Category Archives: Cancer fighting drugs

Sharon on IVs Journey of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer truths

Breast cancer truths: Established facts about breast cancer

breast cancer truths

Breast cancer truths. Breast cancer is that type of cancer whose formation begins in the cells of the breasts

As the name depicts, breast cancer is that type of cancer whose formation begins in the cells of the breasts. Professionally, experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center among other experts has established that one of the breast cancer truths is that, it is second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women after skin cancer. This fact does not mean that men are free from it. Men too can contract breast cancer, it’s only that women are more vulnerable.

Because of aggressive awareness campaigns and support for breast cancer, a lot of ground has been covered in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It’s is rewarding to note that, because of such efforts, breast cancer survival rates have increased. The number of deaths resulting from breast cancer has been on a downward trend because of various factors including early detection, better personalized treatment approach and a better understanding of the disease.

Breast cancer truths: So how best do you understand breast cancer?

There are a lot more to know about this disease. These are essential facts which are proven scientifically in the United State and across the globe, like for instance:

  • We have several types of breast cancer.
  • For every eight women, one will develop cancer in the United States.
  • Different types of breast cancer are uniquely different in the way they spread (metastasize) to other body parts and organs.
  • Besides the risks factors, the distinct causes of breast cancer are not known.
  • Among other types of cancer, breast cancer is the most common among American women and beyond.
  • Breast cancer symptoms and signs may include
    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit,
    • Orange-peel texture or dimpling of the breast’s skin,
    • Inverted nipple,
    • Breast pain or sore nipple,
    • Bloody nipple discharge,
    • A lump in the breast or armpit,
    • A change in the size or shape of the breast or nipple.
  • The diagnosis is done during a physical exam through self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
  • Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage and may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Breast cancer truths: America Cancer Society

According to the American Cancer society the following facts have been established scientifically.

  • Over 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed each year in women in 2017 and over 2,400 in men;
  • Approximately 40,000 women and 440 men died of breast cancer in 2015;
  • There are over 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States;
  • Although breast cancer awareness and survival has increased significantly in the United States for all races, several studies have cited a significantly worse survival rate for African-American women compared to white women; and
  • Guidelines for mammography differ depending on the organization making recommendations. Currently, the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women aged 45-54 for women at average risk for breast cancer and mammograms every two years for women aged 55 and older, who should also have the option to continue yearly screening.

Finally, looking at these facts about breast cancer, it’s evident that we have a big problem to address. Therefore, if you’re reading this article right now and you or your loved one is suffering from this disease, you can be of help by scheduling an appointment with experts at AWAREmed health center now for a one on one discussion with doctor Akoury.

Breast cancer truths: Established facts about breast cancer

 

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Ines M. Alfaro

Understanding renal cancer

Understanding renal cancer: What is kidney cancer?

Understanding renal cancer

Understanding renal cancer is very important for your proper planning of your treatment

Understanding renal cancer is very important. It is also known as kidney cancer is as the name suggest a type of cancer affecting the kidney. This is a disease associated with the abnormal growth of kidney cells. In other words, the renal cells become malignant (cancerous) and multiply rapidly in an uncontrollable manner leading to the formation of a tumor. Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, it is evident that nearly all kidney cancers first appear in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney.

Scientifically, this type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma. And unlike with the ovarian cancer, this type of cancer can be detected in good time before they spread (metastasize) to other distant organs in the body. The good news about early diagnosis is that successful treatment becomes very easy and effective. While these type of cancer is detectable easily, it is important to note that, before diagnosis is done, these kinds of tumors can grow very first to be quite large such that by the time the operation is done, it is quite a mountain.

Understanding renal cancer: The kidney’s functions

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They lie in the lower abdomen on each side of the spine. Their function is to clean the blood, removing waste products and making urine. Scientifically, the causes of kidney cancer are not known. However, some factors appear to increase the risk of getting kidney cancer. Like for instance, kidney cancer occurs mostly in aging people, normally age 40 and above. The following are some of the risk factors for kidney cancer:

Smoking – cigarette smoking increases the risk for contracting kidney cancer twice more than that of nonsmokers. Smoking cigars may also increase your risk as well.

Being male – Men are about twice as vulnerable as women to get kidney cancer.

Being obese – Extra weight may cause changes to hormones that increase your risk.

Administering certain pain medications for a long time – This includes over-the-counter drugs in addition to prescription drugs.

Having advanced renal disease or being on long-term dialysis, a treatment for people with kidneys that have stopped working

Having certain genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease or inherited papillary renal cell carcinoma

Having a family history of renal cancer – The risk is especially high in siblings.

Being exposed to certain chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, organic solvents, or certain herbicides

Having high blood pressure – Doctors don’t know whether high blood pressure or medication used to treat it is the source of the increased risk.

Being black – The risk in blacks is slightly higher than in whites. No one knows why.

Having lymphoma – For an unknown reason, there is an increased risk of renal cancer in patients with lymphoma.

Finally, doctor Akoury explains that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will get renal cancer. It’s also true that you can fail to have all these but still suffer from renal cancer. As AWAREmed health center, our doors are always open for you and just by a phone call, we will get to your needs professionally.

Understanding renal cancer: What is kidney cancer?

 

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Their Health is Your wealth,

Ovarian cancer diagnosis

Ovarian cancer diagnosis: How am I Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer diagnosis

Ovarian cancer diagnosis. In fact, for any positive results, the patient should consult with a gynecologic oncologist

It is a very painful exercise that ovarian cancer diagnosis is never accurate in the early stages of its formation. It pains because most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed when their condition is at an advanced-stage of the disease (usually at the stage III or IV). This is primarily because the symptoms of ovarian cancer, particularly in the early stages, are not severe or intense. This state of vagueness makes it difficult for accurate diagnosis to be established.

In fact in most cases, ovarian cancer is not detected during routine pelvic exams. This can only be done in very rare cases if the doctor notes that the ovary is enlarged denoting that the cancer cells are forming abnormally in the ovaries. As painful as it may sound, every woman is advised to be very close to her body. Women needs to be the ambassadors of their own health especially when it comes to ovarian cancer. For this to be detected early, which is not always the case, you have a role to play because the sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better for a woman’s chances for survival. It’s worth repeating that, as a woman, it is important to know that early stage symptoms can be difficult to detect, though are not always silent. As a result, it is important that women listen to their bodies and watch for early symptoms that may present. And if or when you notice anything, whether you are sure or not what it is (symptom or not) consult with your doctor immediately. You could be helping a great deal in the treatment process of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosis: Screening tests

Although screening test isn’t a finality in detecting ovarian cancer, the following test can be offered to women who are at high risk for the disease:

Pelvic Exam: this is should be a mandatory annual vaginal exam for women aged over 18. And women aged over 35 should receive an annual rectovaginal exam.

Transvaginal Sonography: This ultrasound, performed with a small instrument placed in the vagina, is appropriate, especially for women at high risk for ovarian cancer.

CA-125 Test: This blood test determines if the level of CA-125, a protein produced by ovarian cancer cells, has increased in the blood of a woman at high risk for ovarian cancer, or a woman with an abnormal pelvic examination. This test may not be a key marker for the disease.

Ovarian cancer diagnosis: Positive tests

For any positive results, the patient should consult with a gynecologic oncologist for the evaluation of the result. However, the most ideal way to accurately confirm an ovarian cancer diagnosis is with a biopsy where the doctor takes a sample of the tumor and examines it under a microscope. We’re aware that a positive result is not any good news both to the patient and loved ones. In your lowest moments like this, AWAREmed health center will always be there for you and your loved ones to give you all the professional treatment and support you need. Talk to us today and let us help you the best way we can.

Ovarian cancer diagnosis: How am I Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Renal cancer diagnosis

Renal cancer diagnosis: Physical exam and tests

Renal cancer diagnosis

Renal cancer diagnosis. With all the indicators the presence of kidney cancer symptoms like physical pain on your side

With all the indicators the presence of kidney cancer symptoms like physical pain on your side, unexplained weight loss, or extreme fatigue. Or during your routine medical checks your doctor may have found a lump in your side or seen a sign of kidney cancer during a test for another disease. Those are good indicators, but regardless of all, doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center reiterates that, to ascertain the true renal cancer diagnosis, going through a thorough physical exam, health history, and tests will be essential.

Renal cancer diagnosis: Possible kidney cancer disease tests

During your routine checks, your doctor will feel your abdomen and side for lumps and check for fever and high blood pressure, among other things. He/she will also ask questions about your health habits, any past illnesses, and types of treatment if any. But for the assurance, your doctor will make a diagnosis of kidney cancer depending on one or more tests like these:

A CT scan that uses X-rays and a computer to create a series of detailed pictures of your kidneys which may require the use of an injection of dye. CT scans have virtually replaced pyelogram and ultrasound as a tool for diagnosing kidney cancer.

Blood tests to show how well your kidneys are working.

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) involves X-raying your kidneys after the doctor injects a dye that travels to your urinary tract, highlighting any tumors.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues in your body. You may need an injection of a contrast agent to create better pictures.

Renal arteriogram. This test is used to evaluate the blood supply to the tumor. It is not given often, but may help diagnose small tumors.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your kidneys. It can help tell if a tumor is solid or fluid-filled.

Urine tests check for blood in your urine or other signs of problems.

Unlike with many other cancers, your doctor may be pretty certain about a diagnosis of kidney cancer without a biopsy. Sometimes, a biopsy will be done to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor may use a needle biopsy to remove a sample of tissue, which is then examined under a microscope for cancer cells. The biopsy may also tell the grade of the cancer how aggressive the cancer is likely to be. Often the surgeon will simply remove the entire tumor and then have a sample of tissue examined.

Finally, once your doctor makes a diagnosis of kidney cancer, you may need other tests to tell if the cancer has spread within your kidney, to the other kidney, or to other parts of your body. When cancer spreads from the place where it first started, it has metastasized. You might need a CT scan or MRI. A chest X-ray can show whether the cancer has spread to your lungs. A bone scan can see if it is in your bones. All these tests are done to help determine the stage of kidney cancer.

Renal cancer diagnosis: Physical exam and tests

 

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Ovarian cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer Symptoms: The shape and position of ovaries

Ovarian cancer Symptoms

Ovarian cancer Symptoms is as difficult to detect as is evident in the lively faces

From the experts opinion at the AWAREmed health and wellness resource center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, and experts across the globe, ovarian cancer symptoms and signs are not easy to detect. This is further complicated especially in the early stages of the formation of this type of cancer. The simple reason is partly adduced to the fact that the two ovaries are small, almond-shaped organs on either side of the uterus and are deep within the abdominal cavity. But all the same, where there is smoke, you will not miss the presence of fire. Therefore, the following are some of the ovarian cancer symptoms and signs identified by women at some point during the formation of ovarian cancer:

  • Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
  • Bloating

That is not all, we also have some unique symptoms of ovarian cancers experience by most women before and during the formation of ovarian cancer. Some of them may include feeling body:

  • Upset stomach or heartburn
  • Pain during sex
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation or menstrual changes
  • Back pain

Because of the nature of this type of cancer, await and see experiment is not recommended at all. In fact, if these feelings and symptoms are new and besides that they are also persisted and regular for more over a fort night, you must not hesitate any further. You must seek an appointment with your doctor or a gynecologic oncologist immediately. Your specialist will examine your condition and before surgery if cancer is suspected, they will advise you professionally on the next cause of action. This article is not a diagnosis in itself. It is only meant to help you be more informed about certain dangers associated with ovarian cancer and all other types of cancers. Remember that under no circumstance must you choose to self-medicate. It is dangerous and harmful. You can always schedule an appointment with experts at AWAREmed health and wellness resource center anytime for all your concerns and our team of experts will address all your questions professionally.

Ovarian cancer Symptoms: Persistence of Symptoms

Finally, and like we have already mentioned, when the symptoms are persistent, when they do not resolve with normal interventions (like diet change, exercise, laxatives, rest) it is important in fact let me make it a must and immediate for such a woman to run quickly to see her doctor. Persistence of symptoms is key. Because these signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer have been described as vague or silent, only approximately 19 percent of ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the early stages. Symptoms typically occur in advanced stages when tumor growth creates pressure on the bladder and rectum, and fluid begins to form. So now that you know, don subject your health to further danger. Call us today and let us help you professionally.

Ovarian cancer Symptoms: The shape and position of ovaries

 

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