Cancer Symptoms

Since prevention is one of the most important cancer-fighting tools, it is important that cancer be detected as early as possible before it spreads. 

Telltale Signs of Cancer include:  A lump or thickening in the breast or testicles; a change in a wart or mole; a skin sore or a persistent sore throat that doesn't heal; a change in bowel or bladder habits; a persistent cough or coughing blood; constant indigestion or trouble swallowing; unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge; and chronic fatigue. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a physician for testing.  We also have a web page that lists some of the tests that are available to detect cancer.

The following are symptoms that may occur in specific types of cancers:

Bladder cancer: Blood in the urine, pain or burning upon urination; frequent urination; or cloudy urine

Bone cancer: Pain in the bone or swelling around the affected site; fractures in bones; weakness, fatigue; weight loss; repeated infections; nausea, vomiting, constipation, problems with urination; weakness or numbness in the legs; bumps and bruises that persist 

Brain cancer: Dizziness; drowsiness; abnormal eye movements or changes in vision; weakness, loss of feeling in arms or legs or difficulties in walking; fits or convulsions; changes in personality, memory or speech; headaches that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the day, that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting

Breast cancer: A lump or thickening of the breast; discharge from the nipple; change in the skin of the breast; a feeling of heat; or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools); abdominal cramps; constipation alternating with diarrhea; weight loss; loss of appetite; weakness; pallid complexion

Kidney cancer: Blood in urine; dull ache or pain in the back or side; lump in kidney area, sometimes accompanied by high blood pressure or abnormality in red blood cell count  

Leukemia: Weakness, paleness; fever and flu-like symptoms; bruising and prolonged bleeding; enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, liver; pain in bones and joints; frequent infections; weight loss; night sweats

Lung cancer: Wheezing, persistent cough for months; blood-streaked sputum; persistent ache in chest; congestion in lungs; enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Melanoma: Change in mole or other bump on the skin, including bleeding or change in size, shape, color, or texture

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin; persistent fever; feeling of fatigue; unexplained weight loss; itchy skin and rashes; small lumps in skin; bone pain; swelling in the abdomen; liver or spleen enlargement

Oral cancer:  A lump in the mouth, ulceration of the lip, tongue or inside of the mouth that does not heal within a couple of weeks; dentures that no longer fit well; oral pain, bleeding, foul breath, loose teeth, and changes in speech

Ovarian cancer: Abdominal swelling; in rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding; digestive discomfort

Pancreatic cancer: Upper abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss; pain near the center of the back; intolerance of fatty foods; yellowing of the skin; abdominal masses; enlargement of liver and spleen

Prostate cancer: Urination difficulties due to blockage of the urethra; bladder retains urine, creating frequent feelings of urgency to urinate, especially at night; bladder not emptying completely; burning or painful urination; bloody urine; tenderness over the bladder; and dull ache in the pelvis or back

Stomach cancer: Indigestion or heartburn; discomfort or pain in the abdomen; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; bloating after meals; loss of appetite; weakness and fatigue; bleeding - vomiting blood or blood in the stool

Uterine cancer: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery bloody discharge in postmenopausal women; a painful urination; pain during intercourse; pain in pelvic area

Causes of Eating Disorders

The reason for the emergence of eating disorders is usually no one individual, it often play together several causes for the emergence of an eating disorder. A timer can be of leanness cult that cherishes and cares for our current society. But there are also organic causes, ie diseases that underlie the eating disorder. 

Familial factors may also play a role. It may be that you had an incisive, bad experience that you could not handle and this is demonstrated by an eating disorder. Before a treatment can be used, the reason must be determined for the eating disorders, initially through face meeting with the family doctor can rule out the organic causes.

Nutrition in Liver Disease

Targeted nutrition in liver diseases is geared to protect the liver. For problems with the liver particularly fatty foods should be avoided. Also, spicy foods and certain vegetables such as cabbage should not eat liver disease. Alcoholic liver disease should be taboo. In the case of liver disease, it is advantageous to feed with lean cheese, steamed vegetables and potatoes, simple carbohydrates and lean meat. The food should be prepared carefully and do not include roasting (as are formed by grilling or frying). Coffee is also unsuitable for liver patients.

It may be helpful to enrich the diet with artichokes or artichoke juice. Also, milk thistle extracts support healthy liver function. In certain liver diseases, this should only be done after consultation with the doctor.

Nutrition in liver disease:

4-6 slices of wholemeal bread or 3-5 slices of bread and cereals 50-60 g per day
150-180 g 200-250 g brown rice or whole wheat pasta or 200-250 g potatoes (each cooked) per day
5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
200-250 g milk / yogurt / curd and cheese, preferably 50-60 g low-fat products
300 to 600 g low-fat meat and sausage per week
Sea fish: 1-2 servings of 150 g per week
3 eggs (including eggs processed into noodles, biscuits, etc.) per week
Fats and oils max. 40 g string and cooking fat and 10 grams of high-quality vegetable oil

Also note the following tips:

If you have liver disease, you should try to keep normal weight or to achieve. Also make sure every day several small meals, ideally between five and six meals to eat. It is also important that you drink enough. Should be 1.5 to 2 liters per day fluid draw you take yourself and above all on bottled water, herbal tea or juice spritzers. As another tip diet in diseases of the liver is that you should take daily about 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Do you prefer this vegetable protein from soy products or legumes.

Digestive Problems & Nutrition

For digestive problems, nutrition plays an important role. Many temporary digestive problems caused by poor nutrition or even certain foods. Most often the person suffers from constipation while, bloating or diarrhea. Digestion is either too slow or too fast. Digestive foods such as fennel, whole grains and juices, like unfiltered apple juice or sauerkraut juice can help. In addition, herbs and spices act digestion. In case of diarrhea, they should not be taken, however. The symptoms could well become worse.

The nutrition for digestive problems should be easily digestible in each case. Certain foods like cabbage plants, bulbs and beans act, however, and driving gas can disrupt the digestive system. Just as unpleasant can be first fiber. Fiber is found in many raw vegetables and whole grains. The digestion must get used to it, but benefits in the long run.

Can cancer be prevented?

Most clinicians and researchers are convinced that many cancers can either be prevented or the risk of developing cancers can be markedly reduced. Some of the methods are simple; others are relatively extreme, depending on an individual's view.

Prevention of cancer, by avoiding its potential causes, is the simplest method. First on most clinicians and researchers list is to stop (or better, never start) smoking tobacco. Avoiding excess sunlight (by decreasing exposure or applying sunscreen) and many of the chemicals and toxins is an excellent way to avoid cancers. Avoiding contact with certain viruses and other pathogens also is likely to prevent some cancers. People who have to work close to cancer-causing agents (chemical workers, X-ray technicians, ionizing radiation researchers) should follow all safety precautions and minimize any exposure to such compounds.

There are two vaccines currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent specific types of cancer. Vaccines against the hepatitis B virus, which is considered a cause of some liver cancers, and vaccines against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which, according to the NCI, are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer. Some clinicians and researchers recommend that all people, especially young teens, be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, but this approach is still controversial.

People with a genetic predisposition to develop certain cancers and others with a history of cancers in their genetically linked relatives currently cannot change their genetic makeup. However, some individuals who have a high possibility of developing genetically linked cancer have taken actions to prevent cancer development. For example, some young women who have had many family members develop breast cancer have elected to have their breast tissue removed even if they have no symptoms or signs of cancer development to reduce or eliminate the possibility they will develop breast cancer. Some doctors consider this as an extreme measure to prevent cancer while others do not.

Screening studies for cancer, while they do not prevent cancers, may detect them at an earlier stage when the cancer is more likely to be potentially cured with treatment. Such screening studies are breast exams, testicular exams, colon-rectal exams (colonoscopy), mammography, PSA levels, prostate exams, and others. People who have any suspicion that they may have cancer should discuss their concerns with their doctor as soon as possible. The earlier cancer is disproved or diagnosed and treated, the person will be better served. 

Lung Cancer Symptoms

In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician.

Most commonly, lung cancer patients experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness and a persistent cough. These symptoms are very common among smokers, and are also present in a number of other conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chest infections. A new cough should always be evaluated, as it may be a symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer may spread to the chest wall, causing chest, shoulder and back pain. If cancer cells erode lung blood vessels, the patient may cough up blood. There may also be other generalized effects that occur with most cancers, such as fever, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss.

As a lung cancer grows, it increasingly compromises the normal functioning of an affected lung. Secondary complications may occur, such as collection of fluid in the tissue lining the lungs (pleural effusion), lung collapse, airway obstruction, and repeated lung infections. Lung cancer may also spread or metastasize to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver and brain. Bone pain and abnormal liver or brain function may result.

The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate early disease, and the presence of non-specific chest symptoms can often go unheeded. Both these factors contribute to the fact that only about 15 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the early stages of disease. The later lung cancer is diagnosed, the less effective treatment options are. Delays in diagnosing lung cancer patients result in an overall survival rate of only 15 percent at five years after diagnosis.

Heart Cancer

It is malignant tumor and is very rare form of cancer. Other name for heart cancer is CARDIAC CARCINOMA. It is basically development of abnormal cells in the tissues of heart. Heart cancer is more common in some portions of heart like right atrium or pericardium (outer layer of heart). Symptoms of this cancer vary from person to person.
Asymptomatic
As like other cancers heart cancer is usually asymptomatic. It is usually persisting in tissues of heart but usually it is not affecting whole part of heart that’s why it seldom shows any symptoms. That’s why is quite dangerous.
SYMPTOMATIC
Symptoms are:
Pain (it is usually isolated in chest cavity but sometimes diffuses in adjacent parts of body)
Shortness of breath (as cancer is affecting tissues of the heart, it is difficult for heart to pump blood to all parts of the body. That’s why person has to hyperventilate (to take fast breaths) to meet the oxygen requirement)
Palpitation (it is usually uncommon, but as cancer is affecting tissues of heart, that’s why tissues of heart generate abnormal beats that felt as palpitations)
Swelling (it is in the extremities of body. It is indication of obstruction in heart’s function)
Stroke (it is a rare symptom, but it can occur. It is basically breakage of some part of tumor from the rest and causes obstruction in the blood flow by blocking the blood vessel)
Night sweats
Weight loss
Elevation in temperature (periodic fevers)
Heart failure (malignant growth of cancer)
Tachycardia (increase in heart rate)
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats)
Angina (temporary chest pain)
Dyspnea (breathlessness. Difficulty in breathing)
Loss of appetite
Wasting of muscles (due to decreased blood supply)
Valve dysfunction (indicative of carcinoma)
Pericarditis (inflammation of outer covering of heart)
Clubbing of finger
Conduction abnormalities
Heart murmurs (abnormal sounds)
CAUSES OF HEART CANCER
Exact causes are not known but some are closely related like
Industrial chemicals such as vinyl chloride, cadmium or benzene
Tobacco products like cigarettes, pipes or cegars
Genetic factors
Bacteria and viral infections also increases the risk of developing cancer.
Obstruction of blood flow to heart (that can be because of atherosclerosis)
Stiffening of heart muscles known as cardiac fibrosis
Valves cannot function properly (marantic endocarditis)….it is basically damaged to the valves caused by the cancer
Growing older
Sunlight
Alcohol drinking
Poor diet or over weight
Ionizing radiation

Vitamin E (Tocopherols: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Mixed)

Dosage: RDA 15 IU/ ODA 400 IU/ TDA 1,200 IU. It is usually measured in international units (IU), but sometimes in milligrams (mg). One mg is equal to 1.5 IU.Recommended: Normal dosage is 400-800 IU daily. Menopausal patients should take 800 IU daily, until hot flashes subside, and then lower to 400 IU daily. Diabetic patients given 1,350 IU daily experienced lowered insulin need, and their glucose tolerance and insulin activity improved. Of 87,000 nurses, those who took 100 IU of vitamin E for two years had a 41% lower risk of heart disease. Dosages of 400-800 IU provide better oxidative protection for those in high-stress situations.

Natural vs. synthetic forms: Be sure you are getting natural Vitamin E, not synthetics. Synthetics are worthless; do not purchase or use them. Read the label: Natural E is written “tocopherols” or “d-tocopherol.” Natural alpha-tocopherol (the most active form of E) is “alpha-tocopherol” (or d-alpha-tocopherol). The synthetic is “tocopheryl” [with a “y”] or “dl-alpha-tocopherol” [with “dl”]. Mixed tocopherols contain alpha, beta, and delta tocopherol. Alpha tocopherol (d-alpha-tocopherol) has the highest level of activity, and is preferred by many specialists. But mixed tocopherols are also good. Another commercial form is “water-soluble Vitamin E.” Although much more expensive, it is no more absorbable or useful in the body than the natural oil-soluble type.

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Sources: Best sources – Fresh, cold-pressed wheat germ oil and flaxseed oil. (Because flaxseed oil is also so rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which prevent cancer, it is the best oil to take.) Other sources – other unrefined, cold-pressed, crude vegetable oils also have Vitamin E. Soy oil and sunflower oil are good; corn oil somewhat lesser so. All whole raw or sprouted seeds, nuts, and grains contain Vitamin E. It is also in green, leafy vegetables and eggs.

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Functions

• The principal use of vitamin E is as an antioxidant in protecting against heart disease, cancer, and strokes.
• It oxygenates the cells and tissues, reduces the need for oxygen.
• Prevents unsaturated fatty acids and oil-soluble vitamins from being destroyed in the body.
• Dilates blood vessels and thus improves circulation.
• Prevents scar tissue formation in burns.
• Protects and helps capillaries, lungs, and reproductive organs.
• Used in treating heart disease, varicose veins, burns, angina pectoris, emphysema, hypoglycemia, leg ulcers, reproductive problems, and infertility (male or female).
• Lessens likelihood of miscarriages.
• Vitamin E enters the fatty portion of cell membranes; there it stabilizes and protects them from compounds (such as lead, mercury, and other heavy metals), also toxic compounds (such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, cleaning solvents, drugs, radiation, and the body’s free-radical metabolites).

Because of its strong antioxidant effects, a high-E diet (or taking of worthwhile vitamin E supplements) exerts protective effect in many common health problems.

• It protects the thymus gland and circulates white blood cells from damage.
• It is important in immune function, especially during stress and chronic viral illnesses (such as AIDS and chronic viral hepatitis).
• It reduces LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol.
• When taken in high doses, it offers significant protection against cancer. (In one study, patients with low vitamin E levels had a 50% greater risk of cancer).
• Vitamin E helps relieve many post-menstrual symptoms, including fibrocystic breast disease. It is effective in relieving hot flashes and menopausal vaginal complaints.

Deficiency Symptoms: Nerve damage, muscle weakness, poor coordination, involuntary movement of the eyes, and breaking of red blood cells (leading to hemolytic anemia). In premature infants, Vitamin E deficiency is characterized by hemolytic anemia and a severe eye disorder (retrolental fibroplasia). Other deficiency symptoms – pulmonary embolism, strokes, heart disease, coronary degeneration, testicle degeneration, miscarriages, sterility, muscular disorders, red-blood cell fragility, fat malabsorption syndromes; such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and post gastrectomy syndrome, and hereditary disorders of red blood cells (such as sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia).

Needed for Assimilation: vitamin A, C, D, and E.

Cautions: Iron supplements destroy vitamin E. Rancid oil does also. Do not eat any rancid grains or other foods – and that includes even slightly old wheat germ oil. Many of those interested in better health never eat wheat germ, since it is so difficult to obtain fresh and then keep it from going rancid before being eaten. You can consider toasted wheat germ to be rancid. One study suggested that those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or rheumatic heart disease do best not taking over 400-600 IU of vitamin E daily. But all other reports indicated vitamin E was safe in any quantity. The healing, strengthening power of vitamin E is not perceived until one takes at least 200-600 mg daily.

Functions of Vitamin E

(NaturalNews) Vitamin E has many therapeutic properties. It can be used topically and ingested. It is available in a capsule for easier ingestion or in an oil. Vitamin E oil can be swallowed or applied to the skin. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for several basic bodily functions.

It can be found in many foods such as cooking oils, like safflower, sunflower, and wheat germ oils. It can also be found in almonds, hazelnuts, and certain leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is believed to help delay or prevent heart disease and some types of cancer.

Vitamin E as an antioxidant helps protect the body against stroke, cataracts, cancer, heart disease, and even the signs of aging. Vitamin E actually protects the walls of the arteries. It prevents bad cholesterol (LDL) from being oxidized, preventing clogged arteries. Vitamin E can also prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. This can help prevent a stroke or heart attack.

Vitamin E can also help prevent or fight cancer. It protects the cell's DNA from damage that can cause the cells to turn cancerous. It can actually reduce the rate of growth for tumors, at the same time enhancing the immune system to fight cancer. Vitamin E capsules can even help enhance the action of insulin. This improves blood glucose function in diabetes.

It is also pivotal in the proper function of the brain. It protects the myelin sheaths that surround neurons in the brain. This can help prevent degeneration during the normal aging process. It may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Used topically, vitamin E is used to heal and protect the skin. It protects the skin cells from damage including sun damage. It also boosts collagen in the skin. Collagen is what gives the skin its elasticity. Boosting collagen helps reduce wrinkles and gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

Vitamin E can also be used to reduce or clear scars on the skin, including acne scars. It is more effective when used soon after the scar is formed, but it can be used on older scars as well. Older scars may not see as much improvement, but it can provide some relief.

Vitamin E for scars can be found in special scar fading creams and gels or just vitamin E oil. It should be applied to clean skin at night, so it has time to soak into the skin to work.

Vitamin E can also help make the hair healthier and increase growth. It can be taken orally in a capsule to help hair health from the inside out. It can also be used in conditioners to improve the look of damaged hair.

Vitamin E has numerous health benefits. Getting enough vitamin E can help reduce diseases, reduce the signs of aging, and improve the hair and skin.