The Human Papilloma Virus

Did you heared about HPV? HPV is the human papilloma virus. The virus is usually spread through sexual transmission. This means that someone must be in touch with other people who have been infected with this virus and then people who are not infected will be infected by HPV. HPV infection is one of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are dangerous. Generally this disease do not show signs and symptoms, but it can lead to cancer. For women case, known that HPV causes most of cervical cancer. While for the man is now become the most common cause of cancer HPV oral / oropharyngeal cancer penile and anal cancer.

Cervical Cancer Prevention – Call to Action Feature Targeted at Mothers and Daughters

Protect Your Daughter and You against Cervical Cancer

In the 15 minutes it will take you to read this article, four Asian women will die from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is second only to breast cancer as the biggest killer of Asian women. How about Indonesia? Cervical cancer is the first among all female cancer.¹

According to a recent survey, almost 1,7352 Asian women described cervical cancer as genetic- actually caused by HPV infection.

Cervical cancer is not usually top of the mind when we think of female cancers, but the grim reality is that in Asia Pacific, a women dies of cervical cancer every 4 minutes.³ In fact, of the 270.000 Asian women who will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007, more than half will die from it.³ Every women is at risk – no matter her age of family history.^4,5

Introducing HPV – the Risk Facing Every Women

What most of us don’t know is that cervical cancer is caused by different types of a common and contagious virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is easily transmitted. Cervical cancer occurs through persistent infection with cancer causing type of HPV. Every woman is at risk of cancer causing HPV infection, which may cause cervical cancer throughout her life.⁶

HPV can be easily transmitted by skin to skin contact in the genital area, therefore risk starts right from sexual debut.⁷

Screening is important as it helps to detect the development of cervical cancer.⁸ However, screening can not prevent cervical cancer.^9,10 The good news for women is that a vaccine specifically designed to help protect both young and older women against cervical cancer is becoming a reality and is wonderful news for Indonesian women and women everywhere.

According to Prof/Doctor (insert name) of (insert credentials), “After years of research, the arrival of HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer means that future generations of women can be saved from the misery caused by cervical cancer. To increase the effectiveness, however, the HPV vaccine should be administered before the first potential exposure to the virus, prior sexual debut. The best way to way to protect your daughter is by telling her the facts and to consider vaccination now-when she is able to benefit most from the vaccine.”

Talking about the potential role of vaccination, Yuanita Rohali, (insert age) from (insert location) said, “I would do anything to protect my family. I have ……teenage daughters and as far as I am concerned, I know that cervical cancer is preventable – it would be irresponsible not to vaccinate them. I have so many things to worry about in my family’s life-cervical cancer just doesn’t need to be one of them. If cervical cancer is one aspect of our lives I can control – then I will definitely get vaccinated for my daughter”.

Speaking about her mother’s proactive approach toward helping cervical cancer prevention, Alika, 13 years old said, “My mother took the time to talk to me about cervical cancer. I was a little frightened but I know if I have any questions, I can always go to her for advice. I have agreed to get vaccinated so I am protected.”

When was the last time you spoke to your doctors about screening or cervical cancer? In the future, vaccination alongside screening will help reduce the risk of cervical cancer further than screening alone and will also significantly reduce the number of abnormal screening results requiring follow up.^11,12,13.

Ask your doctor about vaccine that help provide both young and older women with strong and sustained immune response.

Source : http://www.anugrah-argon.com/latest_news.asp?id=40

10 Heart Friendly Foods

Heart is our vital organ. No bodies can life without heart. So we must protect our heart and keep it healthy. There are many tips for keeping our heart still in health condition. But how?

God gives us a perfectly body, not less one or more. God gives us healthy bodies. God never gives us disease and illness. We can go sick caused by our habits. We usually have bad habits in our life. There are any substances affects to our health. There are foods, water and air. The most affects are foods. We usually have wrong consumption of foods. Foods also have big affect to our heart. Bad foods can make our heart broken. So, how to select foods which friendly to our heart?

Here are 10 heart friendly foods I suggested:

1. Salmon

This cold-water fish is a great source of protein and is also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association advises eating salmon and other omega-3 rich foods twice a week for benefits that go beyond heart health. Americans love salmon because it is so versatile, easy to cook, and tastes great.
2. Blueberries

Blueberries top the list as one of the most powerful disease-fighting foods. That's because they contain anthocyanins, the antioxidant responsible for their dark blue color. These delicious jewels are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and are available all year long.

3. Soy Protein

This inexpensive, high-quality protein contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals -- all the ingredients for a heart-healthy meal. Also, a diet rich in soy protein can lower triglycerides, which help prevent cardiovascular disease and keep your heart strong and healthy. In those with high cholesterol levels,the benefits of soy foods are due to their high levels of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

4. Oatmeal

Oats are nourishing whole grains and a great source of vitamins, minerals, and cholesterol-lowering fiber. The FDA allows manufacturers of oats to make health claims about the grain on their products, suggesting that a diet high in oats can reduce the risk for heart disease. Researches shows oats lower cholesterol levels, keep you regular, and may help prevent certain cancers.

5. Spinach

Spinach is the powerhouse of the vegetable kingdom. Its rich, dark color comes from the multiple phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals (especially folate and iron) that also fight disease, protect against heart disease, and preserve your eyesight.

6. Apples

Apples contain a phytochemical called quercetin which acts as an antiinflammatory and will help prevent blood clots as well. Apples contain vitamins and fiber, come in several delicious varieties and are portable. Eat an apple with a handful of walnuts or almonds as a healthy snack or add apple slices to your healthy salads.

7. Red Wine

Red wine contains a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to be good for your heart. Be sure to enjoy red wine in moderation. Studies show that only 4 to 8 ounces of red wine is needed each day.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and lycopene, which has been shown to reduce heart disease risk. Add thick slices of tomatoes to sandwiches and salads or enjoy tomato sauce on whole-wheat pasta. In fact, cooked tomato sauce and canned tomato sauce that you buy in the store both contain more lycopene than raw tomatoes.

9. Almonds

Almonds and other nuts contain healthy oils, vitamin E and other substances that will help keep cholesterol levels in check. Almonds are also a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds make a great snack on their own, or sprinkle slivered almonds on green beans or asparagus with lemon juice as a deliciously healthy side dish.

10. Avocado

Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body. Avocado allow for the absorption of other carotenoids especially beta-carotene and lycopene, which are essential for heart health.

source :
1. www.webmd.com
2. www.health.com
3. www.americanheart.org
4. www.about.com

What is stomach cancer?

What is stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer is a form of cancer that can begin anywhere in the stomach. A stomach tumor or other type of stomach cancer occurs when cells in the stomach grow out of control and become tumors. Stomach cancer cells take over healthy cells. They may then spread throughout the stomach and then to other organs and parts of the body, especially the esophagus and small intestine.

Stomach cancer often begins with the development of a benign growth known as a polyp. These polyps may lead to a stomach tumor later on. Also see stomach cancer causes.

Stomach cancer statistics

According to the American Cancer Society,

• about 21 thousand Americans are diagnosed with stomach cancer annually
• 13 thousand of these stomach cancer cases will be men
• 8 thousand stomach cancer cases will be women
• average age when stomach cancer is diagnosed is 71.
• about two thirds of stomach cancer cases are diagnosed after age 65.
• a person's risk of developing stomach cancer in their lifetime in the United States is approximately 1 in 100.
• Early stage stomach cancer diagnosis results in a 75 percent chance of survival for at least five years. Diagnosis in the late stages usually results in a 30 percent chance.

Stomach cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but the number of cases has been decreasing in recent years.

Stomach cancer is more common worldwide than in the U.S. There are many more cases in Japan, Korea, Great Britain, South America and Iceland. Japan, in fact, has more than 10 times as many cases as the U.S.. However, native Japanese people who move to the United States and adopt American eating habits develop fewer cases of stomach cancer than people in Japan who eat a typical Japanese diet.

Visit our Stomach Blog and Discussion Forum

Get recent news, ask for advice, share your experience with others

Stomach cancer risk factors

Researchers have found evidence that diets that include a lot of salt and nitrates probably increase a person's chances of getting stomach cancer.

Despite mounting belief that certain diets may be a factor, there's no medical evidence yet regarding the cause of stomach cancer. But there are some known risk factors, especially in certain industries. People who work in the coal mining, timber, nickel and rubber industries all have high rates of stomach cancer.

People with a family history of stomach cancer also seem to be at higher risk, as do those who have had stomach surgery for ulcers and pernicious anemia.

There's also a specific type of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori which has often been found in the stomachs of stomach cancer patients.

Stomach tumor and stomach cancer types

Adenocarcinomas appear and develop in the glandular cells of the stomach lining. This is the most common type of stomach cancer.

Soft tissue sarcomas, which are extremely rare. originate from the cells in the muscle layer of the stomach.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is another type of sarcoma which originate in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system. They are also known as GISTs.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. A MALT lymphoma is the main type to affect the stomach. A MALT lymphoma is also known as a MALToma.

Carcinoid tumor is another type of cancer that can affect the stomach.

Also see: detecting a stomach cancer symptom, stomach cancer treatment, stomach cancer prevention.

Alcohol as a Cause of Cancer

It has been told that moderate consumption of red wine, on average 2 glass per day will be beneficial for our health. For other alcohol in general, the suggested consumption is 4 drinks a day for men, and 2 drinks a day for women. Apparently, this no longer hold true. Red wine consumption is particularly good for cardiac disease, however consumption of wine and alcohol in general would increase the risk of cancer.

A new report "Alcohol as a Cause of Cancer" is released today, 8 May 2008, showing alarming link between alcohol consumption and particular types of cancer.

An international audit of cancer and alcohol research was conducted by The Cancer Institute New South Wales. The study found that even as little as 2 glass of alcohol per day can significantly increase the risk of cancer. And thus, reducing alcohol consumption will lower risk of cancer.

The types of cancer associated with alcohol consumption include:
- bowel cancer,
- breast cancer,
- head and neck cancer,
- oesophageal or gullet cancer.

The average risk increase per average drink is around 10-20% for some of the above cancers.

I myself have received news in less than a week that 3 men I know of have been diagnosed with colon or prostate cancer. All 3 of them smoked and/or drink wine on regular basis.

Cancer, in fact, is a very common disease. On average, 1 in 2 men, and 1 in 3 women will most likely get cancer in their lifetime. The prevention strategies would include, but not limited to, eliminating the risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco. For more tips on cancer prevention, please refer to my previous post on cancer.