Dana Reeve, the widow of Christopher Reeve who came to prominence as Superman, has succumbed to lung cancer. She was 44.
Reeve was born Dana Morosini in New York City to Charles and Helen Morosini. She graduated cum laude from Middlebury College in 1984.
Ms. Reeve is perhaps best known for her work on behalf of those with spinal cord injuries. Following the tragic horse riding accident that left her husband Christopher Reeve paralyzed for over a decade, Dana Reeve acted as Christopher's voice. She succeeded Christopher Reeve as Chairman of the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) in 2004 upon Mr. Reeve's passing following a heart attack.
Though tireless in her work for spinal injury victims, Dana Reeve was also a singer and an actress with stage and television performances to her credit. She was on the board of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as well as that of the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts at which she met Christopher. Christopher and Dana Reeve were married on April 11, 1992. They had one son together.
Although Dana Reeve was not a smoker, she announced in August 2005 that she was battling lung cancer. Lung cancer among non-smokers is indeed rare; however, MedPage Today (www.medpagetoday.com) reports, "... researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reported last year that a mutation in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) is more common in non-smokers with lung cancer than in smokers. That mutation, they reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, suggests that non-smokers have a distinct form of lung cancer, according to William Pao, M.D. Ph.D., and colleagues."
According to the American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org), "Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women. An estimated 173,700 new cases of lung cancer and an estimated 160,440 deaths from lung cancer will occur in the United States during 2004."
There are two major types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is much more common. It usually spreads to different parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer.
Friend, comedian Robin Williams, was quoted, "The brightest light has gone out. We will forever celebrate her [Dana Reeve's] loving spirit."
Dana Reeve is survived by her father, Dr. Charles Morosini, sisters Deborah Morosini and Adrienne Morosini Heilman, her son Will and two stepchildren, Matthew and Alexandra. Dana Reeve lost her mother to ovarian cancer in 2005.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Breast Cancer: Keeping Abreast
A tiny suspicious lump tucked somewhere in the underarm or anywhere near the breasts, a mammography test and a U.S.G. of the breasts are probably the few first indicators of breast cancer. This is by far one of the most common diseases amongst women anywhere between 20- 40 years of age and certainly does not spell disaster if diagnosed at a proper stage and is dealt with courage and patience.
What is Breast Cancer?
When cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably thereby invading the nearby tissues or tissues in the other parts of the body, it gives rise to breast cancer. The tumors that are a result of this rapid multiplication of cells may or may not be cancerous. Those tumors that are a harmless lump are termed as Benign While the ones that may pose threat to a human body are called malignant.
Are Women the only victims to this disease?
The straightforward answer to this question would be a No. Women are not the only targets and men too can fall prey to this disease. However the proportions might vary greatly. Hardly 1% or 2% of men are known to be suffering from breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer?
Though there are no proven causes for breast cancer yet medical experts often blame it upon excess smoking, high intake of alcohol, over-weight, and exposure to radiation. This is also a heredity disease and may often be inherited from a close relative down the blood- line.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer- Well, according to me the fear of this ghastly disease is worse than the disease itself. Though there are many ways of dealing with it yet most patients suffering from breast cancer are devoured by their own paranoia and inhibitions. So the best way to conquer this is to take the bull by its horns. Agreed, no way is it going to be an easy task. But you can at least make an attempt at it.
Post surgery depression is inevitable so start by adopting all the positive survival strategies around you. Do not ostracize yourself from the society and be a loner who basks in his past glories. Instead make the most of social events. Try and be with friends and loved ones who are sure to generate optimism around you. Get hold of all the reading material that will help you to lead a much happier and healthier life. Always think that those dark days are over and that once the surgery is done this disease wont pop up its ugly head again. After all lightening never strikes the same place twice!
What is Breast Cancer?
When cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably thereby invading the nearby tissues or tissues in the other parts of the body, it gives rise to breast cancer. The tumors that are a result of this rapid multiplication of cells may or may not be cancerous. Those tumors that are a harmless lump are termed as Benign While the ones that may pose threat to a human body are called malignant.
Are Women the only victims to this disease?
The straightforward answer to this question would be a No. Women are not the only targets and men too can fall prey to this disease. However the proportions might vary greatly. Hardly 1% or 2% of men are known to be suffering from breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer?
Though there are no proven causes for breast cancer yet medical experts often blame it upon excess smoking, high intake of alcohol, over-weight, and exposure to radiation. This is also a heredity disease and may often be inherited from a close relative down the blood- line.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer- Well, according to me the fear of this ghastly disease is worse than the disease itself. Though there are many ways of dealing with it yet most patients suffering from breast cancer are devoured by their own paranoia and inhibitions. So the best way to conquer this is to take the bull by its horns. Agreed, no way is it going to be an easy task. But you can at least make an attempt at it.
Post surgery depression is inevitable so start by adopting all the positive survival strategies around you. Do not ostracize yourself from the society and be a loner who basks in his past glories. Instead make the most of social events. Try and be with friends and loved ones who are sure to generate optimism around you. Get hold of all the reading material that will help you to lead a much happier and healthier life. Always think that those dark days are over and that once the surgery is done this disease wont pop up its ugly head again. After all lightening never strikes the same place twice!
Alternative or Complementary Therapies?
Just a few years ago if someone diagnosed with cancer wanted to pursue nutrition in their healing and treatment process it was considered an alternative therapy and they would often find themselves cautioned by friends and doctors, being told they were either unsafe or just downright insane.
Nutrition, or food therapy as I like to call it, is still not getting the attention it deserves in the realm of cancer therapy. But the overall awareness of nourishment is. Food is not the only add on of helpful tools that a cancer patient now has access to. More and more research is showing positive results with activities and therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, music, and writing.
When we have cancer we need a lot of nourishment, food being on of the things that feed us. But it is not just the food that is found on our plate, especially since that might not even suit us as well during time of treatment, it is even more so important to get support from a professional who can help identify other options and choices to feel better.
Food however is a tool that has a very immediate effect, as well as long term, on our well-being. More and more is being written about foods that help protect us against cancer, but what should we eat when we are living with cancer?
Most doctors might still tell their patients that food does not matter. But is that really true or is it that their drugs are enough to cure and therefore food does not matter. Or is it also the fact that they do not know enough and do not want to get involved in that conversation with their patients. Granted they also do not have the time.
Food does matter. And no, I am not talking about food as a cure for cancer. I am talking about feeling better. I am talking about even being part of the process. Feeling like you are doing something that is at least within your own power instead of sitting around waiting for the drugs to help. That alone already helps in the success of treatment. The emotional strength that comes from eating well and knowing that we are caring for our bodies and using the tools of food to its utmost.
But food can affect the drugs used in cancer treatment, which may be another reason doctors do not want their patients to start experimenting with food as medicine. Surely all aspects need to be taken into consideration when discussing nutrition in cancer therapy.
Living with cancer is however still regarded as somewhat of a gap in ones life. Where everything is abnormal and we just need this period of time to be over. But living with cancer is also a lifestyle for a period of time. Maybe even forever, so is it not time we start doing exactly that. LIVE with cancer and accept it as our new lifestyle and learn everything we can about how to take better care of ourselves. With all the complementary therapies that are available to do just that.
Nutrition, or food therapy as I like to call it, is still not getting the attention it deserves in the realm of cancer therapy. But the overall awareness of nourishment is. Food is not the only add on of helpful tools that a cancer patient now has access to. More and more research is showing positive results with activities and therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, music, and writing.
When we have cancer we need a lot of nourishment, food being on of the things that feed us. But it is not just the food that is found on our plate, especially since that might not even suit us as well during time of treatment, it is even more so important to get support from a professional who can help identify other options and choices to feel better.
Food however is a tool that has a very immediate effect, as well as long term, on our well-being. More and more is being written about foods that help protect us against cancer, but what should we eat when we are living with cancer?
Most doctors might still tell their patients that food does not matter. But is that really true or is it that their drugs are enough to cure and therefore food does not matter. Or is it also the fact that they do not know enough and do not want to get involved in that conversation with their patients. Granted they also do not have the time.
Food does matter. And no, I am not talking about food as a cure for cancer. I am talking about feeling better. I am talking about even being part of the process. Feeling like you are doing something that is at least within your own power instead of sitting around waiting for the drugs to help. That alone already helps in the success of treatment. The emotional strength that comes from eating well and knowing that we are caring for our bodies and using the tools of food to its utmost.
But food can affect the drugs used in cancer treatment, which may be another reason doctors do not want their patients to start experimenting with food as medicine. Surely all aspects need to be taken into consideration when discussing nutrition in cancer therapy.
Living with cancer is however still regarded as somewhat of a gap in ones life. Where everything is abnormal and we just need this period of time to be over. But living with cancer is also a lifestyle for a period of time. Maybe even forever, so is it not time we start doing exactly that. LIVE with cancer and accept it as our new lifestyle and learn everything we can about how to take better care of ourselves. With all the complementary therapies that are available to do just that.
What is Skin Cancer and Who is Most at Risk?
If you have read a newspaper or listened to the news over the last few years, then you will know that there are always constant warnings telling us to protect our skin against skin cancer. Whilst many people do listen to these warnings, there are still a shocking amount of people who still ignore them.If you are one of those people that do ignore the warnings you are likely to be thinking that there is no chance of you getting the cancer and that there is no harm in missing an application or two of sun tan lotion. After all, skin cancer takes ages to develop doesn?t it? Skin Cancer and its Various FormsSkin cancer is not as rare as some people think that it is. Whilst it is true that staying in the sun unprotected for a little amount of time, rarely leads to skin cancer, it still can occur. There are different forms of skin cancer, though some are extremely rare. The three most common types of skin cancer include:MelanomaThis is less common than the other two types of skin cancer, though it can be a lot more serious. It develops from the melanocytes in the skin and is usually seen as a pigmented lesion with an irregular shape in the skin. This is definitely the most potentially harmful cancer as it can spread to various different areas within the body. If treated early, the good news is that this type of cancer has a very high cure rate, so get to the doctors as soon as possible for your best chance of recovery!Squamous Cell CarcinomaThis is usually seen within any part of the body which is exposed to excessive sun. Often occurring in the hands, lower lip, and the forehead, this type of cancer appears as a red bump or an ulceration of the skin which does not heal. The cancer if left untreated can spread to lymph nodes within the affected area.Basal Cell CarcinomaBasal Cell Carcinoma is by far the most common type of cancer you are likely to get and it usually appears as a small bump which has a pearly colored appearance. Usually the cancer is found on areas of the body which have had excessive sun exposure. This type of skin cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body, and will only spread to the skin around the actual cancer.Overall, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer but it is not the most serious. Usually people with fair skin are more at risk than others of contracting the cancer, especially people with freckles. Obviously, the longer you expose your skin to the sun without sufficient protection, the more at risk you are of developing skin cancer.How to Prevent Yourself from Getting Skin Cancer and the Treatments AvailableIt is really easy to protect yourself against skin cancer, so really there is no excuse for not preventing it. Using an adequate amount of sun protection lotion is a must, and unfortunately many people simply do not bother with it. There seems to be some confusion between how much you should use and what protection factor you should go for. Generally, children and people with fair skin need to be using a higher protection factor than other people. People with darker skin do not tend to get skin cancer as often as people with lighter skin so they do not need a high factor sun lotion. Sunbeds are also a cause of skin cancer, though cases are rare. So if you do use a sunbed, it is important that you limit your use of it, and contact your doctor to see how often they recommend you should use it. When out in the sun do not forget to protect your face too. Applying lotion to the ears, nose and neck will help to protect those sensitive areas from the sun. If you do notice any changes in your skin such as moles, lesions or sores which do not heal, it is always better to consult your doctor immediately. If caught early, most skin cancer can be cured. There are various forms of treatment for skin cancer including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The treatment which you will receive depends upon your age, health and the size of the cancer. However, surgery is the most common form of treatment and it is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Breast Cancer - Some Less Known Facts About It
Breast cancer is something that most people typically relate with females, but did you know that it can also affect males? While the number of male breast cancer sufferers is much lower than that of females, it is important for men to be aware that they too can be affected.
While men aged about 67 years are the most susceptible, it is not unheard of for men much younger than that to report this disease. The male breast has much less fatty tissue than does a female breast. This is why this form of cancer doesn't affect men as often. The highest concentration of fatty tissue in men is typically located just beneath the nipple. More often than not, this is where male breast cancer will start.
A common sign of male breast cancer is having the nipple becoming crusty, scaly and raw-looking. Another sign is bleeding, burning, itching or oozing in the nipple area. Remember that there doesn't need to be a palpable lump present to indicate cancer. If there is a lump present, though, the cancer condition is worse than if it were not there.
Risk factors for male breast cancer include age, family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, physical inactivity, liver disease and Klinefelter syndrome. Also, if medications are being taken that can significantly disrupt a man's hormonal level; the chances of developing this cancer are increased. Strong medications like this include those that are used for ulcers and lowering blood pressure.
The only two scientifically proven ways to combat this cancer are through early diagnosis and proper medical treatment. There are, however, some still-developing alternative medicines that are said to aid in fighting cancer. These are best used alongside traditional treatment, rather than just on their own.
Many of the alternative methods often focus on what it is you're eating and teach you how to fuel your body in such a way that it will be able to fight off the cancer on it's own. Because of all the preservatives and artificial flavorings that are commonly found in food, changing your diet can make a remarkable change in your overall health and may just be enough to jumpstart your immune system enough so that it will help you win the fight against this deadly disease.
While this type of cancer will continue to affect more women than man, it is increasingly important that men get the message that they too can develop it. Contrary to some prejudiced thinking, male breast cancer has nothing whatsoever to do with a man's masculinity or lack thereof.
Remember that the most important thing is early diagnosis, so it is wise to drop any reservations or stubbornness about seeing a doctor. Simply go for a check-up every now and then and be sure to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the breast cancer signs listed above.
Summary:
Breast cancer is something that most people typically relate with females, but did you know that breast cancer can also affect males? It is important for men to be aware that they too can be affected.
While men aged about 67 years are the most susceptible, it is not unheard of for men much younger than that to report this disease. The male breast has much less fatty tissue than does a female breast. This is why this form of cancer doesn't affect men as often. The highest concentration of fatty tissue in men is typically located just beneath the nipple. More often than not, this is where male breast cancer will start.
A common sign of male breast cancer is having the nipple becoming crusty, scaly and raw-looking. Another sign is bleeding, burning, itching or oozing in the nipple area. Remember that there doesn't need to be a palpable lump present to indicate cancer. If there is a lump present, though, the cancer condition is worse than if it were not there.
Risk factors for male breast cancer include age, family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, physical inactivity, liver disease and Klinefelter syndrome. Also, if medications are being taken that can significantly disrupt a man's hormonal level; the chances of developing this cancer are increased. Strong medications like this include those that are used for ulcers and lowering blood pressure.
The only two scientifically proven ways to combat this cancer are through early diagnosis and proper medical treatment. There are, however, some still-developing alternative medicines that are said to aid in fighting cancer. These are best used alongside traditional treatment, rather than just on their own.
Many of the alternative methods often focus on what it is you're eating and teach you how to fuel your body in such a way that it will be able to fight off the cancer on it's own. Because of all the preservatives and artificial flavorings that are commonly found in food, changing your diet can make a remarkable change in your overall health and may just be enough to jumpstart your immune system enough so that it will help you win the fight against this deadly disease.
While this type of cancer will continue to affect more women than man, it is increasingly important that men get the message that they too can develop it. Contrary to some prejudiced thinking, male breast cancer has nothing whatsoever to do with a man's masculinity or lack thereof.
Remember that the most important thing is early diagnosis, so it is wise to drop any reservations or stubbornness about seeing a doctor. Simply go for a check-up every now and then and be sure to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any of the breast cancer signs listed above.
Summary:
Breast cancer is something that most people typically relate with females, but did you know that breast cancer can also affect males? It is important for men to be aware that they too can be affected.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. However, some tumors are not really cancer because they cannot spread or threaten someone's life. These are called benign tumors. The tumors that can spread throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancer and are called malignant tumors. Theoretically, any of the types of tissue in the breast can form a cancer, but usually it comes from either the ducts or the glands. Because it may take months to years for a tumor to get large enough to feel in the breast, we screen for tumors with mammograms, which can sometimes see disease before we can feel it.
How can I prevent breast cancer?
The most important risk factors for the development of breast cancer cannot be controlled by the individual. There are some risk factors that are associated with an increased risk, but there is not a clear cause and effect relationship. In no way can strong recommendations be made like the cause and effect relationship seen with tobacco and lung cancer. There are a few risk factors that may be modified by a woman that potentially could influence the development of breast cancer.
If possible, a woman should avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy, have children before age 30, breastfeed, avoid weight gain through exercise and proper diet, and limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day or less. For women already at a high risk, their risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by about 50% by taking a drug called Tamoxifen for five years. Tamoxifen has some common side effects (like hot flashes and vaginal discharge), which are not serious and some uncommon side effects (like blood clots, pulmonary embolus, stroke, and uterine cancer) which are life threatening. Tamoxifen isn't widely used for prevention, but may be useful in some cases. There are limited data suggesting that vitamin A may protect against breast cancer but further research is needed before it can be recommended for prevention. Other things being investigated include phytoestrogens (naturally occurring estrogens that are in high numbers in soy), vitamin E, vitamin C, and other drugs. Further testing of these substances is also needed before they can be recommended for breast cancer prevention.
Right now, the most important thing any woman can do to decrease her risk of dying from breast cancer is to have regular mammogram screening, learn how to perform breast self exams, and have a regular physical examination by their physician. For more information on breast cancer prevention.
How can I prevent breast cancer?
The most important risk factors for the development of breast cancer cannot be controlled by the individual. There are some risk factors that are associated with an increased risk, but there is not a clear cause and effect relationship. In no way can strong recommendations be made like the cause and effect relationship seen with tobacco and lung cancer. There are a few risk factors that may be modified by a woman that potentially could influence the development of breast cancer.
If possible, a woman should avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy, have children before age 30, breastfeed, avoid weight gain through exercise and proper diet, and limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day or less. For women already at a high risk, their risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by about 50% by taking a drug called Tamoxifen for five years. Tamoxifen has some common side effects (like hot flashes and vaginal discharge), which are not serious and some uncommon side effects (like blood clots, pulmonary embolus, stroke, and uterine cancer) which are life threatening. Tamoxifen isn't widely used for prevention, but may be useful in some cases. There are limited data suggesting that vitamin A may protect against breast cancer but further research is needed before it can be recommended for prevention. Other things being investigated include phytoestrogens (naturally occurring estrogens that are in high numbers in soy), vitamin E, vitamin C, and other drugs. Further testing of these substances is also needed before they can be recommended for breast cancer prevention.
Right now, the most important thing any woman can do to decrease her risk of dying from breast cancer is to have regular mammogram screening, learn how to perform breast self exams, and have a regular physical examination by their physician. For more information on breast cancer prevention.
Natural Holistic Approach to Treating Cancer
Cancer research has uncovered many links between what people eat and their risk of then getting certain cancers. As a result, you can find literature that's full of facts about how to avoid cancer and how to go forth for a natural cancer cure. In my research, most of this literature has a great deal of information about the natural holistic approach on ways to prevent and heal cancer.
Many researchers have provided information about studies done by the National Cancer Institute. In one study using 35,000 male subjects, the Institute looked at the ability of selenium to prevent cancer. The investigators found that a low intake of selenium can cause a great increase in a male's risk for getting prostate cancer.
Another breakthrough study was performed at the Northern California Cancer Center in Fremont, California. The data compiled by those California researchers has indicated that exposure to the sun can help to prevent prostate cancer as well, which is something considerably new in the cancer research field. Further studies have shown that a generous amount of Vitamin D, such as what one gets from sunlight, will cut a man's chances in half for getting prostate cancer.
As physicians and researchers begin to make greater use of the new drugs for treating cancer, it becomes obvious that medicine needs to pay closer attention to holistic cancer cures in addition to these traditional treatment methods. Holistic cures take into consideration all of the parts of the body, not just the specific body part that has the cancer. But the mind and spirit is as well.
The case of one woman in California illustrates the need for a holistic approach to cure cancer. The woman has been receiving chemotherapy for a lung cancer. She
has learned that the drug that is helping to fight her cancer has also created changes in her blood. Her blood is getting thicker.
As a result, that California patient must avoid eating foods with Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps to thicken blood. The woman continues to sacrifice by not eating certain foods that she loves such dark green vegetables. If one can understand that this particular woman is affected by what she eats, researchers and physicians should be aware that what humans eat may have more of a relevant link to cancer than they
first thought was the case.
Research has also found that smokers have a greater chance for getting cancer, especially lung cancer. But there are some things you can do starting now by changing your habits toward a healthier you.
Many researchers have provided information about studies done by the National Cancer Institute. In one study using 35,000 male subjects, the Institute looked at the ability of selenium to prevent cancer. The investigators found that a low intake of selenium can cause a great increase in a male's risk for getting prostate cancer.
Another breakthrough study was performed at the Northern California Cancer Center in Fremont, California. The data compiled by those California researchers has indicated that exposure to the sun can help to prevent prostate cancer as well, which is something considerably new in the cancer research field. Further studies have shown that a generous amount of Vitamin D, such as what one gets from sunlight, will cut a man's chances in half for getting prostate cancer.
As physicians and researchers begin to make greater use of the new drugs for treating cancer, it becomes obvious that medicine needs to pay closer attention to holistic cancer cures in addition to these traditional treatment methods. Holistic cures take into consideration all of the parts of the body, not just the specific body part that has the cancer. But the mind and spirit is as well.
The case of one woman in California illustrates the need for a holistic approach to cure cancer. The woman has been receiving chemotherapy for a lung cancer. She
has learned that the drug that is helping to fight her cancer has also created changes in her blood. Her blood is getting thicker.
As a result, that California patient must avoid eating foods with Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps to thicken blood. The woman continues to sacrifice by not eating certain foods that she loves such dark green vegetables. If one can understand that this particular woman is affected by what she eats, researchers and physicians should be aware that what humans eat may have more of a relevant link to cancer than they
first thought was the case.
Research has also found that smokers have a greater chance for getting cancer, especially lung cancer. But there are some things you can do starting now by changing your habits toward a healthier you.
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