Thursday, November 28, 2013

Ovarian Cancer


Ovarian cancer is any cancerous growth that may occur in different parts of the ovary. The majority of ovarian cancers arise from the epithelium (outer lining) of the ovary. According to the American Cancer Society it is the 8th most common cancer among women in the USA (excluding non-melanomaskin cancers). In the UK ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among females, after breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer and uterine cancer (cancer of the uterus).

Approximately 5,500 women in the UK and 21,000 women in the USA are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Worldwide, around 140,000 women die of ovarian cancer every year.

Tragically, the overall five year survival rate is only 46 per cent in most developed countries (it is lower for more advanced stages). However, according to the National Cancer Institute, if diagnosis is made early, before the tumor has spread, the five year survival rate is nearer 93 per cent. In 2009 scientists in the US said that current tests for diagnosing ovarian cancer are not good enough .

Even modern screening tests for ovarian cancer, which include a blood test for the CA 125 marker, combined with ultrasound, often result in unnecessary surgery and "..are failing to catch early signs of the disease..", a study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center revealed. 

What are the ovaries?
The ovary is the female gonad, while the testis is the male gonad. A gonad is a reproductive gland that produces germ cells (gametes). A male sperm is a gamete, and a female egg is also a gamete. Each human gamete has 23 chromosomes, half the number of chromosomes contained in most types of human body cells.
The ovary, also known as the egg sac, is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. The ovaries are located at either side of the uterus (womb), in the pelvis. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce ova (eggs) and female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and control the development of female characteristics, such as body shape, body hair, breasts, etc.

During the female menstrual cycle, which lasts about one month, one egg is released from one of the two ovaries - the egg travels through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. This is known as ovulation.
Cancer of the ovary can spread to other parts of the reproductive system as well as surrounding areas, such as the stomach, vagina and uterus. Ovarian cancer more commonly occurs in women aged 65 or over, but can affect women of any age. 

 What is cancer?
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer that occur in various parts of the body - each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Usually our cells divide (multiply, form new ones) only when old and dying ones need to be replaced. However, the controls that regulate when a cell divides as well as when a cell should die sometimes become faulty. This may result in cells not dying when they should, while additional cells are still being added - an uncontrolled accumulation of cells. Eventually a mass of cells is formed - a tumor.

Malignant and benign tumors
Tumors that stay in one place and demonstrate limited growth are usually considered to be benign. Malignant, or more dangerous tumors emerge when two things occur:

  • Invasion - the cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue - this process is called invasion.
  • Angiogenesis - the cancerous cells manage to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed themselves.

Metastasis
When a tumor manages to spread to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to havemetastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is extremely hard to treat.


Three main types of ovarian cancers (tumors)
Epithelial ovarian cancer is by far the most common form of ovarian cancer. Germ cell and stromal ovarian cancers are much less common. Ovarian cancer can also result from a cancer somewhere else in the body that has spread:

  • Epithelial ovarian cancer (epithelial ovarian tumors) - derived from cells on the surface of the ovary. It occurs mainly in adults.
  • Germ cell ovarian cancer (germ cell ovarian tumors) - derived from the egg-producing cells within the body of the ovary. This rare type of cancer more commonly affects children and teenage girls.
  • Stromal ovarian cancer (sex cord stromal tumors) - develops within the cells that hold the ovaries together.
  • Cancers from other organs in the body can spread to the ovaries - metastatic cancers - a metastatic cancer is one that spreads from where it first arose as a primary tumor to other locations in the body.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
In the early stages, ovarian cancer usually has vague symptoms which are not easy to recognize. In fact, doctors used to think that ovarian cancer had no symptoms (unfortunately, many still do). Even though healthcare professionals are much better at identifying ovarian cancer symptoms these days, patients often attribute their symptoms to other conditions, such as pre-menstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or a temporary bladder problem.

The main difference between ovarian cancer and other possible disorders is the persistence and gradual worsening of symptoms. While most digestive disorders have fluctuating symptoms, those of ovarian cancer are more constant and steadily advancing.

The following are examples of possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer:

  • Pain in the pelvis
  • Pain on the lower side of the body
  • Pain in the lower stomach
  • Back pain
  • Indigestion or heartburn
  • Feeling full rapidly when eating
  • More frequent and urgent urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

As ovarian cancer progresses these symptoms are also possible:

  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Breathlessness
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Loss of appetite

Ovarian cancer is not a silent killer. A study by the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, Australia, found that 83% of women experience at least one symptom of ovarian cancer in the year prior to their diagnosis. The researchers also found that 17% of women waited more than three months after the onset of their symptoms before visiting their doctor, with 8% waiting more than six months. The most common symptoms, experienced by half of the study participants, were abdominal symptoms such as fullness and pain. Bloating, bowel or urinary symptoms were reported by approximately one third of participants.

If you experience bloating, pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis that persists for more than a few weeks you should see your doctor immediately. If you have already been to the doctor and ovarian cancer was not diagnosed, but treatment is not relieving symptoms, either see your doctor again or get a second opinion. It is important that the evaluation includes a pelvic examination.
People with close family members who have/had ovarian or breast cancer should see a doctor who is trained to detect ovarian cancer.

What are the causes of ovarian cancer?
Although we know that ovarian cancer, like many other cancers, is caused by cells dividing and multiplying in an unordered way, nobody completely understands why cancer of the ovary occurs. We know that the following risk factors are linked to a higher chance of developing the disease:

Family history
Most women who develop ovarian cancer do not have an inherited gene mutation. Women with close relatives who have/had ovarian cancer, as well as breast cancer, have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to other women. There are two genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 - which significantly raise the risk. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes also raise the risk of breast cancer. Those genes are inherited. The BRCA1 gene is estimated to increase ovarian cancer risk by 35% to 70%, and the BRCA2 by 10% to 30%. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are at particularly high risk of carrying these types of gene mutations.

Women with close relatives who have/had colon cancer, prostate cancer or uterine cancer are also at higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Genetic screening can determine whether somebody carries the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes. Although a test for gene mutations known to significantly increase the risk of hereditary breast or ovarian cancer has been available for more than a decade, a study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that few women with family histories of these cancers are even discussing genetic testing with their physicians or other health care providers.

After eight years of searching, an international team of scientists found that a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 9 that is uniquely linked to ovarian cancer. The scientists estimated that women carrying that particular version of the SNP on both copies of chromosome 9 have a 40 per cent higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who do not carry it on either copy of chromosome 9, while women with only one copy of the variant have a 20 per cent higher lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer than women who have none.

In March 2013, scientists from the University of Cambridge and the Institute of Cancer research announced that they had identified over 80 genome regions that can increase a human's risk of developing ovarian, breast and prostate cancers.

Age
The majority of ovarian cancers occur in women over 65 years of age. A higher percentage of post-menopausal women develop ovarian cancer compared to pre-menopausal women.

High number of total lifetime ovulations
There is a link between the total number of ovulations during a woman's life and the risk of ovarian cancer. Four principal factors influence the total:


Some gynecologic surgeries may reduce the risk
Women who have had their fallopian tubes tied (tubal ligation) are estimated to have a 67% lower risk of ovarian cancer. A hysterectomy is said to reduce the risk by about one third.

Infertility or fertility treatment
Some studies have found a link between infertility treatment and a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Nobody is yet sure whether the risk is linked to infertility treatment, just infertility itself, or both. A Danish study published in the peer-reviewed British Medical Journal concluded that the use of fertility drugs does not increase a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer. The study involved 54,362 women with infertility problems referred to all Danish fertility clinics between 1963 and 1998.

Breast cancer
Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) 
HRT slightly increases a women's risk of developing ovarian cancer. Experts say the risk grows the longer the HRT continues, and returns to normal as soon as treatment stops. Danish scientists reported that compared with women who have never taken hormone therapy, those who currently take it or who have taken it in the past are at increased risk of ovarian cancer, regardless of the duration of use.
A UK study that was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet suggested that between 1991 and 2005, an extra 1,000 women in the UK died of ovarian cancer because they were on Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Foods high in acrylamide
A study in the Netherlands found a link between acrylamide, a carcinogenic compound found in cooked, and especially burned, carbohydrate rich foods, and increased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

Obesity/overweight
Being obese or overweight increases the risk of developing many cancers. The more overweight you are, the higher the risk. Several studies have also shown that obese cancer patients are more likely to have faster advancing ones compared to cancer patients of normal weight. Obese older women who have never used hormone replacement therapy have nearly twice the risk of their normal weight peers of developing ovarian cancer, according to a study by the researchers at the National Cancer Institute.

Endometriosis
Women who develop endometriosis have an approximately 30% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to other women. Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that are normally found inside the uterus (endometrial cells) are found growing outside of the uterus. Danazol, a medication used to treat endometriosis has been linked to ovarian cancer risk.

Shift work
Women who work shifts are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than other females, scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, USA, revealed in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

In the same issue of the journal, other authors explained in an Accompanying Commentary that "night-type people" ("owls") who work shifts are less likely to have a higher ovarian cancer risk compared to "morning types" ("larks").

The authors wrote "We found evidence suggesting an association between shift work and ovarian cancer. This observation should be followed up in future studies incorporating detailed assessments of diurnal preference (ie, chronotype) in addition to detailed data on shift schedules."

Diagnosis of ovarian cancer
There is a tragic myth among many health care professionals and patients in too many countries about early stage ovarian cancer having no symptoms. A UK study, called The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder study which surveyed 400 UK general practitioners and over 1,000 women, including 132 with ovarian cancer, found that 80% of GPs in the UK were wrongly of the view that women have no symptoms in the early stages of ovarian cancer. Studies in countries with top healthcare services have come up with similar findings.

The GP (general practitioner) will carry out a vaginal examination and check for any visible abnormalities in the uterus or ovaries. The doctor will also check the patient's medical history and family history. Further tests will be ordered - these are usually done by a gynecologist - a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs.

If the woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer the doctor will want to identify its stage and grade. The stage of a cancer refers to the cancer's spread while the grade refers to how aggressively it is spreading. By identifying the stage and grade of the cancer the doctor will be able to decide on the best treatment. The stage and grade of ovarian cancer alone cannot predict how it is going to develop.
The following tests are used to diagnose ovarian cancer:
  • Blood test
    There is a cancer marker called CA 125 (cancer antigen 125) which is made by certain cells in the body. A high blood level of CA 125 may indicate the presence of cancer, but could also be due to something else, such as infections of the lining of the abdomen and chest, menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, or liver disease. This blood test is just one test among others, designed to help the doctor make a diagnosis. Normal blood levels of CA125 alone do not definitely mean there is no cancer either. They are just indications.
  • Ultrasound
    This is a device that uses high frequency sound waves which create an image on a monitor of the ovaries and their surroundings. A transvaginal ultrasound device may be inserted into the vagina, while an external device may be placed next to the stomach. Ultrasound scans help doctors see the size and texture of the ovaries, as well as any cysts.
  • Laparoscopy and possibly Endoscopy
    A laparoscope - a thin viewing tube with a camera at the end - is inserted into the patient through a small incision in the lower abdomen. The doctor can examine the ovaries in detail, and can also take a biopsy (extract a small sample of tissue for examination). The patient will undergo a general anesthetic for this procedure. The doctor may carry out an endoscopy to determine whether the cancer has spread to the digestive system.
  • Colonoscopy
    If the patient has had bleeding from the rectum, or constipation the doctor may order a colonoscopy to examine the large intestine (colon). The colonoscope - a thin tube with a camera at the end - will be inserted into the rectum.
  • Abdominal fluid aspiration
    If the patient's abdomen is swollen the doctor may decide to carry out this test. A build up of fluid in the abdomen might indicate that the ovarian cancer has spread. A thin needle goes through the skin into the abdomen and a sample of the liquid is extracted. Some of the liquid may be drained into a bag if there is a lot of it (abdominal tap). The fluid is checked in the laboratory for cancer cells
  • Chest X-ray
    This test will help the doctor see if the cancer has spread to the lungs, or to the pleural space surrounding the lungs.
  • CT (computerized tomography) scan
    X-rays are used to create a 3-dimensional picture of the target area.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

Magnets and radio waves produce 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional pictures of the target area.

Combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scanning of patients in the early stages of ovarian cancer can enable physicians to determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes without having to perform surgery, reported scientists at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.


Detecting ovarian cancer by testing cells from the uterus or cervix
Pioneering biophotonics technology developed by researchers from Northwestern University and NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois, can detect nanoscale changes in cervical and uterine cells that may indicate early stage ovarian cancer.

The scientists explained in the International Journal of Cancer (April 2013 issue) how by using PWS (partial wave spectroscopic) microscopy they were able to detect diagnostic changes in cells from the cervix and uterus taken from ovarian cancer patients via a minimally invasive procedure. These cells would look normal under an ordinary microscope.

The researchers believe their method could be in clinical use in about five years' time if it became commercialized.

Using dogs to "sniff out" ovarian cancer
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania explained that by utilizing the acute sense of smell in detection dogs, alongside chemical and nanotechnology methods, they hope to create a more comprehensive system for screening for ovarian cancer.

The 4 stages of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is classified into four stages, with stage 4 being the most advanced.
  • Stage 1 - the cancer is confined to one or both ovaries. This is subdivided into three groups:
    • Stage 1a - the cancer is confined to just one ovary (contained inside it).
    • Stage 1b - the cancer is confined to both ovaries (contained inside them).
    • Stage 1c - either 1a or 1b, but there is come cancer on the surface of one or both ovaries, or cancer cells are found in fluid extracted from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary bursts during or before surgery.

  • Stage 2 - the cancer has spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes or some other areas in the pelvis (tummy area). This is subdivided into 3 groups:
    • 2a - the cancer has spread into the uterus (womb) or the fallopian tubes.
    • 2b - the cancer has spread into other tissues in the pelvis, such as the rectum or bladder.
    • 2c - 2a and 2b, and there is cancer on the surface of one or both ovaries, or cancer cells are identified in fluid extracted from inside the abdomen during surgery, or the ovary bursts during or before surgery.
  • Stage 3 - the cancer has spread into the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen), or to the lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, groin or behind the uterus. Most ovarian cancers are diagnosed at this stage. This stage is divided into three subgroups:
    • 3a - an examination with a microscope of tissue taken from the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) or the omentum (fatty layer over the top of the intestines) detects cancer cells.
    • 3b - tumor growths are identified in the peritoneum 2cm or smaller.
    • 3c - tumor growths larger than 2cm are identified in the peritoneum. Cancer is found in the lymph nodes in the groin, behind the womb or the upper abdomen.
  • Stage 4 - the cancer has spread beyond the abdomen to other parts of the body, including such organs as the lungs or the liver. If cancer is just found on the surface of the liver, but not inside it, it is still stage 3.
What is the treatment for ovarian cancer?
Treatment for ovarian cancer consists of surgery, chemotherapy, a combination of surgery with chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. The kind of treatment depends on many factors, including the type of ovarian cancer, its stage and grade, as well as the general health of the patient.
Some studies have indicated that specialized hospitals tend to have better survival rates for ovarian cancer patients, compared to general hospitals. Dutch ovarian cancer patients who were treated at a semispecialized or specialized hospital survived longer than those treated at a general hospital, reported researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands.

Surgery
The surgical removal of the cancer is performed in the vast majority of ovarian cancer cases, and is often the first treatment the patient will undergo.

Unless the ovarian cancer is very low grade, the patient will require an extensive operation that includes the removal of both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus, nearby lymph nodes, and the omentum (a fold of fatty abdominal tissue). Cancer often spreads into the omentum. In most cases the operation will be carried out by a gynecologic oncologist surgeon - a specialist in surgery for women with cancer of the reproductive organs. This operation, sometimes referred to as a total hysterectomy, will mean that the woman will begin her menopause immediately. Recent research by Canadian scientists found that premature removal of the ovaries increases the risk of lung cancer.

If the cancer is confined to just one of the ovaries the surgeon may just remove the affected ovary and the adjoining fallopian tube. The woman will have a chance of being able to conceive. If both ovaries are removed it will not be possible to conceive.
Surgery for ovarian cancer will require a hospital stay of up to two weeks, plus a recovery period of at least six weeks when the patient gets back home.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals (medication) to treat any disease - more specifically in this text, it refers to the destruction of cancer cells. Cytotoxic medication prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing. When health care professionals talk about chemotherapy today, they generally tend to refer more to cytotoxic medication than others. Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, as well as most other cancers, is used to target cancer cells that surgery cannot or did not remove.

Patients will typically receive a combination of carboplatin (Paraplatin) and paclitaxel (Taxol) intravenously (injected into the bloodstream). As it is injected into the bloodstream it can target cancer cells in the reproductive system, as well as any cancer cells that may have reached elsewhere in the body.
Treatment usually involves 6 to 12 chemotherapy sessions which will be given three to four weeks apart so that the body has time to recover. One session usually consists of a 3-hour gradual injection of the medicine into the body; sometimes it may be extended to 24 hours. Extended injections require an overnight stay in hospital.
Compounds in cranberries may help improve the effectiveness of platinum drugs that are used in chemotherapy to fight ovarian cancer, scientists at Rutgers University found.

Monitoring response to chemotherapy
Tests will be carried out to determine how well the chemotherapy is working. This will include blood tests to see if levels of CA125 have dropped, and imaging scans to see if tumors have shrunk. Sometimes the surgeon may want to have another look inside.
The patient will be in remission if all tests are clear of cancer. In remission means the cancer is under control.
If cancer is still present after chemotherapy treatment doctors will switch to other treatments. Patients who did not respond well to a specific type of chemotherapy treatment are unlikely to respond well if the same treatment is done again. This may involve another type of chemotherapy, such as intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which the medication is aimed at the stomach, or radiotherapy.
Researchers in the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center reported that the addition of a chemotherapeutic drug for leukemia - dasatinib (Sprycel) - to a standard regimen of two other chemotherapy drugs appears to enhance the response of certain ovarian cancers to treatment, according to a pre-clinical study. Study leader, Deanna Teoh, M.D. said "These findings indicate that we may be able to direct the use of a targeted therapy like dasatinib based on gene expression pathways in select ovarian cancers."

Side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, healthy rapidly dividing cells, such as red and white blood cells and hair follicles may also be affected. The severity and types of side effects depend on the type of medication, number of treatments, and some aspects of the patient and their general health. This may result in the following side effects:
  • Nausea, vomiting - medication for this may be given intravenously during chemotherapy sessions.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hair loss.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mouth sores.
  • Anemia.
  • Infections because the white blood cell count is low (leucopenia).
In the vast majority of cases the damaged healthy cells repair themselves rapidly after treatment is over and the side-effects will soon disappear.

Radiotherapy
Radiation is not the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment - it is not generally considered effective for ovarian cancer. It may be used if there are small traces of cancer in the reproductive system, or to treat the symptoms of advanced cancer. External radiotherapy may be used to clear traces of cancer left after chemotherapy, while internal radiotherapy may be used for advanced cancer. Radiotherapy may cause the following symptoms; some symptoms may not appear until a long time after treatment is over:
  • Bladder infections
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Irritation, darkening of your skin that the radiation beams hit
  • Nausea
  • Frequent urination
  • Abdominal pain
Source:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159675.php

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Ginger Herb Fights Ovarian Cancer




Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that ginger not only kills cancercells, it also prevents them from building up resistance to cancer treatment. Ginger is already used as an effective remedy for nausea and inflammation. 

The scientists are presenting their results in a poster session at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting. 

In this study, scientists applied a solution of ginger powder and water to  ovarian cancer cells (similar ginger powder to what is sold at grocery stores, only a standardized research grade). In every single one of their tests they found that the cancer cells died as a result of being in contact with the ginger solution - they either committed suicide (apoptosis) or they digested/attacked themselves (autophagy). 

If ginger can cause autophagy as well as apoptosis, it can prevent resistance to  chemotherapy - something that is a common development with ovarian cancer patients. 

Whether or not this brings the same encouraging results in animal studies remains to be seen, say the researchers. 

Another great advantage of ginger is that there are hardly any reports of side effects. It is also an easy product to present in capsule form. 

The researchers stressed that this is a preliminary study and further research is needed. 

Over 20,000 American women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. 15,000 women are expected to die from ovarian cancer this year (in the USA). 

Click Here for more information on Ovarian Cancer. 

This study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. 

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today

Ginger Beats Drugs In Defeating Cancer, Motion Sickness and Inflammation

Along side turmeric, ginger is one of the world’s most potent disease-fighting spices. It has been widely regarded for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough. It is also superior to pharmaceutical drugs in defeating cancer, motion sickness and inflammation.

Astoundingly, ginger is even more effective than many cancer drugs at shrinking tumors. Commonly consumed across the world in small doses among food and beverage products, the medicinal properties of ginger far surpass even advanced pharmaceutical inventions.

Cancer
Whole ginger extract was shown to exert significant growth-inhibiting and death-inductory effects in a spectrum of prostate cancer cells. Over 17 other studies have also reached similar conclusions on ginger’s anticancer benefits, with the spice being shown by peer-reviewed research to positively impact beyond 101 diseases.
The subject of one study based out of Georgia State University, whole ginger extract was revealed to shrink prostate tumor size by a whopping 56% in mice.

The anticancer properties were observed in addition to ginger’s role in reducing inflammation as well as being a rich source of life-enhancing antioxidants. But what about cancer drugs? Could this simple spice really topple the advanced pharmaceuticals that are often touted as the ‘only option’ for cancer patients by medical doctors?
It turns out that cancer drugs are not only severely ineffective at permanently shrinking tumors, but they actually make tumors larger and kill the patient more quickly.

More specifically, the tumors have been found to ‘metasize’, meaning they come back bigger and more stronger than their original size. What’s more, the ‘metasizing’ was found to be very aggressive. According to scientists Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, the premium priced drugs were little more than death sentences for many patients.
“Whatever manipulations we’re doing to tumors can inadvertently do something to increase the tumor numbers to become more metastatic, which is what kills patients at the end of the day,” said study author Dr. Raghu Kalluri.

Inflammation
Ginger is one of the best pain killers in the world having analgesic properties like the popular ibuprofen, only better. It contains a quartet, gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone which are active ingredients to reduce pain. Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body. A study by researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. The recommended dosage of ginger is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per day. Drink ginger tea or place shavings in your foods. Either way will get you relief from that recurring pain.

During the past 25 years, many laboratories have provided scientific support for the long-held belief that ginger contains constituents with antiinflammatory properties. The original discovery of ginger’s inhibitory effects on prostaglandin biosynthesis in the early 1970s has been repeatedly confirmed. This discovery identified ginger as an herbal medicinal product that shares pharmacological properties with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the side effects.
Ginger suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through inhibition of specific enzymes.

An important extension of this early work was the observation that ginger also suppresses inflammatory biosynthesis by inhibiting inflammatory proteins. This pharmacological property distinguishes ginger from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
This discovery preceded the observation that dual inhibitors of these enzymes and inflammatory proteins may have a better therapeutic profile and have fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The characterization of the pharmacological properties of ginger entered a new phase with the discovery that ginger extract inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response.
These include genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, and the inducible enzymes. This discovery provided the first evidence that ginger modulates biochemical pathways activated in chronic inflammation.

Motion Sickness
A study in the journal Lancet involved 36 people highly susceptible to motion sickness. The researchers had the subjects take either two capsules of powdered ginger, an antinausea medication or a placebo, and then, 20 minutes later, spin on a motorized chair for up to six minutes. Taking ginger delayed the onset of sickness about twice as long as taking the medication. The study also found that half the subjects who took ginger lasted the full six minutes, compared with none of those given the placebo or the medication.

A study by Danish scientists looked at 80 naval cadets prone to seasickness and found that those given one gram of ginger powder suffered less in a four-hour period then those given medication.
Researchers have demonstrated that ginger beats dimenhydrate, the main ingredient in motion sickness drugs such as Dramamine, for controlling symptoms of seasickness and motion sickness. Ginger stimulates saliva flow and digestive activity, settles the stomach, relieves vomiting, eases pain from gas and diarrhea, and is effective as an anti-nausea remedy.

Why Is Ginger So Important? 
“Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant,” said Ayurvedic consultant Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee. She adds, “Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others.”
Zingerone, shogaols, gingerols, and volatile oils give ginger its distinct aroma and flavour, as well as its medical properties. The amount of these therapeutic compounds in ginger is determined by geography, time of harvest, and processing methods.

Source:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/41747.php

This article in the link below was written by a cancer survivor. He takes us step by step with using the Ginger as treatment option. Very good info. Click on the link below.

https://sites.google.com/site/howtocureyourself/home/how-to-cure-cancer-with-ginger 


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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Benefits of Stinging Nettle



Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens) has a long medicinal history. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic (to rid the body of excess water) and to treat joint pain.
Stinging nettle has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. The hairs, or spines, of the stinging nettle are normally very painful to the touch. When they come into contact with a painful area of the body, however, they can actually decrease the original pain. Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals.

General Uses
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), for urinary tract infections, for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Stinging nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH. Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms, such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. These symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. However, unlike finasteride, the herb does not decrease prostate size. Scientists aren't sure why nettle root reduces symptoms. It may be because it contains chemicals that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells. It is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.

Osteoarthritis
The leaves and stems of nettle have been used historically to treat arthritis and for sore muscles. Studies have been small and not conclusive, but they do suggest that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area. A few other studies show that taking an oral extract of stinging nettle, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), allowed people to reduce their NSAID dose.

Hay fever
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. More studies are needed to confirm nettle's antihistamine properties, however. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.

Other
Some preliminary animal studies indicate that nettle may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, but there is not enough evidence to say whether this is also true in humans.
Plant Description

Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these 2 plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today. Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen rich soil, blooms between June and September, and usually reaches 2 - 4 feet high.

Stems are upright and rigid. The leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and flowers are yellow or pink. The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem, that release stinging chemicals when touched.
What's It Made Of?

Stinging nettle products are usually made from the leaves and stems, and sometimes the roots. Root preparations are used to relieve symptoms of BPH.

Available Forms
Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol), juice or tea. It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream to be put on the skin. The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves.

Pediatric
Although available in many combination formulas to treat colds, asthma, and allergies in children, a specific safe and effective dose for children has not yet been established. Talk to your doctor before giving stinging nettle to a child, so the doctor can determine the proper dose.

Adult
Stinging nettle is used in many forms, including as teas, tinctures, fluid extracts and creams. The freeze dried leaf capsule is very popular among male physicians.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash. Stinging nettle should never be applied to an open wound.

Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle.
Do not self treat with nettle for BPH. See your doctor to receive a diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer.

There is some evidence that stinging nettle may raise blood sugar and could possibly interfere with diabetes management. There is also evidence that it can lower blood sugar. Either way, patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using stinging nettle.

Stinging nettle can have a diuretic effect. If you have kidney or bladder issues, speak with your physician.
Nettle plants grow wild across the U.S., Europe and around the globe; they are used for both medicinal purposes and as food. Highly nutritious, the prickly plant is often used as a spring tonic. It's a natural cleanse that removes metabolic wastes and is both gentle and stimulating on the lymph system, promoting easy excretion through the kidneys. All parts of the nettle plant are used; and it's available in a wide variety of medicines ranging from dried leaf, to ointments, tinctures, homeopathic remedies and herbal extracts.

Stinging nettle cure for arthritis
Nettle leaves are used to treat painful symptoms of arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and soft tissue conditions such as fibromyalgia and tendonitis. Patients with Lupus and other auto-immune disorders suffering from joint pain experience relief from drinking a cup of nettle tea or eating stewed nettle leaves daily. Its diuretic action alkalizes and releases uric acid from the joints of gout patients eliminating pain.

Stinging nettle health benefits for women
Nettle is high in iron making it excellent for combating anemia and fatigue. It supports the liver and the female hormonal system. Pregnant women benefit from stinging nettle as it protects against bleeding and strengthens the fetus. Known as a galactagogue, it promotes milk production in nursing mothers. Stinging nettles reduces PMS symptoms, processes estrogen to relieve menopausal symptoms and curbs excess menstrual flow. It's often used in herbal tonics to remove fibroids and regulate the menstrual flow.

Herbal treatment for allergies
Stinging nettle leaves have been used both as an herbal treatment and a homeopathic remedy for the relief of nettle allergies such as asthma, hay fever, hives and other allergic dermatitis.

Urinary tract support
Stinging nettles are helpful for bladder and urinary tract function in both sexes. The tea acts as a natural diuretic, increases urination and helps break down kidney stones. Nettles acts as a pelvic decongestant and reduces an enlarged prostate.

Stinging nettle health benefits for hair loss and skin conditions
Nettle tea relieves eczema and acne, removes warts when applied topically, and relieves itching from nettle rash. It has a stimulating effect on the scalp when used as a hair rinse and helps regenerate both hair growth and restore original color. It works to relieve dandruff and as a conditioner for the scalp.

Stinging nettle digestive aid
Nettle leaf is effective at reducing symptoms of the digestive tract ranging from acid reflux, excess gas, nausea, colitis and Celiac disease. Additionally, it's medicinal action on mucous membranes makes it an effective herbal treatment for sore throats, swollen hemorrhoids, nose bleeds and mouth sores.

More nettle cures
-- Reduces gingivitis and prevents plaque as a mouth rinse.
-- Relieves chest congestion and coughing, bronchitis, COPD and TB.
-- Is helpful in the treatment of Alzheimers.
-- Relieves neurological disorders such as MS, ALS and sciatica.
-- Remedies made from the plant's roots prevent night time urination in children.
-- Destroys intestinal worms and parasites.
-- Supports the endocrine system including the thyroid, spleen and pancreas.

Warning
Because stinging nettles can produce side effects and interact with other drugs and natural treatments, consult your healthcare practitioner before using it.

  Possible Interactions
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) -- Stinging nettle may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with blood thinning drugs, including:
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Aspirin

 Drugs for high blood pressure -- Stinging nettle may lower blood pressure, so it could make the effects of these drugs stronger:
ACE inhibitors: Captpril (Capoten), Elaropril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril)
Beta blockers: Atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Induran)
Calcium channel blockers: Nifedipine (Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Diuretics (water pills) -- Because stinging nettle can act as a diuretic, it can increase the effects of these drugs, raising the risk of dehydration:

 Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrocholorothiazide
Drugs for diabetes -- Stinging nettle may lower blood sugar, so it could make the effects of these drugs stronger, raising the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Lithium -- Stinging nettle may have a diuretic effect and may decrease how well the body excretes the drug.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) -- In a scientific study of patients with acute arthritis, stewed stinging nettle leaves enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac, an NSAID. Although the effect can reduce pain, talk to your doctor before taking or using stinging nettle if you also take NSAIDs.


Source: Stinging nettle | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle#ixzz2kPeaFG6b
University of Maryland Medical Center

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle




 

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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Endometriosis

By Sarah C. Corriher

Endometriosis is a condition that affect 10 percent of women who are of child-bearing age. It occurs when the tissues that normally grow inside the uterus grow in other locations. It is a notoriously painful condition, which many women have described as being more intense than child birth. Internal scar tissue may eventually develop, which is a known cause of infertility. Medical books provide differing explanations as to why this condition is so incredibly painful, but there are only theories, and endometriosis is not well understood.

Most doctors treat this condition by suppressing its symptoms with painkillers, or by placing women on birth control drugs that cause them to skip their monthly cycle. As a result of such neglect, endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in the civilized world. The mainstream methods of suppressing endometriosis are usually futile. The only drugs that provide effective relief are extremely addictive, and all surgical attempts are largely failures. The most common long-term treatment is laparoscopic surgery to remove the excess tissues, but the condition has an extremely high recurrence rate despite surgical interventions. Some women get hysterectomies to eliminate endometriosis, but even in these cases, it sometimes returns in different places. Pregnancy is the only thing that reliably cures the condition, and it still provides relief even in those rare cases when endometriosis is not completely cured. The condition always stops when menopause begins.

The disease can have a massive impact on the quality of life. Women with endometriosis have an 87% chance of depression, and an 88% chance of having mild to moderate anxiety. Sixty-three percent of endometrial women have severe anxiety problems. Endometriosis sufferers are four times more likely to have allergy problems, and they are also four times more likely to have migraines. Many women with severe endometriosis are forced to go on disability, because their symptoms are so severe. The Internet is riddled with horror stories about those who committed suicide due to their endometriosis pain.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

•Painful Periods
•Painful Intercourse
•Infertility
•Heavy or irregular bleeding
•Painful bowel movements or urination
•Loss of stale menstrual brown blood
•Fatigue
•Depression
•Excessive mood swings
•Lower back pain
•Loss of large menstrual blood clots
•Swollen abdomen

The Causes of Endometriosis

Traditional Chinese Medicine (ancient Chinese medicine) links endometriosis with liver problems. While T.C.M. can seem very confusing upon first glance, we have learned not to underestimate its usefulness. A study titled Chinese Herbal Medicine For Endometriosis, at Southampton University revealed that Chinese herbal medicine is more effective for endometriosis relief than mainstream treatments are, with no side effects.

The liver is the primary organ that is responsible for the elimination of toxins. When the liver is unsuccessful at flushing toxins, they sometimes remain in the liver forever. These liver toxins are the most common cause of liver impairment. The liver is responsible for the regulation of the sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Increases in estrogen make endometriosis more severe, indicating yet another hormonal component of the condition and the condition's relationship to liver health. The fact that this condition is caused by liver dysfunction means that women who opt for mainstream treatments will eventually find themselves in a worse condition after treatments than they were before treatments. This is because all pharmaceuticals stress the liver.

The Endometriosis Association has done massive amounts of research on the connection between endometriosis and dioxin exposure. Dioxins are a byproduct of chlorination, which is used to bleach sanitary towels and tampons. The bleaching process is known to release dioxins that remain on consumer products. This exposure, particularly in the case of tampons, could cause endometriosis or worsen it.

It has been shown that alcoholic women (or former alcoholics) are more likely to have endometriosis. Heavy drinking places a massive strain on the liver.

Numerous studies have additionally linked a higher risk of endometriosis with women who have diets which are low in anti-oxidants, or who have above-average "free radicals" (oxidation) in the body. Oxidative damage is indicative of a bad diet overall, lacking in both fruits and vegetables. This can be easily fixed with dietary changes.

A Korean study has linked endometriosis with small figured women, and the researchers noted that the thinner the women are, the more severe the disease. Hormones have a dramatic effect upon a person's weight, and thin women tend to have smaller amounts of the hormone estrogen, which makes it more difficult for them to become pregnant.

Curing Endometriosis

In the long term, the typical pharmaceutical methods for treating endometriosis will cause the disease to worsen. The prolonged use of either strong painkillers or oral contraceptives is very harmful to the liver. Areas where endometrial tissue grows in the body become very inflamed, and the long-lasting inflammation prevents the body from properly healing. Therefore, one of the most important things for an endometriosis sufferer to do is reduce the amount of inflammation in the body.

Exercise in the week prior to the menstrual cycle can be very beneficial. Sweating is the only way to cleanse the lymph nodes, and endometriosis is a disease that is often influenced by toxicity.

Those who are sexually active in healthy relationships are less likely to experience endometriosis attacks, and the attacks are less severe for them. Korean researchers have labeled endometriosis a "working woman's disease" for this reason. This insight has been ignored by the Western press due to political correctness. Intercourse shortly before menstruation will drastically reduce endometrial symptoms. The best effect is achieved when male hormones are directly injected into the patient, but we have opted to not explicitly explain. Becoming pregnant during this time is very unlikely.

Dietary Changes

•Eat organic, grass fed meat. Avoid processed and factory-farmed meats, because they contain growth hormones which will make the problems worse. Iron is essential, so beef must be part of the diet. Iron supplements are less safe and they are poorly absorbed.

•Avoid refined white sugar, white flour, and white rice. The chlorination process used to bleach foods will leave some dioxin residues in the food, because dioxins are always a byproduct of chlorine. The (white) refined variants of these foods are very inflammatory. Read the ingredients and purchase "evaporated cane juice" for sugar. Use only brown rice and whole wheat flour, and do not use any carbohydrates that are not completely homemade.

•Honey is actually an anti-inflammatory sweetener, so it too is recommended. It is the ideal sweetener whenever it is a viable option.

•Do not use homogenized milk, ever. It is one of the most inflammatory food items available. If milk is needed, purchase non-homogenized milk from a health food store.

•Avoid all soy products. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. They can cause major hormone instability, which will worsen the endometriosis.

•Reduce the intake of processed foods. Virtually all of the chemical additives are highly inflammatory to the body.

•Dioxins can also be found in municipal drinking water, because it contains chlorine. Women with endometriosis should purchase spring water, or use a Berkey water filter. A shower filter that removes chlorine is prudent, because inhaled chlorine vapors are extremely inflammatory.

Curing endometriosis is a process of providing the body with the nutrients that it needs to heal the liver, while keeping inflammation low, and flushing any toxins out of the body. For information about performing a liver cleanse, see the article about cleansing. We furthermore recommend the following supplements for endometriosis sufferers.

Supplement Suggestions

•All of the B vitamins strengthen the liver, and directly assist the body in disposing of excess estrogen.

•Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbs in China, and it is well known for its beneficial effect on the liver.

•Dandelion strengthens the liver and kidneys.

•Selenium has been historically given to cows by farmers to prevent endometriosis. Endometriosis hinders fertility, so farmers work hard to prevent a disease that results in fewer calves. The best single source of selenium is Brazil nuts, followed by tuna, cod, and meats. It can also be purchased in supplement form.

•Vitamin E is known to ensure that animals have healthy uterine linings, and it has been used by farmers since the 1930's. Vitamin E and selenium are believed to work together to prevent damage to cell membranes, and protect against oxidation. Do not take blood thinners like vitamin E during the menstrual period, because they will increase bleeding.

•Due to the link between endometriosis and dioxins, it would be wise to supplement with chlorophyll. Chlorophyll can remove dioxins from the body, and it can be purchased as a liquid concentrate.

•Folate or folic acid. Folate is necessary for the body to make heme (the iron-containing, non-protein part of hemoglobin) for the red blood cells. Too little folate can cause nutritional megoblastic anemia (large red blood cells that cannot transport oxygen well). It is known to help regulate and balance the hormones. Alcohol reduces the absorption of folic acid, and increases the kidney's excretion of it. Folic acid assists in the chelation of lead, and helps the body to properly utilize zinc. There is a strong connection between folate and the liver, because liver disease increases the loss of folate.

•Radishes were used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to cure endometriosis, and to fix liver problems, including jaundice. It would be wise to include them in the diet.

•Alcohol should be avoided, with the exception of an occasional glass of red wine. Greater amounts will weaken an already impaired liver.

•Gelatin is the only common ingredient in endometriosis-related pharmaceuticals. While it is purported to be an "inactive ingredient", many sufferers have noticed that eating foods high in gelatin during the menstrual cycle is beneficial. Endometriosis sufferers finally have a bona fide health reason to eat gummy bears.

•Cannabis ("marijuana") is often recommended by doctors in U.S. states that allow medical marijuana use. In addition to helping with the pain, it also seems to reduce the inflammation issues. Some sufferers proclaim that marijuana is more effective in helping with endometriosis than the expensive prescription pain medications. Cannabis does not harm the kidneys, is not addictive, and it helps to suppress the nausea that often accompanies the pain.

Castor Oil Transdermal Packs

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, when the first symptoms of cramping become noticeable, a castor oil transdermal pack can dramatically reduce the severity of symptoms throughout the cycle. 

This is the basic procedure:

1.A wash cloth should be soaked in pure, cold-pressed castor oil that is obtained from a health food store.

2.The wash cloth should be placed on bare skin on the lower stomach.

3.Put a piece of plastic on top of the cloth, such as a plastic grocery bag.

4.Place a hot water bottle on top of that. The water should be made as hot as possible, so long as the patient can tolerate it.

5.Leave this in place for at least 30 minutes.

The above procedure can also be done repeatedly during the cycle to provide relief. However one treatment is usually enough to provide massive relief. Women should use only dioxin-free, unchlorinated feminine products, especially tampons. Consuming Brazil nuts is ideal, because they contain folate, selenium, and magnesium, which have all been shown to reduce menstrual cramps.
Reference:

 http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/570-curing-endometriosis-through-natural-methods.html

http://truefitnessbootcamp.com/Nutrition_Challenge.html
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