Blog 1: Could Blood Tests Replace Surgical Lung Biopsies?.....
) -- A blood test may one day
replace invasive tissue biopsies as a pain-free way to confirm lung cancer and guide
treatment, new research suggests.
According to investigators, the test is as effective as a tissue biopsy in diagnosing advanced
non-small cell lung cancer, by far the leading form of the leading cancer killer.
The so-called "liquid biopsy" can also quickly identify tumour gene mutations that match
targeted drug therapies -- potentially boosting patient survival.
Blog 2: Why a Non-Smoker Can Get Lung Cancer, Too.....? When we hear that someone
has lung cancer, you probably assume he's a smoker. But that might not be the only reason
The truth is you can get the disease even if you've never smoke cigarette. There are lots of
reasons why this can happen, but if you can help cut down your risk.
First, pay attention to some of the things that bring on lung cancer when you don't have
the tobacco habit.
1. Second-hand smoke. There are two types: the stuff a smoker breathes out and the cloud
that drifts from a cigarette, pipe, or cigar. Both are bad for you.
2. Radon. It's a gas that naturally forms from soil and rock. You can't see, smell, or taste it.
Low levels of the stuff are a natural part of the air outdoors, but it's more likely to be a
problem inside homes and buildings. It can creep in from the ground through cracks in the
floors or walls.
If you breathe in radon over long periods of time, you may end up with lung cancer. That's
because it breaks down into tiny particles that can get into your lungs and damage cells there.
The gas is the second most common cause of the disease besides smoking.
3. Asbestos. It's a group of minerals that was used in a lot of building supplies and products
until researchers found it was harmful.
When you breathe it in, the fibres get stuck deep in your lungs and over time may lead to lung
cancer. The more you're in contact with asbestos, the higher your risk.
4. Genes. Sometimes changes to the DNA of your lung cells, known as "mutations," can lead
to cancer. There are several ways this can happen.
For example, you may be born with problems in chromosome number 6 that make you more
likely to get lung cancer. Or you may naturally have less of an ability to clear away chemicals
from your body that can cause the disease.
5. Air pollution: searchers suspect that polluted air can cause changes in your DNA that may
set the stage for a higher risk of the disease. The more air pollution you breathe in, the greater
your chances of getting this type of cancer.
6. Diet: What you put on your plate could affect the health of your lungs. A new study looked
at how the glycaemic index, which measures how quickly a carbohydrate raises your blood
sugar, may be linked with lung cancer risk.
Diabetes related / associated problems :
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Diabetes Guide
6 Tips to Help if You're Tired of Your Diabetes
Related Conditions
Nerve Pain and Diabetes: Nerve pain caused by diabetes, known as diabetic peripheral
neuropathy, can be severe, constant, and hard to treat. Controlling your blood sugar can make
a big difference.
Eye Problems and Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk of eye problems. See common
diabetes-related eye ailments and what treatments are available.
Skin Conditions and Diabetes: Skin conditions related to this disease are common.
Fortunately, most can be successfully treated before they turn into a serious problem. The key
is to catch them early.
Kidney Disease and Diabetes: Diabetic nephropathy -- kidney disease that results from
diabetes -- is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure. Learn the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and
how to treat it.
Infections and Diabetes: Most infections in people with diabetes can be treated. But you
have to be able to spot the symptoms. Learn what to look for.
Heart Disease and Diabetes: Having diabetes makes heart disease more likely. Learn more
about the link and how to lower your risk.
Depression and Diabetes: Learn about the link between diabetes and depression, how to spot
symptoms of depression, how to treat it, and more.
Smoking and Diabetes: Smoking is bad for everyone, and it's especially risky if you have
diabetes. Here are 14 tips to help you quit.
Colds and Diabetes: If you have diabetes, catching colds can make your condition worse.
Here's what you can do to stay well.
Diabetic Macular Edema: Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment of diabetic macular
edema, an eye condition brought on by diabetes. Meralgia Paresthetica Starting a family
requires a bit more planning when you're a mother-to-be with diabetes. But you can take
some simple steps to make sure your pregnancy and your baby are safe and healthy.
Tips for Healthy Living with Heart Disease: When you have heart disease, there are little
things you can do each day to make a big difference to your health.
Food and fitness matter. It's also important to reduce your stress and if you smoke, quit. And
of course, take your medicines and keep up with your doctor appointments and cardiac rehab.
Also, stay in touch with your mood. For many folks, depression comes along with heart
disease. If you notice that's true for you, talk to your doctor to get treatment.
Stay on Track
It may feel like you're going through a lot of changes all at once. It's a good idea to get help
from dieticians, doctors, and support groups to keep focused.
Some of the keys to making changes are:
Have a plan before starting. Set realistic targets. Make one change at a time. For
example, quit smoking before you overhaul your diet. Write down your goal. Prepare for
setbacks. They happen. What matters more is that you get back on track. Reward yourself for
your progress. Pick a treat that feels great but doesn't undermine your game plan. Keep up
with your friends and family. Your social connections are good for you.
Heart Disease and Cardiac Rehabilitation: You have heart disease, your doctor may
encourage you to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program, which is designed to
help you exercise safely and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. The program typically
includes a tailored exercise program, education, and support in making lifestyle changes,
such as quitting smoking and adopting a healthier diet. Cardiac rehab programs also offer
support groups to help you stay on track to maintain a healthier heart. (Post content for add
keep image of cardiac disease)
Consider these points when choosing a rehab program with ReNsure
1. A doctor's referral is required to enter the program.
2. Your referring doctor should receive regular progress reports.
3. A doctor-supervised stress test is frequently required before entering the program to
identify risks of an exercise program and to design activity guidelines.
4. You should be informed of their risks and benefits.
5. Check the availability of education and counselling services for your family members
and/or caregivers. They can be of great benefit to those close to you.
6. Our staff will help you tailor an individualized treatment plan for you based on
identified risks.
7. Our doctors will be nearby or will have contact with staff during your exercise
sessions.
8. Our staff are specially trained and/or certified in the field of cardiac rehab and in
their specialty area.
9. All staff members have current certification in basic cardiac life support, and at least
one person with advanced cardiac life support certification be present at each exercise
session.