What is Esophageal Cancer?

X-Ray view of a person with esophageal cancer Photo by maya2008 – yayimages.com

Cancer is defined as an abnormal distribution of cells in the body. The advent of these cells disseminating on to tissues is what causes cancer and its cells spread through the blood and lymph systems of the body.

In total, there are more than 100 different types of cancers, each named after the organs or tissues it affects. Common examples include lung cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer to name a few.

Esophageal Cancer

Another type is called esophageal cancer. As the name implies, it transpires in the esophagus, which is a protracted and arched tube that extends from the throat on to the stomach and as such, makes it part of the body’s digestive (gastrointestinal) system.

The central function of the esophagus is to carry food once it is swallowed to the stomach where the process of digestion takes place. Cancer occurs in the malignant cells that are found inside the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common reason for cancer deaths worldwide.

Symptoms

One of the primary indications of potential esophageal cancer is that patients may have trouble swallowing. They may get the feeling that food is stuck in their throat or along the esophagus. They may also experience choking in some cases.

Also called dysphagia, the sensation begins with mild discomfort and may worsen gradually if the cancer is proliferating. Naturally, the cancer narrows the passage, which is why the function of swallowing becomes difficult.

Although patients may alter their diet or take smaller bites, it makes no difference to the cancer. The larger the cancer becomes, the greater their predicament. The body reacts to the glitch by creating excess saliva but that is only a short-term solution.

If you observe, all the symptoms of esophageal cancer are connected. The esophagus is a passage that carries food, which means areas that are involved are also subject to pain. One of these is the patient’s chest. They may struggle with a burning sensation or extra pressure in their chest. This is because the cancer grows which means the food that is carried by the esophagus will encounter the tumor on its path. The friction is what incites the pain.

If a person loses weight without making a cogent effort to do so, it usually means there is an issue at play. In some cases, it could mean that they have malignant cells in their body, which are introducing a cancer. Nearly half the patients who have esophageal cancer shed considerable weight. The inability to ingest or consume adequate meals is why they become weaker. The cancer compels the body to encourage a diminished appetite and heightened metabolism rate.

Although scientists have been unable to determine the root cause of esophageal cancer, it is common knowledge that there are determinants involved that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. With that said, there has been positive strides to pin down where this type of cancer originates from. Various trials and tests have demonstrated that factors such as drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes are two habits that can provoke traits of esophageal cancer. When individuals consume either of the above, they can damage their DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) in the process. The DNA is attached to their cells, which in this case are on the inside of the esophagus.

DNA is the chemical compound in the cells that constitutes the genes of a person. Genes are instructions for how the cells in the body function. This is basically the reason why a child resembles either parent since the latter are the source of the DNA. Science has deduced that genes are not responsible for esophageal cancer and genes do not increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Risks

The possibility of esophageal cancer increases as an individual grows older. Roughly 85% of patients are 55 or older. There is also a gender imbalance as men are more likely to develop this disease compared to women.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD) or reflux is when acid escapes the stomach and finds its way on to the esophagus. Conventionally, the stomach creates certain acids and enzymes that assists in the process of digestion. This negative reaction can incite heartburn and aches in the middle of the chest. However, most people with GERD do not go on to develop esophageal cancer.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Another condition that is considered a precursor to esophageal cancer is known as Barrett’s esophagus. If acids continue to enter the lower section of the throat, then the linings of the esophagus can be permanently impaired. The squamous cells, which are usually found in this part of the body are then replaced with gland cells.

Prolonged periods of reflux cause Barrett’s esophagus. With the passage of time, these gland cells can deteriorate. This condition is called dysplasia, which is the stage before cancer. The cells appear abnormal when seen through a microscopic. When the damage is severe, then those patients are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Obesity

Obesity, which is the state of being corpulent to an extent that it impacts a person’s health and wellbeing is a common trait that can lead to various diseases. Overweight individuals can develop adenocarcinoma in their esophagus.

The consumption of certain foods can also expedite esophageal cancer in people. It is suggested that an unhealthy diet comprised of processed foods and meats increases the chances of cancer. On the other hand, a diet rich in fibers has the opposite effect.

Plummer Vinson Syndrome

Last but not the least, Plummer Vinson syndrome is another cause of esophageal cancer. Also called Paterson Kelly syndrome, it is a rare affliction where webs develop in the upper portion of the esophagus.

A low red blood cell count i.e. anemia also accompanies this syndrome. This ailment can transpire owing to diminished iron levels, glossitis or large thyroid glands. One in ten patients with this syndrome eventually develops squamous cancer cells in their hypopharynx.

Bottom line: Stay away from cigarettes. Avoid alcohol consumption. Eat healthy foods and exercise. This not only helps avoid esophageal cancer but also helps avoid a whole list of diseases that humans can be subjected to.

The Causes and Stages of Breast Cancer

”Breast Cancer Ribbon" — Photo by Wavebreakmedia – yayimages.com

In our October 2017 article , we discussed some of the statistics related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer. Let us continue with a more elaborate discussion of the underlying causes of this terrible illness, as a better understanding of breast cancer can lead to more vigilance and awareness.

When cells in the breast tissue face an alteration or they mutate and keep reproducing is when breast cancer transpires. Cells which are an anomaly typically assemble to form a tumor.

A tumor can become cancerous or malignant when these cells infiltrate other segments of the breast or if they disseminate to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic systems. The latter is a network of vessels that are meant to combat infections in the human body.

In principle, breast cancer originates in the glands which produce milk in the breasts. These are called lobules and carry milk to the nipples. Although less likely, breast cancer may be traced back to the fatty connective tissues in the breasts.

Causes

Breast cancer is launched by a genetic mutation that occurs in the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of breast cancer cells. This occurs is not an exact science yet, but research has indicated that a deviation may develop arbitrarily in some individuals over a period of time, while others may inherit it from their parent. There are also instances where breast cancer patients may suffer from cancer because of environmental exposure or their choices and lifestyle. Breast cancer typically affects women who are 50 and above.

Despite not being able to declare the precise reasons for breast cancer, we will turn our attention to the risk factors and determinants that may lead to the emergence of breast cancer. For example, a predominant risk is the individual’s age and gender. An aging woman is more susceptible in contrast to a younger man – yes, men can get it too. The greater the age, the greater the chances of developing a mutation, particularly for women. The risk augments dramatically once women reach the forty mark and are more common in females who are in the seventies.

Lineage and hereditary factors cannot be underestimated when it comes to breast cancer. An individual’s family history may give a strong indication with regards to whether they may be prone to the ailment or not. If a mother has or had breast cancer in the past, there is a chance their daughter may also suffer from a mutation in the future. In fact, the chances of contracting breast cancer are twice as much if the mother has been affected.

Furthermore, speaking of the mutation, it may manifest itself and cause cancer, without having a family history. Almost 10% of all breast cancer cases are considered hereditary, caused by genetic alterations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Having the aforementioned genes is not conclusive evidence that the individual will definitely develop breast cancer, but it does indicate that the associated risk is greater.

There are various other potential causes as well. Women who have dense breasts or have a record of having lumps in their breasts and also females who have had breast cancer in the past and recovered are all at risk of suffering from breast cancer again.

A woman’s hormones may also indicate if they are susceptible to breast cancer. For instance, girls who have menstrual periods earlier than the average age (before 12 years) and also females who experience delayed menopause (after 55 years) are at high risk of breast cancer. Concerned professionals genuinely believe the notion that excessive exposure to the female hormone called estrogen is a deciding factor. This is due to the fact that estrogen stimulates the growth of breast cells, some of which may ultimately become cancerous. The same applies hormone therapy for postmenopausal, which may also augment cancer likelihood. Lastly, a woman’s weight may also influence their chances of breast cancer.

Stages

Unlike other diseases and disorders, cancers are typically categorized by stages. More specifically, breast cancer is divided into five distinct stages.

Stage 0

The first stage, which is denoted by a zero, describes non-invasive breast cancers like DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ). At this phase, there is no tangible evidence of cancer cells or abnormal cells in the body. Hence, a potential break out in any part of the breast is not detected.

Stage 1

The next stage involves invasive breast cancer i.e. cancerous cells permeate through breast tissues. Stage 1 is further classified into two subcategories, namely IA and IB. The former delineates invasive breast cancer in which the specific tumor measures up to two centimeters in size but does not spread beyond the breast.

On the other hand, IB describes invasive breast cancer where a tumor is not present. However, there are small pockets of cancer cells in the breast, typically larger than 0.2 millimeters but not more than two millimeters in its entirety. Also, any instance which involves the presence of a tumor in the breast not larger than two centimeters also counts as IB type stage 1 breast cancer.

Stage 2

Moreover, stage 2 is divided into subcategories called IIA and IIB. IIA is invasive cancer where there is no tumor in the breast but the cancer is there in one or more axillary lymph nodes. These are typically under the arm or in proximity to the breastbone. Other factors include a tumor that is two centimeters or smaller and has spread as well. Also, ones which are larger than that but have not spread to the lymph nodes also count as IIA breast cancer.

On the other end of the spectrum, IIB is identified by a tumor that is larger than two centimeters in the lymph nodes, if it is between two and five centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes and also if the tumor exceeds five centimeters in size but is limited to the tissue.

Stage 3

Divided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC respectively. IIIA is invasive cancer where no tumor is located in the breast but the cancer is found in multiple lymph nodes near the breastbone. The tumor is larger than five centimeters in the lymph nodes or it has spread to multiple nodes also qualify as IIIA type stage three breast cancer.

IIIB transpires when the tumor can be of any size and disseminates on to the chest wall and incites an inflammation or an ulcer as well. It may spread onto several lymph nodes near the breastbone. Finally, IIIC is when there is no sign of breast cancer or if there is a tumor, it may spread to the chest and skin of the breast. IIIC type breast cancer can also disseminate on to the clavicle (collarbone) also.

Stage 4

As the numbers indicate, this is the final phase of breast cancer. You may have noticed two facts: the tumor increases in size in ascending order as it moves towards later stages. It began from less than two centimeters to more than five centimeters. Also, as we move towards later stages, the tumor spreads more extensively as well.

Stage 4 occurs when the cancer disseminates beyond the breast and onto other organs of the body, like the lungs, skin, bones etc. Doctors may use the terms advanced or metastatic to describe the severity of breast cancer.

Breast cancer can be treated if detected early. Women are encouraged to get a check up on a frequent basis, especially women who are in their later stages of life and/or have heredity factors that may indicate that they might acquire this disease.

The Alarming Risks of Cigarette Smoking Many People Ignore

Diagram of cigarette smoking in the body — The amount of organs that can be damaged by cigarette smoke is extraordinary!

Of all the external entities that are bad for your health, nothing beats the act of consuming the ashes of cancer-causing (carcinogenic) compounds into your body. Cigarette smoking is the cause of about half a million deaths in the US every year. While the deadly effects of cigarette smoking on the body are well known, the irony is that many people tend to ignore this as if it’s a fabricated or paranoid delusional fact.

If you are one of those who smoke cigarettes every day, you should seriously start thinking about quitting thise deadly habit. In this article, we will take a look at the some of the detrimental effects of smoking tobacco on your health that will make you think twice before reaching for a pack of cigarette.

The Adverse Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains many carcinogenic fumes that when inhaled can increase the chances of deadly diseases. More than 80 percent of the cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused due to cigarette smoking. COPD is a painful and progressive disease of the lungs that can ultimately lead to death.

The toxic smoke of the cigarette can damage the lung cells. It can lead to uncontrolled cell growth in the lungs that will ultimately lead to the development of lung cancer.

Apart from lung cancer, about 30 percent of the following cancers are due to cigarette smoking:

Mouth cancer
Bladder cancer
Uterine cancer
Esophagus cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach cancer

Cigarette smoking can also lead to many heart ailments. Studies have confirmed that smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of heart diseases. The chemicals inside the cigarettes can damage the blood cells and increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that leads to heart attack and smoke.

Smoking can also adversely affect the development of the fetus during pregnancy, leading to increased risk of low birth weight and premature birth. What’s more, men who smoke a cigarette are at greater risk of developing fertility problems.

Why You Should Stop Cigarette Smoking Today

If you are smoking a cigarette right now, you should immediately throw it in the dustbin. Once you have got rid of the deadly cigarette, you should never ever pick another one again. While this may be hard for you at first, but the sacrifice that you make will be well worth it in the end as you can enjoy a quality life due to being in good health.

In case you are a habitual smoker, your chances of a heart attack will decrease significantly about 24 hours after quitting the bad habit. The nerve ending will begin to re-grow, and you will experience enhance the sense of taste and smell. Your blood circulation will improve about 3 months after quitting smoke and you will experience less wheezing and cough.

In about 10 years after quitting smoking your risk of developing kidney, bladder, pancreas and esophagus cancer decreases significantly. After 15 years of not smoking a cigarette, your risk of developing a stroke will be similar to a person who has never smoked before.

So, unless you are hell bent on your own destruction, you should seriously consider quitting smoking and above all, consult with your physician about how to quit this deadly habit.

Lung Health: Are E-cigarettes a Safer Alternative to Traditional Cigarettes

It is a well-known fact that conventional cigarettes can cause great harm to the body. The health risks of cigarette smoking may include coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack, cancer, especially lung cancer, peripheral vascular disease, just to name just a few and it is believed that cigarette smoking is the main cause of about 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Moreover, about 87 percent of all cases of lung cancer is said to be caused by smoking.

The introduction of e-cigarettes in the market was hailed as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. The electronic version of the cigarettes does not contain carcinogenic chemicals that are present is tobacco cigarettes such as tar.

But are e-cigarettes really safe for your health? In this article, we will present findings from various studies that have examined the effects of e-cigarette smoking on health.

Photo by shutswis – yayimages.com

Are E-cigarettes Safe for Health: A Close Look

E-cigarettes contain nicotine similar to a cigarette that gives people the ‘high’. However, it does not contain tar or other harmful chemicals. The nicotine present in the e-cigarettes is extracted from tobacco and mixed with propylene glycol or other liquids. Some may also contain colorings, flavorings, and other chemicals.

According to Public Health England, e-cigarettes are about 95 percent safer as compared to traditional cigarettes. They are perceived to aid people in quitting traditional cigarettes. This perception is grounded on evidence provided by different scientific studies.

A study published in the journal Circulation in 2014 had carefully examined e-cigarettes and found that they contain significantly fewer toxins as compared to conventional cigarettes. This means that people that are exposed to electronic cigarettes have a lower risk of developing deadly diseases associated with traditional cigarette smoking.

Another study that was published in the same year made similar conclusions about e-cigarettes. The study found that e-cigarettes are much less harmful than conventional cigarettes. However, the authors concluded that while they are less harmful they are not completely safe for health due to containing a worrisome amount of aerosol.

The above and various other studies have concluded that e-cigarettes are a much safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. Having said that, the nicotine content found in both electronic and conventional cigarettes is considered harmful for children. That’s why there has been a ban on the sale of the electronic cigarettes to children under the age of 18.

Conclusion

E-cigarettes are a much safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. It’s the perfect alternative for people that are addicted to conventional cigarettes. People who want to quit tobacco cigarettes can greatly add years to their life by switching to e-cigarettes.

However, the statement that e-cigarettes are completely harmless is not certain at the moment. Until a thorough study is conducted by the scientists the FDA and other research facilities, it is too early to say whether the chemicals contained in the e-cigarettes are completely safe for your health.

Treating Obesity Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Obesitiy Comparisions — *Photo by adrenalina – yayimages.com*

Obesity is a growing concern in the world. Different factors can contribute to obesity such as hormonal, genetics, emotional and cultural factors or just not watching what you eat and/or lack of exercise. However, the chief reason for the increased incidence of obesity is the sedentary lifestyle that many of us are so accustomed to.

Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing serious health complications such as diabetes, coronary disorders, and liver and kidney problems. Being obese is also linked to an increased risk of cancer.

So how do we overcome this? In this article, we will discuss the link between obesity and cancer as well as some of the steps that individuals can take to maintain a healthy weight.

The Link between Obesity and Cancer Explored

Man Eating a Biscut — Maintain a healthier lifestyle by being vigilant as to what are processed foods and what are not

Obesity is a health condition that refers to abnormally high levels of body fat, particularly around the belly. A study that had examined about 74,000 individuals found that for every decade that the individual is overweight, the risk of developing cancer increases by about 7 percent.

Another study published in The New England Journal of Medicine claimed that being overweight increases the risk of at least 13 types of cancer. Conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as part of an initiative of the World Health Organization, the study found strong evidence of the link between obesity and colorectal cancer, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, breast cancer, kidney and uterine cancers.

What is the Link Between Obesity and Disease?

Several factors have been suggested that help to explain the link between obesity and cancer. The fat tissue produces a high level of estrogen hormone that has been linked to endometrial, breast and other types of cancers.

Obese individuals also have increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in their blood. Also known as hyperinsulinemia, this condition can promote certain types of tumors in the body. The fat cells also affect tumor growth regulators. Both these factors greatly increase the risk of cancer in the individuals.

How Obese Individuals Can Shed Weight Effectively?

Checking Waistline There is no one effective formula that can help in reducing weight quickly. Individuals have to take a number of measures to avoid accumulation of excess body fat. For many, a healthy diet plan coupled with aerobic exercise is the most effective way to combat obesity.

In addition, people that want to shed weight fast can take Xenical (Orlistat) pills. The tablet is one of the few medications that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity. Instead of suppressing the hunger, this medication works by slowing down the fat absorption capacity of the body.

If you are at present overweight, you should start by taking small steps to lose weight. Aim to shed about five percent of your body fat at the start. Research studies have shown that shedding even five percent to ten percent of the body fat can offer great health benefits. The important thing is that you stick to your commitment.

The little effort on your part today can greatly increase the odds of living a life free of cancer, heart, kidney, or any other serious disorders. But speak to your doctor first! He/She will know best how you should lift those unwanted pounds off.

Coffee Benefits Among Colon Cancer Patients

Hot coffee on a plate — Photo: Creative Commons

Cancer Prevention Overview

HealthDay, a popular medical health digital magazine reported that the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute did a study of about 1,000 patients and found that “Those who drank coffee regularly had a better disease-free survival, meaning they had a lower rate of having their cancer recur or of dying.”

And another study published by the National Institute of Medicine reinforced the concept that drinking coffee is beneficial in helping to reduce the risk of other forms of cancer as well.

The Coffee Colon Factor

In addition, Dr. Charles Fuchs who helped lead the study said “But I do think it would be reasonable to conclude that it could be the caffeine in coffee that is affecting the colon cancer pathway. It’s just that for now we can’t say for sure. We need to confirm these findings in other patient populations.”

He added that patients who drank other caffeinated beverages like soda had “a poorer outcome,” and decaf coffee and tea did not produce the same benefits.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute stated, “Regular consumption of caffeinated coffee may help prevent the return of colon cancer after treatment and improve the chances of a cure.”

The New York Times reported that colon cancer patients who consumed higher volumes of coffee each day “had a far lower risk of dying or having their cancer return than those who did not drink coffee.”, referring to the same research. The study showed promise that “significant benefits” began with two or three daily cups of coffee, and patients who consumed four or more each day “had half the rate of recurrence or death than non-coffee drinkers.”

Additional reports stated that the scientists said until additional research is conducted, “people should not begin drinking coffee if they aren’t already java drinkers,” and those who do drink it should not increase their intake.

The Links Between Smoking and Cancer

Smoking and Cancer Risks — *Smoking can affect many parts of the body*

In the 20th century, tobacco was responsible for an estimated 100 million deaths in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if people do not stop smoking, then it is likely that billions more will die in the future.

We have all been hearing for generations that smoking is dangerous to your health and can cause cancer. With so much research done on the direct links between cancer and smoking, the reasons to stop smoking are clearer than ever before. Smoking is killing countless people all over the world. Let’s read more about smoking and cancer in detail below.

Which Body Part is Affected Most by Smoking?

When we smoke, chemicals in the cigarette enter the bloodstream, directly affecting the whole body. This is the main reason why smoking is dangerous to health as it affects almost all the body parts. Also, it causes fourteen types of cancers, lung diseases, and heart diseases. Unfortunately, people do know about it but still continue to smoke, due to the addictive nicotine which is present in it.

How is Cancer Caused by Smoking?

*A DNA adduct (at center) of benzo[a]pyrene, the major mutagen in tobacco smoke*

Cancer is caused when smoking damages our DNA and genes that guard us against this disease. Cigarettes contain several chemicals such as polonium 210, nitrosamines, benzo (a) pyrene and benzene that damage our DNA. There is also acrolein is an organic compound in cigarette smoke. It’s a toxic compound and associations have been made between acrolein and the development of lung cancers. It is a known DNA mutagen, and this, in turn, could lead to carcinogenic effects. Acrolein has also been linked to heart disease.

How Much Time Does It Take for Smoking to Cause Cancer?

The time duration which it takes for smoking to cause cancer is not defined. Usually, it can take decades or even years for smoking to affect your DNA. Fortunately, our bodies are designed in a way that they can deal with these damages, but when dangerous chemicals come into the body because of smoking on a continuous basis, it becomes difficult for the body to deal with them. Our body can fight against these elements for a time, but will not be able to keep them away indefinitely, especially if an individual is addicted to smoking. Ultimately, there will be a time when it these toxins will completely damage the internal organs.

Which Cancer is Caused by Smoking?

Smoking can directly affect the lungs in the body and research reports that lung cancer has one of the least survival rates among all cancers and consequently, many have died because of this serious illness.

While smoking affects the lungs, there are many more types of cancers that are associated with smoking. It can cause damage and create tumors in such organs as the bladder, larynx, mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, liver, kidney, pancreas, bowel, ovary, sinuses, cervix, nose, leukemia and breast cancer. It can actually destroy the whole body, once someone has acquired any of the cancers out there.

However, there is good news, as the best way to prevent such deaths is to give up smoking altogether. There are many cancer prevention organizations available. One popular service is preventcancer.org. Here you can learn the details of prevention methods for each of the cancers that can affect your body, as well as volunteering and donating to the cause.

Cancer Treatment – Overview

Cancer can be a debilitating disease. It involves abnormal cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body, if not caught in time (for many cancers). There are over 100 different known cancers that affect humans.

Although, much medical advancement has been made in the treatment and early detection of cancer in the United States and elsewhere, such as Israel, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before a cure is found. You can help by following a healthy lifestyle, but if you think you might have cancer, contact your physician at once.

Possible signs and symptoms include: a new lump, abnormal bleeding, a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements among others. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may also occur due to other issues.

Tobacco, obesity, alcohol, not eating health, lack of physical activity and/or heredity issues can be major factors towards acquiring the disease.

Melanoma is a common form of cancer, but is also one of the most treatable if caught in time. Similarly, prostate cancer, if detected early can also be treated and cured with a high degree of certainty. In contrast, certain cancers such as pancreatic cancer is less prone to treatment and the survival rate is unfortunately high among this disease.

Prevention is paramount. Don’t smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, drink alcohol moderately or not at all,, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Make sure you are vaccinated against certain infectious diseases, avoid processed red meat, and avoiding too much exposure to sunlight and go for regular check ups and follow up with preventative procedures; such as a colonoscopy and breast cancer testing.

The chance of survival depends on the type of cancer and extent of disease at the start of treatment, so make sure you visit your doctor on a consistent basis.

Read our articles on the advancements of cancer treatment to stay abreast of the latest medical technologies available.

Raising Awareness of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical Cancer warning sign

All women are encouraged to have a Pap test during the month of January, which is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Every year more than 4,000 patients die with cervical cancer with a total of 13,000 diagnosed annually.

While cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women, it develops over time and is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in nearly all cervical cancers, but that does not mean having an HPV infection will result in cervical cancer. By age 50 more than 80% of women will have been infected with HPV, but the majority of women infected do not develop cancer.

Cervical cancer is a profound health equity issue that is linked strongly with poverty and lack of access to medical care. However, in the US the Affordable Care Act requires cervical cancer screening tests are provided at no cost to women. Improving access to screening and vaccines that already exist could eliminate the disease.

“The landscape constantly changes and so must we,” ASHA/NCCC President Lynn Barclay said in a statement. “When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, we should be comfortable in our own skin and have the confidence to seek the care and support we need. I urge every woman to talk with her healthcare provider about Pap and HPV tests.”

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix and approximately 80% to 90% are caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal squamous cells.

Regular screening is important because early cancers of the cervix do not cause symptoms. There are possible symptoms of advanced disease: abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, after a pelvic exam, and after menopause; pelvic pain not related to menstruation; heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odor; increased urinary frequency; and pain after urination.

Breast Cancer Awareness – How to Detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Mutations

Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the leading causes of breast cancer is a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 human genes. These genes create tumor suppressor proteins that help fix damaged DNA. When either one of these genes is altered or mutated, damage in DNA cannot be properly fixed. This can lead cells to develop additional genetic problems that can lead to cancer.

Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) form a pink ribbon logo on the flight deck to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

Inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 ((BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2) mutations drastically increase the risk of female breast as well as ovarian cancer and possibly other cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Angelina Jolie, the famous actress, shed light on cancer and genetic mutation that affects millions of women. Jolie spoke out about her mother’s death from ovarian cancer and her own discovery of carrying the BRCA1 mutation. This led Jolie to the decision to have a preventative double mastectomy. This preventative treatment is the most important step in preventing breast cancer in women carrying the mutation.

Only about 12% of women in the general population will develop breast cancer. However, about 65% of women in the general population carrying the BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer as will 45% of women with the BRCA2 mutation in their lifetime.

But What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations?

We all have genes in our bodies, that we inherit from our parents. If a gene changes abnormally, it becomes a mutation and these mutations can be detected by your medical professional. More specifically, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 are mutations that are the building blocks, if you will, for cancer. They are the most popular mutations that are linked to breast cancer risk.

It is important to know that a child has a 50% chance of getting the mutation from either parent as both men and women can carry the mutation. Men with the BRCA2 mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer as well as prostate cancer. Anyone with a history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer in their family is encouraged to consider genetic counseling at the age of 25. The Affordable Care Act in the US considers genetic counseling as well as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing in those at high risk to be a covered preventive service.

Those with the mutation can easily manage their risk by yearly screening as well as prophylactic (risk-reducing) procedures and chemoprevention. Enhanced screening increases the chance of detecting breast cancer in its early stages.

Women with the mutation are also at high risk for ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, no effective ovarian cancer screening methods currently exist. Since there is no way to detect early-stage ovarian tumors, many doctors are urging women to undergo prophylactic surgery to remove the ovaries after a woman is finished having children. This reduces the chance of a woman dying from ovarian cancer by about 80%.

Hopefully, within the next few years, medical technology will find ways to better detect, treat, and prevent ovarian as well as breast cancer in those carrying the mutations, but it can’t be emphasized enough. Get tested as often as your doctor recommends and take all the necessary precautions to help you avoid this deliberating disease.