Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals needed by the body. In almost all cases, doctors strongly ask the patient to eat fruits and vegetables to maintain one's health. Aside from that, fruits are also believed to be doing some good job on treating or preventing high risk of getting some diseases.

One of the healthful fruits is melon. Melon is known for its delicious taste and sweet smell. However, melon is not only good in those aspects. It is also believed by experts to have medicinal and therapeutic properties. The bitter melon extract has been discovered by many researchers to have helped many diseases and exert some significant effects against those diseases. We have to take note that bitter melon extract is not only helpful in one disease but in at least 3 diseases.

First, bitter melon extract has been noticed to exhibit significant effect against the growth of breast cancer cells. According to a research team, this extract modulates signal transduction pathways which are believed to induce the death of breast cancer cells. This is a very good supplement for the prevention of breast cancer. Until now, some experts are still trying to conduct experiments in order to find out if this extract can be used as a chemopreventive agent not only against breast cancer but all forms of cancer. However, for now, this extract has only been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer cell growth in the body.

Secondly, this melon extract has been proven to have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects which are used as remedies for diabetes. These are blood sugar lowering agents which are responsible for regulating the level of blood sugar in the body. Also, the preparation of this bitter extract proves to increase the tolerance of the glucose without increasing the level of the insulin in the body.

Aside from the ones mentioned, bitter melon extract is one to be rich in iron, beta carotene, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. If we think about it, if we really want to get a good source of those minerals, we have to eat broccoli to have beta-carotene, spinach for calcium and bananas for potassium when in fact, we can just get all of these from the bitter extract of melon. It is like hitting so many birds with one stone.

Because of so many medicinal properties bitter melon extract has, it is recommended that people drink a lot of it in order to prevent so many diseases and also to reduce the risk of getting one. It is also believed to help prevent the worsening of the diseases related to this extract. There are so many studies that could prove its effect on people. In fact, it has been recorded that this extract was able to show significant effects on 100 people with type 2 diabetes.

People have become dependent on medicines nowadays but it wouldn't hurt to try fruits and other organic foods that could keep the body healthy and free from diseases.

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According to the study of EWG, the six biomonitoring programs revealed a total of 455 different pollutants, pesticides, and industrial chemicals in the bodies or cord blood of different people - including ten newborn babies with an average of 200 chemicals in each child.

The results of an Environmental Working Group Body Burden testing program has revealed that mothers and daughters share a common body burden of at least 35 environmental cancer-causing chemicals including phthalate plasticizers, lead, methyl mercury, brominated flame retardants, and Teflon and Scotchgard perfluorochemicals PFOA and PFOS. These pollutants appear to be passed from a mother's placenta or breast milk into her daughter's body. Some of the key findings in this testing program found:

* Chemicals that persist in the body were found at higher levels in mothers than daughters, showing how chemicals can build up in the body over a lifetime.

* The chemical burden inherited by daughters at birth will last for decades, some for a lifetime - and the daughters will pass this same chemical burden on to their children.

* Daughters tested had more chemicals in common with their mothers than with a group of 16 other women who were tested. This underscores the long-lasting influence of the pollution passed from mother to daughter, and their shared exposures as the child grows up.

EWG's vice president for research Jane Houlihan said EPA studies show that children before age two are ten times more sensitive to cancer-causing chemicals than adults. Scientists have found that chemicals toxic effects can be passed down for four generations, by causing permanent genetic changes that can be inherited. A stew of toxic chemicals is not the legacy mothers want to hand down to their children.

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The diagnosis of breast cancer is not an easy one to cope with. Physical changes, exhaustion, nausea and pain from treatment, as well as changes to self-image, low energy, and the emotional turmoil the diagnosis causes can put strain on any intimate relationship. Maintaining a relationship when a diagnosis of breast cancer has been made is challenging, and the change in a couple's sex life may further disrupt the relationship. In order to remain close during this time, it is imperative that partners have strong, open communication with one another.

Breast cancer adds more distractions to already busy lives, making it difficult to find time to spend together. Even when partners are able to find time to sit down with one another, interruptions may hinder any serious discussion. However, when a partner has been diagnosed with breast cancer, finding time to talk is extremely important. It may be necessary for couples to schedule time together in a quiet place, free of distractions and interruptions.

Even when couples find time together, talking about the issues surrounding the diagnosis and the importance of the relationship can be difficult. These are serious topics of conversation, and as such partners are often uncomfortable discussing them. It may be best to start with topics that are general, such as how the kids are doing at school, a family visit, or even the weather. Once the conversation is flowing, the serious topics can be gradually worked into the conversation.

Talking, even about less serious topics, is difficult for some people. It may seem frustrating when one partner appears to not want to talk. However, just because they aren't talking, doesn't mean they aren't listening. One partner may need to do most of the talking, making sure to get some sort of feedback along the way. Eye contact and physical touch can help, and feedback may take the form of physical gestures such as a comforting hug, or a squeeze of the hand.

A partner of someone diagnosed with breast cancer may feel like they have no right to burden the other with their feelings and concerns. After all, the one diagnosed with breast cancer is going through enough already. It is important that the partner be reassured that their feelings are important. Breast cancer affects both partners.

If, for any reason, a couple has trouble communicating, it may be wise to make an appointment with a therapist who can help the flow of conversation and help both partners cope with the illness together. If the help of a therapist is not something either partner is comfortable with, it may be beneficial to use the written word to communicate. Sometimes it is easier to express feelings in a letter or journal entry.

Breast cancer is a serious challenge in any relationship. Communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship, no matter what form the communication takes. With open communication both partners can help each other cope with breast cancer, and may even emerge with a stronger relationship than ever before.

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There are many risk factors that can potentiate breast cancer in women, and the life time incidence of breast cancer is 1 in 8. This means for every 8 women you know, one of them will develop this type of cancer in their lifetime. So what causes breast cancer and what are we doing to help this to happen?

Cancer of the breast occurs when certain cells within breast tissue divide in a manner which allows uncontrolled growth and destruction of surrounding tissue; the cancer cell can then spread to lymph glands and other organs where they grow in the same destructive way. This growth is not the normal growth that is necessary to the function of the body part it is growing in, in this case, breast tissue. Researchers continue to look for the different factors which can influence the occurrence of breast cancer. They feel that essentially something happens to the DNA or genes of the cells which causes the factors which normally control growth to be compromised. This could be a genetic mutation a woman is born with, it can be age, exposure to radiation at a younger age, or a host of other lifestyle issues.

There are many causes for breast cancer, but one risk factor which has been raised and is somewhat controversial is that of obesity. There are statistics from research centers suggesting that 25-30% of breast cancer may be prevented by maintaining a lean body mass. Epidemiologists note that the incidence of this kind of cancer is rising, however they speculate that our genes have been essentially the same over the past many decades.

So what does fat have to do with breast cancer? The fat cells that develop later in life tend to store estrogen, so the more fat there is, the more estrogen the breast tissue will be exposed to. Since estrogen fuels many breast cancers, this could lead to an increased risk that some researchers feel is as high as 60 %. It is recommended by the American Cancer Society to engage in 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week to lower your risk of cancer. It is also recommended that even lean women continue to work at maintaining increased muscle mass to lessen the creation of new fat cells. As mentioned above, this risk factor is felt to be controversial and not easy to prove. It has been noted however, that the risk of breast cancer seems to occur when weight is gained later in life and not at a younger age. This may in part be due to the fact that weight gain in menopausal years is often visceral fat which is hormonally more active than subcutaneous fat.

What are the other risk factors for Breast Cancer?

1. Gender- being female means increased amounts of estrogen acting on cell growth in breast tissue.

2. Age- 2/3 s of breast cancer occurs after age 55; 1/8 of breast cancers occur under age 45. Age effects the genes which regulate our bodies function and the older a person is, the more likelihood a mistake in the genetic code will occur.

3. Genetic factors- many women believe that if no one in their family has had cancer of the breast, they are not likely to get it. Inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 only account for 5-10% of cancers.

4. Family history- having a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer doubles the risk of developing this form of cancer. It is thought that 20-30% of women with breast cancer have a positive family history.

5. Prior history of breast cancer- this increases risk of a second cancer not considered a recurrence by 3-4 times.

6. Race and ethnicity- there is a slightly higher rate of breast cancer in White women over African American women, however African American women are more likely to die from their cancer as they tend to get more aggressive types of breast cancer. Asian, Hispanic and Native American women have a lower incidence and risk of dying from breast cancer.

7. Dense breast tissue- make screening harder, there is more glandular tissue and less fatty tissue.

8. Menses- beginning before age 12 and menopause after 55 increases risk due to breast tissue being exposed to more hormonal cycles. For this same reason, no children or children after 30 and less years of breast feeding can also mean more estrogen and progesterone exposure to breast tissue which in turn raises risk.

9. Previous chest radiation for other conditions such as lymphoma and certain cancers which can occur at young age.

10. DES- Women who were given DES during pregnancy and their daughters in utero at that time are at higher risk for breast cancer due to mutations of genes.

There are some life style issues that are felt to affect the risk of getting cancer in breast tissue. There is a slight increase in risk to women who have been on Oral Contraceptives for several years although this risk declines when the OCP is stopped and continues to decline there after.

Combined HRT has been shown in studies to increase the risk of cancer in breast tissue in as little as 2 years of use. This risk is somewhat attenuated when estrogen is used alone, without progesterone.

Use of more than 7 alcoholic drinks a week can also increase risk of breast cancer, this risk can be as much as 1 ½ times normal if 2-5 drinks per day are consumed on a regular basis.

Having one or more of the above risk factors does not mean a woman will get breast cancer, it merely reflects risk may be higher. Life style changes may help reduce those risks. In many cases, the diagnosis of cancer can be made early, treatments have come a long way and are very effective. There continues to be exciting research discovering new factors influencing the occurrence and growth of breast cancer, which can and will open up new therapies.

Having risk factors and an unhealthy life style can potentiate any kind of cancer, hopefully the above information will help you to reduce your risk of cancer occurring in you breasts. There are also many other health benefits to a healthy lifestyle, not just cancer prevention. Heart health and bone health are also achieved with a healthy diet, exercise, avoidance of cigarette smoking and limiting alcohol. It is not just our genes, it is also what we do to those genes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Vaillancourt

TREATMENT OVERVIEW

The most appropriate and effective treatment for you depends on many factors including: - the cancer type, stage and grade, the cancers hormone status e.g. estrogen/ oestrogen positive or negative, the cancers protein status e.g. HER2 positive or negative, your age, your fitness level and your menopausal status.

SURGERY
Most breast cancers will be treated with some form of surgery, to try to remove all the tumour cells. Either all (mastectomy) or part (lumpectomy) of the breast will be removed.

CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy is a whole body (systemic) treatment option. This means it will be recommended if there is an increased risk of the cancer spreading or returning.

RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy is a very effective and commonly used way to treat breast cancer. It is normally given after surgery and / or chemotherapy but can be given before if the tumour is especially large, or located in a harder to operate place. Radiotherapy can be given after surgery to any remaining breast tissue, or to the chest wall alone following a mastectomy. The aim of radiotherapy is to destroy any microscopic cancer cells left in the area following surgery.

HOW IS IT GIVEN?

Radiotherapy treatment using photons is normally given to the whole breast area and may also include the lymph nodal regions in the underarm (axilla), collarbone (supraclavicular - SCF), or breastbone (inter-mammory chain - IMC). Many women will also have a final weeks booster treatment using electrons, to the tumor bed site alone. Radiotherapy to the breast can be given in 15 - 30 treatments, depending on the factors listed above. It is normally given once per day, Monday to Friday.

PATIENT POSITIONING

For the radiotherapy treatment you will need to lie on a breastboard, this is set at a specific incline height for you, to ensure your sternum lies horizontal to the treatment couch. The breastboard is hard, and some patients find it slightly uncomfortable, but please tell the radiographers at your planing session if they can do anything to assist you. Depending on your specific type of treatment, you will either need to raise one or both arms above your head, so that the radiotherapy treatment can be both planned and treated effectively. Sometimes after surgery your arm / shoulder muscles may feel tight and stiff making this position more difficult. This is why it is so important to regularly practice your arm exercises, given to you by your medical team, to ease your flexibility and degree of movement.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF RADIOTHERAPY TO THE BREAST

The most commonly experienced side effects of radiotherapy, to the breast area are skin reactions and fatigue. If you look at the side effects section of this website, you will learn the best methods for coping with these.

Below is some additional specific advice to help you manage/ reduce the severity of a radiotherapy skin reaction to the breast area.

* Your skin will feel most sensitive and sore around the nipple and underneath the breast fold area (especially if you are wear a bra size C Cup or above). This is because here the skin is naturally more sensitive, and the radiation is able to act in a bouncing type motion in the skin fold creating a greater reaction. To help with this, it is important that you do not wear an underwired bra during and for a few weeks after your radiotherapy treatment, as the wire acts as a rubber against your skin - thus in turn making it more sensitive and irritated. If you are able to go without wearing a bra, then please do so, as this will be best for your skin. However, if you are unable to manage without a bra, opt for one that is soft, loose and comfortable.

* Do not shave under your affected arm, during and for a few weeks after your radiotherapy treatment. Shaving will only make the area more irritated and sore, and if you were to cut yourself, it may take longer than normal to heal.

* Avoid using any fragranced, chemical or metallic containing deodorants under the affected arm, during and for a few weeks after finishing your radiotherapy. They will be too harsh for your skin, and they normally contain aluminum particles or zinc oxide, which will not react well with the radiotherapy treatment. Also, avoid using talcum powder products, even baby powder, in the treatment area/ under the affected arm. These contain metallic particles, which will cause a more severe skin reaction. If you do wish to use a deodorant in the area, only use one that is made from natural ingredients. I particularly like the Crystal Rock Body Deodorant and the Pit Rock Natural Deodorant ranges. These both can be found in the form of a roll-on or spray, and they both contain only natural ingredients, and are totally fragrance, metal and alcohol free, so are totally safe to use during your course of radiotherapy treatment.

* Radiotherapy can cause a change in the look or feel of the breast tissue itself, although for most women this change is very slight. Radiotherapy can make your breast tissue, and this can cause the skin to feel a little tight. It can also cause the breast area to swell slightly during, or shortly after the treatment has finished. This is known as oedema, and should settle down within a couple of months of completing radiotherapy treatment.

* As your breast region heals following surgery, you may experience some shooting pains or tingling in the area, which can be aggravated by radiotherapy. This should settle in the months after finishing radiotherapy treatment.

* Please read our page on Lymphoedema, which can be another side effect of radiotherapy treatment to the breast, for more information and advice.

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