Cancer is a pretty scary word, especially when it affects our own health or that of a loved one. Medically speaking, cancer occurs due to the rapid division of abnormal cells, which results in development of benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors. Cancer is responsible for almost 1,7000,000 new cases annually in the United States. Additionally, research from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicates that the most prevailing forms of the disease include the following forms of cancer in North America: Breast cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Rectum and colon cancer Bladder cancer Melanoma, or skin cancer Non-hodgkin lymphoma Thyroid cancer Renal, or kidney cancer Common symptoms of cancer The most common early warning signs of cancer will present differently, depending on the type and stage of cancer the patient is in. Cancers are diagnosed in four stages and obviously early detection is vital for increasing the patients treatment and life expectancy. However, early warning signs of cancer may include: Moles that change shape, color, texture, or size Moles or growths with discharge or bleeding Cuts or injuries that don’t heal Sudden weight loss Development of growths or tumors Loss of appetite Swallowing issues Bowel and digestive issues Urination frequency or difficulty Chronic cough Common causes of cancer Due to the fact that cancer is considered a “collection of related diseases” by health professionals, several factors can be responsible for aiding the development of abnormal cell growth characteristic to cancer, such as:

The urinary bladder is a pouchlike, muscular organ that sits on the pelvic floor. This organ is responsible for the collection, storage, and disposal (urination) of urine from the kidneys. Unfortunately, should abnormal cells develop in the bladder (typically within the inner walls or urothelial cells of the bladder wall), bladder cancer may be present. The Mayo Clinic estimates that bladder cancer affects an estimated 68,000 Americans, mostly older adults, and the majority of which are men. The most typical form of bladder cancer grows in the bladder walls (or urothelial cells), however, bladder cancer can form due to malignant cell growth in any part of the bladder. Later stage bladder cancer occurs when malignant tumors Metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. Metastasis can travel via the bloodstream or lymphatic systems striking nearby organs (i.e., kidneys or lungs). Bladder cancer typically develops in one of 3 prevalent types (squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma). However, the good news is that most forms of bladder cancer are very treatable when diagnosed early: 1. Urothelial carcinoma Urothelial carcinoma is considered the most common form of bladder cancer. According to research from the Mayo Clinic, this type of bladder cancer impacts roughly 90% of bladder cancer patients in the U.S.

Although lemongrass may be used largely in cosmetic and aromatherapy purposes, the lemon scented leaves of this Asian, African, and Australian grown plant is often made into oil and used for medicinal purposes. For instance, WebMd.com claims lemongrass is rich in an impressive array of flavonoids, phenolic compounds (i.e., quercetin, luteolin, and glycosides), and antioxidants that are helpful for treating everything from digestive ailments to achy joints and from fatigue to high blood pressure. And there’s more! Lemongrass can be used as a culinary herb to soothe stomach ache and vomiting and also as a potent essential oil to relieve headaches and muscle pains. Dried, fresh, or made into oil, lemongrass boasts the following beneficial medicinal benefits: 1. Detoxification benefits Lemongrass tea has long been recommended by alternative health practitioners due to its detoxifying and diuretic purposes, especially when it comes to aiding the efficiency of the kidneys, liver, bladder, and pancreas. For instance, drinking lemongrass tea has been linked to eliminating bodily toxins via increased urination, which can help soothe chronic inflammation, decrease levels of bad cholesterol and uric acid, and increased circulation. 2. Increases glucose tolerance For patients with type-2 diabetes, lemongrass taken in tea form has been linked to increased glucose tolerance and maintaining safe insulin levels due to its detoxifying effects on the pancreas, which may help lower overall blood sugar levels.

Gastric cancer can form in any part of the stomach, though it commonly affects the main body and esophagus. If you are diagnosed with gastric cancer, it is likely your treatment will involve surgery and possibly medication, such as Opdivo (Nivolumab) for gastric cancer. Fortunately, though, regulating what you put in your stomach can actually reduce your risk of developing gastric cancer. Here are 5 foods to avoid for gastric cancer prevention: 1. Limit alcohol consumption According to a large European study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , men who consumed over four drinks per day on average were more likely to develop stomach cancer. While alcohol use has been generally linked to the development of stomach cancer, heavy drinking, particularly beer drinking, has been shown to particularly increase cancer risk; the men who drank more than four drinks a day were 65% more likely to develop stomach cancer than those who were light drinkers. As such, limiting your alcohol consumption by even just one or two drinks a day on average can significantly reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer. If you find yourself struggling to control your drinking habits, consider consulting an addictions specialist. 2.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 11 million Americans are currently living with some type of cancer. With roughly 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 cancer deaths in the U.S. each year, many forms of cancer are considered quite rare. However, the following are considered the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in North America: 1. Non-melanoma skin cancer Considered the most common type of cancer in the U.S., non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) account for approximately 3 million American cancer cases annually, with basal cell carcinoma accounting for the majority 80% of cases. Roughly 2,000 people die from basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer annually. When it comes to developing skin cancer, fair skinned caucasian individuals are considered at highest risk, although skin cancer can develop on all types of skin, and on almost any part of the body that’s been over-exposed to harmful UV rays. Skin cancer is also common in patients with compromised immune systems, which is why sun protection (i.e., sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, and seeking shade) is your best ally in safeguarding against non-melanoma skin cancers. 2. Lung cancer Lung cancer is considered among the top cancers, claiming roughly 158,000, or 27% of American lives annually.