Hepatic Vein Thrombosis : Risk Factors

Pregnancy is the condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body. The union of an egg (ovum) with sperm is called fertilization, or conception, and it is this union that produces the embryo. Pregnancy includes the period from conception to birth of the fetus, and usually lasts 10 lunar months (40 weeks/280 days), or nine calendar months—as measured from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). It is also referred to as a gestation period that consists of three trimesters. The trimesters are not equal, but are defined by different stages of a baby's development. The first trimester includes the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, or the first 12 weeks of life. The second trimester consists of weeks 14–26, and the third trimester is weeks 27–40.

Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas

A great deal of public health resources is spent on pregnancy. It is clear that prenatal and neonatal health play a large role in determining the health of a population, and in fact, pregnancy outcomes are often used as an indicator of a nation's health.

More doctors now suggest a pre-conception checkup and pre-conception counseling before getting serious about having a baby. Many problems that can affect a pregnancy can be avoided if addressed and dealt with before becoming pregnant.

For most women, this is called the "golden trimester." You're starting to show. And you're starting to glow.

Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy

Detailed information on planning a pregnancy, including reducing the risk of pregnancy and delivery complications

Detailed information on what to do before (and during) your next pregnancy to reduce the chance for birth defects

Nutrition during the preconception period, as well as throughout a pregnancy, has a major impact on pregnancy outcome. Among prepregnancy considerations, the prepregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), folic acid status, and socioeconomic status are the most important. Prepregnancy BMI is an important factor in predicting pregnancy outcome, since both low prepregnancy and high prepregnancy BMI are associated with an increased risk for a negative pregnancy outcome. Folic acid, a B vitamin, has been shown to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord known as neural tube defects (NTDs). The most common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly. Folic acid is therefore needed RECOMMENDED TOTAL WEIGHT-GAIN RANGES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN BY PREPREGNANCY BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) Weight-for-height category Recommended total weight gain   kg lb Young adolescents and black women should strive for gains at the upper end of the recommended range. Short women (157 cm, or 62 inches) should strive for gains at the lower end of the range. The recommended target weight gain for obese women (BMI 29.0) is at least 6.8 kg (15 lb). BMI is calculated using metric units. SOURCE: Institute of Medicine. Low (BMI 19.8) 12.5–18 28–40 Normal (BMI of 19.8 to 26.0) 11.5–16 25–35 High (BMI 26.0 to 29.0) 7–11.5 15–25 both in preconception and early pregnancy. Since studies indicate that most women get less than half the recommended amount of folic acid, the March of Dimes recommends women consider a supplement of 400 micrograms of folic acid preconceptually to prevent the incidence of neural tube defects. In addition, it is suggested women capable of becoming pregnant consume a diet high in folic acid. Good sources of folic acid include oranges, green leafy vegetables, and fortified bread and cereals. There is also a direct correlation between ethnicity, age, marital status, and educational status with increased negative pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight.

Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.

Detailed information on caring for the mother physically and emotionally following childbirth, including information on postpartum depression

Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Only you can decide whether you're ready to quit.

As your body changes during pregnancy, your back must work in new ways. This can be painful if your back isn’t prepared.

A friend of mine is six months pregnant and says her baby moves all the time. I am also pregnant (five months) and rarely feel the baby -- maybe every other day. Is it abnormal to not feel the baby moving very often? I get regular check-ups and the baby is fine. At what stage does it become a concern when I don't feel the baby throughout the day?

Learning the proper ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you’re having trouble protecting your back, it’s okay to ask the people around you for help!

Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.

Detailed information and examples of non-teratogenic agents

Detailed information on post-term pregnancy, including causes, diagnosis, and management

Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy

Detailed information on preparing the family for the arrival of a newborn

Following these guidelines can help keep you and your developing child healthy in the months to come.

Detailed information on medication use during pregnancy

Detailed information on blood types in pregnancy

No one can say for sure that a medication is safe to use while you're pregnant. But, avoiding medicines may not be a good idea, either. It may be wiser to treat an illness than ignore it.

After week 16, sleep and rest on your side instead of your back. Try different positions.

I am in my second trimester and find it very difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. I am most comfortable on my stomach. How harmful is it to sleep on your stomach in your second trimester?

My partner and I are now trying to become pregnant. I am a young African-American woman and have heard that the chemicals from hair relaxers or straighteners may be harmful to a healthy pregnancy. Is there any truth to this?

During the early stages of pregnancy, can you drink coffee? My partner works nights and drinks a lot of coffee. Are there other, safer alternatives to the caffeine from coffee?

Exercise can help you keep your blood sugar within a normal range. That's because your body uses more blood sugar when you exercise.

Does fibromyalgia pain increase when a woman is pregnant? Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.

Planning to have a baby? There are steps you can take before you ever become pregnant to help ensure a smooth pregnancy and a healthy outcome for you and your infant.

The healthy choices you make before and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on you and your unborn child. Experts say one of the most important things a woman or couple can do is to plan for pregnancies.

At least 90 days before starting to try to conceive, both men and women should take steps to improve their diet and exercise routines, as well as fine-tune any medications they may be taking.

Some pregnancy changes are caused by hormones. Others are caused by the pressure and weigh of your growing baby.

A physical exam and lab tests will show if there are any special concerns. Your health care provider can then plan the care that will help prevent problems later.

Pregnant women in their second or third trimester during influenza season should be immunized.

You may see signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Be patient. Within a few more weeks, your baby will be born.

From conception until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day.

The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.

From conception (fertilization) until after the birth of your child, you and your baby will change every day. To help you understand what is happening, we’ve outlined how pregnancy begins and some of the changes you may notice.

Your health can affect your baby’s growth. Here are some ways to stay healthy.

Antidepressants, once considered safe during pregnancy, may cause birth defects. Women are warned of the effects and given alternatives.

Can I continue to take my asthma medication if I am pregnant? Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Is there a recommended period of time to wait before getting pregnant again after a C-section birth? If so, what are the risks associated with becoming pregnant again too soon?

During pregnancy, what can be done to remove abnormal cervical cells?

I am 23 weeks pregnant and I was just diagnosed with genital warts. Will this affect my baby during delivery?

My first pregnancy ended at eight weeks in a miscarriage. When I get pregnant again, should I try to see my doctor early in the pregnancy as a precaution? Is there anything else I might do to prevent a miscarriage again?

Is it safe to swim in a chlorinated pool during pregnancy? Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.

If birth defects can result when a pregnant women takes ACE inhibitors, what can happen to the fetus if the father takes ACE inhibitors?

I am a little over six months pregnant and already lactating. Is this normal?

What medication can be taken when a yeast infection develops in the last month of pregnancy?

I am 24 years old and pregnant with my second child. During my first pregnancy I developed toxemia during my last trimester. During labor I was put on oxygen and magnesium. What are my chances of having this reoccur with my second pregnancy?

Detailed information on hypothyroidism and pregnancy, including symptoms and treatment and thyroid function screening

Detailed information for the pregnant mother, including information on hormones during pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, work and pregnancy, sex during pregnancy, and sleeping positions during

Detailed information on sex during pregnancy

Detailed information on traveling while pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you're pregnant, it's just as important for you to stay away from lead as it is to protect your children from it.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost 100 diseases. It is a genetic disease, with two main characteristics of uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of those cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.

Understanding CancerThe term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases in which cells grow and spread unrestrained throughout the body. It is difficult to imagine anyone who has not heard about this disease.

Cancer is the end product of a multistep process (carcinogenesis) that occurs over many years. The term "cancer" actually refers to numerous distinct diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation. Cancers are categorized by the organ and/or cell of origin. For example, squamous cell carcinoma of the lung arises from pulmonary epithelial tissue, whereas adenocarcinoma of the breast arises from mammary duct epithelium. The natural history of a cancer is highly dependent on the organ and cell type from which it is derived. In addition, prognosis is influenced by the stage and histologic grade of the cancer. Staging is generally designated by the TNM (tumor, nodes, metastasis) staging system, which takes into account the size of the primary tumor(T), the extent to which local lymph nodes (glands) are involved (N), and whether or not distant metastases are present (M). The histologic grade, determined by microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen, provides an objective assessment of the degree of cellular differentiation.

Coping With Cancer Through Mind, Body, Spirit and EmotionsWith one out of every two or three people at risk for cancer, as suggested by the American Cancer Society, perhaps it comes as no surprise that the topic of cancer and stress are tightly li...

Does Ageism Exist in Cancer Care?What if you had cancer and were not offered a new treatment because of your age?

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer is a family of diseases in which cells replicate at an extremely rapid pace. A cancerous, or malignant, tumor begins its growth at a primary site, damaging surrounding tissue and interfering with normal organ function. Eventually, some of the cancerous cells may migrate from the primary tumor to other parts of the body-via the bloodstream and form secondary tumors. The specific causes of most forms of cancer are unknown, but researchers have uncovered many probable factors that contribute to the development of the disease, including certain chemicals and forms of radiation, cigarette smoking, diet, and, in some cases, genetic predisposition. Although most cancers occur in adults, cancer is still responsible for more deaths in children than any other disease in the United States, where it is the second leading cause of death—after accidents—in children under the age of 15. Between 7,000 and 8,000 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Like the cancer rate among the adult population, the incidence of cancer in children, especially acute lymphocytic leukemia and brain cancer, is on the rise. However, scientific advances in diagnosis and treatment have dramatically improved short- and long-term survival rates for many childhood cancers. Pediatrie oncologists specialize in the treatment of children with cancer. Childhood cancers are treated with the same three major techniques used for treating cancer in adults: chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. In chemotherapy, medication is administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells, or to stop or retard their growth. Usually a combination of different drugs is used for maximum effectiveness. Chemotherapy agents are powerful drugs that cause unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects, including nausea, hair loss, mouth sores, bleeding, and decreased immune function. In radiation therapy, high doses of radiation are aimed at the affected area, killing cancer cells. This therapy brings many dangers to the patient. Radiation can kill cells or turn healthy cells into new cancer cells. Whole-body radiation, used to treat cancer that has spread, destroys the body's bone marrow. A matching donor, usually a close relative, must then be found to give marrow for a transplant procedure. Side effects of radiation include fever, irritability, hair loss, headaches, nausea, and appetite loss, in addition to skin irritations at the site where the χ rays are aimed. New treatment approaches being developed for children can reduce the side effects of radiation. These include hyperfractionation, which reduces the required dose of radiation, and tailored radiotherapy, which narrows the radiation to only a portion of the affected area. Surgery is the treatment of choice for localized cancers that are detected before they have spread. However, some cancers are more treatable by surgery than others, depending on the accessibility of the tumor. Surgery is often used in conjunction with radiation and/or chemotherapy to prevent a relapse, because if even a single cancer cell is left after the operation, it can lead to renewed abnormal growth and the recurrence of the tumor.

INCLUSION CRITERIA A preliminary list of cancers and related topics was compiled from a wide variety of sources, including professional medical guides and textbooks, as well as consumer guides and encyclopedias. The advisory board, made up of medical doctors and oncology pharmacists, evaluated the topics and made suggestions for inclusion. Final selection of topics to include was made by the advisory board in conjunction with the Gale editor. ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS The essays were compiled by experienced medical writers, including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other health care professionals. The advisors reviewed the completed essays to ensure that they are appropriate, up-to-date, and medically accurate. HOW TO USE THIS BOOK The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer has been designed with ready reference in mind. Straight alphabetical arrangement of topics allows users to locate information quickly. Bold-faced terms within entries direct the reader to related articles. Cross-references placed throughout the encyclopedia direct readers from alternate names and related topics to entries. A list of key terms is provided where appropriate to define unfamiliar terms or concepts. A list of questions to ask the doctor is provided whenever appropriate to help facilitate discussion with the patient's physician. The Resources section for non-drug entries directs readers to additional sources of medical information on a topic. Valuable contact information for organizations and support groups is included with each cancer type entry. Appendix II at the back of Volume II contains an extensive list of organizations arranged in alphabetical order. A comprehensive general index guides readers to all topics mentioned in the text. A note about drug entries :Drug entries are listed in alphabetical order by common generic names . However, because many oncology drugs have more than one common generic name, and because in many cases, the brand name is also often used interchangeably with a generic name, drugs can be located in one of three ways. The reader can: find the generic drug name in alphabetical order, be directed to the entry from an alternate name cross-reference, or use the index to look up a brand name , which will direct the reader to the equivalent generic name entry. If the reader would like more information about oncology drugs than these entries provide, the reader is encouraged to consult with a physician, pharmacist, or the reader may find helpful any one of a number of books about cancer drugs. Two that may be helpful are: D. Solimando's Drug Information Handbook for Oncology , or R. Ellerby's Quick Reference Handbook of Oncology Drugs . GRAPHICS The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer contains over 200 full-color illustrations, photos and tables. Eleven illustrations of various body systems can be found in the front matter of the book, and these can help the reader to understand which cancers may affect which organs, and how the various systems interact. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The editor would like to express appreciation to the following medical professionals who reviewed several entries within their areas of expertise for the Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer . Linda Bressler, Pharm.D., B.C.O.P. Clinical Associate Professor College of Pharmacy University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois Susan M. Mockus, Ph.D Scientific Consultant Seattle, Washington James H. Morse, M.D. Assistant Professor Division of Gastroenterology University of Virginia Health Sciences Center Charlottesville, Virginia PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGMENTS On the cover, clockwise from upper left: Colored computed tomography (CT) scan of a human brain. (Dept. of Clinical Radiology, Salisbury District Hospital, Science Source/Photo Researchers. Reproduced by permission.) Color digitized image of the herpes simplex virus. (Custom Medical Stock Photo. Reproduced by permission.) Colored CT scan revealing cancer of the liver. (Dept. of Clinical Radiology, Salisbury District Hospital, Science Source/Phot

Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer

Whether you’re facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you’re getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition.

If You Are Diagnosed With CancerQuestions for the doctor:What kind of cancer do I have?Is it invasive?

No matter what your age or lifestyle, the choices you make today and in the future can improve your chances of living a healthy and cancer-free life.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.

Detailed information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in a child

Understanding Cancer StatisticsStatistics are often used in news reports or in talking about someone's risk for getting cancer or whether a treatment will work. These statistics can be confusing or misleading if you do not understand how they are ...

Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: Questions and AnswersKey PointsSome cancers depend on naturally occurring sex hormones for their development and growth. Researchers are interested in learning whether the hormones in oral contraceptives affect...

Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials

Seek Support if Cancer StrikesA 4-foot northern pike stars in one of actor Rob Lowe's favorite tales about his father."Like many kids, I really enjoyed going on fishing trips with my dad," says Mr.

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute is the most authoritative source of information on cancer incidence and survival in the United States. Established in 1973, SEER originally provided cancer incidence data for Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, and Hawaii, and for the metropolitan areas of Detroit and San Francisco-Oakland. Since then, a number of other areas have been added to the program, including the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Seattle, and Los Angeles; counties in Georgia; Native-American populations in Arizona and Alaska; and the states of New Jersey, Louisiana, Kentucky, and California. SEER registries routinely collect data on cancer patients, demographics, primary tumor site, morphology, stage at diagnosis, first course of treatment, and follow-up for vital status. SEER data, publications, and resources are available at http://www.seer.cancer.gov . B RENDA K. E DWARDS ( SEE ALSO : Cancer ; Data Sources and Collection Methods ; Demography ; Epidemiology ; National Institutes of Health ; Vital Statistics )

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of tissue cells in the body and the invasion by these cells into nearby tissue and migration to distant sites.

Detailed information on diagnosing cancer in children

A Cancer Survivor’s Guide to CaregivingBy Jim RiceAs a rectal cancer survivor, I have had several caregivers. An enterostomal therapy nurse took care of me at the hospital after my colostomy surgery; home health care nurses came to my house for se...

Cyclist Lance Armstrong is proof that you can not only survive cancer, but that you can actually resume a normal livelihood, one of his doctors says.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death.

Life as a cancer survivor can be as rich and rewarding as you decide to make it. In fact, increased awareness of mortality is all some people need to feel more alive than ever.

Coping With Cancer: The FamilyCancer is a blow to every family it touches. How it is handled is determined to a great extent by how the family has functioned as a unit in the past.Problems within the family can be the most difficult to handle; you...

A Swedish study, over 29 years, finds 33 percent more cases of cancer among obese people than in the general population.

Sex and Cancer: Questions for Your DoctorWhat sexual impact should I expect from my cancer or its treatment?How long will these changes last?

Virtual Colonoscopy: A Noninvasive Option for Cancer ScreeningThis year more than 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. In a large number of those cases, the cancer will be advanced.

Nutrition for Patients During Cancer TreatmentNutrition plays a significant role in the treatment of cancer. In fact, you can improve your overall outcome by eating well.

Take a Vacation From CancerAugust is a popular time of year for vacations. It's summer, the kids are out of school, and the mountains and beaches are beckoning.

Understanding Cancer Screening TestsMost cancers are easier to treat when they are found in their earlier stages. Doctors find cancers when they are small and normally undetectable by using screening tests such as mammography, blood tests, CT scan...

Cancer survivors know how important a job can be to their psychological and financial well being. Here are tips to improve the ability to continue working, as well as some ways to handle workplace discrimination during treatment.

Cancer is not just one disease, but a large group of almost one hundred diseases. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death .

Detailed information on the causes of cancer in children

Although some complementary and alternative methods have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not.

Cancer Patient Finds Support, Empowerment OnlineWhen Geri Malter was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal liposarcoma (a rare kind of tumor in the fatty tissues of the abdomen) in 1983, her first thought was, "I need to talk to someone else with this ...

Insurance Rights of Cancer SurvivorsWhen cancer strikes, you may start thinking about health insurance in a new light. Chances are, you will use your health insurance more than ever before.

Understanding Cancer TestsDoctors use tests like mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans to help them screen for, diagnose, treat, and monitor cancer. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may have h...

Cancer FAQQ: What is cancer?A:Cancer is what happens when a group of cells grows uncontrollably and in an abnormal and disorderly way.

Obesity and CancerKey Points:During the last two decades, the percentage of overweight and obese adults and children has been steadily increasing (see Question 2).Lack of physical activity is strongly associated with obesity (see Question 3).In ad...

Vasectomy and Cancer RiskSome studies have raised questions about a possible relationship between vasectomy (an operation to cut or tie off the two tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles) and the risk of developing cancer, particularly prosta...

Discusses the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in cancer prevention and cites numerous studies on the protective value of NSAIDs and coxibs to a variety of cancers.

The ins and outs of screening for testicular and prostate cancers, including an in-depth discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of the leading prostate cancer test, the prostate specific antigen test.

Many studies link exercise with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. The biggest reductions were for colon and breast cancer, but its effect on other cancers is so far inconclusive.

Research has found that statin drugs may inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laborotory experiments, but much more research is necessary before any definite benefits can be determined.

Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery

Detailed information on surgery for prostate cancer, including the different types and potential side effects

Detailed information on treating cancer in children

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body and the ability of these malignant cells to spread (metastasize) to distant sites within the body. If the spread is not controlled, cancer can result in death. Cancer is not just one disease but a group of almost one hundred different types of malignant diseases.

A guide to the tests available for screening colon, lung, and skin cancers, and how to determine whether they're right for you.

If you have cancer, eating the right kinds of foods can help you feel better and stay stronger. This means foods and beverages that contain vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat and water.

Herbal and Non-Herbal Supplement Use in the Cancer PatientShark cartilage, green tea extract, phytomelatonin — these may sound like strange remedies for cancer, but they are actually the subjects of major clinical trials in progress. The sup...

Parental Cancer: Questions and Answers About Changes in Family Rhythms and RoutinesIf you are a parent who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, there are few concerns that seem as important or basic as how to help your children cope with all t...

Coping With Cancer: IntroductionThe National Cancer Institute provided this guide, originally called "Taking Time," for people with cancer and their loved ones to help them understand their feelings and how they can best cope with living with canc...

Coping With Cancer: When You Need AssistanceWhen cancer develops, many people need to learn to ask for and accept outside help for the first time. These are good ways to begin:Take time to ask medical questions of your doctor, nurse specialists, t...

Coping With Cancer: Your Self-ImageCancer treatment can extend over weeks or months; side effects may come and go.Side effects can make you feel rotten, even make you think the cancer has returned.The known is less frightening than the unknown. Le...

Facing Forward: IntroductionIf you are an adult who is getting on with your life after a diagnosis for cancer, this guide is for you. Whether your treatment took place in childhood, 5 years ago, or last week, you may share common concerns with oth...

Facing Forward: Continuing to Care for Your HealthAfter you have been treated for cancer, you will have two ongoing health needs. First, you'll want to take the health steps that doctors suggest for anyone your age.

Cancer ClustersKey PointsCancer clusters may be suspected when people report that several family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers have been diagnosed with the same or related cancers (see Defining Disease Clusters section).Some amount of ...

Resources: A Guide for People With Cancer and Their FamiliesYou may want more information for yourself, your family, and your doctor. The following National Cancer Institute (NCI) services are available to help you.TelephoneCancer Information Serv...

Follow-up Care: Questions and AnswersIt is natural for anyone who has completed cancer treatment to be concerned about what the future holds. Many people are concerned about the way they look and feel, and about whether the cancer will recur (come...

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Around the world, over 10 million cancer cases occur annually. Half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. It is one of the most feared diseases, primarily because half of those diagnosed with cancer in the United States will die from it. Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, causing over 6 million deaths a year. The exact causes of most types of cancer are still not known, and there is not yet a cure for cancer. However, it is now known that the risk of developing many types of cancer can be reduced by adopting certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and eating a better diet .

Cancer is increasingly viewed as a long-term chronic illness, rather than an acute one.

Understanding the Late Effects of Cancer and Its TreatmentMore people are surviving cancer than ever before. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 9 million Americans have a history of cancer, many of whom are survivors of childhood can...

Healing Versus Curing CancerThe words cure and heal are often used interchangeably. The fact is, however, that curing your cancer and healing your cancer are two very different things.

Holder of the Golden BucketThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Since this was an Olympic year, I saw how this simple gesture of love and caring is a...

Now! Don't Wait!

Living With LonelinessThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc."One is the loneliest number that you'll ever know.

From Black and White to Full ColorThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.I reflect on the fact that I almost died to show me how much I really wanted t...

Cervical Cancer: A Survivor's StoryBy: Debra SicklesMy name is Debra and I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I underwent a radical hysterectomy at the age of 37.

Living With Cancer"I wrote the following twhile undergoing radiation forprostate cancer."--Cal BegunLet's face it, having cancer is never any funIt can be a nightmare for almost everyoneVerily, it's the fear of it that will do the most damage to y...

Targeted Therapies Take Aim at CancerAll anticancer drugs target tumors in some way. Most conventional treatments, however, attack healthy cells as well as cancer cells.

A Second ChanceThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc."Cancer is not a death sentence."

Christmas MagicBy Barbara Bartlein, R.N., M.S.WI wish I could tell you that the whole thing happened because I'm caring and unselfish, but that wouldn't be true. It was 1979, and I had just moved back to Wisconsin from Colorado because I missed my...

Expert-reviewed information summary about the influence of spirituality and religion on individuals who have cancer. Various approaches for management and intervention are discussed.

Coping With Cancer: The World OutsideSome friends will deal well with your illness and provide gratifying support.Some will be unable to cope with the possibility of death and will disappear from your life.Most will want to help but may be uncomfo...

Coping With Cancer: Living Each DayEach person must work through, in his or her own way, feelings of possible death, fear, and isolation. Returning to normal routines as much as possible often helps.Give the pleasures and responsibilities of each ...

Coping With Cancer: The Years AfterCancer is not something anyone forgets. Anxieties remain as active treatment ceases and the waiting stage begins.

Coping With Cancer: Sharing the DiagnosisCancer can be unutterably lonely. No one should try to bear it alone.Patient, family, and friends usually learn the diagnosis sooner or later.

Coping With Cancer: Sharing FeelingsSome in the family are able to absorb the impact of diagnosis sooner than others. This can create clashing needs as some wish to talk and some need to be private and introspective.Verbal and nonverbal clues help...

Facing Forward: Earning a LivingMany cancer survivors wonder whether having a cancer history will make a difference in their job prospects. Common questions include: Will I be able to return to work?

Facing Forward: Taking Care of Your FeelingsWhat kinds of feelings are "normal"? There is no "right" way to feel; the important thing is to handle your emotions in a way that works for you.

Facing Forward: Managing Insurance IssuesIf you are like most cancer survivors, the costs of initial treatment and continuing care are a major concern. What happens to insurance coverage and costs after you've had treatment for cancer?

Appendix: A Guide for People With Cancer and Their FamiliesPatient NotesDoctor's Name:Address:Phone:Nurse's Name:Address:Phone:Pharmacist's Name:Address:Phone:Social Worker/Therapist:Address:Phone:Questions to Ask:Pain Control RecordYou can use a ...

Simian Virus 40 and Human Cancer: Fact SheetKey PointsSimian virus 40 (SV40) is a virus that infects several species of monkeys and typically does not cause symptoms or disease in them.When reports appeared in 1961 that injection of SV40 into hams...

Regular exercise may prevent a recurrence of breast or colorectal cancer, or may decrease the risk of dying from the disease. But the reasons for the benefits are unclear.

Can cancer be transferred from mother to child in the womb? Jeffrey Ecker, M.D. is an Associate Professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he practices maternal-fetal medicine.

A continuous process in which multiple alterations occur in genes that control cell division and differentiation that leads to cancer—the uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells. These genetic alterations are referred to as mutations, which are changes in the normal DNA sequence of a particular gene. Mutations may include deletions, chromosomal translocations, inversions, amplifications, or point mutations. Cancer genetics is the understanding of the genetic processes underlying the actual disease occurrence. This understanding plays a significant role in early detection, therapy, prevention, and prognosis.

Detailed information on cancer in children

InsomniaSymptom and DescriptionSeven to eight hours of sleep a night is important for your functioning and well-being. Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to a lack of sleep.Insomnia is a problem in either falling asleep or staying asleep.

Appetite StimulationSymptom and Description Loss of appetite is a loss of the desire to eat. Not eating can lead to weight loss.

Taste ChangesSymptom and DescriptionChange in taste can be a change in the sensation of sweet, salty, sour, or bitter. A change in the way foods taste may cause a dislike for foods, which may lead to lack of appetite or weight loss.

ConstipationSymptom and DescriptionConstipation means being unable to move your bowels, having to push harder to move your bowels, or moving them less often than usual. Bowel movements will be small, dry, and hard.

Sample Appeal Letter for Services Denied as 'Not a Covered Benefit'As someone with cancer or a caregiver for someone with cancer, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about payments and insurance. Unfortunately, some insurance comp...

Appearance: Taking Control During TreatmentTreatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage a person's skin, hair, and nails. Many of these changes will go away after treatment ends.

Easy Ways to Show Someone You CareWhether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent, or friend of a cancer patient, it is important that you never stop expressing your love. Showing how much you care is not only important on holidays and special oc...

Compassionate Drug UseA "60 Minutes" episode reported on the controversial topic of "compassionate drug use." Some people with late-stage cancer are hopeful about this practice, which allows them to receive new but unapproved drugs after tradition...

Nurturing Your Body From WithinA diagnosis of cancer followed by intense treatments is a big hurdle for a cancer patient to face. Another, perhaps more unexpected hurdle is dealing with body changes.

Inspirational PoemsThe following poems were taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.My Seventh FriendHe left, and I felt loved!My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying, "I can'...

World Turned Upside DownThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Friendships are strengthened as we walk through the valley of cancer.I never really unde...

CyberSistersThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Just reach out, turn on your computer, and open up a whole new world!My husband and I waited for wha...

Boxer BoldnessThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Many of our friends and relatives had been asking if they could help in any way. I decided to take...

New DoorsThe following Inspirational Story was taken fromSilver Linings: The Other Side of Cancer, published by the Oncology Nursing Press, Inc.Hi, my name is Patti. Strange as it may sound, my experience with cancer has revealed many blessings to...

What If?By Catherine Andrews, NIEHS Contractor, The Sister StudyWhat if cancer had not taken my grandfather away when I was too young to remember him?

Remission... What Then?

100 Years of Advances Against CancerThe past century has seen many remarkable advances against cancer, a disease known to mankind for thousands of years. The accomplishments of the last 10 years, such as human gene therapy, biotechnology products ...

Cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 85.

Two medications, Metformin and cholesterol-lowering statins, have been shown to have some cancer prevention benefits in recent studies.

Research shows that statin use is not associated with higher cancer risk.Statin drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are so widely used that even a whiff of suspicion can billow into a cloud of concern. If you go by the results of most trials, there’s no reason to worry that taking a statin could increase your cancer risk. In fact, some research has found just the opposite: a protective effect, particularly against colon cancer.

In an interview, a patient who chose active surveillance combined with lifestyle changes instead of surgery discusses the reasons for his decision, and its effects on his overall health and the progress of the disease.

Detailed information on cancer, including primary and metastatic cancers, and benign and malignant tumors

Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping

Detailed information on cancer and complementary and alternative therapy

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction.

An autoimmune disorder is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. See also: Immune response

Detailed information on autoimmune diseases and pregnancy

Autoimmune disorders are conditions in which a person's immune system attacks the body's own cells, causing tissue destruction.

Doctors divide autoimmune diseases in two categories: Those that attack a specific organ and those that target many organs.

Diseases in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissues, forming antibodies in an assault on mistakenly identified "foreign invaders. " Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system loses its ability to recognize the differences between self and nonself tissues. The body then builds antibodies to attack its own tissues and organs, which culminates in a number of different disorders. Some of these become chronic illnesses and may lead to death. Two of the earliest illnesses identified as autoimmune disorders were systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. Today more than 40 conditions are classified as known or probable autoimmune disorders. It is estimated that autoimmune diseases affect between 5-7% of the population. Most begin during or soon after puberty, or when a person reaches his or her forties and fifties. They occur twice as frequently in women as in men. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in both children and adults, and is the most common autoimmune disorder. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) affects over 65,000 children and adolescents in the United States, or about 1 in 1,000. In this disorder, the immune system attacks the synovium, a membrane surrounding the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Like other autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis is usually episodic, flaring up periodically, subsiding, and then recurring. There are three distinct types of JRA, differentiated by their severity and by how much of the body is affected. Pauciarticular onset JRA involves fewer than five joints; polyarticular onset JRA affects five or more joints on both sides of the body; and systemic onset JRA affects a large number of joints and other organs as well, such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is treated with a combination of drugs and physical therapy. The medications of choice are NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), especially aspirin in large doses. Physical therapy includes a variety of exercises designed to keep the muscles near the affected joints strong and flexible, prevent them from getting shorter, and prevent bone deformity. JRA goes into permanent remission by late adolescence or early adulthood in approximately 75% of children affected by the disease. Another serious autoimmune disorder that affects children is Type 1 diabetes mellitus, also known as juvenile onset diabetes because symptoms generally appear in early adolescence. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most prevalent form of the disease, usually begins in middle age. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, which the body requires to metabolize the blood sugar glucose, a crucial energy source. The condition was first identified as an autoimmune disorder in 1988, when researchers discovered that it is caused by antibodies that attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Its onset is now thought to be linked to a genetic predisposition combined with a virus or another Stressor. In Type 1 diabetes mellitus, the depletion of insulin is so severe that injections of the hormone are necessary. Symptoms of juvenile onset diabetes include extreme thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite together with sudden weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and nausea. In addition to daily insulin injections (which must be continued for life), treatment of diabetes mellitus requires monitoring of the level of glucose in the blood, which must also be regulated by adequate exercise and certain dietary measures. Too much glucose can damage the eyes, kidneys, and other organs, and it also presents the risk of a diabetic coma. Too little can produce insulin shock. Rheumatic fever, which primarily affects children between the ages of four and 18, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs following a strep infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. The antibodies produced to fight the infection attack h

Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases including chronic/juvenile myelomonocytic leukemias and atypical CML.

Oral contraceptives are medicines taken by mouth to help prevent pregnancy . They are also known as the Pill, OCs, or birth control pills.

Oral contraceptives are medicines taken by mouth to help prevent pregnancy. They are also known as the pill, OCs, or birth control pills.

Contraception is the use of a method, device, or medication to prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation, fertilization, and/or implantation. Another term for contraception is birth control.

Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, Various types of contraception. ( Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.) and implantation. There are different kinds of birth control that act at different points in the process.

Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. There are different kinds of birth control that act at different points in the process.

Contraception (birth control) is the prevention of conception (pregnancy). In the United States, 60% of boys and 50% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are sexually active, yet only half of these adolescents use contraception the first time they have intercourse. Approximately one million adolescent girls become pregnant in this country each year, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are becoming more prevalent. Because sexual exploration will be a fact of life for many adolescents, knowledgeable adults should be available to discuss contraceptive alternatives with them before such exploration begins.

Contraception is the use of any of various methods to prevent pregnancy. Family planning, in contrast, involves the use of contraception or other measures to limit the number of children and plan the timing and spacing of births. Contraception has been used throughout history. Early methods, however, were ineffective (drinking potions or douching) or dangerous and not available to all people. By the middle of the twentieth century, only 13 percent of couples worldwide used effective methods of contraception. By the year 2000, UNICEF estimated that this figure had risen to 50 percent. Contraceptive use is not equally distributed throughout the world. Most of western Europe, the United States, parts of Latin America, and Oceania demonstrate high levels of use. India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Oman, Yemen, Haiti, Guatemala, Bolivia, and nations in sub-Sahara Africa demonstrate low contraceptive use and high fertility. In the past, family planning programs in some countries were, in effect, population control programs. They were often coercive and did not allow families choice. This is changing, as more people want to limit their family size. In some places, such as China, a strict population control policy is still in place. In l994, the global attendees at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, placed family planning within a holistic context of reproductive health, and family planning is now considered to be a human right. Family planning helps save women's lives. Over 585,000 women die every year from unsafe abortion, childbirth, and pregnancy, with 90 percent of the deaths occurring in developing countries. These deaths are largely preventable; and contraception could play a role in preventing them. Despite advances in contraceptive technologies, there is no single method that suits everyone. In some places, choice is limited and access is difficult, resulting in an unmet need for contraception (the condition of wanting to avoid or delay childbearing, but not using a contraceptive method). One way to categorize contraceptive technologies is by the duration of protection. There are permanent, long-term, and short-term methods. In addition to these technologies, there are also behavioral methods of contraception. What follows is a list of all contraceptive technologies and behaviors, how they prevent pregnancy, their effectiveness, potential problems or side effects, and whether they also prevent reproductive tract infections (RTIs), hepatitis C, or sexual transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association provides data that suggest that women with a family history of breast cancer who used high-dose birth control pills during/prior to 1975 may have an increased risk to develop breast cancer.

Detailed information on contraception/birth control, including the different types of birth control