Archive for the 'Information' Category

Cancer trip


Cigarette smoking has been condemned most especially due to lung cancer. This is because lung cancer rakes as the number one killer for men. In the states along, thousands due a year due to lung cancer. The number one cause for lung cancer is still and will always be, smoking. Nicotine crawls deep into the lungs to the point of eating the organ away while clogging at it deeply. Soon the lungs get used to the substance and that is when addiction seeps in. It is important to note that lung cancer is especially perilous to the old and the young. The middle age adults being the only ones strongly suit to face it. We cant be twenty something forever though so its best smoking is quitted on while the body is still apt and able to fight against nicotine dependence.

Normal Cells Smell Trouble

In a twist of nature, it seems normal cells have a way of detecting abnormalities such as those with cancer cells by smelling them through chemical signals that differentiates them from normal ones. Much like the way trees and plants have been found to communicate with others of the same species, allowing them to release disease or parasite fighting chemical compounds to prepare for pending attack. Cells, normal or cancerous have very minute differences in structures and as found, seemingly have a different scent compared to the rest fo the cells in the body. Much still needs to be done with respect to these differences that till now have gone unnoticed but with the use of some of the most advanced imaging technologies have become identifyable enough giving the difference more use as means of identifying cancerous cells. The chemical signals that are being produced by cancer cells that are being picked up by healthy cells are also being studied in efforts of developing better screening processes in the future.

Pathway/Method that allows Cancers to Spread Identified

Researchers have been able to identify the mechanism that allows cancer cells to infect normal cells, tuning them into cancerous ones themselves. This method the cancer cell uses is similar to the way colo-rectal cancer works to spread into the bone marrow and brain which is the main reason for relapse in many cases. The method has long been sought and with the findings comes a better understanding how cancer cells infiltrate cells from other organs without a need for adaptation to take into account the differences in the cells forms and makeup. In other biological systems, cells such as parasitic ones, normally live off one specific host and not another having developed specific functions that allows it to survive one host and not on the other. Cancer cells are known to differ form one organ to the other yet the mechanism that allows them to take over completely normal cells is still under study. A better understanding of which would allow the development of blockers that can interfere with the ability of cells to adapt to their new host cells thus limiting their spread and even controlling and eliminating the disease in the future.

Putative Tumor Suppressor TIP30

tumorsuppressingThe drug has been in the sights of researchers for quite sometime now and was previously being targeted for melanomas, breast and colon cancer. New studies from Shanghai China are studying the possibility of the drug’s use in treating small-cell lung cancers through comparative study of its effects on both healthy and cancerous lung tissue. Studies in the lab on mice have been successful and they are awaiting approval for human studies to study the possibility of it’s use as treatment for lung cancer that continues to be one of the most deadliest forms of cancer the world over. Continue reading ‘Putative Tumor Suppressor TIP30′

Anti-Cancer Gene Identified

anticancergeneResearchers in the University of Nottingham, have discovered a gene that has stong counter lung cancer abilities named LIMD1 which is responsible for preventing lung and even other forms of cancer from taking hold. The mechanisms of healthy cells turning into cancerous ones is still quite muddled due to the many forms and shapes of the said disease. They have also discovered that the absence of the said gene is responsible for the manifestation of the disease in human lung tissue. The gene was found missing in lab mouse that had lung cancer present and quite abundant in those that didn’t, which means it can be used to devise effective ways of determining the absence or presence of the disease. Continue reading ‘Anti-Cancer Gene Identified’

Urine Test to Detect Lung Cancer

urinetestingIt used to be a widely accepted fact that smoking is a more than sure way of diagnosing lung cancer but that has been proven to be a very inaccurate way of judging the disease’s existence. Urine is the waste product of the body containing liquid waste as well as hormones and other by-products of the human body’s normal functions. A certain metabolite of hormone named NNAL has been found to be a very accurate way of determining the existence of lung cancer which is produced by the body when the disease is present. Continue reading ‘Urine Test to Detect Lung Cancer’

Prevention is Better than Cure

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Cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung cancer. It also poses a threat to non smokers who inhale the so-called second hand smoke.

If you want to prevent having lung cancer (and other types like mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus), do not smoke-quit smoking cigarettes or tobaccos. If you quit smoking, you will reduce your chances of having cancer. If you are a non-smoker, stay away from smokers so as not to be exposed to the harmful secondhand smoke.

If you suspect that you might have or at risk of having lung cancer, consult your doctor. He can schedule you for a series of screenings and examinations like chest x-rays, blood and sputum tests, CT scans, and tissue biopsy.

Your doctor or health care team can explain whatever the results and the possible treatments and medications available for you.

Marine Biotechnologists find Promising Cancer Cure

bacteriaMarine researchers have found a bacteria which lives in the mud of our oceans to have cancer fighting properties off the shores of the Bahamas. Salinispora tropica, which lives in sea sediment has shown promise as treatment for bone marrow cancer called multiple myeloma and solid tumors. The researchers were thrilled at the results of preliminary tests that show the bacteria to be very potent against cancer cells. Discovered in 1991, it was only recently that the bacteria was tested for its possible use as a cancer cure which didn’t prove them wrong. This year alone, an additional 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and this gives hope to those who are suffering as the promise of better and more potent treatment options are always welcome. The bacterium was subjected to a battery of dna tests that isolated the workings of the organism, enough for them to isolate and understand better the cancer fighting trait. It is currently under clinical trials for bone marrow cancer and will surely be under testing for the many other forms of the disease that afflicts so many people around the world.

Everybody has Cancer!

lungA cancer cell or two that is, which researchers have found to be the case, what’s interesting is that there is a gene that prevents it from spreading an it’s been found. All of us have some cancer cells that are dormant which is possible with a gene called LIMD1. This gene tells these isolated cancer cells to stay dormant , an absence of which sends them all over the lung or other parts of the body spreading the disease. Studies are now focusing on supplementing the said gene as a form of treatment that might just work to save the many people who die of lung cancer the world over. Screening tests are also being formulated for a deficiency of the gene which adds to the battery of tests that can be done increasing the chances of early detection.

Side Effects of Surgery

Image Source: topnews.in

The kind of treatment used for management and also the amount of time given to a lung cancer patient has numerous and different side effects. These vary for each patient, and it also depends on things like fitness level, age, health, and a range of other factors. After surgery to the lungs, a patient experience one of the usual problems associated is the accumulation of air and liquid deep in the chest. It’s very important that patients who have under gone this kind of surgery have help of a physiotherapist to educate them in deep breathing exercises and help in turning repeatedly. These are aids in expanding the lungs and preventing infection. Other things associated with this surgery that are difficult to deal with are discomfort on breathing, weakness to the chest and legs, and shortness of breath.