Category Archives: Cancer Prevention

Marijuana Has Been Linked to Lower Risk of Bladder Cancer

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A new study suggests that people who smoke marijuana have a much lower risk of developing bladder cancer than people who smoke cigarettes. A team of researchers from Kaiser Permanente… compared the risk of bladder cancer in more than 80,000 men who only smoked marijuana, cigarettes, or both of these substances. The participants of this study were all between the ages of 45 and 70, and they were observed for more than 11 years. The lead author of this study is Dr. Anil A. Thomas, a fellow in urology at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles. In an

Research Saves LIves – It Is National Cancer Research Month!

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The sad truth is that most, if not all, of us have been touched by cancer in some way or another. Millions of people are diagnosed each year, but many of these diseases, which used to be death sentences, can now be beaten. Thanks to cancer research, countless lives have been saved over the last few decades, and we continue to inch closer to curing the more than 200 different types of cancer…. This is why Congress unanimously decided to honor May as National Cancer Research Month in 2008. Helping to Solve the Mysteries of Cancer We are

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

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As it stands, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States, with close to 4 million new cases diagnosed each year! Skin cancer has no preference, it affects people of all colors and ages. If you have been spending a lot of time out in the sun with no protection, then you could be at risk of developing some form of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society… estimates that there are more cases of skin cancer diagnosed than prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancers combined If you didn’t already know, May is Skin Cancer

How Much Do You Know About Skin Cancer?

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The widespread effect of cancer is something that has affected the lives of most people on earth in some way or another. It is a disease of the cells, and there are a wide variety of cells that comprise the human body. However, the one thing that all forms of cancer have in common is that they are caused by cells which have become abnormal and are multiplying out of control. At this time, the most common form of cancer on earth is skin cancer…. Each year, there are more than one million Americans who are diagnosed with

Cancer Screening Guidelines

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Let’s face it, visiting the doctor’s office is not an activity that many people rank as one of their favorite things to do. So when it comes to getting screened for cancer, most people feel quite uncomfortable as their doctors poke or prod them and perform other tests. This is an understandable anxiety, but as advocates of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month… have tried to convey, many of these cancer-related deaths could be prevented through routine screenings and early detection. In the end, wouldn’t you say that undergoing these somewhat uncomfortable screening tests would be worth it if they can

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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Each year during the month of March, patients, survivors, health care providers, and many others whose lives have been touched by colorectal cancer come together to help spread awareness about this deadly disease. Colorectal cancer actually refers to any cancer that originates in the colon or the rectum, and it is second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. According to the CDC, many of these deaths could be avoided if more people (50 years and older) would get routinely screened for colorectal cancer. The Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer Unfortunately, this type of cancer… often does not produce

National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

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Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal carcinoma, is notoriously difficult to detect during the earliest stages. One of the most common symptoms associated with Kidney cancer would be the presence of blood in the urine, though this could be caused by some other medical conditions (including a kidney stone or some form of infection). Why tell you all this? Well, March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, which means that we need to help spread awareness of this potentially deadly disease. Fortunately, the treatments that are available for kidney cancer… are improving all of the time. This has come

15-Year-Old Jack Andraka, the “Edison” of Modern Times?

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A 15-year-old teenager could help save millions of people with the revolutionary low-cost diagnostic test that he has invented to detect pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage. Who is this teenage wunderkind? His name is Jack Andraka, and some of the top medical researchers in the United States are calling him the “Edison” of modern times! Andraka has developed a simple dip-stick diagnostic test which can detect levels of mesothelin, a biomarker for early stage pancreatic cancer found in the urine and blood. This new test shows incredible promise, and it could easily revolutionize the treatment of this …

Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas Being Shut Down

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Unfortunate news coming out of Texas. A nonprofit research group set to conduct clinical trials in Texas had received the largest grant ever given out by a Texas-cancer fighting agency is going to be shut down. What makes the incident even more untimely is the fact that the nonprofit group had barely even begun work on this new project at the time of this decision. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas had chosen to give a $25.2 million grant to the Statewide Clinical Trials Network of Texas… in 2010. Things had looked pretty bright for their future after

World Cancer Day 2013

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What would happen if the entire world came together to combat cancer? Well, this is exactly what will happen on February 4th as we celebrate World Cancer Day. This is a very special day when individuals and organizations from around the world get the chance to send a very important message: It is time to make ending cancer a global health priority! Every year on this date, World Cancer Day is celebrated in order to help raise further awareness for cancer and to help encourage better prevention, detection, and treatment… practices. This global health awareness day

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

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Since its introduction in the late 1940’s, the Papanicolaou (Pap) test has been used as an early detection tool for cervical cancer or lesions on the cervix that could eventually become cancerous. This diagnostic test has indeed helped to significantly reduce the number of cervical cancer deaths amongst women in the United States, reducing the rate by more than 70 percent since it was introduced. Despite these advances in early detection for cervical cancer, there was an estimated 12,170 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in 2012…, and about 4,220 of these women will eventually succumb to their disease. The

Lung Cancer Awareness Month: No One Deserves to Die

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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and that means that people all across the country will be showing their support for the lung cancer community. We wanted to show our support this year with some info detailing the impact that this deadly disease. In 1995, the movement to raise further awareness for lung cancer… started with Lung Cancer Awareness Day. As support for the lung cancer movement and community grew, more events were held in honor of the many people who are battling this disease. One of this year’s intriguing messages comes from the Lung Cancer Alliance with their campaign:

Breast Cancer Screening – Oh How Our Views Have Changed

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In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force officially recommended that women from the ages of 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years. Over the years though, women with no medical history of breast cancer risk factors have been given some conflicting recommendations from various medical and advocacy organizations. So, when should women begin to get regular screenings for breast cancer? Well, it seems that women can actually lower their risk of dying from breast cancer by starting to get regular screenings at an even earlier age. In fact, the American Cancer Society, the National …

It’s Not A Tumor!! Or is it?

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So, What is a Tumor? If you are a fan of the daily horoscope in the newspaper, then you probably already know that the word “cancer” was derived from the Latin word for “crab”. This seems strangely appropriate, seeing as cancer, like a crab, grabs onto a person and doesn’t let them go easily. Medically, the term “cancer” is used to describe a new type of growth which has the ability to invade the surrounding tissues. If the cancer does metastasize, it can spread to the other organs in the patient’s body, eventually killing them if left untreated. Early detection…

Breaking Down the Various Forms of Skin Cancer

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I am sure that you are already aware that spending countless hours in the sun without any protection can greatly increase your risk of skin cancer. However, were you aware that this is the most common form of cancer in humans…? In fact, every year there are estimated to be at least 1 million new cases of skin cancer. The medical community has expressed concern over this issue, since the annual rates of all forms of skin cancer have been on the rise in recent years. Unless some changes are made, nearly half of all Americans who make it

The Top 5 Cancers Affecting Women

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Unfortunately, the numbers show that more and more women are being diagnosed with cancer every year. The higher rates of cancer have become a major concern for medical science, but there are many factors which can increase a person’s risk of cancer…. In many cases, a cancer diagnosis is connected with the patient’s family medical history. While our family history is something that we cannot control, there are a number of environmental and lifestyle factors which we can. Lifestyle choices like your diet, activity level, or smoking can have a significant impact on your overall risk of cancer. The

Benefits of Medical Imaging & Screening for Cancer Patients

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The benefits from continued medical imaging and screening for cancer… cannot be understated. As many people know, catching cancer at an early stage can mean the difference between life and death. With new improvements in medical imaging and screening, our doctors can now see things that they once missed. Medical Imaging With new advancements in medical imaging, doctors can make better decisions when it comes to choosing the appropriate cancer treatment. However, medical imaging, taken on its own, is not a treatment. Its true value lies in providing more detailed information about the patient’s condition. These state of the art

CPS-3 Clinical Trial Now Enrolling in Tampa, Florida

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A new landmark clinical study is taking place to determine the best ways to prevent cancer. St. Joseph’s Hospital, a cancer treatment center in Florida, is helping the ACS find “cancer fighters” living near Tampa Bay who wish to join this new study being conducted nationwide. The research study is about how lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors might cause or even prevent cancer. This oncology clinical study… is open to both men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, with the only major stipulation being that participants have never been diagnosed with any type of cancer. If

Ten Foods That Can Help Lower Your Risk of Cancer

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There are a number of foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants… and agents that help reduce your chances of getting cancer. Below is a list that contains the names of these foods and there benefits to the body. Turmeric This brightly yellow colored spice is a first rate anti-inflammatory herb. It has been proven to aid in cancer prevention, skin damage, cataracts and Alzeihmers. Chia seeds Chia seeds contain the highest amount of omega-3 and fiber than any other seeds or plants known to man. These seeds are great for lowering cholesterol, normalizing blood pressure, and improving digestion. The

Can Aspirin Be Used to Prevent Cancer?

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Is it possible that aspirin can prevent cancer…? Could a cheap old drug be the cure to the number one death of the world? Studies show that aspirin can prevent the risk of heart attacks, strokes, tumors, and cancer. 51 studies on over 70,000 people show that both men and women who took daily dosses had lower risk of dying from cancer. But in order for this to work it is said that you must take it every day for more than 5 years, which is difficult to do for most people. But, by doing this, you may cut

How Pollution Affects Your Chances of Getting Cancer

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Did you ever think that what you are breathing in every second of everyday could affect your future? Evidence shows that pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels causes the death of 30,000 to 50,000 Americans each year. The causes of these deaths were from multiple diseases such as heart disease, lung cancer… and many other respiratory diseases. According to the American Lung Association, an estimate of 141 million Americans live with the presence of unhealthy air. Air intake is very important when it comes to health. It can affect the way you think, sleep, and feel just like

Federal Judge Blocks Imposition of Graphic Anti-Smoking Pictures on Tobacco Products

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In 2009, President Obama signed into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. In an effort to prevent cancer…, the law would have required that tobacco companies place graphic color advertisements on cigarette packages that would cover the top 50% of the front and back of the package and 20 percent of print advertisements. Reynolds American, along with other firms, sued the Food and Drug Administration, claiming the mandates for cigarette packages, cartons and advertising violate their First Amendment right to free speech. On February 9, 2012, federal Judge Richard Leon ruled that forcing such images on

LIVESTRONG Celebrates 15 Years of Cancer Awareness

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Just 15 years ago, seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong created one of the most important non-profit brands in history, LIVESTRONG. The goal of this organization is to advocate for policies and funding opportunities that benefit cancer research, as well as providing direct services for those individuals who have survived cancer. Armstrong is a cancer survivor himself, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer (technically known as embryonal carcinoma…) at age 25. SInce founding the organization, LIVESTRONG has contributed over $275 million into various programs that aim to help cancer survivors. Here’s a quick breakdown of how that

Top 6 Ways To Prevent Cancer

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The next time you are out and about in public, take a look around and think…50% of all the men in here will get diagnosed with cancer, as will one-third of all women. Its crazy to think about it this way, especially when there are so many simple ways to avoid the big “C”. Below is a list of some of the best ways to prevent cancer: 1. DON’T SMOKE!!!! (DUH!) Using any form of tobacco is the quickest way to get yourself a visit with the oncology wing of your local hospital…! And we’re not just talking about

Rise in Mesothelioma Among People Doing DIY Renovations

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With the economy in a slump, the housing market is not doing well and people have turned to remodeling their current home instead of trying to sell their home for an upgrade. A study that was published in the Medical Journal of Australia, has shown the alarming rate of asbestos-related diseases, such as Mesothelioma…, that can be correlated to exposure to asbestos from home renovation projects. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body’s internal organs. An individual may be at risk to develop Mesothelioma if they were

Israeli Vaccine ImMucin Kills Cancer and Tuberculosis

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What if there was a miracle vaccine that could program people’s immune systems to locate and obliterate malignant cells? What if there was a guarantee that after surgical removal of tumors, radiation and chemotherapy a person could get vaccinated to ensure that all cancer cells are eradicated? What if people could just get vaccinated and not have to undergo severe cancer treatments…, drugs and recovery? What if cancer deaths became rare? ImMucin, a new vaccine that boasts the ability to perform the above criteria, is currently undergoing advanced clinical trials in a hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. ImMucin is

Early Detection of Breast Cancer: Mammograms & Screenings

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You may know that it is very important for every woman to get screened for breast cancer. However, do you know what all a mammogram entails? Is it a word you are familiar with or is it just another breast cancer word tossed around? Well, here are some great Mammogram and Breast Cancer Screening Facts…. What is a Mammogram?A mammogram is simply an x-ray picture of the breast. They can be used to check breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early

The Effect of Free Radicals & Antioxidants on Your Body

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Free radicals don’t just cause wrinkles and aging; they damage immune function and cause cell mutations. According to some researchers, free radicals are behind almost every known disease…, including alzheimer’s, cancer, parkinson’s and heart disease. Free radicals form incessantly and rapidly in the human body. Free radicals develop as follows. Cells are made up of atoms, and each atom is made up of a nucleus surrounded by a cloud of electron pairs. A “stable” molecule is one in which every atom has paired electrons, whereas a “free” radical is one carrying an electron in desperate search of a mate.

Ovarian Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors for this too-Often Undetectable Disease

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Ovarian cancer occurs when cancerous, abnormal cells spread on the ovaries, killing off healthy cells. Did you know Ovarian Cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer? A major cause of this cancer’s high fatality rate is the difficulty in detecting it. However, If ovarian cancer is found in its early stages, women have a 93% survival rate! Ovarian Cancer Signs & Symptoms The signs of ovarian cancer… are extremely subtle and difficult to diagnose:Bloating Pelvic or Abdominal pain Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Urinary urgency or frequency Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea Extreme fatigue Shortness

Prostate Cancer Awareness – Symptoms, Prevention,Testing & Risk Factors

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Prostate cancer is represented by a light blue ribbon throughout the month of September (You may remember September is childhood cancer awareness month, too). Prostate cancer… starts in the prostate gland, situated between the bladder and the rectum in men. The prostate is usually compared to a walnut in both size and shape. It makes up part of the man’s reproductive system and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is

Breast Cancer Overview: Prevention, Detection, Diagnosis, Staging, Treatment & Survivorship

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Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Yup, it’s that time of year again! We’d like to share some steps you can take toward preventing breast cancer… as well as some research about diagnosis, staging, treatment and survivorship. Tips for Breast Cancer PreventionLimit alcohol intake Maintain a healthy weight by eating well and exercising Breast feed your child Discontinue hormone therapy Avoid exposure to environmental pollutionExamine yourself and consult a doctor about any irregularities (lumps or skin changes). Tips for Early Detection of Breast CancerTry to catch it early before symptoms occur. If the

Cancer Education Overview: Oncology, Cancer Types, Tumors, Treatment & Tests

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Chances are that you or people you know and care about have been affected by cancer. When cancer strikes, you may be bombarded with terms that you have never heard of before. We are here to help you learn the basics of cancer to help you feel more prepared. The “Education” section of Know Cancer is segmented into the following categories to help you navigate this broad landscape. Cancer Types Did you know there are over 200 different types of cancer…? Each of those 200 types of cancer is very unique. When someone has cancer, it is identified by

Understanding Oncology: The Study of Cancer

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Oncology: its basic definition is “the study of cancer.” But there’s so much more to it. When you enter the world of cancer, you face more terminology than you imagined possible. It’s not a simple chest cold we’re discussing anymore! Let’s navigate some of the familiar phrases in oncology so we can sort out the medical jargon and make it easier to understand your situation.  First of all, what is cancer, anyway? Simply put, cancer is a disease where cells display uncontrolled growth. A group of uncontrolled cells is generally referred to as a tumor…. Tumors are not

Can changing your diet change your lungs?

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Everyone knows smoking can cause lung cancer. In fact, smokers are ten times more likely to be diagnosed than non-smokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Quitting smoking at any time decreases your risk of developing lung cancer,” says Christopher Azzoli, an oncologist at Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in New York….  “Quitting smoking after a diagnosis of lung cancer can improve chance of cure, improve tolerance of and decrease side effects of treatment.” But besides trashing the Marlboros, a change of diet may also improve respiratory health, suggests research at the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute

Doctors Make Progress On Personalized Cancer Prevention

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With a cure for cancer still frustratingly absent, doctors argue that the best defense is prevention. In a press release from the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C., in April, Ernest Hawk, an oncologist with The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, stated that maintaining a healthy lifestyle… could effectively prevent “at least half of all cancer deaths”. It’s an impressive number and one that could potentially be even larger if doctors are able to create personalized lifestyle recommendations for each patient in their care. New research presented at last week’s meeting brings

Breast Cancer By The Numbers: Raising Awareness About Risk

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In September, Congress declared the last week of the month as National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week. The resolution was sponsored by Representative—and breast cancer survivor—Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D, Fl.) who testified before Congress that “knowledge is power” when it comes to breast and ovarian cancer. “Hopefully, the resolution that we have today will raise awareness so that we can continue to catch more cancer earlier, so that we can have more survivors,” Wasserman Schultz said. Along with increasing the awareness of hereditary cancer, the week also includes National Previvor Day. Previvors are women who understand the risk …

5 Things Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer Screening

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In the last two decades, breast cancer screening… with mammography exams has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by one-third. Still, there has recently been confusion over when women should begin screening (age 40? 50?), and some women aren’t undergoing routine testing at all. In sorting fact from fiction, here are five things every woman should know about this very important—and life-saving—diagnostic test. 1. Don’t wait According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin annual mammography exams at the age of 40. Yearly testing should continue until the age of 70. 2. Go to a specialist Certain

5 Things Every Woman Should Know about Breast Cancer Screening

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In the last two decades, breast cancer screening… with mammography exams has reduced the number of deaths from the disease by one-third. Still, there has recently been confusion over when women should begin screening (age 40? 50?), and some women aren’t undergoing routine testing at all. In sorting fact from fiction, here are five things every woman should know about this very important—and life-saving—diagnostic test. 1. Don’t wait. According to the American Cancer Society, women should begin annual mammography exams at the age of 40. Yearly testing should continue until the age of 70. 2. Go to a specialist. Certain

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here!

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It’s finally October!  Here at Know Cancer, it’s a time of year that gives us great pleasure to be able to help bring awareness to the most common type of cancer in women – breast cancer. Public awareness of this particular cancer is very important, given its prevalence among women, and keeping in mind that the earlier the detection the better chance one has of becoming a survivor.  So…be sure to find a cancer screening service… in your area and get those regular mammograms! There’s a lot going on this month in similar efforts to bring about awareness to

Freedom Pharmacy giving away FREE Colon Self-Test Kits

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It’s Colon Cancer Month people and there’s no time like the present to check your bum bum! :) That’s why Freedom Pharmacy & Wellness Center has gone above and beyond to give out FREE “Colon Self-Test Kits.” It’s a simple non-invasive test to make sure you’re all clear, or alert you if there is something worth investigating.   Some of you may have heard about Freedom Pharmacy in the previous post… I wrote about them. For those of you who are first hearing about these guys, I highly suggest you check them out–especially if you live in Florida!   You

TED Talk: A new strategy in the war on cancer

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This AMAZING TED Talk by Dr. David Agus is just another example of great people making strides in cancer research and prevention.  It truly provides hope to all of us that a cure is attainable in our lifetime. Please take the time to watch this and leave your comments below. Also, please share this with others, as it is without a doubt an "Idea worth Spreading". Traditionally, David Agus explains, cancer treatments… have had a short-sighted focus on the offending individual cells. He suggests a new, cross-disciplinary approach, using atypical drugs, computer modeling and protein analysis to treat and analyze

Laser Therapy, the new way to QUIT SMOKING!

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I first met Mark Marino at our Know Cancer Community Awareness Fair back in February. After chatting with him for only 5 minutes, it was clear we shared a similar vision. Over the past year, I have continued to watch his dedication  to helping smokers kick their habit and get healthy. This has made it abundantly clear that my assumption of Mark was correct, and we at Know Cancer truly appreciate his commitment to cancer prevention and education! It's no secret that smoking greatly increases your risk of getting cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society…, smoking related