Current Mood : Hopeful
Cancer research is a topic which many individuals feel strongly about whether it be due to personal experience or having a loved one or friend battle with the disease. Anytime there is progress made in research, it renews hope that one day, cancer will not exist. I came across an article from the United Kingdom on how researchers have used a drug to stop the blood vessels from forming around cancerous tumours. These drugs were used on mice, but it proved to be successful in 50% of mice that were tested. The treatment even stopped some tumours from growing in the first place, that is an incredible development.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
How Weight Comes Into Play
Current Mood : Contemplative
As the holiday season approaches, Christmas parties are occurring more frequently. These parties mean lots of jolly and cheer, as well as food and alcohol. Some individuals worry about their weight during this time because they do not want to pack on the "holiday pounds". However, there may be another reason why everyone should be watching what they eat. According to the this article published in the Globe and Mail, losing weight can reduce your cancer risk.
Doctors and researchers are known for stating how losing weight can help individuals prevent diabetes, high blood pressue, heart disease, and now cancer can be added to this list. The shocking statement is that as more research progresses, it is very likely that the list of cancers affected by obsesity will continue to increase. The fact that I found shocking was being overweight causes insulin and other proteins that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. This is something that we have a choice about, there are ways in which we can ensure that obsesity does not continue at its current rate.
Despite all the parties and food which occur in the holiday season, it is important to remember that sometimes, too much of a good thing is not good for us in the long run. I know personally I love the holidays for all the homemade cooking, but after reading the article and getting a wakeup call to reality, it is going to make me think twice. It is not overly difficult to watch what you eat, there are ways to follow your calorie intake. The article even lists different ways of how to watch what you eat.
As the holiday season approaches, Christmas parties are occurring more frequently. These parties mean lots of jolly and cheer, as well as food and alcohol. Some individuals worry about their weight during this time because they do not want to pack on the "holiday pounds". However, there may be another reason why everyone should be watching what they eat. According to the this article published in the Globe and Mail, losing weight can reduce your cancer risk.
Doctors and researchers are known for stating how losing weight can help individuals prevent diabetes, high blood pressue, heart disease, and now cancer can be added to this list. The shocking statement is that as more research progresses, it is very likely that the list of cancers affected by obsesity will continue to increase. The fact that I found shocking was being overweight causes insulin and other proteins that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. This is something that we have a choice about, there are ways in which we can ensure that obsesity does not continue at its current rate.
Despite all the parties and food which occur in the holiday season, it is important to remember that sometimes, too much of a good thing is not good for us in the long run. I know personally I love the holidays for all the homemade cooking, but after reading the article and getting a wakeup call to reality, it is going to make me think twice. It is not overly difficult to watch what you eat, there are ways to follow your calorie intake. The article even lists different ways of how to watch what you eat.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Current Mood : Exhausted
Most people think of October and they imagine fall colours, the leaves falling, and of course Halloween. But to some, October can mean pink or breast cancer awareness. October has been designated as breast cancer awareness month since 1985 and many countries around the world hold events (such as Run for the Cure in Canada) to promote awareness and funds for research. I am in support of any awareness and fundraiser events, but why is there an entire month dedicated to one particular cancer and not any others? Of course any form of cancer is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, but why are there so many products (tshirts, pens, hats, keychains, etc.) produced and sold in support of breast cancer and not any other types of cancer?
The concept of having breast cancer awareness month is informative and helps remind women to have a regular check up, but what about the other types of cancer that exist? Why don't we have entire months dedicated to awareness about these? Is having one month dedicated to one form of cancer sending the message that this may be more important than others, that we should be paying more attention to this? All cancer is harmful, physcially, emotionally and mentally. Why a spotlight is shined upon breast cancer still boggles my mind, hence why I chose to do some follow up research. Wikipedia gives a brief history but does not go into much detail. Alas, my question remains, why such a focus on breast cancer and not the other types of cancer? Hopefully one day soon, each type of cancer will gain full attention and information about prevention for all can be known.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer_awareness_month
Most people think of October and they imagine fall colours, the leaves falling, and of course Halloween. But to some, October can mean pink or breast cancer awareness. October has been designated as breast cancer awareness month since 1985 and many countries around the world hold events (such as Run for the Cure in Canada) to promote awareness and funds for research. I am in support of any awareness and fundraiser events, but why is there an entire month dedicated to one particular cancer and not any others? Of course any form of cancer is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly, but why are there so many products (tshirts, pens, hats, keychains, etc.) produced and sold in support of breast cancer and not any other types of cancer?
The concept of having breast cancer awareness month is informative and helps remind women to have a regular check up, but what about the other types of cancer that exist? Why don't we have entire months dedicated to awareness about these? Is having one month dedicated to one form of cancer sending the message that this may be more important than others, that we should be paying more attention to this? All cancer is harmful, physcially, emotionally and mentally. Why a spotlight is shined upon breast cancer still boggles my mind, hence why I chose to do some follow up research. Wikipedia gives a brief history but does not go into much detail. Alas, my question remains, why such a focus on breast cancer and not the other types of cancer? Hopefully one day soon, each type of cancer will gain full attention and information about prevention for all can be known.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer_awareness_month
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Start of Something New
Current Mood : Reflective
Sometimes we say we will commit to something and yet, we never seem to find the time to fulfill our promise. I can admit to falling short on personal promises, so with this blog I hope to maintain the promises I make.
Being a student, working part-time, having time for family and trying to have a social life can all be a balancing act. Sometimes to get away from it all, we have personal activities we like to escape to. I love to shop, I am a shopaholic; that is my guilty pleasure. Some of my friends enjoy other activities such as reading, sports, and even tanning. Unfortunately, I don't think any of them were aware of the truly harmful affects of tanning until now. I admit in my lifetime I have gone to a tanning bed a few times, perhaps a total of 4 times. I know women and men who have gone much more than that, going on a regular basis every week. After reading the following article I want to warn EVERYONE, whether they go tanning or know someone who does, the damage they are doing.
http://www.cancer.ca/ontario/about%20us/media%20centre/od-media%20releases/ontario%20government%20stalling%20on%20legislation%20to%20protect%20youth%20from%20exposure%20t.aspx?sc_lang=en
The shocking stats in the article are a real wake up call. Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults, and yet it is one of the most preventable. Now how does that make sense? If we can do something to stop it, why don't we? I support the statements made that the Ontario Government should ban individuals under the age of 18 from accessing tanning equipment. In my opinion, you can compare this to drinking and smoking. These two substances can cause cancer, and there is a legal age when you can purchase these. So why not have a legal age on tanning beds, makes sense don't you think?
Being a student, working part-time, having time for family and trying to have a social life can all be a balancing act. Sometimes to get away from it all, we have personal activities we like to escape to. I love to shop, I am a shopaholic; that is my guilty pleasure. Some of my friends enjoy other activities such as reading, sports, and even tanning. Unfortunately, I don't think any of them were aware of the truly harmful affects of tanning until now. I admit in my lifetime I have gone to a tanning bed a few times, perhaps a total of 4 times. I know women and men who have gone much more than that, going on a regular basis every week. After reading the following article I want to warn EVERYONE, whether they go tanning or know someone who does, the damage they are doing.
http://www.cancer.ca/ontario/about%20us/media%20centre/od-media%20releases/ontario%20government%20stalling%20on%20legislation%20to%20protect%20youth%20from%20exposure%20t.aspx?sc_lang=en
The shocking stats in the article are a real wake up call. Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in young adults, and yet it is one of the most preventable. Now how does that make sense? If we can do something to stop it, why don't we? I support the statements made that the Ontario Government should ban individuals under the age of 18 from accessing tanning equipment. In my opinion, you can compare this to drinking and smoking. These two substances can cause cancer, and there is a legal age when you can purchase these. So why not have a legal age on tanning beds, makes sense don't you think?
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