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I made these cupcakes for my Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk team to eat after the walk. The ribbon was made with pink candy melts in a ribbon mold.
There are a varity of cancer signs and symptoms that differ between different types of cancer. The most common cancer symptoms can be divided into three groups:
Local Symptoms
* Unusual Lumps
* Swelling
* Hemorrhage/Bleeding
* Pain
* Ulcers
* Jaundice
Symptoms of Metastasis
* Enlarged Lymph Nodes
* Cough
* Hemoptysis/Coughing Up Blood
* Hepatomegaly/Enlarge Liver
* Bone Pain
* Fracturing of Bones
* Neurological Symptoms
Systemic Systoms
* Weight Loss
* Poor Appetite
* Fatigue
* Cachexia (Loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite)
* Excessive Sweating
* Night Sweats
* Anemia
* Thrombosis
* Hormonal Changes
If you suspect you have cancer see you doctor as soon as possible. Early detection increases your chance of survival!
Artical From www.cancer.sc/content,signs-and-symptoms/
A research team, supported in part by a Penn State University Clinical and Translational Science Institute pilot grant award and research funding from the National Cancer Institute, has developed a promising cancer-fighting strategy for "reactivating" genes that cause cancer tumors to shrink and die. The discovery may aid in the development of an innovative anti-cancer drug that effectively targets unhealthy, cancerous tissue without damaging healthy, non-cancerous tissue and vital organs.
Credit: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health
An oral cancer screening does come with some disclaimers. These screenings could lead to more tests and may not just end at the dentist office. Read more: allseasonsdentalclinic.com/oral-cancer-screening/
Anal cancer is a rare tumor and constitutes 2 to 4% of all large intestine cancers. It can be either anal squamous cell cancer, Cloacogenic cancer, ano-rectal or anal adeno-carcinoma, or anal Melanoma.
As a two time cancer surviver, this was my first time to participate in the Relay for Life. I have lost two grandparents and several friends to this disease.But thanks be to God,He brought me and several of my friends and relatives through it.
People with a history of cancer have a 40% greater likelihood of experiencing memory problems that interfere with daily functioning, compared with those who have not.
CHILDREN WITH CANCER
Images from Children with Cancer charity evening at Harry Potter World
06/12/2022
Copyright:
Dan Jones Images
dan@danjonesimages.co.uk
07939439200
POSE FROM [KW]
You're always better off if you quit smoking; it's never too late, I'M TRYING TOO / + if u wanna follow my pro+
www.mixcloud.com/djrodri-dorg/rd-pro-i-feel-you-the-house/
I FEEL YOU
Scientists have known about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer for decades. But it has been only a few years since the link between this virus and cancers of head and #neck has been discovered.
In most of the cases, the body fights HPV because it can pose a threat of cancer in the throat. But with a rise in the cancers of head and neck, scientists suspect that HPV may be the main culprit in this regard.
Now, the good news is that prevention of HPV requires you to follow only a few steps. And so, you can prevent the risk of cancer.
Way HPV spreads
According to an estimate, about 7% of the #Americans are infected with HPV. It is unclear how this virus spreads. One thing is clear about this virus that it doesn’t spread through casual contacts; i.e. sharing drinks.
It is highly unlikely that you know about the existence of this virus on the body. It is probably due to the fact that it doesn’t result in any #symptoms. And in majority of cases, the immune system clears this virus within two years. But if it stays in the body for an extended period of time, it can result in cancer.
How does this virus lead to cancer in head and neck?
There are about 40 types of HPV that can infect people. But only a few types of it can cause cancer. The type that can result in cervical cancer is HPV16. It’s the same virus that can result in head and neck cancers.
The attack of this virus can lead to the physical change in the cell in the area under attack. The immune system fights off these viruses to prevent them from doing further damage. If the immune system is unable to fight this infection, it can lead to the development of tumors which are most likely cancerous.
It is worth mentioning here that the process of development of cancerous tumors due to this virus is a long-term one. It may take more than 10 years for an infection due to HPV to turn into cancer. So, you normally get a fairly bigger time window to do something about it.
Vaccines
Vaccination is the best way to prevent this virus from making things worse for your health. Furthermore, it is quite important to prevent any infection from developing in the oral cavity, head, and neck area. The most commonly used vaccines in this regard are Gardasil and Cervarix. Both are very beneficial when it comes to cervical cancer prevention.
A Volkswagen Beetle decked out in a cancer awareness theme.
Facebook | www.facebook.com/EricArnoldPhotography
Website | www.ericarnoldphotography.com
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men, excluding skin cancer. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 235,000 new cases of Prostate Cancer will occur this year. However, Prostate Cancer can be treated effectively if it is caught in the early stages.
How much you know about Prostate Cancer detection? The following information explains what Prostate Cancer is and how to recognize early warning signs
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Tumors found in the prostate gland may be benign, or noncancerous, or they may be malignant, or cancerous. Benign tumors can usually be removed, seldom come back, and are not life-threatening. Tumors that are malignant are usually slow-growing, and mostly affect men over age 65. The cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream, causing the cancer to spread.
In general, all men are at risk for Prostate Cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease. However, having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. Some risk factors that cannot be changed are race, genetics, family history, and aging. Other risk factors that can be changed are diet, obesity, and having a vasectomy.
Some men with risk factors never develop Prostate Cancer, while some men without apparent risk factors develop the disease. The Prostate Cancer incidence is higher for African-American men than for any other racial or ethnic group, and conversely, Asian-Pacific Islanders have relatively low rates of Prostate Cancer.
Symptoms Linked To Prostate Cancer Are:
* Frequent urination
* Inability to urinate
* Painful or Burning Urination
* Blood in the urine or semen
* Pain in the lower pelvic area
* Difficulty having an erection
* Having a painful ejaculation
* Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
* Unexplained Weight Loss
A man who has these symptoms should see a physician immediately. Any of these symptoms could be caused by Prostate Cancer or by a benign condition, such as a bladder or urinary tract infection or BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged - aka: Enlarged Prostate.
Screening for Prostate Cancer usually includes two tests, a blood test for PSA:Prostate-Specific Antigen and a DRE: Digital Rectal Exam.
* A PSA test is sent to the lab to measure for levels of PSA in the blood, which usually is elevated in men with Prostate Cancer (but, sometimes elevated in BPH or infection as well).
* The DRE is a test in which a physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall.
Testing for Prostate Cancer may include transrectal ultrasound (TRUS uses sound waves to create an image to visually inspect for abnormal conditions) or computed tomography (CT scan uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images).
When any of these tests indicate that cancer may be present, a biopsy will be required. A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed surgically from the Prostate Gland to determine if cancer cells are present.
Cancer Research continues to add valuable information to the understanding of Prostate Cancer.
* Health experts are looking for new ways to prevent Prostate Cancer, but they are not in agreement on the risks for developing the disease.
* The American Cancer Society recommends that men eat a diet high in plant sources (tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon) and low in red meat (high-fat and processed).
* A study at the National Cancer Institute is looking at selenium and Vitamin E supplementation as a prevention measure.
* Because obesity is a risk factor, experts recommend exercise to lower the risk of Prostate Cancer.
* Prostate Cancer is often found confined to the prostate gland or regional area, and the majority of patients with this type of cancer can live for years with no problems.
* With early detection and improved treatment, the five-year survival rate for Prostate Cancer found in a local or regional state is 100 percent.
* Over the past 20 years, the five-year survival rate for all stages has increased from 67 percent to 98 percent.
Incorporate your knowledge regarding Prostate Cancer prevention and detection into a healthy lifestyle.
Become knowledgeable about Prostate Cancer risk factors that may apply to you, and take appropriate actions including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease. Experts recommend that you contact your physician to develop a plan for Prostate Cancer screening based on your personal profile.
You can find more information on Prostate Cancer on the Prostate Cancer Resources Page
Artical From:http://www.cancer.sc/content,prostate-cancer-can-be-treated-effectively-if-it-is-caught-in-the-early-stages/
While thyroid cancer is very treatable with surgery and other therapies, it remains the fastest growing cancer in the United States.
Credit: Darryl Leja, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health
Cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy are among the most popular. The choice of cancer therapy is made by looking at the stage of the disease and the state of the patient. The goal of cancer treatment is the complete removal of the cancer without significantly damaging the rest of the body. Sometimes a surgeon can remove the cancer easily, other times this is not possible. Chemotherapy and Radiation can be quite affective in killing cancer cells, but they are also toxic to healthy cells.
The Breast Cancer Run
Surgery
Theoretically, non-blood based cancers can be cured if entirely removed by surgery. This is easier said than done. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body before surgery, it is usually impossible to remove all the cancer through surgery. Two of the most well know surgical procedures for removing cancer are mastectomy (where one or both of the breast are removed in an effort to treat breast cancer) and a prostatectomy (where all or part of the prostate gland are removed). Cancer can recur if a single cell is left behind after surgery. With this in mind a pathologist will carefully examine your surgical specimen to make sure there is a margin of healthy tissue present.
Surgery is also used to determine the stage (extent) of cancer. Staging is very important for determining a prognosis and treatment.
A Radiation Mask
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be giving externally through External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally through Brachytherapy. The effects of radiation are concentrated on the area being treated. Radiation Therapy damages the DNA of the cancer cells making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Radiation Therapy damages both healthy and cancer cells, but healthy cells are able to recover from the Radiation. Radiation is given over several rounds so the healthy cells have a chance to recover between treatments.
Radiation is used to treat almost every type of cancer. The amount of Radiation that is given depends on the type of cancer and how close it is to major organs. As with every form of cancer treatment, radiation is not without side effects.
Steve after Radiation
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The side effects of Radiation Therapy can appear during treatment or years later. The nature of the side effects depend on where the radiation was received and how much. Some of the immediate side effects from radiation are burning on the skin, swelling, infertility, and fatigue. Some of the long term side effects fibrosis (loss of elasticity in the tissue that was treated), hair loss, dryness, and cancer.
Mia in the Hospital
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Most chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, and not just cancer cells. This means that often chemotherapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells. However, most healthy cells repair themselves after the chemotherapy has ended. Most patients are given a combination of chemotherapy drugs. It is important that you talk all drugs that are prescribed in combination with your chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy first became available in the late 1990s and it has proven to be very effective in treating some types of cancer. If you have questions about Targeted Therapy and how it can help you or your loved one, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know what Targeted Therapies may be right for your cancer.
Josh and his family after surgery
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a set of strategies that will trigger a patient’s immune system to fight the tumor. Immunotherapy has been very affective on Renal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is used to block or provide certain hormones. They have been particularly effective in Breast and Prostate Cancers.
Tom getting chemo
Symptom Control
Some treatments are designed not to kill the cancer cells, but to control the symptoms of the cancer. This is very important for helping maintain a high quality of life for the cancer patient. Symptom Control is used for all stages of cancer, but particularly for end of life care. There is somewhat of a social stigma attached to the use of high power pain killers. Cancer patients should feel free to ask their doctor or Hospice provider about any medicine they take, especially if the patient feels the medicine is doing more harm than good. That being said, do not stop taking any medicines without consulting your health care provider first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Consult your doctor and do lots of research before beginning any alternative treatment. Do not stop your other therapies or medicines in order to take an Alternative Medicine. No Alternative Treatments have been shown to effectively treat any form of cancer, and none are FDA approved.
Roger perparing for surgery
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials test new treatments on people with cancer. The goal of these studies is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Patients who take part in clinical trails get the best available standard of care for their cancer, however there is no guarantee that the new treatment will work. If the treatment does work, those in the trial are among the first to benefit from the new treatment.
Article From www.cancer.sc/content,treatment/
Edible crab - Canon Powershot G12 + Recsea Housing - Site de plongée/Diving site : Les chaises de Primel
Cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy are among the most popular. The choice of cancer therapy is made by looking at the stage of the disease and the state of the patient. The goal of cancer treatment is the complete removal of the cancer without significantly damaging the rest of the body. Sometimes a surgeon can remove the cancer easily, other times this is not possible. Chemotherapy and Radiation can be quite affective in killing cancer cells, but they are also toxic to healthy cells.
The Breast Cancer Run
Surgery
Theoretically, non-blood based cancers can be cured if entirely removed by surgery. This is easier said than done. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body before surgery, it is usually impossible to remove all the cancer through surgery. Two of the most well know surgical procedures for removing cancer are mastectomy (where one or both of the breast are removed in an effort to treat breast cancer) and a prostatectomy (where all or part of the prostate gland are removed). Cancer can recur if a single cell is left behind after surgery. With this in mind a pathologist will carefully examine your surgical specimen to make sure there is a margin of healthy tissue present.
Surgery is also used to determine the stage (extent) of cancer. Staging is very important for determining a prognosis and treatment.
A Radiation Mask
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be giving externally through External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally through Brachytherapy. The effects of radiation are concentrated on the area being treated. Radiation Therapy damages the DNA of the cancer cells making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Radiation Therapy damages both healthy and cancer cells, but healthy cells are able to recover from the Radiation. Radiation is given over several rounds so the healthy cells have a chance to recover between treatments.
Radiation is used to treat almost every type of cancer. The amount of Radiation that is given depends on the type of cancer and how close it is to major organs. As with every form of cancer treatment, radiation is not without side effects.
Steve after Radiation
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The side effects of Radiation Therapy can appear during treatment or years later. The nature of the side effects depend on where the radiation was received and how much. Some of the immediate side effects from radiation are burning on the skin, swelling, infertility, and fatigue. Some of the long term side effects fibrosis (loss of elasticity in the tissue that was treated), hair loss, dryness, and cancer.
Mia in the Hospital
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Most chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, and not just cancer cells. This means that often chemotherapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells. However, most healthy cells repair themselves after the chemotherapy has ended. Most patients are given a combination of chemotherapy drugs. It is important that you talk all drugs that are prescribed in combination with your chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy first became available in the late 1990s and it has proven to be very effective in treating some types of cancer. If you have questions about Targeted Therapy and how it can help you or your loved one, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know what Targeted Therapies may be right for your cancer.
Josh and his family after surgery
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a set of strategies that will trigger a patient’s immune system to fight the tumor. Immunotherapy has been very affective on Renal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is used to block or provide certain hormones. They have been particularly effective in Breast and Prostate Cancers.
Tom getting chemo
Symptom Control
Some treatments are designed not to kill the cancer cells, but to control the symptoms of the cancer. This is very important for helping maintain a high quality of life for the cancer patient. Symptom Control is used for all stages of cancer, but particularly for end of life care. There is somewhat of a social stigma attached to the use of high power pain killers. Cancer patients should feel free to ask their doctor or Hospice provider about any medicine they take, especially if the patient feels the medicine is doing more harm than good. That being said, do not stop taking any medicines without consulting your health care provider first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Consult your doctor and do lots of research before beginning any alternative treatment. Do not stop your other therapies or medicines in order to take an Alternative Medicine. No Alternative Treatments have been shown to effectively treat any form of cancer, and none are FDA approved.
Roger perparing for surgery
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials test new treatments on people with cancer. The goal of these studies is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Patients who take part in clinical trails get the best available standard of care for their cancer, however there is no guarantee that the new treatment will work. If the treatment does work, those in the trial are among the first to benefit from the new treatment.
Article From www.cancer.sc/content,treatment/
Betal chewing with nuts and tobacco is the main cause of cancer. Most of the Betal chewers know about it. But continue to chew due to addiction and indifference.
World Cancer Day Expo held at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria. 4 February 2016
Photo Credit: Dean Calma / IAEA
Cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy are among the most popular. The choice of cancer therapy is made by looking at the stage of the disease and the state of the patient. The goal of cancer treatment is the complete removal of the cancer without significantly damaging the rest of the body. Sometimes a surgeon can remove the cancer easily, other times this is not possible. Chemotherapy and Radiation can be quite affective in killing cancer cells, but they are also toxic to healthy cells.
The Breast Cancer Run
Surgery
Theoretically, non-blood based cancers can be cured if entirely removed by surgery. This is easier said than done. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body before surgery, it is usually impossible to remove all the cancer through surgery. Two of the most well know surgical procedures for removing cancer are mastectomy (where one or both of the breast are removed in an effort to treat breast cancer) and a prostatectomy (where all or part of the prostate gland are removed). Cancer can recur if a single cell is left behind after surgery. With this in mind a pathologist will carefully examine your surgical specimen to make sure there is a margin of healthy tissue present.
Surgery is also used to determine the stage (extent) of cancer. Staging is very important for determining a prognosis and treatment.
A Radiation Mask
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be giving externally through External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally through Brachytherapy. The effects of radiation are concentrated on the area being treated. Radiation Therapy damages the DNA of the cancer cells making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Radiation Therapy damages both healthy and cancer cells, but healthy cells are able to recover from the Radiation. Radiation is given over several rounds so the healthy cells have a chance to recover between treatments.
Radiation is used to treat almost every type of cancer. The amount of Radiation that is given depends on the type of cancer and how close it is to major organs. As with every form of cancer treatment, radiation is not without side effects.
Steve after Radiation
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The side effects of Radiation Therapy can appear during treatment or years later. The nature of the side effects depend on where the radiation was received and how much. Some of the immediate side effects from radiation are burning on the skin, swelling, infertility, and fatigue. Some of the long term side effects fibrosis (loss of elasticity in the tissue that was treated), hair loss, dryness, and cancer.
Mia in the Hospital
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Most chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, and not just cancer cells. This means that often chemotherapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells. However, most healthy cells repair themselves after the chemotherapy has ended. Most patients are given a combination of chemotherapy drugs. It is important that you talk all drugs that are prescribed in combination with your chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy first became available in the late 1990s and it has proven to be very effective in treating some types of cancer. If you have questions about Targeted Therapy and how it can help you or your loved one, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know what Targeted Therapies may be right for your cancer.
Josh and his family after surgery
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a set of strategies that will trigger a patient’s immune system to fight the tumor. Immunotherapy has been very affective on Renal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is used to block or provide certain hormones. They have been particularly effective in Breast and Prostate Cancers.
Tom getting chemo
Symptom Control
Some treatments are designed not to kill the cancer cells, but to control the symptoms of the cancer. This is very important for helping maintain a high quality of life for the cancer patient. Symptom Control is used for all stages of cancer, but particularly for end of life care. There is somewhat of a social stigma attached to the use of high power pain killers. Cancer patients should feel free to ask their doctor or Hospice provider about any medicine they take, especially if the patient feels the medicine is doing more harm than good. That being said, do not stop taking any medicines without consulting your health care provider first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Consult your doctor and do lots of research before beginning any alternative treatment. Do not stop your other therapies or medicines in order to take an Alternative Medicine. No Alternative Treatments have been shown to effectively treat any form of cancer, and none are FDA approved.
Roger perparing for surgery
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials test new treatments on people with cancer. The goal of these studies is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Patients who take part in clinical trails get the best available standard of care for their cancer, however there is no guarantee that the new treatment will work. If the treatment does work, those in the trial are among the first to benefit from the new treatment.
Article From www.cancer.sc/content,treatment/
CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK ANNUAL BALL AT THE GROSVENOR HOTEL PARK LANE LONDON......PICTURE MURRAY SANDERS CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK..
Artikel i Hudiksvalls tidningen
En kämpe efter en 12 timmar lång operation av bukhinna, livmoder, äggstock, lever, tjocktarm, tunntarm, diafragma och mellangärdet. Opererades med sugarbakermetoden på Akademiska Sjukhuset i Uppsala
My mother the day after surgery. Removed all visible cancer and then washed her stomach with hot chemotherapy using the Sugarbaker method.
(CC) Phillip Jeffrey. www.fadetoplay.com. Feel free to use this photo. I request that you link back to the original picture on Flickr and credit as shown above.
73/365
Canon XSi+50mm f/1.4 | ISO 400, f/6.3, 1/4
June 2012
igG 35.9
Beta II fraction 35.4
Hemoglobin 121
White blood cells 2.3
Feb 2012
igG 40.1
Beta II fraction 39.9
Hemoglobin 121
White blood cells 2.0
I am a multiple myeloma and anemia patient. It is a cancer of the blood plasma. It is treatable, but incurable.
In Aug 2008-Dec 2009 when I was on Revlimid. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with TTP and had a stroke so I was taken off of it. Since then I have had no cancer drug treatment and my igG (cancer levels) have slowly risen from the teens up to a high of 40.1 last Feb.
When I went in today for my quarterly specialist appointment, I didn't know what my igG number would be. I was worried it would be high 40s or even above 50. Thankfully it has actually dropped without any cancer treatment. My specialist was pretty amazed, but I know the reason - SuperBetter.
This is Day 89 of me participating in the SuperBetter project. I created a goal of taking a self-portrait a day on campus and after a couple of weeks I decided to do this 365 project as well. I have benefited from SuperBetter by setting an obtainable goal of taking a creative photograph a day on campus and creating a doable obstacle as it had to be done by midnight. It has helped improve my creativity and make me feel better about my photography and more confident about wandering around my campus with my camera and tripod looking for a photoshoot spot.
I feel awesome and I truly believe that my SuperBetter participation has contributed towards my cancer levels reversing.
Remaining positive, happy and focused as I continue to fight cancer through photography.
Cancer can be treated in a number of ways. Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy are among the most popular. The choice of cancer therapy is made by looking at the stage of the disease and the state of the patient. The goal of cancer treatment is the complete removal of the cancer without significantly damaging the rest of the body. Sometimes a surgeon can remove the cancer easily, other times this is not possible. Chemotherapy and Radiation can be quite affective in killing cancer cells, but they are also toxic to healthy cells.
The Breast Cancer Run
Surgery
Theoretically, non-blood based cancers can be cured if entirely removed by surgery. This is easier said than done. If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body before surgery, it is usually impossible to remove all the cancer through surgery. Two of the most well know surgical procedures for removing cancer are mastectomy (where one or both of the breast are removed in an effort to treat breast cancer) and a prostatectomy (where all or part of the prostate gland are removed). Cancer can recur if a single cell is left behind after surgery. With this in mind a pathologist will carefully examine your surgical specimen to make sure there is a margin of healthy tissue present.
Surgery is also used to determine the stage (extent) of cancer. Staging is very important for determining a prognosis and treatment.
A Radiation Mask
Radiation Therapy
Radiation Therapy is the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be giving externally through External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally through Brachytherapy. The effects of radiation are concentrated on the area being treated. Radiation Therapy damages the DNA of the cancer cells making it impossible for them to grow and divide. Radiation Therapy damages both healthy and cancer cells, but healthy cells are able to recover from the Radiation. Radiation is given over several rounds so the healthy cells have a chance to recover between treatments.
Radiation is used to treat almost every type of cancer. The amount of Radiation that is given depends on the type of cancer and how close it is to major organs. As with every form of cancer treatment, radiation is not without side effects.
Steve after Radiation
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The side effects of Radiation Therapy can appear during treatment or years later. The nature of the side effects depend on where the radiation was received and how much. Some of the immediate side effects from radiation are burning on the skin, swelling, infertility, and fatigue. Some of the long term side effects fibrosis (loss of elasticity in the tissue that was treated), hair loss, dryness, and cancer.
Mia in the Hospital
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs. Most chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, and not just cancer cells. This means that often chemotherapy damages healthy cells as well as cancer cells. However, most healthy cells repair themselves after the chemotherapy has ended. Most patients are given a combination of chemotherapy drugs. It is important that you talk all drugs that are prescribed in combination with your chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted Therapy first became available in the late 1990s and it has proven to be very effective in treating some types of cancer. If you have questions about Targeted Therapy and how it can help you or your loved one, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will know what Targeted Therapies may be right for your cancer.
Josh and his family after surgery
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a set of strategies that will trigger a patient’s immune system to fight the tumor. Immunotherapy has been very affective on Renal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, and prostate cancer.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is used to block or provide certain hormones. They have been particularly effective in Breast and Prostate Cancers.
Tom getting chemo
Symptom Control
Some treatments are designed not to kill the cancer cells, but to control the symptoms of the cancer. This is very important for helping maintain a high quality of life for the cancer patient. Symptom Control is used for all stages of cancer, but particularly for end of life care. There is somewhat of a social stigma attached to the use of high power pain killers. Cancer patients should feel free to ask their doctor or Hospice provider about any medicine they take, especially if the patient feels the medicine is doing more harm than good. That being said, do not stop taking any medicines without consulting your health care provider first.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Consult your doctor and do lots of research before beginning any alternative treatment. Do not stop your other therapies or medicines in order to take an Alternative Medicine. No Alternative Treatments have been shown to effectively treat any form of cancer, and none are FDA approved.
Roger perparing for surgery
Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials test new treatments on people with cancer. The goal of these studies is to find better ways to treat cancer and help cancer patients. Patients who take part in clinical trails get the best available standard of care for their cancer, however there is no guarantee that the new treatment will work. If the treatment does work, those in the trial are among the first to benefit from the new treatment.
Article From www.cancer.sc/content,treatment/