According to information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the country and the second most diagnosed cancer. The death rate exceeds that of colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers put together. More than half the people diagnosed die within one year of diagnosis. Cancer cells are classified according to the type of cell and how these cells appear under a microscope. There are two main subtypes of lung cancer: Small cell carcinoma: accounts for 15% of cases Non-Small cell carcinoma: accounts for 85% of cases and is further subdivided into the squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinomas. In rare cases, some cancers contain elements of both types. The diagnosis may contain a noting NOS (not otherwise specified). 1. What is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? Cancer cells form in the tissues of the lung, causing non-small cell carcinoma of different types. Squamous cell NSCLC, also known as epidermoid cancer is a malignancy of the thin, flat cells that occur in the inner lining of the lungs. Adenocarcinoma NSCLC is the most common variety and occurs in the cells that line the alveoli that generate mucus and other substances.

Ovarian cancer is considered to be one of the deadliest among cancers and as less as 20% of the cases get diagnosed in the early stages, making it incredibly hard to treat. This is primarily because the symptoms are not recognizable in the earlier stages. They may resemble symptoms of other diseases, getting misdiagnosed, or they seem too minor to take note of.   Going through a quick overview of ovarian cancer will enable one to find out that there are about 21000 U.S. women who get a diagnosis of ovarian cancer every year, and almost 14,000 die from the disease. Here are some life-saving ovarian cancer facts: 1. An overview of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer Most of the symptoms of ovarian cancer overlap with symptoms of other conditions such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Cancer may reach the advanced stage before it’s detected and diagnosed and since early detection can lead to higher chances of a successful treatment, it is a dangerous disease. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are as follows: Sudden changes in bowel habits such as bouts of constipation Abdominal bloating A constant urge to urinate Not able to eat much or feeling full quickly Sudden weight loss Stomach upsets General malaise or fatigue The feeling of discomfort in the pelvic region Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse Changes in the menstrual cycle 2.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes, the cells that give the skin its color, grow uncontrollably. Melanoma develops anywhere on the skin, but commonly starts on the legs in women and the chest and back in men. The neck and face are the other common places for it to show up. The leading cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation. Preventing melanoma can include the following lifestyle tips: 1. Reduce time in the sun The first step towards the prevention of melanoma is to reduce the exposure to UV light. Avoid the use of tanning beds or direct sunlight. If you can, try to avoid the midday sun and wear long and full sleeve clothes. 2. Wear sunscreen Apply sunscreen regularly. However, this is not enough. Ensure that you apply sunscreen generously all over the exposed parts of the body 20 minutes before you step out. Sunscreen takes time to interact with the skin and form a protective layer. Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 if you are going to be outdoors for more than 20 minutes. Also, the sunscreen should be resistant to both UVA and UVB rays.

Colon cancer affects the large intestine or the colon. It is most commonly seen in older people, but can occur at any age. This condition can be treated if diagnosed early. Moreover, it can be diagnosed with imaging or lab tests. Colon cancer cases often start as cells, which are noncancerous polyps. As a result, there are no symptoms that can be seen or detected. To identify cancer in the early stages, doctors recommend people over the age of 50 to get frequent screenings. Must know facts on colon cancer can help with early detection: 1. Symptoms for colon cancer Colorectal cancer symptoms depend on the location and size of cancer. The common symptoms include a change in stool consistency, bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and even blood in the stool. 2. Colon cancer treatment The treatment of this type of cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread, the location, and size. The treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. 3. More facts on colon cancer Here are some of the facts that you must know to gauge the risk factors for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer in men and women.

Multiple myeloma refers to the cancerous development in white blood cells. The role of plasma cells is to help fight infections by making antibodies. These antibodies primarily recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, however, cancer cells accumulate in the bone marrow. As a result, the count of healthy cells significantly reduces. When the plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, it is referred to as multiple myeloma. Certain risk factors increase the chance of developing the symptoms of cancer. Although the risk factors are often responsible for the development of cancer, they do not cause cancer. This has been proved in various research. Not everyone with risk factors is prone to the condition. In rare cases, the symptoms have been found among people who do not have such risk factors, too. However, learning of the risk factors for multiple myeloma is a safe bet, as it keeps one informed. Moreover, it helps them make healthier lifestyle changes. The actual cause of multiple myeloma is unknown. As a result, there are no concrete methods to completely prevent multiple myeloma. Similarly, medical science has not defined specific risk factors for multiple myeloma. Moreover, changes in plasma cells are not inherited but acquired, so if one of your family members has developed the condition, it does not mean you are prone to it.

Atrial fibrillation refers to the condition wherein an individual has an irregular heart rhythm. When this happens, the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly and out of coordination with the lower chambers. Symptoms can include heart palpitations, weakness, and shortness of breath. This condition can increase the chances of suffering from strokes, heart failures, or other health complications related to the heart. The treatment for atrial fibrillation can be done through various procedures, including surgical and non-surgical procedures. 1. Surgical methods to treat atrial fibrillation Surgery is a very common treatment option for atrial fibrillation. Pacemaker The most common surgical procedure is to insert a pacemaker into the body. This is a device that regulates heart rhythm and helps to ensure it is normal. The pacemaker is surgically inserted near the collarbone with a wire to the heart and sends an electrical signal to regulate the heartbeat. Modern variants of the pacemaker can detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm and send impulses to bring it back to the normal rhythm. Maze procedure A maze procedure is required in severe cases. This is a surgery where cuts are made in the area around the heart to create scar tissue. The scar tissue can regulate the electrical impulses to the heart and normalize the heartbeat.

Diabetes is a condition where the sugar levels are high in the blood. If you are diabetic, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as insulin, to help lower high blood sugar. Your doctor may also recommend several lifestyle treatments in combination with insulin (or alone if you don’t require insulin) to control your condition. The following lifestyle tips can help you manage type 2 diabetes effectively: 1. Diet Diet plays a vital role in controlling diabetes. A balanced diet will keep the blood glucose level at nominal levels. Choosing appropriate food is the key factor. For example, consumption of wheat, oatmeal, plenty of vegetables and fruits, beans, lentils, and brown rice will help in controlling blood sugar levels. 2. Low sugar diet for insulin-resistant diabetes Some people may not respond to both medications and injections as they stop responding to insulin. Insulin-resistant diabetics should have enough green leafy vegetables, broccoli, lean meat, proteins, citrus fruits, and berries. They should choose foods that are less in sugar and carbohydrates, as both have a high glycemic index. 3. Foods that have a low glycemic index Foods that are high in dietary fiber like millets, oats, whole cereals, nuts, broccoli, spinach, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits have a low glycemic index.

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix connects the lower part of the uterus to the vagina. It is usually caused by various strains of the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. In a small percentage of people the virus can cause cervical cells to become cancerous. The treatments cervical cancer patients undergo are decided based on the cancer stage. The various stages and their treatments include the following: 1. Carcinoma In Situ (Stage 0) Stage 0 is the first stage of cervical cancer. It is also called the pre-cancer stage. Here, the cancer cells are only in the surface layers of the cervix. The treatments cervical cancer patients can undergo include laser surgery, cryosurgery, or cold knife treatment. Cancer can return after treatment sometimes. In such a case, a hysterectomy is the only option, where the cervix and uterus are removed to prevent cancer from spreading. 2. Stage IA1 And Stage IA2 In these two stages, the cancer is found in the cervix. In Stage, IA1 the tumor is less than 3 millimeters deep. Whereas, in Stage IA2, it is between 3 and 4 millimeters deep. In both cases, the width is less than 7 millimeters.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a disease that causes more than 50,000 deaths every year in the country. It is a chronic disease that worsens progressively and is a heart condition that makes it difficult for the organ to pump blood. A study has shown that nearly half of those suffering from the disease survive for more than 5 years after being diagnosed. There are no treatments for congestive heart failure that can completely cure the disease. However, treatments can manage the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life. The earlier the disease is detected, the better is the prognosis. The stage of the disease determines the treatment that needs to be given. Another factor that plays a huge role in the treatment methods for congestive heart failure is the age of the patient. The disease outlook is better for younger patients whose symptoms can be managed and their life extended. The prognosis for elderly patients is bleak, but in some cases, adequate treatment and care may help one control the condition. At a much later stage, palliative care is the only option for treatment for congestive heart failure. Here are some of its stages and the treatment for each stage of the condition.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has no cure, but certain treatments and procedures can help manage its symptoms. In this condition, the fatty material around the brain and spinal cord is attacked by the immune system, leading to problems with vision, balance, and muscle control among other issues. The treatments for multiple sclerosis can be invasive or non-invasive, given below are a few of these approaches to treat the condition: 1. Invasive approaches to MS Plasma exchange or Plasmapheresis This method involves removing the plasma that carries cells and proteins throughout the body and exchanging it with the plasma of another person or a donor. Multiple sclerosis is a type of autoimmune disorder. It is believed that the plasma of the patient might contain proteins that may attack its cells, so separating the plasma from the body and replacing it with different plasma has proved to be effective in treatments for multiple sclerosis. Deep brain stimulation It is a kind of surgical procedure where an electrode is placed in the deep brain areas like the thalamus and globus pallidus, with the wire of the electrode connected to a device placed under the skin on the chest. There are four metal contacts in the electrode which generate electric shocks or signals to the deep brain areas and disables them to prevent involuntary muscle movement.