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Learning how to express anger assertively and constructively can improve your personal interaction and your health.
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Women experience symptoms of stress 30 percent more often than men, research has shown.
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Whether you've already gained a few extra pounds or have yet to reach perimenopause, here are strategies to help you maintain a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.
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Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma -- as long as their disease is kept under control.
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As a woman, your body is much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and more easily damaged than a man's body. Because women have less water in their body than men, alcohol doesn't dilute as much and more of it gets absorbed into the blood. That's why women suffer greater physical damage and often become more intoxicated than men when they drink identical amounts of alcohol.
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Older women are less likely to exercise. A supplement containing bitter orange caused chest pain. A healthy heart may help protect mental health as well.
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Two studies evaluate supportive underwear meant to ease pain and speed recovery after bypass surgery.
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A study found that women who had off-pump bypass surgery had much lower rates of heart attack, stroke, or death during the operation or shortly after, more so than for men.
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A brief look at state-by-state rankings in health-related categories, with a link to the government report.
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Research into the long-term effects of hormone therapy found that women who were more physically active were less likely to suffer cognitive decline than those who exercised less often.
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Personality changes in adults are most likely to happen during the earlier adult years, up to around age 40.
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A survey of women who had recently been diagnosed with depression found that at least half of them had opted for an alternative form of treatment, such as massage or yoga, in addition to conventional forms of treatment such as medication and therapy.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about women's loss of interest in sex after menopause.
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Researchers found that women who did not express their feelings during marital arguments were at higher risk of dying prematurely.
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Women with advanced ovarian cancer may benefit from a treatment that sends anticancer drugs directly into the abdomen.
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I'm a healthy 65-year-old woman and just had my first bone density test. How often do I need to have it repeated?
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A new technology called oscillating plate therapy may increase bone muscle mass in humans via barely perceptible vibrations.
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Women with a higher body mass index, even those with a normal BMI who are not in the overweight portion of the scale, face an increased risk of gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).
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This year I've had four urinary tract infections. Each cleared up with antibiotic treatment. Now, my doctor is prescribing a prophylactic antibiotic, Bactrim 400/80, that I'm supposed to take every day. Are there long-term risks in this?
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A correction to the November 2005 Women's Health Watch.Correction Our article about the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study ("New trial to test hormone therapy in younger women,” HWHW, November 2005) should have included Salt Lake City in the list of locations of participating centers (the others are Boston; New Haven; New York; Rochester, Minn.; San Francisco; and Seattle). To learn more about the trial, call 866-878-1221 toll free) or visit www.keepstudy.org on the Web.
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Can a tubal banding be reversed?
Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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How is mammography done after a breast augmentation?
Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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I am currently dating someone with HIV. He and I have never been sexually active, but are considering marriage. My question is in regards to sperm washing to possibly have children. How effective is this procedure? Is it done often, and does it work?
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How long do I have to wait after a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease to have sexual intercourse?
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If a Pap smear result came back with "high risk HPV," what does that mean?
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I'm 51 and in menopause. What degree of protection from ovarian cancer would a prophylactic oophorectomy provide? My mother contracted ovarian cancer at 62, already in stage IIIc, and died one year later. Is there still a risk of developing ovarian cancer?
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Can vaginoplasty assist with bladder incontinence and sexual satisfaction for a 33-year-old woman with three children?
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Chemotherapy is the systemic(whole body) treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs.The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. It can be used as the primary form of treatment or as a supplement to other treatments.
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Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Most commonly, the term is used to refer to cancer-killing drugs.
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Detailed information on chemotherapy and managing chemotherapy side effects in children
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Chemotherapy is treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs.The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. It is usually used to treat patients with cancer that has spread from the place in the body where it started(metastasized).
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Detailed information on chemotherapy for treatment of gynecological cancers Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. Chemotherapy has been used for many years and is one of the most common treatments for cancer. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell's ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used alone for some types of cancer or in combination with other treatments such as radiation or surgery. Often, a combination of chemotherapy drugs is used to fight a specific cancer. Certain chemotherapy drugs may be given in a specific order depending on the type of cancer it is being used to treat.
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You may have questions about how chemotherapy could affect the things you take for granted in everyday life. Here are some answers to common questions, and some of the adjustments you may need to make.
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Caution: Call your doctor if your cuticles become red and painful or show other changes.
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Chemotherapy, sometimes referred to as"chemo," is the treatment of cancer with anticancer drugs.The main purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. It usually is used to treat patients with cancer that has spread from the place in the body w...
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Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with anti- cancer drugs.The purpose of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells. Not only is it often used to treat patients with cancer that has metastasized(spread) from the site in the body where it originate...
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During chemotherapy, the energy provided by a healthy diet can help you rebuild normal cells. It can also help you keep up your strength and fight infection. As a result, you may feel better and be more able to cope with side effects. Ask your doctor about your nutrition needs.
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Most people who are told they need chemotherapy dread the anticipated side effects. However, side effects vary from person to person depending on the person's general health, the type of cancer, and the kind of chemotherapy received. Some people feel no side effects, while others feel many. Certain side effects, such as hair loss, can have more of an emotional impact than a physical one. Others may be permanent, such as infertility. While side effects from chemotherapy can't always be prevented, there are many things that can be done to lessen their impact.
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Although exercise is an important for everyone, it's especially beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy.
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Detailed information on chemotherapy and managing chemotherapy side effects in children
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Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try the tips on this handout.
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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Expert-reviewed information summary about oral complications, such as mucositis and salivary gland dysfunction, that occur in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and neck.
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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Why do I need this treatment? What drugs will I be taking? How often? For how long? What will they do?
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I am undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, and one of the side effects is a white, thick coating on my tongue. Can you suggest a remedy for this?
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Knowing what chemotherapy does, and when and how it is given, may make you feel less anxious about starting treatment. Chemotherapy can be a single medication or a combination of medications. It may be used along with surgery or radiation therapy to shrink a tumor or prevent its spread.
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You may have a short-term IV that is removed after each treatment. Or you may have a central venous catheter. This is a thin tube that is inserted into a large vein with access to your central blood supply. It is left in place as long as needed.
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This is one section from the guide "Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment” from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
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Two studies show that chemotherapy and cancer drugs may have lingering effects on the brain after treatment concludes. Memory and attention are affected, but not permanently.
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Can aspirin and clopidogrel be prescribed together in a patient with coronary disease?
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This article discusses the drug Plavix: what it does; who needs it; and, the risks and benefits.
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Taking aspirin in combination with Plavix could be dangerous for those who do not have existing heart disease, but appears to be beneficial for those who have angina or have already suffered a heart attack.
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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
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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:
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What kind of cancer do I have? Is it invasive? What lab tests were completed, and what did they show?
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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.
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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, ...
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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).
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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?"
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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.
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A 4-foot northern pike stars in one of actor Rob Lowe's favorite tales about his father.
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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
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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...
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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...
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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, ...
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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, ...
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Cancer will change your life and the lives of people around you. Your routines may be messed up.
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What sexual impact should I expect from my cancer or its treatment?
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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.
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A Swedish study, over 29 years, finds 33 percent more cases of cancer among obese people than in the general population.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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Although some complementary and alternative methods have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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During the last two decades, the percentage of overweight and obese adults and children has been steadily increasing (see Question 2).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery
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Detailed information on surgery for prostate cancer, including the different types and potential side effects
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Cancer treatment can extend over weeks or months; side effects may come and go.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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You may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.
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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).
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A guide to the tests available for screening colon, lung, and skin cancers, and how to determine whether they're right for you.
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Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually.
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Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.
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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.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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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.
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"I wrote the following twhile undergoing radiation for prostate cancer." --Cal Begun
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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.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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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:
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Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a virus that infects several species of monkeys and typically does not cause symptoms or disease in them.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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?
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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.
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The following poems were taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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The following Inspirational Story was taken from Silver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.
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By Catherine Andrews, NIEHS Contractor, The Sister Study Would I remember the stories told about him as well as if I was there myself?
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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.
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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.
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Cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 85.
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Two medications, Metformin and cholesterol-lowering statins, have been shown to have some cancer prevention benefits in recent studies.
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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.
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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.
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Detailed information on cancer, including primary and metastatic cancers, and benign and malignant tumors
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Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping
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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:
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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.
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Penicillins are a group of closely related antibiotics that kill bacteria.There are several types of penicillins, each used to treat different kinds of infections, such as skin infections, dental infections, ear infections, respiratory tract infec...
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These three men shared the 1945 Nobel Prize in medicine for their work on penicillin. The antibiotic was initially immensely successful in curing previously fatal infections caused by common bacterial pathogens such as streptococcus, staphylococcu...
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HIV infection is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections.This article provides a general overview.
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While new antiviral treatments have been developed, a vaccine has yet to be found. HIV causes AIDS(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), an unpredictable condition that may progress over many years and is characterized by a slow deterioration of th...
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HIV preventative measures are a set of procedures that lower the risk of health care professionals being exposed to the virus.HIV is the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease(STD), affecting people of all ages. In 1999, HIV was considered th...
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Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) by infecting helper T cells of the immune system. The most common serotype, HIV-1, is distributed worldwide, while HIV-2 is primarily confined ...
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Injection drug use(IDU) contributes to considerable illness burden in both developed and developing countries. Transmission of blood-borne pathogens(e.g., HIV, hepatitis B and C virus, Human T-Cell Lymphotrophic viruses I and II, and malaria) occu...
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Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is the final, life-threatening stage of infection with any of the human immunodeficiency viruses(HIV-1, its many subtypes, or HIV-2), which are transmitted from person to person sexually(including via a...
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If you're not quite sure what's up with AIDS these days, don't feel alone. Misconceptions and falsehoods concerning AIDS and HIV abound.
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Detailed information on HIV and AIDS, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on HIV and AIDS, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on traveling with HIV For persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, travel can pose some special risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travel, especially to developing countries, can increase the risk of contracting opportunistic infections. These infections are referred to as opportunistic because a person's weakened immune system gives the infection the opportunity to develop.
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Detailed information on human immunodeficiency virus, including symptoms of HIV
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Detailed information on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) during pregnancy
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Detailed information on HIV and AIDS, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
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Detailed information on HIV home care for your child Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection means that the body's immune system may not fight off infections very well. Your child's body may not be able to fight back against illness, even a simple cold. Additional care is needed for a child with HIV in order to help him/her remain healthy.
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A person with HIV can look and feel perfectly healthy. But that person can give HIV to others as soon as he or she is infected with the virus.
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As a new mother, you're probably feeling excited but tired. This is normal. Give yourself some time to deal with the physical and emotional changes you'll experience. Your body will need at least 6 weeks to recover from a vaginal birth. Full recovery after a cesarean (surgical birth) takes longer, possibly a few months.
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Your recovery will be closely monitored. You'll likely be able to greet your baby and start your new life together. While you're being cared for, your baby receives his or her first exam.
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Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and there's no way to know just how exhilarating and challenging the first few months can be.
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Cocaine use ranges from occasional to compulsive. There is no safe way to use the drug.
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