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Posts Tagged ‘Cancer Cells’

There Are Many Different Types of Cancer

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

In its most general terms, cancer is a word used to describe the occurrence of cells in any part of the body or on the external skin to grow out of control and in a dis-ordered manner. Normal cells are able to regulate their growth and division, but cancer cells do not have this ability. There are many different types of cancer, many of which are more treatable than others, but all forms of cancer share at least one common feature: they are abnormal cells. Sometimes, different types of cancer consist of very different types of abnormal cells. This is why different types of cancer are treated with different medications and procedures. For example, the treatment for breast cancer is completely different from the treatment a mesothelioma patient receives.

The general public is constantly cautioned about what causes an increased risk of developing cancer. In general, risk factors boil down to habits (i.e. smoking and drinking, excessive sun exposure), family history, health conditions, and the environment in which a person works and lives. In the case of mesothelioma, it has been determined that almost every single case is due to the unprotected exposure and inhalation of asbestos particles at any time during a person’s life. A diagnosis of any form of cancer, including mesothelioma, can only be diagnosed by way of a biopsy. For a biopsy, doctor will take a tiny sample of the cells causing a lump, tumor or suspicious group of cells, and look at it under microscope. While tests such as x-rays and other imaging scans can see masses or lumps, they can not determine the type of cells that make up abnormal growths. When a doctor looks at the cells under a microscope, it can be determined if the cells are cancerous, and usually what type of cancer is present.

Curcumin inhibits cancer cells growth?

Monday, May 5th, 2008

Curcumin, the active ingredient found from the herb Turmeric, is actually a spice and food coloring compound has long been used in Asian countries as medicines to treat many difficulties from heartburn to arthritis. It was listed as an Assyrian herbal in 600 BC, used by ancient Greeks. But the most interesting and important news is that some recent studies recommending that Curcumin has adequate potential as an anti-cancer agent. Scientists showed that Curcumin re-establishes key immune cells that fight off Cancer. Curcumin has antioxidant properties thus can decrease swelling and inflammation. It’s being explored as a cancer treatment as inflammation appears to play a role in cancer. Curcumin has the property to slow down the progress of cancerous cells and also prevent the growth of new tumor blood vessels. Studies revealed that it has an effective impact in treating or preventing colon, skin and breast cancers. It also suppresses angiogenesis and metastasis in a variety animal tumor models. Scientists have shown that Curcumin increases the production of proteins that cause immune cells to propagate and reduces the production of proteins which can destroy immune cells.

The evidences which are coming from the laboratory research are overwhelming. As per the results Curcumin is quite effective in reducing inflammation and pain. It appears to be quite an incredible nutrient. How does Curcumin work to prevent inflammation? It blocks the formation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a compound which promotes inflammation within the body. As per the research, Phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC) and Curcumin could be effective in treating established prostate cancers.