Study finds breast cancer in men is increasing though the disease remains rare

The largest study to date of male breast cancer finds, contrary to previous reports, breast cancer rates in men are increasing though the disease remains rare. A new study published May 24, 2004 in the online edition of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, concludes there are significant differences in the presentation of breast cancer between the sexes though survival rates remain similar. The full study will be available via Wiley InterScience, and will appear in the July 1, 2004 print issue.

Male breast cancer is a rare malignancy, representing only 0.6 percent of all breast cancers and less than 1 percent of cancers in men. Because it is so rare and poorly studied, there is limited data regarding its epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis. Moreover, studies to date conflict on whether the disease presents the same in men as it does in women.

To fill in the gaps in clinical knowledge of male breast cancer, researchers analyzed data collected from 1973 to 1998 and included in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database representing the largest study to date of male breast cancer.

Researchers led by Dr. Sharon H. Giordano of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that the incidence of breast cancer in men increased significantly, from 0.86 to 1.08 cases per 100,000 men over 25 years. Still, this increase was not as dramatic as the increase in female breast cancer over the same period. For both genders risk increased with age, and stage-for-stage there was no difference in survival.

The study also found men tend to be diagnosed at an older age (67 years) than women (62 years). Clinically, men are more likely to present with disease in axillary lymph nodes, at a more advanced stage of disease, and with estrogen and progesterone receptor positive tumors. The two most common types of breast cancer in men were invasive ductal or unclassified carcinomas (93.4 percent) and papillary carcinomas (2.6 percent).

Larger tumor size and axillary lymph node disease were independently associated with shortened survival. Tumor grade and receptor status were not.

The authors conclude: “this data suggests that the incidence of male breast cancer is climbing, men are diagnosed with later stage disease than women, and that hormone receptor status and tumor grade are not independent prognostic factors for men.”

http://www.interscience.wiley.com/cancer-newsroom

Gaining health from garlic

Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion and regularizes bowel movement. It is very useful in cardiac diseases too.

Garlic ( Allium Sativum) belongs to the family Liliaceae. The plant has leaves which are long, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound nature, consisting of numerous bulblets, known technically as ‘cloves,’ grouped together between the membraneous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin, which holds them as in a sac.

It is referred to by different names in ayurveda . The names describe its qualities. It is known as Rasona (Rasena vunaha = as it is devoid of amla rasa or sour taste) Ugraghandhi ( ugra Gandhi = as it has strong pungent smell )

It has Snigdha (sticky), teekshna (penetrating) , pichhila (slimy), guru (heavy), sara (quickly spreading) qualities. It has all rasas (tastes) except amla (sour).

It reduces kapha and vata but it should be used with lot of precautions in persons who have pitta prakruti and in patients who are suffering from rakta, pitta disorders.

Ancient greeks used to place garlic on stones at cross roads as a supper for Hecate(Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft ).According to Pliny garlic and onion were invoked as deities by the Egyptians while taking oaths.

According to a Mohammedan legend ‘when Satan stepped out from the Garden of Eden after the fall of man, Garlic sprang up from the spot where he placed his left foot, and Onion from that where his right foot touched.’

Garlic contains pungent, volatile, essential oil. This oil is a sulphide of radical Allyl. The intensely smelling allyl compound has such a diffusive property that even when the crushed bulb is rubbed to the soles of the feet, its odor is exhaled by the lungs after some time.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Acharya charaka has said that garlic is an effective remedy in conditions like intestinal worm infestations, skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion and regularizes bowel movement. It is very useful in cardiac diseases too.

As an antibiotic:

Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. Garlic is popularly known as “nature’s antibiotic “.As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. It is very effective against fungus, Yeast and viral infections. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely used for the purpose.

As an expectorant:

Garlic reduces increased kapha. Garlic syrup is an excellent medicine for asthma, hoarseness of voice, coughs, difficulty in breathing, and most other disorders pertaining to the lungs. As this promotes expectoration it is very useful in chronic bronchitis. Garlic is a very good remedy for whooping cough.

As a cholesterol reducing agent:

Many publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. According to them it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibits platelet stickiness and slows blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.

As an antihypertensive:

Garlic is considered as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. It eases the spasm of small arteries and reduces the pressure on them.

As a remedy in digestive disorders

Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. It eliminates body toxins. It has an antimicrobial effect and is an excellent remedy for intestinal infections. It expels intestinal worms.

As an anti inflammatory:

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used to cure arthritis, migraine and other inflammatory conditions.

Garlic in skin Disorders:

A regular consumption of garlic purifies blood and reduces minor skin infections.

Garlic and cancer:

Few studies suggest that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, colon and stomach cancer. This may be partly due to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Garlic as an aphrodisiac:

Garlic is said to be a tonic for impotence. It also treats sexual debility caused by over indulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion. It is said to be very useful in older men.

Garlic has always been known as an aphrodisiac. It can improve blood circulation significantly. According to recent studies an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appears to be responsible for the mechanism of erection. Researches on garlic have shown that garlic can stimulate production of this enzyme.

Garlic in pregnancy

New research shows that consuming garlic during pregnancy can reduce the risk of raised blood pressure in pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia). Studies have shown that garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies.

Action of garlic in Herpes:

In future garlic may find its place in treatment of genital herpes. It was found that the oral or topical application of garlic or garlic extract markedly reduced the outbreak of the genital herpes virus.

Home remedies with garlic

1. Used in cookery it is a great aid to digestion, and keeps the mucosal coats of the stomach healthy.

2. A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights successively, is effective rheumatism.

3. Grind few cloves of garlic and pour ¼ cup of boiled water on it. Add this infusion to sugar syrup . This is an excellent cough expectorant to children and elderly adults.

4. when sniffed , it greatly helps in relieving hysteria.

5. Garlic juice taken with hot water twice a daily relieves asthma attacks.

6. Three cloves of garlic boiled with milk taken every day at night cures productive cough and bronchitis.

7. 10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey reduces the acuteness of asthmatic symptoms. It can also be administered at the time of attack.

8. Taking garlic juice with fresh water regularly reduces high blood pressure

9. Half a clove of raw garlic consumes each day can increase body activity to dissolve blood clots, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Precautions and adverse effects :

Some may experience heartburn and flatulence when they consume garlic. Individuals who are consuming anti coagulant drugs should consult their dietician before consuming garlic products as garlic has anti coagulant property. It should be used cautiously by individuals who have bleeding disorders. Garlic should never be consumed during migraine headache. Avoid rubbing garlic on skin as it causes burns and peeling of skin.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr.Krishna.R.S has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 19 yrs , after getting a graduation degree in ayurveda.His articles about ayurveda and life sciences have been published in many magzines..http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com

How To Meet The Needs Of Men’s Health

By Valerian D.

Everybody knows that most men don’t like doctors. May be because is too embarrassing to discuss private issues with persons they don’t know very well. Or because doctors didn’t know how to provide medical care that men approved of. The truth is doctors have a long way to go to make their services men friendly. They have to learn how to provide services that are suitable for men, and that meet the needs of men. That must be one of the stated goals of the men’s advocacy forums.

It is also a fact that men think they are invincible and ignore their situation because they are uninformed. As a result many of them have no idea what is common, normal, natural or even possible for their own bodies.

While today both men and women pay equal charges for health insurance the office of women’s health divert over 90% of funding to women’s health without opposition. Most large hospitals now have a department for women. None have a department for men. Women get 75% of health care and 95% of psychological care in the US. Meanwhile the difference in life expectancy for women has grown significantly until today women live much longer than men.

Men must be realistic and understand that they have to solve the problem of specific health care on their own. Government won’t provide anything except more laws and higher taxes, but men must organize and lobby same way women have been doing for the past several decades to get the money that covers their needs.

Valerian D writes about male health concerns and health news for men.

Men’s Health Act of 2005 (Introduced in Senate)

109th CONGRESS
1st Session

S. 228
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of Men’s Health.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 1, 2005
Mr. CRAPO introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
——————————————————————————–

A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish an Office of Men’s Health.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Men’s Health Act of 2005′.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds as follows:
(1) A silent health crisis is affecting the health and well-being of America’s men.

(2) While this health crisis is of particular concern to men, it is also a concern for women regarding their fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers.

(3) Men’s health is a concern for employers who pay the costs of medical care, and lose productive employees.

(4) Men’s health is a concern to Federal and State governments which absorb the enormous costs of premature death and disability, including the costs of caring for dependents left behind.

(5) The life expectancy gap between men and women has increased from one year in 1920 to almost six years in 2002.

(6) Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States among men, accounting for 33 percent of all cancer cases.

(7) An estimated 230,000 men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, and approximately 30,000 will die.

(8) Prostate cancer rates increase sharply with age, and more than 75 percent of such cases are diagnosed in men age 65 and older.

(9) The incidence of prostate cancer and the resulting mortality rate in African American men is twice that in white men.

(10) Over 8,000 men, ages 15 to 40, will be diagnosed this year with testicular cancer, and 390 of these men will die of this disease in 2005. A common reason for delay in treatment of this disease is a delay in seeking medical attention after discovering a testicular mass.

(11) Studies show that women are 100 percent more likely than men to visit a doctor, have regular physician check-ups, and obtain preventive screening tests for serious diseases.

(12) Appropriate use of tests such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) exams and blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical exams and self-testing, can result in the early detection of many problems and in increased survival rates.

(13) Educating men, their families, and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems can result in reducing rates of mortality for male-specific diseases, as well as improve the health of America’s men and its overall economic well-being.

(14) Recent scientific studies have shown that regular medical exams, preventive screenings, regular exercise, and healthy eating habits can help save lives.

(15) Establishing an Office of Men’s Health is needed to investigate these findings and take such further actions as may be needed to promote men’s health.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF MEN’S HEALTH.

(a) In General- Title XVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section:

SEC. 1711. OFFICE OF MEN’S HEALTH.

The Secretary shall establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an office to be known as the Office of Men’s Health, which shall be headed by a director appointed by the Secretary. The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Office, shall coordinate and promote the status of men’s health in the United States.’.

(b) Report- Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Office of Men’s Health, shall submit to the Congress a report describing the activities of such Office, including findings that the Director has made regarding men’s health.

source:http://www.menshealthoffice.info/read.htm#senate

Men Avoid Health Issues

By Jonathon Hardcastle

For some peculiar reason, whenever I address a health issue and my male friends are present, the discussion is quickly redirected to another subject as they try to avoid the discussion. I recently encountered the same phenomenon and one of my friends responded that men are feeling guilty of making mistakes when it comes to their health. From forgetting to eat their daily fruit and veggies indulging in a hamburger of French fries, to scheduling an appointment with the doctor only when the symptoms they have been experiencing for weeks intensify, men feel guilty for not taking care of their health and try to avoid any type of discussion that reminds them of that fact.

If you are familiar with the old story that men do not need to ask for street advice, as they can always find their way, they also generally tend not to seek out help when it comes to their health as they are always capable of surpassing the problem they have been facing and heal themselves. In fact, statistics reveal that women worry more about their health status than men do, and they take more preventative measures to protect it. After conducting my own focus group with some of my male friends, I discovered that this is totally true. Most of them avoid going for their regular check-ups, especially younger men, and decide to pay a visit to the doctor’s office only when something is broken, usually because a woman is present and insists that this is serious and should not be left to chance. Then it is only logical that men have, on average, a shorter life expectancy than women by six years.

But although this can be partly explained due to societal standards that portray men to be strong and touch, this potentially life-threatening health negligence cannot be justified. Enduring pain and being able to overcome any type of problem they face does not seem as an adequate explanation for this type of problematic behavior. The truth is that men tend to view doctor’s visits as uncomfortable and involving potentially painful procedures and in general men are not capable of handling or enduring pain. While women are biologically capable of handling the pains of a pregnancy they are also more open to discuss health issues and educated themselves regarding the threats associated with their health.

If one only considers the fact that the magazine’s and website’s focus is not on men’s health compared to the women’s health issues discussed, it is only logical to conclude that men’s health does not seem to be a priority either for men or for society. It is not that men do not get sick or are not experiencing signs of weakness from time to time; it is rather that their social role does not permit them to look or express that weakness.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Men’s Health, Gemstones, and Sports