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Colon cancer also called is colorectal cancer and large bowel cancer. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year, including about 16,000 in the UK. About a quarter of all adults in the U.S. over the age of 50 will have at least one colorectal polyp. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in US women. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining. Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and nonspecific.
The first symptoms of colon cancer are commonly vague, like weight loss and fatigue (tiredness). Local (bowel) symptoms are rare until the tumor has grown to a large size. Other symptoms of colon cancer include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. There are several risk factors for the disease. Diet also contributes to the risk, although the cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. People whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables seem to have a reduced risk.
Certain genetic syndromes also reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Heavy exposure to certain chemicals, including chlorine , which in small amounts is commonly used to purify drinking water may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Smoking cigarettes is other risk factor for colorectal cancer. The first treatment of colon cancer is to surgically remove part or all of your colon. Surgery is depend on the stage and size of your tumor. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.
Chemotherapy is frequently utilized as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer to demolish cancer cells that have metastasized. It also may be used prior to surgery to increase the tumor. Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and increasing physical activity can help prevent the disease. Radiation therapy may be used after surgery to kill any remaining areas of cancer or before surgery to shrink the tumor. Radiation also can be utilized to cure cancer from coming back to the place it started and to alleviate symptoms of advanced cancer. Biological treatment, also reffers immunotherapy, attempts to make your body fight against your cancer.
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Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is evaluated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. It accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancers.
Squamous cell carcinomas arise from the upper levels of the epidermis, usually on places that have been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally. They account for about 20 percent of skin cancers in the United States.Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread (metastasize) throughout the body quickly.They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms.
Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin,sunburn or excessive sun damage, especially early in life. UVA & UVB have both been involved in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer.
Treatment for skin cancer and the precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses varies, depending on the size, type, depth and location of the lesions. The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.
Interferon and interleukin-2 are under study to treat melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. A good practice is to wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. Also wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors is paramount. Photodynamic therapy destroys skin cancer cells with a combination of laser light and drugs that makes cancer cells sensitive to light. Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas if surgery isn’t an option. Reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming. In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
2. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years.
3. Avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM).
4. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors.
5. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.
6. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.
The goal of treatment is to kill the cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
There are three basic goals of therapy.
o To manage the lymphoma as needed with minimal toxicity (management intent)
o To achieve a durable remission or possible cure (curative intent)
o To relieve symptoms or to address a tumor that is dangerous or impacting on your quality of life (palliative intent)
It’s important to understand and agree with the intent or goal of therapy; the most appropriate goal depending on many factors, including the type of lymphoma, its aggressiveness, where it presents, your treatment history, age, performance and other factors.
Treatments may be systemic - delivering drugs into the blood to reach cancer cells anywhere in the body, or localized - to treat a specific area of the body.
Almost all treatment agents are selective to some degree. That is, they are designed to affect the targeted cells (cancer cells) more than the normal cells. For example, many chemotherapy drugs affect rapidly dividing cells and will therefore damage mainly cancer cells, but also some normal cells that divide rapidly.
The experience of cancer treatment can vary a lot. Some will experience little discomfort and be able to continue work and family activities with little disruption. But sometimes the experience of treatment requires close monitoring and extensive after care.
Additionally, the following factors can influence the treatment experience and the outcomes:
o Your age and health status
o The treatment agents
o The unique sensitivities you may have to treatments
o How closely you follow doctor’s instructions
o How honestly and promptly you report problems
Try to be positive about the chosen treatment. Sometimes your anxiety about treatment can disrupt life more than the therapy, and can make recovery more challenging than it need be.
Learn what you can do to manage or prevent side effects and complications (the focus of what follows), so that you will have the best chance to have a great outcome.
Ask your doctor
o For readable information about each of the drugs you will be receive.
o What symptoms or side effects are expected, and which require:
·Immediate attention?
· A call the next day?
o How you can contact him?
o If drugs to control nausea will be needed?
o If nausea medicines are needed, please provide a prescription several days prior to the first treatment. (Prior approval may be required by your insurance company.)
o About ways to help with the administration of therapies, such as ports
o Ask about dietary and prescription guidelines, such as any foods or drugs to avoid when receiving treatment.Provide a list for your doctor of allergies you may have, along with a list medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter types.
Getting Ready
Preparations - getting ready for treatment:
o Talk to your doctor about dental problems and chronic infections; address before treatment if possible.
o Ask about ways to help with the administration of therapies, such as ports
o Let neighbors, family, and friends help with your everyday preparations and tasks.
o Notify employees, family, and friends that you will need to be careful to avoid infections.
o Make preparations (lists, shopping, complete responsibilities) to minimize what you will have to do when treatment starts.
o Prepare a journal of your activities, body functions, symptoms and side effects; bring to your doctor's appointment. Write down your questions. Set goals.
o Prepare your favorite music and reading to help you relax.
About Therapy and Blood Counts
Many therapies can lead to decrease blood cell counts (cytopenias):
o Fatigue from low red blood cells (Anemia)
o Increased risk of bleeding from low platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
o Increased risk of infection from low granulocyte levels (Granulocytopenia)
o And from low lymphocytes and neutrophils counts (Lymphopenia and Neutropenia) also known as low White Blood Counts or WBC.
These risks will decrease as your blood counts return to more normal levels.
Tips for Getting Through Treatment
o Keep physically active; discuss also your limits with your doctor.
o Ask your doctor about growth factors (Neupogen® and Leukine®) that may help your granulocytes to recover more quickly.
o Avoid taking supplements without consulting with your oncologist.
o Avoid very hot baths to decrease the risk of Hand/Foot Syndrome and infection.
o Avoid uncooked foods; and thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits, including the skins.
o Record side effects and share with your doctor. We don't all react to the same drugs in the same way and sometimes protocols have to be changed or modified based on individual reactions.
o Talk to other patients; join a supportive group.
o Maintain hydration
o Drink plenty of water daily to keep tissues hydrated, reduce constipation, and to help remove toxins from your bladder, liver and kidneys.
o For each cup of coffee, tea, cola drink, or cocoa, take an extra cup of water. Chocolate also requires extra water.
o Avoid alcohol because it's also dehydrating and adds unnecessary toxicity.
o Ask your doctor about laxatives and stool softeners.
Have available small portions of food and drink, which require little or no preparation: broth-based soups, canned fruit, crackers, fruit juice. Treatment may increase the need for sources of digestible protein.
Minimizing oral complications:
o Avoid sticky, crunchy foods; and foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices.
o To help with swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt, or other liquids.
o Avoid toothpicks and tobacco products.
o When your mouth hurts, call or fax your doctor or nurse.
o Use extra-soft toothbrush after meals and at bedtime. Soften in warm water.
o Use a fluoride toothpaste; avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
o Gently floss your teeth daily. Avoid areas that are bleeding or sore. If your blood counts are low check with doctor or nurse before flossing.
o Rinse several times daily with solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.
o Suck on ice cubes to relieve sores - be sure that the water is pure (boil if from a well).
o Discuss with your doctor or dentist about your dentures that don't fit.
Constipation management:
o Contact your doctor if it persists or worsens.
o Keep hydrated (drink water) and avoid caffeine.
o Include fiber in your meals (such as whole grains).
o Get regular exercise (such as walking).
Nausea management:
o Avoid foods that are high in fat, which tend to remain in the stomach longer than other foods and may contribute to nausea.
o Chew slowly, take small bites, sip liquids with meals; avoid offending foods and odors - breath through your mouth when needed.
o Try smaller, more-frequent meals.
Cross contamination - reduce risk of infection while your counts are low:
o Be aware of sources of contamination: public places, raw foods, cutting boards, plates, dish towels, door knobs, counter tops, and sponges.
o Wash hands often with warm soapy water; avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes.
o Wash after touching door knobs, dish towels, raw foods
o Use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat. Use separate dish towels when handling raw meat; use disposable types.
o Get adequate rest, take naps as needed.
o Try relaxation techniques during treatment, such as mediation or prayer.
Among the various fruits available, guava is one of the ones that have the highest vitamin C content.Vitamin C is a very good anti-oxidant. Most vitamin C is concentrated guava soft outer skin and meat fat. Content of vitamin E, is near the peak of ripe guava. Apart from being a reliable source of vitamin C, guavas, are also rich in fiber, especially pectin (water soluble fiber), which you can use to make a gel.
Guava (guava, Guava Lin) originated in Central America. Usually planted in gardens and fields. Bush is the guava tree branch, may amount to 12 meter high with fruit varied from a diameter of 2.5 cm to 10 cm or more. Guava also contains tannin, which bitter to fruit, but also improves the work of the digestive and circulatory organs, and helps against virus attacks. Guava also contains potassium, which increases heart rate and messages frequently, and activation of muscle contraction, and the organization of the supply of other nutrients to body cells and the control of fluid balance in cells and tissues of the body lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood , high blood pressure (hypertension). According to the doctors James Cerda, if you eat guava with 0.5-1 kg / day for 4 weeks, the risk of heart disease to reduce by 16%.
Lycopene in guava, is also potential material resources nutrition than fiber. Lycopene is Karatenoid (major pigment in plants) found in the blood (0.5 moles per liter of blood) and also has anti-oxidant activity. Studies on Italian lycopene Epidemologic researchers, including 2706 cases of cancer of the oral cavity, acut ulcer, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, or the increased consumption of lycopene, guavas, especially red meat, and tasted nice to negligible impact on the body provides protection against certain types of cancers.
Besides the benefits of guava, it also preserves the health of blood vessels, heart and blood vessels to prevent cancer, strengthen the immune system against diseases and promote health of the gums, teeth and capillaries and helps to absorb iron and wound healing. Guava is also a strong anti-inflammatory, to stop bleeding and diarrhea, for example in people with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
So so its safe to say that you should increase your guava intake.
