Its All About Cancer

CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

2009-11-04T23:49:00.001-08:00

CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

Hands-Only™ CPR: Two Steps To Save A Life
Hands can do incredible things, but nothing compares to using them to save a life. The American Heart Association and the Ad Council have launched a public service advertising campaign to raise awareness about Hands-Only CPR, the simple, two-step technique that can help save a life. To learn more, visit our Hands-Only CPR website.

Learn:™ Rapid STEMI ID

Pocket First Aid & CPR Guide

Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens

Acute Stroke Online

Hands Only CPR

Currents Fall 2009

Online AHA (eLearning)

PEARS

AHA Course Matrix

AHA Instructor Network

CPR Product Support

Translated Issues of Currents

Looking for local CPR, first aid, or emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) training?

Look no further than the ECC Class Connector^TM!

Simply enter your ZIP code or state to search for and reserve a seat in a scheduled class.

ECG & Pharmacology
The American Heart Association's new ECG & Pharmacology course is designed to enhance ECG recognition skills and drug treatment knowledge. It's an ideal solution for healthcare providers who are preparing to take ACLS, but can also be used by anyone needing to learn ECG recognition skills and/or pharmacology. more

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid
Designed specifically to meet the needs of childcare workers, this course offers the most comprehensive and flexible training solution available. more

Infant CPR Anytime
The newest addition to the American Heart Association’s line of CPR Anytime products has arrived. This self-directed learning program allows families, friends, grandparents, siblings and others caring for infants to learn the core skills of infant CPR and relief of choking in just 22 minutes. more

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

2009-11-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're The Cure.
You don't have to be a high-powered lobbyist to call on lawmakers to address the health of our nation. Just a concerned citizen willing to deliver an important message about heart disease and stroke. Join You're The Cure today to help support heart-healthy policies for our communities.

AHA Science News
Coverage from Scientific Sessions, International Stroke Conference and the American College of Cardiology

• Presentation Highlights
• Top Abstracts
• Presentation Slides
• and more..

Follow AHA Science on Twitter at twitter.com/AHAScience!

Be at the heart of the AHA/ASA... Joining as an AHA/ASA Professional Member puts you in touch with more than 27,000 like-minded individuals and brings you closer to the heart and soul of the AHA and its mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Join or renew your AHA/ASA Professional Membership today.

Statements, Guidelines & Clinical Updates

AHA Learning Library

CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

Continuing Education

Improve Patient Care

Meltzer and Yancy to Lead American Heart Association in 2009-10

CEO/Volunteer Blog

Oxygen test has potential to detect some critical congenital heart defects in newborns

Patient Education Quarterly e-Newsletters

My Diabetes Health Assessment

Scientific statements, practice guidelines and clinical updates on cardiovascular disease and stroke. more

Scientific Conferences

We accredit and sponsor scientific conferences that disseminate new and emerging scientific knowledge. more

Publications and Statistics

From journals to statistics, the American Heart Association is a trusted source for scientific research. more

Ways To Give

2009-11-04T23:47:00.000-08:00

Ways To Give

Want to join us in the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke? Review local and national events to see how you can participate in our fund-raising efforts. Or if you have a fund-raising event of your own, learn how to create it with the American Heart Association!

Participate in a Fund-Raising event!

Start! Heart Walk is our premiere fund-raising event. Walk with friends, family or co-workers and experience how beneficial a walking program can be to your health.

Jump Rope For Heart teaches school students jump rope skills while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research.

Hoops For Heart teaches school students basketball skills while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research.

Teachers With Heart is the school staff component of your Jump Rope For Heart or Hoops For Heart event. School staff and faculty can also get involved in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Create your own fund-raising event! You can support the American Heart Association by conducting your own event! Have a dinner party, run a marathon, organize a car wash, conduct an e-mail campaign or create something completely unique. Our fund-raising tips and tools will help you put it all together.

Pledge from the Heart Monthly Giving Program You’re invited to take a leadership role in the fight against cardiovascular disease by pledging to make a monthly contribution. Your monthly gifts will help reduce deaths from cardiovascular diseases.

Make a Memorial or Tribute Gift in honor of a loved one

Heritage Brick Walk is a way to purchase a high-quality paving brick engraved with your name, or the name of a person or organization you designate. This tribute allows you to support the work of the American Heart Association in a highly visible, meaningful way.

Vehicle Donation allows you to donate your car, truck, boat, plane or motorcycle the heart-smart way! It’s as easy as point and click, and then we will come tow your car away.

Planned Giving consists of various planned gifts available to help you support the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Workplace Giving is a unique giving program that empowers employees by offering them a choice in the nonprofits they can support.

EMPower!
Earn a Million for Power To End Stroke! Be EMPowered and join us in raising funds for Power To End Stroke by creating a Tribute or Memorial Site in honor of a loved one who has suffered a stroke. Raise funds in their honor and help PTES get the message out to others that stroke is not inevitable.

Honor a loved one or celebrate a life by creating a personal memorial or tribute webpage that you can share with friends and family. Make an online donation now!

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

2009-11-04T23:46:00.001-08:00

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

Learn About the Risks
Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. It accounts for nearly 440,000 deaths each year, of which more than 135,000 are due to smoking related cardiovascular diseases. Cigarette smokers are two-to-three times more likely to die from coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. more

Stop Smoking: Resources and Tools for Quitting
Your heart will thank you for quitting smoking, so don’t waste any time. The health benefits start almost immediately, and within a few years of quitting your risk of stroke and coronary artery disease are similar to non-smokers. We can help with resources and tools for the healthiest decision you will make – stopping smoking. more

Fighting Tobacco Deaths through Advocacy
For decades the American Heart Association has been working to reduce the number of senseless deaths that result from tobacco use. Thanks in part to our work, there is no smoking on airline flights, there are lifesaving automated external defibrillators in many public places, and many of us enjoy smokefree communities.

The association also supports the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (S.625/H.R. 1108) federal legislation granting the Food and Drug Administration full authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, sale, labeling, advertising and promotion of tobacco products to protect the public health — especially the elimination of advertising, marketing or availability of tobacco products for children. For more information, click here.

Discover more about what the association is doing on the federal, state and local levels to curb tobacco use. more

Take Action! Join You’re the Cure
Don’t just stand on the sidelines – speak up and let your elected officials know you want to fight tobacco use! Join You’re the Cure, our advocacy network of people committed to reducing death and disability from heart disease and stroke, and a group passionate about tobacco control. more

Healthy Lifestyle

2009-11-04T23:45:00.001-08:00

Healthy Lifestyle

Better lifestyle habits can help you reduce your risk for heart attack. Learn what you can do to help prevent heart disease and stroke.


		You Are What You Eat Better food habits can help you reduce your risk for heart attack. A healthful eating plan means choosing the right foods to eat and preparing foods in a healthy way. more


Managing Your Weight We can help you manage your lifestyle to better manage your weight and reduce your risk for heart attack. more


		Exercise & Fitness Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, dancing, walking and dozens of other activities can help your heart. Whether it is included in a structured exercise program or just part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart. more


Kids and a Healthy Lifestyle The American Heart Association is working to raise public awareness about the serious threat posed by childhood obesity. Learn more about the various ways on how you can become involved in improving children's health. more


		It's Not Just a Man's Disease Heart disease is far and away the leading cause of death of American women, but you can do a lot to help protect yourself and women from it. Read this section for some important advice. more

Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

2009-11-04T23:43:00.000-08:00

Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

Quick Links:
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Stroke Warning Signs
Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs

Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

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Stroke Warning Signs
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay!

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.

A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of stroke, only temporary. The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between TIA and stroke.

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Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Here are the signs:

Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders).
No normal breathing (the victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds).

If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number and get an AED (if one is available) and you begin CPR immediately.

If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR.

Use an AED as soon as it arrives.

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Dial 9-1-1 Fast
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay — get help right away!

Statistics
Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

Children's Health

2009-11-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

Children's Health

Adults aren’t the only ones at risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases; increasingly, kids are at risk too. That is why the American Heart Association is working to help kids and families live heart-healthy lives.



For Parents Whether you have a child with heart disease or you just wish your child would eat less junk food, we have information about keeping your child healthy. more	Hey Kids! Try some of these games and activities to learn more about how your heart works and how to make it work even better! more	Alliance for a Healthier Generation American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation are working together to fight childhood obesity. more

For Teachers -The American Heart Association and the National Football League have launched the NFL Play 60 Challenge to encourage middle school students to become more physically active. The campaign includes school activation kits, curriculum plans and an interactive fitness Web site for kids

Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease

2009-11-04T23:39:00.000-08:00

Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease

AHA Scientific Position

Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. Major risk factors are those that research has shown significantly increase the risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Other factors are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but their significance and prevalence haven't yet been precisely determined. They're called contributing risk factors.

The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL has a greater risk than someone with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, even though everyone with a total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high-risk.

What are the major risk factors that can't be changed?

Increasing age — Over 83 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older. At older ages, women who have heart attacks are more likely than men are to die from them within a few weeks.
Male sex (gender) — Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life. Even after menopause, when women's death rate from heart disease increases, it's not as great as men's.
Heredity (including Race) — Children of parents with heart disease are more likely to develop it themselves. African Americans have more severe high blood pressure than Caucasians and a higher risk of heart disease. Heart disease risk is also higher among Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and some Asian Americans. This is partly due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes. Most people with a strong family history of heart disease have one or more other risk factors. Just as you can't control your age, sex and race, you can't control your family history. Therefore, it's even more important to treat and control any other risk factors you have.

What are the major risk factors you can modify, treat or control by changing your lifestyle or taking medicine?

Tobacco smoke — Smokers' risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2–4 times that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is a powerful independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary heart disease; smokers have about twice the risk of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking also acts with other risk factors to greatly increase the risk for coronary heart disease. People who smoke cigars or pipes seem to have a higher risk of death from coronary heart disease (and possibly stroke) but their risk isn't as great as cigarette smokers'. Exposure to other people's smoke increases the risk of heart disease even for nonsmokers.
High blood cholesterol — As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of coronary heart disease. When other risk factors (such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke) are present, this risk increases even more. A person's cholesterol level is also affected by age, sex, heredity and diet.
High blood pressure — High blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing the heart to thicken and become stiffer. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure. When high blood pressure exists with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times.
Physical inactivity — An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease. The more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. However, even moderate-intensity activities help if done regularly and long term. Physical activity can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure in some people.
Obesity and overweight — People who have excess body fat — especially if a lot of it is at the waist — are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight increases the heart's work. It also raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and lowers HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. It can also make diabetes more likely to develop. Many obese and overweight people may have difficulty losing weight. But by losing even as few as 10 pounds, you can lower your heart disease risk.
Diabetes mellitus — Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control, diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, but the risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled. About three-quarters of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. If you have diabetes, it's extremely important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.

What other factors contribute to heart disease risk?

Individual response to stress may be a contributing factor. Some scientists have noted a relationship between coronary heart disease risk and stress in a person's life, their health behaviors and socioeconomic status. These factors may affect established risk factors. For example, people under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would.

Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It can contribute to high triglycerides, cancer and other diseases, and produce irregular heartbeats. It contributes to obesity, alcoholism, suicide and accidents.

The risk of heart disease in people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (an average of one drink for women or two drinks for men per day) is lower than in nondrinkers. One drink is defined as 1-1/2 fluid ounces (fl oz) of 80-proof spirits (such as bourbon, Scotch, vodka, gin, etc.), 1 fl oz of 100-proof spirits, 4 fl oz of wine or 12 fl oz of beer. It's not recommended that nondrinkers start using alcohol or that drinkers increase the amount they drink.

Rates Of Cervical Cancer Rising Among Teens

2009-11-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

Bad news for teenage girls: while rates of cervical cancer are going down in women over 25, among 15 to 19-year-olds, rates are rising year on year.
Jillian Birch, at the University of Manchester, UK, and her colleagues examined national cancer incidence data and looked specifically at young people aged 15 to 24.
They noticed that between 1979 and 2003, the incidence of cervical cancer had increased by 1.6% per year. When they examined the data more closely, they found that people aged 15 to 19 were driving that increase, with the rate going up 6.8%, Birch told the Teenage Cancer Trust’s fifth international conference in London today.
Previous studies indicate that most women who get infected with the virus contract it in their teens or early 20s. But while many women are simply able to clear the virus, and others develop a slow-growing cancer decades later, when cervical cancer appears in young women it can develop rapidly.

Skin Cancer Prevention: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself from UV Rays

2009-11-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer prevention measures can actively reduce your chances of developing skin cancer if you implement them in your daily routine. The most common form of cancer in the United States, tens of thousands of Americans contract skin cancer every year.
Skin cancer comes in three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most dangerous and life threatening. Skin cancer claims the lives of approximately ten thousand Americans on an annual basis.
What causes skin cancer??
Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight (UV rays) is believed to be the dominant external factor in a person’s development of skin cancer, although genetic factors can play a role. To protect yourself from UV rays, you should take the following 5 steps for proper skin cancer prevention:
1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. Also, be aware that sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you’re at the beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard you from every direction with UV rays.
2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all around is preferable. This will guard your neck and cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best protection.
3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and read the directions for proper application. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection you will receive against dangerous sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer “bulletproof” protection, and UV rays can penetrate water, so just because you feel “cool” in the water doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn.
4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard your eyes from serious sun damage. The best constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This chemical has nothing to do with the color of transparency of sunglass lenses.
5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might make your skin more attractive in the short-term, but they can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health professionals advise their patients to avoid them.
By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected early, then your odds of survival are markedly increased.

Pancreatic Cancer

2009-11-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

1) Localization: the pancreas is a gland that makes insulin and hormones, plus digestive enzymes. Pancreatic cancer develops from the ducts carrying the digestive juices. The organ is described as having three parts: head, body and tail of pancreas.Cancer spreads from lymph nodes to liver, lungs, peritoneum. 32 000 cases per year in the US , with poor prognosis, because of late discovery and very difficult surgical access. 2) Risk factors of pancreatic cancer: - some food factors, such as sugar, coffee abuse;- favoured with tobacco, diabetes, often preceded by chronic pancreatitis;- more men than women are concerned (2 to 1); the mean age is 65; African Americans more than Asiansor whites.3) Growth: pancreatic cancer is often associated with stomach cancer, the proximity of these organs making it difficult to establish the original cancer.4) Symptoms: - the most frequent sign is jaundice, caused by compression of the bile duct which crosses the pancreas: darkurine, yellow skin, yellow eyes, pale stool, itching;- weakness, weight loss, nausea;- stabbing pains in across the upper abdomen. 5) Diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: - clinical exam: signs for jaundice, liver cirrhosis;- transabdominal ultrasound; endoscopy; retrograde cholangiopancreatography, with biopsies; scanner.- the tumor marker assays: CEA , CA 19-9.6) Treatment: - surgery: depending on the localization on the pancreas, the size, the stage. The head of pancreas can be removed, part of small intestine, stomach, gallbladder, spleen. This is a major operation and very delicate surgery, that can be attempted if the tumor is resectable and if there are no metastases.- radiation and chemotherapy, in cases of non resectable tumors, can lead to some remissions.7) Follow-up: using the tumor marker dosages. 8) Prevention: - diabetes appropriate monitoring;- no-tobacco use (once again);- tumor marker test. The above-mentioned tumor markers are part of the Biomarkers C12 test; performing this panel once a year is highly recommended.Cancer can be detected : do it NOW.

Treatment of cervical cancer

2009-11-02T22:49:00.002-08:00

If the biopsy shows that you have cancer, your doctor will do a thorough pelvic exam and may remove additional tissue to learn the extent (stage) of your disease. The stage tells whether the tumor has invaded nearby tissues, whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body.
These are the stages of cervical cancer:
Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the top layer of cells in the tissue that lines the cervix. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.
Stage I: The cancer has invaded the cervix beneath the top layer of cells. It is found only in the cervix.
Stage II: The cancer extends beyond the cervix into nearby tissues. It extends to the upper part of the vagina. The cancer does not invade the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic wall (the lining of the part of the body between the hips).
Stage III: The cancer extends to the lower part of the vagina. It also may have spread to the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or other parts of the body.
Recurrent cancer: The cancer was treated, but has returned after a period of time during which it could not be detected. The cancer may show up again in the cervix or in other parts of the body.

Liver Cancer Information

2009-11-02T22:49:00.001-08:00

Primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, is the fifth most common form of cancer but the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Although it is more prevalent in other parts of the world, in the United States about 19,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and most will die from the disease. Historically, the median survival rate has been about six months without therapy.
The incidence of liver cancer in the United States is currently estimated at around 3 per 100,000 persons, with significant gender, ethnic and geographic variations. However, these numbers are rising quickly and may be a gross under-estimate. For reasons that are not really clear, it is a predominantly male disease with a male:female ratio of 4:1.
Although all the causes of liver cancers are not known, we do know that the majority are caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and/or abuse of alcohol. Those factors typically lead to cirrhosis, which in turns leads to liver failure and/or liver cancer (HCC). Depending on the part of the world, dietary contamination may also be important. In the United States, obesity has recently been shown to be important in the development of cirrhosis, a predisposing factor to the development of HCC. (If you have one or more of these risk factors, speak with your physician about proactive screening tests.)

Testicular Cancer

2009-11-02T22:47:00.002-08:00

Testicular cancer prevention is not proven yet. But if you are at early-stages of this cancer, then it can be cured by some tests and by performing testicular self-examinations regularly (TSE).
Testicular cancer prevention can be done with routine physical test by health professor or by self examination.
Health professor has to be consulted immediately when you have any discomfort in pelvis, lower back or scrotum.
For testicular cancer prevention, two methods are observed. They are:
Testicular treatment and
Testicular self-examination
Tests are conducted to detect the testis abnormalities or lumps. The male reproductive organs are testes that are present inside the scrotum which produce the sperms and testosterone, a hormone.
Their shape and size is same as an egg. A coiled tube called epididymis is at the back of testis that collects the sperms and stores them.
In the abdomen, the testis develops and before or after the birth, it descends into the scrotum. There will be increase in risk factor if the testis is not descended.
Testicular examination is the physical examination of the genital organs and groin done by the health professor. The presence of swelling, any visual signs of abnormalities, lumps or shrinking testis can be examined by the heath professor by feeling your organs.
Inflammation, pain, swelling, masses or lumps and congenital abnormalities in you are detected by the testicular examination for the presence of any testicular cancer.
The genital examination for any man or boy irrespective of age is important. The genitals should be examined in your babies for the undescended testis and congenital abnormalities.
For the detection of early-stage testicular cancer, the testicular examination is done in men between the ages 15 to 40 years. It occurs mostly in younger men than older one. If you are having early stage testicular cancer, it can be treated easily and can be cured fastly.
Testicular self examination (TSE) is used to detect the early stage testicular cancer. The testicular cancers are discovered as enlarged testis and lumps with out pain by the self-examination.
If your age is between 15 and 40 years, then you are recommended to have testicular self-examination monthly by the health professor.
But it is controversial. Monthly TSE is not needed for men with low risk of developing the testicular cancer. It is necessary for the men with high risk for developing this cancer. The risk factor can involve the family history of undescended testis and personal history of this cancer.
Immediate treatment is required if you have cancerous testicular lumps. The treatments used for testicular cancer prevention are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery is done to remove the affected testis. The lymph nodes are also removed. For this purpose, the chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used.
Artificial testis is inserted into the scrotum for normal appearance. Your reproductive system is not affected as there is one normal testis.
Testicular cancer prevention is possible by Testicular treatment and Testicular self-examination.

Ovarian cancer

2009-11-02T22:47:00.001-08:00

Details: Our unique one-strand Ovarian Cancer Bracelet is made with large blue zircon Swarovski crystals and Bali silver beads.You can promote ovarian cancer awareness by wearing our simple, but elegant Ovarian Cancer Bracelet. Our Ovarian Cancer Bracelet is the perfect gift for a ovarian cancer survivor or to commemorate a loved one who lost their fight with ovarian cancer.What is Ovarian Cancer?Ovarian cancer is very aggressive. It is the fifth most common cancer in women. It is diagnosed in more than 25,000 women in the United States each year, and approximately 16,000 women die of the disease annually. The median age is 56, but it has been seen in women as young as 22. Classic symptoms include a bloated or enlarged abdomen, urinary urgency, constipation and/or diarrhea. It is most often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.The CA-125 Blood Test is a simple test that detects ovarian cancer. While many doctors offices and even insurance companies will tell you they have never heard of it, if pressed, the test is covered by insurance. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, do not take "no" for an answer.How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?-Use of oral contraceptives-Having at least one child-Breast-feeding a child for a year or longer-Tubal ligation or hysterectomyEating well, managing stress and exercise are all great ways to promote your overall health and combat ovarian cancer. Support ovarian cancer awareness by purchasing an Ovarian Cancer Bracelet today.

Mouth Cancer

2009-11-02T22:46:00.001-08:00

Mouth cancer or Cancer of the mouth usually starts in the cells lining the mouth. The most common sites are the lips, tongue and floor of the mouth, but cancer can also originate in the gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth, hard and soft palate, tonsils and salivary glands.
People over the age of 45 years are at increased risk, with men twice as likely as women to develop these types of cancers.Smoking increases the risk of mouth cancer six-fold. The location of the mouth cancer seems to depend on the usage of the tobacco product – for example, a person who habitually tucks plugs of chewing tobacco into their left cheek may be prone to cancer of that cheek.
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth cancer even more. Mouth cancer is easily cured if treated in its earlier stages, but around half of patients don’t consult with their doctor until their disease is well advanced.

Lungs Cancer

2009-11-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

The lungs are an essential life force for our bodies. The body cannot survive without the lungs ability to draw life-sustaining oxygen from the air and expel toxic carbon dioxide. The oxygen supplied by the lungs is necessary for the proper functioning of all our body's cells. Therefore, alterations in that ability affect every part of the body.Each lung is divided into lobes. Unlike other body parts, the lungs are not an exact match. The right lung is divided into three lobesupper, middle and lower. The left lung has two lobes- upper and lower. Each of these lobes functions as a mini-lung. This unique quality allows surgeons to remove one or more lobes, as is sometimes necessary for lung cancer treatment, leaving the remaining lobes unaffected and capable of sustaining life.The center of the chest is called the mediastinum. This is the part of the body that contains the heart, major blood vessels, lymph nodes and the esophagus. Pulmonary arteries and veins are responsible for carrying blood to and from the lungs. The pleura is a slippery membrane that lines your chest cavity and covers each of your lungs to allow the lungs to move smoothly.Inhalation delivers air to the lungs via the bronchial tree which consists of the trachea (wind pipe) and branches out into two bronchi leading to each lung. The branches continue into a tree like structure inside the lungs referred to as the bronchial tubes or bronchioles. There are more than 300 million alveoli, clusters of microscopic air sacs, contained at the ends of the bronchioles. The alveoli are responsible for the transferring of oxygen and carbon dioxide. As cells receive oxygen, they release carbon dioxide and other toxic substances into the blood stream. Carbon dioxide then passes from small blood vessels called capillaries into the alveoli. When we exhale we expel carbon dioxide into the air. With our next breath the entire process begins again.

Heart Failure

2009-06-16T11:06:00.001-07:00

Definition

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a life-threatening condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

Alternative Names

CHF; Congestive heart failure

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Heart failure is almost always a chronic, long-term condition, although it can sometimes develop suddenly. This condition may affect the right side, the left side, or both sides of the heart.

As the heart's pumping action is lost, blood may back up into other areas of the body, including:

The liver
The gastrointestinal tract and extremities (right-sided heart failure)
The lungs (left-sided heart failure)

With heart failure, many organs don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which damages them and reduces their ability to function properly. Most areas of the body can be affected when both sides of the heart fail.

The most common causes of heart failure are hypertension (high blood pressure) and coronary artery disease (for example, you have had a heart attack). Other structural or functional causes of heart failure include the following:

Heart failure becomes more common with advancing age. You are also at increased risk for developing heart failure if you are overweight, have diabetes, smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, or use cocaine.

Symptoms

Weight gain
Swelling of feet and ankles
Swelling of the abdomen
Pronounced neck veins
Loss of appetite, indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath with activity, or after lying down for a while
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue, weakness, faintness
Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
Irregular or rapid pulse
Decreased alertness or concentration
Cough
Decreased urine production
Need to urinate at night

Infants may sweat during feeding (or other exertion).

Some patients with heart failure have no symptoms. In these people, the symptoms may develop only with these conditions:

Infections with high fever
Anemia
Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Hyperthyroidism
Kidney disease