In recent years, the treatment of patients with advanced cancer often ignore the overall situation and the patient's blood test indicators, blindly excessive of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, blindly pursuit of the eradication of the tumor in an attempt to achieve the purpose of full recovery. But because the body condition of advanced cancer patients are poor, excessive surgery and chemotherapy may cause severe damage of body immune system, create an environment for regeneration cancer, and accelerated the patients down side condition.

Status: advanced cancer treatment errors - over-treatment, damage caused by recurrent cancer immunity hasten death.

Examples of anti-cancer experts say, some patients with inoperable liver cancer, and in the use of the most powerful chemotherapy drugs for 10 days, although white blood cell decreased, the tumor was gone, but it won’t last long, the patient was soon died, autopsy found liver cancer patients is at least 3 times the original.

Large number of clinical practice has proved that for advanced cancer patients with high dose radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or drugs resistant to chemotherapy again only lead to weakening body immune system and cause of death.

1, Treatment focus of advanced stage: Controlling the tumor to achieve long-term survival rate, "Live with cancer."

Experts pointed out that the anti-cancer, advanced cancer treatment cannot pursue tumor regression, but to focus on the controlling of tumor and prolong survival of patients, in order to make happen that patients achieve long-term survival rate as to exercise "live with cancer", and "peacefully to coexist with tumor." Therefore, the most fundamental of the treatment of advanced cancer is to improve the immune system from the start, enhance immune function, and improve the body's cancer-fighting ability.

2, Immunotherapy is "live with cancer" best choice.

The body's immune function works the same as a barrier to resist the invasion of foreign innovators. If immunity is stronger than cancer, cancer will hide in the body, and if cancer is stronger than the body's immune system it will lead the growth of cancer cells.

Our immune system is the natural nemesis of cancer cells, with our own immune cells to cure our own disease, as the immune cells killing and defeating the cancer cells, it also provide recovery of healthy cells and enhance immune function, it can effectively reduce the chance of recurrence and metastasis, improving the quality of life and prolong survival, in order to achieve "green anti-cancer treatment."

In 2011, Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to 3 outstanding scientists in the field of the immune system. This shows that the use of immune therapy against cancer envisage a reality, a great contribution in the treatment of cancer which also received world recognition, for the majority of cancer patients lit the light of life

1, Precise killing cancer cells with non-invasive, non-toxic side effects

Immunotherapy cells are extracted immune cells in a patient, the tumor cells acquire the ability to identify a group of strong inhibitory cells cultured in the laboratory. It is absolutely non-invasive in the human body, painless, without damaging  the function of the immune system to kill tumor cells but also accurately to eliminate residual of cancer tissue, with absolutely no toxic side effects, 100% of not hurting any normal cells, and so far It has not been found with any adverse reactions.

2, Improving the immune system to enhance the body's immune function effectively prevent recurrence

Immune cells can trace, identify, specifically to remove residual tumor after chemotherapy cells, restore, and recreate a healthy environment normal body needs to live, to protect the body's immune function, and sequentially improve immunity, and ultimately prohibiting tumor metastasis and recurrence, prolong the life span and improve quality of living standard of patients.

3, In-patient treatment is not a must, patients can enjoy a normal life

Immunotherapy cells generally do not need hospitalization. Immunotherapy, first step is to extract peripheral blood from patients of 50 to 100 ml, and then cultured immune cells in a laboratory with GMP standard. During cell culture, patients need not hospitalized, can go home to resume with normal life, and so when cells were cultured to a certain quantity and quality of immune cells, patient will visit the hospital for transfusion.

Jimmy Carter served in 1977-1981 between the 39th President of the United States, 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, now 91-year-old announced that it has been determined, diagnosed suffering from advanced melanoma, four blocks of the brain tumor. August 20, 2015, talking about the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, held a news conference terminally ill, President Carter seemed optimistic and calm, he jokingly said: "I think that the survival time of only a few weeks, but I now surprisingly relaxed, ready to meet the new adventure! "President Carter announced that it would reduce the workload, to focus on treatment. He also disclosed that his treatment options include radiation therapy and immune targeted anti-cancer drug KEYTRUDA®

KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) developed by the American Merck Sharp & Dohme (MerckCo) companies. September 4, 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed for the treatment of accelerated approval Keytruda no longer respond to other advanced or unresectable melanoma. Keytruda is called PD-1 pathway blocked drug cells in the United States the first drug to be approved. 

PD-1 / PD-L1 immunotherapy (immunotherapy) is currently the world's high-profile, widely studied a new class of anti-cancer immunotherapy, designed to take full advantage of the body's own immune system to resist, to fight cancer by blocking PD -1 / PD-L1 cells causing their death signaling pathway, has the potential to treat many types of cancer, is expected to substantially improve patients' overall survival. Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, Roche. Melanoma is the first choice to be concerned about indications. Bristol-Myers Squibb of PD-1 inhibitors Opdivo (nivolumab) in July 2014 to obtain approval in Japan to become the world's first approval of PD-1 inhibitor; and Merck Keytruda in early September 2014 approved by the FDA, is US approval of the first PD-1 inhibitors. AstraZeneca and Roche PD-L1 inhibitor also in Phase III clinical. PD-1 / PD-L1 immunotherapy may be used to a wider range of other tumors, such as lung cancer. Clinical trials monotherapy and combination therapy in full swing, to thoroughly explore the clinical potential and maximum value of such miraculous drugs.

Principle: dependent person's own immune system to fight cancer
Drug effects: through the "release of immune response" against cancer
By taking a drug isolated from a cancer patient the T cells in vitro, using genetic engineering to transform
b After the transformation of T cells that specifically recognize cancer cells and activated T cells, and then transferred back to the patient after amplification
After transformation c T cells can quickly sniff out cancer cells where they are apprehended to be processed
In simple terms, is separated from the body of the T cells in cancer patients, the use of genetic engineering in vitro transformation after transformation, T cells can specifically recognize cancer cells and activated T cells, and then transferred back to the patient after amplification.

Immunotherapy is a complement or strengthen the body's immune system in vitro original way, so that the immune system is strong enough to kill tumor cells
New York City Roswell Park Cancer Institute of Oncology, Associate Professor Grace said that the recent progress made in the immunotherapy has changed the treatment of melanoma. "10 years ago, 20 years ago, we only know how to use chemotherapy, but we know that it is not how good effect in the treatment of melanoma."

"Science" magazine editor Tim said: "Cancer immunotherapy has broad prospects are not so far wrong, that use the immune system to attack the tumor's policy is only valid for certain types of cancer and a number of patients, so it is important. point is not to exaggerate their immediate benefit. "Compared to directly attack the tumor, cancer immunotherapy is to activate the immune system to fight cancer.

Shelton is an American, he was diagnosed with cancer for over 5 years, and he is currently working and living in Beijing. Faced with severe illness, Shelton not only changed his attitude to life, but also facing the pressure of the cost of treatment. Without the support of insurance, the cost of treatment can be a serious burden to any middle-class Americans, he also felt difficult to keep up with the treatment...... 

Shelton is an engineer from California, and has served as a visiting professor at Beijing University of Technology. He lives with his wife Patty in a district of Chaoyang District, Beijing, and accompany them is lovely puppy called Osito.

Shelton will be 55 years old next month. However, the last 5 years with five years of his life was totally different from what he has been living for the last 50 years, because in April 2010, he was diagnosed with colon cancer with liver metastases. So far, he spent the first 1000 days to fight with cancer, and continues to fight with cancer for the next 1,000 days, although there is a big uncertainty, surely he is facing it with positive mindset.

On his blog on April 21, 2015, he wrote "Today I celebrate my 5th anniversary while I am one of the cancer survivors at stage 4, with the same disease most people can only live for two years, but the doctor told that I have now became one of that lucky 5%. I have gone through 55 chemotherapy treatments and 3 surgeries, at the same time, I continued to work and operate business. I will continue to spend every day with appreciation. "

In January 2011, the very first surgery for Shelton was performed with intestinal and liver resection to remove any visible tumor. After the chemotherapy, he came to China, continued to work and had another phase of chemotherapy treatment. However, at this time, he found himself encountered with some the difficulties. The American insurance that he had can only cover his overseas emergency expenses, but not included the cost of conventional treatment, for which the medical expense that he spent in this phase was totally not reimbursable. With desperation, he can only return to the United States to continue treatment.

In January 2012, he again came to Beijing to do immunotherapy, and this time, the insurance company could only responsible for his medical expenses, and not be responsible for drug costs. On top of that Shelton had to borrow from some of his shares of business to settle the medical bill. Huge treatment costs for a few months can easily make a middle-upper class Americans found it difficult to manage.

In July 2012, the same surgery doctor gave him another liver resection because the cancer metastasis. Fortunately, his insurance company gave him a big surprise that they could resolved the problem of his medical expenses by switching his policy to an international insurance plan instead with 100% reimbursement of his medical expenses in Beijing. However, the downside is if he was returned to the United States, then it can be reimbursed with 80% instead, by doing such changing with insurance policy, he was so relieved.

Then, through the Cancer Bio Master Founder Sunny referral, Shelton was admitted to Beijing United Family Hospital for further treatment. Coincidentally, Shelton’s doctor and his wife turned out to be alumni, both graduated from the same university. Shelton was able to be reimbursed for the full cost of treatment for a year with over RMB $1Millon. However, just after that, the insurance company informed him that he could not continue to use such insurance scheme, which Shelton treatment plan was facing another challenge.

With this change, Shelton doctor had to adjust the chemotherapy treatment program, replacing a drug that is less expensive, and give him up to a 40% discount, so the treatment can be continued.

Currently, Shelton is working really hard on negotiating with his insurance companies to continue to cover his treatment bills in Beijing, but the outcome is not unpredictable. If this issue is not resolved, returning to the States would be the only choice.

Shelton asked his doctor how much longer he can live, this question is not easy to answer.

"I work and live in China now; I do not want to return to the States. If more than a year of my life, then I can accept myself returning to the States for this treatment as a whole purpose, otherwise, I would rather stay in China ", Shelton made it sounds like very easy. He hoped that the rest of their lives could spend in China, returning to the States is their last resort.

Shelton was never refrain from discussing the disease, he said, this cancer changed his life, making his last 5 years becoming very different as compared to his first 50 years of life. "Positive and negative, optimistic and pessimistic, always choose, and I choose to be positive and optimistic."

Shelton said: We are all the same; I want to do more within the limited time because I can barely see the end, maybe a few months, maybe a year later, and I have to leave.

Shelton also come up with a print version of the booklet, AN AMAZING LIFE written on the cover, which he summed up his first 50 years of life, the life after he was diagnosed with this disease, the American company that he worked for, and every detail since he came to China, According to book, Shelton first came to China in 2009, for the wind power projects in western China. And he came to China again came after he was diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife toured the almost the entire northwest China, Tibet, Guilin, Shaolin Temple and so many attractions, these are all written in his book.

Why did you choose China? Shelton said, "In China, I can do a lot more interesting things, travelling, learning Chinese, meeting new friends and like-minded partners. I'm just a person among few billion out there, but everyone can have some impact in the world. "He is now considering the matter after the death of his own, he is willing to discuss with someone else's life has been difficult, and to disseminate ideas to generate new idea, in order to achieve of helping others. Even though one day if he was gone, can still affect the world.

Speaking of family, Shelton said, "Everyone has their own life; we should learn to identify things from the bright side, even if only a little. I myself am so, I tell my children as well." He had 4 sons and 1 daughter, in which 3 of the children were adopted; in addition, he has 3 grandchildren. His oldest kid misses him so much; Shelton hopes the lives of children can go on smoothly.

Speaking of his wife, Shelton looked at Patty with a smile. He said the children were young, family conflicts always exist, because adopted children have behavioral problems, family relations were once very tense. However, since his illness, his relationship with his wife has unprecedented intimacy again. He hopes that Patty's life can go on smoothly.

When Patty comes to her husband's illness, attitude is very peaceful, looks calm, but the sound like it has a hidden sense. She said that if Shelton left, her life will be a big problem; she may want to go back to the States, to live with her daughter and granddaughter. "I am 52 years old, although no longer young, but not old, I do not want him to go, but anyway I have to go on living." She said.

During the conversation, Osito has been well behaved; he was always wagging his tail happily, sniffing people feet, and climbing up and down making sure you are noticed with his friendly attitude, looking at you with a pair of black eyes. This reminds me of Shelton and Patty posted a note on their front door saying:

Welcome to our home

May God bless all who come in

God bless, we have a very special dog

He is a blind dog named Osito

Because of his blindness, when you go in, he always bark

His perception of others is by sniffing their feet

If you are not comfortable, please be sure to let us know

Bless you

We met in 2011, that year, I was still living in Los Angeles, California.

You contacted me through Skype, said that you were referred by another patient from Los Angeles

I was Skypeing with you over the video, while taking care of Summer as she was just about to learn walking, she was only 2 years old that time.

You saw her in the video, you were so amazed with kids.

I said, why not have your own children. Go do something before starting your chemotherapy treatment which can affect your fertilization.

Finally we met, you told me you had sent some reports and images to an American hospital, MD Anderson

The reply to you from their expertise was negative as you were not sensitive to any existing chemo drugs.

And, you had already done a substantial amount of radiation which you can no longer accept. You come to us.

We have repeatedly discussed, and you were standing in front of your own scans & images, quietly and peacefully.

Listening to the inturpetation given to you and it seems like it has nothing to do with you

You often report the progress in Beijing to your family far away which they are on the other side of the world

Speaking vividly in Spanish that I do not understand at all

Then you told me that you really just have babies a twin, a pair of angel

I told you in Chinese, we called them dragon and phoenix

This is the most beautiful thing on earth, and luckiest thing I ever envy you

Your triumphant look as if you are the happiest guy in the world

When we are not discussing the treatment and disease, you always make me feel like you were naughty kid

You never wanted to be kept in the ward, always found your way to fool those nurses and to sleek out

Every time I yelled you as a bad example to other patients and warned you like your teacher, you just pretended that you don’t hear me

This was your very last PET-CT scans, by watching them

I was so speechless

Cancer cells were too sleekly

You were skinnier, with ascites, came with breathing problem, every movement is task to you

But most of the time you are still naughty, came with smile and clamor

You always said that there is no faith, fate is a path that a person to discover

You said you are very satisfy with what you have now

Especially with the twins you now have

You say if you need to face death one day

You will leave with a smile

This day

Six months after the last met in Taizhou City .......

The last treatment, we were on the road to Shanghai, I was sitting behind, and I sat in the back seat, and took this shot

That day, as I got off  the van to the airport

You gave me a big hug and said: take care, Sunny, see you soon, if possible

My eyes were all red, I knew you told me goodbye

I really did not want to admit that I knew it

This Goodbye

Will never goodbye .........

August 23, 2015

Although, we had known each other for 4 years, and you finally left us, you were suffered from 2007 to 2015 of lung cancer, up to 8 years of tenacious cancer fighting, a life full of love and fruitful life experiences, faced death bravely and fight back strongly, watching the twins were born and grew up, you're always giving your best efforts to them and family, always fight with positive attitude and excellent sense of humor.

Death is the end of everyone story, but not everyone is eligible to call himself lived a life worthy but you!

I am glad that I had a chance to join in the last stage of your life

You showed me a person's attitude towards death touched me deeply

In a sense, you educated and enlighten me with your life

Thank you for giving me this opportunity

May you rest in peace

Your friends forever.. 

With immunotherapy, we want to trigger the cancer-immunity cycle – without harming healthy cell. Cancer immunotherapy program includes more than 20 candidates, targeting four steps of this cycle.

In Step 1, mutations in cancer cells cause the release of substances called “antigens” that show that cancer cells are different from normal cells. This allows the immune system to recognize them.

In Step 2, immune cells that specialize in finding antigens capture the released antigens and take them to T cells, located in the lymph nodes. Immunotherapy can boost immunity at this step and others. 

In Step 3, T cells become ‘primed’ or ‘activated’ by these foreign antigens, which begins the immune response against cancer cells.

In Step 4, activated T cells travel through blood vessels towards the location of the tumor. 

In Step 5, T cells reach the cancer cells and “infiltrate” the tumor in order to attack it. 

In Step 6, T cells are able to recognize foreign cancer cells based on the antigens they released earlier. 

In Step 7, T cells destroy cancer cells by activating a series of steps that lead to cell death. This is where immunotherapy can affect PDL1 or PD1, enhancing immunity. 

Killing cancer cells releases more antigens, and the cancer-immunity cycle starts all over again.

What would you do if your life is left with so much time? This is what the kids will do...Love your life!

What is biological therapy?

Biological therapy involves the use of living organisms, substances derived from living organisms, or laboratory-produced versions of such substances to treat disease. Some biological therapies for cancer use vaccines or bacteria to stimulate the body’s immune system to act against cancer cells. These types of biological therapy, which are sometimes referred to collectively as “immunotherapy” or “biological response modifier therapy,” do not target cancer cells directly. Other biological therapies, such as antibodies or segments of genetic material (RNA or DNA), do target cancer cells directly. Biological therapies that interfere with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression are also referred to as targeted therapies.

For patients with cancer, biological therapies may be used to treat the cancer itself or the side effects of other cancer treatments.

What is the immune system and what role does it have in biological therapy for cancer?

The immune system is a complex network of organs, tissues, and specialized cells. It recognizes and destroys foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, as well as some damaged, diseased, or abnormal cells in the body, including cancer cells. An immune response is triggered when the immune system encounters a substance, called an antigen, it recognizes as “foreign.”

White blood cells are the primary players in immune system responses. Some white blood cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, patrol the body, seeking out foreign invaders and diseased, damaged, or dead cells. These white blood cells provide a general—or nonspecific—level of immune protection.

Other white blood cells, including cytotoxic T cells and B cells, act against specific targets. Cytotoxic T cells release chemicals that can directly destroy microbes or abnormal cells. B cells make antibodies that latch onto foreign intruders or abnormal cells and tag them for destruction by another component of the immune system. Still other white blood cells, including dendritic cells, play supporting roles to ensure that cytotoxic T cells and B cells do their jobs effectively.

It is generally believed that the immune system’s natural capacity to detect and destroy abnormal cells prevents the development of many cancers. Nevertheless, some cancer cells are able to evade detection by using one or more strategies. For example, cancer cells can undergo genetic changes that lead to the loss of cancer-associated antigens, making them less “visible” to the immune system. They may also use several different mechanisms to suppress immune responses or to avoid being killed by cytotoxic T cells.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system

There are two main types of lymphoma: non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease

Lymphoma cells have the ability to spread beyond the original site. They usually spread first to other lymph nodes / glands in the lymphatic system, but can also enter the bloodstream which carries them to various organs

When the cells reach a new site they may go on dividing and form a new tumor

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is the body's natural defense against infection

It is made up of a collection of lymph nodes connected together by lymphatic vessels

Small lymph nodes are found mainly in the neck, under the armpits and in the groin. Other nodes are found in the chest and abdomen

A clear fluid called lymph is produced in the body's tissues and circulates throughout the body via the lymphatic system

It contains cells known as lymphocytes that act as a defense against infection. If, for example, you have a sore throat you may notice and the nodes in your neck become enlarged, this is a sign that your body is fighting against the infection

The Causes

Although the cause of most non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is unknown, research into this is going on all the time

Researchers are investigating whether certain conditions, such as the use of drugs which prevent rejection following an organ transplant, may make people more likely to develop lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, like other cancers, are not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people

The Symptoms

The first symptom of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is usually a painless swelling in the neck, armpits or groin

Excessive sweating or fever, especially at night

Persistent itch all over the body

Loss of appetite, weight loss and tiredness

Children may develop a cough or breathlessness. Children may also complain of abdominal pain or you may notice a lump in your child's abdomen

If you or your child has any of the above symptoms you must have them checked by your doctor - but remember - they are common to many conditions other than non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and most people with these symptoms will not have a lymphoma.

The Diagnosis Preliminary Stage Biopsy: by removing an enlarged lymph node and examining the cells under a microscope

Further Tests If the biopsy shows that lymphoma cells are present your doctor will want you to have some further tests The tests may include any of the following:

Blood test This is to check your general health, the levels of red and white cells and platelets in your blood, and your liver and kidney functions

Chest X-ray This is taken to check for any sign that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest.

Bone marrow sample For this test a sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip bone, and examined to see if it contains any lymphoma cells

CT scan (CAT scan) A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the chest and abdomen and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body

The following tests are less commonly done but may be considered necessary in some cases:

Lymphangiogram (lymphogram) This test is done to check for any signs that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis

Intravenous urogram This test is also known as an IVU or IVP and it shows up any abnormalities in the kidneys or urinary system

Magnetic resonance imaging (also called MRI or NMR) The test is similar to a CT scan, but it uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up a series of cross-section pictures of the body

The Treatment In recent years a lot of progress has been made with the treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and an increasing number of people can now be cured, even when the disease has spread from the original site. The low-grade lymphomas grow very slowly and sometimes do not need treatment for a long time, if at all, and regular check-ups are all that is needed. When they do require treatment it is most often with mild chemotherapy - tablets which can be taken at home. The high-grade lymphomas are faster growing and need treatment with intensive chemotherapy. Children with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas nearly always have high-grade tumors and the main form of treatment is with intensive chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is not usually part of the treatment program, but may be necessary in some circumstances. Your doctor will plan your treatment by taking into consideration a number of factors, including:

your age

general health

the type of lymphoma

whether it has spread to other parts of the body

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy whereas the meaning of biological treatment of CIK, DC-CIK, LIFT (Granulocyte cell therapy ) and ACTL treatment

This is a course of utilizing the immune system to kill or control the cancer cells

Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells

This treatment is used for most type of cancers

Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.

This is suggested to be followed by a recurring course in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.

Immunotherapy is usually given as an inpatient, but is often recommended you to take off from hospital during the interval.

Radiotherapy Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays which destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells Radiotherapy is a local treatment and may be used when the lymphoma cells are contained in one or two areas of lymph nodes in the same part of the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy the lymphoma cells

They work by stopping the cells from dividing

As the drugs circulate in the bloodstream they can reach the lymphoma cells all over the body

With the slow-growing type of lymphoma the drugs can sometimes be given in tablet form and can therefore be taken at home, enabling you to carry on with your normal activities

At other times, the drugs are given by an injection into a vein (intravenously), usually in the arm, and this may mean a short stay in hospital

Chemotherapy for the more rapid-growing lymphomas is given intravenously.

Side effects Radiotherapy and chemotherapy affects people in different ways. Some find they are able to lead a fairly normal life during their treatment, but many find they become very tired and have to take things much more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it The common side effects may include:

nausea

vomiting

tiredness

hair loss

Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplants are used only in a minority of people with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. A transplant will normally only be considered if your cancer has already responded well to treatment and you are in remission, but your doctors feel that there is a high chance that the illness may come back

Bone marrow transplantation is a way of allowing very high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to be given, to improve the chances of completely curing the disease

These high doses will destroy your bone marrow - the substance in the inner part of your bones that manufactures the blood - you need a transplant to make yourself a 'new' blood system after the high dose treatment

A brother's or sister's bone marrow or, more often, your own bone marrow, can be used as the transplant.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplants

Increasingly, many hospitals are moving away from using bone marrow for the transplant and are using cells that can be collected from the blood

The advantages are that you do not have an anesthetic for the cells to be collected and, most important of all, the blood recovers much more quickly

If this is thought to be appropriate for you, you will be asked to have chemotherapy followed by injections of a growth factor - a special protein which makes bone marrow cells multiply and spill over into the blood.

Steroid Therapy

Steroids are drugs that are often given with chemotherapy for lymphomas. They also help you feel better quickly Side effects

• An increased appetite
• Feeling more energetic and difficulty in getting to sleep
• Puffiness of the eyelids, hands, fingers and feet
• Raised blood pressure
• Slightly greater risk of getting infections
• An increased level of sugar in the blood

It is important to remember that all these side effects are temporary and will gradually disappear as the steroid dose is reduced. Because of your lowered resistance to infection, it is probably best to avoid people who have a cold or flu while you are taking steroids You should always carry a card with you stating that you are taking steroids.

Questions For Your Doctor

What type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas do I have?

Has my Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas spread? If so, which part of my body has it spread?

What treatment do you recommend and why?

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?

Will a doctor who specializes in Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas give my treatment?

Are all modern investigations and treatments for my type of cancer available in this hospital?

Are there any clinical trials of new treatments?

Will I have to stay in hospital, or will I be treated as an outpatient?

How long will the treatment take? How much will it affect what I can do? How much will it cost?

If I need further treatment, what will it be like and when will it begin?

Will the treatment affect my sex life?

How frequently will I have checkups and what will they involve?

I would like to have a second opinion about the treatment. Can you refer me to someone else?

Am I going to survive?

What are my chances for a successful recovery?

The Liver

The largest organ in the body. It is situated in the upper part of the abdomen on the right hand side of the body

Produces blood proteins

Helps to clot the blood

Prevents excessive bleeding

Maintains the balance of fluid in the body

Destroys harmful substances, such as alcohol and gets rid of waste products

Breaks down substances not used by the body, so they can be excreted in urine or faeces

Contains carbohydrates (sugars) and fats, so they can be used by the body for energy

Stores substances such as glucose and vitamins for use by the body when necessary

Produces bile, a substance which helps the digestion of food

The liver has an amazing capacity to repair itself. It will function normally with only a small portion of it in full working order

Two Different Types Of Liver Cancer Malignant tumors of the liver have two very different types:

primary cancer, which means cancer starting in the liver itself

secondary or metastatic cancer, which means cancer has started in another part of the body and has spread to the liver.

PRIMARY LIVER CANCER Primary liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in tropical Africa, some parts of Asia, including the coastal area of China, for example Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guangxi and Vietnam.

SECONDARY LIVER CANCER Almost any cancer can spread to the liver, but the most common ones include bowel, pancreas, stomach, lung and breast cancer.

The Causes Of Primary Liver Cancer

Cirrhosis This is a fine scarring of the liver which is due to a variety of causes including heavy alcohol drinking over a long period of time.

Infection Hepatitis virus can also increase the risk of developing cirrhosis and later hepatoma.This risk applies only to chronic hepatitis B, C or D. Hepatitis A infection does not cause cirrhosis or primary liver cancer.

Haemachromatosis A rare condition, which causes excess deposits of iron in the body, may also lead to an increased risk of hepatoma.

Aflatoxin A poison, found in mouldy peanuts and grain, may be an important cause of hepatoma in Africa and Asia.

Bile duct cancer The cause of most bile duct cancers are unknown, but they do occur to a slightly greater extent in people with inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

Liver fluke In Africa and Asia, infection with a parasite known as the liver fluke is thought to cause a large number of cholangiocarcinomas.

The Causes Of Secondary Cancer The cause of secondary liver cancer is always a primary cancer situated elsewhere in the body that has spread to the liver. If cancer cells from the primary cancer have escaped into the bloodstream, the liver is a likely place for them to settle as all the blood in the body passes through the liver.

The Symptoms Of Primary And Secondary Liver Cancer

The symptoms are similar for both primary and secondary liver cancer. In the early stages there are often no symptoms.

Sometimes a vague discomfort in the upper abdomen which may become painful. This is due to enlargement of the liver.

Pain can sometimes also be felt in the right shoulder. This is known as referred pain and occurs because the enlargement of the liver stimulates nerves beneath the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle under the lungs) which are connected to nerves in the right shoulder

Loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and lethargy are common symptoms

Some people may also develop a high temperature and feel shivery.

If the bile duct becomes blocked, bile will build up in the blood causing jaundice. This will cause the skin and whites of the eyes to go yellow and may make the skin very itchy. Jaundice also causes characteristic dark urine and pale stools.

Sometimes fluid builds up in the abdomen and causes swelling known as ascites

The Diagnosis?

Blood test

Liver ultrasound In this test sound waves are used to make up a picture of the inside of the liver

CT scan (CAT scan) In this scan, several small X-rays are taken of the area in question and fed into a computer. This builds up a detailed picture of the size and position of the cancer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or NMR scan) This test is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body

Hepatic arteriography In this test, a dye will be injected into your bloodstream. This dye shows up on X-ray and so will reveal abnormalities in the liver's blood supply

Liver biopsy The doctor will use a needle to take a few cells, or a small piece of tissue, from the liver This will be examined under the microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment Your doctor will plan your treatment taking into account a number of factors, but the main factor will be whether the cancer is primary or secondary liver cancer.

Other factors will include:

your age

general health

The type and size of the cancer

• Surgery
• Surgery is the main treatment for primary liver cancer. An operation to remove the affected part of the liver, is called a liver resection. If the operation removes a whole lobe of the liver, it is called a lobectomy.

• Chemotherapy  
• Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy is sometimes given as tablets, but is more usually given intravenously (by injection into a vein) or directly by injecting the drug into the artery (blood vessel).
• It may also be given as an alternative to surgery which might then only be necessary if a recurrence of the cancer is found later on. Your doctor will discuss these options.

Side effects Although chemotherapy can cause unpleasant side effects some people have very few side effects at all. Any side effects that do occur can often be well controlled with medicine.

• Immunotherapy
• Immunotherapy whereas the meaning of biological treatment of CIK, DC-CIK, LIFT (Granulocyte Cell Therapy) and ACTL treatment
• This is a course of utilizing the immune system to kill or control the cancer cells
• Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells
• This treatment is used for most type of cancers
• Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.
• This is suggested to be followed by a recurring course in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.
• Immunotherapy is usually given as an inpatient, but is often recommended you to take off from hospital during the interval.

New Treatments

Cryotherapy In cryotherapy treatment a device called a cryoprobe is inserted into the centre of the tumor during an operation. Liquid nitrogen is then passed through the probe. This freezes the surrounding area and destroys the cancer cells.

Chemoembolisation This treatment involves mixing chemotherapy drugs with an oily substance called lipiodol. The mixture is then injected into the liver through a tube inserted into the main artery feeding the liver (the hepatic artery).

Laser treatment This treatment uses a laser to destroy the cancer cells. A fine needle is inserted into the centre of the tumor. A very powerful laser light is then passed through this needle and into the tumor.

Questions to ask doctors

What type of liver cancer do I have?

Has my liver cancer spread? If so, which part of my body has it spread?

What treatment do you recommend and why?

What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?

Will a doctor who specialises in liver cancer give my treatment?

Are all modern investigations and treatments for my type of cancer available in this hospital?

Are there any clinical trials of new treatments?

Will I have to stay in hospital, or will I be treated as an outpatient?

How long will the treatment take? How much will it affect what I can do? How much will it cost?

Will I have a lot of pain with the treatment? What will be done about this?

If I need further treatment, what will it be like and when will it begin?

Will the treatment affect my sex life?

How frequently will I have checkups and what will they involve?

I would like to have a second opinion about the treatment. Can you refer me to someone else?

Am I going to survive?

What are my chances for a successful recovery?

The Cervix

The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus) and is often called the neck of the womb.

The womb is a muscular, pear-shaped organ at the top of the vagina.

The lining of the womb is shed each month giving rise to bleeding called a period.

How does cancer of the cervix develop?

Cancer of the cervix can take many years to develop. Before it does, early changes take place on the cervix. The smear test is designed to detect changes in the cells so that treatment can be given before cancer develops.

Abnormal cells in the cervix which are not cancerous but may lead to cancer is called CIN (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia). Some doctors call these changes precancer, meaning that the cells may develop into cancer if left untreated.

The abnormal cells are usually the result of a virus infection, usually by the human papilloma virus, which was probably acquired some years before it was detected by the smear test.

Many women have heard of risk factors for cancer of the cervix, such as having sex at an early age and having many sexual partners. They may be distressed that friends and families may think they fall into these categories. If you are in this situation, you should know there is no reason to blame yourself.

These factors do increase the chances of catching the virus infection, but many women without these factors in their life can also acquire the human papilloma virus and get cervical cancer. In fact, the majority of women with these risk factors never develop cervical cancer, so there are many other factors at work here, most of which are unknown.

The symptoms of cervical cancer

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding, such as between periods or after intercourse.

Often there is also a smelly vaginal discharge, and discomfort during intercourse. In post-menopausal women, who have stopped their periods, there may be some new bleeding.

The sooner you see your doctor and the diagnosis is made, the better the chance of treatment leading to a complete recovery.

How Does The Doctor Make The Diagnosis?

Smear or Pap test The smear or Pap test is used to help diagnose cancer of the cervix. However, it is more commonly used as a routine test to detect early cell changes (CIN).

Colposcopy Before your test the nurse will help you position yourself on the couch. In the same way as the smear test the doctor will use a speculum to hold the vaginal walls open. A small sample of surface cells (biopsy) is then taken from the cervix for examination under a microscope.

Cone biopsy If the abnormal area can't be seen properly with the colposcope, a cone biopsy may be carried out. This is done under a general anaesthetic and will mean a short stay in hospital. A small cone shaped section of the abnormal cells is taken from the cervix for examination under a microscope. If there is just a very slight growth of cancer cells (microinvasive cancer), the cone biopsy may remove it all so no further treatment is needed.

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) This is often used instead of a cone biopsy, but is carried out under local anaesthetic and uses a thin wire to cut through the affected area. If the tests show that you have cancer of the cervix your doctor will probably want to do some further tests to see if there is any spread of the disease. The tests may include any of the following.

Blood tests A sample of blood is taken to check the cells in your blood and to see how well the kidneys and liver are functioning.

CT scan (CAT scan) In this scan several small X-rays are taken and fed into a computer to build up a detailed picture of the size and position of the cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or NMR scan) This test is similar to a CT scan, but uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body.

Pelvic ultrasound This test is used to measure the size and position of the cancer. A small microphone-like device, which produces sound waves, is then passed over the skin and the echoes are converted into a picture by a computer.

The Treatment 

Treatment of cervical cancer can include :

Surgery

Surgery and radiotherapy combined

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy 

Your doctor will plan your treatment by taking into consideration a number of factors, including :

your age

general health

the type and size of the tumour

what the tumour looks under the microscope

whether the tumour has spread beyond the cervix

Sometimes, especially in the early stages of cancer of the cervix, either radiotherapy or surgery can be used, as both give similar results.

Surgery

The operation for cancer of the cervix usually involves the removal of the womb (hysterectomy), and sometimes a small part of the vagina and lymph nodes.

If the cancerous cells have spread only very slightly beyond the surface cells of the cervix, it may be possible to treat this with a cone biopsy.

The ovaries may also be removed but, where possible, they are preserved in young women as their removal brings on an early menopause.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays which destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.

Radiotherapy for cancer of the cervix can be given externally or internally, and often as a combination of the two.

Radiotherapy may sometimes be given, either before or after surgery if your doctor is concerned that some cancer cells may be left behind. At other times it is used on its own to treat cancer of the cervix.

Your radiotherapist, who plans your treatment, will be able to help you with any problems you may have.

External radiotherapy This is given by directing high energy rays over the area of the cancer. Treatment planning is a very important part of radiotherapy and it may take several visits before the radiotherapist is satisfied with the result.

Internal (intracavity) radiotherapy This is given by inserting an applicator like a tampon, containing a radioactive substance into the cervix under an anaesthetic. It is usually left in place for one or two days and gives a high dose of radiation to the cervix and the surrounding area. Occasionally an implant containing a higher dose of radioactivity is used and this is only in place for a few hours.

Curitron/Selectron machine In some hospitals a machine, which may be called a Curitron or Selectron or similar name, is used to put the radioactive material into the applicators. The machine is attached to the applicators by tubes. When the machine is switched on it passes small radioactive sources into the applicators. If the machine is switched off, the sources are pulled back inside the machine. When someone needs to go into your room the machine can be turned off, so reducing their exposure to the rays. Once you have received your dose of radiation the sources and the applicators will be removed. This is usually done on the ward.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth and division of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy may be given before surgery or radiotherapy, to shrink the cancer and to make these treatments easier to carry out. If it is given in this way it is called neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

It may also be used after surgery if your doctor feels that there is a risk of the cancer remaining and possibly recurring in the future. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy.

The chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously (by injection into a vein).

Side Effects Radiotherapy and chemotherapy could cause the following side-effects:

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Loss of Hair

Oral ulcers

Menopause

Infertility

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy whereas the meaning of biological treatment of CIK, DC-CIK, LIFT (Granulocyte cell therapy ) and ACTL treatment

This is a course of utilizing the immune system to kill or control the cancer cells

Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells

This treatment is used for most type of cancers

Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.

This is suggested to be followed by a recurring courses in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.

Immunotherapy is usually given as an inpatient, but is recommanded to take rest off the hospital during the interval

Questions for your Doctor

Has my cancer spread? If yes, where has it spread to now?

What kind of tests do I have to do?

Do I need surgery?

Any risk for the surgery?

How long do I need to stay in hospital?

What treatment options do I have?

How long will it take for me to return to a normal life?

Will treatment affect my sex life and fertility?

How does chemotherapy work?

What are the risks of radiotherapy?

What are the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

What are my chances of recovery?

How will this disease affect my health, emotions and social life?

Are there any risk of complications?

What will happen if I don't do anything?

Do I need to come for regular checkup?

How do I know if the cancer has relapsed? What should I do if it does?

Can I talk to someone who has had cervical cancer before?

Will my family also get cervical cancer?

The Breast

The breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and gland tissue

A network of ducts spreads from the lobes towards the nipple

When a woman is pregnant, the breasts produce milk to feed the baby

Under the skin, a 'tail' of breast tissue extends into the armpit (axilla). The armpit also contains a collection of lymph glands which is part of the lymphatic system.

Breast Tumours (LUMPS)

Nine out of ten breast lumps are benign and are not cancers

Most benign breast lumps are cysts. These are sacs of fluid which build up in the breast tissue

Another common benign breast lump is a fibroadenoma - a collection of fibrous glandular tissue. Benign breast lumps are easily treated Men can develop breast cancer but it is one hundred times less common than in women. If you do notice a lump in your breast, don't delay visiting your doctor. Anything unusual should always be examined, because even though most breast lumps are benign, they still need to be checked to rule out the possibility of cancer. Also, if it is cancer, the earlier the treatment, the better the chance of cure.

The Symptoms Of Breast Cancer In ninety per cent of women, breast cancer is first noticed as a lump in the breast. There are however, other signs to be aware of:

Breast

Change in size or shape

Dimpling of the skin

Lump or thickening

Nipple

Blood-stained discharge (very rare)

Rash on nipple or surrounding area (also very rare)

Becomes inverted (turned in)

Lump or thickening

Arm

Swelling in armpit

Pain in your breast is not usually a symptom of breast cancer. In fact, many healthy women find their breasts feel lumpy and tender before a period, and some types of benign breast lumps are painful.

Early Detection (SCREENING) The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of recovery. Mammography can detect changes in the breast tissue before they develop into a lump large enough to be easily felt with fingers. Nevertheless more than 90% of breast tumours are first detected by women themselves. Common ways of detecting breast cancer :

Breast self-examination Become familiar with how your breasts normally feel, at different times of the month. You will then quickly be aware if there are any changes in your breasts that are not normal to you.

Mammography Mammograms (breast X-rays) can often detect cancer before it can be felt, and for women over the age of 50, this is the best method of detection.

How Does The Docter Make The Diagnosis? Preliminary Test

Mammography This is an X-ray technique for examining the breast. It is especially useful for detecting early changes in the breast when it may be difficult to feel a lump.

Ultrasound This test uses sound waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body. It is usually used for women under 35.

Needle aspiration Using a fine needle and syringe, the doctor takes a sample of cells from the breast lump and sends it to the laboratory to see if it contains any malignant cells. This simple technique may also be used to drain a benign cyst.

Needle biopsy This test uses a slightly larger needle than the one used for aspiration. It is done under a local anaesthetic which numbs the area and allows the doctor to take a biopsy which is a small piece of tissue from the lump. The sample is examined in the laboratory to check for signs of cancer.

Colour Doppler Certain types of ultrasound machine show the blood supply to the lump and this may help to distinguish between a cancer and a benign lump.

Blood tests Samples of your blood will be taken to check your general health, the number of cells in your blood (blood count) will tell how well your kidneys and liver are working. Your blood may also be tested to see whether it contains particular chemicals (called markers) which are sometimes produced by cancer cells.

Excision biopsy In this biopsy the whole lump is removed under a general anaesthetic and sent to a laboratory for examination.

Futher Tests If the earlier tests show that you have breast cancer your doctor may want to do some further tests to see if there has been any spread of the disease. This helps the doctor to decide on the best type of treatment for you. The tests may include any of the following.

Liver ultrasound scan Used to measure the size and position of any tumour.

Bone scan A mildly radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. Abnormal bone takes up more radioactivity than normal bone. This radioactivity is picked up by the scanner.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) This test uses magnetism to build up cross-sectional pictures of your body. It can look at breast tissue, or other areas of the body.

Types Of Treatment The treatment of breast cancer depends on many factors, including:

The stage of the disease

Your age

Whether or not you have had menopause

The size of the tumour

What the cancer cells look like under the microscope

General health condition

Patient's choice

Four main types of treatment

Surgery

Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy

Hormonal therapy

Immunotherapy

• Surgery The most appropriate type of surgery will depend on the size and whether the cancer has spread or not.
• Lumpectomy This is the removal of the breast lump together with some surrounding tissue. It removes the least amount of breast tissue.
• Segmentectomy (wide local excision) This is similar to a lumpectomy but it involves removing more breast tissue and it may be more noticeable.
• Mastectomy Removal of the whole breast (mastectomy) may be necessary because:
• The breast lump is large
• A small cancer is surrounded by a large area of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
• There are several areas of cancer cells in different parts of the breast
• The lump is just behind the nipple
• Lymph gland removal As part of any operation for breast cancer the surgeon will usually remove lymph glands from under your arm on the same side of the body.
• Breast reconstruction It is often possible for women who have had a mastectomy to have breast reconstruction. Sometimes this can be done at the same time as the mastectomy, but often it is done some months, or even years after the original operation.
• Radiotherapy Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. Two main types of radiotherapy are used to treat breast cancer: external radiotherapy and internal radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth and division of cancer cells. The drugs are sometimes given orally or, more usually intravenously (by injection into a vein). Chemotherapy is given as a course of treatment. This is followed by a rest period of a few weeks, which allows your body to recover from any side effects of the treatment. Many people experience few side effects, and any that do occur can usually be well controlled with medication.
• Hormonal therapy Hormonal therapies can slow or stop the growth of breast cancer cells by altering the levels of particular female hormones which are naturally produced in the body, preventing the hormones from being taken up by the cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy
• Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells
• This treatment is used for most type of cancers 
• Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week. 
• This is suggested to be followed by a recurring courses in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.
• Immunotherapy is usually given as an outpatient, but is usually recommended you to stay in the hospital for close monitoring

Questions For Your Doctor

What type of cancer do I have?

How extensive is my cancer? What stage is it?

What treatment do you advise for my cancer and why?

Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?

What happens if I do not have treatment?

If I choose not to have treatment either now or in the future, what services are available to help me?

What sort of scars will I have from the operation?

Will I have a lot of pain with the operation? What will be done about this?

When will you be able to tell if I need further treatment? If so, what treatment?

If I need further treatment, what will it be like and when will it begin?

Will I still be able to have children?

Will I go through menopause? What are the effects of menopause?

If you remove the lymph nodes are there any side effects?

Will the treatment affect my sexual relationships?

How long will I be off work?

How frequent will my checkups be and what will they involve?

Are there any problems I should watch out for?

I would like to have a second opinion. Can you refer me to someone else?

How much will treatment cost?

How much do prostheses cost?

Will I be eligible for a free prostheses?

Can you suggest any books I can read on breast cancer?

The Colon And Rectum (Large Bowel)

The bowel is divided into two parts, the small and large bowel.

Most cancers develop in the large bowel, which is also known as the colon and rectum.

Once food has been swallowed it passes down the oesophagus to the stomach and into the small bowel.

As food passes through the small bowel it is digested and essential nutrients are taken into the body.

The digested food then enters the large bowel and water is absorbed.

The remaining waste matter, known as stool or faeces, is held in the rectum (back passage) until it is ready to be passed from the body as a bowel motion.

The Cause The causes of bowel cancer are largely unknown. However, a number of factors are known to increase the risk of getting bowel cancer.

In most people the cause of cancer of the large bowel is still unknown.

People who have a rare condition known as familial multiple polyposis, in which benign tumours called polyps are found in the lining of the colon, are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

This also applies to people with a long history of ulcerative colitis, a disease of the lining of the bowel.

There is evidence to suggest that cancer of the large bowel may also be linked to our diet. It is thought that a diet that is high in animal fat and protein, and low in fibre, may increase the risk of developing cancer of the bowel.

People with a family history of bowel cancer may also have an increased risk of developing the disease.

The Symptoms / Risks Consult your GP if you have any of the following:

The most important sign to look for is blood in the bowel motion or the toilet bowl. If you are over 50 check the toilet bowl and toilet paper after each bowel motion.

If you have any changes in your toilet habits lasting more than two weeks.

If one or more of your close relatives have had bowel cancer.

You have had bowel polyps (small growths) or bowel cancer.

You have had inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for more than eight years.

You are a member of a family with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or another family bowel cancer syndrome.

Prevention

Studies show that a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fibre can reduce risk of bowel cancer.

It is recommended that you lower your intake of fat, salt and preserved foods and if you drink alcohol only do so in moderation.

Screening

It is recommended that those 50 and over use the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) at least every two years (or every year if possible) to detect any signs of bowel cancer.

Detected early, bowel cancer is the most curable cancer.

The Diagnosis The following tests are all used in the diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Proctoscopy/Sigmoidoscopy This test allows the doctor to look at the inside of the rectum or the large bowel.

Barium Enema This is a special X-ray of the large bowel.

Colonoscopy If your doctor wants to look inside the whole length of the large bowel you may have a test called a colonoscopy

Futher Tests If the tests show that you have bowel cancer your doctor may want to do some further tests to see if there has been any spread of the disease. The results help your doctor to decide which is the best type of treatment for you.

Ultrasound Scan In this test sound waves are used to make up a picture of the liver and the inside of the abdomen.

CT Scan (CAT Scan) A CT scan is a type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the area and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body.

Liver function test This blood test measures chemicals that are normally found or made in your liver. An abnormal result can be a sign that a cancer has spread to the liver.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a combination of magnetism and radio waves to build up detailed cross-section pictures of your body

The Treatment Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for cancer of the large bowel.

The most appropriate type of surgery will depend on the size and spread of the cancer.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays which destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.

Radiotherapy is used before or after the surgery to treat cancer of the colon and rectum.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.

They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells.

This treatment is used for most people after the surgery to decrease the chances of cancer coming back.

The drugs are sometimes given as tablets or, more usually, intravenously (by injection into a vein).

Side Effects Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy may cause side effects, which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes hair loss, mouth sores and small ulcers.

Tips for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

It is important to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet during treatments.

If you don't feel like eating you could try supplementing your meals with high calorie drinks, which you can buy from most chemists.

Treatment can make you feel tired so try and get as much rest as you can.

If you lose your hair it will grow back surprisingly quickly. Many people wear wigs, hats or scarves.

Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurse will show you how to do these properly.

Radiotherapy does not make you radioactive and it is perfectly safe for you to be with other people, including children, throughout your treatment.

Immunotherapy

This is a course of utilizing the immune system to kill or control the cancer cells

Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells

This treatment is used for most type of cancers

Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.

This is suggested to be followed by a recurring courses in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.

Immunotherapy is usually given as an outpatient, but is usually recommended you to stay in the hospital for close monitoring

Questions For Your Doctor

 Has my bowel cancer spread? If so, how far?

What are my chances of cure?

How will it affect me physically, mentally and socially?

Will it affect my sex life and my fertility?

What tests will I have?

Are there any risks of complications?

What are the treatment options?

What happens if I do nothing?

What surgery will I have?

What are the risks?

For how long will I be in hospital?

How long before I can get back to my normal life?

Do I need a stoma?

How does radiotherapy work?

What are the risks?

How does chemotherapy work?

What are the risks?

Is it painful and are there any side effects?

How often do I need checkups?

What if the cancer comes back?

Is there anyone else with bowel cancer I can speak to?

Is my family a bowel cancer family?

Cancer Fact Sheets

The Bladder

The bladder is a hollow, muscular balloon-like organ that collects and stores urine.  It is situated in the lower part of the abdomen.  Urine consists of water and waste products not needed by the body.

The Cause The causes of bladder cancer are largely unknown. However, a number of factors are known to increase the risk of getting bladder cancer.

Cigarette smoking is the common known risk factor for developing cancer of the bladder. 

Other factors include chemicals that are used in dye factories, rubber, leather, paint, print, petrol and other organic chemical industries.  In parts of the world where bilharziasis (a chronic parasitic infection of the bladder) is common, there are many cases of cancer of the bladder. 

Cyclamate, a type of artificial sweetener, causes bladder cancer in mice when given in very large doses. It has been banned in the United States. 

Bladder cancer occurs most commonly between 50 and 70 years of age and is twice as common in men as in women.

The Symptoms

The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine (haematuria).  Sometimes blood clots can form and these may cause painful muscle spasms in the bladder.  There may also be burning on passing urine and a need to pass urine often.

The Diagnosis Preliminary Examination

Check the urine sample  An internal examination of the back passage (rectum) in men and an internal examination of the rectum and vagina (birth canal) in women.

Futher Tests

Blood test Check the number of cells in your blood (blood count) to see how well your kidneys are working. 

Chest X-ray

Check that your lungs and heart are healthy. 

Intravenous urogram (IVU or IVP) A dye is injected into a vein, usually in the arm, and goes via the bloodstream to the kidneys. The doctor can watch the passage of the dye on an X-ray screen and pick up any abnormalities. 

Cystoscopy and biopsy This test allows the doctor to look inside the bladder, and snip off small samples of tumour for examination under the microscope. This is called a biopsy and helps to decide whether a tumour is benign or malignant. 

CT scan (CAT scan) A CT scan is another type of X-ray and is done to check the extent of any spread of the cancer. A number of pictures are taken of the pelvis and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body. 

Radioisotope bone scan A radioisotope scan is usually done to see if any cancer cells have spread beyond the bladder and into the bones. For this test a tiny amount of radioactive dye is injected into a vein, usually in the arm and the patient is then scanned by a machine which measures minute amounts of radioactivity. 

Liver ultrasound scan In this test sound waves are used to make up a picture of the inside of the abdomen and the liver.

The Treatment

Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination to treat bladder cancer.

Your doctor will plan your treatment taking into account a number of factors including :

general health.  the type and size of the tumour, what it looks like under the microscope and how far it has spread.

Surgery

Cystoscope The majority of tumours in the bladder look like small mushrooms and only affect the lining of the bladder. These can usually be removed very easily using a cystoscope. The tumour is simply snipped off at the stem and the area is cauterised using a mild electrical current to prevent excessive bleeding. In this way, several tumours can be treated at the same time.

A Partial Cystectomy If the tumour has spread to the bladder wall, it may be possible to remove the tumour together with just the affected part of the bladder. The remainder of the bladder can then be stitched to the top of the urethra. This is called a partial cystectomy.

Cystectomy Sometimes, the tumour may be too large to be removed by the cystoscope, or may have started to grow through the bladder wall. In these cases, it may be necessary to partially or completely remove the bladder. This operation is called a cystectomy and fortunately is seldom needed.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays which destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells.

It can be given before or after surgery to treat any cancer cells in the pelvis that may not have been removed by the operation.

It may also be given as an alternative to surgery which might then only be necessary if a recurrence of the cancer is found later on. Your doctor will discuss these options of treatment with you.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells.

It may be helpful to some patients with bladder cancer, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The drugs work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. They can be given directly into the bladder or can be given intravenously (by injection into a vein).

The drugs may be put directly into the bladder via the urethra, after the mushroom-like tumours have been snipped off, to decrease the chances of the tumours recurring.

When chemotherapy is given into the bladder, it has few side effects as very little gets into the bloodstream and affects the rest of the body.

If the cancer has spread beyond the bladder to other parts of the body the chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, so that they can circulate in the bloodstream and can reach the cancer cells all over the body.

A course of several drugs is given over a few days with this type of chemotherapy. The course is then repeated every few weeks for several months.

Side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Tiredness

Nausea 

Vomiting 

Diarrhoea 

Hair loss 

Mouth sores

Immunotherapy

This is a course of utilizing the immune  system to kill or control the cancer cells

Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells  

This treatment is used for most type of cancers 

Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.  

This is suggested to be followed by a recurring courses in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions   Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.  

Immunotherapy is usually given as an outpatient, but is usually recommended you to stay in the hospital for close monitoring

Questions For Your Doctor

How extensive is my Bladder Cancer? What stage is it? 

Has my cancer spread? If yes, where has it spread to? 

What kind of treatment do I need ? 

Do I need to have surgery? Is it risky? 

What other kind of treatment do you advise for my cancer and why? 

Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?  What happens if I do not have treatment? 

If I choose not to have treatment either now or in the future, what services are available to help? 

Will I have a lot of pain with the operation? What will be done about this?

Will I still be able to have children? 

Will the treatment affect my sexual relationship? 

How long will I be off work? 

How frequent will my checkups be and what will they involve? 

Are there any problems I should watch out for? 

I would like to have a second opinion. Can you refer me to someone else? 

How much will treatment cost? 

Can you suggest any books I can read on bladder cancer?

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Our bodies are always making new cells: so we can grow, to replace worn-out cells, or to heal damaged cells after an injury. This process is controlled by certain genes. All cancers are caused by damage to these genes. This damage usually happens during our lifetime, although a small number of people inherit a damaged gene from a parent.

Normally, cells grow and multiply in an orderly way. However, damaged genes can cause them to behave abnormally. They may grow into a lump called a tumour. These lumps can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Benign lumps do not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant lump (more commonly called a malignant tumour) is made up of cancer cells. When it first develops, this malignant tumour is confined to its original site. If these cells are not treated they may spread into surrounding tissue and to other parts of the body.

When these cells reach a new site they may continue to grow and form another tumour at that site. This is called a secondary cancer or metastasis.

What Causes Cancer? The exact cause of many cancers is not yet known, however most cancers are attributed to our lifestyle habits or substances in the environment that affect our bodies.

The major causes of cancer are thought to include smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, chemicals and asbestos. Cancer causing substances are called carcinogens.

In certain cases, viruses prompt the development of cancer. For example, the sexually-transmitted disease, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is cited as causing of 70% of cervical cancer cases in women.

Is Cancer Infectious? No. Cancer is not an infectious disease. It cannot be passed on to friends or relatives, or people you come in contact with.

Is Cancer Genetic? People who have a family history of some cancers, such as breast and colorectal cancer, may have a higher risk of developing that cancer. In a very small number of families, a change in the gene that controls cell growth is passed on from one generation to the next. Not all family members experience this change; although those individuals who do may have a higher chance of developing cancer.

How Does Cancer Spread? For a cancer to grow bigger than the head of a pin, it must grow its own blood vessels. This is called angiogenesis. Sometimes cells move away from the original (primary) cancer, either by the local tissue fluid channels (lymphatics) or in the blood stream, and invade other organs. When these cells reach a new site, they may continue to grow and form another tumour at that site. This is called a secondary cancer or metastasis.

Cancer Fact Sheets

The Lung

When you breathe in, air passes from the nose or mouth through the windpipe (trachea) which divides into two air passages, one going to each lung  The two air passages are known as the right and left bronchus and they form smaller tubescalled bronchioles, which carry air through the lungs  At the end of the bronchioles are millions of tiny air sacs or alveoli. It is here that oxygen is absorbed from the air and passes into the bloodstream to be circulated around the body  Carbon dioxide is the waste product that must be removed from the body. It passes from the bloodstream into the alveoli and is expelled by the lungs when you breathe out

The Cause Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer, however, some people develop lung cancer without smoking.

Smoking causes up to 90% of lung cancer  Lung cancer is unusual under the age of 40  Risk increases substantially after the age of 50  The younger someone started smoking, the higher their risk of getting lung cancer  One in 10 smokers will develop lung cancer  Passive (environmental) tobacco smoke causes lung cancer but the risks are less than if you yourself smoke. The Symptoms

A persistent cough  Shortness of breath  Coughing up blood-stained phlegm (sputum)  Chest discomfort - this may be noticed as a dull ache or a sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath  Loss of appetite and loss of weight

If you do have any of the above symptoms you must have them checked by your doctor - but remember - all of them occur in many conditions other than cancer.

How Does The Doctor Make The Diagnosis?

The following tests are all used to diagnose cancer of the lung and your doctor may arrange for you to have one or more of them at the hospital.

Bronchoscopy In this test the doctor examines the inside of the lung airways and takes photographs and cell samples (biopsies). The test is usually done as an out-patient treatment but occasionally a general anaesthetic is given and an overnight stay in hospital may be necessary.

Mediastinoscopy This test allows the doctor to examine the area at the centre of the chest and the local lymph nodes. The test is done under a general anaesthetic and will mean a short stay in hospital.

Lung Biopsy This test is usually done in the X-ray department

A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and then you will be asked to hold your breath while a thin needle is passed through the skin into the lung. An X-ray is used to ensure that the needle is in the right position. A sample of cells is then taken for examination under the microscope.

The biopsy is occasionally slightly uncomfortable but it only takes a few minutes.

Further Tests If the tests show that you have cancer of the lung your doctor may want to do some of the further tests described below to see if there has been any spread of the disease to other parts of the body. The results help your doctor to decide which is the best type of treatment for you.

CT scan (CAT scan) A CT scan is a type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body.

Ultrasound Scan In this test sound waves are used to make up a picture of the area of the lungs. It will be done in the hospital X-ray department.

Ultrasound can be used to measure the size and position of a cancer. It is a painless test and takes only a few minutes.

Isotope Bone Scan For this test a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in your arm, and a scan is taken about two to four hours later. More radioactivity goes to abnormal than normal bone and these areas are picked up by the scanner.

Treatment There are a few different types of treatment for lung cancer (with different aims):

Surgery This is used to remove all the cancer in the hope of a cure

Chemotherapy This is a course of drugs given to kill or control the cancer cells

Radiotherapy This is a course of x-rays given to kill or control the cancer

Immunotherapy This is a course of utilizing the immune  system to kill or control the cancer cells

Laser treatment This is used to control the cancer cells. It is used to unblock airways full of tumor, but it does not cure the cancer.

What Types Of Treatment Are Used?

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used alone, or together, to treat lung cancer of the lung.

Your doctor will plan your treatment by taking into consideration a number of factors including:

 your age

 general health

 the type and size of the tumor, what it looks like under the microscope

 whether it has spread beyond the lung

Surgery

When the tumor is away from the centre of the chest and there is little or no spread

The type of operation chosen will depend upon the size and position of the tumor Type of Operation -Wedge resection: remove a small part of the lung -Lobectomy: removal of a lobe of the lung -Pneumonectomy: removal of an entire lung

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high energy rays which destroy the cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells

It may be used alone or after surgery to treat all types of lung cancer.

There are two kinds of radiotherapy: External and internal radiotherapy

Side effects

Radiotherapy for lung cancer seldom causes side effects although there may sometimes be some nausea

If you do have problems with sickness, they can usually be treated with drugs. The main problem you are likely to notice, towards the end of your course of treatment, is that you have difficulty in swallowing, and you may find that drinking very hot or cold liquids is uncomfortable

These side effects should disappear gradually once your course of treatment is over, but it is important to let your doctor know if they continue

Radiotherapy can cause hair loss in the area being treated, but the hair usually grows back again within a few months once the treatment is over

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells

 They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells

 This treatment is used for most people with small cell Lung cancer

 The drugs are sometimes given as tablets or, more usually, intravenously (by injection into a vein)

 Chemotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a few days

 This is followed by a rest period of a few weeks which allows your body to recover from any side effects of the treatment

 The number of courses you have will depend on the type of cancer you have and how well it is responding to the drugs.

 Chemotherapy may be given to you as an outpatient but often it will mean spending a few days in hospital

Side effects Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and sometimes hair loss, mouth sores and small ulcers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the use of patient own immunology system to defense the cancer cells

This treatment is used for most type of cancers

Immunotherapy is given as a course of treatment usually lasting a week.

This is suggested to be followed by a recurring courses in every other 3 - 6 months to keep your body in its best conditions

Number of courses will depend on the type of cancer you have and ages.

Immunotherapy is usually given as an outpatient, but is usually recommended you to stay in the hospital for close monitoring

Laser Therapy And Airway Stents Sometimes lung cancer causes breathlessness by obstructing the trachea (the wind pipe) or one of the main airways which lead air from the wind pipe into the lungs. If the obstruction is caused by a tumor within the airway it can often be relieved by laser therapy which burns the tumor out of the airway. Laser therapy does not destroy the tumor completely but it does provide worthwhile relief of symptoms.

Questions to ask doctors

What type of lung cancer do I have? 

How extensive is my cancer?

What treatment do you recommend and why?

Will a doctor who specialises in lung cancer give my treatment? 

Are all modern investigations and treatments for my type of cancer available in this hospital? 

Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not? 

Are there any clinical trials of new treatments?  What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? 

 Will I have to stay in hospital, or will I be treated as an outpatient? 

How long will treatment take? How much will it affect what I can do? How much will it cost?  Will I have a lot of pain with the treatment? What will be done about this? 

If I need further treatment, what will it be like and when will it begin? 

Will the treatment affect my sex life? 

How frequently will I have checkups and what will they involve? 

I would like to have a second opinion. Can you refer me to someone else? 

Am I going to survive? 

What are my chances for a successful recovery?

Protect Yourself from Prostate Cancer Have a regular prostate screening

Essential for: Every man over the age of 50

What is the prostate? The prostate gland is only found in men, and it sits just below the bladder, close to the back passage (rectum). It is about the size and shape of a walnut. The tube that carries urine and sperm out through the penis (the urethra) runs through the middle of it.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Symptoms of prostate cancer include: difficulty passing urine, passing urine often (especially at night), inability to urinate or weak/interrupted flow, pain when urinating, blood in urine, or frequent pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs.

Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer with Early Detection

Essential for:

1. All women aged 25 and above (it is rare for women below this age to develop breast cancer, but still possible)
2. Women with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer
3. Women who test positive for BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes that have been shown to play a role in hereditary breast cancer

What are the breasts?
The breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and glandular tissue that contains lobes. These are shown in the diagram below. The lobes are where breast milk is produced. A network of milk ducts connects the lobes to the nipple.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Common symptoms include discharge from one nipple, unusual redness, dimpling/puckering around the breast, a lump felt in the breast or unusual pain in the breast.

Protect Yourself from Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer

Have a regular bowel screening for peace of mind

Essential for:

Every man or woman over the age of 50 People with a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps

Where is the bowel?

The bowel is part of our digestive system. It is divided into two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. The large bowel is made up of the colon and rectum. Once food has been swallowed it passes down the gullet (oesophagus) into the stomach, where digestion begins. From here it enters the small bowel where essential nutrients are taken into the body. Any undigested food passes into the large bowel, and water is removed in the colon. The remaining waste matter, known as stools or faeces, is held in the rectum (back passage) until it is ready to be passed from the body through the anus as a bowel motion (stool).

What are the symptoms of colorectal (bowel) cancer?

While early stage colorectal cancer may often have no symptoms, some commonly-experienced symptoms include: blood or mucus noticed in the bowel motion or the toilet bowl, changes in your bowel habits lasting more than two weeks (such as alternating diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of the stool or a persistent feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement), general abdominal discomfort (gas pain, bloating, fullness or cramps), unexplained weight loss.

Prostate cancer, the equivalent of breast cancer to many guys, it has many known causes. Before you can eliminate prostate cancer you need to know these causes. To successfully become free of the prostate cancer, it requires us to identify the factors which caused it first.

It is very rare for prostate cancer like all other cancers to have a single cause. It is more typically triggered by a combination of the following; nutritional deficiencies, the toxins in your living environment, our sedentary lifestyle and emotional conflict.

1  Known foods that contribute to prostate cancer are a diet high in animal fat, the consumption of processed meat or pressed meats which contain the additives sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite. Its also caused by our low consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables are mans natural food and all contain phytonutrients which have cancer fighting properties. For instance research has found that both tomatoes and broccoli contain phytonutrients that are beneficial in both fighting cancer and keeping us cancer free. Their benefits are said to be even greater when eaten together.

 2 The chemicals we use daily do cause us health problems, many of them have not been tested for safety and none have been tested for long term reaction like cancer. We are surrounded by them as we breathe them in as in exhaust gases and industry pollution; we apply them to our skin as in personal care products which our body rapidly absorbs. They are also in our processed foods as additives, such as food colourings, most food colourings are from artificial sources.   3 Our bodies were built to be physically active and well inevitably pay the price if we neglect this basic and fundamental need. The way exercise is related to cancer is, it boosts our all important immune system and all cancers are simply a disease of a weak immune system. Our immune system doesnt have a pump like the heart but relies on muscular activity to circulate the fluid within the immune system. The immune system defends the body against bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders including cancer cells.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world. It is manifested by uncontrolled cell growth of cells in parts of the lungs and body in a process known as metastasis. If you detect the signs of lung cancer in its early stages, it can be cured. Though lung cancer is mainly associated with heavy smokers, it is nowadays a main killer of even occasional smokers and non-smokers. It kills more than twice the number of people breast cancer kills and is more prevalent in men than even prostate cancer.

Lung cancer can take many years before developing in the body which makes many people fail to note its symptoms and even ignore them. In most cases, it is diagnosed at a late stage when little can be done and this explains why it kills many people. However, the signs of cancer of the lungs are obvious when it is present along with other mild signs. These signs are discussed below:

Signs of Lung Cancer You Should Be On the Lookout For

1. A persistent cough that does not go away. This may be taken as the side effect of smoking or be attributed to something else. It is popularly referred to as the smokers cough. A long persistent cough should be checked by a doctor to ascertain that it is not an indicator of an underlying health problem.

2. A cough containing small blood amounts. This is an indicator of cancer though at times it may be caused by another illness. It is not normal and you should visit the doctor as soon as you notice it.

Dendritic cell (DC) is the most powerful antigen-presenting cell in human body. It is the major antigen-presenting cell in innate immunity and play an important role in cancer suppression. Cytokine Induced Killer (CIK) is the lymphocyte, present in human blood, after a certain time to develop an immune active cells. Immune system is taken seriously more and more in the body against tumors. The DC-CIK cancer treatment Immunotherapy is called the fourth cancer treatment modality for this.

DC-CIK cells immune therapy is the most scientific method of treatment in patients with advanced cancer therapy of autoimmune cells, through advanced blood cell separator to extract the patient's own peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and high standards of GMP in the studio station, with a variety of cytokines induced by specific tumor antigen, the formation of activated The DC, CIK cells, both with training, can promote each other, so a lot of amplification, cell number and quality are significantly improved; the two re-order double output, but also their duties complement each other greatly improved Identify the body kill tumor cell function, to achieve better outcomes.

At present, clinical, cancer prognosis evaluation for the standard to 5-year survival after treatment for clinical cure standards. By a large number of domestic and international sample assessment of medical cases, DC + CIK treatment of autoimmune cell biology techniques, the prognosis for the situation, much higher than surgery alone or radiotherapy and chemotherapy clinical cure standards.

The DC-CIK cell therapy, cells with a precise role in killing tumor cells. In first developed, with high proliferative capacity and high cytotoxic activity of anti-tumor immune cells. Treatment of autoimmune cells CLS technology uses a unique dual-input dual-raising method, DC, CIK cells cultured double, double back to the transmission, clinical application to obtain a good therapeutic effect.

Surgical treatment of lung cancer bone metastases, because bone metastases occur frequently in advanced lung cancer. Surgical therapy is not recommended in clinical. Removed lung cancer at the same time remove bone lesions is not conducive to patient recovery. There will be serious complications and bone metastases after surgery. Even increase the difficulty of treatment, so surgery is generally not considered.

Radiation therapy treat lung cancer bone metastases. Pain Relief after About 50% of patients with bone metastasis accept the radiotherapy, About 75% of patients can reduce pain significantly. Radionuclide therapy can be used with chemotherapy at the same time. and check the white blood cell changes Regular.

Chemotherapy treat bone metastasis, Systemic chemotherapy treat lung cancer bone metastases and also has efficacy for potential metastasis. A good chemotherapy Program have a Relieving effects. The dose of chemotherapy drugs are relatively high according to different physical status of patients. Chemotherapy will cause a certain degree of gastrointestinal toxicity and bone marrow depression. The biological treatment and the lung cancer bone metastases the treatment also to test in clinical. Biological therapy usually use DC-CIK biological cells, CIK cells are also called cytokine induced killer, CIK cells have characteristics of quickly proliferative, cancer-killing strong, No killing effect on normal cells, adjust the body's immune status, stimulate bone marrow. DC can identify the antigen, activate acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. CIK secrete Cytokines and to kill tumor cells in lung cancer. Dendritic cell(DC) is the most powerful antigen-presenting cell in human body. It is the major antigen-presenting cell in innate immunity and play an important role in cancer suppresion. cytokine induced killer(CIK) is the lymphocyte, present in human blood, after a certain time to develop an immune active cells.

It's important you eat correctly if you want to lead a healthy life. These days people don't eat properly and will instead be satisfied with something which is practical. Fast foods are in fact a well known way for people to eat in order to handle the fast paced society we live in. The bad thing is that fast food is far from being a proper food choice given the quantity of fat and sugar it features. Fortunately there are some simple tips which exist so as to improve your diet and this is what we'll be talking about in this article.

To begin with you may be interested to eat organic food. Certainly this kind of food is grown with no chemicals products. This will decrease the chance of toxins getting accumulated in your body. Considering that toxins may cause some types of cancer we might easily understand why it might be advisable that you make these modifications to your lifestyle. Remarkably there are a few foods that might be helpful when it comes to preventing cancer. French readers could get additional information on this topic by having a look at this post on cancer food because it comprises some helpful point.

In the same manner it could be a good idea that you decrease your intake of animal protein and increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. You'll thus have the ability to protect yourself from health issues for instance diabetes. In the same way it might be a good idea that you lower your consumption of sugar and salt. Most of the time food that you'll be buying while travelling will contain a lot of sugar and salt and this is why it could be essential that you cook your food yourself. Indeed you can find some more tips about this subject by looking for on the internet.

As stated by the American Cancer Society, cancer is defined as a group of diseases marked by an uncontrolled growth and spread of atypical cells all over the human body. In some cases, cancer develops into metastatic, which suggests it does not stay in one area; it travels to other locations in the body, including distant organs. It is not clear yet why abnormal cells start growing inside the human body. The widespread theory accepted by researchers is that any person produces cells in them that could become cancerous. However the researchers are unsurewhat stimulates these abnormal cells to act in one body against another. Many are under the impression that dealing with toxic chemicals and contamination might be connected with cancer. There is not a definite answer as to who exactly will be affected by this disease. Possessing an emergency plan in case cancer strikes you, is mandatory. You will want to get insurance that will protect you and your loved ones. This paragraph will show what is meant under cancer insurance, how it may be helpful, and how it connects to standard health insurance.

Even there is no a wonder Drug for cancer, there exist many alternatives that may prolong life, or sustain cancer for time. The first to mention is outpatient or hospital procedures. This implies that cancer insurance policy helps with various kinds of cancer treatments like experimental medications and treatments, radiation and chemotherapy that can be too costly for an ordinary person. Travel expenses even to other states as well as the costs of emergency services, helicopter and lodging are covered. Moreover the costs of surgical procedures and the extended care costs should be considered. If necessary, cancer insurance pays for skilful nursing care, and also offers hospice or long term care. Furthermore cancer screening tests are at hand with this insurance. You can pick out among four various kinds and amounts of coverage. The customer, as the insured, chooses which level of cancer insurance policy is most suitable for him according to his own demands. The insurance coverage will cost at most one hundred twenty five dollars and 25 dollars minimum per year.

Some of the best cancer hospitals in China are now considered as among the best in the world. These hospitals have reached this stage due to their highly dedicated medical staff and their zeal to deliver the best cancer treatment to their patients. Apart from that, there are some other reasons due to which a significant number of patients, from all over the world, visit these hospitals to get treated.

Reasons due to which these best cancer hospitals China have gained such popularity are as follows:-

All the best cancer hospitals in China have adopted the same standard cancer treatment protocol and approach as that of their western counterparts.

Many of the doctors and surgeons working in these hospitals are highly experienced and skilled. These medical practitioners have honed their medical skills and knowledge by working in some of the best hospitals in the world.

What To Do?? When Kids Get Cancer..

In a recent report on childhood cancer, stated that the survival rate at present is approaching 75 percent where as a few years ago it was only one in ten. The report went on to say that they were hopeful that within 20 years they would have a 100 percent cure rate but that was possibly being a little optimistic.

Those statistics may sound good but all cancer statistics are measured only over a 5 year period so those figures are not necessary a cure. The report also stated that 60 percent of children who survive childhood cancer will ultimately develop at least one chronic and sometimes life-threatening health problem within 20 to 30 years after treatment.

What to do about it? While there is no miracle cure for any cancer and there never will be, there are ways to help overcome it. Like all cancers, there are reasons why it first appeared so there are many things parents can do to help a child. Learn about it, get involved and dont believe everything your doctor says as doctors are only taught their three ways of treating it which is surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Most doctors are ignorant about any other ways that maybe beneficial, less invasive and less toxicant, such as biotherapy & immunotherapy.

Prostate cancer is a disease that can end up being fatal if not caught early. There are more than 25 types of prostate cancer which means that you should know the signs of prostate cancer. There are so many myths about prostate cancer that you need to know which ones are true and which ones are false.

1.Only old men get prostate cancer. False. It is true that the older you are, chances are greater that you will get prostate cancer; this doesnt mean that only old men will get it. Almost 35% of men diagnosed are younger than 40.

2.If there are no symptoms, you dont have it. False. Prostate cancer is very dangerous because it is a cancer where not all men have symptoms.

3.Prostate cancer grows so slow, I dont have to catch it early. Yes and no. Because there are 25 types of prostate cancer, some grow very quickly and some are very slow. It is best to know about the different symptoms.

4.Because prostate cancer doesnt run in my family, I wont get it. False. Although those men with a history of prostate cancer in their family are 1 in 3, almost 1 out of 6 American men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

5.PSA test is the same as a cancer test. Wrong. A PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer.

Cancers in the various forms may affect several various areas of our bodies. Brain cancer needless to say impacts the mind. Colon cancerous cells has an effect on the colon, when lung cancerous cells affects the lungs. After a length of time, these cancers can distribute during the entire entire body and impact other organs, too. To stop cancers from getting to this level, keep to the advice in the pursuing post.

They state that ingesting an apple per day will keep the physician out, but consuming an onion a day can in fact always keep cancer away. Due to the great deal of vitamin antioxidants founds in onions, eating them regularly can help to remove free-radicals through your entire body and so help you to prevent contracting cancer.

Skin cancer can be extremely serious, even deadly. Malignant Melanoma is really a major type of skin cancer that frequently can't be cured. Be positive and also have the skin checked out frequently from your medical professional or skin specialist. She or he can easily see areas you can't and analyze you for distrustful moles and skin changes.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a kind of disease in which cells divide abnormally without control and may overrun other tissues. Through blood and other lymph system these cells spread in all over body. Cancer results in death if spread of cells is not controlled.

Warning Signals of Cancer in Women:

Unusual bleeding or discharge. Blood in the vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse. A lump in the breast or elsewhere. A sore that does not heal. Changes in bowel or bladder habits. Hoarseness or cough  Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. Change in the size of a birthmark or mole.

What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?

Women especially need to be aware of any signs and symptoms their bodies may be exhibiting. Many types of gynecologic cancer produce symptoms early enough for them to be successfully treated. When the symptoms are ignored, the delay in treatment can prove to be fatal. Ladies, listen to your bodies! If you are experiencing something abnormal for you, see your doctor. Chances are the symptoms aren't cancer related, but it's better to be safe.

The treatment for cancer today typically focuses on fixing the symptoms which in this case is the cancer growth rather than the root cause of the disease. The root cause is of course the reason why the cancer first appeared and if you address that problem it will go away and never return again.

 Profit plays a huge role in all western medicine with our drug based medicine and because nature cannot be patented there is no profit in conducting studies on natural remedies for cancer. The cold hard facts are that cancer and other degenerative diseases are big business. Meanwhile effective natural treatments which address and correct the actual reason why these diseases first appear are labelled as ineffective, not because they work but because there is no money to be made from them.

Doctors are taught that cancer is a foreign lump and if they can remove it all they have successfully beaten the disease. Anybody who knows a little about cancer knows this is not true because of the many people who have been treated by mainstream medicine only to find that their cancer has returned again but in some other area. The reason why that has happened is because they have only treated the symptom of the problem instead of the cause of the problem.

When you're diagnosed with breast cancer there are a number of issues that you'll need to take care of often when you least feel like it. Don't be afraid to accept the help of friends and family and if you have questions or worries, always ask one of your medical care team to explain things to you.

Telling friends, family and work colleagues

Telling someone that you have cancer is a very difficult thing to do. Many people are shocked and find it difficult to know what to say. Give them time and whatever you do, don't feel guilty for how they feel about it. Accept that some friends may find it so difficult to deal with that they may begin avoid you. This is their problem and not yours. Don't waste time worrying over their friendship because the people who do stick around are your true friends. If it's easier then ask a close friend or family member to let everyone else know. They can also act as an information point because people will want to know how you are at various stages of your treatment.

Understanding your treatment plan

You will be given a team of doctors that will include surgeons, oncologists, specialist breast care nurses and radiographers. These are your team, they are experienced and have seen and dealt with many cases like yours. Remember, they're used to questions so don't be afraid to ask them anything you need to know. If you have any questions about your treatment plan then your breast care nurse is your first point of information. If she doesn't know the answer to your question, she'll find out for you.

I have just received an email from my patient, Mr. Stringer, I was glad to hear him. And, yet, I was so touched. This is what he wrote, “Today is sort of a special day for me, as it marks the 1000th day since my diagnosis in survival. By God’s grace, I hope to see another 1000 days, most of which I plan to live out in China with return visits to watch my grandchildren grow.”

Recalling, at the very first time I met with Mr. Stringer for treatment, he would have already given me a feeling of optimistic and positive, I have seen a very few cancer patients would have carried a mindset as Stringer. His encouragement to me, and his confidence towards his life and family, his passion to his life, his gracious appreciation to enjoy every single day. Stringer is not only my patient, he is also my friend, my tutor in life. We work together to fight against cancer, never the less, he makes me recognizing what life is all about.

Spring is coming soon, Stringer will be spending the Lunar New Year in Beijing, and I was invited to join his gathering during the holiday. He likes to find out more about the LIFT treatment. He would never gave up, never fear, and always carry positive mindset.

Be positive when fighting with cancer. Never say never.

Site visits at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

It was my pleasure which I had a chance to take a trip to meet up with the discoverer of LIFT treatment Professor Cui Zheng at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At the initial understanding of the LIFT treatment, I was already astonished with this great finding. I will say this is an epoch-making anticancer found. Up until now, if I was telling anyone about this study, I always refer in only one sentence, “The significance of this study is either all or none!”

At the lab

These two groups of the experimental mice are found with absolute result, either dead or alive which means 100% free from cancer. So far, I have not yet heard of any studies can be drawn to such a result. I was so excited to see these surviving mice with the injection of anti-cancer myeloid and how large doses of cancer cells were injected to them, and better yet they can be healed & self recovered.

The guinea pigs

The super granulocytes were actually found accidentally. Prof. Cui found that in a one of the thousands mice that he was doing experiment, there is a one mouse that would healed and self recovered from cancer cells. Thus, for this phenomenon, he had done a series of studies, and finally found the anti-cancer mechanism with that only one mouse.

With this visit, I had also gone thru a cancer cell evaluation process, including blood sampling, blood separation, and cultivation. With the 6 days of learning, participation and discussion with the Professor Cui, I have learned a lot. And, there was also a further understanding of the substantial progress of Prof Cui clinical study which carried in China and United States.

CancerBioMaster will continue to track and update with the results of this study, and to provide the related treatment services for patients. Please message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further detail

Professor Cui Zheng is the only Chinese faculty in the Wake Forest University at School of Medicine. He is a professor in cancer pathology research who has been in the field for over 20 years.

http://www.wakehealth.edu/Research/ with this link here, you will find numbers of cancer pathology researches of Prof. Cui.

I am an international patient consultant, I do lots of counseling, and I am often asked, “Sunny, what is my recovery rate? What is my chance being recovered? What is my chance being cured by your treatments?”

Cancer statistic by scientists shown. Only 1/3 of final stage of cancer patients pass away are really caused by cancer itself, 1/3 are caused by the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the remainder are psychologically scared to death as to affect patients own immune system and losing his own will to live.

I often answered patients, “I am willing to work with you to help and walk along with you with the first 2 of the 1/3 chances, at the same time, we together fight against the last 1/3 chance."

If anyone claim a treatment can guarantee that a 100% cure for cancer, I really doubt. Cancer is a disease that is until now incurable, we need to flight against it, defeat it. Likewise as diabetes, high blood pressure, we need a lifelong monitoring and medication to control it and to face it positively.

Therefore, my dear friends and patients, we are committed to combining existing treatment options, combined with the immune system of your individual state and immune noninvasive treatment to help you in the struggle of fighting with cancer, fight for that last 1 / 3 chance of survival.

Changes in women breast are a vital part of breast development in them. These changes are healthy and start appearing outside as well as within breast since childhood then in puberty. These changes continue to happen in pregnancy and then in breast feeding and these are a compulsory part of your menstruation and menopausal phase. Sometimes there happen irregularities in these normal changes which can cause serious aftereffects for your breast health. Hence a regular contact with your breasts in form of examination keeps you alert about these abnormalities.  

A self breast exam is executed by a woman on own and it involves a comprehensive feeling and look of whole chest area. As you become familiar with your chest it is very easy for you take out any abnormal change with it. Women who are unfamiliar with how to examine their breasts then it is to inform them that this exam is very easy to carry out and still those women who are confused about this exam they are advised to first undergo a clinical exam of their breasts and then start examination by themselves, but a monthly exam of their chest area is inevitable to catch any breast abnormality sooner.

Execute your breast examination with the objective of breast feel. If you are lying on your couch you can perform it there and if you are taking bath this exam can also be carried out there. With your fingers start feeling your either of the breasts. If you make different types of massage over your breast it will be more obliging in the way of breast tissues feel.

First start making up and downward movements on your breast, and then make a circular massage of whole breast. You can use some oily lotion on your fingers to massage well because when you are doing it for the very first time it may seem to you a bit uncomfortable and irritating. But when you use some lubricant your fingers can move more effectively over chest area giving more understanding about inside feel.

When you have completed with one breast switch to other and feel it in the same way. After this with great consciousness feel your armpits and then press your whole chest area first with medium and then with firm level of pressure in order to get familiar with inner tissues. This is indeed very easy way to understand the inside structure of your breasts but you need to consume a very small amount of time and improved attention.

Inside structure of your chest area is closely associated with the chances of a lump development that later on may cause cancer. It is suggested to all ladies belonging to any age that be careful while experiencing feeling of chest because they can take out any abnormality by themselves if they have completely focused on it.

 Another very important part of self breast exam is to be very watchful toward when you are looking your breasts more likely in a mirror. First take a look covering whole chest area in which you have to be careful about what is the normal size of your breasts, their shape and texture. See if there is a texture of areolas (darken area around nipples) that is not normal and if you also find your nipples pulled inward or some other abnormal change in their position dont be worried just be quick in informing an expert.

On squeezing your nipples if you experience some fluid discharge from them except milk if you are going through the phase of breastfeeding you are preferably recommended not to ignore it but consult a physician. You have once taken initiative toward self breast exam it is no more difficult to save yourself against breast cancer.

As breast cancer has become the point of concern nationwide due to the rapid increase in breast cancer related deaths so countless efforts are being made to prevent the disease so that the death rate can be decreased, but there is no way to prevent this life threatening disease.   Reduction in the risk to develop this cancer is the second option after prevention so the focus has turned towards the reduction of the risk through several means so that more and more lives can be saved. Another thing that plays a vital role regarding breast cancer is early detection because it is the only key to successful treatment.

Significance of Early Detection

Early detection of every disease is important to treat it successfully, but in case of breast cancer it is of core importance because this disease spreads at the rapid rate and affects the neighboring areas as well. Advanced stage breast cancer is not possible to cure so women should try to play the main role to make early detection probable.

Breast cancer deaths have increased by 38.91 percent. 84 percent of breast cancer patients do not attach importance to self-examination and treatment. Statistics show that breast cancer is the first female cancer. The diseases usually can despoil of young. Every one suffers various pressures from the society of increasingly severe competition. stress can actually depress the immune system and also cause an agitating mood, the endocrine disorder, which makes human body system out of balance. Many young women appear such symptoms of breast pain, breast color change, These are the performance of sub-health. Conclusion Immunologic function of early breast cancer patients does not decrease significantly, and cancer does not suppress organism immunologic function obviously. These early symptoms are often ignored, it is always early signs of breast cancer. Immune system is taken seriously more and more in the body against tumors. Immunotherapy is called the fourth cancer treatment modality for this.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.

Normal cells in the body

The body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person’s life, normal cells divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries.

How cancer starts

Cancer starts when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. Cancer cell growth is different from normal cell growth. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells. Cancer cells can also invade (grow into) other tissues, something that normal cells cannot do. Growing out of control and invading other tissues are what makes a cell a cancer cell.

Cells become cancer cells because of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) damage. DNA is in every cell and it directs all the cell’s actions. In a normal cell, when DNA gets damaged the cell either repairs the damage or the cell dies. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired, and the cell doesn’t die like it should. Instead, the cell goes on making new cells that the body doesn’t need. These new cells all have the same abnormal DNA as the first cell does.

People can inherit abnormal DNA, but most DNA damage is caused by mistakes that happen while the normal cell is reproducing or by something in the environment. Sometimes the cause of the DNA damage may be something obvious like cigarette smoking or sun exposure. But it’s rare to know exactly what caused any one person’s cancer.

In most cases, the cancer cells form a tumor. Some cancers, like leukemia, rarely form tumors. Instead, these cancer cells involve the blood and blood-forming organs and circulate through other tissues where they grow.

Caring for a person with cancer means meeting their most basic needs, and there’s no need more basic than food. Providing nutritious and appealing food choices for someone you love is an important way to help them get and stay well.
 
So what’s the best way to handle cooking for someone who may feel tired or nauseous, or who may have trouble eating due to the side effects of treatment? The tips below can help you get a person with cancer the calories and nutrients they need in a way that works for both of you.
 
Make it easy to eat
 
This means not only preparing things you know the person likes, but preparing them in ways that make these foods easy to swallow and digest.

For example, casseroles made with pasta, rice, and potatoes are comfort foods that are also easy on the stomach and on the palate. Adding sauces, broth, or cheese can sometimes make dishes more appealing and easier to swallow. If the person that you are caring for has a sore mouth or throat, you may want to avoid coarse, dry, or acidic foods. Avoid spicy or greasy foods that might irritate an upset stomach.

What is targeted therapy? 

As researchers have learned more about the gene changes in cells that cause cancer, they have been able to develop drugs that target these changes. Treatment with these drugs is often called targeted therapy.

Targeted therapy drugs do not work the same as standard chemotherapy drugs. They are often able to attack cancer cells while doing little damage to normal cells by going after the cancer cells’ inner workings—the programming that makes them different from normal, healthy cells. These drugs tend to have different (and often less severe) side effects than traditional chemotherapy drugs.

Still, chemotherapy (chemo) is defined as the use of drugs to treat cancer. Since targeted therapy drugs are given to treat cancer, they are technically chemo drugs. But because they have different side effects, we often talk about them separately. 

Targeted therapies are used to treat many kinds of diseases. Here we will focus on their use to treat cancer. Some of the cancers that may be treated with targeted therapy include certain types of lung, pancreatic, head and neck, liver, colorectal, breast, and kidney cancers.

Targeted therapies are a major focus of cancer research today. Many future advances in cancer treatment will probably come from this field.

Here we will explain:

· The different ways that targeted therapy can work

· Some of the types of targeted therapy

· What you can expect if you are being treated with targeted therapy (including some of the common side effects)

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is also sometimes called biologic therapy or biotherapy. It is treatment that uses certain parts of the immune system to fight diseases such as cancer. This can be done in a couple of ways:

· Stimulating your own immune system to work harder or smarter to attack cancer cells
· Giving you immune system components, such as man-made immune system proteins

For a long time doctors suspected that the immune system had an effect on certain cancers. Even before the immune system was well understood, William Coley, MD, a New York surgeon, first noted that getting an infection after surgery seemed to help some cancer patients. In the late 1800s, he began treating cancer patients by infecting them with certain kinds of bacteria, which came to be known as Coley toxins. Although he had some success, his technique was overshadowed when other forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy, came into use.

Since then, doctors have learned a great deal about the immune system. This has led to research into how it can be used to treat cancer, using many different approaches. In the last few decades immunotherapy has become an important part of treating several types of cancer.

"It might be time to consider a clinical trial." I have heard this many times in my work with the American Cancer Society. Unfortunately, in most cases, people think of clinical trials as the option of last resort, so they consider one only when all other treatment options have failed.

But the truth is that clinical trials should always be considered as a treatment option. In fact, there are clinical trials for almost every type of cancer and stage of disease - there are even clinical trials for cancer prevention! Without clinical trials, we would see virtually no advances in cancer treatment.

The good news is that more and more people are considering a cancer clinical trial when they are first diagnosed - and that helps speed up breakthroughs in cancer care. But there is clearly a need for more people to learn about and consider this option.

Take a look at pediatric cancer. When I was growing up in the 1970's, there were several books that highlighted the stories of teenagers diagnosed with leukemia. Unfortunately, most of these stories didn't end well. However, since the 1970's, the cure rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has gone from 30% to 80%, largely due to advances discovered during cancer clinical trials. Today, approximately 70% of children with cancer participate in a clinical trial, compared to a mere 5% of adults with cancer.

Can popping vitamin pills prevent cancer? The simple answer is no, based on what we know so far. In fact, some vitamin supplements have even shown harm. What I'm talking about mostly are pills containing individual nutrients in amounts that are greater than that found in food. Before you stop reading, thinking this is simply another "just eat your vegetables" message, let me give you a little history.  

Toward the end of the last century, scientists observed that people with healthy diets, and with higher levels of certain phytochemicals ("phyto" for plant) in their bloodstream, such as beta-carotene, had lower rates of cancer. But observations don't prove cause and effect.  

So, after careful evaluation of promising dietary compounds, the scientists began planning randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials ("RCTs") with tens of thousands of healthy people to see if taking supplements of individual phytochemicals could actually prevent cancer. RCTs are considered by most to be the gold standard for proving something works. Most of the supplements tested were antioxidants, which are chemical compounds that combat "free radicals" in the body that can damage DNA and possibly lead to cancer.

Cancer patients may sometimes worry that treatment for their cancer might lead to another cancer down the road. Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is of particular concern because radiation is known to cause cancer.

A recent study published in the Lancet Oncology journal found that cancer patients who were treated with radiotherapy were more likely to develop second cancers than patients with similar cancers who didn't receive radiotherapy.  Experts have known for many years that radiation therapy can increase cancer risk; however, this is the first study to compare the risk of second cancers among radiation-treated patients to a large group of similar patients who did not receive such treatment.  The study estimated that about 8% of second cancers among patients who received radiation were due to the radiation, which translates to five excess cancers per 1,000 treated patients.  This means that for every 1,000 patients who were treated with radiotherapy, 5 of them would have a second cancer caused by that radiation treatment.

Many types of cancer treatment can cause long-term effects, including second cancers.  For example, some chemotherapy drugs increase the risk of developing leukemia, and young women who have high doses of radiation to the chest are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Before writing a blog about soy and breast cancer, I took an informal poll of a few friends to get a sense of what women believe about soy.  I asked them, "What do you know about eating soy food?  Is it good for you? Not good for you?" (I didn't even mention breast cancer.)  The responses I got were,  "I think it acts like estrogen in the body"; "Consuming any soy products increases the risk of breast cancer"; "I don't eat it a lot because I heard something negative but I can't remember what it was;" and "I've heard you should only have it in moderation."  Apparently, people are hearing that soy may not be good. But what's the truth? In this blog I'll walk you through what we know and what we don't know about soy and breast cancer, and give you some practical tips on eating soy.

Soy can act like estrogen

Soy foods (such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, miso, many veggie burgers, and other products made with soy flour) contain isoflavones, which are chemically similar to estrogens. Two major types, genestein and daidzen, can act like estrogen in the body, although at a very small fraction of the potency of circulating free estrogen in women.  These effects can be good or bad.  Let me explain.   

It is well established that estrogen is linked to hormonally-sensitive cancers in women, such as breast and endometrial cancer.  Breast cells contain estrogen receptors, and when the "key" (estrogen) joins with the "lock" (the estrogen receptor), a series of signals are sent which can spur on estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast tumor growth. Common risk factors for breast cancer include conditions that involve longer exposure of breast tissue to estrogen: