What causes cancer?

What causes cancer?

What causes cancer?

Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.

More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:

1. a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion

2. that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.

When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

You may come across words such as ‘adenocarcinoma’ or ‘squamous cell carcinoma’ when reading about cancer. These are the names given to cancers to describe the type of cell the cancer started in.

Cancer types can be grouped into broader categories. The main categories of cancer include:

• Carcinoma - cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. There are a number of subtypes of carcinoma, including adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transitional cellcarcinoma.

• Sarcoma - cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.

• Leukemia - cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.

• Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.

• Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

About Cancer diseases

About Cancer
Cancer is one of the simplest disease processes to properly treat. There are many different types of cells and they make up all of the tissues and organs in the body.
Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases.
All cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.
Cancers are grouped (classified) in two ways, according to:
• site - the part of the body where the cancer first developed (the primary site)
• cell type - the type of cell the cancer started from.

cancer growth

Womens health is the most important consideration when deciding on female contraception

Family planning is an important part of every woman's life. Choosing the proper female contraception is the most important part of this consideration. Finding a contraception that does not cause serious side effects is important for all women. A womens health should not be put at risk because of birth control.

If you feel that you are finished having children there are many types of permanent contraception that are readily available. These types of contraception include blocking or tying of the fallopian tubes called sterilisation. This process is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting. The physician can now do this in a minimally invasive procedure. There are still some risks involved in this family planning permanent female contraception procedure.

Although family planning is usually done through female contraception, another option is through male sterilisation. The process of male sterilisation is often an easier process than for the females. The procedure is often done in a simple outpatient setting and the recovery, although sometimes painful, is usually fast.

Both male and female sterilisation is considered permanent. Careful consideration of the permanency of the procedure should be considered before it is undertaken. Although there are sometimes successful reversals of sterilisation, this is rare. The reversal procedure is expensive and requires a more invasive procedure.

Using oral contraceptives is one of the most common forms of female contraception used all over the world. When choosing a type of medication the woman's health should be considered. Some forms of oral contraception have side effects that can be bothersome for many women. The most common side effects for older women who take oral birth control, is bloating and weight gain. The pill should be considered dangerous for those who smoke are over 35 or have other health risks. Only a doctor can decide if this form of birth control is right for each woman.

There are other forms of birth control to be considered. These include the intrauterine device and the diaphragm. Both of these can be dispensed by your health care professional. An intrauterine device is placed in your uterus and prevents implantation. This is done by tricking the body into thinking it is already pregnant. Side effects include cramping and risk of infection. The diaphragm is an older type of birth control and is fitted to your body. The device is placed in the vagina, usually with an anti-sperm medication before having sex.

Other types of birth control for family planning are available. There are new oral medications that prevent ovulation and prevent monthly menses that are now available. Exploring all of your options can help you and your partner make these important decisions. There is also the old fashion way of knowing where your cycle is and when fertility is most likely to happen. Condoms and spermicides medications are also a option for those wishing something safe and easy, these methods however, are not as reliable as other forms of birth control.

The womens health is the most important consideration when deciding on birth control. With the proper research and your doctor's approval, finding the best choice for your body should not be difficult. Womens health and safety should not be taken lightly there are plenty of safe choices for everyone.
Finding a female contraception that does not cause serious side effects is important for all women. A womens health should not be put at risk because of birth control.

Dental Problems in Pregnant Women

Making dentistry appointments before getting pregnant is helpful to maintain good dental care and any dental complications which might be prevented. Dental visit during pregnancy is essential to ensure a healthy dental care but it's necessary only in the second trimester.

Many pregnant women experience teeth problems due to change of hormones. It is always advisable for pregnant women to let the dentist know that they are pregnant before any dental procedure. This is very important to avoid harming the growing baby inside. It is not advisable to have tooth x-lay or teeth whitening during the first trimester due to complications which might arise. Some of these procedures are safe done after giving birth.

Swelling of gums during pregnancy is very common thus it is not only advisable to visit a dentist for checking up, but it's important to cleanse your teeth to decrease the chance of having infection. Some drugs or dental procedures are not safe at all in pregnant women. Some antibiotics when taken by pregnant women interfere with the development of the baby. Some drugs which are administered during dental procedures might affect the development of the baby's teeth and they should be avoided at all cost.

When dentist are performing dental procedures to a pregnant women, they should handle the patient with a lot of care and put the patient in a comfortable position. This can be done by placing a pillow under at the back while lying down on the dental chair.

Pregnant women are advised to eat a healthy balanced diet especially food rich in protein, calcium and vitamins. The baby's first teeth develops at the age of three months and some minerals found in dairy products like cheese and yoghurt are essential to the development of the baby's teeth. Frequent brushing of the teeth helps a long way in preventing dental problems. Flossing frequently reduces the chance of bacterial infection in your mouth. Chewing of gums during pregnancy is good as it keeps the mouth from getting dry which can cause problems with your teeth. It's good to avoid bed snacks and eat food which contains no or less with sugar. Pregnant women are advised not to smoke during the entire pregnancy not only for the baby but to prevent gingivitis infection.

It is very crucial for pregnant women to watch what goes in their mouth as scientist have proved that some bacteria causing decay can be passed to the baby. Since most pregnant women vomit a lot especially during the first few months in their pregnancy, it is recommended they frequently wash their mouth. Avoiding tooth decay is not only important for a pregnant woman but it is necessary to avoid risk of having a premature birth when the tooth is left untreated. Some cases need tooth filling to prevent decay and this should be done with minimal medical application to reduce any risk to the unborn baby.

Watch the following signs during pregnancy as they may be a sign of tooth infection- bleeding of gums, redness of the gums, swelling of gums, and bad breath.

Fertility Treatment is an option for couples trying to have a baby

Having a baby could be one of the most important events in a couple's life. They might be yearning for a baby, but fate seems to have turned a blind eye to their wishes and that's when they turn to outside help. Infertility is when a woman is unable to conceive. The problems lie with either one of the spouses or both of them. The most common infertility problem in women is blocked fallopian tubes. And in men, the most common problem could be the lack of enough sperms. Infertility is diagnosed at a fertility clinic whether the couples have to undergo a series of tests and one to one meetings with their doctor.

Choosing a fertility clinic is a major concern. The proximity of the clinic, success ratio and rates charged there are the major factors that determine the choice. There are different methods to treat infertility and the doctor will advise them on the various techniques, including the chances of success for each. The couples have to weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding to go ahead with the treatment.

Women's health is a major concern when couples decide to go ahead with fertility treatment. Normally, the chances of getting pregnant reduce as the woman ages. If a woman is not able to conceive even after having unprotected intercourse for more than a year, then she or her partner could be infertile. Only further tests can confirm whether that is true. The type of treatment chosen for an older woman will depend on a lot on women's health.

People have to go for different kinds of fertility treatments to get their reproductive system working in the right order. First, the fertility clinic will give some drugs to make sure the reproductive cycle for the women and the sperm count for men are balanced. Next, the clinic will simultaneously start on other treatments depending upon the severity of the problem. Artificial insemination is the most common form of treatment. Sperms from the partner will be placed in the woman's uterus and it will be observed closely. However, this treatment will not work if the woman has blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis or any other genetic effect. In certain cases, surgery is the only option where the blocked fallopian tubes are repaired or cleared. It could be an extensive surgery or a simple one.

In Vitro Fertilization is done for women with blocked fallopian tubes. The eggs that are fertilized with the help of fertility drugs are taken from the ovaries and copulated in a dish at the laboratory. The end result will be an embryo. Once the embryos are ready to be placed inside the uterus, the doctor will save a few embryos for another cycle if the first doesn't work. This treatment will take about 4-6 weeks to see results.

Getting ready for fertility treatment is a decision made by both the couples and they have to reach a decision on far they are ready to go. Once the treatment is started there is no choice, but to go forward with the complete treatment in order to see positive results. Often couples have to go through stressful moments when they wait to see if the treatment has worked. It could be uncomfortable and could make the couple high strung. Relationships could go from bad to worse, but the couples should realise that the success of the treatment will depend on each person's physical health, luck and mutual understanding.
Fertility treatment is a decision made by both the couples and they have to reach a decision on far they are ready to go, also choosing a fertility clinic is a major decision.

How to Diet Well After Delivering Your Baby

How to diet after having a baby? This is a question that most moms ask after delivering their baby. At first, you probably don’t realize about your body changes. You are full of happiness when your loved one comes into this world but soon thereafter, you find that you have gained some pounds. You realize that your tummy is mushy and you find stretch marks here and there.

mother care

Most moms experience this weight gain so you don’t need to worry about it. Your pre-pregnancy body can be restored as long as you practice a proper diet. With the right food choices of the right portions, it will be easier to lose those extra pounds. Below are some tips on how to diet after pregnancy to help you regain your body shape:
1. Know the right time to start dieting. After pregnancy, it is not recommended to start dieting too soon. Give your body time to recover from labor so that your diet program will run successfully. You need to wait until after your six-week postpartum checkup before you are ready to start a diet. How about dieting for breastfeeding moms? They are not recommended to go on any diet to lose weight until their baby is at least two months old. This is because early dieting will have an impact on their milk supply during the first months.
If you start a diet too soon, it can make you feel more fatigued and can postpone your recovery. It would be better to give more time for your body to recover and you will be excited to know how many pounds you lose naturally.

2. Know the limit. When losing weight after pregnancy, you need to be realistic about it. Remember that you probably will not be able to gain a body shape exactly like before the pregnancy. Most women find permanent changes after pregnancy such as larger waistline, softer belly and wider hips.

3. Combine your diet with exercise. Weight loss pills can be a shortcut to lose weight but they are not the best way to shed the pounds. To achieve the desired weight, it is important to do some exercises to lose fat instead of muscle. You can start exercising about six weeks after pregnancy and eight weeks if you had a cesarean. A little exercise such as walking around the neighborhood will help you burn the fat.

4. Try to avoid a restrictive diet. Instead, you should practice your diet program slowly especially if you are breastfeeding. Its aim is to ensure that your baby always obtains the right amount of milk supply. Generally, women need at least 1,200 calories a day and most women even need about 1,500 up to 2,200 calories a day to keep up the energy. Nursing moms need at least 1,800 calories a day but generally, they will need about 2,000 to 2,700 calories to nourish themselves and their baby.
There is another risk if you undertake an unusually rapid weight loss program. It can cause the release of toxins from your fat reserves into your bloodstream and into the milk supply. It is safe to lose about 1.5 pounds a week since it won’t affect your milk supply. This weight loss can be achieved by cutting out about 500 calories a day from your present diet.

5. Be selective about your food intake and drinks. In losing weight, you need to be selective in foods and drinks that you consume. Low-fat milk, whole wheat bread, fruits and raw vegetables are great choices to succeed your diet program. If you get bored consuming the same fruits and vegetables every day, you can make smoothies or vegetable salsas over chicken or fish.
Fats have more calories than carbohydrates or proteins. That means that reducing fat from your diet is a good way to cut calories. To limit your calorie intake, you can consume fat-free dairy products, boiled or baked foods, and reduce eating too many sweets. However, fats are also important nutrients so make sure that you don’t eliminate them entirely from your daily diet. However, total elimination of fats can cause you to feel hungry all of the time and thus consume more calories from increased carbohydrate consumption, especially between-meal snacks. To fulfill your fat needs, choose the "good" fats rather than the "bad" ones. Good fats are contained in avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil, salmon, etc. Meanwhile, bad fats can be found in snacks and fried foods.

6. Watch your water intake. It is recommended that you take about eight glasses of fluids a day but make sure that your beverages do not contain calories like soda, sweetened coffee or juices. When thirsty, drink water. These simple steps will help answer your questions on how to diet after pregnancy.

Lesbian | Gay

Lesbian Health

Remember
The word "lesbian" is a word some women use to describe their sexual orientation.
You can still get STIs in a same sex relationship.
Take your time and trust your feelings about when you should "come out".
If you're reading this guide, you may have questions about your own sexual orientation or about someone who is close to you. Having questions about your sexuality is perfectly normal, and taking the time to learn more is a great way to explore questions and address concerns you may have. After reading this we hope that most of your questions will be answered and you'll have a better idea of the many resources available to gay teens. There are a variety of resources for help and support listed at the end of this guide.

What is a lesbian?
A lesbian is a woman who is sexually attracted to other women and prefers to have a woman as her partner. The word "lesbian" is a term that some women use to describe themselves and understand their sexual orientation. However, some women prefer to use other terms such as "gay" or "queer", and some prefer not to use a label at all.

How do I know if I'm a lesbian?
Having one or two sexual experiences with another woman does not necessarily mean you are a lesbian; nor does having a "crush" on someone of the same sex. Many gay people have had sexual experiences with someone of the opposite sex, just as many straight people have had experiences with someone of the same sex. It's okay to be unsure whether you're gay or straight, and it's okay to take your time in finding out. Your sexual "orientation" will develop over time. What's most important is that you listen to your feelings-you don't need to label yourself.

What does it mean to be bisexual?
"Bisexual" is the term used to describe people who have sexual and romantic feelings for both men and women. A bisexual can be more attracted to one gender than the other, or he/she can be equally attracted to both. Some gay and lesbian people, (when they first acknowledge their own feelings), may say that they are bisexual, and later describe themselves as a gay man or a lesbian. However, there are also a lot of people who are attracted to both men and women.

If I'm not having sex with men, why do I need to see a gynecologist?
It's a common but completely untrue belief that lesbians don't need gynecologic care. Many lesbians feel they're at a low risk for getting STIs because they're not having sex with men. Routine physicals, Pap tests, and (if you're sexually active with men, women, or both men and women) STI counseling and testing are very important. Don't assume that just because you're in a same-sex relationship that you're not at risk. Continue to see a gynecologist for check-ups.

Am I at risk for STIs even if I only have sex with women?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are infections that are typically passed through sexual, and sometimes nonsexual, contact with an infected person. Anyone can become infected. STIs can be passed from woman to woman even if neither one has ever had sex with a man. STIs are spread through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood (including menstrual blood), vaginal fluids, semen, and discharge from a sore caused by an STI. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, and through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Whether you're gay or straight, it's important to always practice safe sex to lower your chances of getting a STI.

How do I lower my risk of getting an STI?
There are ways to be close to another woman that lowers your chances of getting an STI. Some ways to connect with another person and have safe sex include: hugging, (dry) kissing, masturbation/mutual masturbation, and giving each other a massage. If you're going to be in contact with your partner's vaginal fluids, be sure to protect yourself by using an oral barrier, such as a "dental dam". Oral barriers are protective materials made of latex or very thin plastic. They're used to cover a part of the body and prevent contact with body fluids that could be infected with an STI.

Ways to lower your risk of getting an STI:
Use an oral barrier such as a dental dam, or cut a condom or latex glove into a square piece. Hold the square piece of latex firmly with your fingers and stretch it over your partner's vulva to prevent direct contact with bodily fluids. If you aren't sure about where you can find dental dams, ask your health care provider.
Latex gloves, condoms, or finger sheaths can protect against transmission of STIs through sores or cuts/hangnails on fingers when having finger play or digital penetration.
How can I find a primary health care provider (PCP) who will help and support me?
For your PCP to provide the best care, it's important that he or she know about the people and the issues in your life. You should feel safe and comfortable enough with your PCP to be completely honest about your sexuality, and to ask any questions that you may have.

You may feel comfortable speaking to your current PCP about your sexual identity, or you may want to look for a new one.

You can:
Ask trusted family members and friends for recommendations.
Meet with a few PCPs to see who you're the most comfortable with.
Look at online databases such as the GLMA Physician Reference Program to find a PCP in your area who is particularly sensitive to the needs of gay/lesbian teens.
Finding a PCP with whom you can talk honestly and ask questions openly is an important way to get the support you need and deserve.


Where can I go for support and more information?
There are many people who are willing to help and support you. If you haven't had the chance to talk about your feelings with anyone, think about a person with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. It's possible that not everyone you meet will be accepting of your sexual orientation, and you may face some prejudice and discrimination. So trust your own feelings about who to reach out to for support. It's important to use your own instincts and judgment. The person that you choose to talk with could be a:
Parent/guardian
Health care provider
Family member
School counselor
Trusted friend
Teacher
Clergy member
Sharing your feelings with someone who is willing to listen is very important. If there's no one in your life that you can trust, there are plenty of resources available that will tell you where you can go to meet people and talk about your feelings.

Gay/Straight Alliances : Many schools have Gay/Straight Alliances, GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) networks or other groups where you'll be able to meet students and teachers willing to listen and share their own experiences. Gay/StraightAlliances and GLBT networks are also support groups that work to help reduce anti-gay violence, harassment, and discrimination. They do this by providing information about homophobia (fear and prejudice against lesbian, gay and bisexual people) to the school community and by encouraging open and honest discussions to increase understanding within the school. These groups are usually led by students (with teachers acting as advisors) and are open to all students. If your school doesn't have a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), you may want to talk to a trusted teacher about the possibility of starting one. Organizations such as GLSEN can be a great resource and provide you with information on how to start a GSA in your school.

Guidance Counselors: Consider talking to a guidance or health counselor at your school and asking him or her for information about resources in your area.

Other Resources: Search online for organizations and/or groups where you can meet and find support from other gay teens. Be sure to look for groups that are organized by trained counselors. Although it may be tempting to meet with someone you've talked to and perhaps connected with online, it can be very dangerous. There's no way to know for sure if someone is telling the truth online.

What should I tell my parents and other family members?
Coming out to your family can be very scary and is an incredibly brave thing to do. Make sure you're ready. Not everyone may be willing to accept your sexual orientation at first. However, hiding it keeps the people who are closest to you from knowing an important part of who you are. This can make you feel lonely and isolated. Take your time to decide if and when you want to come out. You shouldn't feel any pressure to tell people until you're ready. Some gay teens say that after they came out, they became much closer to their families-that it was a relief not to be keeping a secret any longer. However, some teens know that their parents or other family members aren't ready to hear about their sexual orientation and worry about being treated unfairly. Be as open and honest with your parents/guardians as you feel comfortable being.

If you do choose to come out to your parents and other family members, it's important to have a support system (of trusted friends and adults such as a teacher or counselor) in place. Some teens find it helpful to practice what they're going to say when coming out to family. Others find it helpful to write letters explaining their sexuality followed by a face-to-face conversation. If you decide to come out to your family, it's a good idea to meet with your support team afterwards to discuss their reactions.

What should I tell my friends?
It's normal to want to be accepted for who you are by your friends and other peer groups. It's also true that it's sometimes difficult to feel like you "fit in" at school, whether you're gay, straight or bisexual. What helps is to try and surround yourself with friends whom you know are accepting of your sexual orientation. Some of your friends may already know, but others may be surprised. Being honest and open will go a long way in communicating with your friends.