Archive for the ‘Prostate Cancer’ Category

Do we know what causes stomach cancer?

There are many known risk factors for stomach cancer, but no one knows exactly how these factors cause cells of the stomach lining to become cancerous. This is currently being investigated.

Several changes, which are precancerous think may occur in the lining of the stomach.

One of these is the atrophic gastritis, a condition in which the normal stomach glands have decreased or disappeared. In addition, there is some degree of inflammation (immune system cells damaged patient’s cells in the stomach) . Infection with H pylori often causes atrophic gastritis. No one knows exactly why this condition develops cancer.

Another change that could also be cancerous is the intestinal metaplasia, in which the normal lining of the stomach is replaced with cells that closely resemble the cells that normally line the intestine. People with this condition usually also have chronic atrophic gastritis. It is not known exactly how or why this change occurs and becomes stomach cancer. This could also be related to infection by Helicobacter pylori.

Recent research has provided some clues about how they form some stomach cancers. For example, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, particularly certain subtypes can convert certain food substances into chemicals that cause mutations (changes) in the DNA of cells lining the stomach. This may also explain why certain foods such as preserved meats, increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer. Moreover, some foods that decrease the risk of stomach cancer contain antioxidants, which can block substances that damage the DNA of a cell.

In recent years, some scientists have made great progress in understanding how certain changes in DNA can cause normal stomach cells grow abnormally and form a cancer. DNA is the chemical in every cell that carries our genes (instructions on how our cells). Resemble our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than just our appearance.

Some genes contain instructions for controlling when cells must grow and divide. Certain genes that promote cell division are called oncogenes . Other conditions that cause cell division or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes . Cancer can be caused by changes in DNA that activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes.

There are also genes that produce enzymes to repair DNA when it undergoes abnormal changes. If you lose or damage these genes, this may also result in cancer.

Inherited abnormalities of some of these types of genes (as explained in ” What are the risk factors for stomach cancer? “) can increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer. However, most genetic changes that lead to stomach cancer occurs after birth. Heritable genetic changes are responsible for only a small percentage of cancers of the stomach.

Colorectal Cancer

This type of cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells lining the last segments of the intestine. The intestine is a tube that begins in the stomach to the anus after having taken many turns. The small intestine is the first part, is responsible for digestion and absorption of food is exceptional and giving rise to cancer. Then, starting on the right side and around the abdominal contents, is the colon, or large intestine, which is responsible for the formation of stools. The rectum is the last portion, is responsible for accumulating the faeces and allowed to evacuate when appropriate.

How is cancer of the colon and rectum?

The colorectal cancer can occur in anyone (especially after 40 years), but is more common after age 60. It is the second or third most common cancer in both men and women (affects 6% of the population) and is the second most deadly results. However, until cured 40-50% of patients, and more so before the tumor is diagnosed.

Usually begins with the formation of a polyp or adenoma (a type of wart that comes from inside the intestine). Over time, as a result of changes in genes (mutations) of these cells the effect of carcinogens, some are transformed and invades the different layers that make up the wall of the colon and rectum. Once this situation occurs, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes to adjacent organs or through the blood, so that it can metastasize.

It is known that all cancers are caused by mutations in genes (mutations) of the cells, but not known with certainty how these changes arise. However, it is known that in the case of cancer of the colon and rectum the main factor involved is the diet.

It is known that diets low in fiber (fiber from fruit and vegetables) and rich in fat and refined sugar contributes to the development of cancer. Although the mechanism is probably that in the absence of fibers produced less faeces and cancer producing substances (carcinogens and carcinogens) spend more time in contact with the intestine, there may be other mechanisms involved. We therefore believe that the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit and vegetables is good for your health and prevent colon cancer and rectum. It also appears that maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a daily low dose aspirin may have a protective effect.

Certain situations are known where it is most common colorectal cancer and should inform the doctor to take appropriate preventive measures. This group includes people with colonic polyposis family with long-standing ulcerative colitis or a family history of colon or rectal cancer at early ages.

Broccoli and Prostate Cancer

The indole-3-carbinol is also effective for prostate cancer, it does act in two ways: first blocks several phases of cancer cells and on the other inhibits the production of a protein specific to the prostate (PSA) ; high levels in the protein are indicative of cancer.

The consumption of broccoli along with the tomatoes enhances the effectiveness of this cruciferous against prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow and form a tumor (abnormal growth) malignant. It is the most common cancer in men. One in four men 50 years of age have prostate cancer cells. This increases to 80 years where one of every 2 men have them. Not known to cause prostate cancer but some factors such as race and diet may be involved.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly and has no symptoms. When the show may be the same symptoms of urinary obstruction, which can also be caused by other illnesses (see prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]):

* Need suddenly (suddenly with little warning) to urinate
* Increase in frequency (number of times) than urine, especially at night
* Difficulty starting urination
* Pain or burning during urination (expulsion of urine)
* Weak stream and thinner, and terminal dribbling
* Urine flow is interrupted
* Blood in urine
* Painful ejaculation
* Bloody urine
* Pain in the back, hips or upper thighs
* Weight loss

The specialist who is dedicated to see the problems of the prostate is the urologist. When the urologist suspected urinary obstruction problem, do a rectal examination is to introduce the gloved index finger with a lubricant for the rectum for abnormal areas and assess the consistency of the prostate. An enlarged prostate, are distorted or hard data that suggest cancer.