Cancer Research - How is Cancer Being Researched?

Getting cancer is one of the scariest things a person can have and it doesn't only affect the person diagnosed but also the people around that person as well. Cancer is an incredibly deadly disease with several different types. It's hard to find someone in the current world today who hasn't known someone who has or has had cancer. Because of this, millions of dollars are spent each year on cancer research to learn more about this deadly disease and to identify new effective treatments and cures for it.

The basis of such research is to identify the types of cancer, diagnose cancer in patients, and to find ways to prevent, treat and cure the disease. There are various ways that cancer is researched. These ways include epidemiology and molecular bioscience, which is then used in clinical trials to compare and evaluate the different treatments.

The different types of treatments that are being researched are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gene therapy, finding vaccines, targeted therapy and ways to boost the immune system. Anti-cancer vaccination research is done deals with exposing extracted tumors cells to UV light for a 24-hour period and then injecting them back into the organism. This approach has already been successful on rats.

However, researches of this deadly disease has had its share of issues and is still battling some of them. The main issue it faces is funding. Most of the funding comes from donations, so people and different organizations have to go out and get funding from the public. Stem cell research has also stirred up a lot of controversy pretty much halting any current testing in this field. Another controversial topic with cancer research is the clinical trials and the use of animals and human beings.

As stated earlier, funding is one of the most important parts of keeping such researches alive. There are many organizations out there that are doing their part to raise money for research. Some of these organizations include; The American Cancer Society, Institute of Cancer Research, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, United Devices Cancer Research Project, Friends of Cancer Research and the Walker Cancer Research Institute. This is just a short list of some of the organizations, but rest assured that there are a lot more out there.

Cancer - What is the Purposes of a Tumor?

The exact cause of prostate cancer has not yet been determined, but some studies have shown that there are certain factors that may play a role in the development of this disease. Though these possible contributing factors have not been determined to be conclusive, there is enough evidence to suggest that paying attention to these possible risk factors can help with early detection of prostate cancer, and possibly even prevention.

• Prostate Cancer Screening: Regular screening for prostate cancer is important for early detection, especially after the age of 45.

• Diet: A man's diet appears to play a significant role in reducing their risk for prostate cancer. To reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer it is best to reduce the amount of animal fat and dairy products in your diet, while at the same time increasing the amount of vegetables, fruits, and high fiber, as well as adding more whole grain foods in your diet. Avoid salt and sugar.

• Get Some Sun: The vitamin D that your body absorbs through the sun is believed to help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

• Regular Exercise: Getting enough exercise may also help to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Physical activity releases a hormone that is thought to inhibit the development of this type of cancer.

• Sexual Activity: Some studies suggest that those who are sexually active on a regular basis have less of a risk of developing prostate cancer than those men who are not sexually active. The reasoning behind this is that regular ejaculation helps to flush away toxins and prevent their build-up in the prostate.

• Antioxidants: A possibly important factor in helping to prevent prostate cancer is having enough antioxidants in your diet, such as those found in green tea.

Though none of these preventative measures are a guarantee against prostate cancer, the evidence is very suggestive that they can help prevent this disease. In addition to those preventative measures mentioned above, there are also some less conventional methods that are being used, which may possibly help prevent prostate cancer, such as message therapy, acupuncture, etc. Keep in mind that no matter what preventative measures you take against prostate cancer, to be safe you should be screened on a regular basis.

Breast Cancer: 7 Factors That Can Increase Your Risk

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects around 44,500 people each year. It can effect both men and women with approximately 300 men being diagnosed with the condition annually. The cancer develops when the cells in the breast become malignant and start to multiply uncontrollably. Over time this can lead to the formation of a lump in the breast. No one is sure exactly what causes this type of cancer but there are a number of strong risk factors. In this article I will be discussing seven of these.

1) GENDER:- Being female is the main risk factor for this type of cancer with it occurring in less than 1% of males. The reason for this is that women have more breast cells than men and these cells are constantly exposed to estrogen and progesterone. These female hormones both promote growth and are believed to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

2) GETTING OLDER:- Unfortunately breast cancer becomes more common as you get older. Up to age 39 women's risk of developing this type of cancer is about 0.5%. However, this increases to 7% for women over the age of 60. The reason that age is such a major risk factor is that is that the longer you live the greater the chances of your cells becoming damaged and turning cancerous.

3) DRINKING ALCOHOL:- Studies suggest that the more you drink the greater your risk of developing this type of cancer is. Although drinking alcohol does not increase your breast cancer risk significantly, the amount of alcohol you consume directly influences your risk. Therefore, moderate drinkers are less likely to develop this type of cancer than heavy drinkers.

4) OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH CANCER:- Your family history can determine how likely you are to develop this disease. If other people in your family have previously contracted cancer then this makes you more likely. On top of this there are two specific hereditary genes associated with breast cancer; BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have one of these genes your risk is also increased.

5) NOT HAVING CHILDREN:- Not having any children or giving birth later in life (after the age of 30) marginally increases your breast cancer risk. Contrastingly, having children in your twenties or having multiple children reduces your risk.

6) MENSTRUAL PERIODS:- Menstruating is believed to increase a women's breast cancer risk in the long term. Therefore, women who started their periods early or enter the menopause (a time when the female reproductive system shuts down completely) late do have a greater chance of developing this type of cancer. This is thought to be linked to the increased levels of estrogen stimulating cancer cells whilst a woman's reproductive system is active.

7) PERSONAL HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER:- If you have previously had this type of cancer then you have are at a greater risk than someone who has never had the disease. On top of this if you have previously contracted this condition in one breast your chances of it developing in the other breast are increased.

Many of the risk factors discussed in this article are beyond your control. However, by being aware of them you can work out your own personal risk. From here you can then see your doctor and discuss any possible treatments and preventative action. I hope this article clears up any confusion and helps you determine whether you are at risk.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Green Tea Can Prevent Cancer

The value of green tea has gone beyond the scientific and medical wisdom. Over the recent past, this tea has gained immense popularity. It has been hyped and given credited for its immense value and health benefits. Association of this herbal tea with health has also become quite vital in educating the society more of their health needs. The tea has been given credited for its ability to help the body ward of cancer.

Doctors have made it clear that, it's true this type of tea helps the body keep cancer at bay. Most health experts involved in this research have noted that green tea works through various channels of our body systems. The compounds in green tea act through different our body pathways nourishing us with medicinal benefits and supplements. How this tea keeps cancer at bay is very interesting yet vital to our health and dietary needs.

Green teas ability to fight cancer is very potent making it a very coveted herbal product. Compounds which include anti-oxidants in green tea contribute highly in proffering our bodies' good health as well as fighting cancer. The compounds found in green tea actively block molecules which contribute to growth and manifestation of cancer in our bodies. These chemicals shut this key molecule which facilitates growth of cancer cells. The aryl hydrocarbon is responsible to the complex nature of cancer by activating some body genes.

Two compounds found in green tea stop the aryl hydrocarbon by shutting down the AH. These chemicals are also found in broccoli, red wine, cabbage and grapes. The research on the benefits of this type of tea has established that, aryl hydrocarbon is a cancer causing hydrocarbon which is associated with cigarette smoking and other harmful health habits. As such, drinking the tea has been unanimously recommended as a very healthy habit which everyone should undertake.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anamika_Gupta