Category: cancer

Birth control pill increases breast cancer risk by 25 percent

A recent study on the birth control pill discovered that it increases the risk of breast cancer by around 25%. What exactly do the findings imply?

The birth control pill is one of the most reliable contraceptives when used correctly. Many women use them to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. However, the pill is not completely safe. In addition to increasing the risk of embolism and thrombosis, it should now increase the risk of breast cancer by 25% on average. A recent Oxford University study confirms this. Not only the traditional combined birth control pill containing estrogen and progestin, but also pure progestin pills, known as mini-pills, should increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

All hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer.

Researchers analyzed data from 9,498 women aged 20–49 with breast cancer and 18,171 other healthy women. Results showed that 44% of women with breast cancer had received a prescription for a hormonal contraceptive three years prior to diagnosis. Women without breast cancer were 39 percent more likely to have taken combined estrogen and progestin preparations as well as progestin-only pills. All preparations increased the risk of breast cancer by 23–32 percent.

A reason to panic? An expert clarifies the results.

The combination pill, consisting of estrogen and progestin, slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, but this is less dramatic than it may seem. Women of childbearing age naturally have a low risk of developing breast cancer, so the 20% increase in an already low risk still means a very low probability.

Researchers advise: see risk and benefit in relation

25-year-old women have a 0.4 percent risk of breast cancer, but a 20 percent increase in risk means 4.8 out of 1,000 will develop it. The contraceptive effect and proven risk reduction for other cancers must be taken into account.

Researchers advise women not to stop taking the pill out of fear, as other factors such as obesity and smoking have a greater impact on whether they develop breast cancer. Age also plays a major role, with most women diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.

Risk regulates itself again after stopping the pill.

Studies have shown that five years after stopping the pill, the risk of breast cancer is back to normal. Women should do regular self-examinations and have a gynecological checkup once a year. A tumor usually becomes apparent when women feel their breasts and is only detectable if it is one centimeter in diameter.

Breast cancer: If detected early, it can be well treated.

Every year, breast cancer is found in about 70,000 women in Germany. If caught early, it can be treated successfully. We still don’t know what causes breast cancer, but we do know that a breast cell’s genome has changed, which makes it grow out of control and form a tumor.

Learn more at Munaeem’s Blog

.

Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for effective treatment. This is why it’s important to get regular mammograms for women over 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

Breast self-exams are also a great way to detect any changes in your breasts. If you notice any lumps, changes in size or shape, or any unusual discharge, it’s important to see your doctor right away.

Treatment for breast cancer may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells, and chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, hormone therapy may also be used. The treatment plan will vary depending on the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health.

Remember, breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect women of all ages and backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have or to get regular check-ups. If detected early, breast cancer can be well treated. So, take charge of your health and stay informed.

6 overlooked signs that point to cancer

There are many symptoms of a serious disease like cancer, but do you know that many common symptoms that we ignore, if they are paid attention to in time, then cancer can be treated on time.

In one of its articles, the British journal has described six symptoms that indicate cancer in any body.

Let’s know what these signs are that you should never ignore.

Abnormal lump or swelling on a part of the body:

If you are constantly seeing a lump on a part of the body and it is not disappearing, then take it seriously.

A study on cancer has warned that lumps or swelling around the neck, armpits, stomach, chest or breast can be a sign of cancer.

Britain’s National Health Service has advised that if the lump on your body is constantly increasing, then consult a doctor immediately.

Weight loss:

Unintentional weight loss can also be a warning sign of cancer.

Although minor weight changes are common, cancer research has warned that people who suffer significant weight loss without effort should contact their doctor.

Cancer can lead to weight loss for a variety of reasons.

For example, weight loss in bowel cancer can be caused by a tumor because it makes you feel sick or bloated, reducing your appetite.

Pain in parts of the body:

According to cancer research, you should seek medical advice for any permanent pain in the body because it can be a sign of something more serious.

Pain can be a sign of a tumor, for example, persistent sore throat can indicate throat cancer and abdominal pain can be a sign of bowel cancer.

Bleeding or bruising:

Bleeding or bruising without injury can be a warning sign of cancer.

According to cancer research, bleeding from blood or even vomiting or coughing in your stool or urine are symptoms that appear in many types of cancer.

Fatigue:

Feeling stressed all the time or having trouble sleeping or feeling more tired than usual is also an alarm.

Internal bleeding of the tumor can cause fatigue because it can turn into anemia.

Unusual sweating throughout the night:

According to cancer research, having a fever or sweating too much at night can be a sign of an infection.

Sweating can also be the effect of some medications, but if you get too much and drenched sweating at night, you need to consult a doctor.

Women with irregular periods may be at risk for liver disease

.

A recent study has found a potential link between irregular menstrual cycles and an increased risk of liver disease in women. According to the research, those who have irregular periods – defined as periods that occur less than nine times or more than 35 times in a year – may have a higher chance of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to those with a regular cycle.

NAFLD is a common condition that can lead to liver damage if left untreated. While the exact cause of this disease is still unknown, it is believed that factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure may contribute to its development. However, this new study suggests that hormone fluctuations caused by irregular periods may also play a role.

The study, which involved over 27,000 women, found that those with irregular periods were 37% more likely to develop NAFLD than those with regular periods. The researchers also noted that the risk of liver disease was highest among those who had irregular cycles and were overweight or obese.

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between irregular periods and liver disease, this study highlights the importance of monitoring menstrual cycles and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight. If you have irregular periods, it’s crucial to speak with your healthcare provider about potential health risks and ways to manage them. By taking proactive measures, you can help reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions like NAFLD.

AI Content

Too much salt increases the risk of stomach cancer

High salt consumption has also been linked to stomach cancer. According to the German Cancer Research Center’s Cancer Information Service (KID), heavily salted or cured meals appear to raise the risk of stomach cancer, regardless of whether they are salted or cured meat, fish, or heavily salted vegetables. The argument is that table salt likely affects the gastric mucosa, contributing to inflammatory processes in the stomach.

A increasing amount of evidence suggests that consuming too much salt may increase the risk of stomach cancer. Salt can harm the cells in the stomach lining, causing inflammation and cell alterations that can progress to cancer. Furthermore, salt can increase the risk of stomach cancer by increasing stomach acid production, which can damage the stomach lining.

Learn more at Blogger’s Zone

Paper sensors for timely detection of cancer developed by Sangeeta Bhatia and her team

Sangeeta Bhatia is a biomedical engineer best known for developing new technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Boston: Experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have spread advanced nanoparticles on paper to create a cancer detection sensor.

By putting a few drops of urine on this simple and inexpensive sensor, it is possible to determine whether or not the patient has cancer. Nanoparticles target cancer-causing proteins specifically. Different types of tumors can thus be understood, and better treatment methods can be devised.

Learn more at : Paper sensor for timely detection of cancer

It is simply applied to a paper strip with nanoparticles. When small pieces of protein-DNA in urine collide with nanoparticles, they separate to form a DNA barcode. This demonstrates the presence of cancerous DNA in the urine and also indicates the type of cancer.

Sangeeta Bhatia and her team created it. It was tested on mice, and the paper test also identified five enzymes secreted by cancerous tumors, which is a significant step forward. The findings of this study have been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Sangeeta Bhatia is a biomedical engineer best known for developing new technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is an electrical engineering and computer science professor at MIT, as well as a member of the Whitehead Institute for Biological Research. Bhatia’s team created the paper sensor using a technique known as paper-based microfluidics. 

Microfluidics is a technology that controls the flow of fluids through tiny channels. The microfluidic channels in the paper sensor are used to transport blood samples to the areas where cancer biomarkers are detected.

Tool : Google Bard

The PSA Test and Prostate Cancer: How Reliable Is It?

The advantages of the blood test for the early detection of prostate cancer have given rise to controversy. Urologists advise against stigmatising the PSA test.

Dr. Schiefelbein warns against devaluing the PSA test, as it is still the most sensitive parameter for early detection of prostate cancer.

The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) recommended that statutory health insurance companies not offer or reimburse PSA screening due to the harm it can cause, such as overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and false-positive results.

The American Urological Association demands a PSA test as a health insurance benefit.

The BDU advocates for the approval of the PSA test as a health insurance benefit due to its effectiveness in detecting cancer and minimising the risk of dying from prostate cancer.

The utility value is determined by the individual’s risk profile.

Schiefelbein, a Würzburg urologist, points to the study “European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer” (ERSPC) which suggests that the PSA test can reduce mortality from prostate cancer by up to 21 percent and reduce the risk of metastases by up to 42 percent. However, the expert advocates “risk-adapted prostate screening” which takes into account a man’s individual risk profile for prostate cancer, such as an elevated PSA level between the ages of 40 and 45 and if prostate cancer runs in the family. 

For men with a low baseline PSA level at the age of 40 or 45, no family risk and no abnormal physical examination findings, the next check-up may not be necessary for three or five years or more. In men with a family risk, closer monitoring is important.


Prostate cancer: the most common cancer in men

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, with 66,900 diagnosed in Germany. Early detection is important, as carcinomas often go undetected for a long time, but are easily curable in the early stages. The examination by the urologist includes rectal palpation of the prostate and genitals, but a tumour that is discovered by palpation is usually more advanced and has a poorer chance of healing.

Dr. Wolfgang Bühmann, urologist and spokesman for the Professional Association of German Urologists (BDU), warns against diagnosing prostate cancer too late. It is possible to have a blood test done in addition to the palpation to determine the PSA value, but the procedure is controversial as it can lead to a short-term increase due to benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, urinary tract infection, or sex and sport. The meaningfulness of the value is not reliable.


What is the PSA value?

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and released into the semen. It is found in healthy men in small amounts, but increases in prostate cancer.

PSA test as an indicator of prostate disease

PSA levels can be determined by a blood test, which can indicate prostate disease, such as benign hyperplasia or benign inflammation. Prostate carcinoma can also be indicated by an increased PSA value, and further investigations may be initiated.

PSA value in ng/mljudgement
0-2unremarkable, check-up after two years
2-4in need of clarification, control after one year
over 4Tissue sample recommended

How safe is the PSA test?

The PSA test is an important diagnostic method for early detection of prostate cancer, but its result must be viewed in relation to other studies. Healthy men have a PSA level of 0-4 nanograms per milliliter of blood, but if it increases by more than 0.75 nanograms per milliliter of blood each year, a tissue sample is usually taken. This is the only way to determine with certainty whether it is prostate cancer.

“Prostatakrebs: Wie Sicher Der PSA-Test Wirklich Ist.” www.t-online.de, 3 Mar. 2011, www.t-online.de/-/44661722.

Symptoms of cervical cancer : What should be of concern?

The signs and symptoms of cervical cancer vary depending on the disease’s stage. The precancerous conditions under which cervical cancer develops, in particular, frequently cause no symptoms (even for many years). Unfortunately, early cancer detection offers the best chance for a cure.

One of the most common cancers is cervical cancer. Because it was discovered too late, it is dangerous. Women who have been exposed to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, are especially susceptible to the development of its oncogenic types 16 or 18.

Cervical cancer symptoms start to show up quite late. In the beginning, they are typically not present. Additionally, dysplastic changes indicative of cancer frequently do not raise any red flags. That is why yearly gynecological exams are crucial, and cytology in particular (once every 3 years or every year in high-risk groups).

Early symptoms of cervical cancer

The first sign of cervical cancer may be chronic inflammation in the cervix, which is often not felt by the woman but can be confirmed by a cytological examination ( cytology). This test also allows for the early detection of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer symptoms can include light spotting between periods or an increase in vaginal discharge.


Clinical symptoms of cervical cancer

Clinical symptoms most often appear in the more advanced stage of cervical cancer, when the tumor grows and compresses or invades other organs, and when metastases occur.


Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding, including  breakthrough bleeding ,
  • soreness in the lower abdomen , especially pain during intercourse or during gynecological examination,
  • bleeding during or after intercourse , or after a gynecological examination,
  • prolonged and/or heavy menstruation ,
  • vaginal bleeding after menopause ,
  • bruised discharge with an unpleasant odor,
  • swelling of the lower limbs ,
  • persistent back pain,
  • persistent pelvic pain, 
  • urination disorders,  if there is an infiltration by bladder cancer,
  • urinary retention in the kidney, hydronephrosis,  nephritis  or generalized uremia and intoxication of the body when  the tumor presses on the ureter,
  • painful tenesmus, rectal bleeding ,  diarrhea or constipation when cervical cancer invades  the rectum,
  • in the case of distant metastases to the lungs and bones – the symptoms are characteristic of the affected organ.

Cervical cancer symptoms are not specific, which means they can also indicate other conditions. As a result, a more thorough gynecological examination is required, including cytology and, if the results are troubling, a histopathological examination.

Cervical cancer symptoms are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to treat. When cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of a cure are greatest. If any of the above symptoms occur, you should see a doctor as soon as possible; abnormal vaginal bleeding, in particular, necessitates medical consultation to rule out cancer.

Blood counts and cancer 

Morphology is something we frequently overlook, but it needs to be done at least once a year. If you are experiencing unsettling symptoms, do not put off getting your blood tested. 

What symptoms should prompt us to perform a morphology?

I believe that even in the absence of disease symptoms, a complete blood count should be performed once a year. Additionally, this test needs to be done if there are any severe disease symptoms.

In particular, prolonged infection, severe weakness, hemorrhages, or the emergence of petechiae should prompt a blood examination. It is crucial to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of blood disorders and to remind people that many diseases, not just those affecting the blood, can be identified using this straightforward test. Disorders of other organs are also reflected in the blood, which functions as a kind of mirror.

How high of an ESR can indicate cancer?

I advise the ESR test in addition to morphology. This straightforward test can detect a variety of diseases. These are either inflammatory or neoplastic diseases. When the OB is greater than 20 but less than 40, the outcome should be concerning. If it persists or worsens, you must first repeat the test and continue the diagnosis. Diagnostics should be initiated without undue delay if the ESR is greater than 40. If the ESR is greater than 100, we are considered to be seriously ill. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that severe disease can occasionally arise without an accelerated ESR, so other symptoms need to be kept an eye on.

A general urine test is also worthwhile because it can speed up the detection of cancer by revealing the presence of blood or protein. Everyone should get these tests done at least once a year, even those who are asymptomatic. These affordable tests have the potential to save our lives.

Can we diagnose cancer based on blood counts?

In the peripheral blood, specific blood cell types are either insufficient or excessive. This examination can pick up on a wide range of leukemias, polycythemia, thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis, some lymphomas, and myeloma, as well as a large number of tumors in other organs that are secondary to anemia.

Such anemia might be a cancer precursor. A postmenopausal man or woman with particularly mild iron deficiency anemia may experience gastrointestinal bleeding, which is frequently the result of a tumor in this system. However, it does carry out diagnostics that will eventually result in a diagnosis. Finally, you can identify blood cell deficiencies using morphology.

When should morphology results be of concern? When can they indicate cancer?

The most typical signs of leukemia are elevated monocyte or lymphocyte levels. An increase in red blood cells may then be a sign of polycythemia vera, which we include in the so-called myeloproliferative neoplasms. In essential thrombocythemia, there is a very high concentration of platelets, or thrombocytes.

The incorrect values are typically indicated by the letters L (for low) or H (for high) in the result. The more the values marked in this manner deviate from the norms listed next to them, the more cause for concern and medical attention should be sought. In contrast, it is unlikely that we are in danger if the results are within the normal range.

Can the morphology clearly determine that we have cancer, or are other tests needed to confirm it?

Usually, even if a blood cancer is suspected, further tests are needed to determine exactly what type of cancer it is.

Breast calcifications can be cancerous

Mammography is frequently used to detect breast calcifications, particularly in women over the age of 50. They are typically gentle. They are classified as macrocalcifications and microcalcifications, with the latter usually indicating breast cancer or precancerous changes.

Calcifications in the breasts are mineral deposits of calcium that can be seen in mammography. They may or may not indicate cancer, but clusters of irregular and variously shaped microcalcifications are particularly suspicious. 

Mammography is the basic examination in the diagnosis of microcalcifications, but only a biopsy can give certainty. Calcifications do not usually cause breast pain.

Breast calcifications types

Calcifications are classified into several types. Microcalcifications are small calcifications in the breasts, while macrocalcifications are large calcifications. Breast calcifications can be either benign or malignant in nature.

Macrocalcifications in the breasts

On a mammogram, macrocalcifications appear as large white dots or dashes. They affect half of all women over the age of 50. They are almost always harmless. They are larger than microcalcifications and, as a result, can be seen on a breast ultrasound. Only mammography can reveal the smaller ones. If they are discovered, the doctor decides whether to proceed with further diagnosis or to observe the calcifications.

Microcalcifications in the breasts

Breast microcalcifications are more concerning than macrocalcifications. They resemble tiny white dots. They could be signs of a cancerous or precancerous condition. There are many different kinds of them, each with its own location and shape. There may be both benign and malignant changes among them.

Mild microcalcifications

They are most often visible in a mammogram as highly saturated, punctate shadows scattered throughout the breast or located in the walls of blood vessels. It is important to note that the vast majority of microcalcifications detected during mammography are benign.

Malignant microcalcifications

Microcalcifications are the first sign of breast cancer, formed in cancer cells even before the formation of a tumor. If found, a mammography-guided biopsy is ordered to assess the changes and confirm or exclude them. A marker made of titanium is placed in the place of the collected tissues and an operation is performed to remove the affected tissues.

Breast calcifications – interpretation of research

The BI-RADS classification is used to assess the changes revealed in the mammographic examination. The results are given on a scale of 0 to 6: 

  • Grade 0: Indicates an incomplete assessment and additional imaging studies are required. The risk of malignancy is uncertain and difficult to quantify.
  • Grade 1:  This is the norm, i.e. a completely normal picture. The risk of malignancy is 0%. No additional tests are necessary.
  • Grade 2:  The result is a mild lesion. The risk of malignancy is 0%. No additional tests are necessary.
  • Grade 3:  Indicates a lesion that is most likely benign. The risk of malignancy is estimated at ≤ 2%, but follow-up after six months and additional ultrasound examination are necessary.
  • Grade 4:  Suspicious lesion, risk of malignancy from 2 to 95%. Within this assessment, 3 more subgroups are distinguished:
    – 4a – a suspicious lesion, but with a low degree of malignancy probability,
    – 4b – a suspicious lesion with an average degree of malignancy probability,
    – 4c – a suspicious lesion with a high degree of malignancy probability, without visible signs of malignancy. Further diagnostics are needed to rule out or confirm malignancy.
  • Grade 5:  Lesion with a high probability (≥ 95%) of malignancy. Further diagnosis and treatment is needed.
  • Stage 6:  Indicates confirmed cancer – previously confirmed by other tests.

Only a specialist doctor can assess the nature of microcalcifications. Therefore, it is best to leave the interpretation of the research results to him.