Dealing With Cancer as an Adult

Dealing With Cancer as an Adult

Having a father that was diagnosed with cancer put the reality of illness into my life. At the age of 19 I was faced with a dying father who did not know what to do. Even though I had my faith in God, I wanted some answers as to what was happening.

Having Hope is a trying situation:

Many times it is important to remain hopeful even though things may look bad or not in your favour, having important friends that can help you can take your life much further than you thought possible. Sometimes, all that is needed is a friend who can help in times of need rather than having someone who is what we as Americans coin "Party pooper."

Even though my father had a trying time while he was passing. There is still the ability to rejoice and remain hopeful in the face of cancer. It is important when you have emotional wells that open up to remain calm and relaxed as much as possible. This will keep the emotion from completely taking you over.

Here are some small tips to help see the bright side of trying emotional times.

1. Pray daily, it is important to remain and keep a strong spiritual connection when you are going through hard times, this helps to channel your energy in other places rather than on the problem itself, or on the future, it is important to "be here now", when emotions may get in the way.

2. Remember that cancer is not always terminal. New treatments are available that can help suffers overcome certain cancers. There are numerous stories of cancer survivors, miracles, and remission that shock doctors every day.

3. Read spiritual enlightening material daily -- This can help keep your mind fresh and aware of everything that is happening to you and it will help give you a good perspective of your situation.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by biopsy and histological examination of the biopsy specimen by a pathologist. Procedures like PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and DRE (Digital rectal examination), used in screening are not sufficient for making a diagnosis of cancer of the prostate. Screening procedures help only in identifying persons who might be suffering from cancer of the prostate.

Biopsy

Cancer of the prostate, unlike breast cancer, which starts as a single tumor and grows outwards, starts as multiple small tumors at different locations within the prostate gland. Therefore during biopsy samples are collected from different locations in the prostate gland. This is referred to as multiple core biopsy. A minimum of six cores are usually recommended in cancer of the prostate.

Patients suffering from prostatitis (infection of prostate) are advised not to undergo biopsy until a course of antibiotics is completed, to cure the infection. Patients with persistent high PSA levels but negative biopsies are advised to undergo a repeat biopsy.

During biopsy a needle is inserted into the tumor through the perineum, under the guidance of ultrasound, and cell specimens are taken from different locations within the prostate gland. After the biopsy the samples are examined by the pathologist under the microscope to look for cancer cells.

Treatment For Prostate Cancer - Which One is the Best?

Treatment For Prostate Cancer - Which One is the Best?

Treatment for prostate cancer is extensive from my estimation. But this does not mean you have to use only one method to help you out. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect 1 out of 6 men in the United States alone. Older men are more prone to this disease. In fact, 65% of sufferers of this condition are over 65 years old. This disease happens when the cells located in the prostate increases in number. Normally, our cells follow a regular life cycle. But when these cells do not follow that life cycle and they grow uncontrollably this leads way to the production of cells that are more than usual.

The extra cells accumulate and create tumours. Anyone who is diagnosed with this condition may think their life is over and that if ever they do have a shot in getting better, the treatments are gruelling and life-altering. Actually, if the tumor is still in its primary stage, the person has a high chance of being cured. The problem lies when the symptoms are not that apparent creating a false sense of security that there is nothing wrong until the growth of the tumor cannot already be prevented. The earlier the diagnosis, the higher the chances for survival are.

Undergoing this disease is never easy. The person affected should make wise choices about treatment for prostate cancer that they should utilize. The decision will not just affect themselves but will also affect their whole family. It is important to remember that when it comes to this disease, or any other type of cancer for that matter, "one size does not fit all". A variety of treatments should be utilized. Whether it is medical approach or a holistic approach, one should always keep an open heart and mind.

Types of Breast Cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancer) tumor that starts from cells of the breast. It is found mostly in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. Here we will only talk about breast cancer in women.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This begins in the milk-making glands (lobules) but does not go through the wall of the lobules. It is not a true cancer, but having LCIS increases a woman's risk of getting cancer later. For this reason, it's important that women with LCIS make sure they have regular mammograms and doctor visits.

Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common breast cancer. It starts in a milk passage (a duct), breaks through the wall of the duct, and invades the tissue of the breast. From there it may be able to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. It accounts for about 8 out of 10 invasive breast cancers.

Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This cancer starts in the milk glands (the lobules). It can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. About 1 out of 10 invasive breast cancers are of this type.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This uncommon type of invasive breast cancer accounts for about 1% to 3% of all breast cancers. Usually there is no single lump or tumor. Instead, IBC makes the skin of the breast look red and feel warm. It also makes the skin look thick and pitted something like an orange peel. The breast may get bigger, hard, tender, or itchy.