Cancer Treatment: Complementary and Alternative Therapies

 Good Afternoon and happy Monday one and all.

I recently did a blog post about the cancer cure conspiracy and how natural treatments are not standalone cancer cures. However, some therapies appear to aid cancer treatment and cancer sufferers so I have done some research and will focus on this in today’s post.

The confusing thing is people tend to treat “complimentary therapies” and “alternative therapies” as if one and the same. This is slightly misleading so I have decided to explain them both individually.

Complementary therapies are used ALONGSIDE conventional treatment to help you cope with the side effects or to ease them if possible. They are not cures and should not be used instead of conventional treatment such as chemotherapy.

Alternative therapies are usually used INSTEAD of conventional treatment options. Conventional treatments will have been tested and proven to work before being given the go ahead to be widely used. Most alternative therapies have not been through the same purpose and have not been scientifically proven to work. Some have harmful side effects and most will not cure you.

You must always seek medical advice before using any form of alternative or complementary therapy. You must also discuss your cancer and treatment with the therapist in charge or the complementary or alternative therapy.

Complementary Therapies:

Complimentary therapies are supposed to be used alongside conventional cancer treatments to help the sufferer deal with the side effects of the treatment. They can also improve quality of life and ease the symptoms.

Complementary therapies should not be used instead of conventional treatment and a good complimentary therapist should always make that clear and encourage you to see advice from your doctor and medical team beforehand.

Complimentary therapies include:

*Aromatherapy

*Acupuncture

*Herbal Medicine

*Massage Therapy

*Yoga

Many health professionals know that these therapies can help cancer sufferers and are in support of them being used alongside conventional treatment. However, some are reluctant to encourage their patients to use them and this is because many have not yet been scientifically proven. Research is being carried out to see how they work and these studies will help the medical world to fully understand the best ways to use complementary therapies.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional treatment. This could be for a number of reasons such as the patient not wanting to have conventional treatment or a patient not having success with conventional treatment and wishing to try another way.

It is a alarming to note how many people claim alternative therapies have cured cancer  or can cure cancer. A trustworthy therapist would never encourage someone to seek alternative therapy in place of conventional treatment and it is actually quite dangerous for people to claim conventional treatments are harmful and alternatives are safer and more reliable. So far there is no medical or scientific evidence to support this claim and some alternative therapies are actually very harmful and very expensive. Some may even stop conventional treatment being effective in fighting cancer. People are very clever and are able to make these treatments seem like miracles which attract people with no hope. This is false advertisement and incredibly misleading. Please always seek medical advice if you are thinking of going down this road.

Using Complementary Therapies:

Around a third of UK cancer patients use some kind of complimentary therapy. There is no evidence that they cure the cancer or prevent it from occurring in the first place but many are drawn to seek complementary therapies to help them deal with the side effects and symptoms of their cancer. Some help you reduce stress and can encourage relaxation and some are able to calm you and relieve anxiety. They can also help you feel more in control of your illness. Some will reduce the amount of pain you are in. ALWAYS seek medical advice and do your research before using any complimentary therapy. Be open with your therapies about your cancer type, your treatment and your life as these will all factor into your complimentary therapy.

I hope this post has made you more informed of the kind of therapies available, I will focus on some individually. Please do take my advice and seek medical assistance before embarking on any kind of complementary therapy and DEFINITELY seek advice from your medical team before considering any alternative therapies. I know sometimes it can seem like there is a miracle and some people are very persuasive, but it is always better to trust your doctor.

xxx

Cancer Treatment: Photodynamic Therapy

One of my best memories of Georgie is a weird one. He was undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the UCH Teenager Cancer Unit and I went to visit him there after work. Whilst he was having the treatment he couldn’t be exposed to light so we had to sit in the dark. We ate dinner in relative darkness and spent the evening just me, him and my Uncle Pan. I like to talk to my Uncle about all things politics and that sort of thing whilst Georgie and I had a shared love of One Tree Hill and we all support Chelsea FC so there was no shortage of things to talk about. It was actually one of my favourite evenings and I always think of it when I think of Georgie.

I’m going to focus on PDT today and I hope this post provides you with some interesting information about a treatment option which is not yet as well known as others such as chemotherapy.

Photodynamic Therapy

PDT is a treatment mostly used for non melanoma skin cancer cases but it can also be used to treat other cancer types. It is also known as photo radiation therapy, phototherapy and photo chemotherapy. It combines a drug, known as a photosensitizer, which makes cells sensitive to light and exposure to a particular type of light. There are different types of photosensitizing agents and each is activated by a light on a specific wavelength. Different types are used to treat different body parts.

How PDT Works:

The sensitizing drugs produce a type of oxygen that is able to kill nearby cells when they are exposed to their particular light. This directly kills cancer cells and may also be able to shrink and destroy tumours in other ways, possibly by damaging the blood vessels in the tumour to prevent it receiving the nutrients it needs to survive. PDT may also possibly trigger the immune system so it can attack the cancer cells. It can be used as part of a combination of treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or biological therapy.

Treating Skin Cancer with PDT

PDT is sometimes used to treat cases of non melanoma skin cancer. A cream containing the light sensitive chemical is applied to the skin cancer and surrounding area, although it can also be used in tablet or injection form. A strong light is shone on the area for up to forty five minutes once the chemical has been absorbed and the light kills any cell that has absorbed the drug.

Treating Other Cancer Types with PDT

Research indicates that PST may be able to treat some cancer types that are found inside the body. It is mainly used to shrink larger tumours that are blocking the airway or food pipe and it can also be used to treat cancers found in the head and neck area, the oesophagus, and on the lining of internal organs. Georgie has osteosarcoma of the mandible (jaw) and PDT was used for this. The light used for PDT can only pass through about 1cm of tissue and can be used to relive symptoms and help the patient breath or swallow better. It can be used to treat patients in the very early stages of lung cancer or oesophageal cancer if the patient is not well enough to have surgery or chemotherapy.

For internal cancers, the light sensitizing drug is injected into your blood stream, normally via a cannula. Cells all over the body absorb the drug but it usually lasts longer in cancer cells so about two or three days after receiving the chemical, a light will be shone to activate the drug usually via an endoscope. You may need local or general anesthetic as the laser light is switched on when the tube reaches the cancer.

PDT Side Effects

Your skin and eyes may be sensitive to light for up to six weeks after the treatment due to the light sensitizing drugs used. Direct sunlight and bright indoor light will need to be avoided for around six weeks after the therapy and skin may become very sensitive if it is exposed to light around this time period. PDT can cause some burns, swelling or scarring to nearby healthy tissue. Other side effects can include coughing, difficultly swallowing, stomach pains, and breathlessness but this is usually temporary.

I hope you have found this informative. I know it sounds scary but it did seem to help Georgie whilst he was having it. To find out more, please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

xxx

Happy Women’s Day!!

I know lots and lots of fabulous women and I think it’s great that there is a day dedicated to celebrating how amazing womankind is!

I’m going to use this day to remind everyone of a few key facts regarding female cancers. I have included breast cancer but this is a cancer that can affect men and women. Take a look at the facts below and remember to visit your GP if you have noticed any changes in your body or are suffering from any of the symptoms.

Cancer of the Breast

The Breast:

Breasts are made up of fat, gland tissue and connective tissue which is divided into lobes. A network of ducts spread from these lobes towards the nipple. Breasts are not usually the exact same size as each other and they can also vary in size and shape throughout your monthly cycle. They also change with age – younger women have a lot more glandular tissue so their breasts are usually more dense. After the menopause this tissue is gradually replaced by fat, which is less dense.

Breast Cancer Symptoms:

As with all cancers; the earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. This means ladies need to be aware of what is normal for their breasts. You need to regularly have a good old feel of your breasts so you become used to how they look and feel. That way it will be easy for you to spot any changes that may actually be cancer symptoms. Do not panic as about 90% of breast lumps are not cancerous but if you do think something is not right, it is vital that you visit your GP ASAP.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or some thickened tissue in their breast. There are also other symptoms to watch out for:

*A change to the size or shape of one or both breasts

*Nipple discharge

*A lump in your armpit

*Dimpling on the skin of your breasts

*A rash on or around your nipples

*A change in how your nipple looks (for example it can become sunken or invert into your breast)

*A pain in your breast or armpit that is not period related

It is hugely important to know what is normal for your breasts so I fully encourage all ladies to regularly feel their breasts. Just after a shower is probably the best time. Maybe you can get your partner to feel to so you can have a second opinion if you feel something has changed.

KNOW YOUR BOOBS LADIES!!!

Cancer of the Cervix

The Cervix:

The cervix is basically the neck of the womb (uterus). It is the opening to the womb from the vagina. The cervix is a very strong muscle which is usually tightly shut but it does open during labour so the baby can come out. The outer surface of the cervix has a layer of cells which are almost skin-like. When these cells become cancerous it is known as squamous cell cervical cancer. There are glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix producing mucus. Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma of the cervix. There is an area of the cervix known as the transformation zone. This is around the opening of the cervix leading onto a narrow passageway that runs into the womb. This zone is where cells are most likely to become cancerous.

Risks and Causes of Cervical Cancer:

* Human Pampilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common and biggest cause of cervical cancer. HPV is passed on from person to person via sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV and not all of them cause cervical cancer. One type causes genital warts but not cervical cancer. However other types are considered high risk. These types can lead to cells in the cervix changing and becoming cancerous. Most women who have HPV and develop cervical cancer will have had other infections caused by HPV in the past. However, not every woman with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

* Smoking can lead to cervical cancer; women who smoke are more likely to develop this type of cancer then women that do not smoke.

* Taking the pill can also increase your risk but the reason for this is not yet known

* Women that have bore a large number of children also have a slightly higher risk as are women with a weakened immune system.

Smear Tests:

It is hugely important to have cervical screening as preventing cervical cancer from developing is vital. Cervical cancer is actually one of the only cancers that is preventable because if pre cancerous cells are detected through screening then they can be treated before they have a chance to become cancerous.

Women between the ages of twenty five and sixty are encouraged to have smear tests every three to five years to detect any changing cells in their cervix. During a smear test, a doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into your vagina and scrape anyway a sample of cells from your cervix. These cells are then placed into a small pot of liquid and send to be analysed. You will then be contacted with your results and any abnormal smears will require further investigation.

You don’t have to be over the age of twenty five to develop cervical cancer; some younger women do develop it as well. However, in the UK, smear tests are not encouraged until twenty five because your cervix is still developing in your teens and early twenties. This means the likelihood of you getting an abnormal result is more common but usually nothing to worry about. After Jade Goody’s horrifically young death, a campaign was launched to lower the smear test age limit but medical professionals do not agree with this. If you are under twenty five and are concerned about your cervical cancer risk – please do speak to your GP and get some advice. A private gynaecologist may allow you to have a smear test but it would depend on your individual circumstances.

PLEASE DO NOT BE SCARED TO HAVE A SMEAR TEST – THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNLADYLIKE BUT THEY DO SAVE LIVES! A FEW MINUTES OF DISCOMFORT IS BETTER THEN A BATTLE WITH CERVICAL CANCER!!!

Symptoms:

Before I start listing the symptoms, please note that pre cancerous cells do not produce symptoms. This means having a smear test is hugely important – you can catch the cancer before it even develops. It is also important to know that the following symptoms do not instantly mean you have cervical cancer but it is important to go to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

* Bleeding between periods

* Bleeding during or after sex

* Bleeding at any time after the menopause

* Discomfort or pain during sex

Cancer of the Ovaries

The Ovaries:

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system along with the vagina, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. You have two ovaries, one of the left and one on the right. Each month, a fertile woman will produce an egg in each ovary. The ovaries are also responsible for producing the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, throughout a woman’s childbearing years. These hormones control your menstrual cycle and as you approach menopause, the amount of hormone produced lessens and your periods eventually stop completely.

Ovarian Cysts:

A cyst is a sack filled with fluid. Fertile woman develop cysts each month as their eggs are developed. They are not usually cancerous or anything to worry about. However, sometimes they appear larger than normal or are there for longer than normal and at this point they should be investigated. Any post menopausal woman developing cysts should also be investigated. If your cysts are painful or cause you to develop symptoms then you should see your doctor ASAP.

Ovarian Cancer:

At the moment, ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in females. Epithelial ovarian cancer makes up over 90% of ovarian cancer cases. Epithelial simply means surface layer. So the cancer is in the surface layer of the ovary.

Currently, not much is known about the causes of this type of cancer. As you all will know, your risk of developing any cancer rising with age and the same applies for ovarian. Family history is an important factor as statistics show about 1 in every 10 cases of ovarian cancer are caused by an inherited faulty gene. It is thought that Georgie’s Li Fraumeni Syndrome was inherited from his mother. We don’t know this for certain but if it is correct then it is safe to assume her cancer was caused by the same syndrome. Other possible risks for ovarian cancer include infertility, the use of HRT treatments, being tall or overweight, endometriosis and the use of talcum powder. Please don’t be panicked by this list; it doesn’t mean everybody gets ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

As previously mentioned, ovarian cancer symptoms are very hard to find, especially at the early stages. Many women in the early stages of ovarian cancer don’t report any symptoms at all. Symptoms can become apparent when the cancer has spread from the ovary. Sufferers of advanced ovarian cancer will display more symptoms. I will list some symptoms to look out for:

Early Symptoms – pain in lower abdomen or side and a bloated feeling in the abdomen.

Symptoms when The Cancer has Spread – abdominal pain, back pain, passing more urine than normal, constipation, pain during sex, swollen abdomen, irregular periods and bleeding after the menopause

Advanced Symptoms - loss of appetite, feeling sick, being sick, constipation, tiredness, shortness of breath, a noticeable swelling in abdomen

As I mention all the time, the key to surviving cancer is diagnosing it as early as possible so if you suspect anything at all, or are worried about symptoms, please make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you possibly can. Particular symptoms require urgent attention from your doctor:

*Tummy pain

*Swelling or bloating of the abdomen

*Constipation

*Back pain

*Urinary symptoms

If your doctor is concerned, they will do a full pelvic ultrasound including an internal examination, which can be uncomfortable. If there is a lump or cause for concern then they will arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan and it will go from there.

Cancer of the Endometrium or Womb (Uterine Cancer)

The Womb:

The womb is part of the female reproductive system. It is a muscular bag shaped like a pear and its job is to protect a baby as it grows during pregnancy. It is also known as the uterus.

Please note that although the cervix forms part of the womb – womb cancer and cervical cancer are two different things.

Cancer of the Womb:

Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the UK, especially those that are between the ages of sixty and seventy nine. Womb cancer has several different names: womb cancer, uterine cancer or endometrial cancer. This is because the womb is also known as the uterus and because the lining of the womb is called the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium is the most common type of womb cancer.

Risk Factors for Womb Cancer:

Exact causes for womb cancer are not yet known. However, something’s do increase your risk of developing this kind of cancer:

* Overweight or obese women are more likely to develop womb cancer then women of a “normal” weight

* Your menstrual history can also increase your risk – for example if your menarche (first period) arrived at an early age or you had a late menopause.

However, it’s not all bad news... research shows having a baby will lower your risk of womb cancer and having more than one child will decrease your risk even more.

Symptoms of Womb Cancer:

About nine out of ten womb cancer cases are diagnosed because the woman is suffering from post menopausal or irregular vaginal bleeding. Womb cancer symptoms to look out for include:

* Vaginal bleeding after the menopause

* Unusually heavy bleeding

* Bleeding between periods

* Pink and watery vaginal discharge

* Dark and foul smelling vaginal discharge

Less common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort

Painful sex

An enlarged or swollen womb (your doctor will be the one to find this symptom)

A Poem about Women:

The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
Or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman
With passing years only grows!

xxx

Bee's Summer Ball for CRUK

I have known Bee Katyal since we were eleven years old and went to school together. She is a lovely girl and hugely intelligent. Like myself, Bee is passionate about her work with CRUK and she is hosting an event which I would like to publicise here.

On Saturday 1^st June 2013, Bickley Manor will be hosting a Charity Ball to raise funds for CRUK. There will be music and entertainment including karaoke as well as a three course meal. Bickley Manor is absolutely beautiful and I’m sure Bee will make sure it is a brilliant night for all involved.

Please see the poster below for more details including details of how to get tickets.

If you live in Bromley and the surrounding area, please do get involved for a brilliant night of fun and fundraising.

I hope to work with Bee on an event in the future as her obvious passion for CRUK shines through and she is defo an inspiration to me!

xxx

Endometriosis Awareness Week

This week is Endometriosis Awareness Week and as I work in a very busy fertility clinic and have met some lovely ladies suffering from this condition, I wanted to raise some awareness of it on my blog today.

Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the endometrial lining (lining of the womb) are found elsewhere in the body.

As we all know, every month females going through hormonal changes so naturally released hormones can cause the lining of the uterus to increase in preparation for a fertilized egg. If the egg does not become fertilized then the lining breaks down again and you have a period so that the lining can be released from your body.

Endometriosis reacts in the same way but the difference is, these cells are outside the womb. The endometriosis is stimulated with the hormones released and this causes is to grow, break down and bleed. Unlike a period, this blood remains internal as it can’t leave the body. This can lead to pain, inflammation and the development of adhesions, which is scar tissue. This can sometimes be found in the ovaries and can form cysts.

It is important to note that endometriosis is not an infection and is not contagious. It is not cancer.

Endometriosis is commonly found around the reproductive organs; around the pelvis, around the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, on the outside of the womb or in the pouch of douglas (the area between your rectum and uterus). It can also grow in existing scars from previous surgeries, such as a cesarean scar. Endometriosis is rarely found in other body parts such as the spine, lungs, eyes and brain.

Around one and a half million women in the UK suffer from endometriosis. Louise Rednapp was a famous sufferer of the condition. It’s a debilitating condition that can have a massive impact on the sufferer’s life. It causes chronic pain, lack of energy, depression and it can also cause problems conceiving children. There are ways to manage the pain and there are certainly ways of helping women with endometriosis conceive.

Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose because not all sufferers have symptoms and the ones that do can have symptoms that vary in their intensity. The most common symptoms are painful and heavy periods, irregular periods, painful sex, pain after sex, infertility and fatigue. All these symptoms can indicate other problems as well so it is vital you get some medical advice if you do experience any of them. The amount of pain does not always match the amount of endometriosis and the pain is usually dependent on where the endometriosis is actually located.

A laparoscopy is usually used to diagnose endometriosis. This is usually performed under general anesthetic. A laparoscope (a small telescope with a light on the end) is inserted through the belly button into the pelvis and has a camera to transmit images for the doctor to look at. Carbon dioxide is normally used to extend the abdomen so the surgeon can visualise the organs clearly. If endometriosis is found  then it is possible for the surgeon the make a small cut and use surgical instruments to treat or remove part of the endometriosis for examination. The gas is then removed when the procedure is complete. This is usually a day procedure and is fairly routine. You will discuss the possibility of treating any endometriosis that is discovered prior to the procedure as this could mean a longer hospital stay.

There is no cure for endometriosis currently but there are treatments available to reduce the severity and improve the sufferers quality of life. These treatments would depend on the patients individual circumstances including their age, her symptoms, her desire to have children and the severity of her condition.

If you suffer from endometriosis and would like to look into the condition further, please visit Endometriosis UK www.endometrosis-uk.org

If you are an endometriosis sufferer and would like to look into your fertility options, please visit www.londonwomensclinic.com

xxx

March = Brain, Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Happy Friday one and all. I really apologise for thelack of posts recently, work and life gets hectic at times! I am aiming to postmore frequently from now on though!

We are in March already, time is flying as always.March is the awareness month for Brain, Ovarian and Prostate Cancers. I havecovered these cancer types in posts before but wanted to refresh your memorieswith a basic outline of the these three types of cancer.

BrainCancer:

The Brain
*The brain controls the body. EVERYTHING involves the brain. Itsends out electrical messages through nerve fibres, which run out of the brainand join together in the spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord make up thecentral nervous system. Billions of nerve cells called neuronesmake up the brain as well as supporting cells known as glial cells.The brain is surrounded by three thin sheetscalled the meninges. The brain andspinal cord are in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. The Largest part of the brain is the forebrain which is divided into left and right sides known as hemispheres.these hemispheres are then divided into lobes and each of these lobescontrols a different part of the body. The brain has two smaller parts: the hindbind controls balance andcoordination whilst the brain stem controls automatic body functions.The middle of the brain is the pituitary glandwhich produces hormones that control many of our body functions.

Brain Tumours
* Any part of the brain can be affected by a brain tumour.
* They develop from:
- Cells that make up brain tissue
- Nerves entering or leaving the brain
- The brain coverings (meninges)
* The symptoms suffered will differ depending on which part of the brainthe tumour is growing in. This is because each part of the brain has adifferent purpose and affects different parts of us.
*  Most adult brain tumours are in the forebrain, the meninges or thenerves entering and leaving the brain. Most adult brain cancers do not beginthere but are generally other types of cancers that have spread to the brain.This is known as a secondary cancer.
* 60% of childhood brain tumours are in the hindbrain or brain stem.Secondary brain cancer is rare in children.

Causes of BrainTumours
Not much is known about what causes a brain tumour but several riskfactors have been identified:
* Age - Brain tumours do not discriminate: you can get them at anyage. However, the older you get, the more common they get. however, somespecific types are much more common in children and it is the second mostcommon cancer in children.
* 5% of brain tumours are caused by genetics. If a parent or sibling hashad a tumour of the nervous system then your risk is double that of otherpeople.
* A weak immune system means you have an increased risk of developing abrain tumour.
* Radiation is a definite risk. Brain tumours are common in people whohave had radiation treatment on their head before.
* Brain tumours are slightly more common in men then women. HoweverMenigioma (a type of brain tumour) is more common in women.

Symptoms
* The most common brain tumour symptoms are headaches and fits. Howeverplease don't panic because not all fits and headaches mean you have a braintumour. A fit doesn't just have to affect your whole body: it can be a jerkingor twitching in your arm, hand or leg. About one in three people with a braintumour will visit a doctor because of headaches because they generally tend to bequite bad if caused by a tumour. 
* Growing tumours create pressure inside your skill. This is known asintracranial pressure. This can cause headaches, sickness and drowiness as wellas fits and eye problems.
* Brain tumours press on the surrounding brain tissue. This means it willaffect whichever part of the body that is controlled by that part of the brain.This means they can cause a wide variety of symptoms:
- Physcial sumptoms include weakness or numbness in particular body partsand problems with your senses.
- Mental symptoms include changes in personality, speech, memory andconcentration.

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Ovarian Cancer
The Ovaries:

The ovaries are part of the femalereproductive system along with the vagina, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes.You have two ovaries, one of the left and one on the right. Each month, afertile woman will produce an egg in each ovary. The ovaries are alsoresponsible for producing the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone,throughout a woman’s childbearing years. These hormones control your menstrualcycle and as you approach menopause, the amount of hormone produced lessens andyour periods eventually stop completely.

Ovarian Cysts:

A cyst is a sack filled with fluid.Fertile woman develop cysts each month as their eggs are developed. They arenot usually cancerous or anything to worry about. However, sometimes theyappear larger than normal or are there for longer than normal and at this pointthey should be investigated. Any post menopausal woman developing cysts shouldalso be investigated. If your cysts are painful or cause you to developsymptoms then you should see your doctor ASAP.

Ovarian Cancer:

At the moment, ovarian cancer is thefifth most common cancer in females. Epithelial ovarian cancer makes up over90% of ovarian cancer cases. Epithelial simply means surface layer. So thecancer is in the surface layer of the ovary.

Screening for Ovarian Cancer:

Unfortunately there is not ascreening test available to screen for ovarian cancer safely, accurately andreliably. There are clinical trials taking place to discover one but  atthe moment there is not a general screening test available for all members ofpublic.

Some women are at higher risk ofdeveloping ovarian cancer then others. If you are unfortunate enough to havetwo of more  family members of the same side (so either maternal orpaternal) that have been diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer at a young agethen you are at a higher risk of developing the disease, especially if thoserelatives were diagnosed at a young age (before 50)

If this applies to you then pleasespeak to your GP about going to your local genetics service. They will be ableto look into your family history with you and offer you some counselling andadvice about screening.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

As previously mentioned, ovariancancer symptoms are very hard to find, especially at the early stages. Manywomen in the early stages of ovarian cancer don’t report any symptoms at all.Symptoms can become apparent when the cancer has spread from the ovary.Sufferers of advanced ovarian cancer will display more symptoms. I will listsome symptoms to look out for:

Early Symptoms –pain in lower abdomen or side and a bloated feeling in the abdomen.

Symptoms when The Cancer has Spread –abdominal pain, back pain, passing more urine than normal, constipation, painduring sex, swollen abdomen, irregular periods and bleeding after the menopause

Advanced Symptoms -loss of appetite, feeling sick, being sick, constipation, tiredness, shortnessof breath, a noticeable swelling in abdomen

As I mention all the time, the keyto surviving cancer is diagnosing it as early as possible so if you suspectanything at all, or are worried about symptoms, please make an appointment withyour doctor as soon as you possibly can. Particular symptoms require urgentattention from your doctor:

·                    Tummy pain

·                    Swelling or bloating of the abdomen

·                    Constipation

·                    Back pain

·                    Urinary symptoms

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ProstateCancer:

The Prostate:

The prostate is a gland found onlyin males. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from thebladder to the penis. It also carries semen. The prostate is responsible forcreating the fluid part of semen. The prostate needs testosterone (the male sexhormone) to grow and function.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

Having to rush to the toilet to passurine

Difficulty in passing urine

Passing more urine than normal,especially at night

Pain when passing urine

Blood in urine or semen (very rare)

These symptoms are the same forprostate cancer and an enlarged prostate so it is important to go to the GP assoon as they appear. The symptoms are usually caused because the growth ispressing on the urethra and is blocking the flow of urine. It is important toremember that early prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms becausethe growth is too small to affect the flow of urine.  Prostate cancerusually grows quite slowly, especially in older gentleman. They may only suffermild symptoms and they may occur over a number of years.

Causes and Risks:

Prostate cancer is the most commoncancer for UK men (not counting non melanoma). There are some risk factors:

* Age is the most significant ofthese risk factors. Prostate cancer is quite rare in men younger than fifty –in fact more than half of all prostate cancer cases are found in men agedseventy plus.

* Having a family history of breastcancer or prostate cancer will also heighten your risk of developing this typeof cancer

* If you are of African ancestrythen your risk is also higher as this type of cancer is more common in men ofblack or mixed race descent then white or Asian men

Screening:

The aim of screening for prostatecancer is to diagnose the disease in the early stages when it is usually easierto treat and most likely to be curable. At the moment a national screening testis not available but research is being carried out and trials are taking placeall the time.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

If your GP suspects prostate cancerthen they will:

* Examine your prostate by placing agloved finger into your back passage

* Get you to have a blood test tocheck your PSA levels (PSA = Prostate Specific Antigen)

This is not as painful or asembarrassing as it sounds. GP’s do this all the time and although having afinger inserted into your bottom may sound horrific, I am told by reliablesources that is really isn’t as bad as it sounds. Please don’t let the fear orembarrassment stop you getting this test if you feel you have a problem withyour prostate – it could save your life.

With PSA levels, it is usually thehigher the level, the more likely you are to have cancer. However, don’t be tooalarmed by this fact – there could be another reason, for example an enlargedprostate or an infection. In fact, two out of three men with a raised PSA leveldo not have prostate cancer. It is possible for a man to have prostate cancerbut not a high PSA level – this is where the gloved finger comes in handy.

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Please be alert and aware of what is normal for yourbody. If you do notice any changes, get them checked as soon as possible. Earlydiagnosis is key when it comes to cancer and could save your life!

xxx