- Health A to Z
Healthline Premium Tools
Advertisement
Marketplace
 |
Pregnancy is the condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body. The union of an egg (ovum) with sperm is called fertilization, or conception, and it is this union that produces the embryo. Pregnancy includes the period from concepti...
|
|
Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas
|
|
A great deal of public health resources is spent on pregnancy. It is clear that prenatal and neonatal health play a large role in determining the health of a population, and in fact, pregnancy outcomes are often used as an indicator of a nation's ...
|
|
Detailed information on planning a pregnancy, including reducing the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications
|
|
Detailed information on what to do before (and during) your next pregnancy to reduce the chance for birth defects
|
|
Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy If you are planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.
|
|
For most women, this is called the "golden trimester." You're starting to show. And you're starting to glow.
|
|
More doctors now suggest a pre-conception checkup and pre-conception counseling before getting serious about having a baby. Many problems that can affect a pregnancy can be avoided if addressed and dealt with before becoming pregnant.
|
 |
Nutrition during the preconception period, as well as throughout a pregnancy, has a major impact on pregnancy outcome. Among prepregnancy considerations, the prepregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), folic acid status, and socioeconomic status are the m...
|
|
Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
|
|
Detailed information on caring for the mother physically and emotionally following childbirth, including information on postpartum depression
|
|
Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy If you are planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy.
|
|
A friend of mine is six months pregnant and says her baby moves all the time. I am also pregnant (five months) and rarely feel the baby -- maybe every other day. Is it abnormal to not feel the baby moving very often? I get regular check-ups and the baby is fine. At what stage does it become a concern when I don't feel the baby throughout the day?
|
|
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Only you can decide whether you're ready to quit.
|
|
As your body changes during pregnancy, your back must work in new ways. This can be painful if your back isn't prepared.
|
|
Learning the proper ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you're having trouble protecting your back, it's okay to ask the people around you for help!
|
|
Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.
|
|
Detailed information and examples of non-teratogenic agents A non-teratogenic agent is one which does not cause birth defects.
|
|
Detailed information on post-term pregnancy, including causes, diagnosis, and management
|
|
Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy When pregnant, a woman should always check with her physician before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. All medications affect the fetus differently, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and the drug tolerance of the mother-to-be.
|
|
Detailed information on preparing the family for the arrival of a newborn Preparing for your new baby includes helping other family members adjust. A new baby brings new sounds, new schedules, and new ways of coping for everyone. Most families soon find ways to adjust to the changes that take place. But it is helpful to prepare some family members for what is ahead.
|
|
Detailed information on blood types in pregnancy Every person has a blood type, (O, A, B, or AB) and an Rh factor, either positive or negative. The blood type and the Rh factor simply mean that a person's blood has certain specific characteristics. The blood type is found as proteins on red blood cells and in body fluids. The Rh factor is a protein that is found on the covering of the red blood cells. If the Rh factor protein is present on the cells, the person is Rh positive. If there is no Rh factor protein, the person is Rh negative.
|
|
Following these guidelines can help keep you and your developing child healthy in the months to come.
|
|
No one can say for sure that a medication is safe to use while you're pregnant. But, avoiding medicines may not be a good idea, either. It may be wiser to treat an illness than ignore it.
|
|
Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy When pregnant, a woman should always check with her physician before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication. All medications affect the fetus differently, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and the drug tolerance of the mother-to-be.
|
|
My partner and I are now trying to become pregnant. I am a young African-American woman and have heard that the chemicals from hair relaxers or straighteners may be harmful to a healthy pregnancy. Is there any truth to this?
|
|
After week 16, sleep and rest on your side instead of your back. Try different positions.
|
|
During the early stages of pregnancy, can you drink coffee? My partner works nights and drinks a lot of coffee. Are there other, safer alternatives to the caffeine from coffee?
|
|
I am in my second trimester and find it very difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. I am most comfortable on my stomach. How harmful is it to sleep on your stomach in your second trimester?
|
|
Does fibromyalgia pain increase when a woman is pregnant?
Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.
|
|
Exercise can help you keep your blood sugar within a normal range. That's because your body uses more blood sugar when you exercise.
|
|
Detailed information on traveling while pregnancy or breastfeeding Although traveling during pregnancy is normal and occurs rather frequently, it is important for pregnant women to consider potential problems that could arise when considering international travel. Pregnant women should also weigh the availability of quality medical care in the countries they are visiting, before traveling abroad. Preconceptual immunizations are preferred over vaccination during pregnancy.
|
|
Planning to have a baby? There are steps you can take before you ever become pregnant to help ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy outcome for you and your infant.
|
|
If you're pregnant, it's just as important for you to stay away from lead as it is to protect your children from it.
|
|
The healthy choices you make before and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on you and your unborn child. Experts say one of the most important things a woman or couple can do is to plan for pregnancies.
|
|
At least 90 days before starting to try to conceive, both men and women should take steps to improve their diet and exercise routines, as well as fine-tune any medications they may be taking.
|
|
Some pregnancy changes are caused by hormones. Others are caused by the pressure and weigh of your growing baby.
|
|
A physical exam and lab tests will show if there are any special concerns. Your health care provider can then plan the care that will help prevent problems later.
|
|
Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during influenza season should be immunized.
|
|
You may see signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Be patient. Within a few more weeks, your baby will be born.
|
|
From conception until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day.
|
|
The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.
|
|
From conception (fertilization) until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day. To help you understand what is happening, we've outlined how pregnancy begins and some of the changes you may notice.
|
|
Your health can affect your baby's growth. Here are some ways to stay healthy.It's important to develop healthy eating habits while you are pregnant, for you as well as for your baby. Here are some ways to stay healthy.
|
|
Antidepressants, once considered safe during pregnancy, may cause birth defects. Women are warned of the effects and given alternatives.
|
|
Can I continue to take my asthma medication if I am pregnant?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
|
|
Is there a recommended period of time to wait before getting pregnant again after a C-section birth? If so, what are the risks associated with becoming pregnant again too soon?
|
|
During pregnancy, what can be done to remove abnormal cervical cells?
|
|
I am 23 weeks pregnant and I was just diagnosed with genital warts. Will this affect my baby during delivery?
|
|
My first pregnancy ended at eight weeks in a miscarriage. When I get pregnant again, should I try to see my doctor early in the pregnancy as a precaution? Is there anything else I might do to prevent a miscarriage again?
|
|
Is it safe to swim in a chlorinated pool during pregnancy?
Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.
|
|
If birth defects can result when a pregnant women takes ACE inhibitors, what can happen to the fetus if the father takes ACE inhibitors?
|
|
I am a little over six months pregnant and already lactating. Is this normal?
|
|
What medication can be taken when a yeast infection develops in the last month of pregnancy?
|
|
I am 24 years old and pregnant with my second child. During my first pregnancy I developed toxemia during my last trimester. During labor I was put on oxygen and magnesium. What are my chances of having this reoccur with my second pregnancy?
|
|
Detailed information on hypothyroidism and pregnancy, including symptoms and treatment and thyroid function screening
|
|
Detailed information for the pregnant mother, including information on hormones during pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, work and pregnancy, sex during pregnancy, and sleeping positions during
|
|
Detailed information on sex during pregnancy In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your physician's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery.
|
 |
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site...
|
|
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.
|
|
The term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases in which cells grow and spread unrestrained throughout the body. It is difficult to imagine anyone who has not heard about this disease. Most people have been affected because either a loved one, a friend, or even they themselves are cancer survivors.
|
|
Cancer is the end product of a multistep process (carcinogenesis) that occurs over many years. The term "cancer" actually refers to numerous distinct diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation. Cancers are categorized by th...
|
|
What if you had cancer and were not offered a new treatment because of your age? Studies show that some older cancer patients are not treated as aggressively as younger patients, or sometimes not offered certain treatments at all. For various reasons, there is a lack of older people enrolled in cancer clinical trials, so it is hard to know if cutting-edge treatments would benefit or harm them. Some researchers believe this is because of ageism, or age discrimination.
|
|
With one out of every two or three people at risk for cancer, as suggested by the American Cancer Society, perhaps it comes as no surprise that the topic of cancer and stress are tightly linked. Long ago, man used the fight-or-flight response to survive natural threats, such as man-eating tigers. Today, the stress response has become a complicated dynamic, linking mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Ironically, what was originally designed to help us survive threats now can put us at risk for health problems and disease. But it doesn't have to be this way. Stress can also motivate you to seek help, resolve issues, practice forgiveness, and come to a sense of inner peace. The most effective stress management program, regardless of the circumstances, is based on the idea of balance. Many things can knock us off center, but it only takes the recognition of being off balance and the desire to return to balance that moves us toward equilibrium. First, let's look at some aspects of cancer associated with stress and then focus on ways to cope with stress, finding peace mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
|
|
A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer is a family of diseases in which cells replicate at an extremely rapid pace. A cancerous, or malignant, tumor begins its growth at a primary site, damaging surrounding tissue ...
|
|
INCLUSION CRITERIA A preliminary list of cancers and related topics was compiled from a wide variety of sources, including professional medical guides and textbooks, as well as consumer guides and encyclopedias. The advisory board, made up of medi...
|
|
Whether you're facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you're getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition.
|
|
What kind of cancer do I have? Is it invasive? What lab tests were completed, and what did they show?
|
|
No matter what your age or lifestyle, the choices you make today and in the future can improve your chances of living a healthy and cancer-free life.
|
|
Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer When symptoms suggest cancer, your physician may request/perform any of the following procedures to help positively diagnose it:
|
 |
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled,...
|
|
Key Points Some cancers depend on naturally occurring sex hormones for their development and growth. Researchers are interested in learning whether the hormones in oral contraceptives affect cancer risk in women (see Question 1).
|
|
Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials
|
|
Detailed information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in a child Learning that your child has cancer usually gives parents a feeling of their world being turned upside down. Everything in their life may suddenly feel out of control. This is because you did not choose for your child to have cancer. Your initial thoughts may be "How could this have happened to my child?" and "How will we get through this?"
|
|
A 4-foot northern pike stars in one of actor Rob Lowe's favorite tales about his father.
|
|
Statistics are often used in news reports or in talking about someone's risk for getting cancer or whether a treatment will work. These statistics can be confusing or misleading if you do not understand how they are used. Statistics are collected and analyzed to help people better understand what is being observed. There are many examples of how statistics are used in our daily life—average temperature, median house price, etc. In addition, statistics are used to understand the probability or chance of something happening—of winning the lottery or being struck by lightning. Statistics help people make a ‘best guess' of any one situation but they cannot guarantee that something will or won't happen.
|
|
Unfortunately, man must suffer disease. Some diseases are totally reversible and can be effectively treated. Moreover, some diseases with proper treatment have been virtually annihilated, such as polio, rheumatic fever, smallpox, and, to some exte...
|
|
The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is the most authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. Established in 1973, SEER originally provided ca...
|
 |
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of tissue cells in the body and the invasion by these cells into nearby tissue and migration to distant sites.
|
|
Cyclist Lance Armstrong is proof that you can not only survive cancer, but that you can actually resume a normal livelihood, one of his doctors says.
|
|
Detailed information on diagnosing cancer in children Unfortunately, there is no single test that can accurately diagnose cancer. A large number of tests are necessary to determine whether a person has cancer, or if another condition (such as an infection) is mimicking the symptoms of cancer. Sometimes, it is necessary to repeat testing if the child's condition changes, if a sample collected was not of good quality, or an abnormal test result needs to be confirmed. The correct diagnosis is necessary in order to determine treatment. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for cancer may include one, or more of, the following:
|
|
By Jim Rice As a rectal cancer survivor, I have had several caregivers. An enterostomal therapy nurse took care of me at the hospital after my colostomy surgery; home health care nurses came to my house for several weeks after the surgery; and my wife Gwyn has provided emotional support and physical caring throughout my cancer experience. For the first few months after my surgery, I felt as helpless as a baby because I could not attend to the basic personal duties that are necessary on a daily basis. I was totally exposed in the truest of senses. Having knowledgeable and caring caregivers allowed me to grow from cancer patient to cancer survivor.
|
 |
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled,...
|
|
Life as a cancer survivor can be as rich and rewarding as you decide to make it. In fact, increased awareness of mortality is all some people need to feel more alive than ever.
|
|
Cancer survivors know how important a job can be to their psychological and financial well being. Here are tips to improve the ability to continue working, as well as some ways to handle workplace discrimination during treatment.
|
|
A Swedish study, over 29 years, finds 33 percent more cases of cancer among obese people than in the general population.
|
|
What sexual impact should I expect from my cancer or its treatment?
|
|
This year more than 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large number of those cases, the cancer will be advanced. That means they'll be harder to treat. That also means they'll be more likely to be fatal. The earlier colorectal cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. And that makes a cure more likely. You can even prevent the disease if polyps in the colon and rectum are found and removed before they become cancerous.
|
|
Nutrition plays a significant role in the treatment of cancer. In fact, you can improve your overall outcome by eating well. Patients who eat well during cancer treatment maintain their strength better, are more active, and are better able to decrease their chances of infection. Cancer and its treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery, may depress appetite and interfere with how food is digested, absorbed, and used in the body. Adequate nutrients and calories are needed for the body to heal and fight infection.
|
|
August is a popular time of year for vacations. It's summer, the kids are out of school, and the mountains and beaches are beckoning. As someone with cancer, have you ever thought about taking a vacation from cancer? If you're currently undergoing treatment, is it possible?
|
|
Most cancers are easier to treat when they are found in their earlier stages. Doctors find cancers when they are small and normally undetectable by using screening tests such as mammography, blood tests, CT scans, and other tests. Often, doctors recommend screening tests when a person shows no sign of cancer because the tests can detect cancer before symptoms develop.
|
|
Cancer will change your life and the lives of people around you. Your routines may be messed up.
|
 |
Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost one hundred diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to di...
|
|
Although some complementary and alternative methods have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not.
|
|
When cancer strikes, you may start thinking about health insurance in a new light. Chances are, you will use your health insurance more than ever before. You also may have more problems with insurance than ever before. Don't be alarmed or discouraged, but do be vigilant.
|
|
Doctors use tests like mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans to help them screen for, diagnose, treat, and monitor cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may have had one or more of these tests. You may have wondered why you had specific tests and not others or what exactly the doctor was looking for.
|
|
Q: What is cancer? A: Cancer is what happens when a group of cells grows uncontrollably and in an abnormal and disorderly way. It is really a result of what happens when, for reasons that are only partly understood, the normal growth-control mechanisms fail. Cancer cells have two properties that make them dangerous: they can invade into neighboring tissues; and they can spread to distant areas of the body, forming secondary tumors or metastases.
|
|
During the last two decades, the percentage of overweight and obese adults and children has been steadily increasing (see Question 2).
|
|
Some studies have raised questions about a possible relationship between vasectomy (an operation to cut or tie off the two tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles) and the risk of developing cancer, particularly prostate and testicular cancer. Such a relationship, if proven, would be of importance because about 1 in 6 men over age 35 in the United States has had a vasectomy.
|
|
Discusses the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer prevention and cites numerous studies on the protective value of NSAIDs and coxibs to a variety of cancers.
|
|
The ins and outs of screening for testicular and prostate cancers, including an in-depth discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the leading prostate cancer test, the prostate specific antigen test.
|
|
Many studies link exercise with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. The biggest reductions were for colon and breast cancer, but its effect on other cancers is so far inconclusive.
|
|
Research has found that statin drugs may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laborotory experiments, but much more research is necessary before any definite benefits can be determined.
|
|
Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery
|
|
Detailed information on surgery for prostate cancer, including the different types and potential side effects
|
|
Detailed information on treating cancer in children The group of healthcare professionals who work together to find, treat, and care for people with cancer is called the "cancer care team." The cancer care team may include any or all of the following healthcare providers, in addition to others:
|
|
Detailed information on the causes of cancer in children There is no one single cause for cancer. Scientists believe that it is the interaction of many factors together that produces cancer. The factors involved may be genetic, environmental, or constitutional characteristics of the individual.
|
|
When Geri Malter was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal liposarcoma (a rare kind of tumor in the fatty tissues of the abdomen) in 1983, her first thought was, "I need to talk to someone else with this kind of cancer." Unfortunately, it was eight years before Malter met another liposarcoma patient.
|
 |
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body and the ability of these malignant cells to spread (metastasize) to distant sites within the body. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death. Cancer is not just ...
|
|
If you have cancer, eating the right kinds of foods can help you feel better and stay stronger. This means foods and beverages that contain vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat and water.
|
|
If you are a parent who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, there are few concerns that seem as important or basic as how to help your children cope with all the stress and changes facing your family. Children are very sensitive to changes in their parents' moods and behavior and may even sense that something is wrong before you even begin talking with them. Talking about cancer and the emotions that arise is not a one-time discussion, but rather a series of talks that will continue through your treatment. There is no way to change the fact that cancer is a serious illness that affects the entire family. In general, talking with your children in a calm, hopeful way, and being able to answer their questions, will help them to accept and meet the numerous challenges that arise. Recognizing and voicing feelings among family members can be the basis of finding strength and resilience for the entire family. The following questions and answers may help you anticipate and respond more easily to changes in your family rhythms and routines as a result of a parent's illness.
|
|
Cancer is a major illness, but not everyone who gets cancer will die from it. Close to 9 million Americans alive today have a history of cancer. For them, cancer has become a chronic (on-going) health problem, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
|
|
When cancer develops, many people need to learn to ask for and accept outside help for the first time. These are good ways to begin:
|
|
Cancer treatment can extend over weeks or months; side effects may come and go.
|
|
If you are an adult who is getting on with your life after a diagnosis for cancer, this guide is for you. Whether your treatment took place in childhood, 5 years ago, or last week, you may share common concerns with other cancer survivors. The purpose of this guide is to present a concise overview of some of the most important survivor issues and practical ideas to help you look ahead. If you are just finishing cancer treatment, the information may prepare you for situations you have not yet experienced. As you read about handling possible problems, keep in mind that not everyone will have all these concerns. If you are a long term cancer survivor, many of these issues will not be new to you. But some of the ideas and resources may add to your own experience.
|
|
After you have been treated for cancer, you will have two ongoing health needs. First, you'll want to take the health steps that doctors suggest for anyone your age. Second, you'll have special needs for caring for your body based on your type of cancer, treatment, and current state of health.
|
|
Cancer clusters may be suspected when people report that several family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers have been diagnosed with the same or related cancer(s) (see Defining Disease Clusters section).
|
|
You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.
|
|
Key Points Follow-up cancer care involves regular medical checkups that include a review of a patient's medical history and a physical exam (see Question 1).
|
|
A guide to the tests available for screening colon, lung, and skin cancers, and how to determine whether they're right for you.
|
|
Shark cartilage, green tea extract, phytomelatonin — these may sound like strange remedies for cancer, but they are actually the subjects of major clinical trials in progress. The supplements are being tested as treatments for cancer or as adjuvant therapy. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds the studies, which are being conducted at cancer centers across the country.
|
 |
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop some form of can...
|
|
Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.
|
|
The words cure and heal are often used interchangeably. The fact is, however, that curing your cancer and healing your cancer are two very different things. References to this distinction are found throughout the best of medical literature. Put simply, healing is fundamentally your responsibility and choice, while curing is the domain of the physician or health professional. The physician may support or diminish the healing process, but ultimately, healing comes from within yourself.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
By: Debra Sickles My name is Debra and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I underwent a radical hysterectomy at the age of 37. My purpose for writing this story is to reach out to all women around the globe so that they will have a better understanding of meeting with their OBGYN on a yearly basis, as I do not feel there is enough emphasis placed on this disease.
|
|
"I wrote the following twhile undergoing radiation for prostate cancer." --Cal Begun
|
|
All anticancer drugs target tumors in some way. Most conventional treatments, however, attack healthy cells as well as cancer cells. As a result, there can be serious side effects from the treatment. A new approach to cancer treatment may help reduce side effects. The new treatment is called molecularly targeted therapy. It takes a more direct aim at cancer cells. And that means less damage to healthy cells.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
By Barbara Bartlein, R.N., M.S.W I wish I could tell you that the whole thing happened because I'm caring and unselfish, but that wouldn't be true. It was 1979, and I had just moved back to Wisconsin from Colorado because I missed my family and Denver wages were terrible. I took a job at a hospice in Milwaukee and found my niche working with the patients and families. As the season changed into fall, the schedule for the holidays was posted:
|
|
Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.
|
|
Some friends will deal well with your illness and provide gratifying support. Some will be unable to cope with the possibility of death and will disappear from your life.
|
|
Each person must work through, in his or her own way, feelings of possible death, fear, and isolation. Returning to normal routines as much as possible often helps.
|
|
Cancer is not something anyone forgets. Anxieties remain as active treatment ceases and the waiting stage begins. A cold or a cramp may be cause for panic. As 6-month or annual checkups approach, you swing between hope and anxiety. As you wait for the mystical 5-year or 10-year point, you might feel more anxious rather than more secure.
|
|
Cancer can be unutterably lonely. No one should try to bear it alone. Patient, family, and friends usually learn the diagnosis sooner or later. Most people find it easier for all if everybody can share their feelings instead of hiding them. This frees people to offer each other support.
|
|
Some in the family are able to absorb the impact of diagnosis sooner than others. This can create clashing needs as some wish to talk and some need to be private and introspective.
|
|
Many cancer survivors wonder whether having a cancer history will make a difference in their job prospects. Common questions include: Will I be able to return to work? Take time off for more treatment if I need it? Work as hard as I once did? Advance in my career?
|
|
What kinds of feelings are "normal"? There is no "right" way to feel; the important thing is to handle your emotions in a way that works for you. Many survivors find that the key for them is talking their feelings out--with family and friends, health professionals, other patients, and counselors such as clergy and psychotherapists.
|
|
If you are like most cancer survivors, the costs of initial treatment and continuing care are a major concern. What happens to insurance coverage and costs after you've had treatment for cancer?
|
|
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a virus that infects several species of monkeys and typically does not cause symptoms or disease in them.
|
|
Regular exercise may prevent a recurrence of breast or colorectal cancer, or may decrease the risk of dying from the disease. But the reasons for the benefits are unclear.
|
|
Can cancer be transferred from mother to child in the womb?
Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.
|
|
More people are surviving cancer than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 9 million Americans have a history of cancer, many of whom are survivors of childhood cancers. Over half of the people diagnosed with cancer are alive five years later, many of them cured. By 2010, it is estimated that one in every 250 adults will be an adult survivor of a childhood cancer. As more and more people survive longer, we are seeing new problems develop from the cancer or its treatment. These problems are called late effects.
|
 |
A continuous process in which multiple alterations occur in genes that control cell division and differentiation that leads to cancer—the uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. These genetic alterations are referred to as mutations, whi...
|
|
Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is important for your functioning and well-being. Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to a lack of sleep.
|
|
Change in taste can be a change in the sensation of sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. A change in the way foods taste may cause a dislike for foods, which may lead to lack of appetite or weight loss. The taste buds are affected by the cancer or its treatment.
|
|
Constipation means being unable to move your bowels, having to push harder to move your bowels, or moving them less often than usual. Bowel movements will be small, dry, and hard. Constipation happens when you get less exercise, or when you eat and drink less than usual. Some medicines cause constipation. Constipation can cause pain and discomfort. Keeping your bowel routine regular and your bowel movements easy to pass is important. Your bowels should move every day with little or no strain. You are at risk for constipation if you have a:
|
|
As someone with cancer or a caregiver for someone with cancer, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about payments and insurance. Unfortunately, some insurance companies may reject claims for certain health services. You do have the option to appeal, however. You can use this letter as a model for an efficient, effective appeal letter. You may also need to enlist the help of a legal professional. Make sure your doctor knows any issues you have with insurance, as he or she may be able to help you.
|
|
Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage a person's skin, hair, and nails. Many of these changes will go away after treatment ends. But such side effects, particularly hair loss, may also damage a person's spirits. Boston-based makeup artist and esthetician David Nicholas offered some of his beauty tips and the insight he has gained after working with cancer patients for more than 20 years.
|
|
Whether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend of a cancer patient, it is important that you never stop expressing your love. Showing how much you care is not only important on holidays and special occasions; it should be done every day of the year. You don't have to spend a lot of money, effort, or time showing someone you love him or her, either. Here are a few simple and special ways to show a cancer patient that you care:
|
|
A "60 Minutes" episode reported on the controversial topic of "compassionate drug use." Some people with late-stage cancer are hopeful about this practice, which allows them to receive new but unapproved drugs after traditional treatments have failed. Could one of these drugs be their miracle pill? What is "compassionate drug use," who can receive it, and how effective is it?
|
|
A diagnosis of cancer followed by intense treatments is a big hurdle for a cancer patient to face. Another, perhaps more unexpected hurdle is dealing with body changes. Hair loss, weight gain or loss, or even severe disfigurements can result from cancer and its treatments, leaving some people with life-long physical and emotional scars. There are ways cancer survivors can cope, but it is not just about putting on a wig or finding the right shade of makeup to cover a scar. It must also come from within.
|
|
The following poems were taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
|
|
By Catherine Andrews, NIEHS Contractor, The Sister Study Would I remember the stories told about him as well as if I was there myself?
|
|
By Cathy Lannae Remission is a strange word. I never use it. Bad omen, I think. I don't truly believe that there is remission in cancer, just waiting. Waiting for whatever comes next. Could be a long time or a short time, waiting nonetheless. Webster's defines remission, as, number one: reduction of a prison sentence based on good behavior. That fits, I think. Then, number two: remitting of a debt or penalty. That sort of fits, too, in a perverse, analytical way. Then there's number three: diminution of or a period of relief from disease or pain. Okay. And then number four: forgiveness--as in sins?? Well, three out of four have a temporary status. That's my point. Just waiting… an intermission, you might say.
|
|
The past century has seen many remarkable advances against cancer, a disease known to mankind for thousands of years. The accomplishments of the last 10 years, such as human gene therapy, biotechnology products like monoclonal antibodies, the identification of disease genes, computer-assisted imaging, and the decline in the cancer death rate, all build upon knowledge gained earlier in the century. Throughout the 1900s, medicine and research saw great advances, and cancer research and cancer researchers were full partners in that growth.
|
|
Cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 85.
|
|
Two medications, Metformin and cholesterol-lowering statins, have been shown to have some cancer prevention benefits in recent studies.
|
|
Research shows that statin use is not associated with higher cancer risk.Statin drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are so widely used that even a whiff of suspicion can billow into a cloud of concern. If you go by the results of most trials, there's no reason to worry that taking a statin could increase your cancer risk. In fact, some research has found just the opposite: a protective effect, particularly against colon cancer.
|
|
In an interview, a patient who chose active surveillance combined with lifestyle changes instead of surgery discusses the reasons for his decision, and its effects on his overall health and the progress of the disease.
|
|
Detailed information on cancer, including primary and metastatic cancers, and benign and malignant tumors
|
|
Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping
|
|
Detailed information on cancer and complementary and alternative therapy Alternative therapy (or alternative medication) is a non-conventional approach to healing. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are usually discussed together, but are actually two different therapy approaches:
|
|
Detailed information on cancer in children Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. Cancer cells rapidly reproduce despite restriction of space, nutrients shared by other cells, or signals sent from the body to stop reproduction. Cancer cells are often shaped differently from healthy cells, they do not function properly, and they can spread to many areas of the body. Tumors, abnormal growth of tissue, are clusters of cells that are capable of growing and dividing uncontrollably; their growth is not regulated.
|
|
Loss of appetite is a loss of the desire to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss. Weight loss can cause weakness and fatigue, which affect your ability to perform normal activities. Proper nutrition also helps your body prevent and fight infection. Weight loss or lack of appetite may be due to the cancer or sometimes to treatments for the cancer.
|
|
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction.
|
 |
An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. See also: Immune response
|
|
Detailed information on autoimmune diseases and pregnancy Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the body makes antibodies against one's own normal body chemicals. In these diseases, antibodies cannot tell antigens in the inside of the cell from antigens outside of the cell. When the antibodies attack the internal cells, the reactions can be local - in just a small area, or systemic - throughout the whole body. The skin and connective tissues (cartilage, bone, tendons) are most affected but other tissues can be affected, as well, including nerve and muscle.
|
|
Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction.
|
|
Doctors divide autoimmune diseases in two categories: Those that attack a specific organ and those that target many organs.
|
|
Diseases in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissues, forming antibodies in an assault on mistakenly identified "foreign invaders. " Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system loses its ability to recognize the ...
|
|
Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases including chronic/juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias and atypical CML.
|
|
Oral contraceptives are medicines taken by mouth to help prevent pregnancy . They are also known as the Pill, OCs, or birth control pills.
|
 |
Oral contraceptives are medicines taken by mouth to help prevent pregnancy. They are also known as the pill, OCs, or birth control pills.
|
 |
Contraception is the use of a method, device, or medication to prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation. Another term for contraception is birth control.
|
 |
Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, Various types of contraception. ( Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.) and implantation. There are different kinds o...
|
 |
Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. There are different kinds of birth control that act at different points in the process.
|
 |
Contraception (birth control) is the prevention of conception (pregnancy). In the United States, 60% of boys and 50% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are sexually active, yet only half of these adolescents use contraception the first time th...
|
|
Contraception is the use of any of various methods to prevent pregnancy. Family planning, in contrast, involves the use of contraception or other measures to limit the number of children and plan the timing and spacing of births. Contraception has...
|
|
A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association provides data that suggest that women with a family history of breast cancer who used high-dose birth control pills during/prior to 1975 may have an increased risk to develop breast cancer.
|
|
Detailed information on contraception/birth control, including the different types of birth control
|
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2010 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.