What Is Colon Cancer? - A Disease That Has Guts To Kill!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the globe, particularly in Western countries such as the United States. In fact, in year 2008, 13 percent (13%) or 7.6 million of the total deaths of people worldwide is due to cancer. Among more than hundred types of malignancies, Colorectal Cancer lands at the fourth spot of the most common cancers among men and women.

Colorectal Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells or tumor formation in the large intestine (large bowel or colon) and the rectum. These cells can spread (metastasize) and damage other tissues or organs in the body; thus, referred to as cancer cells. Basically, the colon serves as storage site for the feces before being excreted from the body, while the rectum is the distal end of the colon that is adjacent to the anus. These structures of the digestive tract are the main sites for Colorectal Cancer, but cancer cells can also metastasize to the liver, lungs and other vital organs. Consequently, injury to the different body organs caused by cancer cells leads to several organ dysfunctions that can result to a person's death.

The most common causes of cancer are as follows
• genetic or hereditary origin;
• High dietary fat intake;
• low-fiber diet (low vegetable and fruit consumption)
• polyps (non-cancerous tumor) that are not removed from the colon; and
• Ulcerative colitis

Studies revealed that people with family history of colon cancer are high risk of developing the disease. Another cause of colon cancer is high fat dietary intake. Various researches show that the metabolism (breakdown) of fats results to the production of free radicals or carcinogens, which are substances that cause cancer. Meanwhile, low fiber dietary intake is generally associated with poor bowel movement resulting to diminished ability of the body to eliminate waste products including carcinogens. Cancer in the colon and rectum is also believed to be a complication of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis (bowel inflammatory disease) and polyps that have not been removed.

An individual with colon and rectal cancer will experience signs and symptoms that are also commonly observed to other bowel disorders and some of which are non-specific. These manifestations include:
• diarrhea (constipation and stool reduced if the tumor obstructs passageway for feces);
• abdominal pain, bloating or cramps;
• sudden weight loss
• fresh or old red blood, dark blood in stools leading to anemia
• body weakness or fatigue; and
• Shortness of breath

Hence, specific diagnostic exams are conducted to determine presence of colon cancer such as GI series and Colonoscopy. The confirmatory test for cancer is biopsy. This procedure is done by taking sample tissues from the colon during colonoscopy and studying them through a microscope. Then, another series of diagnostic exams including chest x-ray, ultrasonography of the whole abdomen or CAT scan of the lungs and abdomen are performed to verify spread of colon cancer cells to other organs in the body. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a cancer marker can also be used to determine cancer metastasis through blood test.

Moreover, the most definitive treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery, in which the affected bowel is cut and removed and the unaffected parts are connected. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be part of the treatment plan depending on the stage of cancer.

In general, there are treatments for colorectal cancer, but they are merely intended to relieve the signs and palliative symptoms. Regrettably, cancer remains incurable. A person can live for months or years after the diagnosis of cancer, but is always at risk of premature death, even in the presence of a palliative treatment. Like all other types of cancer, having colon cancer is a sobering diagnosis. However, awareness of the disease is what makes people more alert about health issues.
The information provided through this article is NOT a substitute for professional care and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. You should consult your health care provider if you have or suspect you may have a health problem.

Founded by a group of leading board-certified Gastroenterologists, GI for Life is committed to developing dietary supplements and products based on the most current evidence for supporting digestive, intestinal and colon health. Our products are formulated to meet our patients needs based on years of experience treating some of the most important and common gastrointestinal conditions. Our products contain only the highest quality ingredients to help ensure digestive needs are met. Visit us at http://www.colovite.com/ for products and information.

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My Overview Of A Cancer Free Diet

Not in any way the complete A-Z but here is a brief overview of a cancer free diet. Consistent with the ancient Greece medic Hippocrates and his saying 'let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food' the diet can be used for both cancer prevention and reversal.

Examples of a Cancer Free Diet
 Vitamin A (retinol)
Source: Carrots. Or as a beta carotene supplement
Function: An essential for metabolic efficiency
Comments: Acts synergistically in combination with other nutrients.

Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid)
Source: Found in liver and can be taken as a supplement
Function: Liver detoxification oxygen rich kills cancer cells
Comments: Can also be found in milk thistle

Vitamin B-17 (laetrile)
Source: Apricots particularly apricot kernels, seeded fruits, broccoli (especially sprouted broccoli), bitter almonds, garlic and chickpeas.
B17 reacts with an enzyme in the cancer cell and destroys it. The harmful by-products are destroyed by healthy cells.
 Comments: Apricot kernels are very effective and especially so is sprouted broccoli

Vitamin C or antioxidants
Found in citrus fruits, apples, pineapples, potatoes and green tea... Used as an immune system builder and antioxidants that mop up those cell damaging free radicals...
Comments: Essential for healing, vitamin C also destroys the pathway that cancer relies on when spreading (metastasizing) as discovered by the late Nobel Prize winning Linus Pauling.
Minerals include
Zinc
Zinc can be taken as a supplement. It transports laetrile into the cancer cells and kills them. Laetrile is a purified form of vitamin B17 that has been made from apricot kernels and was developed by Ernst Krebs Jr. as an effective cancer killing therapy.

Selenium
Selenium is found in mushrooms, garlic and onions. It prevents formation of free radicals and is a highly effective anti-cancer mineral.

Calcium
Calcium is found for examples in broccoli, seeds and beans (or a range of other greens). It creates an alkalized body by raising the body's pH and makes it more difficult for cancer cells to form in this environment.

Enzymes
Trypsin and chymotrypsin
Trypsin and chymotrypsin are protein digesting enzymes. What they do in effect is destroy the protein wall surrounding the cancer cell. The cancer cell then dies as it is exposed to immune cells.
The enzymes are produced from the pancreas. When this fails it may be necessary to undergo enzyme therapy with supplements.

Eating large amounts of meat which takes up too much trypsin and chymotrypsin and not enough left for dealing with destroying cancer cells could be an underlying problem...
Other proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes include bromelain and papain found in pineapple.

Water
Good clean water has numerous health benefits. For example, it removes toxins.

Sunlight
Around 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight can pay off dividends reducing cancer risk. Sunlight provides vitamin D3 as protection from cancer.

Summary
-This concludes my brief overview of the cancer free diet. I would encourage the reader to use this as a platform for further research into using it as a cancer prevention and reversal model.

If you liked reading this article then go to http://www.NewParadigm.ws for more related articles, blogs and videos... including a free download PDF entitled 'The Greater Way and the New Paradigm Experience'. Hosted by Paul A Philips. One again the link is: http://www.newparadigm.ws/

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Facts About Metastatic Cancer

The process by which cancer spreads from its original location to another part of the body is called Metastasis. Cancerous cells found in a different organ of an individual can also be similar to the original manifestation in terms of some proteins and chromosomal variations. For instance, Colon cancer that spreads to the Lungs is actually the extended Colon cancer and not Lung cancer. Despite its propensity to spread to different parts of the body, cancer tends to spread to one site more often than others. If properly treated, Metastasis can be cured in some cases but sadly it is mostly fatal. The regimen that is available can only prolong life for months or maybe a year or two.

Common Metastasis sites for different cancer types are identifiable. They usually spread from the breast to the lungs and then to the liver and bones or from the colon to the liver, peritoneum and the lungs.

The various stages of Metastasis-
• Local invasion of cancer cells on normal nearby tissue
• Intravasation, where they enter nearby lymph or blood vessels
• Circulation through Lymphatic system and Bloodstream to other body parts
• Arrest and Extravasations of distant capillaries to move into surrounding tissues
• Proliferation of small tumors called Micrometastases
• Angiogenesis or stimulation of new blood vessels for continued tumor growth

All cancer cells cannot metastasize even if they succeed in reaching another location in the body. At times they can lie dormant and revitalize after years. Metastasis can be found out through X-rays, CT Scan or MRI.

Metastasis symptoms-
• Bone cancer is painful and often results in fractures.
• Lung Metastasis is characterized by shortness of breath.
• Liver Metastasis can lead to abdominal swelling or jaundice.
• An affected Brain can cause headaches, seizures and unsteadiness.
• Sometimes original Prostate cancer is itself detected after Bone Metastasis causes lower back pain.

Treatment for Metastatic Cancer-
Chemotherapy, Biological, Targeted or Hormonal therapy, Surgery and Radiation or a combination of these treatments is known to provide relief to patients. Treatment is provided after bringing into account a lot of considerations such as the type of primary cancer, size, number and location of metastatic tumors, patient's age, his general health and the types of illness he has had in the past. However, even after treatment is provided it is possible for a person to be diagnosed with cancer a second time. It can be a new primary cancer but most often it is Metastatic Cancer. In some cases it happens that primary cancer may not be identified even when the symptoms of Metastatic Cancer are evident. Even in such cases there is hope for effective treatment.

Cure for cancer-
In the early stages, cancer is curable, but when it turns metastatic the patient's life is pushed to the edge. Suzanne Lindley was told in 1998, she had six months to live with colon cancer that had metastasized into the liver. 14 years later, she goes about her daily chores; aligned with an emerging group that has fought the disease effectively. She has survived like other member because they responded well to targeted therapies, drug combinations, surgical options and various radiation treatments. There will be others who will join this outfit with a research backing, which is actively transforming successful clinical trials into life giving models to transform the crab of a zodiac sign, cancer into livid individuals.

Sanjita Chouhan is a passionate writer. She loves to write informative articles on various health issues

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How Quality of Life Will Change As Ovarian Cancer Gets Worse

Once ovarian cancer has been diagnosed, the next stage is for a Gynecologic Oncologist (a specialist doctor in gynecology) to recommend a suitable treatment plan. However, any such plan will depend largely on the type of cancer the patient has been diagnosed with (Epithelial Ovarian Cancer [EOC], Borderline Ovarian Cancer, Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer, or Stromal Ovarian Cancer), the stage (extent or severity) the cancer is at, together with other important circumstantial factors relating to the patient.

Staging for Ovarian Cancer
Stage I (a, b, & c) - Cancer is limited to one or both ovaries.
Stage II (a, b, & c) - Cancer has metastasized (spread) to the pelvis.
Stage III (a, b, & c) - Cancer has metastasized from the pelvis but is limited to the abdomen or lymph nodes (not including the inside of the liver).
Stage IV - Cancer has metastasized to the liver and outside of the abdomen.
(stages I - III [a & b] are usually surgically diagnosed, whereas late stage III [c] and stage IV are usually proven at biopsy).

Treatments
Typical treatments may include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery (including radical), and clinical drug trials, etc.

Quality of life
Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer usually tends to get overlooked, as subtle but significant signs or symptoms cause little concern to begin with. Typical signs and symptoms may include: abdominal bloating, bowel changes, early satiety [sensation of feeling full], fatigue, leg swelling, and shortness of breath, etc. However, what was first of little concern, can suddenly become a major problem as the cancer progresses. The aches and pains, not just begin to become more noticeable, but also more difficult to live with.

Chemotherapy treatment may also begin to take its toll on a patient. As the cancer becomes worse, more of chemotherapy's powerful cocktail of drugs will be needed, resulting in a detrimental effect on the general well-being of the patient. Side-effects may include: body distortion, edema (swelling from excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissue), hair-loss, constant fatigue, incontinence (bladder and bowel), neutropenia (an abnormal decrease in the num

The cancer can also bring other additional burdens too, for example: it is not just the amount of time a patient receives treatment for, but also the potential loss of time from family and work. With chemotherapy treatments, the sudden change in health (for the worse), mobility issues, psychological and emotional issues, social and financial problems, and sexual issues, all help to contribute to a diminished HRQOL (Health-Related Quality of Life).

Philip is a Freelance Writer, Author, and Owner of Cancer Cry. He was born in Oxfordshire, England; however, today he lives in Mexico where he has been based for many years, researching and writing about cancer and other health related issues. If you would like to read more of his articles, check out his website - [http://www.cancercry.com] - and at the same time, please recommend his website to others. Thank you for reading Philip's articles!

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Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Stage 4 lung cancer spreading is called metastatic cancer. The area affected is called the metastases. To identify the spread of cancer to other parts of the body staging of lung cancer is performed, following, the prognosis of the patient is determined as well as treatment of the cancer in lungs n the patient. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stages are divided from 1 to 4. In Stage I the cancer is found only in the lung and in the early stages with small tumors. In Stages 2 and 3 the cancer is limited to the chest and the tumors are large and more invasive. And, cancer will be spread to the other parts of the body through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system with Stage 4. The brain is the most affected part due to this kind of cancer.

Stage 4 of this cancer can spread to the bones, liver, and adrenal glands apart from being spread to the brain. Normal chest x-rays, CT scans, bone scans, and blood tests are how stage 4 cancer in lungs is diagnosed. Metastases to bone may be revealed during bone scans due to stage 4 lung cancer. During bone scans a radioactive material is injected to the bloodstream so that the metastases absorbs the radioactive material revealing the location of the metastases. This is recorded permanently. The presence of metastases is also revealed in blood tests during stage 4 lung cancer. For example, an increased level of calcium in the blood indicates the presence of metastases in the bone. Metastases in the liver will show a blood test with an increased level of enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. These abnormalities in the blood can be revealed through blood tests, which could be an indication of the spread of the cancer to the bones and the liver.

Stopping the growth of cancerous cells is the first step to any cancer treatment, then to treat them or remove them. Areas like the brain are treated with radiotherapy, by a radiation oncologist, to prevent the spread of cancer to those areas. A physician consultation is needed before radiotherapy of the brain is performed due to the side effects of radiation exposure. Depending on the area to which cancer has spread and if it is confined to the chest wall, diaphragm, and lymph nodes, treatments may also be combined using chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is also performed to treat some areas during stage 4 lung cancer.

A clinical trial of photodynamic therapy, which is a new treatment, is under way. This treatment is tried for person having small cell cancer in lungs which occurs frequently and causes obstruction in the airway. You may consult your doctor for more experimental therapies of stage 4 lung cancer.

I for one know there's a ton of lung cancer information scattered all around the web, and I know it can be somewhat depressing to go through much of it. I have compiled all that researched so it might benefit others. I put many months of research into a useful guide. There's no charge of course and I think you'll appreciate the simplicity of it. Its at MyLungCancerGuide.com. While you are there, you'll find this article about Stage 4 Lung Cancer and many other very straight forward, helpful articles.

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All About Liver Cancer

The cancer of the liver is also known as primary or metastasis liver cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer in the Western world (1% of all cancers), but much more common in Africa and in parts of Asia (10% to 50% of all Cancer). It is much more common in men and the incidence increases with age. The cancer of the liver is rapidly fatal, usually within 6 months of the gastro-intestinal bleeding, liver failure or metastases.

Types of cancer in direct
Most primary tumors of the liver are known under the name hépatomes (primary and hepatozellulärem cancer less than cancer cells). Some primary schools cancer of the liver are the bile ducts and these are known under the name cholangiomas.Some rare cancer of the liver cells and contain Chuffer hepatoblastomas sarcoma (which is almost exclusively in children and are usually curable and considerable). Métastatique, cancer of the liver is 20 times more frequently than primitive cancer of the liver and cirrhosis, it is the first form of liver death.
Signs and symptoms

The cause cancer of the liver, not the symptoms normally until it is at an advanced stage.
The clinical effects of advanced cancer of the liver include:
1st The mass in the right upper part.
2nd Offers, nodular on the palpation of the liver
3rd The pain in the upper-right corner
4th Weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, fever
5th Exclusive series jaundice or asides (fluid in the abdomen)

CAUSATION
The exact cause of liver cancer in adults is unknown in children, but it will be May a genetic disease. Carcinomas the liver May adults as a result of environmental exposure to carcinogens such as mold, contrast (no longer in operation), the androgens and estrogens, oral, hepatitis B or damage to the liver due to cirrhosis, caused by too much imbibing of alcohol.

DIAGNOSIS
The cancer of the liver is difficult to diagnose in the presence of liver cirrhosis, but several attempts can help to identify the combination of a study of imaging (ultrasound, CT or MRI) and a high blood-alpha fetoprotein the effectiveness of cancer diagnosis Liver, electrolyte studies show May at retention of sodium, a biopsy of the liver, a final diagnosis.

TREATMENT
The treatments for cancer of the liver are primitive by the measure (state) of illness, age, general health, the feelings and personal preferences. The surgery is the most effective treatment for cancer of the liver primitive, but that is not always possible because of the size or the location of the tumor. Radio-frequency ablation with an option for people with small tumors and non-hepatocellular for certain types of metastasis breast cancer in the liver. During this procedure, the hepatic artery (the artery of cancer of the liver, from their supply of blood) is safe, and the chemotherapy drugs are injected between the slope and the liver. CRYOABLATION May, an option for the use of people from primary school with metastasis breast cancer and liver. The deletion of the entire liver and replace a liver with another person is another form of cancer treatment for primary liver cancer.
Even if the treatment is not too much in improving the cancer of the liver itself, the pain and other signs and symptoms caused by the cancer of the liver can be treated, energetically to improve the quality of life. In general, the treatments intended for children as for adults, and the best approach depends on the date and type of cancer and the age of the child and general health.

To know about you can see at Cancer news.

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Liver Cancer Alternative Treatments and Options

Cancer of the liver is a fairly rare disease, with approximately 16,000 diagnosed cases in the U.S. per year. Primary liver cancer occurs when the disease begins in the liver, which is actually very rare. The most common type of liver cancer is metastatic or secondary. Metastatic liver cancer occurs when cancer cells from another part of the body spread (or metastasize) to the liver. Because there is a tumor in the body that has already spread or metastasized, this disease is very deadly. Do liver cancer alternative treatments exist? Yes.

Natural and alternative treatments for cancer of the liver or any other cancer target the immune system and the whole body. This is because all cancer is a failure of the immune system, for some reason it has not done its job of finding and killing cancerous cells.

Everyone has cancerous cells in his or her body at all times, they occur when a cell has been damaged and its DNA mutates. When this damaged cell divides and replicates itself, the damaged DNA is also replicated, and the new cell is a cancerous cell. The immune system is programmed to find and destroy these mutated cells. and normally does this job very effectively.

If the immune system is weak or has also been damaged, some of the cancerous cells may not be destroyed, and they will continue to replicate. Eventually a tumor will form. So the first priority of alternative cancer treatment is to strengthen and boost the immune system so it can function properly. This is normally done through dietary changes and the addition of different types of supplements.
Many people do not know that there are also specialized alternative cancer clinics that use cutting edge equipment, drugs and procedures to treat cancer. These clinics are located mainly in Mexico and Germany, although there are a handful in the U.S. Liver cancer alternative treatments in these clinics can be very effective.

If you have been diagnosed with any this disease, especially secondary or metastatic liver cancer, start boosting your immune system by improving your diet immediately while you research your treatment options. Pay special attention to the treatments available at alternative cancer clinics, especially those in Germany and Mexico.

There are good alternative treatments for liver cancer, so take a few days to research your options. Because liver cancer is very serious, think about going for treatment at one of the alternative cancer clinics in the U.S., Germany or Mexico, they have had impressive success with these advanced cancers.

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