For most cancer patients radiation therapy is their last chance to beat cancer. Unfortunately a number of people will attempt killing themselves during or just after their radiation therapy. For some this is due to the pain they have to endure during the radiation therapy regimen…and for others it’s due to radiation therapy long term effects like sterility that is caused by the radiation treatment (mostly affects those who have cancer in parts of the body near their reproductive organs). But the biggest risk group for suicide attempts, are those who go through radiation therapy and fail to get cured, since they are the most hopeless group.

People who have a severe medical condition like cancer are a major risk group for suicide. In fact cancer patients are 2x more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population. However it is important to note that by all factors, this number is most likely underestimated due to the fact that a high number of cancer related suicides go unreported. Pay extra attention to those who have oral, pharyngeal and lung cancers, since these groups are the most at risk. Suicide in cancer patients is mostly due to the fact that those suffering from cancer are usually dealing with massive depression. (more…)

For most cancer patients radiation therapy is their last chance to beat cancer. Unfortunately a number of people will attempt killing themselves during or just after their radiation therapy. For some this is due to the pain they have to endure during the radiation therapy regimen…and for others it’s due to radiation therapy long term effects like sterility that is caused by the radiation treatment (mostly affects those who have cancer in parts of the body near their reproductive organs). But the biggest risk group for suicide attempts, are those who go through radiation therapy and fail to get cured, since they are the most hopeless group.

People who have a severe medical condition like cancer are a major risk group for suicide. In fact cancer patients are 2x more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population. However it is important to note that by all factors, this number is most likely underestimated due to the fact that a high number of cancer related suicides go unreported. Pay extra attention to those who have oral, pharyngeal and lung cancers, since these groups are the most at risk. Suicide in cancer patients is mostly due to the fact that those suffering from cancer are usually dealing with massive depression. (more…)

February 15 is celebrated as the International Child Cancer Day, to remind us to the increasing cases of child cancer. It is estimated that 2-4% of all cancer attacking children. Although this number seems small, but cancer contribute 10% of deaths in children. According to data in 2007, in Indonesia it was found about 4100 new child cancer patients each year
Not yet known exactly what causes cancer in children. Cancer that attacks the baby since birth, is thought that the cause is cell growth aberration due to the genetic defects in uteri. In older children, it is thought the cause is environmental factors and unhealthy children food and it may be due to radiation or viral infection or a combination of genetic, environmental, radiation, and infections.
The most common cancer found in children is blood cancer or leukemia (25-30%), followed by retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina of the eye), lymphoma (lymph node cancer), neuroblastoma (nerve cancer), kidney cancer (Wilms tumor), rabdomiosarcoma (striated muscle cancer), and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
Like cancer attacking adults, cancer in children can be cured if found in early stages. But early cancer detection is not easy in children, because children cannot understand and tell the symptoms felt. Therefore the role of the people around them is very important in detecting the cancer symptoms. (more…)

Cancer is always a sensitive topic and there are not many of us who haven’t known of a relative or friend who has struggled with this disease.  For those who have a poor prognosis every extra day they have to spend with their family is precious and this has prompted me to tell you about a report just published in the Journal of International Medical Research.

As of February 2010, researchers are claiming that terminal cancer patients could live an extra two years or more, if they take a daily dose of five vitamins.   In a pilot study, 75% of cancer patients survived up to five months more than the expected one year and some patients were still living up to three years after starting the treatment.  The study was carried out by British and Danish researchers and co-author, Dr. Bob Lister, believes that the survival gain is similar to having a new drug.  Furthermore, there are no side-effects for cancer patients taking the vitamin cocktail.

Dr. Lister, of the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition has said that the results are significant and called for financial backing to pay for a proper clinical trial.  He commented that cancer patients often ask what they can do themselves to improve their quality of life and that taking these vitamins is very safe. (more…)

Cancer is always a sensitive topic and there are not many of us who haven’t known of a relative or friend who has struggled with this disease.  For those who have a poor prognosis every extra day they have to spend with their family is precious and this has prompted me to tell you about a report just published in the Journal of International Medical Research.

As of February 2010, researchers are claiming that terminal cancer patients could live an extra two years or more, if they take a daily dose of five vitamins.   In a pilot study, 75% of cancer patients survived up to five months more than the expected one year and some patients were still living up to three years after starting the treatment.  The study was carried out by British and Danish researchers and co-author, Dr. Bob Lister, believes that the survival gain is similar to having a new drug.  Furthermore, there are no side-effects for cancer patients taking the vitamin cocktail. (more…)

Cancer has been a huge drain on the health care system. Up until now, no cure has been found and all research and studies are aimed at lengthening the lives of Cancer patients. There is always hope and that is what everyone aims for.

I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve read or heard of cancer. It could even be that some one you know or a friend of someone you know has cancer. Cancer is a group of related diseases that start in the cells. These cells are classified into two: benign and malignant. Benign aren’t cancerous and may be easily removed. These do not spread throughout the body and aren’t a threat to life. On the other hand, malignant tumors are cancerous and are definitely a threat to a person who has it. These cells travel and destroy the tissues. (more…)

Cancer patients’ friends and families often feel helpless and at a loss as to what to do when they learn of a loved one’s diagnosis. While they mean well and want to help, often they are as thrown as the person receiving the diagnosis when they learn that someone close to them has cancer.

As a 10-year cancer survivor and also someone whose Mom, Dad, two aunts, and Grandpa have received cancer diagnoses, I don’t know what’s more challenging: to be the one diagnosed or to learn a loved one or friend is now a cancer patient. As a cancer patient, your job is clear to follow whichever course of treatment you decide upon and then regain your health. As a friend or loved one, your roles and responsibilities are less clear. (more…)

Cancer of any kind is very dangerous to the human body. For that matter, its very mention brings down shivers in a person’s body, and people start to feel worried and tensed. There are some kinds of cancers that are general, such as lung cancer, liver cancer etc. However, there are certain gender specific types of cancers too such as the Breast Cancer which is common in women. In men, one of the most common kinds of cancer is the Prostrate Cancer. Prostrate is actually a male gland which is situated right under the bladder. According to statistics, 1 out of every 6 men in the United States suffers from this kind of cancer.

Like all diseases and illnesses, early detection in Prostate Cancer also helps to prevent the situation from worsening. Most of the times, people do not have full knowledge about the symptoms of the cancer, and thus, they are not even aware of the fact that they are suffering from a particular kind of cancer, and for that matter, any kind of disease. Some of the most common symptoms of prostrate cancer include problem in urination, which includes trouble in its passing or experiencing any kind of pain; blood in the urine or a very weak flow of the urine; pain in lower back, hips, thighs, abdominal area or near the penis. Sometimes, even some kind of unexpected sudden weight loss is also considered to be one of the symptoms of prostrate cancer. (more…)