Male breast cancer is just as rare as it sounds, only it’s real. Of all the breast cancers, one percent of occurs in men. The causes and risk factors are similar as in any breast cancer in women. There are no defined causes for breast cancer but there are certain risk factors that increase the chances/risk of getting cancer in men and women. To prevent and/or cure cancer, we must know the risk factors, causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Coming to statistics, breast cancer has taken 0.22 % deaths of all cancers in men. The survival rate in both, men and women, breast cancer is on the rise to state a positive note.
Certain risk factors for male breast cancer include men having enlarged breasts with the increase of breast tissue in them and can find a small tissue that feels like a button, under the areola. This could be a condition of gynecomastia.
Similar to gynecomastia, Klinefelter syndrome is another condition that comes across as a risk factor for breast cancer in men. This condition is a rare genetic problem. The X chromosome is extra in men when they have this condition. Smaller testicles and enlarges breasts are the results of Klinefelter syndrome and if one feels he has that condition, then he must visit the doctor.
If there is a family history on breast cancer or genetic mutation (which is an event that changes the genetic structure in the body), it can increase the risk of breast cancer in men.
Survival rate in male breast cancer is rising because of the symptoms people notice. Dimpling of the skin on the breast tissues can be one of the early symptoms of breast cancer. Puckering of the skin around the breast area is another symptom of breast cancer.
If you notice anything difference in the nipples, such as, retraction, discharge, or if you notice redness or scaling of the breast skin, then take this matter to a doctor and up on prescription and get a diagnosis done so you can start with the cure. Pain in the nipple or sensitive nipples can also be one of the symptoms.
The early stages of breast cancer are curable and the later stages are fatal. Therefore, if you notice anything unusual or direct symptoms, get yourself checked medically. Awareness of male breast cancer is also important for people to look out for signs of the same disease.
Lung cancer forms tumors in the body that affect the lungs and cause blockages. 3 signs of lung cancer include wheezing, shortness of breath, and blood in the mucus. Although surgery and advanced chemotherapy help to remove and kill these cancerous tumors, there are rapid research and development in treating lung cancer.
Radiation therapy
Although radiation therapy is an older method of treating lung cancer but there have been new advancements in this particular treatment. In the recent years, the researchers have developed improved radiation therapy machines wherein there are built-in imaging scanners inside these machines. Popular as image guided radiation therapy, this method allows the doctor to take the pictures of the lung and help him make minor aiming alterations before he can give the radiation. This process aids in being more specific while giving radiation to the patient. In the end, there can be lesser side-effects as compared to an older form of radiation therapy.
Lung cancer treatment for stage IV patients
First of all, knowing the stage of the lung cancer helps the doctor to provide specific treatments that allow the patient to recover. Stage IV lung cancer, being the most advanced stage, is the form where cancer has already grown to other parts of the lungs and other areas of the body beyond the lungs. Hence, it is at this stage that the cancer is diagnosed because it has metastasized to distant body sites, making it difficult to cure or even effectively treat. Lung cancer at stage IV is very difficult to cure. Various treatment options for stage IV lung cancer depend on where all cancer has spread, what are the number of tumors generated in the body, and what is the overall health of the patient.
In case the patient suffering from stage IV lung cancer has an overall good health, he or she can be treated with options such as surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, to name a few. These therapies or treatments are likely to relieve the patient of the lung cancer symptoms, over the period of time, but may not eventually cure the patient as cancer at this stage has drastically grown into other areas of the body. Apart from these, there are treatments for stage IV lung cancer like photodynamic therapy (PDT) or laser therapy, which also aid to relieve symptoms of lung cancer. If any of the lung cancer patients is looking for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatments, he or she has to understand the treatment’s goals before starting off with the therapies.
The first sign of prostate cancer can be high PSA range, but it can also indicate less-serious condition. There are many causes of high PSA range. The PSA test you take measure a protein content in your blood called prostate specific antigen. The Prostate cancer can make the PSA range to go higher but a high range of PSA does is not always because of cancer. UTI (urinary tract infection) is also one of the causes of high PSA level. Other such causes of high PSA level are discussed below:
Medical procedures:
Medical procedures can be responsible for the PSA level to rise. Some medical procedures can cause a traumatic interference around the prostate gland and that leads to high PSA level in the PSA test. Medical procedure can also include placing of catheter that causes some sort of trauma leading to the rise.
BPH in older men:
Men who are over 50 can have enlarged prostate gland. This condition is known as Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Enlarged prostate gland does not cause prostate cancer but it can increase the level of PSA. An enlarged gland means more number of cells and that means more PSA made by those cells. BPH is quite common among men over 50. There is no need of treatment unless there is difficulty in urination or frequent urination. If you have BPH condition, another test is run to know if you have prostate cancer. That test is called digital rectal exam.
Urinary tract infection UTI:
UTI also causes PSA range to go higher. An infection that is near the prostate gland can cause irritation and inflammation in the prostate cells that leads to higher PSA. If you have UTI, you must wait until the infection subsides and then go for a PSA test.
Ejaculation:
If you have recently ejaculated, your PSA test result can show high PSA level. This is because ejaculation is responsible for mild elevation in the PSA level. If you have ejaculated, then go for a PSA test after two to three days for the PSA to return to normal.
Prolonged bike ride:
It may seem off, but it is one of the reasons or causes of high PSA level. When you have been riding on your bike for long hours, it can increase your PSA range. But this isn’t always true. In extreme cases of prolonged bike riding can the PSA levels rise.
Mouth cancer is a type of neck and head cancer that can occur anywhere in the mouth, lips, tongue’s surface, inside of the cheek, gums, floor or roof of the mouth, in the salivary glands, and in the tonsils. The treatment for mouth cancer is the same as other neck and head cancers. Almost 50 thousand people were diagnosed with this cancer in the country in 2016. More than 9 thousand deaths with this cancer were predicted that year. The detection of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer should be done at the earliest so that one can get treated soon.
Mouth cancer usually affects people in their mid to late 40s. This cancer affects men more than women. It is difficult to identify this cancer based on the symptoms in the early stage as there are often no noticeable and visible signs. However, the common signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include the following.
Not all of these signs and symptoms indicate that a person has mouth cancer, however, it is best to go to a doctor when one sees more than two of these symptoms. Although the red and white patches can be caused by Thrush, a fungal infection, if there is even one sign and symptom that is unusual or unexplained, it is advised that one get it medically examined for mouth cancer. Any cancer, when diagnosed in its early stage, can be treated and cured.
There is no exact cause of mouth cancer, but there can be multiple factors that may lead to the same. Tobacco (cigars, cigarettes, etc.) increases the risk of developing oral cancer. According to the report by a cancer foundation, 90 percent of people who were diagnosed with mouth/oral cancer consumed tobacco in large quantities. Apart from tobacco, people who are heavy alcohol consumers have higher chances of developing mouth cancer.
Additionally, an unhealthy lifestyle, age, and bad eating habits are some factors that contribute to the risk of developing mouth cancer. A diet that lacks nutrition of fruits and vegetables makes a body weak and hence more prone to illnesses such as cancer.
Stage four melanoma refers to the advanced stage of skin cancer. In this condition, the disease spreads from the skin and affects other organs like the lungs.
Diagnosis for skin melanoma
The diagnosis for this kind of skin cancer includes the following tests:
1. Blood tests to determine the blood count and functioning of the liver
2. Ultrasound and imaging scans to determine the spread of cancer
3. A biopsy would be needed for examination
4. Various cancer specialists would conduct meetings to further understand the severity of the disease
Symptoms of stage four skin cancer
The first sign of skin cancer is a change in color of the skin or a mole. However, this sign is not universal for all the patients. Many cancer specialists first look at the primary tumor and observe whether it has spread to other organs as well. When skin cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, these may become matted or clumped. These lymph nodes appear hard when they are pressed by your doctor.
Size of the tumor
Typically, the size of the stage four melanoma is thicker; its size is approximately 4 millimeters. The size of the tumor may, however, vary from person to person. Research has revealed that the size of the tumor may shrink upon treatment but it may still metastasize.
Tumor ulceration
Stage four skin cancers may accompany skin ulceration as well. This means that portions of the skin may be broken. This rupture in the skin may begin from Stage 1 onwards. If you have a stage four melanoma, then the skin may or may not display ulcerations. Patients that have stage 4 melanoma along with having tumor ulcerations do not have high chances of survival, according to the American Cancer Society.
Self-examination
You can check yourself if you have skin cancer or not. The most obvious symptoms are;
• Change in the colour of the mole (s)
• When the shape of the mole is asymmetric
• When the colour of the mole changes its shape over a period
• Melanomas are usually the size of an eraser
• They also have uneven borders
Spreading of melanoma
In stage 3, the cancer spreads to lymph nodes or the skin around the primary tumor lymph nodes. In stage 4 melanoma, the tumor spreads to areas beyond the lymph nodes like the internal organs. In this stage, the melanoma may spread to the following organs;
• Liver
• brain
• bones
• Stomach or abdomen
The symptoms may vary depending upon the area where the cancer has spread. If the area where it has spread is the brain, then the patient may experience long-term headache. In case the area is the lungs then the symptoms may include cough and breathlessness. If you have been treated for stage 3 melanoma and are experiencing new pains, aches etc then you must consult a cancer specialist.
Treatment of this stage of cancer includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
Metastatic malignant melanoma is difficult to treat. Having said that, you still have options. Choosing a treatment depends on the severity of the spread of cancer, and the overall health of the individual. The goals of the treatment then are to shrink or stop the growth of the disease where it has spread thereby stopping it from spreading to new areas.
The most common types of treatment are radiation and chemotherapy. There are newer treatments that are being developed that are actually a combination of two different kinds of treatment. There are also newer drugs being developed that have less painful side effects and are intended to comfort the patient.
Some of the treatment options include
Surgery
Depending on the severity of the malignancy, the doctor might remove the complete organ that is the epicenter of the cancer. This will help the patient live longer with fewer symptoms.
Chemotherapy
One of the oldest methods of treating cancer, chemotherapy uses certain types of drugs that are given to the patient via injections, intravenous, intra-arterial, and tropically (a cream that you can rub on your skin).
What chemotherapy does is, it stops or slows down the growth of the cancer cells that are dividing quickly. The side-effects of chemotherapy are that healthy cells are collateral damage in the treatment. It damages the healthy cells with cancer infected cells. This results in decreased health, other health issues, hair loss, etc. However, the symptoms go away after chemotherapy is over.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high intensity X-rays that destroy cancer cells and shrinks the tumor that is cancerous. The radiation damages the genetic material of the cancer by literally burning down the cancerous cells. Normal cells repair themselves while cancerous cells cannot. Side effect of radiotherapy is that it burns the area of the skin where the high intensity beam is incident.
Radiotherapy is given in two ways. External radiation therapy, which is the most common form of radio therapy. Internal radiotherapy, also known as brachytherapy is normally given to those cancer patients who have cancer spread in the genital area. Radioactive materials are placed into the vagina or the prostate of such patients and are usually sealed inside with needles, seeds, wires, or even catheters.
Immunotherapy
One of the recently developed therapies, immunotherapy attacks the cancer by simply boosting the immune system. It is done intravenously or through high shot of doses. Since it boosts immune system through drugs, it can cause some serious side effects but it can also shrink the metastatic malignant melanomas and help people live longer with very fewer symptoms.
Today, lung cancer has become a widespread condition and is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. The disease is triggered when certain cells in the lungs grow in an uncontrollable and abnormal manner. Lung cancer is recognized in two major categories, i.e., small-cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Like cancer in every part of the body, lung cancer is best treated and manageable when detected in the early stages.
The technology currently used to diagnose and treat lung cancer includes a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. This medical imaging technique involves an imaging device and a radioactive tracer to get a thorough understanding of the tissues in the organ. The scanning process begins by injecting the patient with a tracer that is most commonly fluorodeoxyglucose, which is a substance treated as sugar glucose by the body. Once the fluorodeoxyglucose is fixed in the body, the PET scanner effectively produces a detailed image capture for evaluation. The PET scan may be used in combination with a computed tomography (CT) scan to achieve a three-dimensional image that highlights the lungs’ health with accuracy.
Uses of PET scan in lung cancer
A PET scan can be widely used for diagnosing lung cancer to be a major contributor in the treatment of lung cancer. It can determine the location of the cancerous cells and the extent to which they have spread in the body. An important fact is that a PET scan aids in selecting the most appropriate course of treatment and managing care for lung cancer.
Advantages of a PET scan in lung cancer
Accuracy
A PET or PET-CT scan is the most accurate method that is currently available for determining the traces of cancer cells in the lungs. It is also a reliable tool used to pinpoint whether the treatment is showing results in cancer cell destruction and if the cells are spreading across other body tissues.
Non-invasive procedure
The high accuracy of a PET scan is a great alternative to other invasive methods. It eliminates the need for other surgical procedures that involve the collection of tissue and microscopic analysis of the present cancer cells. The scan greatly drops the need for surgical biopsy.
Painless procedure
A patient undergoing PET scan does not experience any type of pain during the scan procedure. Apart from the minute sting of the needle used for injecting the radioactive substance, the process is devoid of any uncomfortable feeling.
Minute details
A PET scan provides immensely detailed images of the lung tissues. This factor makes it extremely effective when distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors, irrespective of the size.
The history of PET in the field of cancer has been widely debated, experts agree that the pressing concern lies in the right interpretation of the images and using it to route the best management techniques.
Prostate cancer is a result of cells in the prostate gland that start to grow uncontrollably. Situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate gland is found only in males and is responsible for making semen. When the malignant (or cancerous) cells in the prostate reach stage IV, it is medically referred to as metastatic.
Metastatic cancer usually spreads through bones and lymph nodes. Once spread in the lymph nodes, they start spreading in liver and lungs. It is rarer for these cancer cells to move to the other parts of the body, such as the brain.
If the prostate cancer spreads to the hip bone, it is not bone cancer, It is still prostate cancer. It contains the same prostate cancer cells that the original tumor had.
Nature of the spreading of cancer
Metastatic cancer cells sometimes break away from the original tumor and go to a blood lymph vessel. Once they enter the lymph vessel, they can easily move through any part of the body. These metastatic cells stop in blood capillaries and some tiny blood vessels at a distant location.
The metastatic cells then break through the wall of the blood vessel and get fused to any nearest tissue that they can find. Once attached to the tissue, they multiply and grow new blood vessels in order to bring nutrients to the so formed new tumor.
Prostate cancer cells prefer to grow at specific locations such as lymph nodes, ribs, pelvic bones, and the spines.
The dreadful fact about metastatic prostate cancer is that most of these cells that form into new tumors may not survive in the blood stream, some die while forming into a new tissue and some may lie inactive in the bloodstream over the years without showing any symptoms before they become active.
Diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer
When diagnosing for prostate cancer, doctors will order tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans. These tests usually focus at the skeletal level, belly, and pelvic areas. These suggest sign of the extent to which the cancer has spread.
The doctors will also ask for blood tests, including to check the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels. Rise in the PSA levels is one of the first signs of the fact that the cancer may be growing.
On an average, it takes at least a decade from the time a patient is first diagnosed with prostate cancer to the discovery that it has become metastatic. Thus, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and get regular health checkups to avoid such fatal complications in the future.
Prayers beads are spiritual tools that have been in existence for thousands of years. Two of the oldest origins of these beads are India and Nepal, the two places in the world that have been practicing meditation for the longest time. However, now monk prayer beads can be found across the world.
Purpose of prayer beads
Several people use prayer beads to attain some peace and calm in their everyday lives. Malas made out of these beads are used while meditating and during prayers. Even novices who do not have much experience or knowledge about religion or spirituality can meditate using prayer beads.
Each mala contains a set number of beads (usually 108). These beads represent spiritual identity and connection with the universe. During meditation, every movement of the bead represents one chant or breath taken. This process helps in keeping your mind focused and creates positive energy.
What are prayer beads made of?
Traditionally, prayer beads are made using wood, plant seed, and other similar organic materials, which are shaped or carved into a round form. Rudraksha seeds were originally used to make these beads, as they were known to possess spiritual and healing power. In the same way, Bodhi seeds are also sacred (the term “bodhi” refers to enlightenment”.)
In Tibetan culture, monk prayer beads made from carved bone are a common sight, and they stand for compassion and impermanence. Prayer beads made from wood can be chosen if you want to create a spiritual connection with Earth. During meditation, wooden beads promote mindfulness and grounding energy.
How to meditate with prayer beads
You do not need to gain full knowledge of prayers and rituals in order to meditate holding prayer beads. Just clear your mind of all thoughts and sit peacefully for around 15 minutes. Gently hold the mala in your hand. You will notice that one bead is larger than all others. This bead is called the guru bead. Use your thumb and index finger to lightly hold the bead next to the guru bead. Slowly, move the beads through your fingertips while chanting the spiritual verses, prayer, or mantra. When you reach the guru bead, it indicates the completion of one full cycle. Following this, when you feel ready, slowly phase out of meditation by sitting in peace for a few minutes.
If you are expecting a baby, you must be aware that with a new baby comes new expenses too. And formula food is one such cost that is absolutely essential. But like so many baby products, baby formula is indeed expensive. And before you settle down on one type or brand of formula food that your little one clearly enjoys having, there are baby formula samples that are available for free. And, though a little effort is required, there are many ways you can get free baby formula samples. Here are a few you can try:
The first stop to find free baby formula samples should be your local food bank. If you could make a call and find out whether they have stock of baby formula, they would gladly give it to you free of cost. Check out the government websites for a list of the local directory of food banks. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) are two federal programs set up to feed families with little children and they could provide free baby formula too.
You may be able to get free baby formula samples from your doctor, pediatrician or local hospitals. Because baby formula manufacturers provide samples for exactly this purpose, that doctors and hospitals pass them on to babies in need of formula food in the hope that they can reach the ultimate user of their product.
If you happen to get your hands on daily newspapers and magazines dedicated to baby and child care, you might find inserts that give coupons for free baby formula samples. And local grocery stores sometimes announce a sale on certain items they carry, this could include baby formula too.
Register online at the many websites that offer free baby formula samples. Manufacturers of formula food like Nestle, Nature’s One, Gerber, Enfamil, Similac and stores such as Amazon or Target have websites/registries where you could enroll and get free sample baby kits that might include baby formulas and also coupons or discounts for future purchases.
While some of these resources need you to qualify as a low-income parent, there are others open to everyone. Try the many different ways mentioned here to get free baby formula samples, from small portions to full-sized cans everything is available for your newborn or infant.
Term life insurance is usually the most popular option when individuals purchase policies. It is basically a type of life insurance that is fixed for a certain period, as chosen by the individual. If the policyholder dies before the term expires, his/her beneficiary is eligible to receive the insurance money (tax-free) for funeral and other expenses.
The main reasons why individuals opt for term life insurance is because it is very transparent and affordable. It is straightforward, especially for a buyer with a non-financial background. A monthly or annual premium may be paid to the insurance company to maintain the term life insurance.
Before you invest in any policy, get cheap term life insurance quotes from different insurance providers and do a comparative study. To make your job easier, we have compiled a list of the four top-rated low-cost term life insurance policies which may be purchased online:
Haven Life
Haven Life is touted to be one of the most sought-after term insurance companies with respect to quoting and purchasing of life insurance through an online portal. The coverages go up to $2 million and you are eligible for it without any medical exam. Also, since you don’t have to shell out extra money to agents, the cost of purchasing their insurance is minimal.
Banner Life Insurance
Banner Life Insurance follows standard pricing with respect to life insurance quotes. Their rates differ depending on the health conditions of the prospective customer. The rates provided by them are excellent and affordable. In fact, they are quite flexible with their age bar limit as individuals between 60 and 80 years may also purchase life insurance.
American National
With some of the best ratings in the industry, American National is also known for providing the best customer service and paybacks. Since they have been rated the best by customers, American National has a good reputation in the market. In fact, individuals with a health condition should especially look for quotes on term life insurance from American National.
SBLI
SBLI also provides some of the most affordable term life insurance plans. Their plans are available for affordable premiums ranging from $400 to $500. In fact, if the individual is below 35 years, the annual premium is approximately $223, which converts to $18.58 in a month only. These numbers have managed to bring them a long list of customers who are happy with their rates. Apart from enjoying the affordable premiums, you also have the option to convert the term policy to a permanent policy.