Causes of brain cancer

Many researches have shown that people working in an oil refinery or in rubber industry have higher rates of brain cancer. Some other risk factors such as smoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection have been suggested to cause brain cancer. Brain cancer may be difficult for someone to recognize but there are some common symptoms of brain cancer that may be cause for concern.

Symptoms of brain cancer

Brain tumors can have many symptoms. Some of the most common are
• Headaches and weaknesses
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in ability to talk, hear or see
• Problems with balance or walking
• Problems with thinking or Memory loss
• Muscle jerking or twitching
• Weakness of arms or legs

Test for Brain Cancer

The test for brain cancer includes a thorough physical and neurological exam. A neurological helps to evaluate the brain and nervous system including some functionality of body such as reflexes, sensation, movement, balance, alertness, coordination, vision, and hearing. Imaging tests that may be performed include MRI or CT scan, which use computer technology to create detailed pictures of the brain.

Following are the list of diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of Brain cancer:

• Physical exam
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• PET scan
• EEG
• Spinal tap
• Biopsy
• Skull x-ray
• Angiogram
• Myelogram

Remember, Brain Cancer is treatable if caught in the earliest stages of the disease.

- Papillary thyroid cancer : The papillary type of thyroid cancer is the most common, making up about 80 percent of all thyroid cancer diagnoses. Papillary thyroid cancer can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in people ages 30 to 50.
- Follicular thyroid cancer : Follicular thyroid cancer also includes Hurthle cell cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer typically occurs in people older than 50. (An estimated 11% of all thyroid cancer cases).
- Medullary thyroid cancer accounts for 5 to 10 percent of thyroid cancer cases. It arises in C cells, not follicular cells. Medullary thyroid cancer is easier to control if it is found and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body.
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the least common type of thyroid cancer (only 1 to 2 percent of cases). It arises in the follicular cells. The cancer cells are highly abnormal and difficult to recognize. This type of cancer is usually very hard to control because the cancer cells tend to grow and spread very quickly.
- Thyroid lymphoma : Thyroid lymphoma begins in the immune system cells in the thyroid. Thyroid lymphoma is very rare. It occurs most often in adults age 70 or older.

These rarer types of thyroid cancer are usually more aggressive, with a higher chance of spreading to another part of the body (metastasis).

Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer

- Cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hoarseness or changing voice
- Neck swelling
- Thyroid lump (nodule)

Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer are :

- A cough that does not go away and gets worse over time.
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) or bloody mucus.
- Chest, shoulder, or back pain that doesn’t go away and often is made worse by deep.
- Hoarseness.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Increase in volume of sputum.
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Repeated respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- New onset of wheezing.
- Swelling of the neck and face.
- Clubbing of the fingers and toes. The nails appear to bulge out more than normal.
- Some patients may have paraneoplastic syndromes which are caused by biologically active substances that are secreted by the tumor.

Symptoms related to metastasis

Lung cancer that has spread to the bones may produce excruciating pain at the sites of bone involvement. Cancer that has spread to the brain may cause a number of neurologic symptoms that may include blurred vision, headaches, seizures, or symptoms of stroke such as weakness or loss of sensation in parts of the body.

Paraneoplastic symptoms

Lung cancers frequently are accompanied by symptoms that result from production of hormone-like substances by the tumor cells. These hormone related symptoms vary from person to person but may include:
- Pins and needles or numbness in fingers or toes.
- Muscle weakness.
- Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness or confusion.
- Breast swelling in men.
- Blood clots (thrombosis).
These symptoms are uncommon with lung cancer but they can happen.

Symptoms of pancoast tumours

Lung cancer growing right at the top of the lung is called a ‘pancoast tumour’. The symptoms include :
- Drooping or weakness of one eyelid.
- Small pupil in that eye.
- Loss of sweating on that same side of the face.

If any symptoms is found, it is better to consult a doctor because only doctor can make a diagnosis.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

- Prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a prostate cancer cell. DNA makes up our genes, which control how cells behave.
- Prostate cancer may also be linked to higher levels of certain hormones. High levels of male hormones (androgens) may play a part in prostate cancer risk in some men.
- The risk (predisposing) factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, genetics (heredity), hormonal influences, and such environmental factors as toxins, chemicals, and industrial products.
- It develops in the outer part of the gland as distinct from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which develops in the centre of the gland. Therefore, it is possible to get prostatic cancer even after one has had a prostatectomy for BPH.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. In the later stages, prostate cancer can spread locally into the surrounding tissue or the nearby lymph nodes, called the pelvic nodes. The cancer then can spread even farther (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include :

- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
- Difficulty in starting urination or inability to urinate.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Painful or burning urination.
- Difficulty in having an erection.
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
- Pain with bowel movement.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Lethargy.
It is advised to consult a doctor immediately if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. Men aged 50 and above have the chances of developing prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Early cervix cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include :
- Abnormal bleeding.
- Unusual heavy discharge : It may be foul smelling, watery, thick, or contain mucus. It varies from woman to woman.
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam.
- Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before.
- Pelvic pain and pain during sex.
- Pain during urination.
- Bleeding between regular menstrual periods.

Common symptoms of stress include:
* Irritability
* Muscle tension
* Inability to concentrate
* Headaches
* Increased heart rate
* Exhaustion
Other more severe symptoms can occur as a result of extreme stress, such as:
* Dizzy spells or blackouts
* Rectal bleeding
* Chronic neck and back pains
* Trembling
* Hives

Causes of Stress :
* Hormonal factors.
* Chronic diseases.
* Financial issues such as poverty, unemployment, debt.
* Family issues such as births, deaths, marriage, divorce.

HOME REMEDIES FOR STRESS :
- The first and most important thing that you need to do to take care of the stress is to sleep well. The longer you are awake, the more you tend to think of the problems that are stressing you out.
- Stress Relief with a Hot Bath.
- Relieve Stress by Stretching.
*  Roll your shoulders up and back, and inhale deeply.
* Hold for one second.
* Slowly exhale and relax your shoulders.
* Repeat this sequence five times.
- Press your Temples to Reduce Stress.
- Roll Your Jaw to Treat Stress.
- Chew 10-20 leaves of Holy Basil everyday.
- Apply a paste with dry ginger and water/ milk on your forehead. Its cooling properties will help ease off the stress a bit.
- Eat foods that have anti oxidants. Fruits like berries, melons and oranges are a rich source of anti oxidants. Amongst the vegetables broccoli and carrots fall in this category.
- Avoid eating extremely spicy food. Sweet or bland food keep you fit.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Using various ayurvedic herbs like brahmi, ashwagandha and St.John Wort are also highly beneficial in the treatment of stress.
- Brisk walk for at least 45 minutes daily is also effective in dealing with stress.
- Meditation is also effective stress remedy to provide relief from stress as it diverts the mind to some good thoughts.
- Drink a hot cup of milk mixed with honey and cinnamon. It will reduce stress.
- Add some fresh Rose petals to a cup of boiling water and add sugar and drink as and when there is a feeling of depression.
- Get a good head massage done with either coconut oil or with sandalwood oil.
- Include green leafy vegetables, fruits, salads, whole wheat grain, beans, grams, sprouts, fresh curd, etc.
- Take Vitamin A and B rich foods to fight against stress. Food items rich in Vitamin A and B are green leafy vegetables, sprouts, banana, etc.
- Maintain a daily routine and do exercise regularly.
- Bishop’s Weeds (Ajwain) are effective in treating stress.
- Take some betel leaves and wash them in water. Place the leaves on the forehead and leave them there for sometime. This is likely to bring relief from stress.

Regular physical exercise plays an important role in the fight against stress. It not only keeps the body mentally and physically fit, but also provides recreation and mental relaxation.

Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease, occuring usually in children. In most cases, the older the child, the more severe is the attack.

CAUSES:
It is caused by virus. The basic cause of disease is however, persistent wrong feeding of children, which results in diminished defence mechanisms of the body.

SYMPTONS:
1. Low grade fever, mild headache and feeling of weakness.
2. Appearance of rash on the skin in the form of red spots mostly on upper back or chest.In severe conditions, rash can appear on face and lower extremeties.
3. The papules turn into blisters and finally become pustules and form scabs, which fall off.
4. They come in successive corps, so that while some are drying, others are beginning to form.
5. The duration of this disease ranges from 10-21 days.

REMEDIES:

Brown Vinegar : Half a cup of vinegar should be added to a bath of warm water. It will relieve the irritation of the skin.

Pea Water : The water in which fresh peas have been cooked can be used to relieve the irritation of skin.

Baking Soda : The victim of chicken pox should be sponged with this water so that soda dries the skin.

Vitamin E : The oil should be rubbed on skin. It will have healing effect. The marks left by chicken pox will fade away.

Carrot & Coriander : A soup prepared from 100 gms of carrots and 60 gms of coriander should be taken once a day.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

1. Juice diet for few days.
2. Intake of raw fruit & vegetable juices.
3. Lemon juice is considered beneficial.
4. Add neem leaves to water.

With our current life styles, our hearts have it tough. Surviving a heart attack is indeed a herculean task but for life to get back on track, you have to take some necessary steps.

1. No SMOKING : Smoke only if you really want to have another attack!!
2. EXERCISE : Draft an exercise plan depending upon your body type to decrease blood pressure and increase oxygen supply.
3. DIET : Cut down on salt, sugar and saturated fats. Eat good fats found in nuts, fish and mono saturated butter. Consume whole grains foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice and oat meal to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar and insulin levels, control weight, protect the heart and guard against diabetes.
4. DON’T TAKE THINGS TO HEART : Avoid getting stressed out. Think positive.