symptons

Causes and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. Cancer begins to grow in the prostate – a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is so called because of its position – it is at the base of the bladder. The exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown.

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.

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Causes and Symptoms of cervical cancer

Studies have found a number of factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer.
- HPV infection: HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix. An HPV infection that doesn’t go away can cause cervical cancer in some women. HPV is the cause of nearly all cervical cancers. A vaccine for females ages 9 to 26 protects against two types of HPV infection that cause cervical cancer.
- Smoking: Among women who are infected with HPV, smoking cigarettes slightly increases the risk of cervical cancer.
- Weakened immune system.
- Sexual history: Women who have had many sexual partners have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer or vice versa.
- Irregular screening tests: Women who have not regularly had a Pap test (smear) are at increased risk of cervical cancer. In particular, many women over age 60 have not had regular Pap tests and are at increased risk.

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.

Natural Home Remedy – Stress

Stress is the term given to the difficulty that the body faces while combating a physical or emotional threat, be it actual or imagined. Some of the common symptoms of stress include irritability, muscular tension, inability to concentrate and a variety of physical reactions, such as headaches and accelerated heart rate.

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.