Legionnaires' Disease : Risk Factors

Why don't diabetics' wounds heal normally? Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

Detailed information on diabetes and high blood pressure, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment

Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management

List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Detailed information on diabetes and periodontal disease, including symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention

Statistics relating to diabetes for patients and consumers Diabetes affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US (90 percent to 95 percent have type 2 diabetes) - 14.6 million have been diagnosed, but 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the American Diabetes Association, those affected include:

Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress.

Question: What are the negative effects of smoking?Answer: Smokers have an increased risk of the following:Lung cancerLung diseaseHeart attackHeart diseaseHypertensionStrokeOral cancerBladder cancerPancreatic cancerCervical cancerPregnancy complic...

When you smoke, toxins are carried by your blood to every organ in your body. At the same time, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke keeps red blood cells from carrying as much oxygen as normal.

Adolescent smoking has risen steadily throughout the 1990s, following a sharp decline in the 1970s that leveled off in the 1980s. A 1994 report by the office of the U.S.

Right away, you may cough, wheeze, and have a sore throat—that's the tar clogging up your lungs. You may also have a headache, feel dizzy, and be nauseated—that's the nicotine in your brain. Over time, you risk lung and throat cancer, and lung diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.

Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress.

Smoking during pregnancy reduces oxygen and blood flow to your baby. This may cause bleeding problems that can put your pregnancy at risk.

Hear the facts about smoking from those who have been doing it for a few years. Find a smoker or two. Ask a few questions. See if their answers sound something like these.

Ex-smokers' risk of heart disease may eventually approach that of a lifetime nonsmoker, but their risk of lung cancer is less likely to fade, even after long periods of time.

Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco that is used mostly in three forms: cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress. A smoking habit...

One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes.

Life may seem out of control, but you're really making progress. You're going through withdrawal, which is how your body recovers from smoking.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to keep your heart disease from getting worse. Smoking reduces oxygen flow to your heart, speeds plaque buildup, and increases your risk for heart attack.

When you are trying to quit, the support of friends, coworkers and family members can make a big difference.

Detailed information on respiratory diseases and smoking, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer

Everybody knows smoking is bad for your health. Now here's something you may not know: Smoking is bad for your looks. It's true.

The most common reasons include: "Smoking gives me more energy. I smoke to keep from slowing down. I reach for a cigarette when I need a lift. When I'm tired, smoking perks me up."

Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker. Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker, the American Dental Association (ADA) says.

Detailed information on teens and smoking Diseases caused by smoking kill more than 437,900 people in the United States each year; around 35 percent of these deaths were cardiovascular related. Even with anti-smoking campaigns and medical disclaimers in place, many people continue to smoke or start smoking every year. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of new smokers are children and teenagers, in many cases, replacing the smokers who quit or died prematurely from a smoking-related disease.

Smoking damages your arteries, and it's thought that the damaged arteries in the discs and joints in your back may lead to pain and injury.

For most people, the best way to quit smoking is some combination of medicine, a method to change personal habits and emotional support.

Teens who smoke are more likely to quit if they can be convinced to participate in a cessation program that emphasizes the health risks of smoking, provides motivational encouragement and coping skills, and encourages a healthy overall lifestyle.

Smoking is an important and preventable cause of death and illness. However, as more money has been spent on smoking cessation programs, the incidence of cigarette smoking has risen.

Every day, nearly 6,000 teens and pre-teens try cigarettes for the first time, according to the American Lung Association. A third of these first-timers will end up becoming smokers.

When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. But that's only the first step.

Among other things, keep a personal benefits log. Write down the benefits you experience from being smoke-free (for example, I can smell flowers again!) Write the specific occurrence, the date it first happened, and your reaction.

A smoker's recovery plan includes listing those activities that you have chosen to help reduce the pressures of nicotine withdrawal and staying smoke-free.

The personal motivation list will help you identify the benefits of quitting, for you, for your family, and for your friends.

I know that smoking is very bad for me. I've cut down to one cigarette after lunch and another after dinner each day, with two or three more on most weekend nights when I socialize. I really enjoy smoking, but I want to know if I'm harming myself.

Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body begin to be more vulnerable to daily wear and tear; there is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning. In the Western countries, the length of life...

In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.

The aged" refers to elderly people, those who have reached an advanced age.The concept of aging and the aged has changed, as record numbers of people around the world are living longer, a trend expected to continue throughout the twenty-first cent...

Through the daily grapevine of popular culture, we get the message over and over that young is better than old. But new research contradicts these age-old stereotypes. Indeed, studies suggest that the older you get, the happier you become.

Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body become more vulnerable to daily wear and tear. There is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning.

You can't turn back the clock, but you can slow down the aging processes often associated with getting older.

This term is used by demographers when referring to an increase over time in the proportion of older persons in the population. It does not necessarily imply an increase in life expectancy, that"people are living longer that they used to," or that...

Consider this fact: More than half the people who ever lived to be 65 are alive today. That alone suggests that myths about aging based on past generations may not hold true for this one. Let's look at 10 of those myths, and see what experts have to say about them.

Art, music, and other challenging activities may play a role in keeping the mind alert, even for those affected by dementia.

Discusses what we can do, if anything, to put ourselves in the category of those who live to advanced ages.

Not only do baby boomers expect to live into their 80s or 90s, but they are expecting to be independent, one expert says.

Beyond giving you energy to conquer a multitasking day, your diet can help slow the tick-tock of the biological clock that governs the aging process.

This report helps you avoid common health woes, such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and sight and hearing disorders.

No need to search for a secret formula to erase the effects of getting older. You already have the power to keep yourself feeling young for years.

This report can help you preserve your independence and remain in your home in your later years. Includes information on financial and legal planning, finding and working with a caregiver, and useful home modifications.

A practical guide to the causes of memory loss and the steps you can take to improve your ability to learn and remember for a lifetime.

This report takes a view of the whole woman and helps her choose the most practical strategies for making her midlife transition.

New research indicates that-while not exactly a fountain of youth-exercise can reverse some of the physiological signs of aging and reduce overall disease and mortality.

Learn how to put together a caregiving plan, draw on useful services, and address legal, medical, and financial planning issues. Also, find advice on involving family members, handling daily tasks, and maintaining your well being.

Aimed at older adults, this report provides practical advice on how to avoid common and often deadly accidents at home.

This report describes causes and treatments for the most common age-related skin problems. It also reviews the newest and most effective cosmetic treatments, including anti-aging creams, laser procedures, Botox injections, and surgeries.

This report details how physical changes that occur as you age can affect your sexuality.It includes information on the therapies and medications that can help you overcome sexual problems.

Like the rest of your body, your eyes naturally change throughout your life. These changes occur gradually and become apparent in later years, as the structures in and around your eyes become less efficient. For most people, the first sign is presbyopia, deterioration of close-up vision. Luckily, this problem can be treated with reading glasses or bifocals.

While regular physical activity is a cornerstone of wellness at any age, it's during your 30s, 40s and 50s that exercise becomes especially important.

Physical removal of age spots can be costly and painful. Topical treatments take time to work, but are generally safe, cost less than removal procedures, and are easier on the skin.

It's never easy to ponder death, whether you're facing the demise of a loved one or the end of your own life. But taking some time to think and plan ahead for those final hours or days can be a future blessing for your family and others close to you. Most people want a say in all life's important decisions. The same should be true regarding decisions surrounding death, such as what kind of medical treatment you receive. But what if you're unable to make your decisions or wishes known? Say, for example, you are unconscious and can't speak or hear. Unless you have spoken with your loved ones and taken certain legal actions, there may be confusion and stress over what those decisions will be and who can make them for you.

Large amounts of alcohol can result in depression of the various body systems, resulting in coma or death. The immediate physical effects of alcohol depend on the amount and frequency of drinking, while the mental and emotional effects are influen...

This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.

Alcoholism is defined as alcohol seeking and consumption behavior that is harmful. Long-term and uncontrollable harmful consumption can cause alcohol-related disorders that include: antisocial personality disorder, mood disorders(bipolar and major...

It's important to understand how alcohol and drugs can affect your health and well being.

Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teenagers taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger and changes in sleep patterns.

Excessive drinking can cause potentially fatal conditions, not only high blood pressure, but also damage to the brain, heart or liver; diabetes and stroke.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

Effective treatment for alcohol dependency is available, but treatment rates among alcohol abusers are low because of lack of awareness and embarrassment.

Misuse of alcohol can lead to serious consequences. Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in failure to meet work, home or school responsibilities, among other things. Alcoholism is a disease that includes an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Learn more about the effects of abusing alcohol by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by many different germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.This article discusses describes pneumonia that occurs in a person whose ability to fight infection is greatly reduced because their i...

You have either undergone a procedure or been diagnosed with an illness that has made you "immunocompromised.” This means that your immune system is very weak, making it difficult to fight off infection. Certain cancers, cancer treatments, HIV infection, and transplant surgery are examples of things that can make you immunocompromised. You must be very careful—even the slightest infection can carry the risk of hospitalization or death. This sheet gives precautions you can follow to protect yourself from infection. You will need to follow them until your doctor tells you that you can stop. You may need to be careful for the rest of your life.

End-stage kidney disease is the complete, or almost complete failure of the kidneys to function. The kidneys can no longer remove wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes.Renal failure- end stage; Kidney failure- end stage; ESRD.End-st...

Detailed information on end-stage renal disease, including renal failure symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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.Cells are the building blocks of living things.

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.

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 a...

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 medical doctors and onc...

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.

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?

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, ...

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.

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?"

If they are unique and are important for growth of the cancer cell, it makes sense to target them directly. This describes the ambitious mission of gene therapy, whose goal is to supplement a deficient, necessary genetic pool or diminish the numbe...

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 can...

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.Cancer results from alterations(mutations) in genes that make up DNA, ...

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.

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.

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:

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually.

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.

Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.

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.

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.

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 mutation...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Increasing the humidity in your home helps eliminate the dry air that can irritate and inflame the passages in the nose and throat. Humidified air can relieve the discomfort of colds and the flu and can be particularly helpful for people who have ...

Here are some helpful tips for understanding the air in your house and the air-quality appliances that can alter it.