April Cancer Awareness Part 3: Esophageal Cancer Awareness

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Esophageal (Esophagus) Cancer- Healthy cells that change and grow uncontrollably in the cells that line the esophagus that form a tumor. Esophageal cancer begins in the inner layers of the esophageal wall and grows outward. If it spreads through the wall it can travel to lymph nodes and can also spread to the lungs, liver, stomach and other parts of the body.

Types of Esophageal Cancer:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma- starts in squamous cells that line the esophagus. Usually develops in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.

Adenocarcinoma- Begins in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus where the stomach and esophagus come together.

Signs & Symptoms

• Difficulty and pain with swallowing  when eating meat, bread and raw vegetables. As the tumor grows it may block the pathway to the stomach making swallowing liquid painful as well.
• Pressure and burning in the chest
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Frequent choking on food
• Unexplained weight loss
• Coughing or hoarseness
• Pain behind the breast bone or in throat

Prevention: Not all esophageal cancers can be prevented but there are some factors that may lower the risk.

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
• Watching diet and body weight
• Getting treatment for reflux or Barrett’s esophagus

Helpful Links:

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophaguscancer/

http://www.cancer.gov/types/esophageal

http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/esophageal-cancer

 

Also if you haven’t already, please read these previous posts!

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

April Cancer Awareness Part 2: Head, Neck and Oral Cancer Awareness

April is National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Month

Oral Cancer– Also called Oral Cavity Cancer, is cancer that starts in the mouth.

Head & Neck Cancer– Cancer that starts in the head or neck region ( nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth salivary glands, throat or larynx).

I have included a small video that shows the treament course of a patient diagnosed with base-of- tongue cancer: John’s Story

Here is a brief summary of facts about Oral Cancer:

• Some risk factors are smoking, drinking heavily, HPV ( Human Papillomavirus)and prolonged sun exposure.
• Almost all Oral cancer begins in the flat cells that cover the surfaces of the mouth.

Here is a brief summary of facts about Head and Neck Cancer:

• Cancer usually begins in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck ( Inside mouth, nose, throat).
• Risk factors include smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV ( Human Papillomavirus).

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

• Patches inside mouth or on lips
• A sore in your mouth or on your lips that doesn’t heal
• Loose teeth
• Bleeding in your mouth
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• A lump in your neck
• An earache that doesn’t go away
• Numbness of the lower lip and chin

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer:

• A lump or sore throat that doesn’t heal
• A sore throat that doesn’t go away
• Difficulty swallowing
• Frequent Headaches
• Ringing or pain in ears
• Sinuses that are blocked and do not clear
• Chronic sinus infections that do not respond to antibiotics
• Nosebleeds
• Numbness or paralysis of the muscles in the face

Prevention- Early Detection:

Early detection is key

Doctors recommend self oral exams monthly to help prevent Oral cancer

Doctors recommend a yearly physical examination of the head and neck to help prevent Head & Neck Cancer

Helpful Links for more information:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

http://www.spohnc.org/

Also if you haven’t already read the previous posts please take the time out to go read!

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

April Cancer Awareness Part 1: Testicular Cancer Awareness

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Testicular Cancer– When normal cells in one or both testicles change and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Facts about Testicular Cancer:

• Most tumors develop in germ cells which make sperm. Hence they are called germ cell tumors
• Testicular cancer is divided in to two types seminomas and non-seminomas.  Non-seminomas grow more quickly and are more likely to spread.
• Both types require immediate treatment.
• It is the most common form of cancer in men ages 15-35 years old.
• It is one of the most curable cancers if it is detected early.

Improving Treatments for germ cell tumors: http://am.asco.org/improving-treatment-germ-cell-tumors

Risk Factors:

• Undescended testicles (cryptochordism)
• Urological birth defects
• Family History
• Being a Caucasian male

Signs and Symptoms:

Most common:

• Lumps, swelling and or pain in scrotum.
• Usually lumps are painless or mildly uncomfortable so do not wait until it becomes more serious to seek medical attention.
•  Swelling can happen without a lump being present.
• Dull ache or pressure in lower abdomen or back.
• Change of size in testicles.
• Feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum.
• Enlargement or tenderness in breasts.

Advanced symptoms:

• Significant weight loss and/or enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. (Due to growth of tumors)
• Back pain
• Chest pain, coughing and difficultly breathing.
• Coughing up blood ( Due to tumors in the lungs)
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in abdomen and/or neck.

Prevention:  A monthly self exam for all men over the age of 14. The exam is best performed after a bath or shower as it relaxes the scrotum making it easier to spot abnormalities.

Helpful Links:

http://www.testicularcancersociety.org/

http://tcrc.acor.org/

http://www.testicularcancerawarenessfoundation.org/

http://testicularcancer.org/

Also if you haven’t already read the previous posts please take the time out to go read!

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

March Cancer Awareness Part 3: Multiple Myeloma Awareness

March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

Multiple Myeloma- Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow (spongy tissue inside bones). The cancer begins when healthy plasma cells change and grow uncontrollably.

Plasma cells-part of the bodies immune system that produce antibodies that help fight infection.

Myeloma cells can produce antibodies but are unable to produce healthy, functioning antibodies. The cells instead make monoclonal protein or m protein which can build up in blood and urine which causes damage to the kidneys and other organs. Monoclonal protein often causes structural bone damage resulting in painful fractures or bone breaks. About 90% of people have multiple bone lesions when they are diagnosed, thus “multiple” myeloma.

Types of Multiple Myeloma

Solitary Plasmacytoma- Mass of myeloma cells that involve only one site in the bone or other organs. The most common site is the upper respiratory tract including the nose and throat.

Extramedullary Plasmacytoma- Myeloma that started outside the bone marrow in locations such as lymph glands, sinuses, throat, liver and under the skin.

Signs & Symptoms

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Fatigue
• Bone Pain- back and ribs are the most common site of bone pain although any bone can be affected. Pain can be worse with movement and at night
• Pain, numbness and weakness
• Kidney damage or failure may occur when M protein produced by myeloma cells clog the kidney filter
• Hypercalcemia- a high level of calcium in the blood that can occur as a result of bone breakdown
• Weight loss, nausea thirst, muscle weakness and mental confusion symptoms related to kidney failure, hypercalcemia or other imbalances in blood chemicals
• Fever and infections, especially upper respiratory tract and lungs
• Blood clots, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bruising and hazy vision caused by hyperviscosity, thickened blood or low platelets

Prevention:

There is no known way to prevent Multiple Myeloma.

Helpful Links:

Home

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/detailedguide/multiple-myeloma-what-is-multiple-myeloma

 

Also if you haven’t already please read these previous posts!

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

 

March Cancer Awareness Part 2 : Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Definition:

Kidney Cancer– when healthy cells in one or both kidneys change and grow uncontrollably forming a tumor.

The kidneys are reddish-brown bean-shaped organs located above the waist that filter blood to remove impurities and also produce hormones that control blood pressure, red blood cell production and other bodily functions.

Types of Kidney Cancer-

Renal Cell Carcinoma- 85% of all diagnosed, the most common type of adult kidney cancer it develops in the proximal renal tubes that make up the kidney filtration system.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma (Urothelial Carcinoma)- 10%-15% of diagnosed, begins in the area where urine collects before moving to the bladder, this type of cancer is similar to bladder cancer.

Sarcoma-Rare, develops in the soft tissue of the kidney , the thin layer of connective tissue surrounding the kidney or surrounding fat.

Wilms tumor- most common in children

Types of Kidney Cancer Cells-

Clear cell- 70% of kidney cancer, ranges from slow growing to fast growing

Papillary- 10%-15% of kidney cancer, divided into two sub types called type 1 and type 2

Sarcomatoid- fastest growing and most aggressive type, it may develop from any cell type

Collecting Duct- Rare cancer that behaves similarly to transitional cell carcinoma

Chromophobe- Rare cancer that behaves differently from other types, may form indolent tumors

Oncocytoma- Slow growing cancer that rarely spreads

Angiomyolipoma- Benign tumor that has a unique appearance on a CT or CAT scan and under a microscope, less likely to grow or spread

Signs & Symptoms

In early stages there is no pain, symptoms usually appear when the tumor is larger and begins to affect nearby organs.

• Blood in the urine
• Pain or pressure in the side or back
• A mass or lump in the side or back
• Swelling of the ankles and legs
• High blood pressure
• Anemia ( low red blood cell count)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent fever that is not from cold, flu or other infection
• For men- rapid development of a cluster of enlarged veins around a testicle

Prevention:

There is no proven way to prevent kidney cancer, however these may lower the risk

• Quitting smoking
• Lowering blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat

Helpful Links:

Home

http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/kidney-cancer

http://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney

Also if you haven’t already please read these previous posts!

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

 

 

 

March Cancer Awareness Part 1: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal Cancer– Cancer of the Colon or Rectum

Here is a brief summary of facts about Colorectal Cancer:

• 3^rd most common cancer

• Most Colorectal cancers develop slowly over many years
• Colorectal cancer usually starts with colorectal polyps ( Abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum)

Possible Signs and Symptoms:

• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Blood in stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Weight loss for no reason
• Feeling very tired

Prevention- Early Detection:

Regular screening is recommended for both men and women once they reach age 50

Advances in Colorectal Cancer:

ASCO ( American Society of Clinical Onocology)  2014 meeting had a new study that shows that a combination of  chemotherapy and certain targeted therapies have been effective for metastatic colorectal cancer. Targeted therapy works by targeting specific genes, proteins or tissue that contribute to the cancer’s growth and survival. Both treatments in this study have chemotherapy but one has the targeted therapy bevacizumab (Avastin) and the other uses the targeted therapy  cetuximab (Erbitux).

Helpful Links for more information:

http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/

http://www.ccalliance.org/

http://colon.cancerinformation.com/home.aspx

Also if you haven’t already read these 2 previous posts please go read them!

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

February: Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month

February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month.

Definition: 

Gallbladder Cancer– when normal cells in the gallbladder grow uncontrollably forming a tumor that can be cancerous or benign.

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver that stores bile. The gallbladder is made up of 3 main layers of tissue. The mucosa which is the innermost layer covers the wall, the muscularis or the middle layer made up of smooth muscle and the serosa or the outer layer. Primary gallbladder cancer begins in the inner layer and spreads to the outer layer. Gallbladder cancer is usually not found in its earlier stages.

Signs & Symptoms

• Jaundice
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• A lump in the abdomen
• Fever

Prevention:

There is no known way to prevent gallbladder cancer although maintaining a healthy weight may help lower the risk.

Helpful Links:

http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/gallbladder-cancer/symptoms-and-signs

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/gallbladdercancer/

 

Bile Duct Cancer– when normal cells in the bile duct change and grow uncontrollably and form a tumor that can be cancerous or benign.

The bile duct is a tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. It allows bile to flow into the small intestine.

Types of Bile Duct Cancer:

Extrahepatic- the part of the bile duct that is outside of the liver. Cancer usually begins in this part of the bile duct.

Intraheptic- 5%to 10% of bile duct cancers occur in the part of the bile duct located inside the liver

Cancer can occur anywhere in the bile duct.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Jaundice
• Urine may become a dark color
• Bowel movements may become pale
• Itching
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Abdominal pain (Early bile duct cancer does not cause pain but a person may experience pain if the cancer has spread)

Prevention:

There is no proven way to completely prevent this disease. However there are ways to lower the risk such as avoiding contact with hazardous chemicals, avoiding alcohol abuse and drinking only purified water and foods if traveling to parts of the world where liver flukes are common.

Helpful Links:

Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/gallbladder-bile-duct/about-gallbladder-bile-duct

Also if you haven’t already please read these previous posts!

A Promise Kept- My Mother’s Story

World Cancer Day.. My Mom’s other vision brought to light

 

 

 

 

Where did you go? : A quick update

Hello everyone!

First I want to apologize for falling so far behind on posting here at TOAM. Sometimes as you all know life throws us a curve ball  and certain projects have to get put on the back burner for a bit. I am happy to say that I will be posting more often again! I have set up a new posting schedule that correlates better with my busier lifestyle. Play, Repeat: My Current Song Obsession will now be posted bi- weekly as I am hoping to get more in depth with each of the songs. The poetry prompts will remain on a weekly basis and the All Cancer Awareness posts will also remain the same. However this year I am trying to incorporate lesser known and rarer cancers as well as the more well known cancers. So thank you all for your patience and for reading my posts! Be on the lookout for more here on TOAM very soon!

-Nicole

Poetry Prompt: Week 3

I decided to challenge myself to write more and I am doing a poetry prompt each week. If any other writers are interested in prompts for writing check out Poets & Writers website: http://www.pw.org/writing-prompts-exercises.

Poetry Prompt: 

As forms of creative expression, music and poetry share similarities in the usage of sound and rhythm to generate emotional resonance. Musicians and poets have often expressed their mutual admiration, and even collaborated with each other. Read the poem “Don’t You Wonder, Sometimes?,” from Tracy K. Smith‘s collection Life on Mars (Graywolf Press, 2011), with its many references to David Bowie, or watch an animation of Charles Bukowski’s “The Laughing Heart” read by Tom Waits. Then write a poem of your own inspired by the mood or themes of a favorite musician or song.

Patience & Grace

Searching for a taste of Nirvana,

I remember the colour and the shape,

My hero, I’m walking after you,

Knowing that there is no way back,

Plunging into the wild tides of a hurricane,

Mother Nature’s summer is coming,

Painting stars in the sky,

Making something from nothing,

Tracing the path through sonic highways,

Passing through sound city,

Just like you, I am a river,

Nothing is ever set in stone,

Following the breadcrumbs,

One foot in front of the other…

©Nicole Corbin

Play, Repeat: My Current Song Obsession #20

Changes- David Bowie

This song is one of my favorite Bowie songs. The beat is catchy and it is impossible not to sing along once it hits the chorus. I really relate to the lyrics, life is a constant set of different challenges that one must face . Although change can be frightening, unexpected and difficult it is needed. Without change there wouldn’t be growth. I wanted to do this song also as a tribute to David Bowie, thank you for all the music and remaining true to yourself. You and your music will live on always.

David Bowie’s career spanned over 5 decades. With 26 studio albums starting with the self titled David Bowie (1967) and his last album Blackstar (2016) he experimented in many genres and inspired many different musicians. He also starred in many movies, many remember his role in Labrinyth as Jareth the Goblin King.  He remained active in music until his death on January 10, 2016 after a battle with liver cancer.