthy.
Are you at risk for balding? If you believe you are, this is as good a time as any to try this solution and see if it works for loss of your hair.
The use of all natural products is beginning to be seen as the most important way to stop the hair loss process. Not so long ago the answer was to either have hair transplants or buy a hairpiece.
Today, however there are options that will help your natural hair to re-grow. This is becoming a more accepted process every day.
There are many people who have had excellent results for stopping the hair loss process when they use these natural ingredients. Although this may be a new process for today's men, these products have been used many years ago for a variety of problems.
The use of saw palmetto is a way of maintaining prostate health for men. In addition, as you have seen it has shown to be beneficial for stopping hair loss.
When we look to the past for solutions, we often find that our ancestors were pretty smart when it came to using natural ingredients. Be aware that the natural products are not just for men.
Women suffer from loss of hair as well, although it is not as noticeable. The female may produce too much testosterone after menopause which causes DHT to become a force to be reckoned with.
When the correct mixture of ingredients is used, the hair loss process is stopped and new hair will grow. Vitamins, herbs and minerals are the key to the successful treatment of hair loss.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
10 The Male Sex Lower Ability
Male sexual performance is identical to an erection. Once the importance of this capability, so many things must be preserved and cared for by the men.
Here are some things that can affect male sexual decline, according to Prof. Dr. Djoko Rahardjo, Sp.BU, sub-section of Urology, Surgery Section Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia / RSCM: 1. Age. Older men usually experience condition called andropause. This is the period in which decreases testosterone production.
2.Diabetes. Blood sugar levels causes high blood vessel constriction and nerve damage, including blood vessels to the area of reproduction. This is what causes erectile dysfunction.
3. Hypertension. High blood pressure causes blood vessel walls become stiff, so that over time will be narrowed vessel lumen. This incident not only in the heart or brain vessels, but also in the genitals. As a result, blood flow to the genital reduced. Erectile disorders were highly likely to occur.
4. High cholesterol levels. Cholesterol accumulated continuously in the blood vessels causing hardening and narrowing of blood vessels. Refinement of the penis causing an erection difficulties.
5. Nervous breakdown. Parkinson's, diabetes, stroke, can lead to decreased nerve function. As a result, reduced neurotransmitter activity and decrease of nerve stimulation. Erectile disorder ensued.
6. Trauma. Direct trauma of the pubic area will destroy the corpus cavernosa, nerves, and blood vessels which ultimately cause an erection.
7. Psychological factors. Stress either because of physical or psychic capable of exhausting work mentally and inhibit neurotransmitter, so that does not happen smooth muscle relaxation. As a result, erection disturbed.
8. Infectious disease. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis resulted in deterioration of work and decrease neurotransmitter levels of estrogen which then lead to lower libido.
9. Drugs. Stimulants, narcotics, and some blood pressure-lowering drugs may interfere with erectile ability.
10. Smoking. Besides can trigger lung cancer, also constrict blood vessels.
Here are some things that can affect male sexual decline, according to Prof. Dr. Djoko Rahardjo, Sp.BU, sub-section of Urology, Surgery Section Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia / RSCM: 1. Age. Older men usually experience condition called andropause. This is the period in which decreases testosterone production.
2.Diabetes. Blood sugar levels causes high blood vessel constriction and nerve damage, including blood vessels to the area of reproduction. This is what causes erectile dysfunction.
3. Hypertension. High blood pressure causes blood vessel walls become stiff, so that over time will be narrowed vessel lumen. This incident not only in the heart or brain vessels, but also in the genitals. As a result, blood flow to the genital reduced. Erectile disorders were highly likely to occur.
4. High cholesterol levels. Cholesterol accumulated continuously in the blood vessels causing hardening and narrowing of blood vessels. Refinement of the penis causing an erection difficulties.
5. Nervous breakdown. Parkinson's, diabetes, stroke, can lead to decreased nerve function. As a result, reduced neurotransmitter activity and decrease of nerve stimulation. Erectile disorder ensued.
6. Trauma. Direct trauma of the pubic area will destroy the corpus cavernosa, nerves, and blood vessels which ultimately cause an erection.
7. Psychological factors. Stress either because of physical or psychic capable of exhausting work mentally and inhibit neurotransmitter, so that does not happen smooth muscle relaxation. As a result, erection disturbed.
8. Infectious disease. Chronic infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis resulted in deterioration of work and decrease neurotransmitter levels of estrogen which then lead to lower libido.
9. Drugs. Stimulants, narcotics, and some blood pressure-lowering drugs may interfere with erectile ability.
10. Smoking. Besides can trigger lung cancer, also constrict blood vessels.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Beware Impotence Drug Side Effects!
Sex was always burning. There are times when the dim, even extinguished. One possible cause is the penis can not erect and become tense. But, people do not have to impotency discouraged because the world has found the drug treatment of impotence.
One of the anti-impotence drug most widely used all over the world are on the market that sildenafil is often called the blue pill. The research has been done extensively in many countries is to prove that this drug has a high success rate, up 89 percent to trigger an erection.However, these drugs also have side effects. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 clinical research, Dr. Alexander Tsertsvadze of the Ottawa Health Research Institute, Canada and his team reported that the man wearing Sildenafasil citrate has 1.5 times the risk of greater side effects compared with those using the placebo.Side effects The most common of these impotence drugs include headache, chest palpitations, shortness of breath, and vision problems, flushing (red face due to dilation of blood vessels on the face), and indigestion. Research also shows that the risk of side effects increases with dosage viagra and a drink.
"Every drug has certain side effects - none of the free drug side effects, including sildenafil citrate," said dr. Budhi Damian Widjojo, Primary Care Medical Advisor of PT. Pfizer Indonesia.
Sildenafil citrate should only be used when doctors said a man suffering from erectile dysfunction is indicated. "Surely a man who may use this drug," he said.
In addition to avoiding side effects that are not desirable, Budhi explained sildenafil citrate not allowed in patients who are taking heart medications nitrate groups. "The use of sildenafil citrate to patients suffering from heart disease have to be careful because there is the possibility of their taking nitrate drugs such groups or because of heart conditions are not optimal for sexual intercourse," he explained.
In men, blood flow is an important part to produce a good sex. Sildenafil relaxes smooth muscle to work, by inhibiting the enzyme fosfodiestrase. Smooth muscle is responsible for impotence is called the corpus cavernosa, a network that supports the erection of the penis. In the relaxation condition, the blood flow into the penis so that erection occurs.
One of the anti-impotence drug most widely used all over the world are on the market that sildenafil is often called the blue pill. The research has been done extensively in many countries is to prove that this drug has a high success rate, up 89 percent to trigger an erection.However, these drugs also have side effects. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 clinical research, Dr. Alexander Tsertsvadze of the Ottawa Health Research Institute, Canada and his team reported that the man wearing Sildenafasil citrate has 1.5 times the risk of greater side effects compared with those using the placebo.Side effects The most common of these impotence drugs include headache, chest palpitations, shortness of breath, and vision problems, flushing (red face due to dilation of blood vessels on the face), and indigestion. Research also shows that the risk of side effects increases with dosage viagra and a drink.
"Every drug has certain side effects - none of the free drug side effects, including sildenafil citrate," said dr. Budhi Damian Widjojo, Primary Care Medical Advisor of PT. Pfizer Indonesia.
Sildenafil citrate should only be used when doctors said a man suffering from erectile dysfunction is indicated. "Surely a man who may use this drug," he said.
In addition to avoiding side effects that are not desirable, Budhi explained sildenafil citrate not allowed in patients who are taking heart medications nitrate groups. "The use of sildenafil citrate to patients suffering from heart disease have to be careful because there is the possibility of their taking nitrate drugs such groups or because of heart conditions are not optimal for sexual intercourse," he explained.
In men, blood flow is an important part to produce a good sex. Sildenafil relaxes smooth muscle to work, by inhibiting the enzyme fosfodiestrase. Smooth muscle is responsible for impotence is called the corpus cavernosa, a network that supports the erection of the penis. In the relaxation condition, the blood flow into the penis so that erection occurs.
Friday, October 30, 2009
What is Cancer? What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Cancer cell
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:
1. a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
2. that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.
When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.
In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.
What causes cancer?
Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.
Genes - the DNA type
Cells can experience uncontrolled growth if there are damages or mutations to DNA, and therefore, damage to the genes involved in cell division. Four key types of gene are responsible for the cell division process: oncogenes tell cells when to divide, tumor suppressor genes tell cells when not to divide, suicide genes control apoptosis and tell the cell to kill itself if something goes wrong, and DNA-repair genes instruct a cell to repair damaged DNA.
Cancer occurs when a cell's gene mutations make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Similarly, cancer is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
Carcinogens
Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.
Genes - the family type
Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.
Other medical factors As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.
How is cancer classified?
There are five broad groups that are used to classify cancer.
1. Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.
2. Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
3. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.
4. Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.
5. Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.
Cancers are often referred to by terms that contain a prefix related to the cell type in which the cancer originated and a suffix such as -sarcoma, -carcinoma, or just -oma. Common prefixes include:
* Adeno- = gland
* Chondro- = cartilage
* Erythro- = red blood cell
* Hemangio- = blood vessels
* Hepato- = liver
* Lipo- = fat
* Lympho- = white blood cell
* Melano- = pigment cell
* Myelo- = bone marrow
* Myo- = muscle
* Osteo- = bone
* Uro- = bladder
* Retino- = eye
* Neuro- = brain
How is cancer diagnosed and staged?
Early detection of cancer can greatly improve the odds of successful treatment and survival. Physicians use information from symptoms and several other procedures to diagnose cancer. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound scans are used regularly in order to detect where a tumor is located and what organs may be affected by it. Doctors may also conduct an endoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light at one end, to look for abnormalities inside the body.
Cancer testing
Extracting cancer cells and looking at them under a microscope is the only absolute way to diagnose cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy. Other types of molecular diagnostic tests are frequently employed as well. Physicians will analyze your body's sugars, fats, proteins, and DNA at the molecular level. For example, cancerous prostate cells release a higher level of a chemical called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) into the bloodstream that can be detected by a blood test. Molecular diagnostics, biopsies, and imaging techniques are all used together to diagnose cancer.
After a diagnosis is made, doctors find out how far the cancer has spread and determine the stage of the cancer. The stage determines which choices will be available for treatment and informs prognoses. The most common cancer staging method is called the TNM system. T (1-4) indicates the size and direct extent of the primary tumor, N (0-3) indicates the degree to which the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M (0-1) indicates whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs in the body. A small tumor that has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs may be staged as (T1, N0, M0), for example.
TNM descriptions then lead to a simpler categorization of stages, from 0 to 4, where lower numbers indicate that the cancer has spread less. While most Stage 1 tumors are curable, most Stage 4 tumors are inoperable or untreatable.
How is cancer treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer (how much it has spread), age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. There is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is the oldest known treatment for cancer. If a cancer has not metastasized, it is possible to completely cure a patient by surgically removing the cancer from the body. This is often seen in the removal of the prostate or a breast or testicle. After the disease has spread, however, it is nearly impossible to remove all of the cancer cells. Surgery may also be instrumental in helping to control symptoms such as bowel obstruction or spinal cord compression.
Radiation
Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, destroys cancer by focusing high-energy rays on the cancer cells. This causes damage to the molecules that make up the cancer cells and leads them to commit suicide. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy gamma-rays that are emitted from metals such as radium or high-energy x-rays that are created in a special machine. Early radiation treatments caused severe side-effects because the energy beams would damage normal, healthy tissue, but technologies have improved so that beams can be more accurately targeted. Radiotherapy is used as a standalone treatment to shrink a tumor or destroy cancer cells (including those associated with leukemia and lymphoma), and it is also used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals that interfere with the cell division process - damaging proteins or DNA - so that cancer cells will commit suicide. These treatments target any rapidly dividing cells (not necessarily just cancer cells), but normal cells usually can recover from any chemical-induced damage while cancer cells cannot. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer that has spread or metastasized because the medicines travel throughout the entire body. It is a necessary treatment for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatment occurs in cycles so the body has time to heal between doses. However, there are still common side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Combination therapies often include multiple types of chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with other treatment options.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to get the body's immune system to fight the tumor. Local immunotherapy injects a treatment into an affected area, for example, to cause inflammation that causes a tumor to shrink. Systemic immunotherapy treats the whole body by administering an agent such as the protein interferon alpha that can shrink tumors. Immunotherapy can also be considered non-specific if it improves cancer-fighting abilities by stimulating the entire immune system, and it can be considered targeted if the treatment specifically tells the immune system to destroy cancer cells. These therapies are relatively young, but researchers have had success with treatments that introduce antibodies to the body that inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation (hematopoetic stem cell transplantation) can also be considered immunotherapy because the donor's immune cells will often attack the tumor or cancer cells that are present in the host.
Hormone therapy
Several cancers have been linked to some types of hormones, most notably breast and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is designed to alter hormone production in the body so that cancer cells stop growing or are killed completely. Breast cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing estrogen levels (a common drug for this is tamoxifen) and prostate cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing testosterone levels. In addition, some leukemia and lymphoma cases can be treated with the hormone cortisone.
Gene therapy
The goal of gene therapy is to replace damaged genes with ones that work to address a root cause of cancer: damage to DNA. For example, researchers are trying to replace the damaged gene that signals cells to stop dividing (the p53 gene) with a copy of a working gene. Other gene-based therapies focus on further damaging cancer cell DNA to the point where the cell commits suicide. Gene therapy is a very young field and has not yet resulted in any successful treatments.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.
Cancer cell
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:
1. a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
2. that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.
When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.
In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.
What causes cancer?
Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.
Genes - the DNA type
Cells can experience uncontrolled growth if there are damages or mutations to DNA, and therefore, damage to the genes involved in cell division. Four key types of gene are responsible for the cell division process: oncogenes tell cells when to divide, tumor suppressor genes tell cells when not to divide, suicide genes control apoptosis and tell the cell to kill itself if something goes wrong, and DNA-repair genes instruct a cell to repair damaged DNA.
Cancer occurs when a cell's gene mutations make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Similarly, cancer is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
Carcinogens
Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.
Genes - the family type
Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.
Other medical factors As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.
How is cancer classified?
There are five broad groups that are used to classify cancer.
1. Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.
2. Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
3. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.
4. Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.
5. Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.
Cancers are often referred to by terms that contain a prefix related to the cell type in which the cancer originated and a suffix such as -sarcoma, -carcinoma, or just -oma. Common prefixes include:
* Adeno- = gland
* Chondro- = cartilage
* Erythro- = red blood cell
* Hemangio- = blood vessels
* Hepato- = liver
* Lipo- = fat
* Lympho- = white blood cell
* Melano- = pigment cell
* Myelo- = bone marrow
* Myo- = muscle
* Osteo- = bone
* Uro- = bladder
* Retino- = eye
* Neuro- = brain
How is cancer diagnosed and staged?
Early detection of cancer can greatly improve the odds of successful treatment and survival. Physicians use information from symptoms and several other procedures to diagnose cancer. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound scans are used regularly in order to detect where a tumor is located and what organs may be affected by it. Doctors may also conduct an endoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light at one end, to look for abnormalities inside the body.
Cancer testing
Extracting cancer cells and looking at them under a microscope is the only absolute way to diagnose cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy. Other types of molecular diagnostic tests are frequently employed as well. Physicians will analyze your body's sugars, fats, proteins, and DNA at the molecular level. For example, cancerous prostate cells release a higher level of a chemical called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) into the bloodstream that can be detected by a blood test. Molecular diagnostics, biopsies, and imaging techniques are all used together to diagnose cancer.
After a diagnosis is made, doctors find out how far the cancer has spread and determine the stage of the cancer. The stage determines which choices will be available for treatment and informs prognoses. The most common cancer staging method is called the TNM system. T (1-4) indicates the size and direct extent of the primary tumor, N (0-3) indicates the degree to which the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M (0-1) indicates whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs in the body. A small tumor that has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs may be staged as (T1, N0, M0), for example.
TNM descriptions then lead to a simpler categorization of stages, from 0 to 4, where lower numbers indicate that the cancer has spread less. While most Stage 1 tumors are curable, most Stage 4 tumors are inoperable or untreatable.
How is cancer treated?
Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer (how much it has spread), age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. There is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is the oldest known treatment for cancer. If a cancer has not metastasized, it is possible to completely cure a patient by surgically removing the cancer from the body. This is often seen in the removal of the prostate or a breast or testicle. After the disease has spread, however, it is nearly impossible to remove all of the cancer cells. Surgery may also be instrumental in helping to control symptoms such as bowel obstruction or spinal cord compression.
Radiation
Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, destroys cancer by focusing high-energy rays on the cancer cells. This causes damage to the molecules that make up the cancer cells and leads them to commit suicide. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy gamma-rays that are emitted from metals such as radium or high-energy x-rays that are created in a special machine. Early radiation treatments caused severe side-effects because the energy beams would damage normal, healthy tissue, but technologies have improved so that beams can be more accurately targeted. Radiotherapy is used as a standalone treatment to shrink a tumor or destroy cancer cells (including those associated with leukemia and lymphoma), and it is also used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals that interfere with the cell division process - damaging proteins or DNA - so that cancer cells will commit suicide. These treatments target any rapidly dividing cells (not necessarily just cancer cells), but normal cells usually can recover from any chemical-induced damage while cancer cells cannot. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer that has spread or metastasized because the medicines travel throughout the entire body. It is a necessary treatment for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatment occurs in cycles so the body has time to heal between doses. However, there are still common side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Combination therapies often include multiple types of chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with other treatment options.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to get the body's immune system to fight the tumor. Local immunotherapy injects a treatment into an affected area, for example, to cause inflammation that causes a tumor to shrink. Systemic immunotherapy treats the whole body by administering an agent such as the protein interferon alpha that can shrink tumors. Immunotherapy can also be considered non-specific if it improves cancer-fighting abilities by stimulating the entire immune system, and it can be considered targeted if the treatment specifically tells the immune system to destroy cancer cells. These therapies are relatively young, but researchers have had success with treatments that introduce antibodies to the body that inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation (hematopoetic stem cell transplantation) can also be considered immunotherapy because the donor's immune cells will often attack the tumor or cancer cells that are present in the host.
Hormone therapy
Several cancers have been linked to some types of hormones, most notably breast and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is designed to alter hormone production in the body so that cancer cells stop growing or are killed completely. Breast cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing estrogen levels (a common drug for this is tamoxifen) and prostate cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing testosterone levels. In addition, some leukemia and lymphoma cases can be treated with the hormone cortisone.
Gene therapy
The goal of gene therapy is to replace damaged genes with ones that work to address a root cause of cancer: damage to DNA. For example, researchers are trying to replace the damaged gene that signals cells to stop dividing (the p53 gene) with a copy of a working gene. Other gene-based therapies focus on further damaging cancer cell DNA to the point where the cell commits suicide. Gene therapy is a very young field and has not yet resulted in any successful treatments.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
