How I Cured My Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

suffered a minor skin injury on my back during my younger days in the Marine Corps. The size of the injury was about 1/4 inch, and then grew to golf ball size - 32 years later.

Over the years, I tried every skin medication from various doctors. Some worked temporary, while others did not treat the problem area at all. Nothing seemed to work, until now.

It was on a rainy day back in December 2014. I was going through some old photo albums. I spotted something out of the ordinary with my grandparent's 8 x 10 picture. It had a bulge in the middle.

I peeled the picture back and discovered a folded piece of paper taped to it. My grandmother gave me the picture in 1976. I placed it in the photo album without looking on the back. At first, I thought it was one of her famous recipes; instead, it was a cure for my skin cancer!

My skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The area had grown to approximately 1-1/4" in diameter. In fact, the sore spot became blistered and oozing with blood at times because of the open wound. It was very difficult to keep clean sheets or wear shirts without staining everything.

On February 1, 2015, I decided to try my grandparent's skin cancer treatment.

This is how I did it...

Ingredients:
Organic Coconut Oil (you can find this at your local health store).
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (you can find this at your local supermarket).

For each application, measure 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and put into a small cup. Mix it around very thoroughly until it looks like a white paste. For larger areas, mix full teaspoon.

Before applying it to the skin, wash the area clean with a warm washcloth, or take a warm shower.

Use the spoon to pour the paste over the entire infected area. Make sure all of it is
covered. Place a 3" x 4" waterproof adhesive pad (latex bandage) over the area. Leave it on for a 24 hour period, or less.

The next treatment will be the exact mixture of ingredients and application. Take bandage off, wipe the area clean, apply the paste with a new bandage. Do this for the next 12-14 days, or until you start to see the skin heal.

Unfortunately, I do not know how coconut oil and baking soda combined works as well as it does. However, I can say my skin cancer is gone. The problem area is completely healed and back to normal. Of course, this is not going to help everyone with his or her skin cancer. But, it might help somebody out there with skin cancer like mine.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8943581

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Cancer - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells usually occurring when normal cells undergo genetic mutation in a sustained manner and for prolonged periods. There is a failure on the part of the cells to stop dividing and growing and from undergoing a programmed death. There are nearly 200 different types of known cancers. Cancer causes include heredity; tobacco smoke; radiation; ultraviolet radiation from the sun; food toxins; and environmental chemicals. Cancer results when these causes bring about an increase in oncogenes and reduction in tumour suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and self-destruction genes.

There are five main types of cancer which include: 1) Carcinoma, which results from skin and linings of organs and body systems [adenocarcinoma; basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma; and transitional cell carcinoma] 2) Sarcoma, which develops in connective tissue [bone, cartilage, fat, muscle and blood vessels] 3) Leukemia, which develops in the bone marrow 4) Lymphoma and myeloma, which develop in the immune system and 5) Tumours of the brain and spinal cord [glioma, astrocytoma].

Cancer staging is done as per the TNM format (Tumour [T1-4 which indicates increasing severity]; Node 0-3, which indicates progressive migration; and Metastasis [0 or 1]). It is also done as Stages 1 to 4, which again indicate progressively increasing severity. Staging brings about a universal uniformity regarding assessment and treatment of cancer and understanding its prognosis. Treatment of cancer includes different modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hyperthermia, stem cell transplant, photodynamic therapy and laser.

In spite of multiple available, advanced treatment options, cancer treatment still has many limitations, and recurrence is a major issue. Surgery may not physically remove all the cancer cells; chemotherapy only affects cancer cells which are actively dividing; radiation therapy too does not succeed in destroying all cancer cell DNA; repeated mutations in cancer cells can make these resistant to even highly potent multiple drug therapy. After undergoing full remission with cancer treatment, recurrence is most common within the first two years; the chances of recurrence decrease significantly after five years of remission. Recurrence is very rare after ten years of remission; however - and this a rather unsettling thought - there are still a few cancers which may recur even after ten years of remission.

In this scenario, Ayurvedic treatment has a special role to play in comprehensive cancer management. Currently, it would be safer and more ethical to use Ayurvedic treatment as a complementary (add-on) treatment rather than an alternative (stand-alone) treatment. The current lacunae in cancer treatment can be completely filled up with Ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic treatment can significantly boost the immune system and help the body in its fight against the cancer cells. Herbal medicines and herbo-mineral combinations can reduce cancer cell mutations and destroy abnormal cells. Concurrently given Ayurvedic treatment can reduce the known side effects of modern treatments, improve treatment response, help prolong remission, and also help prevent recurrence.

Ayurvedic medicines act on specific organs and body systems; hence Ayurvedic treatment can provide highly targeted cancer therapy as well as protect organs from irreversible damage. This treatment can also be used to turn the tide in cases of drug resistance or failure of modern treatment, or where the side effects of modern medicines necessitate withdrawal of these medicines. Ayurvedic treatment is also very useful in advanced cancer with multiple metastases, or patients with end-stage cancer, to help control the disease, improve quality of life, and improve survival.

It is important to note that maximum benefit can be derived from Ayurvedic treatment if it is started at the earliest, with the first detection and diagnosis of cancer. Most individuals tend to look for Ayurvedic treatment after exhausting all modern treatment options, when the patient is already in the terminal stage, and there is no time for Ayurvedic medicines to work. It is also equally important to avoid self medication or to fall prey to quacks. The same medical regime will not work for all types of cancer; different patients with the same type and similar severity of cancer may respond differently to the same medicine. In fact, even an individual cancer patient on treatment cannot be given the same medicines indefinitely; regular supervision and periodical assessment is required to modify the treatment based upon the progression of the cancer, the response to treatment, and the presence or appearance of co-morbid factors and treatment adverse effects. Treatment decisions for cancer are obviously not simple.

Clinical experience since the last three decades has consistently proved that Ayurvedic treatment for cancer can be safely given concurrently with modern treatment modalities, provided both are done by qualified practitioners from their respective fields. Ayurvedic treatment can make a significant difference in the final outcome while treating cancer. Ayurvedic treatment thus has a definite role to play in cancer management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9217052

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Cancer Treatment Risks and After Effects

Fighting cancer and getting well is in itself a battle won! As you start a new phase of your life, understand the risks and side effects of the treatment that you had taken for the treatment. This will help you cope with any expected or unexpected side effects that you may observe at a later date. These side effects could be either physical side effects or social and emotional side effects.

Let us look at the most common side effects of cancer treatment so that you are well aware and can cope with them when they strike.

Fatigue

Cancer survivors most commonly complain about fatigue. This is generally due to the treatment medication and procedures used. They make you feel tired and no matter how much you sleep, you feel the fatigue. If you experience excessive fatigue make sure that you contact your doctor. You will be recommended some exercise and relaxation skills.

Secondary cancers

For all the cancer patients, there is always a possibility of the cancer re-occurring. There is also a possibility of patients developing secondary cancers. These can arise from the treatment of the original cancer.

Dental problems

Chemotherapy has a negative impact on teeth enamel. This introduces long term dental problems. High dose of radiation can change tooth development and develop gum diseases. Tooth decay and tooth loss are other common risks. Some serious side effects also include soreness or ulcers in the mouth.

Diabetes

Some of the high intensity drugs used in cancer treatments are known to cause the blood sugar levels to drop. It is however unclear whether this actually leads to diabetes. They are however at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Hypothyroidism

Another important risk factor is the development of thyroid related ailments. The symptoms to look for include weight gain for hypothyroidism and constipation, dry skin and sensitivity to cold.

Learning and Memory

Learning and memory problems could be one of the after effects of cancer. The original cancer itself affects learning and memory skills.

Certain types of cancer treatments could damage the organs surrounding it. While surgically removing the cancer or by other therapies, there is a possibility of organ damage. This type of organ damage could have long term effects on the lives of patients post cancer treatments. For example, some cancer treatments are harmful for the heart. They cause heart failures. Symptoms to look out for are breathlessness, coughing and chest discomfort. Some drugs are also known to damage the lungs. Some chemotherapy drugs are known to damage the liver. Yet some others are known to damage the kidneys. If you observe any of these symptoms, make sure that you contact your doctor so that they can suggest remedies before the situation worsens.

After cancer treatment, pain is inevitable. So make sure that you understand all the side effects and how to handle them from your doctor. You will have a long list of do's and don'ts after the treatment. Follow them religiously for a better quality of life later.

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital which provides outstanding cancer treatments for all kinds of cancer diseases. Hear share basic information about common side effects of cancer treatment so that you are well aware and can cope with them when they strike.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9221468

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Cancers Prevalent in Men and How to Fight Them

It is actually sad, but there are not many men who are actually aware of diseases that are making a serious dent in the male population of the world. While the media and social workers are paying attention to the female population (let's be honest, we outnumber men in many ways), men are somewhat ignored in this regard. Perhaps it has more to with the "macho man" and "real men are tough" mentality, but this mindset has increased the male mortality rate.

So, let's go ahead and shed light on some of the most prevalent men's health issues and diseases.

About Cancer

What are the leading Cancers in the male population? They are:

• Prostate Cancer
• Lungs Cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer

Among all of them, Prostate and Lung cancer are the most dangerous and most common. The sad thing is that most men are ignoring the first outbursts of cancer symptoms because they do not have the time or the money to see a doctor. The best way to kill the disease before it kills you is by catching it earliest as possible. But how do you know if your symptoms are cancer symptoms? Of course, you need to keep your eye on the usual cancer symptoms like drowsiness, fatigue, unusual weight loss and a cough that won't go away. However, there are other symptoms that must be reported to your doctor on the first sighting. These are strictly related to Male Cancers, so don't be shy or lazy.

Symptoms of Cancer That Must Be Reported!

Here are some symptoms that must be taken seriously and reported to your doctor immediately.

Pee Problems

This is first of many signs that links to prostate cancer. Many men have issues with their peeing habits when they grow older. However, even young men can develop that. If you get up to pee at night, if you pee more than usual (for a long time), have the constant, urgent need to pee, leaking and dripping issues or you have trouble in getting the waterworks started, you need to inform your doctor.

The Size Changes

Any changes in the size of your testicles must be reported. If you feel an unusual heaviness and lumps, you need to get a medical exam. Testicular cancer is much more progressive and more aggressive than prostate cancer. It can spread and become untreatable in a matter of months.

Sudden Blood Discharge

If you have a blood tinged discharge or bloody stool or bloody urine, you need to take action right away. Colon, kidney and bladder cancers can be diagnosed this way.

Breast Changes

Yes, men have breasts too. You have pectorals, don't you? Most of the time, men ignore this fact and believe that they are immune to breast cancer. However, if you have raised nodes in your armpit areas and around your nipple, do not ignore it. You need to be checked immediately because many men get beyond the treatment stage because their breast cancer is diagnosed too late.

Prevention

The whole point of Movember is to spread awareness. However, many countries are not even aware of Movember and major men's diseases. The only way to spread this awareness is by reaching out to the far off countries that do not have the right resources. This can be done in a very simple manner. If you are a medical personnel or you have access to a hospital, simply ask them to create men's health brochures and leaflets, have them translated into different languages and spread them around. Countries like USA and UK have a dense population of people who are immigrants and many of them do not speak or understand the English language. So having a translated version of these pamphlets will be helpful.

Also, this could also help the refugees pouring into Greece and major European countries. With so many people coming through the sea, they are bound to attract viruses and bacteria that turn into some major health issues. There are many translation services that have translators who specialize in medical translation. They will be able to convey your message clearly and accurately in their own language.

Take one step forward, help each other out and see the difference your little effort can make!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rabia_Tanveer/2199596

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Healthy Penis Revitalization: What to Do After Prostate Cancer

Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with more than 2,000,000 Americans in the ranks of prostate cancer survivors. Often, men who have gone through treatment for this common disease find that regaining a healthy penis can be a challenge. In such cases, maintaining optimal penis care is especially important. To help revitalize the penis after this health problem, men need to be prepared to take the necessary steps.

About the disease

The prostate is a gland that only men possess and which is found between the rectum and the bladder. It's an important component in the manufacture of the fluid in semen.

When cancer develops in the prostate, it can cause discomfort and lead to serious issues; however, in some cases it is very slow to grow and many men may have prostate cancer for years without being aware of it.

There are many symptoms that may be associated with this condition, including a weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in the urine, erectile issues and loss of bladder control.

Treatment depends upon the stage of the disease but in some instances may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or vaccine therapy.

Post-treatment

Depending upon the severity of the cancer and the treatment used, a man may experience significant issues post-treatment, especially when surgery is involved. Although advances in surgery have diminished the impact on sexual performance, many men will still experience some degree of erectile dysfunction after many forms of treatment.

Most doctors recommend that men undergo some form of therapy to help regain the use of a healthy penis after prostate cancer. In some cases, it is necessary to induce erections in situations in which there has been erectile loss, especially if that loss is projected to sustain for an extended period of time.

Induction may be needed

The reason for inducing is to keep the penis in shape so that it can "re-learn" how to become erect. "Use it or lose it" is especially true with the penis, and if the organ goes for too long a time without an erection, the vessels and tissues become deoxygenated relative to when in an erect state. This creates a vicious cycle in which the tissue becomes less and less capable on its own of trapping the blood that is needed to build and maintain an erection.

Typical therapy comes in one or more of three forms: oral, injection and vacuum.

Oral therapy involves taking a medication by mouth which helps to promote erectile activity. Many doctors recommend this therapy be started before treatment for the cancer and continue afterward for a month or more.

Injection therapy requires the injection of drugs which help the penile blood vessels to expand.

Vacuum therapy is performed via a penis pump, which creates a "vacuum" around the organ that encourages the flow and trapping of blood in the member.

For any form of treatment to regain function after treatment for prostate cancer, it helps if a man goes into the situation with a healthy penis to begin with. One way to achieve this is via daily use of a quality penis health creme(health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Especially important in this instance is that the crème contains among its ingredients L-arginine. This enzyme helps to create nitric oxide, a substance which in turn is essential for the healthy functioning of blood vessels and the continued oxygenation of tissues in the member. It also is wise to select a crème that includes vitamin C. One of the most popular nutrients, vitamin C is noted for the role it plays in collagen production and penile skin firmness. A well-balanced crème like Man1 Man Oil provides a wealth of nutrients vital to continued penis health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Dugan/190762

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How Surrogates Help Breast Cancer Survivors

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month nears the end of October, pink ribbons provided a reminder and moment of silence for those touched by cancer while offering a medical cue to schedule a mammogram. Decades ago, it was a disease plagued by stigma. But with celebrities having spoken out about their personal experiences with their own breast cancer surgeries, treatments and reconstruction procedures, the stigma has been demystified and women have become empowered.

Cancer does not discriminate. It affects women of all ages, including those who are still in their reproductive years. When a woman hears such a diagnosis, following the shock and fear, she glances ahead at what awaits her which may include surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.

As the executive director of an international egg donation and surrogacy agency, some women who are unable to become pregnant and carry their own children may require a surrogate after having undergone cancer treatments. While some women are able to become pregnant after treatments, there are a group of women who face infertility.

Each patient is unique and so is the treatment her medical experts may recommend. Nevertheless, if a woman has not started or completed having her family, she comes at a crossroads after her diagnosis. Through the remarkable strides of third-party reproduction, before a woman begins her treatments she has the choice to harvest her eggs and have them frozen.

Rather than being reactive regarding any future infertility issues, women can now be proactive. In addition to teaming up with her medical specialists, she can also partner with a fertility doctor if she desires children in the future.

The mere act of harvesting a woman's eggs can be quite beneficial for her psychologically. While breast cancer has the ability to make a woman feel that she has lost all control, on the road of preservation fertility, she feels in control with a renewed sense of hope and something to look forward to: a baby.

Once a breast cancer patient becomes a breast cancer survivor, the timing is perfect to begin building a family. As mentioned earlier, while some women are able to become pregnant at a later date, others may be unable to become pregnant or carry a baby to full term.

And this is where a surrogate can step in and help a survivor. Women who want to become surrogate mothers do so for their own personal reasons. And one may very well be helping a woman who has fought the fight of breast cancer and is ready to rekindle that light of hope in having a baby.

To be able to help a woman who has endured multiple surgeries and treatments is immeasurable to a surrogate. And conversely, a survivor cannot begin to find the right word of thanks to say to their surrogate for the priceless gift of a baby.

The surrogate's picturesque moment is of an intended mother holding her newborn for the very first time. It creates the memory of a lifetime.

Surrogates help break down breast cancer barriers by helping survivors live the full life they were meant to have through motherhood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9205694

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Breast Cancer Unmasked!

Breast Cancer

This is a cancer that develops from breast tissue, and it's one of the most common cancers affecting females. Most women who get it are over 40 years old, this is a ration of 8 to 10. Younger women and men also get this cancer in rare case. If it's treated early enough, breast cancer is curable and can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.

In this article, I will feature on breast cancer in women.

October

The month of October is worldwide Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's dedicated to raise consciousness about the thousands of women who are diagnosed with the disease every year. The pink ribbon and the colour pink in general, is an international symbol for breast cancer month. Pink is considered feminine and the roles that come with this gender like being beautiful, caring, good and being cooperative.

Signs and Symptoms to look out for:

Lump in the breast.

Fluid coming from the nipple.

Dimpling of the skin around the breast.

A change in breast shape.

A red scaly patch of skin.

Swollen lymph nodes, around the breast.

Shortness of breath.

Causes

No one knows the exact cause of this cancer. Medics rarely know why some women develop it while others don't. Most women who have this cancer will never be able to tell the exact cause. One thing for sure this cancer is always caused by damage to a cell's DNA.

Risks factors

Some of these risks can be changed and for some we can do little about as we have absolutely no control over them.

A female whose female relatives have had breast cancer is two to three times more likely to develop the disease. This is because the disease is hereditary.

Advancing in age. As we saw earlier the big percentage of cancer patients lies from 40 years of age onwards.

Lack of childbearing or lack of breastfeeding.

Great exposure to estrogen hormone. Estrogen makes cells to divide, the more the cells divide, they become abnormal, thus becoming cancerous. Estrogen exposure is greatly affected by the age a lady starts and stops menstruating, the average length of her menstrual cycle, and her age at first childbirth. Her risk for this cancer is increased if she starts menstruating before age 12, has her first child after age 30, or stops menstruating after age the age of 50 years and above. Also, if she has her menstrual cycle shorter or longer than the average 24-28 days.

Radiation exposure. If you get radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, your risk of the disease is increased.

Diet. Research has shown that women with high fat intake diets are more prone to getting the disease.

Lack of physical activity.

The ladies that smoke and drink alcohol increase the risk of developing this cancer.

Chances of getting breast cancer are increased if you've had breast cancer in one breast before.

 Diagnosis

Do self-examination of the breast always to check for the above symptoms. If you see anything suspicious see your doctor immediately.

Do mammography tests every two years for early detection.

Although screening for breast cancer cannot prevent you from getting breast cancer, it can help find it early when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Eunice_Chege/2198864

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Brain Tumor Cancer Types And Treatment Options

Brain cancer is a disease in which particular cells in the brain grow and form a mass that interferes with the general functioning of the brain like muscle control, sensation, memory and such other functions that help you control your body. Tumors that are made up of cancerous cells grow and spread to other parts of the brain. These are called malignant tumors. Those tumors that are non cancerous, do not spread and are basically localized. These are called benign tumors. Primary tumors are those that develop in the brain cells. Secondary tumors are those that develop in other parts of the body and then spread to the brain. These are also called as metastatic tumors.

Brain cancer grades

There are four different classifications of brain cancers:

Grade I - Benign tumors with a slow growth rate. Look like normal brain cells.

Grade II - Malignant tumors that look less normal than Grade I tumors.

Grade III - Malignant tumors that look very different from normal cells. They grow actively and look distinctly abnormal.

Grade IV - Malignant tumors with distinctly abnormal looking cells that grow and spread rapidly.

Brain tumor cancer treatment

Brain cancer treatment approach is customized as per individual diagnosis. The treatments depend on the cancer type, the location in the brain, the size of the tumor and the age and general health of the patient.

The treatment options for brain tumors are categorized as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. As per individual diagnosis, a combination of any of the above mentioned methods is used.

With surgery, the tumor is cut away from normal tissues. This is an invasive approach to treat cancer. The other two methods are non invasive. Radiation therapy helps destroy the tumor with high energy radiation that is focused on the tumor to destroy the cells. It destroys the ability of the tumor to replicate and spread. Generally X - Rays or Gamma rays are used for this purpose. The radiation is highly focused and does not affect the healthy tissues surrounding the tumor.

In chemotherapy, certain drugs and medicines are used to destroy the tumor causing cells. There are many types of drugs used. These drugs are designed to fight different types of cancer cells. The entire procedure keeps the healthy cells safe from the effects of the drugs.

Some tumors are declared as inoperable because, surgically removing them can negatively impact other parts of the brain. The surgeon takes this call. However, it is very important to understand that one surgeon may declare a tumor inoperable, but another surgeon may be able to operate it. It's a good idea to take a few opinions before giving up.

Other treatment options may include heat treatments and immunotherapy. For all the procedures mentioned, there are some side effects. With surgery, there could be swelling, a possible damage to healthy tissues or seizures. With chemotherapy, patients can experience nausea, vomiting, hair loss and low energy levels. Radiation therapy is known to have similar side effects as chemotherapy.

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital in India which providing surgical and non surgical treatments for all types of cancers including brain tumor cancer treatment and shares information to awareness of treatment options for brain cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sejal_Kakadiya/1920914

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Did the Power of Prayer or Pembrolizumab Cure Former President Jimmy Carter?

Former US president Jimmy Carter announced his brain cancer has disappeared, but is it due to a miracle or a medical miracle?

In August 2015 former President Carter had elective surgery to remove a tumor on his liver. As a part of the process a scan discovered four spots on his brain. The diagnosis was stage IV melanoma. Stage IV melanoma is a kind of cancer that starts in the cells that produce the pigment that gives your skin its color, known as melanocytes. A stage IV diagnosis means it has spread via the bloodstream, or through the lymphatic system, to other areas of the body. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 76,160 cases of melanoma (also referred to as malignant melanoma) were diagnosed in the United States in 2014. While melanoma accounts for only approximately 5% of skin cancer cases, it is estimated to be responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. The prognosis is generally not good for a person diagnosed with stage IV melanoma, especially one that has spread to the liver and the brain. The overall 5-year survival rate is about 15% to 20%, depending on the age and overall health of the person. The median survival is 6-10 months. The traditional course of treatment is surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and more recently, clinical trials, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. However, these numbers may be changing as the newer immunotherapy and targeted therapy have led to important improvements in patient outcomes. Recently an immunotherapy treatment made the news when it arrested acute lymphoblastic leukemia, saving the life of an infant in the UK.

Pembrolizumab breakthrough treatment

Former President Jimmy Carter was given a new breakthrough treatment Pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab is sold under the brand name Keytruda and was developed by Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States. In September 2014 it was one of the first immunotherapy drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Instead of killing cancer cells, immunotherapy drugs are designed to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody. Recent studies involving Pembrolizumab have shown the drug has increased overall survival of melanoma patients. Although the long term outlook is still unknown, it is only thought to extend survival in patients and not necessarily be a cure.

Science Proves the Healing Power of Prayer

It's no secret that former President Jimmy Carter is a devout man. Carter was born and raised in Plains, Georgia as a Southern Baptist. He continued his religious beliefs into adulthood. He attends church everywhere he travels, teaches Sunday school, performs missionary work and is known to pray every day. Prayer groups around the world have undoubtedly been praying for the healing of the former President, along with his family and friends. For the devout, there never has been any question that prayer has the power to heal, but others are skeptical and want scientific proof. Current research from leading hospitals and universities across the U.S. has shown conclusively a belief in God really is good for you, making you healthier and happier, and helping you live longer. Prayer is a practice that reaches across all religions, and even to those who do not believe in a deity. "Studies have shown prayer can prevent people from getting sick - and when they do get sick, prayer can help them get better faster," Duke University's Harold G. Koenig, M.D., states. An extensive review of more than 1,500 reputable medical studies "indicates people who are more religious and pray more have better mental and physical health." And out of 125 studies that looked at the link between health and regular worship, 85 showed regular churchgoers live longer. A CNN poll concluded that 73% of Americans believe in the power of prayer. Research that primarily focused on the power of prayer in healing has almost doubled in the last decade.

So is it possible that former President Jimmy Carter has been healed by God or by a new breakthrough drug? Maybe both.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lisa_M_Manley/2131132

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Important Facts About Skin Cancer Prevention That You Should Know

Skin cancer is a skin disease that ranges in the areas of mild to the potentially more serious form of melanoma. This cancer is the #1 cancer type and each year more and more skin cancer is diagnosed, averaging over a million in the United States alone.

Because people are not as cautious about their skin as they are with other parts of their body, skin cancer often goes unrecognized at first. Individuals may not be as alarmed at changes in their skin's moles and growths, as they would be with other health abnormalities, such as persistent heartburn, increasing pain or blood in the stool.

Prevention is the key to avoiding skin cancer. Prevention is possible using a variety of key measures. By not implementing these measures you may increase your potential for developing any of the different types of skin cancer. A few simple changes to your lifestyle choices can greatly reduce your risk. Below are some of the preventative measures that will help to prevent skin cancer in the future.

Prevention measures:

The sun's rays help to make vitamin D in your body, so the sun is not necessarily a bad thing. Knowing how much and at what times to avoid the sun is what you should strive for. To avoid the most intensive UV rays attempt to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. If you must be out in it, you would definitely benefit from covering up a little bit. Wear a hat with a wide brim to avoid sunlight on the facial areas and sunscreen to protect the face and the rest of the body.

Wear sunscreen daily on your hands and arms which receive sun exposure while driving. This will also help to reduce the appearance of sunspots and aging in your hands.

Wear sunscreen while working at the office if you work under UV lights. You might not realize that the daily exposure to the UV lights in the office can also increase your risk of skin cancer and also speed the appearance of aging to your skin.

Try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear sunscreen always, even on overcast days. You may be surprised to know that even then your skin is at risk. Select a sunscreen that is labeled SPF 15 or above. Your sunscreen will need to be applied approximately every 2 hours or so. Sunglasses will also provide protection for your face and the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Purchase sunglasses that block out 99% or more of the sun's UVB and UVA sunlight radiation. Do not pick sunglasses simply because you like the way you look in them. If you can, purchase sunglasses that will partially wrap around to the sides of your head.

Examine your skin often during showers or baths. Discovery of any new or unusual growths or changes early offer the best chances of a cure.

If you do notice any abnormal moles or growths on your body, consult with your physician immediately to obtain the earliest possible diagnosis of any form of possible skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention methods combined with early cancer detection would offer the greatest chance of recovery with prompt treatment.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/J_Russell_Hart/278755

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Are Clinical Trials Important to Cancer Research?

The battle against cancer hasn't slowed down in 2015. Many new treatment options are surfacing that couldn't have come to fruition if it weren't for professionally orchestrated clinical trials. Experts continue to conduct trials on willing patients, hopeful that they'll be a part of the next big discovery.

Eradication of cancer is a common goal worldwide and will continue to be so until a cure is found.As the disease grows and changes, that is proving to be quite difficult. Still many strides have been made and the survival rate is higher than ever.

There are many reasons for clinical trials, which are necessary in order to advance in the pharmaceutical realm of treatment. Learning about the process may help those who are considering becoming part of one of these trials better understand them and make an informed decision.

Is the New Treatment Safe?

This is the main purpose for conducting clinical trials. Before being used to treat Cancer, a drug must be proven safe as the liability of the company producing it is at stake. Safety concerns must be answered; however there's an understanding no procedure or treatment is completely without risk. Anyone who reads a bottle of medications knows this, as the risks are clearly stated. The man question is if the benefits outweigh the risks. Clinical trials take years and years to complete. In fact, there are many phases.

Each phase of a clinical trial is set up to answer particular questions all while keeping the test subjects safe and comfortable. Each treatment is tested in about three or more phases before determining it is okay to put on the market. The phases of a clinical trial are:

• Phase 0: Exploring if a new drug can actually work
• Phase 1: Is the treatment safe in general?
• Phase 2: Does it actually work to treat cancer?
• Phase 3: Does it trump what is already available for treating cancer?

These are the basic phases. After these are conducted, the drug is submitted for FDA approval via a new drug application, or NDA. Then the fourth phase comes into play once approved.

• Phase 4: What else needs to be known?

In phase 4, thousands of test subjects may be used. Safety over time is looked at, as well as quality of life and overall cost.

Does it Work for Humans?

Unfortunately only 5 % of adults will participate in clinical trials, while 60 % of children do. This makes it quite time consuming to conduct the trials when there aren't enough test subjects. This is why many companies that conduct these trials are beginning to move to other regions, such as South America.

If only they'd take a look at the statistics, they may change their tune as the survival rate for childhood cancer has risen exponentially.

In these regions there are many more willing participants, as they consider it free treatment. If the trial works in humans, and it is better than what is currently being used to treat cancer professionals will consider the side effects and how it works in different groups of people, or different strains of the disease. It's certainly an in depth process.

A Small but Important Part

Though clinical trials are but a small part of the entire process to make a treatment available to those suffering from cancer, it is still one that can't be skipped. From discovery, there are many steps that follow. First, the treatment must be created, then purified, described and lab tested before being moved to clinical testing on humans. On average, new treatments go through about six years of testing and very few drugs that go through the processes are actually able to be tested on humans.

FOMAT Medical Research is one of the world's premier medical research companies. It specializes in developing and managing clinical trials in South America as well as providing them with technology to assist their sites with their trials. FOMAT currently has its headquarters in the United States with regional sites in Ecuador and shortly in Peru and Argentina with English-speaking management teams, investigators and clinical coordinators working at all of their locations. The company's international sites count more than 10 million patients many of which have not participated in clinical trials before. For more information on FOMAT Medical Research and the services it provides to the medical community, 

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nicholas_Focil/2072915

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