Experts in the dietary and medical fields are still learning how your diet can raise or lower your risk of cancer, and they have found evidence for many possible connections, such as calcium providing protection from colorectal cancer, or a lower risk of lung cancer in people who eat more fruits and vegetables.
However, researchers haven’t found strong connections between the foods you eat and your risk of multiple myeloma, says nutritionist Kristen Trukova, RD, LDN, who works with patients with the disease at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Ill. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in cells in your immune system and forms tumors within your bone marrow. This cancer is relatively rare, with roughly 10,700 Americans expected to die from it in 2008.
But researchers have found some evidence that certain types of foods might make you more or less likely to develop multiple myeloma, and general anti-cancer diets may help protect you from the disease.
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Perhaps you’ve been fatigued and thirsty, have bone pain in the ribs or back; maybe you are getting frequent infections and fevers. Whatever your symptoms, it’s been suggested that you might have multiple myeloma and you’re now facing your first doctor’s visit to find out.
The emotions provoked by the possibile diagnosis of multiple myeloma are complex and intense. You may feel afraid, confused, anxious, or angry, or you may be numb. The following tips from the American Cancer Society, the International Myeloma Foundation, and others can help you replace fear with a feeling of empowerment at this first doctor’s appointment.
Don’t put it off: Denial can be a powerful force. You may feel that you want to put off the appointment or cancel it at the last minute. Such feelings are normal, but not in your best interest. If you do have myeloma, going to the doctor will allow you and your physician to start developing a treatment plan. If you do not have it, you will be able to rule it out as the cause of your symptoms and continue trying to get to the bottom of what’s happening with your health.
Be prepared: It is likely that you will be asked to bring along or have sent the results of previous tests that have led doctors to suspect you might have multiple myeloma, such as blood work, urine tests, and X-rays. If you haven’t been provided with a list of items needed, ask for one. Other things to be sure to bring include your insurance information; any forms you have been asked to fill out in advance; information about your general medical history; the names, phone numbers, and addresses of your emergency contact person and primary care physician; a list of the medications you are taking and the dosages; money for your co-payment; and a list of any questions you have, along with a pen and paper to write down the answers. [click to continue…]
Higher levels of vitamin D are linked to less severe, less deadly melanoma lesions in people with skin cancer, new research suggests.
The findings provide more support for the idea that vitamin D is crucial to skin health. Many Americans, however, don’t get enough of it, perhaps because they limit sun exposure and drink less milk than in the past.
“Although avoiding sunburn is very important in order to prevent melanoma, it is also important to avoid becoming deficient in vitamin D,” said Dr. Julia A. Newton-Bishop, a dermatology professor at the University of Leeds in England and a study co-author. “This is especially important for melanoma patients in whom low vitamin D levels appear to be harmful.”
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This is the most severe (10 to 20% of all melanomas). It is characterized by an increase of almost vertical outset of the tumor is more aggressive than other types of melanoma. The prognosis is unfavorable because the thickness of the lesion is already high.
It occurs at any age (20-60 years) on a pre-existing moles or skin healthy. It forms a black knot of rapid growth, quickly becoming a burgeoning and bleeding. The usual reason for concern is a rapid extension of papules protuberance, or a dark plate. The color varies from gray to black pearl [click to continue…]