Cigarette Smoking and Cancer

• Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, and bladder.


• Secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths among U.S. nonsmokers each year.
  
• Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical agents, including over 60 substances that are known to cause cancer.
  
• The risk of developing smoking-related cancers, as well as noncancerous diseases, increases with total lifetime exposure to cigarette smoke.
  
• Smoking cessation has major and immediate health benefits, including decreasing the risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
  

Can Freezing Plastic Water Bottles Cause Cancer?

Recently, a lot of people received an email warning that freezing water in plastic water bottles could expose consumers to dioxins, a manmade compound which can cause a variety of health problems, even cancer. The email gave credit to the findings to Johns Hopkins University.

After further research, it was found that the email to be a hoax.

The folks at Johns Hopkins sat down with Dr. Rolf Haden, assistant professor at Department of Environmental Health Sciences and the Center for Water and Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Haden dispelled the myth saying "This is an urban legend. There are no dioxins in plastics. In addition, freezing actually works against the release of chemicals."

There simply is no scientific basis to support the claim that PET bottles will release dioxin when frozen. Dioxins are a family of chemical compounds that are produced by combustion at extremely high temperatures. They can only be formed at temperatures well above 700 degrees Fahrenheit; they cannot be formed at room temperature or in freezing temperatures. Moreover, there is no reasonable scientific basis for expecting dioxins to be present in plastic food or beverage containers in the first place.

The bottom line is that there is no cancer risk in drinking water from frozen water bottles.

For more info, please refer to the following links:

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/medical/a/bottled-water.htm

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/plasticbottles.asp

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/plastic-cancer-link-hoax.html

http://www.plasticsinfo.org/

Colorectal Cancer Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of colorectal cancer and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: My risk for colorectal cancer increases with age.
True or False

Question 2: If my doctor discovered polyps in the past, I am no longer at risk.
True or False

Question 3: One or more of my family members previously had polyps. Does this affect me?
True or False

Question 4: Eating more fats than fiber increases my risk of colorectal cancer.
True or False

Question 5: Smoking does not affect my colorectal cancer risk.
True or False

Question 6: Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day increases my risk. True or False

Question 7: Exercise has no affect on my risk.

True or False

Question 8: Which of these preventive measures is the most effective means of reducing risk?
A. diet high in fruits and vegetables
B. routine screening test
C. adequate calcium
D. all of the above

Question 9: How does colorectal cancer begin?
A. DNA changes in intestinal cells
B. tumors develop
C. polyps grow
D. intestinal lining thickens

Question 10: Where is colorectal cancer the second-most common form of cancer?
A. Asia
B. Western countries
C. South America
D. Australia

---------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is True.

Age is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer: The older you are, the higher the risk. With each decade past 40, colorectal polyps and cancers become more common.

A2: The correct answer is False.
If you've had polyps or colon cancer in the past, your risk is greatest. For example, if you've had a pre-cancerous polyp, you have a 50-percent chance of developing more polyps.

A3: The correct answer is Yes.

Sometimes the abnormal genes in the cells lining the colon which allow polyps and cancers to develop are inherited. The more family members that have colorectal polyps or cancers, the higher your risk will be. But in most cases, the genes become abnormal by chance or because of cancer-producing chemicals (carcinogens) in the foods we eat. In addition, a family history of other types of cancer (i.e. ovarian, pancreatic, uterine and kidney) may increase your risk of colon cancer.

A4: The correct answer is True.

Many lifestyle factors have been associated with a higher risk for colorectal cancer. These include eating too much red meat and animal fats, and not eating enough fiber or fresh vegetables. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may also increase your risk.

A5: The correct answer is False.

Long-term cigarette smoking increases your risk developing colorectal cancer for two main reasons: inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon, and tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. In general, the bigger the polyp, the greater the chance it will become cancerous.

A6: The correct answer is True.

Colorectal cancer has been linked to heavy alcohol use. The highest risks are associated with distilled spirits like gin, vodka and bourbon.

A7: The correct answer is False.

You can reduce your risk by increasing physical activity in your everyday life. This can be as simple as choosing a distant parking space, taking the stairs, going shopping, cleaning your home, going for walks or playing with your children or pets. In general, you do not have to "work out" at the gym multiple times a week to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Simply leading an active lifestyle will help you reduce your risk.

A8: The correct answer is B
This test is the most important step to take. Exercise, a low-fat diet that includes adequate fiber, and maintaining an appropriate weight also help.

A9: The correct answer is A
Eating green vegetables with folate will help protect DNA.

A10: The correct answer is B

30 cancer patients treated to a cruise at the Danga Cruise Jetty

JOHOR BARU: Eight-year-old cancer patient Nurul Nazhatul Nadhira wore a huge smile as she walked warily up the ramp to a waiting cruise ship at the Danga Cruise Jetty.

As she stepped in, she quickly seated herself at the nearest window and exclaimed out loud that she wished the ship would just sail away - "quick!"

Nurul Nazhatul was part of 30 other child cancer patients also known as the Sunshine Children treated to a special outing co-organised by the Rotary Club of Straits View and The Johor Royal Lodge recently.

"I have never been on a ship before and I am so excited to be here," she said shyly as she sat close to her mother, Norazizah Amat.

Norazizah said Nurul Nazhatul had waited a whole year for this boat ride.

"We were supposed to come last year but we were late and missed the boat.

"To see her so happy, it’s really a blessing," she said, adding an outing like this was exactly what these children needed as they spent most of their time in hospitals or going through different treatments.

Another child, Vincent Yap Hao Jing, who was there with his sister and parents, said that it was his second trip with the Sunshine Children and enjoyed himself at the function.

Dr Razak Samsudin, the organising chairman as well as a Rotary member and surgeon at the Puteri Specialist Hospital, said the association was proud to be involved in such a worthy cause.
"Many people do not realise the amount of stress a the family has to face when one or more of its members are stricken with cancer," he said.

He added this was especially the case when it came to children.
"Parents are often more affected than the children, and need a support group to help them through the tough times.

Dr Razak said many of the sick children usually suppressed their fears and anxieties. Participating in outings, and getting involved in activities helped the children to release tension in a healthy way.

By DESIREE TRESA GASPER

Extracted from The Star Metro, 22 Jun 2009.

Do Antiperspirant Or Deodorant Cause Breast Cancer?

A large study in 2002 looked for links between antiperspirant use and breast cancer in 1,500 women. The researchers found that neither antiperspirants nor deodorants increased breast cancer risk. The results also showed no increased breast cancer risk for women who reported using a blade (nonelectric) razor and an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant, or for women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant within 1 hour of shaving with a blade razor.

In 2006, researchers examined antiperspirant use and other factors among 54 women with breast cancer and 50 women without breast cancer. The study found no association between antiperspirant use and the risk of breast cancer; however, family history and the use of oral contraceptives were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Another study found traces of parabens, a chemical found in some deodorants, in some breast tumours. Parabens is similar to oestrogen, the human hormone that can promote breast cancer development at high levels. But finding parabens in tumours is a far cry from saying that it causes breast cancer. In fact, breast tumours have large blood supplies and are likely to have traces of everything in our bloodstream. And more than 90% of modern deodorants are parabens-free anyway!

Because studies of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have provided conflicting results, additional research is needed to investigate this relationship and other factors that may be involved.

Sources:

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/

http://www.cancer.gov/

Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer

Studies found that there are several possible ways in which high breastfeeding can reduce risk to breast cancer.

• Breastfeeding lowers the levels of some cancer-related hormones in the mother’s body, thereby reducing the risk to cancer.

• During breastfeeding, menstruation reduces and often stops (amenorrhea). Lactation induces a period of infertility. This decreases lifetime exposure to menstrual cycles and may be protective against some cancers. This is the general mechanism through which lactation could plausibly protect against cancer.

• At the end of breastfeeding, the body gets rid of any cells in the breast which may have DNA damage. This reduces the risk of breast cancer developing in the future.

The evidence indicates that being breastfed protects infants and children against overweight and obesity. The WCRF report points out that this could be because exclusively breastfed children show different growth patterns from those of formula-fed infants. Babies who are breastfed consume less total energy and less protein than formula-fed infants. It is possible that the bioactive factors in human milk could modulate energy metabolism, a process in which leptin (present in human milk but not formula) may be implicated.

Alternatively, the effect of increased protein intake and plasma insulin concentrations in formula-fed babies could stimulate fat deposition and early development of fat cells.

This protective effect of breastfeeding against overweight and obesity amongst infants and children is particularly significant in later life because many overweight children tend to grow up to be obese adults.

Source: Adapted from Dr. Tee E Siong, "Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent Cancer", The Star, May 31, 2009.

Grilled Food Can Cause Cancer

You may have heard that grilled meat has been linked to cancer. It's true: high heat and long cooking time produce a chemical known to cause cancer in animals. Early studies suggest this chemical may lead to cancer in humans. According to lead researcher Dr. Kala Visvanathan at a recent conference on cancer prevention sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research, cooking meat at high temperatures in direct heat over an open flame can lead to the production of cancer-causing chemicals known as heterocyclic amines, or HCAs. Some grilled meats are much higher in HCAs than others. A grilled, well-done skinless chicken breast contains more HCAs than a well-done steak and more than 10 times the amount of a grilled hamburger. Research also found that women who reported eating more than 64 grams of meat per day ran a 43 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who ate equal to or less than 64 grams per day.

Wheetgrass Juice Can Treat Cancer

It has long been thought that wheatgrass can be a very effective method of treating cancer. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll which contains the same structure as hemoglobin. Chlorophyll then increases the body’s production of hemoglobin, which means that there is more oxygen to fight the cancer. Selenium and laetrile found in wheatgrass are both anti-cancer. Chlorophyll and selenium also help build the immunity system. Furthermore, wheatgrass is one of the most alkaline foods known to mankind.

Wheatgrass must be juiced to obtain the maximum nutritional value from it. In its non-juiced form wheatgrass is non-digestible due to the high levels of cellulose and its fibrous nature. Wheat grass juice is a fantastic health supplement and is an incredibly rich source of folic acid. One 100 gm shot will give you 1,110 μg folic acid and at the same time supply you with most of the other B group vitamins, Vitamin A, C and E as well as the minerals you need.

Planet Of The Cows (Comic)

Latest Cancer Statictics in Malaysia

• Nearly 70,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed among Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia between 2003 and 2005, according to a report released in early 2008 on the incidence of the disease in West Malaysia.

• The Cancer Incidence in Peninsular Malaysia 2003-2005 report, published by the National Cancer Registry (NCR), states that the total 67,792 new cases were diagnosed among 29,596 males (43.7 per cent) and 38,196 females (56.3 per cent).

• The annual crude rate for males was 100.2 per cent per 100,000 population, and 132.1 per cent per 100,000 for females.

• The most frequent cancer during this period in Malaysians was breast cancer (18 per cent) followed by large bowel cancer (11.9 per cent) and lung cancer (7.4 per cent).
  

Source: Majlis Kanser Nasional (MAKNA)

How Bad is Chemotherapy?

On September 1993, Journal of the National Cancer Institute of America published the results of a major study examining the effectiveness of chemotherapy for all types of cancer. The report was shockingly dismal. Chemotherapy provided a response in only about 3% of the cases, while another 4% of patients had a significant long survival period. This means that 93% of cases do not benefit from this form of treatment. The 7% cure rate is referring to survival for five years or more. According to a prominent German research scientist, Dr. Abel, the temporary shrinkage of a tumor mass is not necessarily a good sign, because the remaining tumor cells often grow at a much faster pace and more virulently after the first series of chemotherapy.

SINCE CHEMOTHERAPY IS BAD FOR THE BODY, WHY IS IT SO WIDELY PRESCRIBED?

Conventional medicine believes that to treat cancer, a drug must necessarily be highly poisonous in order to kill the cancer cells and that the success of treatment must be measured by the degree of shrinkage of the tumor size. Chemotherapy, in most cases, fulfils these criteria.

At first glance, this mode of determining success appears logical and rational. Unfortunately, the toxic drugs in use today kill cancer cells as well as many good and healthy ones. The side effects from the treatment, in most cases, leave the patient feeling sick and in poor health, due to the destruction of healthy cells and the immune system, lasting for months, if not for years. Chemotherapy may even shorten the patient's lifespan.

Another important point to note is that the temporary shrinkage of the tumor size has not proved to prolong life, because most tumors have been found to recur quickly, and become resistant to further treatment with the same drug and quickly metastasize.

Chemotherapy is definitely over-prescribed today. Unless a patient falls under the 7% cure group, it does not offer any benefit.

Does Milk Cause Cancer?

Recently, many scientists talk about the association between cancer and cow's milk and other milk products. Ganmaa Davaasambuu, M.D., Ph.D., a native Mongolian scientist, noted that ingestion of natural estrogens from cows (particularly from pregnant cows) in milk may be linked to breast, prostate, and testicular cancers in humans.

A study comparing diet and cancer rates in 42 countries showed a strong correlation between milk and cheese consumption and the incidence of testicular cancer among men age 20 to 39. The rates were highest in high consuming countries such as Switzerland and Denmark and low in Algeria and other parts of the world where people eat less dairy.

Dr. Davaasambuu also linked rising rates of dairy consumption to the increased death rates from prostate cancer (from near zero per 100,000 men five decades ago to seven per 100,000 men today) and noted that breast cancer also appears to be linked to milk and cheese consumption. Among women, milk consumption has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in both the Nurses' Health Study and in a 2005 study from Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

Natural Treatment for Cancer

Treating cancer in the early stages is aimed at making appropriate changes in the diet, elimination of carcinogens, smoking and chemicals in the air, water and food.

Diet

The patient’s diet must comprise of raw fruits and vegetables such as carrots, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, onions, cucumber, beets, garlic, asparagus and tomatoes. High quality proteins such as almonds, millets and sesame seeds should be included in the diet.

Garlic

Garlic is known as a natural antibiotic and is one of the best natural remedies for combating gastric cancer. Garlic abounds in antioxidants and helps treat cancer, if taken regularly during the initial stages. Extract about 1 tsp of garlic juice and take this 3 times a day for a period of 6 months.

Grape seed extract

Grape seed extract is one of the best natural remedies for prevention against cancer. It abounds in the falvonoids known as procyanidolic oligomers that have potent antioxidant properties and improve blood circulation. One of the polyphenols in grape seed extract is resveratrol that hinders cancer cell growth and division.

Green tea

Green tea is one of the best known natural remedies that prevents and treats cancer. It has a potent antioxidant system that combats the growth and multiplication of cancer cells. It is found in a number of beverages and health drinks across the world and can also be brewed and sipped as normal tea.

Marigold

Calendula or Marigold is known to abound in antioxidants that help combat free radical damage and prevent cancer. Taking Calendula tea is highly beneficial for the prevention and treatment of this deadly disease.

Depression Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of depression and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: Which of these behaviors characterizes depression?
a. cynicism
b. unexplained aggression
c. loss of interest in all things
d. rapid mood swings

Question 2: Depression peaks at certain life stages. People in which age group are likely to experience it most often?
a. 16 to 24
b. 25 to 44
c. 45 to 49
d. 50 and older

Question 3: A major cause of depression in women is the inability to express or handle:
a. anger
b. sadness
c. jealousy
d. competitiveness

Question 4: Which of these self-help measures often relieves depression?
a. staying up all night
b. drawing
c. exercising
d. all of the above

Question5: Which of these should you avoid if you're depressed?
a. a romantic relationship
b. a job change
c. major decisions
d. self-analysis

Question 6: Which of these are signs your depression is serious enough to warrant professional help?
a. difficulty concentrating or remembering things
b. constant fatigue or listlessness
c. feeling blue
d. a and b

Question 7: How should you respond to a depressed person?
a. be upbeat
b. listen
c. encourage the person to spend time alone
d. keep the person company but don't talk about the depression

Question 8: Which of these approaches will do more harm than good when you're trying to help a depressed person?
a. offering solutions
b. scheduling leisure activities
c. overanalyzing the problem
d. a and c

Question 9: Proper nutrition may improve your state of mind. Which of these vitamins may help alleviate depressed moods?
a. Vitamin C
b. Vitamin B-complex
c. Vitamin A
d. Vitamin E

Question 10: Depression and other mood disorders cost the United States how much in lost work time?
a. $10 million
b. $16 million
c. $4 billion
d. $16 billion

--------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is C. Loss of interest in all things, which usually causes sleeping and eating patterns to suffer. Brief periods of depression are normal.

A2: The correct answer is B. 25 to 44
Women are twice as likely as men to get depressed.

A3: The correct answer is A. Anger

A4: The correct answer is D. All of the above
Staying up or sleeping only part of the night resets the biological clock, providing temporary relief from insomnia. Drawing helps you express emotions. Exercising produces norepinephrine, which boosts energy and motivation.

A5: The correct answer is C. Major decisions
Put them off until your depression lifts.

A6: The correct answer is D. a and b
Seek help if you experience these problems for more than two weeks.

A7: The correct answer is B. listen
Ask what is wrong if someone seems depressed. Be a sounding board; it may help the person determine what triggered the depression.

A8: The correct answer is D. a and c

A9: The correct answer is B. Vitamin B-complex
L-tyrosine, an amino acid that converts to norepinephrine in the body, is also helpful, according to Priscilla Slagle, M.D., at the UCLA School of Medicine.

A10: The correct answer is D. $16 billion
People suffering from severe depression take more time off from work than those who suffer from hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Papaya Can Cure Cancer

Do You Know?

• Scientists studied 14 plant foods to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth. The 14 plants included avocado, black sapote, fuava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. They found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer cell growth. (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May)
  
  
• The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer. In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect. When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy. (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007)
  
  
• Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanates are found in papaya. In animal experiments, isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon pancreas, and prostate, as well as leukemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms. (International Journal of Oncology, October, 2008)
  
  
• Papaya's fibre is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya's folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA. Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.
  

Make youself a cup of Papaya-Banana Smoothie with this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk


• 1/4 cup of yogurt


• 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract


• 1/2 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and chopped


• 1 banana, peeled and sliced


• 1 cup of ice cubes

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a large glass and garnish with lime.

Exercise Boosts Colon Cancer Survival

New research suggests people who have been treated for colon cancer can reduce their risk of the cancer coming back, and improve their odds of survival, by as much as 50% by engaging in regular exercise, such as walking.

A pair of studies on two different groups of colon cancer survivors both showed people who exercised regularly after completing colon cancer therapy were more likely to be alive and cancer-free six to 12 months after treatment than those who didn't exercise.

In the first study, researchers followed 832 people with advanced, stage III colon cancer who had received surgery and follow-up chemotherapy.

Six months after completing therapy, the study showed that those who exercised regularly -- the equivalent of walking six or more hours a week at a pace of 2 to 2.9 miles per hour -- were almost 50% more likely to be alive and free of cancer than those who were less physically active.

The second study followed 573 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who had been diagnosed with early to advanced colon cancer. Six months after treatment, researchers found those who had increased their level of physical activity after their cancer diagnosis had an approximately 50% lower risk of dying from colon cancer or from any other cause than those who remained inactive.

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 medium tomatoes, blend
  
• 2 medium red capsicums, blend
  
• 2 medium onions, chopped
  
• 3 cloves of pressed garlic
  
• 1/4 cups of tomato paste
  
• 1 cup of water
  
• 1 tsp of salt
  
• 1 tsp of dried basil leaves
  
• 1 tsp of dried oregano leaves
  
• 1/4 cup of dried parsley flakes
  
• 2 tsp of brown sugar
  
• 1 tsp of olive oil
  
• 2 tsp of cornstarch
  

Directions:

1. Pour blended tomatoes, red capsicums and onions in a saucepan. Stir on low fire for one minute.
   
2. Add in tomato paste and water. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
   
3. Keep stirring the sauce on low fire. Add in seasoning, salt, basil leaves, oregano leaves, parley flakes, brown sugar, olive oil and cornstarch.

Diet & Cancer Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of diet and cancer and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: The American Cancer Society dietary guidelines for cancer prevention include:

A. Drink five glasses of milk per day

B. Eat red meat for protein
C. Choose whole grains instead of processed grains
D. Avoid all carbohydrates

Question 2: Obesity increases the risk of developing certain cancers.

A. True
B. False

Question 3: Antioxidants are:

A. Nutrients that protect the body
B. Important in disease prevention
C. Found in many fruits and vegetables
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 4: Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber can reduce the risk of certain cancers.

A. True
B. False

Question 5: The most common nutritional problem facing cancer patients is:

A. Not drinking enough water
B. Choosing the wrong foods
C. Gaining weight from medications
D. Not getting enough calories and protein

Question 6: Cancer treatments can make eating more difficult because of:

A. Difficulty in swallowing
B. Nausea or vomiting
C. Change in taste or smell
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 7: Protein supplies the body with the majority of its caloric needs.

A. True
B. False

Question 8: Nutritional therapy may include:

A. Supplemental nutritional beverages
B. A specialized diet plan
C. Medications
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 9: Aspartame, a sugar substitute, causes cancer.

A. True
B. False

Question 10: Enteral nutrition is:

A. Nutrition through an intravenous (IV) tube
B. Food that is not digested
C. Not designed for cancer patients
D. Nutrition through a feeding tube

-------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is Choose whole grains instead of processed grains

The ACS dietary guidelines for cancer prevention includes choosing whole grains instead of processed grains and sugar. They also recommend eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less red meat and limiting salt intake.

A2: The correct answer is True

Excess body weight and obesity increase the chances of developing many cancers, including breast, colorectal and prostate. More than 41,000 new cases of cancer in 2002 were believed to be caused by obesity, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A3: The correct answer is All of the above

Antioxidants are nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables. These nutrients help protect the body against tissue damage that is a result from normal metabolism. Since tissue damage is linked to an increased risk of cancer, antioxidants play an important role in cancer prevention.

A4: The correct answer is True

Many studies have indicated that specific foods may be linked to certain cancers. Red meat is believed to increase the risk of colorectal cancer while fiber is thought to help prevent it. Since most research in cancer and nutrition is preliminary, the American Cancer Society recommends a diet balanced with healthy foods.

A5: The correct answer is Not getting enough calories and protein

Many cancer patients do not have enough protein or calories in their diet. Caloric intake is often reduced due to side effects from cancer treatments. Eating well during cancer therapy can help individuals maintain their body weight, tolerate treatments and reduce the risks of adverse effects.

A6: The correct answer is All of the above

Various cancer treatments can cause side effects that interfere with proper nutrition. Eating may become difficult or painful because of a dry or sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting or a reduced sense of taste and smell.

A7: The correct answer is False

Carbohydrates and fats supply the body with most of its caloric needs. Sources of carbohydrates include breads, pastas, grain and cereals, fruits and some vegetables. The amount of calories a person needs depends on size, age and level of physical activity.

A8: The correct answer is All of the above

Nutritional therapy can help cancer patients receive better nutrition through a customized diet plan, supplemental beverages and foods and medications that improve the appetite. A dietician, along with physicians, can design an appropriate nutritional plan.

A9: The correct answer is False

It is a common misconception that aspartame, a low calorie sugar substitute, causes cancer. Although numerous studies have been conducted on aspartame, there is no definitive evidence that it increases the risk of cancer.

A10: The correct answer is Nutrition through a feeding tube

Enteral nutrition is nutrition that is received through a feeding tube that is inserted in the nose or abdomen. It can be used to supplement the diet of cancer patients who are unable to receive enough nutrition by eating. Feeding tubes are not permanent and can be removed once the patient is able to maintain nutrition by eating.

Chemotherapy "Treatment" (Comic)

This is the reality of cancer "treatment" in modern medicine: The children get CHEMO and the parents get THERAPY!

-Mike Adam-

Gutsy Girl Beats Bone Cancer

Kuala Lumpur. Munirah Suhaidi was diagnosed with bone cancer on her right thigh in July 2007 after an iron bar fell from her double-decker bed and hit her. Despite having cancer, the feisty 18-year-old decided there and then that she would fight the disease and win. And win she did, not only beating the cancer cells, but also acing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination last year, scoring 9As. The sweet success after the examination was a big encouragement for the gutsy girl to beat bone cancer. Her mother Noraini Ahmad could not accept the fact that Munirah had cancer as there was no history of cancer in the family. Initially, Noraini did not want her daughter to undergo chemotheraphy because she had heard about the terrible effects of chemotherapy on the patient. They have tried to see bomoh, seek alternative therapy and spend about RM10,000 buying supplements but it did not work.

Finally, Munirah decided to go for chemotherapy as she did not want to die of cancer. She underwent three chemotherapy sessions to reduce the swelling on her right knee. The side effects were horrible. She vomited, felt dizzy, had severe stomach ache and lost all her hair. Three weeks after the last session, she underwent a five-and-a-half hours operation to remove cancerous bone and replace it with an implant. Eighteen days after her operation, the doctors told her to get up and walk and she did it on her own. Six weeks later, she was readmitted to hospital for antibiotic treatment as she suffered an infection on her knee.

Munirah had skipped school for six months last year as she was in and out of the hospital. She went back to school but she was way behind as the teachers had already started teaching the last chapters of the subjects. She started taking tuition classes for eight subjects and studied for six hours every day to catch up. For Munirah, her mother was her motivation for studying hard. She is also grateful to her stepfather, Zainordin Mat Noh, who cooked for her and got things done for her as she could not walk during that time.

Munirah hopes to be an inspiration to her three younger brothers and will be registering for matriculation classes at a college in Perak. Her ambition is to become a doctor specializing in cardiology because she is very interested in how the heart works. Describing herself as an ordinary girl who was “a little bit crazy”, she said she would not allow the bad experience of cancer to beat her.

Healthy Juice Recipes

For healthy juicing, remember to go organic. Wash your fruits and vegetables. Drink slowly, remember to "chew" slosh the juice with your saliva for healthy digestion. The most important thing is to use a good juicer to juice. Here, we would like to recommend to you NewLifeTM Alpha Juicer. The recipes for healthy juice are given to you as below. Enjoy juicing!

NewLifeTM Alpha Juicer

1. Morning Juice
1 tsp NewLifeTM Natural Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp NewLifeTM Pure Raw Honey

2. Energy Provider Juice
handful of Parsley
6 carrots

3. Body Cleaning Juice
2 carrots
2 green apples
½ cucumber or ½ lemon

4. Liver Cleansing Juice
2-3 carrots
½ beet

5. Digestive Tonic Juice
handful of spinach
6 carrots

6. The 3 C's Juice
¼ head cabbage
3 stalks of celery
4-6 carrots

7. Evening Juice
2 apples
1 pear

Breast Cancer - The Silent Killer (Part III)

Several new treatments offer hope for making future treatment easier for women with breast cancer. One of them is Herceptin. Herceptin is a drug commonly used to treat women who have a certain type of breast cancer. This drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells by blocking HER2, a protein found on the surface of some types of breast cancer cells. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of breast cancers produce too much HER2. These "HER2 positive" tumors tend to grow faster and are generally more likely to return than tumors that do not overproduce HER2. Results from two recent clinical trials show that those patients with early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer who received Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy had a 52 percent decrease in risk in the cancer returning compared with patients who received chemotherapy treatment alone.

No cancer treatment works for every person because every person who has HER2+ breast cancer is unique. Your experience may be different from those of the women who participated in the clinical trials. Further, because of the aggressive nature of HER2+ breast cancer, the status of these women may change over time. Thus, it is important to discuss potential treatment benefits and risks with your doctor and to have realistic expectations of Herceptin therapy.

Fruits Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp of honey


• 1 tbsp of olive oil


• 1 tsp of flaxseed oil


• ½ tbsp of lemon juice


• ½ tbsp of soy sauce (unfermented)


• ¼ tsp of salt


• ½ cup of almond butter


• 5 mangoes, sliced


• ½ honeydew, sliced


• 6 apples, diced


• ¼ cups of raisins

Directions:

1. Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. To make the sauce/dressing, mix the ingredients together in a blender to blend.


2. In a large bowl, combine all the fruits.


3. Toss the fruits with the sauce and let marinade for 15 minutes.


4. Recipe makes six servings.

Breast Cancer – The Silent Killer (Part II)

Breast Self-Exams

Regular breast self-exams help women to know their breasts well and notice the slightest change on their breasts. It helps to detect breast cancers that mammograms sometimes miss. Many breast cancer experts agree that self-exams are safer than mammography because it does not exposes women to radiation, a known carcinogen. In some cases, mammography fails to detect around 20 percent of breast cancers in older women and 40 percent in younger women whose breast tissue is more dense. Until scientists develop a safe, foolproof and accessible screening method for breast cancer, self-exams are an irreplaceable element in the early detection tool kit.

3 Steps of Breast Self-Exams

Step 1

Begin by looking at your breast in front of a mirror ,with your arms at your side, with your arms raised behind your head, and with your arms on your hips.

Here is what you should look for:

• One breast unusually lower than the other
• An unusual increase in the size of one breast
• Unusual thickening of your breasts
• Any new lump (which may or may not be painful or tender)
• Sticky or bloody discharge from your nipples
• Any changes in the skin of your nipples or breasts, such as puckering or dimpling

**Important: If you see any of the above changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention.

Step 2

Next, lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder and your left hand behind your head. Your shoulder should be raised enough for your left breast to be center on top of your chest. This will help you to check the breast tissues evenly. Use your right hand with the pads of the 3 middle fingers to feel your left breast. Start at the outer edge and work around your breast in circles, getting closer to your nipple with each circle. Be sure to include the area up to your collarbone and out to your armpit. You have lymph nodes in this area. Cancer can spread to lymph node tissue. Then, do exactly the same for your right breast with the pillow under your right shoulder.

Step 3

After you’ve finished checking your breast, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

What is Mammograms?

A mammogram is another way to detect breast cancer early. A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray of your breasts. It is a quick and simple test that usually takes less than 30 minutes. The goal of mammograms is to detect cancerous cell/tissue before they start to cause symptoms. The dose of radiation used in a mammogram is very low, about the same amount as in a dentist's X-ray and there is no evidence that the small amount of radiation used can actually cause cancer. Women aged 40 and above are strongly encouraged to get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.

To be continued......

Waffle Delight Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of soybeans milk
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of vanila
• 1 tbs full of melted butter

Directions:

1. First, pre-heat your waffle iron or non-stick pan. This will be a lifesaver later, when you will be stuffing yourself with tasty waffles instead of standing with a cup full of waffle batter in front of the cold waffle iron.


2. Take a bowl and mix in all soybeans milk, rolled oats, salt, vanila and melted buter.


3. Then put all ingredients into a blender and blend them until smooth.


4. Put one cup of batter in the preheated iron waffle or non-stick pan and close it.


5. If batter becomes thicken, pour in additional soybeans milk or water.


6. It will only take 2 minutes for waffles to get ready for serving.


7. When waffles are ready, leave them on a tray to cool down and then enjoy!

Breast Cancer - The Silent Killer (Part I)

Breast cancer is the number one killer for women in most parts of the world. In countries like USA, the statistics are more frightening where about 184,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually. Research found that:

• Every 3 minutes, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer (USA)
• Every 11 minutes, one woman dies from breast cancer (USA)
• Every year, 30,000 women and 200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer (UK)

In 2003-2005, breast cancer was the top killer for Malaysian woman aged 20 years old and above. Based on research findings:

• Among all races, Chinese have the highest record of getting breast cancer, followed by the Indians and then, Malays.
• Breast cancer formed 31.1% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women from 2003 to 2005.
• A woman in Malaysia has a 1 in 20 chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime.
• The cumulative life time risk of developing breast cancer among the races were: Chinese women (1 in 16), Indian women (1 in 17) and Malay women (1 in 28).
• Women between 50 to 59 years old have the highest risk of getting breast cancer.

What causes breast cancer?
The exact cause or causes of breast cancer remain unknown. However, there is a number of risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting this disease. Certain risk factors, such as age, are beyond our control; whereas others, like lifestyle, can be modified. Here are some of the causes of breast cancer:

Risk factors that are beyond our control:

• Gender- Simply being a woman is the main risk for breast cancer.


• Age- Women between 50 to 59 years old have the highest risk of getting breast cancer.


• Race- White women are slightly more likely to get breast cancer than are African-American women.


• Family history.


• Genetic mutations.


• Personal history of breast cancer.


• Menstrual period- Women who began having periods early (before age 12) or who went through the change of life (menopause) after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

Risk factors that are within our control; Lifestyle:

• Recent use of birth control pills


• Not having children or having them after age 30


• Not breast-feeding


• Abuse of alcohol


• Overweight or obese


• Lack of or no exercise


• Unhealthy fat diet


• Use of antiperspirants


• Frequent use of bras especially at night to sleep


• Abortions


• Breast implants


• Cigarette smoking


• Pollution


• Working late hours

Diet and breast cancer
Research found that diet and food intake play an important role in the prevention of breast cancer. To prevent breast cancer, you should:

• Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. Eat fruits such as citrus, berries and cherries. Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as brocolli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower), dark lea (such as collards, kale, spinach), carrots and tomatoes.


• Take daily supplements. Scientists suggested that taking Vitamin D, Low GI (glycemic index) carbohydrates, Omega-3 fats, Flaxseed Oil and Vitamin E are effective to prevent breast cancer.


• Consume whole food soy products such as tofu and roasted soy nuts. Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy.

To be continued......

Corn Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped1 large russet potato (or 2 red skinned potatoes), cut into 1/4” cubes
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 5 ears corn, husked
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 5 cup of water
• 1 tsp of nutritional yeast flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsp of salt
• 2 tbsp of olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, hold 1 ear of corn upright and use a serrated knife to cut off the kernals, but only go halfway deep. Go around the ear once. Go around the ear a second time, this time getting the rest of the kernals. Third time around: use the back of the knife and go over the ear again, to extract out all of the creamy, milky pulp. The purpose of going around 3 times is to get as much cream from the kernels as possible (and without the use of a food processor) Repeat with remaining ears. Set aside.

2. Boil potatoes, onion, green pepper, and corn with water in a large pot.

3. Scoop out half portion of the soup and vegetables. Put it inside a blender.

4. Add in cooked rice, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt and olive oil in the blender, and blend until creamy.

5. Pour blended soup back into the large pot, mix and serve warm.

Understanding Radiotherapy

What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is the use of high energy x-rays and similar rays (such as electrons) to treat disease. The aim of the treatment is to destroy the cancer cells in the area being treated. Normal cells will also be affected but they are better able to repair themselves. Radiotherapy treatment can cure some cancers and can also reduce the chance of a cancer coming back after surgery. It may be used to reduce cancer symptoms.


Types of radiotherapy
There are two main types of radiotherapy treatment: external radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy.

External radiotherapy is where a machine is used to give a dose of energy, such as X-rays, to attack the cancer cells. There are different types of radiotherapy machines, which work in slightly different ways. For a session of radiotherapy you will be asked to sit or lie in a position that allows the energy beam to be directed accurately at the cancer. This may involve lying down while the machine rotates around you, or you may be asked to sit in a chair while the beam is directed at a cancer that is near the surface of your skin (also called superficial cancer). The machine won't touch you and you won't feel any pain during the treatment. When you are settled, the therapist has to go out into a separate control room. This is for their protection from repeated exposure to radiation. In the control room they can see you via a TV monitor or through a window, and you will still be able to talk to them. The therapist then uses controls to emit radiation from the machine for a short time.

Each session of treatment usually only lasts a few minutes (although it may take several minutes to position you and the machine correctly each time). During each treatment session the radiation may be emitted several times in short bursts from different angles. This may mean that you or the machine need to be adjusted a few times during a treatment session. One reason why this may be done is that although each burst of radiation will focus on the cancer, each burst will pass through different parts of your body on the way. This aims to reduce damage to normal tissues.

Internal radiotherapy is where the source of radioactivity is put inside your body so it can get closer to the cancer. This can be done in two ways:

1. Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy allows a physician to use a higher total dose of radiation to treat a smaller area and in a shorter time than is possible with external radiation treatment. A solid source of radioactivity is put next to a tumour to give a high dose of radiotherapy. This means the effect on body tissue around the cancer is as little as possible.

Brachytherapy is used to treat cancers throughout the body, including the:

• Prostate
• Cervix
• Head and neck
• Ovary
• Breast
• Gallbladder
• Uterus
• Vagina

2. Radioisotope therapy

This is when a liquid radioactive source is put inside your body. A radioactive liquid (usually radioactive iodine) is given either as an injection into a vein or as a liquid you can drink. Radioisotope treatment can be used for thyroid, adrenal and bone cancers.

You will need to drink plenty of water during your treatment, to flush the radioactive iodine out of your system. The amount of radiation in your body will be closely monitored, and when it drops back down to a safe level you will be able to go home.

Common side effects during treatment

Not every patient experiences side effects. Usually, one or two side effects occur. Depending on which part of your body is being treated, possible side-effects immediately after radiotherapy include:

• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sick and vomiting
• Skin changes – skin may become red, itchy and sometimes sore, like sunburn
• Hair loss (alopecia) – this may affect parts of the body that were treated, including head, facial hair, armpits and pubic hair.
• Mouth issues – may include mouth dryness, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and dental decay.
• Chest problems – may include coughing, shortness of breath and painful swallowing.
• Abdominal problems – may include diarrhoea, bleeding (rarely), a burning sensation when urinating, the urge to urinate more often, vaginal dryness and discomfort. If the ovaries are present and working, they may cease to work after four weeks and menopause may affect women. Patients with prior bowel disorders such as diverticular disease may find their symptoms become worse.
• Emotional symptoms - feeling low, depressed or anxious after treatment
  

Quick Notes:

• Radiotherapy is the use of precisely targeted x-rays to destroy cancer cells. It is a painless treatment given in a number of doses.
• Common side effects of radiotherapy include fatigue and skin problems such as itchiness and colour changes.
• It is important to remember that almost all side effects will disappear once treatment is completed.
• Later effects will need to be monitored along with your progress.

Baked Long Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• 20 trips of long bean
• ¾ tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp sesame butter
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (baked or fry dried)

Directions:

1. Put washed long beans into a pot of boiling water to boil until soften, and then scoop them out.


2. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, salt, olive oil, nutritional yeast, sesame butter and sesame seeds. Add long beans in it and mix well.


3. Use your hands to knot the long beans one by one. Then, place them on the baking tray to bake for 20 minutes in the oven (temperature: 180 degree Celsius).

Understanding Chemotherapy

What Is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Many different kinds of drugs are used, either alone or in combination, to treat different cancers. Chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of cancer may be taken as tablets or, more commonly, given by intravenous drip directly into a vein.


How is chemotherapy administered?

Most chemotherapy is given by injection into a vein through an intravenous catheter (IV). Alternatively, chemotherapy can be injected into a muscle or under the skin or taken by mouth. Usually a patient has chemotherapy as an outpatient, but on occasion chemotherapy may be administered in the hospital. A short hospital stay may be necessary depending on several factors such as which drugs are given, the dose, how they are given, and the patient’s general health.

Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles. A cycle includes a treatment period (one or more days when treatment is given) followed by a recovery period (several days or weeks), then another treatment period, and so on.

Aims of chemotherapy
The major aims of chemotherapy are to:

• Cure the cancer or increase the chance of cure
• Reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
• Improve survival.

Chemotherapy And Side Effects

The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drugs and the doses the patient receives. The side effects vary from person to person. Generally, chemotherapy affects cells that divide rapidly. In addition to cancer cells, blood cells also divide rapidly and may be affected by chemotherapy. Blood cells fight infection, help the blood to clot, and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. When blood cells are affected by chemotherapy, patients are more likely to get infections, to bruise or bleed easily, and to feel unusually weak and tired.

Common side effects include:

• Hair loss (also called alopecia)
• Infection
• Reduced levels of red and white blood cells and platelets
• Mouth ulcers or mouth infections
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bowel changes such as diarrhoea or constipation
• Skin problems such as itchiness or extreme light sensitivity.

Coping with side effects

Almost all side effects will disappear once treatment is completed. In the meantime, helpful strategies include:

• Rest as much as you can.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Avoid using perfumes, deodorants, soaps, creams and make-up.
• Avoid scratchy or stiff clothing.
• Avoid hot showers or baths, scratchy towels and shaving.
• Exercise gently whenever possible.
• Avoid harsh hair treatments such as dyes, perms, hair rollers, gels and sprays if you are having radiotherapy to the head - which can cause hair loss.
• Seek help if you feel depressed or anxious.
• Try to snack lightly throughout the day rather than having three main meals.
• Choose high-energy foods.
• Avoid over-the-counter mouthwashes, alcohol and cigarettes
• Discuss fertility and sexual function with your specialist, as they may be affected by radiotherapy given to the pelvic area in men.

Tofu Egg Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 pcs Tofu, mashed
  
• 5 pcs Big onion
  
• ½ tbsp olive Oil
  
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  
• 1 tsp turmeric
  
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Saute onion in ½ tsp olive oil, then add tofu and stir-fry for a few minutes.
   
2. Add turmeric to get desired color.
   
3. Add salt and nutitional yeast to taste.

Exercise Can Help You Cope With Cancer

Cancer and cancer treatments can cause a person feeling tired all the time. Cancer patients would feel too tired to exercise. However, research shows that regular and moderate physical activity can help a cancer patient to cope with the disease and the side effects of treatment.

What Are The Benefits of Exercise?
Physical activity can boost the energy levels of a person who has cancer. Moderate regular exercise can:

• Prompt the body to make more red blood cells, which increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood


• Strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve blood supply to every cell of the body


• Increase muscle tone and strength


• Improve stamina, which makes daily activities less tiring to perform


• Reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy


• Increase appetite


• Encourage deeper and more refreshing sleep


• Reduce the pain of cancer because exercise stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which are opiate-like pain-killing chemicals


• Stabilize mood – depression and anxiety are known to cause fatigue


• Reduce the need for drugs used in the treatment of depression and anxiety because some of these drugs may cause fatigue

What Are The Cancer-Fighting Benefits Of Exercise?

• Encourage the body to produce more white blood cells


• Boost functioning of the immune system


• Reduce the time spent in hospital in some cases


• Increase survival rates in some cases.

What Are The The Appropriate Forms Of Exercise?
Almost any type of exercise may be appropriate, these includes:

• Walking, jogging, running


• Dancing


• Tai Chi


• Cycling


• Weight training


• Team sports


• Gardening


• Yoga


• Swimming

Quick Notes:

• Physical activity can boost the energy levels of a cancer patient.


• Regular exercise can improve the functioning of immune system and may increase survival rates in some cases.


• Aim for 5 to 20 minutes of moderate intensity exercise everyday (if possible).

Cancer Prevention Diet

What To Eat:

1. Vegetables, especially raw vegetables and salad

2. Citrus fruits, carrots and tomatoes

3. Clean water

4. Low-fat dairy products

5. Soy protein

6. Bean and lintels

7. Grains and nuts (but be careful of fat content)

8. Chicken or fowl with skin removed

9. Clean fish (at least three times a week)

10. Selected food supplements


What Not To Eat:

1. Fried food

2. Alcohol

3. Fatty processed red meat

4. Processed food that are low in fibre

5. Organ meat such as brains, liver, kidney and etc.

6. Skin of chicken or fowl

7. High-fat dairy products

8. Heavily salted and pickled food

9. Burnt or barbecued food

10. Caffeine

Risk Factors You Would Want To Know

1. Family history of cancers

2. Overexposure to the sun

3. Tobacco and passive smoke

4. A diet low in fiber

5. Poor diet, lack of physical activity or overweight

6. Abuse of alcohol

7. Too much radiation from various sources

8. Growing age

9. Inadequate amounts of certain vitamins and minerals

10. Certain chemicals and other substances (e.g. Asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, vinyl chloride and nickel)

11. A prolonged stressful life

12. Certain viruses and bacteria (such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV).

Are You Experiencing Any Of These TEN Warning Signs Of Cancer?

1. Unexplained weight loss
Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. If you experience unexplained weight loss of 4.5 kg or more (when you are eating like normal and not trying to lose weight) may be the first sign of cancer.

2. Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unusual bleeding on discharge can happen in early or advance cancer. Blood in the phlegm may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause unusual vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.

3. Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing
If you have difficulty swallowing which comes with a pain and burning sensation, it may be signs of cancer of the esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes to the stomach), stomach, or pharynx (throat).

4. Change in bowel habits or bladder functioning
Persistent constipation, diarrhea or a change in the size of stools may be a sign of colon cancer.
If you experience pain when passing urine or change in your normal bladder function (such as a need to urinate more or less often than usual).

5. Noticeable change in a wart or mole or skin condition
Any changes of wart, mole or freckle in terms of color, size or shape; followed with itching and bleeding should be reported to a doctor immediately.

6. Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness and lack of energy that does not get better with rest. It may be an
important signal as cancer grows. It can happen in early stage of cancers like leukemia, or if the
cancer is causing blood loss, which can occurs in colon or stomach cancers.

7. Sores and ulcers that do not heal overtime
If your sores bleed and do not heal over a week, it may be a sign of infections or early skin cancer which includes areas such as in the mouth, on the genitals (penis or vulva) and on skin highly exposed to the sun.

8. Persistent cough or hoarseness
A cough that does not get well after more than three weeks may be a sign of lung cancer.

9. Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body
If you notice any unusual lumps on your breast or other parts of your body, it may be a sign of breast cancer or testicular cancer. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer.

10. Vomiting Blood
If you vomited blood and noticed blood, it may be bleeding of a stomach ulcer or irritation of stomach lining but it may be a stomach cancer.