Posts Tagged ‘Understanding’

Surgical Options: Understanding Breast Cancer

There are many successful surgical options for breast cancer treatment including lumpectomies and mastectomies. Hear from breast cancer survivors who have undergone these procedures.

Lumpectomy & Radiation Therapy: Understanding Breast Cancer

Surgeons at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC describe breast conservation surgery and lumpectomy surgery, including removal and evaluation of cancer tissue, radiation therapy, and recovery following surgery.

Understanding Breast Cancer with Dr. Erika Schwartz

www.drerika.com | I specialize in treating patients with bioidentical hormones. If you would like more information about this topic or others please contact my office or visit my website for more information. http

Understanding The Major Breakthrough Of Cancer

Hunting for Genetic Mutations and Cancer
The current paradigm in medical research holds that the cause of most cancers is a genetic mutation. For instance, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), an institute at the NIH, “all cancers are based on genetic mutations in body cells.”  In fact, mutation hunting is big business. Just look at the NIH budget allocated to discoveries of genetic mutations, the number of biotech companies chasing genetic mutations, the magnitude of the licensing agreements between biotech and pharmaceutical companies aimed to utilize newly discovered genetic mutations, and the number of stories in the media on genetic mutations and their so-called “link” to disease. However, this huge effort and billions of dollars has produced few discoveries and little benefits to the public. The reason for this limited success is simple. The cause of cancer is not a genetic mutation.

The story of the BRCA1 gene is a typical example of mutation hunting.

The Mystery of BRCA1
Genes, in general, produce proteins, which are the building blocks of cells. The concentration of the protein is tightly regulated. A mutated gene produces an abnormal concentration of its protein, which may lead to disease. In 1994, Mark Skolnick, PhD, discovered the BRCA1 gene (BRCA1 is short for BReast CAncer 1). Following the discovery, scientists observed an abnormally low level of the BRCA1 protein in breast cancer tissues. The BRCA1 protein is a cell cycle suppressor, which means that the protein prevents cell replication. This observation created a lot of excitement. At the time, scientists believed that they were on the verge of finding the cause of breast cancer. The reasoning was that breast cancer patients must have a mutated BRCA1 gene, which would explain the decreased production of the protein, and the excessive replication of breast cancer cells in tumors.

In the United States, 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. However, the BRCA1 gene is mutated in less than 5% of these cases. In more than 95% of breast cancer patients the gene is not mutated.

So here is the mystery. If the gene is not mutated in the great majority of the breast cancer patients, why are the tumors showing low levels of the BRCA1 protein? Today, this is one of the biggest mysteries in cancer research.

The BRCA1 gene is not unique. Many normal (non-mutated) genes exhibit a mysterious abnormal (increased or decreased) production of proteins in cancer. Moreover, studies also report abnormal gene expression of normal genes in other diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, alopecia, type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and graft versus host disease.

The Discovery
A virus is a collection of genes. To replicate, some viruses settle in the nucleus of the host cell and use the cell machinery to replicate. What is the effect of a viral gene on the production of cellular proteins?

Think of a gene as an assembly line of a protein. Like all assembly lines, the gene has two parts, a conveyor (the gene coding section), and a control panel (the gene promoter/enhancer). Imagine a cellular shop that assembles a product called BRCA1. One of the many buttons on the control panel is called N-box. Pressing the button increases production. However, only a small number of operators (called transcription factors), those who pass a special certification (called the p300 test), have permission to press this button.  What happens when a virus opens a shop across the street from the cellular shop (called latent infection) to produce its viral products? The control panel in the viral shop also has an N-box button. To start production, the virus begins to hire away some of the certified operators. What is the effect of this “hiring away” on the number of available BRCA1 units? The number decreases. Moreover, the decrease becomes apparent even before the virus starts production (the “hiring away” is what creates the effect, not the viral proteins). The viral assembly line competes with the BRCA1 assembly line for the certified operators, and by hiring them away prevents the cellular shop from producing the optimum, or “healthy” number of BRCA1 units. The lower number of BRCA1 units leads to excessive cell replication and breast cancer. (See a more technical description in a recent paper published in the European Journal of Cancer.)

The infection with the latent virus causes abnormal production of other genes, and as a result, the development of other chronic diseases. This sequence of events easily explains why people who suffer from obesity are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, and why a recent large scale study found that a low-fat diet does not protect against breast cancer.  It also explains another surprising observation that male pattern baldness is associated with heart disease and prostate cancer. In general, this sequence of events easily explains the numerous observations indicating a co-existence or co-morbidity of some chronic diseases.

This discovery was first described by Dr. Hanan Polansky in his book, Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease, published by The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease.

To summarize: the cause of cancer, and other chronic diseases, is not a genetic mutation, it’s an infection with a latent virus.

Reaction of the Scientific Community
What is the scientific community saying about Dr. Polansky’s discovery?  

Consider what the famous heart surgeon and “Living Legend,” Michael E. DeBakey, said about the discovery, “The theory underlying the basic concept concerning the origin of chronic diseases presented by Dr. Polansky is most interesting, indeed fascinating … Perhaps a symposium could be held to provide a forum for further discussions and critiques of this fascinating theory.”

Elena N. Naumova, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Tufts University School of Medicine, said, “Dr. Polansky’s work compellingly demonstrates a framework that could bring together researchers from different fields. His proposed theory will work its magic by clarifying ambiguous definitions, identifying similarities and differences in various biological processes, and discovering new pathways … I believe that Dr. Polansky’s book will catalyze the scientific learning process, promote interdisciplinary cross-fertilization, stimulate development of treatment strategies and drug discovery, and leave the reader inspired.”

Sivasubramanian Baskar, PhD, Senior Scientist from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, “At first, I wish to congratulate Dr. Hanan Polansky for his scientific bravery to take such a unique, novel approach to further stimulate our understanding of the origin and establishment of chronic diseases. The philosophy underscored is an excellent one … The amazing correlation between theoretical predictions and observed in vivo effects seems to bring us a step closer to a deeper understanding of such complex biologic processes.”

Marc Pouliot, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Canada, said, “The concept of microcompetition will change our approach in the study of chronic diseases and will furthermore give scientists a higher level of understanding in biology. Presentation of this concept undoubtedly provides a new set of opportunities for attacking chronic diseases … They lead the way to new approaches in chronic disease treatment.”

Howard A. Young, PhD, Section Head, Cellular and Molecular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, National Cancer Institute, NIH, said, “In summary, Dr. Polansky is to be applauded for his attempt to provide a unifying basis for chronic diseases. His theories are stimulating and offer a basis for experimental testing and possible treatment.”

Michael J. Gonzalez, PhD, Professor, Medical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, said, “I know this book will profoundly impact medical research, drug discovery, as well as natural therapies. I also believe it will benefit the scientific community and society in general by providing further means of treatment for conditions in which only palliative care is available.”

You can find more reactions and the biographies the scientists reacting to Dr. Polansky’s discovery on the publisher’s (see link below).

Hope for Cure and Protection
The significance of Dr. Polansky’s discovery cannot be overstated. For the first time, we can start to feel a little better about these diseases. With his discovery, pharmaceutical and biotech companies can now start to design medications that will target the cause of the disease rather than its symptoms, and therefore, cure the sick and protect the healthy from these deadly diseases.

Understanding the Direct Relationship Between your Diet and Cancer

Although the impact is difficult to measure, it is evident that diet is a factor when considering most, if not all types of cancer. Furthermore, diet may also be effective in preventing cancer. There is no concrete explanation of the relationship between cancer and your diet; however it would be obviously beneficial to maintain a well-balanced and nutritious diet. The insight regarding the diet- cancer link first appeared in 1913. Until recently, the phenomenon had been amazingly ignored. The scientist became involved, mainly with the assistance of animals, to determine the relationship. Coincidently, the risk for cancer will certainly decrease if you were to consistently eat healthy meals as well as take vitamin and/or mineral supplements. It is extremely important to live a healthy lifestyle.

There are obvious techniques that people should live by such as regular screening and self-exams that is crucial for identifying potential cancer cells. Healthcare physicians recommend that you actively practice these techniques, yet you must also obtain knowledge of the risk factors that contribute to cancer. For many years, the National Cancer Institute has promoted a program that encourages Americans to eat more fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, 60%-70% of cancer is the result of dietary risk factors. Extensive research has also concluded that one-third of cancer deaths within the United States are due to nutritional factors.

The suggested risk factors include being overweight or obese, having a low intake of fruits and vegetables, low physical activity and smoking or alcohol abuse. Therefore, cancer is believed to be related and associated with an individual’s lifestyle. Specifically, the American Cancer Society has estimated that women who are 40% or more over the ideal body weight have a 55% greater cancer risk. Contrarily, the men who are 40% over weight have a 33% greater risk. Ironically, it has been noted that cancer occurs at different rates in different countries. This merely suggests that people from different countries have different eating patterns.

No matter what the consensus is on the relationship between diet and cancer, fiber is actually agreed upon as one of the most important preventive measure to cancer. With an increase in fiber intake, it is possible to consume less fat and calories. The fiber-rich foods enhances the intensity of our diets and contributes to satiety. You are able to obtain fiber in a variety of ways. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits and grains. These items are discharged in two categories: soluble and insoluble. Ideally, it is recommended to increase the intake of breads, cereals, legumes (beans and peas) and of course, more fruits and vegetables.

Although it is highly sensitive at this point, the American Institute for Cancer Research has identified foods that are promising for preventing cancer. First of all, the institute suggests that beans and legumes may lower risk of prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer. Berries are expected to lower the risk of skin, bladder, and lung or breast cancer. More over, the cruciferous vegetables possibly lower the contingency for lung, stomach, colorectal, prostate and bladder cancer. Cancer of the bladder, colon, stomach, pancreas and esophagus may be prevented by consuming green tea. Finally, prostate cancer may be avoided by eating tomatoes. Additionally, it is suggested by the American Institute for Cancer Research that consuming whole grains may lower the risks for all cancers.

In conclusion, there are five dietary guidelines that may save your life from Cancer. It is recommended that you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables everyday. And again, you should eat high fiber foods to include limiting the fat intake. You should always stay or become physically fit. Last, but not least, limit the consumption of alcohol. Bottom line, improving your diet and overall lifestyle generally protects your body against cancer.

Understanding Your Breasts: Making an Informed Decision

A woman’s breast is a gland that produces milk in late pregnancy and after childbirth. Each breast is made of lobes which are groups of milk glands called lobules. Lobules are arranged around thin tubes called ducts which carry the milk to the nipple. These lobules and ducts make up what is referred to as the glandular tissue.

As with any gland or organ within the human body, some imperfections are likely to occur. Perhaps you feel that your breasts are too small, poorly shaped, or maybe you have lost a breast to a disease like cancer.

Despite a decade of controversy over their safety, breast implants are more popular than ever among women who want to build upon what nature gave them or who want to restore what disease has taken away. Whatever the reason, opting for breast implants is a personal decision that should be made only after a woman fully understands and accepts the potential risks of the devices and the importance of follow-up evaluations with her physician.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were nearly 255,000 breast enhancement implant procedures performed in 2003, nearly twice the number done in 1998. An additional 68,000 women received breast implants for reconstructive purposes following mastectomy due to cancer or other disease.

Breast implants are designed for augmentation, a cosmetic procedure; reconstruction; and replacement of existing implants, called revision. There are two primary types of implants: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled.

Depending on the type of implant, the shell is either pre-filled with a fixed volume of solution or filled through a valve during the surgery to the desired size. Breast implants vary in shape, size and shell texture.

Some medical care providers say that using breast implants to rebuild the breast (reconstruction), or change its size and shape (augmentation), significantly improves the quality of life for many women. Advocates of breast implants also say that a woman’s consent to the surgery should be considered valid as long as she carefully weighs the risks and benefits of the procedure.

While every surgical procedure has potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring, there a some risks that are specific to breast implants–leakage from the implant, actual rupture of the implant, and nerve damage which causes some women a loss of sensation in their nipples and breast tissue. Learning about these specific risks is key to truly understanding the procedure.

If you need additional information about any issue concerning your breasts–whether it be a breast-feeding question or concerns about breast cancer– search the Internet to find hundreds of websites dealing with all issues pertaining to the human breast.

$7.5 Million Grant To Perfect Treatment Of Breast Cancer By Understanding The Power Of The Estrogen Receptor

$7.5 Million Grant To Perfect Treatment Of Breast Cancer By Understanding The Power Of The Estrogen Receptor
Scientists at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) were awarded a five-year $7.5 million grant to tease apart – in the most comprehensive way ever devised – the role of a single protein receptor in breast cells in cancer development and treatment. This protein determines which women will develop the most common kind of breast cancer and how she …

Read more on Medical News Today

Understanding and treating breast pain

Understanding and treating breast pain
A radiologist at The Rose writes about some of the common causes for breast pain and a few simple steps to help alleviate the pain.

Read more on Galveston County Daily News

Understanding Colon Cancer

After skin cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer, Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer type occurring in women across the globe. There are many types of colon cancer: Carcinoid Tumors, Lymphoma, Melanoma and Sarcomas. However, the most common of all the colon cancers is Colon Carcinoma.

A colon in the human body is a long, coiled tube shaped organ, which helps in removing water from the digested food. It is also called the large intestine or the large bowel having four sections: Ascending Colon, Transverse Colon, Descending Colon and Sigmoid Colon. Colon cancer is a type of cancer, which forms in the colon tissues. It is often referred to as colorectal cancer. Colon cancers usually are adenocarcinomas, which mean that they begin in cells releasing mucus and other type of fluids.

Who Are At Risk Of Having Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is responsible for most of the deaths elated to cancer, but doctors say that an early diagnosis can reduce the risk. Immediate action can also lead to full cure of a patient. The risk of having colon cancer increases, if you:

1-Have cancer elsewhere in your body

2-Have a personal history of breast cancer

3-Have a family history of colon cancer

4-Have colorectal polyps, crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Apart from the above stated reasons, the risk of having colon cancer also depends on your diet. Doctors say that chances of colon cancer may increase, if you are having red meat and a high fat with low fibre diet. Some genetic syndromes may be also responsible in developing colon cancer.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

There are several symptoms indicating the presence of colon cancer in your body. Some of them include blood in your stool, narrow stools, tenderness & pain in the lower abdomen, unexplained anaemia, sudden weight loss, constipation, diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction and changes in bowel habits.

Take Immediate Action against the Menace

If you feel that you are having any of the symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. There are many physical exams, which needs to be done on your belly area. There are also imaging tests that are extremely helpful in diagnosing colon cancers. Again, tests similar to sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy confirm the presence of colon cancer.

One more test of detecting colon cancer is the fecal occult blood test (FEBT). After detection of colon cancer, additional tests known as staging is done to check the exact area in which the colon cancer has spread.

Treatment of Colon Cancer

The treatment of colon cancer is mainly dependent on the stage in which it has been detected. The most common treatments for colon cancer are chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medicines kill the colon cancer cells, radiation therapy destroys the cancerous tissue present and surgery may be done to remove the cancer cells.

If treated at an early stage, nearly 90% of patients suffering from colon cancer may survive for minimum of five years after diagnosis. And in cases where the colon cancer does not recur within a period of five years, the patient is considered to be fully cured.

Understanding the Causes of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases for women and is in fact the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The figure of those who have died from breast cancer has reached half a million for 2008 alone. What is even more dreadful about breast cancer is that the disease usually indicates the presence of other serious ailments that further compound the situation.

The Common Causes of Breast Cancer

Because of the enormity of the problem that a woman affected with breast cancer faces, it is very important to learn the risk factors and the causes of the cancer to ensure correct treatment for the disease. In understanding breast cancer, the following causes are the most common:

* Family History. The possibility of a woman contracting breast cancer is magnified if there is a prior family history with a mother, sister, and other close relatives. As such, when a previous family member contracted the disease, it may be wise for one to be on the watch out for the symptoms of the disease. In instances where the ancestor contracted the disease before reaching the age of 40, the possibility of other women in the family contracting the disease is even greater because it indicates that the origin of the disease is genetic in nature.

* Personal History. Here, it means that if a woman contracted the disease in one breast, there is the strong possibility that the disease will affect the other breast. The time it will take for the disease to spread to the other disease may take a long time, depending on the medication and intervention made, but it is nonetheless wise to remain alert for signs of the disease spreading to the other breast as well.

* Race. Although this may be questionable in some circles, statistics reveal that women of Caucasian origin are more likely to contract the disease than women from other regions.

* High Processed Meat Products Consumption. This is due to the presence of sodium and nitrates in processed meat products that may irritate body cells and cause changes in the DNA. The mentioned factors normally lead to breast cancer. Grilling these processed meat products generates carcinogens that can increase the possibility of contracting breast cancer.

* Products Containing Aluminum Salts. Believe it or not, deodorants and antiperspirants are linked to breast cancer. This is due to findings of aluminum deposits on the outer tissues of patients affected by the cancer. Because aluminum is not naturally present in the body, its presence could only come from deodorants and antiperspirants. It is thought that the aluminum in these products is absorbed by the body. Experts suggest to use alternatives and products that do not contain aluminum salts.

* Absence or Lack of Physical Activity. This is because lack of physical activity contributes to obesity and weight gain, both of which contribute to acquiring breast cancer resulting from living a sedentary lifestyle.