Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

By Laurette Langerstein

AML or acute myelogenous leukemia is a type of cancer that attacks the human body's bone marrow and blood. The blood cells inside a human body are composed of red blood cells and white blood cells, also known as platelets. Patients who suffer from AML have insufficient amounts of red or white blood cells; in some cases these cells are cultivated in an anomalous, usually reckless pace, which results to the progression and development of illnesses.

Current statistics show that in the USA, approximately 11,900 new cases of acute myelogenous leukemia are being diagnosed each year. Studies also indicate that acute myelogenous leukemia is not contagious or genetic; it usually results from exposure to the chemical benzene. Research further indicates that 65 is the average age of a person suffering from AML.

Benzene Exposure

A chemical compound, benzene is highly flammable and is a recognized carcinogen. Although its use in gasoline has been minimized, it has turned into an essential solvent for industrial purposes. It is used in the production of synthetic rubber, plastic and certain drugs. Exposure to benzene has been linked to the development of acute myelogenous leukemia and other types of cancer.

The health problems that may result from exposure to benzene are:

*Leukemia and other forms of cancer

*Development of anemia

*Dizziness and confusion

*Immune system functioning below normal

Symptoms of AML

Patients who suffer from acute myelogenous leukemia are commonly unaware that they have been exposed to benzene. This is exposure often occurs through accidental ingestion or inhalation due to the nature of their work, or in their immediate surroundings. Benzene exposure over a prolonged period of time can result to acute myelogenous leukemia and other fatal diseases, which are sadly oftentimes diagnosed too late for the fatal end-results to be reversed.

Patients who have acute myelogenous leukemia experience the following symptoms:

*Joint or bone pain

*shortness of breath and fatigue

*Infections that are recurring

*Swelling of the abdomen

About the Author:

Discover more about Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and benzene when you read the entries on the Benzene Leukemia Law Blog.

4 Possible Cancer Risk Factors

Cancer is a disease that causes the process of cell division to go wrong in the body ultimately leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour. Although we know how cancer develops we do not know what triggers the cancerous growth. However, there are certain risk factors associated with it. In this article I will be discussing four of these possible cancer risk factors in greater detail.

1) AGE:- As discussed above, cancer develops when the process of cell division malfunctions. The older we get the more times our cells have divided meaning there is more opportunity for something to go wrong. Furthermore, the older we get the more times our body's cells release DNA damaging by products that can disrupt the process of cell division. Therefore, age acts as a cancer risk factor.

2) EXPOSURE TO CARCINOGENS:- Carcinogens are substances that are directly involved in the promotion of cancer. They can be found in; asbestos, car exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke (which contains over 70 carcinogens) and radiation. Therefore, people who are heavily exposed to these substances (such as heavy cigarette smokers) have an increased cancer risk.

3) POOR DIET:- Research suggests that certain foods can protect you against cancer. For example, fruits and vegetables contain a number of powerful anti-oxidants that can protect your cells from damage. Therefore, by eating a poor diet that is devoid of these nutrients you increase your risk of contracting cancer.

4) SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE:- Research has shown that there is a strong link between exercise and cancer risk. The more exercise you do the less likely your chances of developing cancer appear to be although it is not known exactly why. In a study of 40,000 men by Cancer Research UK those who walked or cycled for an hour a day were 16% less likely to get cancer. Therefore, people who lead an inactive, sedentary lifestyle have a greater chance of getting cancer.

Although no one is sure exactly what causes cancer to develop, research has identified the above as definite risk factors. Whilst aging cannot be controlled if you stay away from carcinogens, eat the right foods and exercise regularly you can significantly reduce your chances of contracting cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the different cancer risk factors by visiting; http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/what-is-cancer.html

Get Information on Prostate Cancer

By Amanda Gamdana

There are certain issues that pertain to the males of our world, as there are issues that typically pertain to females. One of these involves cancer and when you think of women, I'm sure your mind drifts toward breast cancer. However, although it is rare, men can also contract breast cancer. When we ponder the issue of cancer regarding males, prostate cancer comes to mind. Today's man at a party is more likely to discuss this topic that that of his recently purchased sports car.

I don't doubt that a great deal of prostrate cancer research will have to be carried out before an effective cure can be found, perhaps for now prevention is all we can hope for. I suppose like most men, cancer is something that is always considered. I don't doubt that like me, most men haven't got it on their minds all day long. It only seems to bother me when I read something about the condition or hear another statistic about it. The television is the biggest reminder as the number of advertisements about breast and prostrate cancer is increasing.

Both will require far more investigation and examination before a cure can be found. We want an end to cancer because it is still one of the worst conditions known to man. The problem with cancer as opposed too many other conditions is that we can't stop it completely nor for the most part take general precautions against.

Sure, you can eat healthy, exercise and live right, but that doesn't mean you won't acquire cancer. Many other headline conditions are preventable, including HIV it is unfair to mention them in the same company as cancer. You don't have to put yourself at risk and get it, it's avoidable. Research is now available for all to see on cancer or almost any subject.

Today you can find out what the scientists have been up to with their research and not wait until they decide to leak it to the media. Research is the key and given time, funds and persistence all this investigation and analysis will provide the world with a cure.

About the Author:

You can check out: Check acid reflux symptoms plus acid reflux food to avoid for more information.

3 Major Types Of Cancer Explained

Cancer is a disease that can affect any of the body's cells. It starts to develop when the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in your body's cells becomes disrupted or damaged. DNA contains specific instructions that tell your cells when to divide and multiply which allows them to grow in a controlled manner. If the DNA becomes disrupted then these instructions become distorted your cells start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This uncontrolled growth causes a lump to form which is referred to as a tumour. This tumour can ultimately become cancerous and start to affect other areas of the body. In this article I will be discussing three of the major types of cancer in greater detail.

1) CARCINOMAS:- Carcinomas are the most prominent type of cancer accounting for around 85% of all diagnoses. They develop in the epithelial cells that line the body and its organs. Carcinomas can be further grouped into four sub-types; squamous cell carcinomas (which affect the lining of the mouth and the airways), adenocarcinomas (which affect the lining of the glands), transitional cell carcinoma (which affects the lining of the bladder) and basal cell carcinomas (which affect the skin).

2) LEUKAEMIAS & LYMPHOMAS:- These types of cancer represent around 7% of cancer cases. They are grouped together because they both develop in the cells of the immune system. Leukaemias develop in the cells of the myeloid system which protects your body from bacteria and parasites. Lymphomas develop in the lymphatic system which help your body fight infection.

3) SARCOMAS:- Sarcomas are one of the rarest types of cancer accounting for less than 1% of all diagnoses. They develop in the connective tissues of the body and can be further divided into three main sub-types; bone carcinomas (which affect the bones), gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (which affect the stomach and the intestine) and soft tissue sarcomas (which affect soft connective tissues such as muscle and fat).

Cancer is a horrible disease which very often turns out to be fatal. Unfortunately, many people know very little about this condition and how it develops. I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about this disease and shed some light on the various types of cancer and the cells they affect.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the different types of cancer by visiting; http://blog.freefitnesstips.co.uk/what-is-cancer.html

Dogs Might Be Trained To Nose Out Cancer

The fact that dogs have a unique flair was always known, but the fact that these animals are able to detect the presence of cancer cells in an organism of its host, surprised even the researchers themselves.

Scientists have long suspected that the cancer may produce a specific odor, which is unavailable to the human nose, in contrast to the dog. However, more guesswork is not passed. Now, this fact was confirmed by the results of research conducted in a British hospital, in Buckinghamshire.

As early as 1989 in the medical journal "The Lancet" has an article which tells about a woman turning to surgeons with a request to remove a birthmark from her feet. A woman complained that her dog is constantly trying to lick or bite it. The analysis showed that the mole was a mortal danger to women - it was melanoma - a form of skin cancer. Fortunately, the diagnosis was on time, and the owner "smart" dogs have been saved.

There are stories of such unusual behavior of the dog owners, who had been ill with cancer of internal organs.

Caroline Willis, together with colleagues from the hospital Amershama decided to test the hypothesis that a dog really capable of "diagnose" cancer.

Researchers have tried a group of dogs trained to determine the urine of patients with bladder cancer from healthy individuals.

The course lasted seven months. The experiment involved six dogs of various breeds. At the end of the seventh month the dogs were able to diagnose in 22 cases out of 54. This ratio represents 41% of success, that is many times more than an accidental coincidence (approximately 14%).

During the experiment, was an unusual story. All dogs unanimously pointed to the urine sample of a patient who had no bladder cancer. Doctors decided to examine it more carefully. And indeed, after further analysis, it turned out that the patient was sick with kidney cancer.

According to scientists, the best "diagnostician" showed a spaniel.

"Dogs can detect the smell of cancer, which is very difficult to catch all of today's existing chemical methods", - said scientist.

Researchers hope to create a chemical "map" of cancer which, in future, will be used to create special equipment for the diagnosis of the disease.

The work of scientists was published in the British medical journal.

The next stage in the work of scientists will study the ability of dogs in the diagnosis of other types of cancer, including skin cancer and testicular cancer.

To learn about testicular cancer and how to examine yourself for testicular cancer visit our site: http://testicularcancersymptoms.org/