Women and Breast Cancer

By Marcos Suarez

Breast Cancer

Cancer is a group of cells that do not obey the normal physiological functioning of the body. These cells are called as tumors. These tumors do not allow the organs to efficiently work. The tumor that arises in the breast tissues are called as breast cancer.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Breast cancers occur due to a variety of reasons. The main reasons for the breast cancer are female gender and sex. Although this is the primary reason, there are also other reasons for the development of breast cancer and some of them are discussed below.

Environmental factors

The environment in which you live also contributes to the formation of breast cancer. For instance, if a woman is constantly exposed for longer periods to radiations while the treatment process; it may lead to the development of breast cancer.

Particularly in the case of the treatment of Hodgkin disease, the individual is required to be exposed to the radiations in her upper part of the body. This increases the risk of developing the breast cancer than the other people.

Dietary and life style factors

Dietary factors influence the triggering of breast cancer in some ways. It has been observed from a study that the people in some regions of the world who consume more amounts of fats develop breast cancers than the people who consume less amounts of fat. Breast cancer risk factors also increase with being overweight and obese.

Consuming alcohol has also been reported to be one of the reasons for the triggering of the breast cancer. It is also noted that the risk factor of breast cancer increases proportionately as the amounts of alcohol consumed.

Lifestyle of a woman has also been associated with the development of breast cancer. People who do not regularly exercise have been reported to have high risks of developing the breast cancer.

Breast diseases

Certain breast disease can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Certain types of breast changes can lead to the development of breast cancer while the others are usually not harmful. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult a doctor if there is a breast discomfort.

Apart from the above certain types of causes like the hormonal causes and genetic cause are also responsible for the formation of breast cancer.

What are the diagnostic tests that are available for breast cancer?

For the diagnostics of breast cancer there are several tests which may include the physical and visual inspections and the feeling of breasts. Some of the most common tests for breast cancer diagnostics may include mammography, biopsy, ultrasonic tests and MRI. Among the above, biopsy is the only test that can certainly detect the tumor while the others can give a false readings. - 30533

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How You Can Survive Breast Cancer

By Jackson Noah

Breast Cancer

Cancer is a group of cells that grow rapidly and out of control thus forming an unwanted tissue in the body. This tissue can affect the functions of the area or the organ in which it is present and show some bad effects on it. The cancer tissue is also called as tumor. The tumor that arises in the breast tissues are called as breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most leading cancer in women. Its death rate is high. Although this disease is a primary women disease, it also occurs in men at about 1percent. Women always run at a risk of developing the breast cancer throughout the life. Recent survey suggests that the death due to breast cancer is declining sharply due to the treatment methods available.

What are the causes of breast cancer?

The causes of breast cancer are very simple. It is caused mainly due to the gender and age. In women gender is constantly at a risk of developing the breast cancer. Even a born child can be affected with breast cancer. A woman of age 30 is running at risk with 1 in 280 chances of developing breast cancer.

Likewise a woman with age 40 runs at a risk of developing cancer in 1 in 70 chances and so on. So the probability of developing the breast cancer increases as the age progresses. Several studies over different parts of the world suggest that the white women are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than the dark skinned women in African region.

Hormonal causes

It has been proved that hormonal causes can lead to the development of breast cancer in women. Women who mature at an early stage and end their menopause at an age of 55 can run at a high risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, if a person started the periods at a late stage and ends their menopause at an early stage, it helps them from decreasing the risk factor of developing the breast cancer.

Another cause for the breast cancer is when a woman gives birth to a child after the age of 30. This greatly increases the risk of developing the tumor and on the other hand, if a woman gives birth to a child before 30 years of age, then she might have less probability of developing a tumor.

Genetic causes

Genes has been long known as a culprit for many diseases. Genetics also play a role in tumor development. If a mother suffers from breast cancer, the child also runs a risk of developing the breast cancer. In all the patients, about 6 to 10 percent of them are believed to have cancer due to genetic causes. - 30533

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How to Fight Prostate Cancer

By Steve Zappa

Over the past few years prostate cancer has been targeted by health authorities as the largest hidden killer of men over 45 years of age. Although there have been advances in education and general public awareness, men are still demonstrating reluctance to acknowledge the need for vigilance in their everyday lives.

There are a number of ways that men can reassure themselves however.

Here is a list of facts and suggestions collated from a number of sources that you should know about.

One in every 6 men will suffer from prostate problems in their lives. So there is no need to feel isolated or a victim. Just take action and get to a doctor quickly at the first sign.

If prostate cancer is caught quickly enough it can be cured. The faster you get to your doctor and to a Urologist, the better your chances of survival.

A major break through happened in 2002 in which scientists isolated the gene that helps spread prostate cancer. This gene is still being studied but it does give hope that new drugs can be developed that target this gene.

Dietary habits are the common thread in most of the literature about prostate cancer.

1. Stop consuming dairy products. Replace dairy products with soy products. Studies show that even a couple of glasses of soy milk a day can have dramatic effects.

2. Lyocopene. Tomatoes have lyocopene which has shown to prevent prostate cancer. One tomato a day provides 4 mg of lycopene. Tomato juice provides up to 25 mg of lycopene.

3. Consume vegetables and fruits. Other fruits and vegetables are also recommended like pumpkins, beans, avocadoes, carrots, and spinach.

4. Eat garlic. Garlic has allicin which slows the spread of cancer cells. Garlic also has selenium.

5. Selenium which is found in garlic, tomatoes, and broccoli has also been shown to be effective.

6. Reduce your intake of salt and of seasonings. Cancer has been linked to the increased intake of salt and seasonings.

7. Finally, green tea is a popular choice as a beverage so drink at least 6 cups a day.

The diet above will radically reduce your chances of getting prostate cancer. - 30533

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Prostate Cancer Research Info

By Jason Myers

Pomegranates have long been used in traditional folk remedies to heal sore throats, inflammation, and rheumatism. And recent scientific research has suggested that they are also potentially responsive in both preventing and treating prostate cancer.

One study, carried out on human prostate cancer cells in lab dishes, at the University of Wisconsin, revealed that there existed dosage dependant improvements. One more study at the same facility occurred wherein mice injected with human prostate cancer cells became the subject of study. These mice acquired malignancies. Some mice were given plain water, while 2 other subject groups of mice were given water blended with different concentration level of pomegranate extract.

Those mice that had water only had tumours that grew much faster than the pomegranate and water groups. The quantities accorded to the mice were identical to that which individuals might take in if they consume pomegranate juice each day. And whilst pomegranate juice hasn't yet been tested on humans with prostate cancer, the results are very good.

The study did not identify what areas of pomegranate juice were responsible for addressing prostate tumour growth. But the scientists involved did mention the antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more effective than green tea and red wine.

Pomegranate extract not only inhibited the development of cancer cells, it also worked in another way - apoptosis.

Apoptosis relates to a way that cells can break down. Cancer growths are characterized by an uncontrolled development of cells without following the the normal processes of cellular differentiation of regular healthy cells. Cellular differentiation means that the features of a cell change and acquire the functions inherent to a mature, healthy cell would. For example, liver cells have specialized liver functions, as do prostate, breast, kidney, and all other types of cells. This is normal and healthy.

In tumour growths, although some cells tend fully differentiate, many just differentiate partially, and some not at all. And the tumors which have greater undifferentiated cells grow at a faster pace. So, stimulating cellular differentiation is one approach to cancer treatment. One more way being tried by medical specialists and researchers in treating cancer is by causing the death of cancerous cells. They do this through apoptosis, as stated above, and necrosis.

Generally, prostate cancer grows at very slow pace, though it is unpredictable and can advance and spread quickly. - 30533

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Find Out How To Keep Your Prostate Healthy

By Robert Read

If I told you how you could reduce your risk of prostate cancer and increase your prostate health so that later in life you would not have to suffer the same fate that 90% of men in their sixties and seventies complain about would you listen. Well here comes the straight scoop.

Your prostate gland over time grows, in your twenties it weights 11 grams by your seventies it well weigh 31 grams. This growth causes side effects that range from bladder control issues to erectile disfunction. This medical issue is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH for short.

BPH and Prostate Cancer share The same symptoms but Prostate Cancer can come on very rapidly. This is why even as a young man you should have your prostate checked regularly. As your prostate grows in size it pinches of the urethra and restricts the amount of urine flow. Ninety percent of all men in their sixties and seventies complain of some sort of prostate issue. Symptoms include urinary hesitation, painful urination and erectile dysfunction. If left untreated surgery may be required.

There are a number of Herbs and minerals that can have a very positive effect on your prostate and the issues that it can manifest. Here is a list of minerals and herbs that you should look for in any dietary supplement dealing with your prostate.

*Zinc Chelate is a primary building block in the formation of RNA and DNA it promotes the development of your reproductive organs and promotes normal prostate gland function.

*Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant. Studies show that daily usage can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 33% and the death rate by 41%.

*Selenium activates an enzyme called Glutathione Peroxidase. Case studies have shown a 65% drop in prostate cancer rates caused by the use of this mineral supplement.

*Saw Palmetto extract active ingredient Liposterolic produces concentrated levels of free fatty acids and sterols. Saw Palmetto also reduces the amount of Dihydrotestoeron that causes the prostate to increase in size.

*Lycopene Extract Found in tomato products. Studies have shown a 21%decreased risk of developing prostate cancer in people who eat large amounts of tomatos and tomato products

*Corn Silk Powder Extract is helpful for any irritation of the urinary system. Its used in the treatment of cyctits, ureithritis and prostatitis.

*Enhinacea Angustifolia Root is vital in the production of white blood cell.

*Nettle Leaf effects hormone and proteins that carry testosterone and estrogen to the body.

*Cranberry Extract prevents e-coli bacteria from building up in the bladder.

*Parsley Powder Extract helps to nourish the kidneys, liver and bladder.

*Cayenne Pepper 40,000 HU reduces pain and is a major heart and circulatory stimulant.

*Curcumin Standardized extract reduces platelet formation which intern increases blood circulation and protects the liver from several toxic compounds. - 30533

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How to Fight Prostate Cancer

By Steve Zappa

Prostate Cancer is the number one killer of men over 45 years of age. Even though there have been many new advances in education and public awareness about this disease, most men still do not know how to reduce their risk.

There are a number of ways that men can reassure themselves however.

Here is a list of facts and suggestions collated from a number of sources that you should know about.

An incredible 1 out of every 6 men will get prostate cancer. It is that common. There is no need to feel embarrassed. You need to get a diagnoses as quickly as possible.

It is almost certain that quick action will lead to successful recovery. The sooner you visit your doctor and get referred to a Urologist the better your chances of successful treatment.

New drug trials for prostate cancer are underway thanks to the discover in 2002 of the gene responsible for the spread of prostate cancer. This gene is still being studied with the hope of producing new drugs that target this gene. For now, Chemotherapy is the current form of treatment.

The best way to avoid cancer is through a proper diet.

1. Dairy products should be eliminated and replaced by soy. Just a couple of glasses of soy milk a day can have dramatic effects.

2. Eat tomatoes. Tomatoes contain the cancer fighting compound lyocopene. One tomato will give you 4 mg of lycopene a day. One 8-ounce glass of tomato juice will give you 25 mg of lycopene a day.

3. Eat fruits and vegetables. Pumpkins, beans, and spinach are also good.

4. Garlic, which seems to pop up in every preventative healthy diet plan is also recommended as it contains allicin, which decreases the proliferation of cancer cells.

5. Eat broccoli. Broccoli contains selenium.

6. You should have less seasonings including salt. Salt and seasonings have been linked to cancer.

7. Drink green tea. Drink green tea every day.

Following these simply changes to your diet will dramatically reduce your chance of dying from prostate cancer. - 30533

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What is Neoplasia When You Have Cancer

By Craig Stephany

Neoplasia is the uncontrolled disorderly proliferation of cells resulting in a benign or malignant tumor or neoplasm.

Malignant tumors are divided among carcinomas, sarcomas, and teratomas. Carcinomas are subdivided into squamous cell carcinomas (from stratified squamous), transitional cell carcinoma (from urinary tract epithelium) and adenocarcinoma (of glandular epithelium). Sarcomas are subdivided into osteosarcoma (from the bones), chonrosarcoma (from cartilages), liposarcoma (from fatty tissues), rhabdomyosarcoma (from striated muscles), and leiomyosarcoma (from smooth muscles). Teratoma is neoplasm derived from all three germ cell layers. Cancer is associated with malignant tumors and not benign tumors. However, some benign tumors may be pre-cancerous.

People at risk of certain cancers may wonder what lung cancer is. What is colon cancer? What is prostate cancer? Or what is breast cancer? The common denominator for all cancers is the fact that the problem or disease originates from the basic unit of life which is the cell.

The location of abnormality in the reproduction and proliferation of cells determines the kind of cancer. The reason why different cancer types are developed is because abnormality of cell reproduction and proliferation may occur in different parts of the body. There are common cancers with information widely available due to occurrence. There are also very rare types of cancer.

Carcinogenesis or oncogenesis are terms pertaining to the development of cancer. The process involves initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis. Initiation occurs when proto-oncogenes are turned on anytime after embryonic life. Carcinogens are considered responsible in changing the activity of the cells genes. Promotion occurs when a normal cell that has been initiated by a carcinogen is enhanced to develop into a cancer cell.

Progression refers to the development of the tumor of its own blood supply by production of tumor. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from the primary location to establish themselves in distant locations apart from its area of origin. - 30533

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Which is the Safest Treatment For Prostate Cancer?

By Sarah Leah

You should always consult with a medical professional on all of your options, as well as the costs and benefits of each choice. Studies have shown that supplements such as palmetto, as well as vitamins C, D and E are effective in boosting your body's natural strength.

A cohort study just published in mid 2005 by the American Journal of Nutrition showed that men with the highest dietary intake of dairy foods were 2.2 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with the lowest dietary intake of dairy foods. The same study referenced above showed a 2.2 times increase in prostate cancer risk for men with the highest dietary calcium intake over those with the lowest. This came as quite a shock, since the USDA recommends a minimum of 1200mg of daily calcium for men over 50, and 1000mg for men aged 19 to 50.

Studies concerning green tea and prostate cancer have been very promising. It may also reduce your risk of heart disease, the other big killer. Just take acne, as an example. In newly diagnosed cases of acne, doctors have seen low blood levels of the common vitamins A and E. Studies in Canada and more recently in the US have shown that mass produced fruits, vegetables, berries and grains are not as nutrient-rich as they were just 50 years ago.

I have seen many patients following a prostatectomy who are very distressed by their inability to resume normal intimacy. It would seem that we need to do more to understand patients and their preferences when they are choosing treatment for prostate cancer and offer them a wider range of options to meet their needs. This has been understood to be the safest way of eradicating cancer but causes impotency.

About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The male hormone testosterone contributes to the growth of cancer. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. - 30533

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What Exactly Is Stage IV Cancer?

By Mario Mazorra

Stage IV cancers have spread (metastasized) to other organs or throughout the entire body. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from its primary location and remotely establish themselves in another location. The steps of metastasis are malignant transformation, tumor vascularization, blood vessel penetration, and arrest and invasion. The three routes of spread are local seeding, blood borne routing (sarcomas), and lymphatic routing (carcinomas).

What is cervical cancer stage IV? Stage IV cervical cancer is advanced cancer and has spread to other body organs outside the cervix and womb. It may be divided into stage IVA or stage IVB Stage 4A is when the cancer has spread to nearby organs like the bladder or rectum (back passage). On the other hand, the cancer that has spread to organs further away, such as the lungs, it may be called stage 4B. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments may be performed to treat stage IV cervical cancer. Some women may prefer to have treatment that will control symptoms of the cancer at this stage.

What is ovarian cancer stage IV? Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic sarcoma, which is second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Females in the United States have a 1.4 % to 2.5 % chance of developing ovarian cancer. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) standardized the staging of gynecological cancers. It is the most frequently tool to aid in prognosis and treatment. Both surgical and pathological findings are considered in staging. The cancer is staged according to whether it is still in the ovary or spread beyond.

Stage IV is the last stage of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer patients exhibit parenchymal liver metastases and extra-abdominal metastases. Thirteen percent of patients alive are in stage IV. The most common areas where the cancer spreads are generally the liver and lungs. A third of ovarian cancer patients have pleural effusions and most of them contain malignant cells. Splenectomy may be required when the spleen gets affected.

Widespread ovarian tumor treatments begin with surgery and may include total hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy. For tumors that remain after chemotherapy further chemotherapy treatment may be necessary. The patient takes part in making vital decisions on the treatment they want to have. - 30533

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Acquiring Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatments

By Maya Cailyn

Although no single treatment can offer guarantees for success, the combination of various alternative medicines, as well as improvements in overall health is certainly worth trying for most patients. What is important about non traditional methods is that they treat the patient and not just the disease - these treatments understand that the a proper recovery requires both physical, mental and emotional stamina.

A cohort study just published in mid 2005 by the American Journal of Nutrition showed that men with the highest dietary intake of dairy foods were 2.2 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than men with the lowest dietary intake of dairy foods. The same study referenced above showed a 2.2 times increase in prostate cancer risk for men with the highest dietary calcium intake over those with the lowest. Another study in 2001 observed over 20,000 men, and concluded that men who consumed more than 600mg of daily calcium from dairy products had a 32% higher risk of prostate cancer than men who consumed less than 150mg of daily calcium from dairy products.

Searching for information can seem daunting. There is a lot of info out there be it in books or on the World Wide Web. If searching the Internet, be sure that you check out several different sites.

However once the cancer has been successfully treated, the side-effects of treatment can have a major impact on quality of life. Yet frequently, at the time of diagnosis, these patients did not view impotence as a major concern when they made their choice of treatment. This has been understood to be the safest way of eradicating cancer but causes impotency.

Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. - 30533

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What Exactly Is Stage IV Cancer?

By Mario Mazorra

Stage IV cancers have spread (metastasized) to other organs or throughout the entire body. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from its primary location and remotely establish themselves in another location. The steps of metastasis are malignant transformation, tumor vascularization, blood vessel penetration, and arrest and invasion. The three routes of spread are local seeding, blood borne routing (sarcomas), and lymphatic routing (carcinomas).

What is cervical cancer stage IV? Stage IV cervical cancer is advanced cancer and has spread to other body organs outside the cervix and womb. It may be divided into stage IVA or stage IVB Stage 4A is when the cancer has spread to nearby organs like the bladder or rectum (back passage). On the other hand, the cancer that has spread to organs further away, such as the lungs, it may be called stage 4B. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments may be performed to treat stage IV cervical cancer. Some women may prefer to have treatment that will control symptoms of the cancer at this stage.

What is ovarian cancer stage IV? Ovarian cancer is a gynecologic sarcoma, which is second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. Females in the United States have a 1.4 % to 2.5 % chance of developing ovarian cancer. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) standardized the staging of gynecological cancers. It is the most frequently tool to aid in prognosis and treatment. Both surgical and pathological findings are considered in staging. The cancer is staged according to whether it is still in the ovary or spread beyond.

Stage IV is the last stage of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer patients exhibit parenchymal liver metastases and extra-abdominal metastases. Thirteen percent of patients alive are in stage IV. The most common areas where the cancer spreads are generally the liver and lungs. A third of ovarian cancer patients have pleural effusions and most of them contain malignant cells. Splenectomy may be required when the spleen gets affected.

Widespread ovarian tumor treatments begin with surgery and may include total hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy. For tumors that remain after chemotherapy further chemotherapy treatment may be necessary. The patient takes part in making vital decisions on the treatment they want to have. - 30533

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Surviving Lung Cancer: Mission Possible

By Antonio Ricaute

Numerous of elements determine lung cancer survival rates including the kind of cancer, the phase it is at once diagnosed, and the general health status of the affected person altogether represent a function in determining lung cancer survival rate. Cancer survival is generally related to a five-year survival rate. This means patients who live at least five years after the cancer is diagnosed may be considered cancer survivors.

Stage 0 patients overcome lung cancer, of approximately 50 percent. One quarter of stage II patients make it to 5 years. 8 percent of stage III patients make it to 5 years. Only 2 percent amount to what is stage IV cancers survival rate. patients survive the disease. Generally, small-scale cell cancer quickly develops to fatal disease. 10 to 15 percent of patients with limited-stage small-scale cell lung cancer, and between 1 and 2 percent of those with extensive-stage cancer, live on to 5 years.

There are survivors of lung cancer.

Frank was diagnosed with lung cancer with six months more to live. He was informed that there was nothing that can be done about it. He still decided on fighting the cancer and his surgery revealed a 10 centimeter primary tumor in the left lower lobe which was identified as a squamous cell carcinoma. Three lymph nodes were positive of metastatic disease. He was able to come through the surgery without complications. Today, he is living an active life. He and Nellie(his husband) have retired to Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma.

John Kleinfeldt survived lung cancer. Anyone who follows the statistics on cancer survival would have given up on his case. His journey with cancer began with a regular check up with his doctor. He was 58 years old when tests resulted to anemia. An x-ray confirmed lung cancer. After several opinions on his diagnosis, he went to a cancer center and pursued treatment. He is alive today " alive and well. - 30533

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What are Ovarian Cancer Survival Facts?

By Kumberlin Birin

What is ovarian cancers survival rate? Survival rates can be calculated by different methods for different purposes. Relative survival rate measures the survival of ovarian cancer patients as compared to the general population with the efforts of estimating the effect of cancer.

The 5-year relative ovarian cancer survival rate for 1996-2002 was 44.7 percent. The 5-year relative ovarian cancer survival rates based on race and sex are 44.2 percent for white women and 39.5 percent for black women.

What is stage IV cancer survival rate for ovarian cancers? This is the most advanced stage of ovarian cancer wherein it has spread to the inside of the liver, the lungs, or other organs located outside of the peritoneal cavity. Finding ovarian cancer cells in the fluid around the lungs (called pleural fluid) also indicate stage IV of the disease. The survival rate for stage IV ovarian cancer is ranges from 18 to 77 percent depending on different staging classifications.

Jan Pederson after displaying several symptoms of ovarian cancer underwent an ultrasound to arrive to diagnosis. The ultrasound confirmed there was a mass and fluid. Within two days, she was in the O.R. at a well-known cancer hospital. The oncologist removed a two-pound tumor and a gallon of fluid that the tumor produced and lost 10 pounds on the operating table. She went through several treatments and procedures and now six years after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her life is good. She is eating healthy and taking supplements recommended by her naturopathic clinician. And since January 2009, lifes become even more fulfilling.

Speaking as a cancer survivor, Lori Warchols image has had several television appearances in screens across the nation. She is an advocate for taking control of cancer and ones own treatment as opposed to letting cancer take control.

It is important for everyone to know, no matter how scared or devastated they are, there are a number of options out there. I experienced a combination of medical expertise and good customer service that is hard to come by. This has been the best healthcare experience of my life, Warchol said. - 30533

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