HELP! I’ve Been Diagnosed with Bladder Cancer
HELP! I’ve Been Diagnosed with Bladder Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, you may feel isolated and alone. However, you are not alone. According to the National Cancer Institute, the year 2008 brought about 123,200 new case of bladder and kidney cancer. It is the 4th most common type of cancer in men and the 8th in women.
The Bladder:
The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower abdomen near the pelvis. The sole function of the bladder is to store liquid waste (urine) until it can be passed from the body. It acts in much the same way as a balloon does. It will stretch out when being filled and shrinks when emptied. The process of emptying the bladder has the urine travel down a small tube called the urethra before exiting the body.
3 Types of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer begins in the bladder and comes in three distinct types: transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.
• Transitional cell carcinoma lies in the innermost tissue of the bladder.
• Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the cells of a bladder after a prolonged infection or irritation.
• Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells after a long-term inflammation or irritation of the bladder has occurred.
What are the Treatment Options?
Treatment for bladder cancer is similar to other cancers. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are often the recommended treatments. There are also clinical trials being conducted that test new types of treatments and their effectiveness.
Surgery
Many cancers of the bladder require surgical removal of the cancer cells. This may mean partial or full removal of the bladder. When an oncologist removes the entire bladder, the procedure is called a radical cystectomy. Whether you receive a partial removal or a full removal, the chances are you will need still chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is given in order to shrink and destroy the cancerous cells. While chemotherapy can be administered orally, it is more often routinely given in intravenous form from a needle and into the blood.
Chemotherapy is given in cycles. Cycles vary depending on medication, stage, and risk factors. Some people will receive 3 cycles while others 25 to 50 cycles.
Finding a Doctor
If you have already been diagnosed, you were probably whisked into a whirlwind of doctors without even thinking. Now is the time to stop and think about your options. You DO have options. You don’t have to commit to seeing the first doctor you go to and you are entitled to a second opinion.
Bladder cancer is about you and your choices. Not all doctors offer the same treatments and clinical trials. If there is a new treatment you think sounds good but your doctor does not, then you may have to change doctors. This is about you and your life. Do not worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings. Start today by finding the doctor and the treatment that is right for you.
Alternative Treatment For Bladder Cancer
Alternative Treatment For Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in males, eight most common in females, and fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is four times more common in men than women, twice as common in Caucasians as in African-Americans, and is usually diagnosed later in life.
Detection and diagnosis
Bladder cancer can be detected by examining the bladder through a cystoscope, examining cells in the urine, or having intravenous pyelography (IVP, a special kidney x-ray) performed. Sometimes a large tumor can be detected through a rectal or vaginal exam. Researchers are studying a new screening test that detects telomerase, an enzyme produced by bladder tumors.
Alternative dietary and nutritional recommendations
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale have been credited with lowering the risk of bladder cancer due to their antioxidant and other cancer fighting compounds. Eating the USDA-recommended number of servings of fruits such as apples, berries, cherries, oranges pears, and tomatoes can reduce the risk by 45percent. Drinking a lot of liquids, especially pure water, helps to dilute carcinogens and increase urination, lessening the time any carcinogens in the bladder have to do any damage.
Taking vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and a multivitamin have shown reductions in the risk of getting bladder cancer. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is an FDA-approved, nontoxic solvent that has been shown to aid in treatment.
We will discuss now another vitally important alternative treatment for bladder cancer. Madison Cavanaugh, author of “The One-Minute Cure, The Secret to Healing Virtually All Diseases” has a message of hope, however. She insists that, “Microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds of cancer, do not cause the problem they’re only effects of a hidden cause,” she states. They do only seek their natural habitat such as an oxygen- deficient body rather than being the cause of the disease. A sufficiently oxygenated body is uninhabitable by viruses and diseases, Madison further states, any viruses and malignant cancer cells can neither survive nor thrive in it. Therefore, the best defense against microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds of cancer is to keep the environment of our body oxygenated.
Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in males, eight most common in females, and fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It is four times more common in men than women, twice as common in Caucasians as in African-Americans, and is usually diagnosed later in life.
Detection and diagnosis
Bladder cancer can be detected by examining the bladder through a cystoscope, examining cells in the urine, or having intravenous pyelography (IVP, a special kidney x-ray) performed. Sometimes a large tumor can be detected through a rectal or vaginal exam. Researchers are studying a new screening test that detects telomerase, an enzyme produced by bladder tumors.
Alternative dietary and nutritional recommendations
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale have been credited with lowering the risk of bladder cancer due to their antioxidant and other cancer fighting compounds. Eating the USDA-recommended number of servings of fruits such as apples, berries, cherries, oranges pears, and tomatoes can reduce the risk by 45percent. Drinking a lot of liquids, especially pure water, helps to dilute carcinogens and increase urination, lessening the time any carcinogens in the bladder have to do any damage.
Taking vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and a multivitamin have shown reductions in the risk of getting bladder cancer. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is an FDA-approved, nontoxic solvent that has been shown to aid in treatment.
We will discuss now another vitally important alternative treatment for bladder cancer. Madison Cavanaugh, author of “The One-Minute Cure, The Secret to Healing Virtually All Diseases” has a message of hope, however. She insists that, “Microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds of cancer, do not cause the problem they’re only effects of a hidden cause,” she states. They do only seek their natural habitat such as an oxygen- deficient body rather than being the cause of the disease. A sufficiently oxygenated body is uninhabitable by viruses and diseases, Madison further states, any viruses and malignant cancer cells can neither survive nor thrive in it. Therefore, the best defense against microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, and all kinds of cancer is to keep the environment of our body oxygenated.
Bladder Cancer Diet For Dogs and Effective Herbal Treatments
A bladder cancer diet for dogs will not offer a cure, but it can help your dog to fight off cancer and can even prevent some occurrences of cancer by strengthening immune system function. Bladder cancer is a difficult and painful disease and it can drain a lot of your dog’s strength, which is why feeding him a proper diet can be so very important.
A healthy immune system inhibits cancer causing cells from forming, thus reducing the likelihood of developing cancer. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a diet for dog with bladder cancer helps to support and maintain a healthy immune system. The further cancer progresses, the more likely it is to interfere with the body’s natural defense system, so any help the body can derive from food is critical.
A bladder cancer diet for dogs should generally contain a good cross section of certain nutrients, including Vitamins C, D, and E. Minerals like copper, selenium and zinc are also important as are enzymes which help fight cancer causing pathogens. Certain natural items such as garlic and green tea have also been shown to have cancer inhibiting properties.
Additionally, a diet for dog with bladder cancer should be heavy in animal proteins. Raw meats including chicken, beef, turkey, fish and lamb all contain the necessary proteins and fats for building up the immune system and fighting off illness. Plant-based proteins and sugar can actually have a detrimental effect and should be avoided.
When considering a bladder cancer diet for dogs, it is important to remember that as cancer progresses, the metabolic processes of the body will change, effecting how it uses certain nutrients. This can lead to your dog rejecting certain foods, particularly if eating them becomes more uncomfortable.
Equally significant in treating cancer is the use of homeopathic remedies. Made from a special blend of plant based ingredients, these all natural products can not only ease symptoms but also strengthen the immune system to improve overall health. Combined with a special diet for dog with bladder cancer, they can give your dog all the ammunition it needs to fight back.
Although not a cure themselves, homeopathic remedies can help to soothe and treat your dog’s symptoms and provide a boost to his natural defenses. Using a careful blend of plant based ingredients such as Cantharis, Staphysagris and Berberis, these products have antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can significantly boost the effectiveness of a bladder cancer diet for dogs to help make your dog stronger and better equipped to fight the disease.
No one likes to face the prospect of their four legged friend developing bladder cancer, but you can take hope in knowing there are things you can do to help. A combination of a diet rich in animal protein and all the necessary nutrients along with the use of safe, gentle homeopathic remedies can make all the difference. Don’t let cancer get the best of your best friend, fight back the natural way.
3 Simple Steps to Treating Bladder Cancer in Dogs
Bladder cancer in dogs is a serious condition. My beloved Akita of 13 years died of it. Although he had lived a long, happy life, especially for a large breed dog, I wish I had known what I know now. Although I can’t go back and change his final six months with us, I can share what I learned with you.
First the facts. The cause of dog bladder cancer is unknown, but it is believed that flea and tick collars and sprays can be a contributing factor, so please get rid of these items if you have them in your house. Typically, female dogs are more prone to cancer than males and certain breeds have a higher incidence of cancer including beagles, fox terriers (Scottish, wirehaired fox and West Highland white varieties) and Shetland sheepdogs. Dogs that have been neutered also have a higher risk.
Left untreated, bladder cancer in dogs can block the urinary tract making it difficult or impossible to expel toxins from the bladder. The cancer can also spread to other parts of the body and is life-threatening. Dogs with a bladder cancer diagnosis can survive for up to a year, but that time is full of misery, suffering and humiliation.
Traditional medical treatment for dog bladder cancer includes surgery to move small tumors, chemotherapy (which is still considered an experimental treatment) and use of anti-inflammatory drugs which does not get rid of the cancer, but in some studies, has shown to slow its growth.
If you do not want your dog to undergo radical treatments which can increase pain and suffering, there are healthy options. These are especially important for older dogs who will not be able to tolerate chemotherapy, harsh drugs and may not survive the trauma caused by surgery.
The best natural treatment for dogs is simple and easy. First, feed your dog healthy, organic food (that has no chemicals, cheap grains, byproducts or preservatives.) Junk food kibble alters the pH of the bladder, making it hospitable to bacteria and disease. Healthy, organic food that is comprised mostly of good quality protein will give your dog the nutrients needed for healing.
Second, make sure your dog gets plenty of fresh water. Water is vital to keeping the body hydrated and flushing toxins from the bladder. Rather than give your dog tap water, buy a water filter to remove the chemicals that alter the pH which is a component for preventing bladder cancer in dogs.
Third, it goes without saying that love and attention is healing. Spend time with your dog. Talk to him. Take him on walks and adventures. Run and play with him. Exercise is healing: it relieves stress, bonds participants, removes toxins from the lymph system and increases a sense of satisfaction in life.
In addition to diet, love and attention and exercise, give your dog a daily natural remedy that contains antioxidants which build immunity and fight cancer. This supplement should contain a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Perhaps most important, it should contain herbs like Milk Thistle and Mistletoe which are strong antioxidants that make for a natural, gentle and effective treatment for bladder cancer in dogs. These two herbs also help rid the body of toxins.
Since your dog depends on you to make the best healthcare choices, it is up to you to find a method to treat dog bladder cancer that is gentle, yet effective and that does not worsen your dog’s suffering. Think about it: if you choose to give your dog chemo, there is no way for you to tell your dog that even though his suffering is going to be worse, in the long wrong, he might get better. Of course, he also might get worse, since chemo is a poison that often kills the patient. Although this may seem harsh, this is something you must consider.
Dogs don’t understand the point of radical treatments. They only know what they feel in the moment. Make your dogs moments as happy, comfortable and pain-free as possible by choosing to take the natural route. As your dog gets better, continue to follow the steps above and give your dog a daily supplement in order to build a strong immunity needed for a long, healthy and happy life.
Swine Flu : What is it and How To Cure : No Worries Pakistan
Swine influenza, or “swine flu”, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs, caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine influenza. Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus type at a time, which can allow the genes from these viruses to mix. This can result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources, called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans.
What are the implications for human health?
Outbreaks and sporadic human infection with swine influenza have been occasionally reported.
Generally clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza but reported clinical presentation ranges broadly from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia resulting in death. Since typical clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, most of the cases have been detected by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. Mild or asymptomatic cases may have escaped from recognition; therefore the true extent of this disease among humans is unknown.
Where have human cases occurred?
Since the implementation of IHR(2005)1 in 2007, WHO has been notified of swine influenza cases from the United States and Spain.
How do people become infected?
People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, some human cases lack contact history with pigs or environments where pigs have been located. Human-to-human transmission has occurred in some instances but was limited to close contacts and closed groups of people.
Which countries have been affected by outbreaks in pigs?
Swine influenza is not notifiable to international animal health authorities (OIE, www.oie.int), therefore its international distribution in animals is not well known. The disease is considered endemic in the United States. Outbreaks in pigs are also known to have occurred in North America, South America, Europe (including the UK, Sweden, and Italy), Africa (Kenya), and in parts of eastern Asia including China and Japan.
What about the pandemic risk?
It is likely that most of people, especially those who do not have regular contact with pigs, do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent the virus infection. If a swine virus establishes efficient human-to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict: it depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza?
There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza virus causing illness in humans. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly. It is important to develop a vaccine against the currently circulating virus strain for it to provide maximum protection to the vaccinated people. This is why WHO needs access to as many viruses as possible in order to select the most appropriate candidate vaccine virus.
What drugs are available for treatment?
1 International Health Regulation (2005) http://www.who.int/ihr/about/en/ Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are two classes of such medicines, 1) adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine), and 2) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Most of the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines. Some influenza viruses develop resistance to the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis and treatment. The viruses obtained from the recent human cases with swine influenza in the United States were sensitive to oselatmivir and zanamivir but resistant to amantadine and remantadine.
Information is insufficient to make recommendation on the use of the antivirals in prevention and treatment of swine influenza virus infection. Clinicians have to make decisions based on the clinical and epidemiological assessment and harms and benefit of the prophylaxis/treatment of the patient2. For the ongoing outbreak of the swine influenza infection in the United States and Mexico, the national and the local authorities are recommending to use oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment and prevention of the disease based on the virus’s susceptibility profile.
Libido lifters
Libido lifters
Vitamin E, ginger and green tea make welcome bedfellows as 'natural Viagra'
When you think sexy, certain foods automatically come to mind. Depending on your imagination -- and possibly your experience -- it could be anything from a plate of fresh oysters to a dripping chocolate fondue to, well, a can of whipped cream. There are others -- chocolate-dipped strawberries, plump, juicy grapes, or anything you can hand-feed to your lover.
Whatever the details of the list, it's a pretty safe bet that wheat germ, almonds and pumpkin seeds are not high on it -- but maybe they should be. To get the lowdown on libido lifters, we contacted Joey Shulman, a nutritionist and author of the just-published book Healthy Sin Foods: Decadence Without the Guilt. She set us straight on what foods really offer natural ways to get you in the wooing mood.
Topping her lusty-food list are those rich in vitamin E. And at the top is wheat germ oil. One tablespoon of the stuff gives you a full 100 per cent of your suggested daily intake. Almonds are also high; eat an ounce of them dry-roasted and you'll have had 40 per cent of your suggested daily amount. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanut butter and peanuts also have the magic vitamin, but Shulman recommends that if you want to keep your sexy figure (no question that's good for your lover's libido), don't eat more than 15 nuts in one sitting. After all, nuts are high in fat, albeit good fat. And if you want some E without the fat, try a kiwi, some broccoli, spinach, kale or a mango.
"Vitamin E is shown to balance skin and help with stretch marks and age spots," Shulman said. "But some people call it natural Viagra."
Maybe that's because you not only look better, but the vitamin E also improves your blood flow. Shulman's not sure how, but she swears it works. She also said you can buy vitamin E oil in capsules, and use it for massage. "But food's more fun."
Next in the nutritionist's passion food picks was ginger.
"People use ginger for upset stomachs, to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but it also helps with stress, helps relax you, and it also improves blood flow," Shulman said. And as we now know, better blood flow is good for you-know-what.
"You can have ginger tea or you can add it to stir-fries, baking," she said. "We just also have jars of minced ginger in the house."
And there's another sex-drive booster in the tea cupboard. When you drink green tea, there is a release of an amino acid called L-theanine in your brain.
"It makes you feel alert, yet calm at the same time," Shulman said. "It doesn't give you the jitters that coffee does. Green tea is also extremely high in antioxidants that might put you in the mood."
Those were Shulman's unconventional suggestions, but she also shed light on old standards, offering science behind their libidinous legend.
Oysters are perhaps the most commonly referenced aphrodisiac, and Shulman confirmed the reputation is deserved. The salty mollusks are full of zinc, which is good for immune system function and is involved in enzyme production. In short, zinc is crucial to the overall running of the human system and feeling good is what it's all about. Other foods with zinc include beef, lamb and pumpkin seeds.
Red wine, like all alcohol, has a reputation for improving the odds of "getting lucky," but it's not just because of its brain-altering properties.
From a health perspective, the high number of flavonoids, including resveratrol, and antioxidants found in red wine keep the blood pumping.
And finally, why not indulge in an old favourite? Chocolate, if you keep it dark, is also full of flavonoids that keep blood vessels elastic; in short, it does the same thing as red wine.
Dip some mango and kiwi in melted dark chocolate and chase it with a good red wine, and your odds of making a love connection will improve dramatically.
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Sex-inducing Smoothie
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsweetened almond milk (contains vitamin E)
- 1 cup (250 mL) frozen strawberries
- 1 cup (250 mL) kiwi, peeled
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) wheat germ oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) cocoa powder
Blend all ingredients in a blender on high.
Note: To make smoothie creamier, add 1/2 banana and a second 1/2-cup (125 mL) almond milk.
Vatican Claims Allegations Against Pope Are Backlash For Church's Opposition To Abortion, Same-Sex Marriage
Vatican Claims Allegations Against Pope Are Backlash For Church's Opposition To Abortion, Same-Sex Marriage
Spanish Cardinal Julian Herranz, head of the disciplinary commission for Holy See officials, said during a Vatican Radio broadcast that the pope "defends life and family ... in a world in which powerful lobbies would like to impose a completely different" agenda. Although Herranz did not identify specific lobbies, "defense of life" is "Vatican shorthand for antiabortion efforts," according to the AP/Yahoo! News.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican's dean of the College of Cardinals, told the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano that the pope's advocacy for conservative family values provoked the alleged attacks. Sodano said, "By now, it's a cultural contrast. The pope embodies moral truths that aren't accepted, and so, the shortcomings and errors of priests are used as weapons against the church." He added, "Behind the unjust attacks on the pope are visions of the family and of life that run contrary to the Gospel" (D'Emilio, AP/Yahoo! News, 4/6).
Hooking Up Or Dating: Who Benefits?
Typically, dating follows a predictable pattern whereby the man is active - he asks the woman to go out with him, organizes the date and at the end of it may initiate sexual activity; whereas the woman is reactive - she waits to be asked out on a date and accepts or rejects the man's sexual overtures. They know each other or want to get to know one another and there is the prospect of a future relationship. In contrast, a hook up is a casual sexual encounter, which usually occurs between people who are strangers or brief acquaintances. For instance, two people meet at a party where they have been drinking; they flirt and engage in sexual behaviors from kissing to sexual intercourse, with no commitment to a future relationship.
Bradshaw and team exposed 150 female and 71 male college students from a southern, public American university to a variety of dating and/or hooking up situations, such as when there was potential for a relationship, when their partner had a great personality and when drinking was involved. They asked the students the extent to which they would prefer dating or hooking up in each situation. The participants were also asked to pick the top three benefits and top three risks associated with dating and hooking up from a checklist, as well as provide details of their dating and hooking up activities over the past two years.
Even though men initiated significantly more first dates than women, there was no gender difference in the number of first dates or number of hook-ups. For both men and women, the number of hook ups was nearly double the number of first dates.
Overall, both genders showed a preference for traditional dating over hooking up. However, of those students who strongly preferred traditional dating, there were significantly more women than men (41 percent versus 20 percent). Of those who showed a strong preference for hooking up, there were far fewer women than men (2 percent versus 17 percent). However, context mattered: when considering the possibility of a long-term relationship, both women and men preferred dating over hooking up; however, when the possibility of a relationship was not mentioned, men preferred hooking up and women preferred dating.
On the whole, men and women agreed on the benefits and risks of dating and hooking up. However, there were some notable differences:
- Women more than men seem to want a relationship. They fear, both in dating and hooking up, that they will become emotionally attached to a partner who is not interested in them.
- Men more than women seem to value independence. They fear that even in hooking up relationships, which are supposed to be free of commitments, a woman might seek to establish a relationship.
1. Bradshaw C, Kahn AS, Saville BK (2010). To hook up or date: which gender benefits? Sex Roles; DOI 10.1007/s11199-010-9765-7
Meningococcal disease in Chad
Meningococcal disease in Chad
1 April 2010 -- From 4 January to 28 March the Ministry of Health of Chad reported 1531 suspected cases of meningococcal disease including 151 deaths (case-fatality rate:10%). So far, seven districts have crossed the epidemic threshold (Bébidja, Bédjondo, Béré, Doba, Dono-Manga, Goundi and Laï) while three others crossed the alert threshold (Bénoye, Laokassi and Sarh).
Sixty seven specimens of cerebral spinal fluid have been found positive for Neisseria meningitidisserogroup A by latex test while 14 specimens were found positive for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135, by latex, and culture. This indicates that some areas are experiencing mixed epidemics (Dono-Manga), while others are being predominantly affected by either serogroup A (Doba, Bébidja district ) or serogroup W135 (Goundi district).
The International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control has provided 157,000 doses of trivalent ACW vaccine for a mass vaccination campaign in affected areas of Dono-Manga and Goundi as well as 282,000 doses of bivalent vaccine for mass vaccination in Doba and Bebidja. Vaccines are being provided with the support of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). Vaccination campaigns have been completed or are being conducted in Bébidja and Doba district, while others will take place shortly in Dono-Manga and Goundi districts.
WHO, UNICEF, Médecins sans Frontières and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) are working with the Ministry of Health, Chad to implement the vaccination campaigns as well as other emergency control measures, including case management and surveillance in neighbouring districts.
Who should get vaccinated against anthrax?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended anthrax vaccination for the following groups:
Persons who work directly with the organism in the laboratory | |
Persons who work with imported animal hides or furs in areas where standards are insufficient to prevent exposure to anthrax spores. | |
Persons who handle potentially infected animal products in high-incidence areas. (Incidence is low in the United States, but veterinarians who travel to work in other countries where incidence is higher should consider being vaccinated.) | |
Military personnel deployed to areas with high risk for exposure to the organism (as when it is used as a biological warfare weapon). |
What are the symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but symptoms usually occur within 7 days.
Cutaneous: Most (about 95%) anthrax infections occur when the bacterium enters a cut or abrasion on the skin, such as when handling contaminated wool, hides, leather or hair products (especially goat hair) of infected animals. Skin infection begins as a raised itchy bump that resembles an insect bite but within 1-2 days develops into a vesicle and then a painless ulcer, usually 1-3 cm in diameter, with a characteristic black necrotic (dying) area in the center. Lymph glands in the adjacent area may swell. About 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax will result in death. Deaths are rare with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
inhalation: Initial symptoms may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. inhalation anthrax is usually fatal.
Intestinal: The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated meat and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Intestinal anthrax results in death in 25% to 60% of cases.
How is anthrax transmitted?
Anthrax infection can occur in three forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States.
How common is anthrax and who can get it?
Anthrax is most common in agricultural regions where it occurs in animals. These include South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. When anthrax affects humans, it is usually due to an occupational exposure to infected animals or their products. Workers who are exposed to dead animals and animal products from other countries where anthrax is more common may become infected with B. anthracis (industrial anthrax). Anthrax in wild livestock has occurred in the United States.
What is anthrax?
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Blood Cancer Symptoms
Blood cancer is a generalized term for malignancy which attacks the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. There are three kinds of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Leukemia is malignancy of cells in the blood. Lymphoma refers to malignant tumors of the lymph system. Myeloma is malignancy of plasma cells. Plasma cells are the cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Collectively they are called Hematological malignancies.
Some of the common blood cancer symptoms:
- Weakness, Fatigue, Malaise and Breathlessness
- Minimal body strain results inbone fractures
- Excessive or easy bruising
- Bleeding gums or frequent nose bleeds
- Recurrent infections or fever
- Excessive sweating of body during night
- Weight loss
- Frequent vomiting sensations
- Anorexia
- Lymph node (gland) enlargement
- Lumps or abdominal distension due to enlarged abdominal organs
- Abdominal pain, Bone pain and Back pain
- Delirium and confusion
- Abnormal bleeding in gums nose and cuts, which will result in platelet reduction
- Headaches with occurrence of visual difficulties
- Occurrence of fine rashes on dark spots
- Decreased urination and difficulty while urinating
Some of the specific leukemia blood cancer symptoms are anemia, recurrent infections, bone and joint pain abdominal distress and difficult in breathing or dyspnea.
In case of lymphomas blood cancer the symptoms depend on location of cancer, where it has spread, and the size of the tumor. It begins with swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin.
The first sign of multiple myeloma is bone pain due to bony destruction by plasma cells. Some of the prominent symptoms include bleeding gums, nose bleeds and easy bruising. Unexplained bone fractures, kidney failure, persistent infections and weight loss are other signs of the disease.
Incidences of Blood Cancer Types Each Year:
S.No. | Blood Cancer Type | Percentage Per One Lac of Population |
---|---|---|
1. | Leukemia | |
2. | Myeloma | |
3. | Lymphoma |
Latest Statistical Facts about Blood Cancer in United States:
- Symptoms of blood cancer are confirmed using the Diagnostic test – Biopsy.
- After every 4 minutes, an individual from America is diagnosed with blood cancer by such tests.
- Every 10 minutes, this disease takes the life of an individual.
- It means 146 people die every day because of this disease.
- Approximately 1,39,860 people are going to be diagnosed with all the three types of blood cancer in the year 2009.
- These people constitute 9.5% of the total number of new cancer cases ( 1,479, 350 ) diagnosed in the whole country.
- 53,240 people out of the 1,39,860 diagnosed, are estimated to lose their lives this year owing to this dreadful disease.
- The total cancer deaths estimated in the year 2009 are 5,62,340.
- Blood cancer deaths will comprise 9.5% of these deaths.
- Leukemia is the most common type of blood cancer in children affecting the age group of 0-19 years.
- It comprises 31% of cancers affecting the children in United States.
- 2,655 children within the mentioned age group, are estimated to be diagnosed with this disease in 2009.
- The symptoms of blood cancer remain latent and dangerously make the disease apparent in its last stages.
Does Cancer cause Blood Clots ?
Research studies conducted at the University of L’Aquila, Italy suggest that children suffering from Leukemia are at high risks of facing Thrombosis while they are provided the cancer treatment. Thrombosis is the technical name given to clotting of blood in the deep veins of the body. In the research, 1,752 children suffering from this dreadful disease were considered. In 5.2% of these children, the study found the complication of blood clotting. The researchers however were successful in finding out the therapies and medical procedures for addressing the risk of blood clotting