Posts Tagged ‘cancer’

Breast Cancer Recurrence – Death & Vitamin D

Based upon recent clinical research findings, Vitamin D is the only remaining vitamin that may have significant cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention properties. Recent large-scale prospective randomized clinical research trials have not only failed to identify a cancer prevention role (beyond a healthy balanced diet) for Vitamin E, Vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene (a member of the Vitamin A family) supplements, but data from these trials have strongly suggested an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, at least in some sub-groups of patients, with supplements of several of these vitamins.

Alas, as is typically the case with public health studies, the clinical data regarding Vitamin D is not without inconsistency, and the data on Vitamin D and cancer incidence has not been uniformly positive, either. However, multiple recent epidemiological and prospective clinical research studies have at least suggested that low levels of Vitamin D in our bodies may, in fact, be associated with a higher risk of developing certain cancers (look for a more comprehensive review of the data on Vitamin D and cancer prevention in my forthcoming book, “A Cancer Prevention Guide for the Human Race”).

Moreover, decreased blood levels of Vitamin D also appear to be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well.

Now, a newly published prospective clinical research trial suggests that decreased levels of Vitamin D in the blood appears to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, and death due to breast cancer, in women previously diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. In this study, which has just been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 512 women with early-stage breast cancer, diagnosed between 1989 and 1996, were prospectively followed for an average of nearly 12 years.

Blood was routinely collected from all women following their diagnosis of breast cancer, as a part of this clinical research trial. The women were then closely followed for recurrence of their breast cancer, and for death due to breast cancer and other causes.

As with other similar studies, a surprisingly large number of these otherwise healthy women were discovered to have decreased levels of Vitamin D in their blood. In 38 percent of these women, Vitamin D levels were significantly below normal levels, while another 39 percent of these women had mildly decreased levels of circulating Vitamin D. Among these 512 women, 116 experienced metastatic recurrence of their breast cancer during the course of this prospective clinical study, while 87 women died with evidence of recurrent breast cancer.

The results of this prospective clinical study were rather compelling. The 10-year survival rates for these women with early-stage breast cancer varied significantly according to the level of Vitamin D in their blood. Survival at 10 years following breast cancer diagnosis was 74 percent, 85 percent, and 85 percent for women with significantly deficient, mildly deficient, and normal Vitamin D levels, respectively. Based upon the analysis of all of the data from this study, breast cancer patients with a significant deficiency of Vitamin D were observed to be almost twice as likely (71 percent increased risk) to experience a recurrence of their breast cancer, and they were 60 percent more likely to die, when compared to the patients who had normal levels of Vitamin D in their blood.

Although this clinical study included relatively few patients, it does, nonetheless, raise the possibility that a significant deficiency of Vitamin D may be associated with a worse prognosis in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Another related finding in this study was that very low levels of Vitamin D also appeared to be associated with breast tumors with more aggressive features when examined under the microscope, which is consistent with other studies that have suggested a link between “high grade” breast tumors and decreased blood levels of Vitamin D. At the same time, as I have already mentioned, the available data regarding Vitamin D levels (and the use of Vitamin D supplements) has not been consistent, and other clinical studies have failed to identify a link between Vitamin D and breast cancer risk. There is also some experimental data available suggesting that very high levels of Vitamin D in the blood may also be associated with poorer outcomes in women with breast cancer (similar findings have also been reported for excessive Vitamin D levels and cardiovascular disease outcomes). Taken together, the data from these various studies strongly suggest that there may be a fairly narrow “optimal range” of Vitamin D levels in the blood that are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, a decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence (and death), and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease; and that excessively high or low levels of this vitamin may have adverse health effects in these areas.

The next obvious step is to conduct larger prospective clinical research trials that secretly randomize patient volunteers to receive various doses of Vitamin D, versus placebo (sugar) pills. There are several such studies already underway (or about to start), involving both cancer patients and patients without cancers. However, it will likely take another 10 years for mature data to emerge from these ongoing studies. Meanwhile, my advice is to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. If you are a breast or prostate or colorectal cancer survivor, or if you have one or more risk factors for these cancers (or for cardiovascular disease), then you may also want to ask your physician to measure the level of active Vitamin D in your blood. If you are significantly deficient in Vitamin D, then your physician might consider the possibility of Vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with careful serial monitoring of your Vitamin D levels.
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Disclaimer: As always, my advice to readers is to seek the advice of your physician before making any significant changes in medications, diet, or level of physical activity.
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Dr. Wascher is an oncologic surgeon, a professor of surgery, a widely published author, and a Surgical Oncologist at the Kaiser Permanente healthcare system in Orange County, California.

Cancer and Vitamin D – To Take Or Not To Take?

It has been known for many years of the mood altering effects that a lack of Vitamin D causes in people, many of us are familiar with the ‘Winter Blues and some suffer more severely with long-term seasonal disorders or depression. However as the data on this vitamin mounts, more and more research projects are linking the lack of this simple vitamin to many of today’s life threatening ailments.

Breast Surgery for People with Breast Cancer

In this article we will stare at the unlike types of breast surgery that you may be offered if you have breast cancer.

However before any operation takes place the surgeon will talk to you and discuss with you the most appropriate type of surgery for your particular case of breast cancer.

It should also be remembered that no surgery will take place prior to you consenting to it.

Where breast surgery is concerned the type of surgery that will be performed depends on the size of the cancer in your breast, whether it has spread to any other parts of your body and also personal preference.

However, if your cancer has already been diagnosed then your surgeon will talk to you about the type of surgery that you will need. Although there may be times when the surgeon tin not make a decision on what type of surgery he carries out as they do not have a definite diagnosis on the type of cancer that you have. Therefore they may necessitate to carry retired a small operation to remove some of the lump in tell to examine under a microscope before taking the rest out.

The types of breast surgery that you may have are as follows:

1. Mastectomy – Removal of the whole breast.
2. Lumpectomy or Wide Local Excision – Where only the lump is removed from the breast.*
3. Segmentectomy – This where just part of the breast is removed.*

*These second two options are also known as conservative surgery.

In some cases a patient who has had converge surgery for cancer may need to under go radiotherapy afterwards and this is particular true for those who have either a lumpectomy or Segmentectomy surgery. This lowers the risk of that patient having their cancer return as it will hopefully kill off the rest of cancer cells if any leaved after the surgery has taken place. Whilst in other cases patients who have had a mastectomy may find that they are having radiotherapy to the lymph nodes above the collar bone to make sure that all cancerous cells have been remove. Normally the surgeon will discuss what kind of treatment you will have with the radiotherapist once the results from the surgery are back. Unfortunately not radiotherapy treatment can be planned until after the operation has been carried out.

There are many reasons as to why a surgeon will recommend a particular kind of breast surgery, but they will try their utmost to follow a patient’s wishes. In some cases some women would like to keep their breast at all costs, whilst others may prefer to have a mastectomy (because they feel that once the breast is gone the cancer will be gone also) or it is because the do not wish to have radiotherapy. In fact a great deal of research has been carried out and has proved that there is no difference in the outcome whether a patient has a mastectomy or conservative surgery with radiotherapy instead. In fact it has been found that both forms of treatment work equally well in treating breast cancer.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://surgery.health-g8way.com where you can find out more basic information on different types of surgery including other types of breast surgery.

Article from articlesbase.com

Breast Surgery Hawaii for Cancer Survivors

For breast cancer survivors, the emotional and physical toll of the battle can take months, if not years, to recover from. If you or a loved one has battled breast cancer, you may be considering reconstructive surgery. Through breast surgery Hawaii, you can improve your physical appearance and self-esteem. To determine if breast reconstruction is right for you, here is a guide of what to expect with breast surgery Hawaii.

Are you a candidate for breast surgery Hawaii?

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 250,000 women annually receive breast cancer diagnoses. Out of these women, approximately 25% opt for breast reconstruction. And according to the medical publication Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 98% of elective mastectomy patients would undergo reconstructive breast surgery again.

Not every woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer may need breast construction, especially if you undergo breast conservation surgery. However, some women may find that even after a conservation surgery, the asymmetry in the breasts may call for breast surgery Hawaii.

The elements that will influence whether you can obtain breast surgery Hawaii are as follows:

• Your general health

• Your breast cancer’s stage

• Your natural breast size

• How much tissue you have available

• Whether you would like to create symmetry in both your breasts

• How much you would like bilateral breast surgery Hawaii

• Type of insurance coverage you have for both breasts

• The cancer treatment you undergo, along with the type of reconstructive surgery

Breast reconstruction options

Breast surgery Hawaii presents breast cancer survivors with several reconstructive options. Some patients opt for a breast implant, which can reshape the breast. Other patients utilize a tissue flap, which comes from another part of your body, to reconstruct the breast. Still others opt for a combination of the two breast surgery Hawaii strategies.

If you decide that an implant is right for your breast surgery Hawaii, then you are among many breast cancer survivors who choose this option. The most prevalent option is a saline-filled implant, with silicone gel implants growing in popularity. Due to the natural feel of the silicone implants, many breast cancer survivors like this breast surgery Hawaii option best.

On the other hand, other women would prefer to have a tissue flap procedure for their breast surgery Hawaii. In this scenario, the Honolulu plastic surgeon would take tissue from your thighs, stomach, buttocks, or back to reconstruct your breasts. The two most common areas are stomach and upper back tissues.

With the tissue flap breast surgery Hawaii, there will typically be two surgical sites, and thus, you will most likely have scarring both at the tissue site and your breast. Keep in mind that tissue flap breast surgery Hawaii is not ideal for patients who smoke, have vascular or connective tissue diseases, or have diabetes due to the blood vessel involvement.

Reconstruction of the nipple and areola through breast surgery Hawaii

Many breast cancer survivors also opt for areola and nipple reconstruction after their breast surgery Hawaii. This procedure helps the breast look more natural, and this breast surgery Hawaii procedure is typically performed as an outpatient option, utilizing local anesthesia. The Honolulu plastic surgeon will utilize tissue from other parts of your body, such as the other nipple, upper inner thigh, buttocks, or ear, to reconstruct the nipple.

How to prepare for reconstructive breast surgery Hawaii

When you feel that reconstructive breast surgery Hawaii is right for you, your surgeon will provide you with a list of directions that will help you prepare for the procedure. It is very important to adhere to your Hawaii plastic surgeon’s instructions, as these will impact your operation and recovery. These instructions may include:

• Ceasing smoking

• Monitoring your eating and drinking habits

• Potentially stopping the intake of vitamins or medications, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase the risk of excessive bleeding

• Undergoing a complete medical and physical evaluation

• Performing laboratory tests

Battling breast cancer can wreak havoc physically and emotionally. By considering reconstructive breast surgery Hawaii, you can improve your body image and self-esteem, which can help your recovery process, inside and out.

 

Learn more about the advanced cosmetic surgery Hawaii procedures utilized by the premier Honolulu plastic surgeon, Dr. Rizzo, who has decades of trail-blazing expertise in Hawaii plastic surgery.

Article from articlesbase.com

Cancer Defeated! How rich and poor alike get well in foreign clinics

An investigative report on the remarkable successes achieved by south of the border clinics in the fight against cancer.
Cancer Defeated! How rich and poor alike get well in foreign clinics

Ask an expert: Breast cancer video: More on breast surgery


Want to know more about breast cancer? Dr Nick Plowman, Clinical Oncologist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London answers some common questions about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Surgery


About the Video: This interview with oncology expert Dr. Susan Kesmodel focuses on the latest surgical approaches in the treatment of breast cancer. In this interview, Dr. Kesmodel discusses topics such as: Types of breast cancer Multi-disciplinary treatment team Surgery: lumpectomy vs. mastectomy Recovery time from surgery Radiation therapy Sentinel node biopsy Breast reconstruction About the Expert: Dr. Susan Kesmodel is a surgical oncologist at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center and an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Related Links: Dr. Susan Kesmodel www.umm.edu UMGCC Breast Evaluation and Treatment Program www.umgcc.org Overview: Breast Cancer www.umgcc.org Overview: Breast Surgery www.umgcc.org Patient Success Stories www.umgcc.org Distributed by Tubemogul.

Hyperthermia Treatment For Breast Cancer


News story about using hyperthermia as a treatment for breast cancer.Hyperthermia therapy is a treatment used in battling cancer by heating tumors. The Heating is about as warm as a hot tub. Research has shown that heat can damage or kill cancer cells in some tumors while also making radiation and chemotherapy more effective. While it has been known for hundreds of years that fevers can kill cancer, only recently has technology been developed that can control and focus heat specifically on tumors. Local hyperthermia treatment (heat applied to a very small area, such as a tumor) is a well-established cancer treatment. Primary malignant tumors have a bad blood circulation, which make them more sensitive to changes in temperature. “Our own clinical experience and the results of numerous published studies are highly encouraging in that increased use of hyperthermia will improve the quality of life for cancer patients and improve control of cancer recurrences.” Dr. Gerald Sokol, New Hope Cancer Center, Hudson, FL. “Hyperthermia is offering our patients new hope. We are often seeing faster responses, better cancer control, and fewer side effects.” Dr. Leland Rogers, GammaWest, Salt Lake City, Utah “Hyperthermia gives us a method to treat people when there are few other alternatives. It’s an additional form of treatment that can be done in difficult cases, usually without serious side effects or complications.” Dr. Steven Stroup, Centennial Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. “When the

Answer To Breast Cancer – Five Natural Steps

Our Program Works. Step by step how to stop and reverse your breast cancer within 7 weeks or your money back. Benefits includes “Natural Product Source Network,” (premium products ) personal screening and coaching exclusively for our members.
Answer To Breast Cancer – Five Natural Steps

How To Effectively Deal With Breast Cancer

Helping people cope with breast cancer, steps you can take to get rid of it for good, and how to maintain a “cancer-free” body for the rest of your life from then on.
How To Effectively Deal With Breast Cancer