Asbestos has many appealing qualities for builders. It is strong, flexible and corrosion resistant. It is also burn resistant and a good insulator. There are not many substances with these qualities and may explain why it was so widely used. It becomes hazardous when asbestos containing materials are disturbed or damaged. Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers. When the materials become disturbed or damaged, these fibers separate and may become airborne. These fibers may get into the lungs and that may lead to serious and even fatal diseases. Some of these diseases include:

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung disease. Inhaling asbestos fibers for an extended period of time causes it. This disease takes twenty five to forty years to develop. As asbestos fibers become trapped in your lungs, the body will produce an acid to try to eliminate these fibers. The continued production of the acid can eventually scar the tissues in your lungs. An excessive amount of scarring may cause the lungs to function improperly. This can lead to serious breathing difficulties. If asbestosis is left untreated, it may cause cardiac failure. At this time, there is no effective treatment for this disease. People who renovate or demolish buildings that contain asbestos have the greatest risk of getting asbestosis. The chances of getting this disease through physical contact with a person who works with asbestos are minimal. People who worked in naval shipyards were the first ones diagnosed with asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura (the outer membrane that encloses the lung and chest cavity) and/ or the peritoneum (the membrane lining the walls of the abdominal cavity). In the United States, there are only about 3000 new cases of this disease annually. Exposure to asbestos has been the cause in all of the cases. The exposure in these cases lasted anywhere from fifteen to thirty years. Unlike other forms of cancer, there is only one known cause of mesothelioma. Studies indicate that people who work in areas that contain asbestos, such as mines, mills, factories, or shipyards, or who manufacture and install asbestos installation are at the greatest risk of getting mesothelioma. You are also at risk if you live with a worker exposed to asbestos or near any area containing asbestos. Studies also indicate that younger people are more likely to contract mesothelioma when they inhale asbestos. This is the reason why people are going to great lengths to protect school children from asbestos exposure.

Many cases of lung cancer can also be attributed to asbestos exposure. Lung cancer is actually the leading cause of death among all of the illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. You can aggravate the effects of lung cancer by about fifty percent if you start smoking. People who work in occupations where they are directly involved in the handling of asbestos are at a greater risk of getting lung cancer. Exposure to both asbestos and another carcinogen, such as cigarette smoke, puts you at greater risk of contracting lung cancer than exposure to asbestos alone. There was a study that indicated that exposure to asbestos and smoke makes you ninety times more likely to contract lung cancer than a person who is not exposed to either. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include coughing, breathing irregularities, chest pains and anemia. It usually takes fifteen to thirty years of exposure to asbestos to contract lung cancer.

By Michael Russell

Ninety percent of all Mesothelioma cases are traced to have been caused by exposure to asbestos. In fact, asbestos is the primary cause of Mesothelioma cancer. Let us try to take a quick look at asbestos and how it generally leads to Mesothelioma.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is one of the most useful minerals which can be found from rocks abundant in many countries. Its tiny fibers are as strong as steel yet can be woven easily. One of the most sought characteristics of asbestos is that it has high resistance to chemical reaction and heat.

Uses of Asbestos

UK was known to be the largest importer of asbestos; it is because asbestos can be used in construction and household appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, etc… It could also be used in building ships and vehicles.

Furthermore, asbestos is also a good insulator that’s why many companies use asbestos to manufacture amosite insulation boards and other building materials. Others use it as hardener and come up with the asbestos cement.

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos has only three types; brown, blue and white asbestos. Among the three, brown and blue asbestos are not allowed to be exported to other countries since they are the most common causes of Mesothelioma cancers. White asbestos, on the other hand, was thought to be harmless until cases of Mesothelioma caused by it emerged in the early 1980′s.

How Asbestos gets into the body

Dangers start when asbestos is damaged because it releases very tiny fibers which can be easily breathed in. These particles will make their way to the lungs blocking the small airways. The bad thing is that they cannot be coughed out. However, the natural defense mechanism of the body will try to break them down which will further result to inflammation of the lung tissues. Although, there are cases which asbestos are taken into the body through digestive system but the most common is through respiratory tracts.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are three types of Mesothelioma which are named after the tissues where asbestos fibers settle for a very long time and where the first symptoms can be detected.

Pleural Mesothelioma

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they will settle down in pleura, the membranes which surround the lungs. There are no immediate effects and symptoms once asbestos is inhaled but over the years, Mesothelioma cancer cells will be developed due to frequent irritation that asbestos fibers would create. Other lung diseases can also be expected.

Peritonial Mesothelioma

Aside from being inhaled, asbestos fibers can also be swallowed through food and will stick in the digestive system of the human body. Researches showed that the particles will greatly damage the abdominal membranes called peritoneum; inflammation is the first symptom.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This is the rare type of Mesothelioma but it is also the type with faster effects since asbestos fibers will cause great damages to pericardium, the membrane which holds the heart. Although experts don’t have a clear view how the fibers reached the heart, but it is believed that fibers travel through bloodstream.

Mesothelioma cannot be detected immediately. It will take 20 to 30 years to experience its first symptoms. That is why people who have been exposed to asbestos are advised to consult a physician at early stage.

By Nancy Van Pelt

It has been estimated that by the year 2020, the number of women who get breast cancer may be as high as 1 in 5. That number is staggering. With the help of a “healthy breasts” lifestyle, you can defy those odds, and help to beat those ominous forecasted statistics. You can help change the future.

Chances are, if you are a woman, or even a man for that matter, you know someone or at least have an acquaintance who has either battled breast cancer, or succumbed to the disease. I am no different.

My Story?

I am 31 years old, and about eight years ago a very dear relative of mine, my aunt, passed away from complications directly related to breast cancer. About 3 years before her passing, she went to the doctor because of a lump in her breast. After going through several rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, we all thought she had beat the cancer and was going to enjoy a long healthy life.

After being in remission for about a year, the cancer returned with a vengeance. Before we knew it, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, her back and her liver. She passed away, a shadow of her former self, and a very warm, brave and compassionate person was gone from our lives, just like that.

I wanted to share the story to convey the pressing importance that we take good care of our bodies, and our breasts, so we can help ensure our long, healthy stay here in this world.

Some Lifestyle Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention :

1.) Cut the unhealthy, saturated fats and substitute with healthy fats like olive oil. If you use butter, use organic butter.
Actually, it’s really best to buy all organic dairy products, since toxins like chemicals and pesticides tend to build up much more in animal fat – which is what dairy is made from, animal fat and biproducts.

2.) Cut out the underwire, push up, and tight-fitting bras. It has been speculated for years that more pressure on your breasts can result in more toxin buildup in the breast area, as well as agitate any tendencies toward tissue abnormalities. Wear looser fitting bras whenever possible. Even better, go braless when you don’t need one.

3.) Moderate breast massage may be helpful in breast cancer prevention. Some studies have shown this practice to be therapeutic and speculation is that the massage helps free the breasts of toxins and improves circulation.

4.) Get plenty of antioxidants in your diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, which help defend against cancer-causing free radicals, are as follows:

a. Dark green leafy vegetables

b. Brightly colored fruits

c. Red Wine

d. Tomatoes

e. Garlic

f. Tea (especially green tea)

g. Berries

5.) Moderate exercise, or at least not having a sedentary lifestyle.

6.) Get organic foods whenever possible. The pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and other general toxins that are in
our food, our water and produce just seem to be getting worse. Many speculate the increasing number of cancer cases is partly to blame on the foods we eat and the water we drink. Also try to drink distilled or filtered water rather than spring or tap water.

7.) Smoking and drinking alcohol have both been shown to be possible risk factors, so it goes without saying what needs to be done if either of these habits are a regular part of your lifestyle.

We can never prevent any disease 100%, and it is true that breast cancer has also been linked to a hereditary factor. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t dramatically bump the odds in our favor and enjoy a disease free, cancer free life.

By Danna Schneider

The first thing you should know about breast pain is that fewer than 5 percent of the women who see a doctor for this condition have breast cancer. The second thing you need to know is that you should see a doctor to rule out breast cancer anyway. About half of all women experience breast pain at some time in their lives. But even when your breasts have gotten the all clear from your doctor, you may still have to contend with garden-variety breast pain, caused by everything from your normal menstrual cycle – a phenomenon known as cyclical breast pain. Two-thirds of women experience cyclical pain. To keep your pain from coming back, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt.

1. Massage Your Breasts

Daily massage can help ease the breast pain by increasing the circulation to your breasts. Here is how you do it. Place your hands on your breasts with your fingers spread and your nipples in your palms. Squeeze and release your fingers as you massage the circumstances of your breasts.

2. Reduce Fat Intake

A diet of chips and cheeseburgers may satisfy your taste buds, but your breasts may bear the brunt of a fat-laden diet. Conversely, reducing your fat intake can help ease achy breasts. When women had severe breast pain related to their menstrual cycles, and they reduced their intake of dietary fat to 15 percent of their caloric intake, their breasts were less tender, swollen, and lumpy. It is recommended not to eliminate fat from your diet entirely as your body still requires it to absorb vitamin E.

3. Manage Stress

Stress can intensify breast pain by making you more sensitive to normal hormonal changes. So do try to reduce stress in your life, whether it is by listening to music or by learning a relaxation technique such as biofeedback.

4. Avoid Caffeine

It is recommended to avoid caffeine products such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. And do not think that you can cheat by just drinking decaf. Even decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine.

5. Wear A Bra To Bed

A well-fitting bra can help lessen the non-cyclical breast pain. It is recommended to wear a support bra at night. Running bras work well. But use common sense when choosing a bedtime bra. You are looking for support, not sex appeal.

6. Cut Back On Salt Intake

Cut back on your salt intake. Cyclical breast pain is associated with fluid retention. Reducing your sodium intake is particularly important a week or so before your period.

7. Try Pain Relief Drugs

An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen can help ease the breast pain. But bear in mind that some over-the-counter medications, including some products for menstrual pain, contain caffeine or caffeine-like substances.

By Raymond Geok Seng Lee

For breast cancer, surgery is the most general treatment. There are a number of types of surgery. Your doctor could make clear each type, maintain and evaluate the advantages and risks, and explain how each will alter the way you look.

For each woman, the occasion it takes to cure after surgery is dissimilar. Surgery leads to tenderness and pain. Medicine could assist deal with the pain. You ought to maintain the plan for pain relief with your doctor or nurse prior to surgery. After breast cancer surgery, your doctor could regulate the plan if you require more relief. Any sort of surgery carries a danger of infection, bleeding, or other problems as well. If you expand any problems you ought to say to your health care provider immediately.

For one week after breast cancer surgery the incision must be kept clean and waterless. As a consequence of this, sponge baths are preferable to showers. If you have capable to keep the area dry you could wash in a bath. Little pieces of tape will stay over the incision location and between 10 and 14 days after surgery could be removed. And keep mind that you may not go to swim until you have consulted this with your physician.

You need to wear a special bra that holds dressings prepared after the breast cancer surgery. Your doctor will inform you when you are able to end wearing the bra. You ought to alter the dressings once in a day, but your healthcare provider will explain you how to accomplish this. If likely, it’s a good point to have somebody assist you alter the dressing as you rest in bed.

A woman’s sexual desire does not be reduced due to breast surgery or radiation on the breasts. Nor does it lessen her capability to have vaginal lubrication or to get to orgasm. After breast cancer surgery, a number of women might have problems with wound infection, fluid collecting around the operation site, nerve pain and swelling of the arm or hand.

Constantly follow your doctor’s detailed directions for care after surgery. A number of organisations provide information regarding what to look forward to after breast cancer surgery. Or they could put you well-informed on cancer support groups where you could converse to other people who have been through occurrences alike to your own.

By MC Ezzia