Cancer Research - How is Cancer Being Researched?

By Lester Lee 

Getting cancer is one of the scariest things a person can have and it doesn't only affect the person diagnosed but also the people around that person as well. Cancer is an incredibly deadly disease with several different types. It's hard to find someone in the current world today who hasn't known someone who has or has had cancer. Because of this, millions of dollars are spent each year on cancer research to learn more about this deadly disease and to identify new effective treatments and cures for it.
The basis of such research is to identify the types of cancer, diagnose cancer in patients, and to find ways to prevent, treat and cure the disease. There are various ways that cancer is researched. These ways include epidemiology and molecular bioscience, which is then used in clinical trials to compare and evaluate the different treatments.
The different types of treatments that are being researched are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gene therapy, finding vaccines, targeted therapy and ways to boost the immune system. Anti-cancer vaccination research is done deals with exposing extracted tumors cells to UV light for a 24-hour period and then injecting them back into the organism. This approach has already been successful on rats.

However, researches of this deadly disease has had its share of issues and is still battling some of them. The main issue it faces is funding. Most of the funding comes from donations, so people and different organizations have to go out and get funding from the public. Stem cell research has also stirred up a lot of controversy pretty much halting any current testing in this field. Another controversial topic with cancer research is the clinical trials and the use of animals and human beings.
As stated earlier, funding is one of the most important parts of keeping such researches alive. There are many organizations out there that are doing their part to raise money for research. Some of these organizations include; The American Cancer Society, Institute of Cancer Research, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, United Devices Cancer Research Project, Friends of Cancer Research and the Walker Cancer Research Institute. This is just a short list of some of the organizations, but rest assured that there are a lot more out there.

It is important to keep the cancer research alive as cancer is definitely showing no signs of going away or even slowing down. Find our more about cancer research at www.cancer-tumor.info

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Clinical Trials - Importance and Value of Medical Research

By Dale Woods 

Clinical trials are regulated tests on people for specific diseases and conditions. The goals of clinical research can vary, from finding a better way to treat your condition to a new way to detect a disease. Regardless of the purpose, clinical research greatly enhances medical knowledge.
Clinical trials test new treatments, therapies or drugs. Not all trials involve medication -- they alter your eating or sleeping habits. Each trial could be specific to age, gender, demographic, medical history and so on. Requirements are in place to ensure the safest and most reliable results.
Whether you're battling cancer or depression, there is a wide variety of clinical trials out there. Once you find a trial, criteria screening doesn't take that long and you could be on your way to improved health.
Benefits of Clinical Trials
You will find many benefits when you participate in clinical research. Trials offer the opportunity to be treated by top healthcare professionals and researchers, and they also play a crucial role in advancing treatment and therapy. Without volunteers, we risk not learning something important about a disease.
Patients who volunteer for clinical trials get to use the newest, most advanced treatments and technologies. This medical attention is free to the patient and treatments and prescriptions could also be free. Clinical trials have the potential to help treat your condition and just by participating in a trial you will be helping people who have the same disease in the future.
Also, some patients may be out of treatment options. Participating in a trial could be the only way to get new treatment when others fail, giving those who are ill another chance at survival.
Why We Need Clinical Research
Medical research can lead to scientific breakthroughs that can drastically change people's lives and the face of medicine. By testing directly on people who are affected by a disease or condition, healthcare professionals and scientists can better understand the effects of new treatments. Clinical trials work to show the benefits, risks, results and side effects associated with new treatments.
Without clinical research, we don't know how treatment will affect patients. People could be given medication that is harmful or patients could be missing out on treatment that could significantly improve their condition.
A lot of cancer research has been conducted through clinical trials as doctors try to find new cures and preventative treatments. One result of these trials are alternative medicines which give new opportunities to fight serious conditions.
Trials also show how combination therapies and treatment frequency can affect patients. Researchers have discovered that there is more to treatment than medication. They also understand that the amount of medication taken by a patient can vary depending on other factors, such as age, weight and health history. Discoveries like these would not have happened if it weren't for clinical research.
Clinical Research is Highly Regulated
Treatments are at the final stage of testing and have to be approved to be used in a clinical trial. Like other therapies or treatments, they can have side effects. However, most patients feel the benefits of the treatment outweigh most side effects.
Medical professionals spend a long time ensuring their tests will be credible. They aren't going to knowingly use patients without them understanding the risks involved. It is their job to ensure the most ethical and credible trial.

Dale Woods writes about clinical trials and medical research for Clinicalstudyconnect.com. Areas of interest include Depression, Diabetes and related conditions.
Clinicalstudyconnect.com is a free service that connects people interested in participating in clinical trials with researchers recruiting patients.
Register at Clinicalstudyconnect.com and receive an email alert as soon as new clinical trials are announced.

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Lung Cancer Discoveries

By Lance Winslow 

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with four-dimensional protons. Sounds way out and kind of science fiction like, but there is some validity to the theory and on-going research. The 4D Proton treatment is different than that of the x-rays traditionally used in radiation type therapies. Protons can potentially obliterate lung tumors without damaging as much localized healthy tissue. There is currently lots of discussion of putting this new technology to work and it has been brought up at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting in Seattle.
In fact a small study was already done on four patients using protons to treat lung cancer. X-ray cancer therapies use multiple beams, which also go thru non-cancerous tissue harming the lungs and tissue as they exit. The positively charged subatomic protons only move a small distance thru the body. Right now it is a bit hard to control the Protons trajectories, however the science is a viable option in the future with further research. By using a 4D methodology they can deal with the expanding and contracting of the lung during the process similar to the approach used in the X-ray version of the treatment.

This treatment is not yet available but should be within a year or two, with clinical trials moving forward. The four patients who were tested on were at the Massachusetts General Hospital saw significant results in all cases. Now an algorithm needs to be develop which can guestimate the trajectory of the protons to be displayed during the operation so that the treatment is fired accurately. It is assumed that this can be done soon and it will be great to have a better process available to beat lung cancer. We are progressing well medically as a nation. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

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Lung Cancer Diagnosis

By Jitesh Arora 

The detection of the lung cancer is done by screening of the suspected individuals - suspected individuals mean people who are indulged in smoking or people more than the age of 45. There is no change in the survival rate as a result of practicing screening of the suspected individuals by many government and international health organizations but one thing is clear patients who had gone under the screening and were put the diagnosis of the lung cancer most of them were asymptomatic.

                                                                           

Once the diagnosis has been made on the basis of radiological screening and symptoms the next step taken is tissue diagnosis. Tissue diagnosis includes biopsy of the tumour tissue, biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes and biopsy of bone lesions if present. The most important task of the pathologist is to differentiate between the types of lung cancer. There are two types of lung cancer small cell and non small cell.

Staging is the step which is taken after the diagnosis of the cancer. Staging plays an important role in treatment. Staging of any type of cancer includes two steps the first step is to locate the cancer and second step is to have a look on the patient that if he is prepared to endure anti tumour activities. Resectibility of a tumour also depends on the anatomical location of the tumour. For non small cell tumour international TNM staging is used, T means size of tumour, N means regional lymph node involvement and M means distant metastases.Small cell lung cancer includes two stage system. The first stage is called limited stage which is confined to one hemithorax, regional lymph nodes and supraclavicular lymph nodes of the ipsilateral side but if the disease is not confined to these boundaries the disease is classified as extensive stage.

Did you know that Lung Cancer can be Treated. If you want to know more about the treatment then feel free to visit Lung Cancer Treatment

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Mesothelioma Prevention and Precaution

By Gary Ng 

In my earlier article pertaining to "mesothelioma and asbestos side effects", I have briefly discussed on the possible side effects common folks maybe faced with should they have any form of furniture or asset fittings within their occupied premise (both at home as well as your workplace) that are made essentially from materials comprising of asbestos components or elements.

It was highlighted that workers engaged in certain industries or trade handling or working with asbestos materials should be adequately protected. Specifically, what level of protection as well as precaution should be undertaken?
First off, let's look at the work environment you are currently at: Is it adequately ventilated either through natural ventilation (as in a workplace with generous amount of window openings) or mechanical ventilation (as in is your workplace air-conditioned or provided with other means of positive pressure ventilation)? Are your work stations well spaced out? Is the machinery used by each staff well spaced out as well?
Your work environment needs to be properly assessed as it will further determine the level of personal protection you'll need to provide for your staff or self provided (depending whether you're working in a large organization or whether you're self employed). A work environment which has work stations located too close to one another, is in a stuffy and hot room, or situated in a humid country will affect how asbestos particles when released into the environment will propagate.
As far as possible, a well balanced form of workplace ventilation should be practiced. While air-conditioning the whole workplace maybe costly in the long run and thus not feasible in terms of monthly electrical bills, this form of balance can be maintained with suitable window openings properly planned out with your contractor or space planner. Going further, the choice of lighting also plays a part in the influencing the room temperature. Too many lights that are not well spaced out? Well, you get the picture.
The rate of release of asbestos particles is not only dependent on the environmental temperature, but is also dependent on the level of work being exercised upon. By this, we're referring to the rate of production of such asbestos components (such as gypsum board manufacturing, etc.). While it may not be a wise business decision to slow down the rate of production in the name of workplace safety and health (then again, it depends on who and where you're working for), the provision of suitable personal protective equipment (or PPE) shall come into play.
At the minimal level, a proper individually-fitted N95 level face mask along with goggles should be provided for the upper chest level, followed by proper safety shoes along with industrial-grade work gloves for the limbs. The rest of the body should be covered in a proper overall. With all this in place, you'll now start to understand why your workplace needs to be properly ventilated, not just to minimize the spread of asbestos particles, but also for the sake of personal work comfort which will also influence an individual's work concentration level when operating a machinery or cutting tool.
And at the end of each day before leaving your workplace, ensure that all the PPE listed above is properly stored in a well ventilated designated storage room and your overalls are sent for washing. Needless to say, it would be strongly advisable that you and your staff take a shower before heading out as well. This is in line with the concept of risk reduction
These are just some of the prevention and precautions you can undertake with regards to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.
(Note: readers must be aware that the views expressed above are those of the author and should not be considered as legal advice or grounds to pursue legal judgment. Visit our website to find out more on mesothelioma and asbestos solutions.)

Gary is currently pursuing his MBA and has been involved in the area of homeland security, and knows pretty well the types of occupation hazard one comes across in the line of duty of any job. For more information on mesothelioma assistance, do visit this link

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Smoking Causes Mouth Cancer - 8 Smoke Signals

By Azhar Devaraj Victor 

Quit Smoking Warnings

To deter people from smoking, cigarette packs carry a warning that smoking is hazardous to health. Obviously that has not achieved the objective as the number of smokers keeps on increasing. There is now a suggestion, surprisingly from smokers, that the warning be also printed on each cigarette. Perhaps, it is now time to consider printing actual pictures of victims of lung, heart and other diseases linked directly to or associated with smoking. The faces of the victims can be blanked out to protect privacy. Another option would be to print pictures of diseased organs due to smoking. Grotesque? Yes, but the message may be conveyed more effectively.
Signs Of Mouth Cancer

It is well known that smoking causes lung cancer. Now there is growing evidence that it also causes mouth or oral cancer. In the United States alone, 30,000 new cases of mouth cancer are reported each year. Many, unfortunately, will die from it. Mouth cancer includes cancer of the lips, mouth, tongue, gums and salivary glands. Though it is easy to detect as it can be seen and felt, it is usually passed off as some other less harmful condition. It is easy to understand why as we look at some of the signs of mouth cancer:

                                                                              

1. A persistent sore throat and stubborn lumps in the mouth.
2. Dark, white or red patches that are out of the ordinary.
3. Constant pain, bleeding and numbness in the mouth.
4. Swelling or thickening of the cheeks due to tissue growth.
5. Difficulty in swallowing, chewing or moving the tongue.
6. Problems with jaw movement due swelling and pain.
7. Pain in and around the teeth and loosening of teeth.
8. A lump in the neck and bad breath.

Have It Checked
If you are a smoker, it is particularly critical that you seek further medical evaluation of some of the signs listed above. For non-smokers, be aware that these signs could be serious especially when they are persistent and do not go away easily. Follow-up with a visit to your doctor. Even with or without these signs, smokers must be persuaded to quit smoking as they are putting their lives at greater and fatal health risks. Many have quit smoking by putting themselves on a currently popular stop smoking pill that has little or nil side effects. Are you wise enough to try it and get a new breath of life? It is easy to reach out and light-up another cigarette. However, only people who appreciate life and have something or someone worth living for would want to stop doing so. Is your life worth the effort? Are you strong enough to quit smoking?

Do you want to quit smoking? Do you want to save yourself from further devastating damage to your health? Do you want to do it for the sake of your loved ones? You can do it without the usual adverse side effects and severe withdrawal or "cold turkey" symptoms. Choose to live life healthy Quit Smoking

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Lung Cancer - Symptoms You Should Look Out For!

By Mini K 

The implications of lung cancer are fatal and hence its seriousness cannot be undermined. Though steps cannot always be taken to prevent the disease, its symptoms can be understood and the paranoia reduced. A basic awareness of lung cancer symptoms can help us combat the disease.
The following are the frequently reported symptoms of lung cancer:

• The shortness of breath, which is more commonly known as dyspnea, is a symptom. Though excessive physical activity warrants dyspnea, it is also a lung cancer symptom.
• The coughing up of blood, which is medically known as hemoptysis, is an indication. It should not be confused with hematemesis, which denotes blood vomiting.
• An ache while coughing could be a warning. When there is an uncommon change in the pattern of coughing, lung cancer should be suspected.
• Weight loss, extreme exhaustion and a lack of desire for food, also called cachexia, can also be considered a symptom.
• Chest pain, which again is associated with heart disease and other medial causes, is a sign of lung cancer.

The following are the less common symptoms of lung cancer:

• Hoarseness in voice, medically termed as cachexia, is an indication the disease.
• A complication in swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is yet another sign. Though painful swallowing could also be classified under odynophagia, dysphagia should not be ruled out.
• Swelling of the face and the neck could be a sign of lung cancer. Where swelling in the neck arises due to bloated lymph nodes, the main blood vessel blockage from the head is the reason for facial swelling.
• Deformity in fingers and fingernails, also known as finger clubbing could be an uncommon lung cancer symptom.
• Apart from dyspnea, the shortness of breath could also be caused by pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is uncommon and denotes fluid around the lungs.
• Cancer that spreads itself at the upper lung is called pancoast tumor. This tumor could lead to a shoulder pain, pain in the bones, muscle weakness, weakening eyelids and a decrease in the sweating on a side of the face.

There are certain lung cancer symptoms, which are considered odd. These odd symptoms occur due to the unwelcome hormones brought about by lung cancer. These are:

• Protrusion of the eyes
• Numbness in the fingers, hands or legs
• Manifestation of lumps in the skin
• Changing sugar levels and an excruciating pain in the abdomen
• Swelling of breasts in men
• Manifestation of a lump in the tonsil or a salivary gland

It is important to look out for the common, uncommon as well as the rare symptoms of lung cancer. The doctors should be notified immediately so that they perform a diagnosis and clarify the underlying cause. Establishment of the cause, whether lung cancer or not, could hasten the treatment and lead to the betterment of the patients.

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