The Truth About Breast Cancer and Mastectomies

While breast cancer may be on the rise and is currently ranked as one of the most common and potentially deadly forms of cancer in the United States, many people are still not aware of what their procedure options are and what those procedures may entail. Understanding the procedures often employed in the treatment of breast cancer is critical to overcoming and recovering from this difficult condition.

One of the most widely recognized procedures used in the treatment of breast cancer is the mastectomy. This procedure is a surgery in which one or both of the breasts are removed from the body as a means of eliminating cancerous cells and tumors.

In terms of the amount of mastectomy procedures done, roughly 77% of all women who get cancer in Europe will have a mastectomy performed. This number is compared to only 56% of women in the United States who will undergo a mastectomy procedure as a treatment method for cancer.

While breast cancer is a highly treatable form of cancer with a very high rate of successful diagnosis and treatment, it's remains to be a deadly condition. Early detection is the best way to ensure the highest odds of successful treatment, yet many people do not regularly check themselves for the signs of breast cancer.

In a study performed in 2004, roughly 216,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those people, 40,000 were fatal. Depending on the treatment used and the early detection, the successful survival rate of this rype of cancer varies widely from 98% to 10%. The variables involved in the treatment of cancer can sway the odds in extreme ways.

While it is true that cancer of the breast may occur in both men and women, it is statistically over 100 times more likely to be diagnosed in women than men. For this reason, constant and thorough self-examinations are critical to early detection.

The most effective way to detect and treat breast cancer is to begin by understand the treatment options available and to give yourself routine self-examinations on a regular basis. The earlier that cancer is detected the more likely and more varied the effective treatment options will be.

Breast cancer is a very serious and potentially deadly condition that can manifest in anyone. Plan ahead and check yourself out often so you don't become one of the many breast cancer patients to suffer at the hands of a late diagnosis. There's no reason to become part of a statistic. You can find many different mastectomy bras online, most of which will be covered by mastectomy medicaid.

Breast Cancer Survival Rates - What is This Rate All About?

Survival rates of breast cancer patients alter and it would depend upon the phase of the cancer you are presently going through. What is this rate all about? You will be able to distinguish the breast cancer survival rates in a lot of methods such as:

1. Time - abreast of diagnosing, a patient is rendered 5-10 years to live on.
2. Return - there are moment when return of the cancer happens after the cancer cells were previously removed.
3. Dying risk as equated to others with the identical health precondition.

Survival rate is normally classified established upon the breast cancer phases. Phase '0' signifies that the cancer is even so noninvasive. The cancerous cells could just be detected in the walls of the swelling or mass within the breast.

As you progress to Stage 1, the tumor gets already developed approximately 1 inch long and it represents to be regarded fast-growing. Phase 2A occurs as the tumor is already 1 to 2 inches extended.

The phase 2B relates to tumors approximately 1 inch stressed just a few of the secondary lymph nodes are already stricken. As the tumor extends to preceding 2 inches and has already affected the lymph nodes, it is already classed as phase 3A of cancer; and as the tumor encroaches upon the skin of the breasts, the breast cancer is in phase 3B. The elevated breast cancer is categorized below phase 4 wherein additional organs of the physical structure are already contaminated with the cancer cells.

The assorted phases could as well be split up into the early on phase (0 to 2A), the future phase (2B to 3A and B), and the upgraded phase (phase 4). The treatment program is normally established upon the phase of the breast cancer.

Nowadays, the survival rates are 86% (for the 5-year time period after diagnosing) and 76% (for the 10-year time period). Cancer patients without metastatic holds a survival rate of 96% when those with metastatic has got a rate of 21%. The percent is supported upon the 5-year time period after diagnosing.

There are as well accomplished breast survival rates for every phase of breast cancer inside the 5-year time period. The accompanying are the rates: phase 0 - 100%, phase 1 is 100%, phase 2A is 92%, phase 2B is 81%, phase 3A is 67%, phase 3B is 54%, and phase 4 is 20%.

Insuring Against Breast Cancer and Problems With Breasts With Homeopathic Remedies

The best insurance against breast is regular self examination. Undress to the waist and stand in front of a mirror. Look for differences in the breasts when you lean forward, lift breasts upward and stretch your arms above head then lower and place them on your hips. Then re-examine looking for differences in hang or swing and observe areas of dimpling and flattening. Then lie in bath or bed and feel each breast for differences. Check the nipples for discharge or inversion. Is there is a change you may have a breast abscess or infection in the breast.

Instead of rushing to a medical doctor for a mammogram try homeopathy self help first:

To be taken every hour for up to ten doses:

· An abscess is brewing with hardening of breast tissue and pain with slightest movement. Bryonia 6C

· Symptoms as above with red streaks on affected breast. Belladonna 6C

· Pain localized, extremely tender, irritability. Hepar Sulph 6C

· Armpit glands swollen, looking pale and feeling shivery. Phytolacca 6C

· Nipple cracked and discharging pus, general exhaustion. Silicia 6C

At first sign of pain bathe the breast in hot water. For a sore nipple apply Calendela ointment. Specific breast treatments are outlined in homeopathic books and literature. Homeopathy remedies are effective in many cases and are completely safe. Homeopathy has no side effects. It has been in service for more than 200 years.

The fear of breast cancer is on the mind of every woman and I have read about nutritional and holistic cures that are more effective than chemotherapy. One in particular comes from Brazil where a simple mixture of baking soda and maple syrup cured 80 of 100 breast cancer patients. Look for: Winning the War on Cancer, Mark Allen Sircus AC, OMD

Are You at Risk For Breast Cancer? Here is How to Tell

To determine the answer to question, you need to evaluate your risk factors. Risk factors come in two different types those that you can change (and should as soon as possible) and those that you cannot.

Eight Risk Factors That You Cannot Change

1. Being female
2. Aging
3. Having a blood relative that has had cancer (specifically breast)
4. Race
5. Whether you or your mother had treatment with DES (this drug was given between 1940 and 1960 to pregnant women to lower their chances of miscarriage).
6. Any exposure to radiation in the chest area
7. Menstrual history - if you have started your periods before that age of 12 or went through menopause early (before the age of 50).
8. Having no children or had a child after the age of 30

Six Risk Factors That You CAN change

So, you want to reduce your chance of getting breast cancer. Change those factors that you can by:

1. Lose weight
2. Exercise
3. When you have a child, breastfeed them.
4. Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake
5. Use methods of birth control that do not include any kind of hormones
6. Discus the risks vs. the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. There may be alternatives that do not involve any kind of hormones.

Breast Cancer Facts

Each year more than 186,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 25% of them will die from it.

Each year 1,800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 21% of them will die from it. So men, it is important that you examine your breasts also.

If detected early, 95% of breast cancer is curable.

Number One

The number one thing you can do to detect breast cancer early is to do monthly breast self-exams. This exam is done in the privacy of your own home and more importantly in today's economic environment is that it is FREE!

How to Defend Yourself Against Breast Cancer

Early detection is so far the best defense against breast cancer attack. The reason is not far-fetched as early detection enhances timely treatment of infection. This can be done through regular breast examination.

These days, a lot of information are found in different publications on breast self examination. Women are advised to make use of information from health care professional This notwithstanding, the following guidelines are in agreement with the American Cancer Society's recommendations.

1. By getting a mammogram done annually if you are over 40 years of age.

2. Through proper annual clinical breast examination (CBE) by a health care professional if you are over 40 years of age - preferably around the time that you receive your mammogram.

3. By having a CBE done once every three years if you are 20 to 39 years of age.

4. Conducting monthly breast self-exam if you are over 20 years of age.

5. Reducing cigarette intake - according to research statistics, nearly 50 percent of women are sensitive to the carcinogens in tobacco, which implies more risks of developing breast cancer.

6. Increasing the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables intake: This is because they contain antioxidant vitamins and other nutrients that can help in cancer prevention.

7. Eating foods high in phytoestrogen, a chemical found in soy products, flaxseed and whole grains.

8. Reducing alcohol intake: High alcohol intake has been statistically linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer.

9. By exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight: These two factors help in breast cancer prevention.

Natural Treatment For Breast Cancer - Is it Effective?

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women. It occupies the 2nd slot in the most common cancer cause of death in the US. This is why there is every need in utilizing every treatment for breast cancer.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the abnormality of the cells found in the breasts. A majority of cases of breast cancer are diagnosed through a mammogram where there are lumps or sudden abnormalities occurring in the breast tissues.

Symptoms of breast cancer

The symptoms of breast cancer are characterized by changes of the nipples and how it feels. There can also be a lump growth in and near the breast or in the underarm.

The physical look of the nipple also changes. The nipple might turn inward. There is also a sudden change in the size and shape of the breasts. The breast may also look red, swollen and pitted and may eventually look like the skin of an orange

The diagnosis of breast cancer is done through a couple of clinical examinations. People diagnosed with this condition can choose to undergo chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy sessions.

The treatment greatly depends on how severe the condition is. You should also be prepared that these treatments can greatly affect your current lifestyle. These treatments can also change your physical appearance as these may cause side effects such as hair loss and weight loss.

Natural treatment for breast diseases can also be used to reduce the side effects of medications. Herbal remedies are your best ally in strengthening your immune system and over all health condition against the adverse effects of chemotherapy sessions.

However, it is also important to inform your doctor about your decision to include herbal remedies for your treatment as the use of herbs can clash with the medication you are taking.

Essiac is an herb that has been researched for its potential in treating cancer cells. Many experts believe that with ample studies, they will be able to find out how Essiac can help women suffering from breast cancer.
Fish Oil has also been given careful consideration. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that are essential in the whole systemic functioning of our body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risks of inflammations caused by cancer.

Chinese Ginseng is an herb that can help normalize our hormones, and can restore harmony and equilibrium in our body. Astralagus is another herb that can up the defenses of your immune system during the times that your chemotherapy sessions are taking its toll on your immune system.

It has been hypothesized that one factor that triggers breast diseases is the imbalance in estrogen and progesterone level of a person. To decrease your risk of cancer, try taking a natural remedy that is especially designed in promoting stronger immune system and maintaining hormonal balance and harmony in your body.

How to Detect a Lump in Your Breast That Could Be Cancer

About 25% of all Americans (and not all of them are women) diagnosed with breast cancer will die of it.

But with early detection, nearly 95% of all cases of breast cancer can be cured. The best early detection method of breast cancer is one that does not cost anything - a monthly breast self-exam.

The best way to remember to do your exam monthly is to do it about three or so days after your period ends. If you do not have regular cycles or are post-menopausal - pick a date on the calendar and write it down each and every month (the first day of the month is a good choice).

There are two types of exam you can do on your breasts. The first is visual and the second is tactile (or by touch).

Visual Exam

Stand in front of a mirror with your hands laced together behind your head. Look for any changes in size, any signs of puckering, scaly skin, rash, nipple discharge, or reddened spots.

It is important to know what is normal for you. Breasts may be uneven in size normally for you. But if they are normally even in size and now they are not, this is a change that you should make note of (and an appointment with your health care provider).

Still standing in front of the mirror, change positions to your hands at your sides. Inspect your breasts again.

And lastly, change to the final position (for in front of the mirror) - bend forward at the waist with your hands on your hips. Look again in the mirror for anything unusual. Then let your hands hang loosely at your sides. Look again the mirror.

Tactile Exam

It is important to not be shy about this part and to know what is normal for you. The object of this exam is to find any changes. That is why it is so important to perform this step every month.

This step can be done either lying down or standing in the shower (with soap and water on your breasts).

In the tactile exam you are feeling for any lumps, tenderness, or thickening. If you find any of these, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. Most lumps are not cancer and you should not be afraid. You never be afraid of bringing any concerns to your doctor.

There are four areas that you need to palpate. They are the:

1. Breast itself 2. The underarm area 3. The area between the underarm and breast 4. The area above the breast to the collarbone

There are three different patterns for palpation:

1. Spiral 2. Pie - shaped 3. Up and down

Spiral is a series of concentric circles. You begin in the area around the nipple and gradually move outward in small circles gradually becoming larger circles.

Pie - shaped is to divide your breast into pie shapes beginning at the nipple. Examining each wedge then moving to the next.

Up and down is using a zigzag pattern going up and then down the next section.

Conclusion

This may the most important exam of your life. And in today's current economic climate, it is nice to know that it is FREE. So do not neglect this monthly breast self-exam.

Alternative Cancer Treatment - Breast Cancer's and Success With Alternative Therapies

If you are angry or sad because you, someone you know has cancer, or has died from cancer, you are right to feel this way.

I'll bet you think there is nothing we can do about this but just lye down and take it. Traditional therapy and
treatments just may or may not work and you are at the mercy of the physicians opinion of what drugs you should take while worrying if your body will respond.

There is another way though. If you are like most people, you will probably find it hard to believe that the use of alternative natural therapies, substances or elements could have such a far-reaching and broad spectrum efficacy when it comes to curing diseases. Because of the success rates it will be hard for most people to wrap their brains around it. The simple concepts are most often the powerful ones and usually the ones most ignored.

Some of these simple inexpensive therapy can be self-administered at home with successful results.

An estimated 15,000 European medical doctors, naturopaths, and homeopaths have administered natural powerful alternative therapies to over 10 million people over the past 70 years to treat over 50 different diseases.

Natural alternative therapies are the simple and organic approach to healing disease and maintaining health and are sometimes pushed aside by the pharmaceutical companies.

For all the new drugs that are "discovered" there is more cancer and disease in our world than there has ever been before. Interesting isn't it? Why is it that alternative cancer treatments are not the first treatments offered?

Most alternative methods are safe, inexpensive and powerful healing modalities - and when used properly and can potentially render almost all pharmaceutical drugs and medical treatments obsolete.

Having an alternative cancer treatment within your knowledge base, now you have the option available within your close reach before resorting to harmful drugs that can potentially make cancer situations worse.

Learn More Click Here!

Breast Mammograms May Mean Over - Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Today breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women, after lung cancer. As a result, yearly breast mammograms have become common for women over 40, or anyone at high risk of developing this dangerous, disfiguring disease.

Now that programs like this are in place, experts had expected that the number of cases of advanced breast cancer would drop off, but that's not happening.

Instead the incidence of breast cancer seems to have gone up since widespread screening became part of our yearly exams. Why?

Women know that early detection of breast cancer can save lives, but that doesn't make going for that yearly mammogram any less nerve wracking or uncomfortable.

We endure the testing because we've been told we need to find lumps when they're too small to feel or bring symptoms, before they have a chance to grow and cause trouble.

But do all cancers cause problems?

Late last year a large Norwegian study of mammography screening for breast cancer found that some invasive cancers might spontaneously regress over time, leaving no sign that they were ever present in a woman's body.

Makes you wonder, now that we can screen for it, if this type of cancer isn't over diagnosed or over treated.

This latest BMJ report citing an over-diagnosis rate for invasive breast cancer of 35% could truly have you re-thinking that yearly mammogram.

Besides this type of cancer, over-diagnosis has also been mentioned for cancer of the prostate as well as neuroblastoma, melanoma, thyroid cancer and lung cancer.

The latest work on over-diagnosis comes from researchers out of the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen.

The team looked at the findings of studies that spanned a 14-year period. 7 years before public mammography screenings were available, and 7 years after government run mammography-screening programs were in place in five different countries (United Kingdom, Canada, New South Wales, Australia, Manitoba, Sweden and areas in Norway)

They found an over-diagnosis rate of 52% for all cancers, 35% for invasive breast cancer.

The data shows a jump in breast cancer incidence just after the screening programs were put in place.

What this work suggests, as did the Norwegian study before it, that perhaps not all cancers need to be treated, some might grow too slowly to affect a patient and others may resolve on their own.

It's important to know that no doctor or current screening technique can tell the difference between a cancer that's dangerous and one that might not be.

In a BMJ editorial that's published along with the research, professor of medicine Dr. H. Gilbert Welch of the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Research recognizes the problem of over-diagnosis, understanding the trauma and terror a woman endures after being given such news by her doctor.

Surgery and chemotherapy bring their own set of difficulties that are physically demanding and emotionally draining, and a terrible trial for patients and families. Especially those whose cancers might not have needed to be treated at all.

While this latest study is still not an excuse, or recommendation, to put off your yearly mammogram, it does raise some rather nagging questions.

Until we know more, each woman has to decide for herself whether to continue with yearly breast mammograms, but it is clear that screening has let us detect earlier cancers and start treatment earlier.

Step Up to Prevent Breast Cancer

Breast cancer prevention works to help raise viable awareness about this critical issue. It therefore helps the individual live with practices that will help them develop a more positive outlook towards life. Risk factors that affect the rate of breast cancer are depreciated by the education of people who are most at risk of contracting the disease. Having tested positive, however, a number of initiatives have been formed which carefully administrate drugs that help in diminishing the spread of the cancer.

A lot of your daily actions, however, can be affected in order to prevent the spread of the breast cancer. These include limiting your alcohol intake and planning a healthier diet. This position also dictates that you constantly watch your weight since it may result in your body's immunity being compromised by the cancerous cells. Once you eliminate the fatty cells from your body, the amount of estrogen produced by them is reduced therefore eliminating one factor that positively influences a vector environment.

Physical activity may go a long way in keeping your body in shape. Such activity helps give you a steady heartbeat and in the end will result in stronger bones. With a more sedentary past, one may start with exercises such as jogging and aerobics. In the process, they could pick up on the rest of the more strenuous exercises.

Non hormonal therapy is also a nice way to experience the effect of reduced cancer agents. You should also avoid constant use of toxic agents. If at all it is necessary to have such contact frequently take as much precaution as can be afforded. Pesticides in most cases contain chemicals that have been studied to cause cancer; therefore you can reduce using such agents. A better alternative is to employ the services of an experienced exterminator.

Leukemia Treatment Failure - Are There Alternatives?

I just read the story of a young man in England who is dying of leukemia. He has been through chemotherapy and radiation therapy twice. He has also had a bone marrow transplant. He has suffered through the side effects of the new bone marrow attacking his body. He has been on steroids and other drugs.

His cancer returned despite all of the treatment. He lost his girlfriend, he lost his job and he lost his flat and moved in with his parents. He is dying. He really believes that he will die.

I want to be very respectful and gentle because dying is a serious topic. However, what if there were alternatives that may help? I cannot speak for you, but it seems to me that if modern mainstream medicine failed me, I would turn to alternative medicine.

What about the work of Renee Caisse and her Essiac formula? What about the work of a German biochemist named Johanna Budwig? What about the excellent book: How To Fight Cancer and Win?

What about the work of Bernie Siegal - a cancer surgeon who found another way? There are people who have defeated cancer.

Again, I don't mean to make light of a situation as serious as cancer or leukemia. But, is it prudent to except the fact that one is incurable because a few doctors following the protocals of allopathic medicine thought there was no hope? Stories abound of people who have successfully defeated their cancer or have been in remission so long that you might as well say they won the fight.

Here are some more things to explore: What about juicing wheat grass and vegetables. What about macrobiotic diets. What about...? The list is long.

Since cancer is a serious disease, don't take any chances. What I wrote here was for information and entertainment only. I certainly do not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment suggestions for cancer. If you have or think you have any type of health condition at all, visit your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA certainly hasn't evaluated any of the thoughts in this article, nor are they likely to if they continue to follow the trend of their history. Natural treatments are often ignored and not scientifically investigated. There is no one paying for such research.

When all else fails, what do you have to lose by trying? Next, learn more about natural cancer treatments through the links below.

Read more about natural cancer treatments at: http://www.tobeinformed.com/835/

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - What Increases Your Risk?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is diverse group of cancers of lymphatic system which is part of human immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph vessels, lymph nodes, lymph, tonsils, thymus and spleen. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is most commonly detected in older adults in the age groups of 60s and 70s.

There are no known causes for development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma however medical experts believe that disorders in immune system and older age may increase your chance of having the disease. Research is going on all the time to try to find out other causes that led to the development of this disease.

The following risk factors may increase your chance of acquiring this disease:

Being Male: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in males than in women.

Age: Though NHL can occur at any age but risk increases as ones age progresses. It is most commonly found in people above 60 years of age.

Past cancer treatment: Past cancer treatment can affect your risk of NHL two-fold. Some chemotherapy drugs can increase your risk of getting NHL 10 to 15 years after treatment. Having radiotherapy in the past also increases your risk of acquiring NHL.

Weakened immune system: NHL is most commonly found in those people whose immune system does not work properly. These include HIV and AIDS patients. It also occurs among those people who take medicines that impair the immune system following an organ transplant.

Viral infection: Infection with virus called 'Human T cell Lymphoma virus 1 (HTLV1), hepatitis's C, and Epstein-Barr Virus increase the risk of developing NHL.

Bacterial infection: The bacteria called "Helicobacter pylori" increases the risk of Lymphoma called MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is usually located in stomach lining.

Environmental Exposure: Exposure to insecticide and pesticide, solvents, rubber processing, asbestos, arsenic, nuclear waste and fertilizers increases the risk of developing NHL.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Defeated With PH Balance and Nutritional Therapy

As a person diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) since 2001, I've had my eyes trained on Google Alerts and on the web in general, regularly looking for breakthroughs, both conventionally and in the alternative medicine arena. Many people who are diagnosed with CLL are told to hold off on any treatment, as the disease often progresses slowly, and any improvement with treatment is not permanent. Worse yet, the course and aggressiveness of the disease can change at any time. Patients are told to "watch and wait." This is not a happy way to live.

No role models. The sad truth is that, until this past January 2009, I could find no reference (not one) of any person who was cured of CLL through any kind of traditional medical -- or alternative -- therapy. The only exception are those who have been cured by way of a bone marrow transplant (BMT). Unfortunately, many people do not survive the procedure. It is extremely risky. Worse yet, a patient can survive the BMT and still have CLL, or develop CLL again at a later date.

The five-year time-line. Despite all the research and trials, there is still no conventionally-sanctioned therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, etc.), short of BMT, that can effect a cure. Doctors give patients the hope for a complete remission of five years with some of the available therapies. Not all patients achieve complete remission in the first round of chemotherapy. And the chance of success, measured by five-year survival, decreases with each new form of conventional therapy. Not an encouraging picture. This situation has been evident to me since 2001, when I was forty-six and first diagnosed. Who wants to hear about a five-year life plan when you're forty-six? Not me! While there have been some promising conventional "breakthroughs," the survival rate remains pretty much the same today.

The search for an alternative. My search for an alternative treatment, or treatment protocol, has been equally difficult. I have been able to find testimony on the web of leukemia patients who have become cancer-free (acute myelogenous leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia), but no such luck for CLL. At best, there were stories of people who had held off their CLL with the controversial laetrile (apricot seed extract). But no one with CLL had become cancer free. I was discouraged, but I never gave up the search, or my attempt to discover a blueprint to good health.

The 2009 breakthrough. In January of this year, my Google Alerts revealed an article written by Steve Freier, a man with CLL who recovered to full cancer-free health. He regained his health by having his root canals removed and also by taking coral calcium. Because of his experience, I am in the process now of having all my mercury amalgams replaced with safer porcelain fillings. To find information about his recovery, type "Steve Freier" and "CLL" into Google.

Breakthrough #2. In April 2009, while searching for information about infrared saunas and its effect on leukemia, my husband came across this website: http://www.CLLDefeated.com. It is the story of Hessel Baartse, of Adelaide, Australia. He has totally defeated his CLL by means of removing his root canals and mercury amalgams, and by drastically altering his diet and supplementation, with a concentration on restoring his pH levels to a healthy balance. He credits his dentist, www.ericdavisdental.com for his complete recovery.

There are finally role models for CLL recovery. What used to be a complete mystery now is a challenge with a blueprint for success. There are now at least two cases of men who have beat the odds and defeated their CLL by means of mercury amalgam and root canal removal, nutritional therapy, and pH balance. The further good news is that this program is likely a blueprint to health for people with many other chronic health issues, including cancers.

The future. Because of the Internet and the speed with which we can share information, more people will be able to find a way to recover their good health through alternative means.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer and is one of many illnesses that occur with the exposure of benzene. Like other kinds of leukemia, it develops in the bone marrow spreads to the blood, lymph nodes, organs, the nervous system and other body parts. If it is not detected early enough, AML can be fatal within a few months.

Benzene Exposure

Exposure to benzene for a long period is a known risk factor. This carcinogen is a solvent used in industries that create drugs, rubber, dyes, plastics and other things. People working in these industries have a higher risk of developing AML.

Groundwater is another place where exposure to benzene can occur. This can happen near petroleum plants and gas stations when a leak happens or waste products were not disposed as it should be. Then these and other dangerous chemicals may soak into the groundwater and residents close by may consume these chemical

An individual who was exposed to this carcinogen for a long period and then developed acute myeloid leukemia may be allowed to seek compensation for the damages suffered. If you think your illness was caused by being exposed to benzene, contact a lawyer.

Additional Risk Factors

More factors increase the risk of acute myeloid leukemia consisting of:

• Smoking
• Some chemotherapy drugs, especially if combined with radiation therapy
• Some illnesses of the blood includes myelodysplastic syndrome, which damages the development of blood cells and may grow into leukemia

Common and Specific Symptoms

Common symptoms of this leukemia are likely to be similar to conditions that are not as severe. These symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Lack of appetite or weight loss

More specific symptoms include:

• Anemia and its related symptoms (lightheadedness, weakness, headache)
• Chronic infections
• Bone/joint pain
• Abdominal inflammation
• Swelling, pain, bleeding of the gums
• Rash (spottiness or bumps) on the skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is important that acute myeloid leukemia be diagnosed early and treated as soon as it is diagnosed for a positive result. In diagnosing this leukemia, doctors will need a complete medical history about the patient. A doctor will be able to tell if the patient was exposed to any risk factors such as benzene. A series of tests will be run including blood tests, lab tests and other related tests. If the illness was found in any tests, treatment plans will be set, for example:

• Chemotherapy
• Operation
• Radiation treatment
• Bone marrow transplant
• Clinical trials

Other treatments a doctor may suggest to relieve an individual's pain is acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, etc.

Diagnosed with AML?

Contact a lawyer if you were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia because of being exposed to benzene for a long period. Medical lawyers are experienced in these types of cases. They will evaluate your case at no cost and they will advise you of your legal options. You may be entitled to money damages for the medical costs and other associated expenses due to your condition.

Did We Give Our Child Cancer?

PART 1: The worst day of my life:

I knew that it could be serious when our doctor called and said he'd made an appointment for our 4 year old daughter Laura, at the Children's ward of a major hospital 50 miles away.

We packed up the car and started out. Not much was being said between my wife an I. It was a dreary day, overcast with a little light rain. As we drove down the highway, I remember hoping for some sort of a sign .... maybe the clouds would suddenly separate and the sun would break through and shine down on us ... maybe a car would drive by and the people inside would look over and give us a friendly smile ... anything that would assure me that someone from above was telling me everything was going to be OK. But there were no signs.

We managed to find the hemoc/oncology unit with little trouble. My initial reaction as we entered the room was that of horror, seeing all those precious young children in such poor health. I said to myself "why are we here ? My daughter can't be this sick." Girls and boys, both walking very slowly, some with limps, no hair on their heads, some with scars, others pulling an IV along with them. Was this a preview of what my daughter will soon look like?

After a lengthy wait, it was time for Laura's test - a spinal tap. My wife held her in her lap as the drugs were administered .... it was only 3 or 4 seconds before my daughters eyes rolled back in her head and her body went limp. It was a vision I will never be able to get out of my mind. My eyes filled with tears, as it appeared the life had been taken completely out of her. She was placed on a table, and we were politely asked to leave. What a gut-wrenching feeling I had in my stomach as I walked away from her now motionless body.

The nurse said, "she'll be OK, she's just sleeping .. the procedure won't take long, and she'll soon be back in your arms".

From that point on, time seemed to stand still. I could hear the clock ticking. 10 minutes went by, then 20 and pretty soon 30 minutes had elapsed and still nothing. It was then that I knew that this was as serious as Laura's pediatrician had thought. The waiting was unbearable.

Finally, the doctors emerged and their faces said it all. There were no smiles. The lead doctor came over and invited us into another room, and then it came ... "I'm sorry, but your daughter has leukemia". There was total silence.

PART 2: The reason why?

As time went by, I kept thinking to myself, "why did this happen? We've had no history of cancer on either side of our families, much less leukemia". Were we being punished for some reason?

We had our home and the babysitter's home tested for radon gas ... both came back negative.

We don't live near a bunch of powerlines, so electromagnetic wires were not the culprit.

Could this have happened during childbirth? (Laura was delivered by C-section)

So many questions were being asked, without getting any answers, which only led to more questions.

The one that kept coming back into my head was "How"? How did this happen .. and why her? I felt so helpless, but knew that I had to do something to help my little girl (as well as my other daughter, my wife and myself). Something brought this on, I just didn't know what.

So I started educating myself, not just on leukemia, but health in general, and what I found out was disturbing to say the least. We are living in a toxic mess - exposing our bodies to a virtual onslaught of dangerous chemicals every day.

Chemicals in body wash, in shampoos, in soap, in body lotion, in toothpaste, in mouthwash, in hair spray, in cosmetics, in air fresheners, in household cleaners, in dish detergents .. the list goes on and on. Could this be what caused my daughter's illness? Could it have been brought on by the lifestyle that my wife and I were living prior to conception? Could it have been brought on during the pregnancy? Could it have happened after Laura was born?

Was her sickness caused by these things that we used on a daily basis?

To this day, we still don't have all the answers, but we have changed our lifestyle. I didn't realize how much I took health and life for granted until I thought my daughter's was in jeopardy. Every day is a gift now.

I believe everything in life happens for a reason. Perhaps God chose me deliberately .. to go thru this, learn from it and then pass along my new found knowledge. My guess is, his plan was for me to teach others so that they may never have to endure the pain and agony of watching their child (or some other loved one) go thru what our child went thru. Learn from my experience, so that you may possibly avoid one.

Knowledge is one thing, but action is quite another. The second part of this plan must have been to align me with a company which offers products of unrivalled purity and effectiveness - free from any harmful ingredients. It is this company and their products that I now use and recommend to all that come in contact with me. I feel it's my duty in life and something that I was meant to do.

Cancer is a dreaded disease that has robbed us all of so many wonderful people. I have seen first hand what it's like to watch somebody battle thru it. It's not fun and it's not pretty. In fact some researchers are predicting that by the year 2030, 26 million people a year worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer, with 17 million dying from it.

So it is my mission to educate people on the dangers in the products they are using on a daily basis and offer them healthy alternatives. I'm actually quite angry at what is being sold to unknowing customers ... products being touted as "safe", as "natural", as "gentle", as "organic" ... are really anything but that. Products with catchy names and slogans in brightly colored, fancy shaped packages - all in the hopes of making a healthy profit, but making it anything but healthy for the end user. Unless we change our lifestyles and start supporting companies like the one I've aligned myself with, those researchers may well have made an accurate prediction for the year 2030. My goal is to make those numbers much, much less .. one person or one generation at a time.

In closing, let me leave you with a thought - perhaps the final part of God's plan was for you to read this story and then see if you'll act on it.

Like I said earlier, I believe everything in life happens for a reason.