Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It accounts for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most prominent cancers in the UK. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can get yourself tested for this potentially lethal disease. In this article I discuss three of these bowel cancer tests.

1) RECTAL EXAM:- If you notice any symptoms which make you think you may have bowel cancer then the first test your doctor will perform is a rectal exam. They do this by putting a gloved finger up your rectum and feeling for any lumps that could be tumours. If your doctor does notice anything suspicious following this test they will then recommend some of the further colon cancer tests discussed below. This test may feel slightly awkward but should not cause any pain.

2) SIGMOIDOSCOPY:- For this test your doctor uses a thin tube called a sigmoidoscope which transmits an image of the inside of your colon onto a screen. The sigmoidoscope is inserted into your rectum which allows you doctor to look for any abnormalities such as polyps (fleshy growths in the colon), intestinal bleeding and inflammation. If your doctor does discover any polyps these can then be removed using instruments that are attached to the sigmoidoscope and sent to the lab for further testing. This colorectal cancer test may cause stomach cramps while it is being performed but these should go away after the test. You may also notice minor rectal bleeding after the sigmoidoscopy, particularly if polyps were removed. However, this should clear up within a few days.

3) COLONOSCOPY:- This test involves the use of a colonoscope (a flexible tube with a fibre optic camera attached) which allows your doctor to look at your entire large bowel. Prior to this test you will need to empty your large bowel so you will not be able to eat solid foods for two days before. To perform this test your doctor will place the colonoscope into your rectum and then look for any problem areas. Your doctor will also be able to take photographs and biopsies (tissue samples) should they notice anything suspicious. This colon cancer test is usually quite painful and in most cases you will be given sedatives or anaesthetics before the test.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, bowel cancer is a very dangerous condition. However, if it is identified early it is much more treatable. If you notice anything suspicious or start to suffer from any of the symptoms linked with colorectal cancer then you should go see your doctor and get yourself tested right away. Going in for an early colon cancer test could be the crucial factor when combating this disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor. Author Resource:- Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various colon cancer tests and get a free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the last section of the digestive tract (usually the colon or rectum). It is responsible for over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is therefore one of the most dangerous types of cancer around. There are a number of symptoms which could indicate that you have bowel cancer. In this article I will be discussing these signs and symptoms and hopefully give you the information to identify this disease sooner rather than later.

Unlike other conditions where the symptoms are often clear and easy to identify, colon cancer symptoms are usually vague and more difficult to spot. As the cancer becomes more advanced and the tumour grows, the symptoms become more noticeable. However, by this time it is often more difficult to treat the cancer effectively. That is why it is essential for you to be on the lookout for signs of bowel cancer at all times. There are many symptoms associated with this type of cancer but below I have outlined four of the most common.

1) BLOOD IN THE STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING:- This is probably the number one symptom of colon cancer. With this type of cancer the tumour develops in the final section of the digestive tract. Therefore, if the tumour bleeds some of this blood usually comes out of the rectum or in your stools. The bleeding is not usually significant but if you notice any at all then you should inform your doctor immediately.

2) PAIN IN THE STOMACH:- If the tumour gets large enough it can cause a blockage in your colon. This blockage can prevent solids, fluids or gases passing through your bowel which then leads to cramps and pains. In the worst cases, the tumour can grow so large that it breaks through your bowel wall which again causes major stomach pains. Although stomach pains are associated with multiple conditions, any prolonged pains could be indicative of colon cancer. If you experience these pains for an extended period go and see your doctor right away.

3) DIFFERENT BOWEL MOVEMENTS:- If the tumour becomes large it can also have an impact on your bowel movements. The blockage created by a large tumour can prevent stools from passing through the colon leading to constipation (difficulty passing stools). It can also cause a build up of fluid behind the tumour which eventually leaks through leading to diarrhea (difficulty controlling your bowel movements because your stools have become watery). If you notice any unusual bowel movements, particularly for long periods, this could be a sign of colorectal cancer and you should consult your doctor.

4) UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS:- Sometimes tumours release chemicals which increase your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories than usual. Therefore, if you experience any unexpected or unexplained weight loss you should consult your doctor and get yourself tested for bowel cancer. Even if the weight loss is not linked to cancer it is still advisable to see your doctor because any weight loss that you cannot account for is likely to have some underlying cause.

As you can see from this article the symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious and easy to identify. However, I hope this article has shown you some of the things you should be looking out for. Bowel cancer is much more treatable if it is caught in the early stages so if you notice any of the above symptoms do not take any chances. Go see your doctor right away and get a professional verdict.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor. Author Resource:- Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the various colon cancer symptoms and get a free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) is any cancer that affects the final part of the digestive system (usually the colon or rectum). It starts of as a polyp (fleshy growth) in the colon which then becomes cancerous and starts to multiply uncontrollably. Bowel cancer is believed to cause over 16,000 deaths in the UK each year and is one of the most common cancer types. However, it can be treated and in this article I will be outlining three of the most effective colorectal cancer treatments.

1) SURGERY:- This is one of the most popular colon cancer treatments particularly if the cancer is still in the early stages. The aim of surgery is to remove the cancerous cells from the bowel. Generally, the side effects of colorectal cancer surgery are minimal. You may experience some pain or eating problems post surgery but this generally goes away a few days after the surgery. However, in some cases colon cancer surgery will lead to more significant side effects such as bleeding, sexual problems and the need for a permanent colostomy (a surgical procedure where part of the colon is connected to the abdominal wall).

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This type of colorectal cancer treatment involves using drugs that can kill cancer cells. It may be used as an alternative to surgery, particularly if the colon cancer has become more advanced and surgery is no longer an option. It may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumour (so that there is less chance of complications during surgery) or after surgery (to eliminate any cancer cells that the surgery may have missed and to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back). There are a number of side effects related to chemotherapy including nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and hair loss. However, these side effects should subside when your chemotherapy treatment ends.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This type of bowel cancer treatment involves using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiotherapy; internal (where radioactive material is placed directly into the tumour) or external (where radioactive beams are aimed at the tumour). Generally, radiotherapy is not a popular colorectal cancer treatment with surgery and chemotherapy usually given priority. However, in some cases it may be used instead of surgery, especially if the cancer has become too large for surgery to treat effectively. It may also be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to help shrink tumours in the colon before surgery. The side effects of radiotherapy usually only affect the area being radiated and are therefore specific to that part of the body. Like with chemotherapy, any side effects of radiotherapy normally disappear once the treatment stops.

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer may come as a shock to you. However, the good news is that there are treatment options available. This article has discussed three of these options briefly but to get the overall picture you should go and see your doctor. They will be able to fully explain all the options available to you and give a professional opinion on the treatment which is most suitable.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor. Author Resource:- Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about the different types of colon cancer treatment and get a free Free Fitness Tip every day for a full year by visiting his fitness websites.

If you experience shortness of breath, and similar symptoms, it is absolutely necessary to familiarize yourself with lung cancer. Lung cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells begin to accumulate and spread in the lungs. In the early stages of this disease, it is not common to experience a lot of symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more and more evident. If you learn about the lung cancer symptoms early on, it may be possible to prevent the spread of the abnormal cells in this area of the body.

While cancer in the lungs has been deemed as one of the leading causes of death in individuals, it has also been deemed as one of the most preventable types of disease. This cancer is related to the choice that many people make and that is smoking. While there are cases of this type of cancer occurring in a nonsmoker, these cases are relatively rare. Most that develop this condition not only smoke, but are genetically at risk for the disease as well. There are many cases in which a person who has never smoked acquires this type of cancer. Most of these cases involve those that have been exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis throughout their lifetime.

There are a number of symptoms of cancer in the lungs. The following represents some of the most common symptoms that may be experienced:

1. Many people will start to develop a cough that occurs on a regular basis.

2. For many, this cough will go away, but for the ones that continue to experience the cough, concerns should be evaluated by a medical professional.

3. For many, this type of cancer makes itself known by pain that is felt in the chest area. This is often a dull pain, but pain that never seems to really go away on its own.

4. Many who have found that they have this condition have discovered that they have shortness of breath on a regular basis. This is typically caused by a growth in and around the lung area that is considered to be abnormal.

5. Having regular infections that involve the respiratory system may also be an indication that cancer is present in the lungs. These infections may include mild to severe bronchitis, or even pneumonia in some instances.

In conclusion, as stated here, lung cancer typically occurs in individuals who smoke on a regular basis. However, secondhand smoke and similar culprits can result in an individual who does not smoke to acquire the condition. If you find that you have a high chance of developing lung cancer, it is important that you learn all that you are able to about the condition. This way, you can work closely with your doctor to ensure that your risk factors are reduced and that you are treated in time if abnormal cell development does occur. Author Resource:- Jenni Snook is the chief writer of http://www.Stage4CancerSite.com, a website dedicated to giving people important yet practical information on the many types of stage 4 cancer.

Rudolf Weiss, the German herbalist, has some interesting ideas on low blood pressure. He describes it as being simply an aspect of a more deep seated problem. He also believes that when people have low blood pressure but no symptoms, that it does not require treatment. I do not suggest that this should replace your doctor’s advice though! But I find it interesting, as a possible complementary treatment option, to consider his view that low blood pressure is the product of a weak circulation. As such, gentle herbs that support circulation may be a useful adjunct to whatever other therapy is suggested.

He stresses the underlying factor of a regulatory imbalance. And he suggests herbs like rosemary, that have a tonic effect, would be a useful support. Particularly in times of mental or physical stress, or after surgery, or some other illness that may have weakened the body, like the flu. He does say that treatment should only be for a limited time. He makes the point that life insurance statistics indicate that people with hypotension on average live longer than people with blood pressure in the normal range. (Weiss, p185)

Rosemary is quite a diverse herb. It is used effectively for headaches, particularly migraine. The herbalist Michael Tierra writes that many headaches are caused by stomach problems, and that the volatile oils in rosemary have a very beneficial and calming effect on the stomach. Rosemary also contains salicylic acid, which is the precursor of aspirin. Though being in plant form it doesn’t have the long term side effects.

Rosemary is excellent for the circulation, and is often prescribed by herbalists for circulatory weakness (Fisher & Painter). The active constituents known as the flavanoids are heart and blood vessel tonics. So, as well as hypotension, rosemary is suggested for poor circulation, hypertensive headaches, and arrhythmias.

Externally, rosemary spirit is used for rheumatic problems (Weiss). It can also be massaged into the heart area.

Another active constituent of rosemary is rosemarinic acid, which is a phenolic acid. Rosemarinic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect. A study found that a rosemarinic preparation was effective in treating allergic asthma. It has also been found to suppress synovitis in mice. Synovitis is an inflammation of the lining of the joints, with swelling, which is quite painful. It is involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Rosemarinic acid can also prevent the activation of prostacyclin and complement, which leads to hypotension (Fisher & Painter).

Overall, this suggests that scientific research supports the herbalist’s uses of rosemary for hypotension, poor circulation, and rheumatic problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. One problem has been that products which contained rosemary had quite low concentrations, although some supplement manufacturers have begun to make a very concentrated rosemary product. Concentrations of rosemarinic acid in these range from 5% to 70%. And given that rosemarinic acid is an incredibly powerful antioxidant as well, this would make it a good choice for preventing heart disease.

References: 1. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=64356
2. C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica Of Western Herbs For The Southern Hemisphere
3. R Weiss, Herbal Medicine
4. M Tierra, Planetary Herbology Author Resource:- Ginkgo biloba is also great for improving circulation. But if you have joint problems, or just want to protect your joints from free radical damage, check out this glucosamine supplement, that helps improve flexibility. Rebecca Prescott\’s website has informational articles about vitamins, supplements, and herbs.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common disorder of blood circulation that may lead to fatal heart attacks, stroke, or even kidney diseases. Statistic shows almost 1/5 of adults in the West are affected by this dreaded disease.

Experts say hypertension could be hereditary. It is a common disease for people in their mid and old age than the young. Hypertension is affecting more men than women. However, women on contraceptive pills are prone to it. Not to mention also, short people and those under stress are very susceptible to it. Smokers should also be aware of this disease because they are likely to have high blood pressure.

Medications can help solve hypertension problem but the cure cannot be found on drugs. Drugs can only sustain what is deemed safe limits but cannot guarantee that there will be no attacks. Dietary practices and physical activity can help prevent or control hypertension. Obese people are more likely to have hypertension than slim bodied people. There are prescribed ideal weight for a particular height and age of a person. Trimming down to an ideal weight will be a big help.

Alcohol is not advised when you are hypertensive because it induces high blood pressure. But doctors advise one shot of red wine after every meal to help gain antioxidants. Taking more is not advisable.

Studies proved that foods low in salt are very helpful. Limit salt intake to 4 g a day or ask physician for better advice. Keeping the taste of your foods as natural as possible is the best diet.

While cutting down salt intake, consume more fruits and vegetables, especially foods rich in potassium such as dried apricots, nuts, and others. Potassium can help lower blood pressure. For those with kidney disorder, avoid taking potassium-rich foods as it can complicate the matter.

Calcium and magnesium are two dietary minerals that show positive effect against high blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables high in soluble fibre also show good sign of lowering blood pressure. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish like tuna have also been shown to lower blood pressure. Garlic and moderate alcohol intake (1-2 shots per day) can have the similar effects.

Vegetarians have less incidence of high blood pressure probably due to high fibre content, flushing out toxic cholesterol and fats from the body. Many vegetables contain potassium, calcium, magnesium and vitamin C which can lower blood pressure. Above all, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Precaution is definitely better than cure. Author Resource:- Food for Health. Food For Weight Control. Food as Medicine . Everything About Food Nutrition Such As Vital Vitamins, Dietary Minerals, Fibre, Fat and Carbohydrate.