By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

With relatively beyond normal summer temperatures these days, hordes of Americans prefer to spend more time outdoors instead of confining themselves inside their homes. For some, it’s a respite from the artificial coolness of air conditioners and a somewhat good way to avoid incurring astronomical power bills. But for many people, spending time outdoors during summer days is synonymous to feasting on grilled foods.

Flavorful pork kebabs. Succulent grilled burgers. Heavenly mouth-watering sirloin steaks. Who can resist such tempting delights straight out of good old American barbeque pits? Yet those whose who frequently indulge in gastronomic feasts during summer outdoor barbeque parties should now think twice from downing too much red meat delights.

Among other factors, such as, smoking, alcoholism, poor physical activity, and hereditary inclination, frequent consumption of red meat may increase an individual’s chances of developing colon cancer during his later years.

Prevalence of Colon Cancer

With more than 100,000 men and women diagnosed per year, colon cancer is the third most prevalent kind of cancer in the US. Colon cancer’s fatality risk is quite high. About 53,196 individuals die from colon cancer annually, making it the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the country.

In contrast with other forms of cancer that have even age distribution, colon cancer primarily occurs in the elderly. As of the latest, the US Department of Health and Services, CDC, and National Cancer Institute estimate that about 70 percent of colon cancer patients are 75 years old or above.

Treatment

When discovered in its early stage, further progression of colon cancer may be prevented. The matter becomes more difficult in the later stages of the disease. Several alternative medicine gurus say that they have the magic herb for advanced stage colon cancer, but that is a blatant lie. There is no panacea for advanced colon cancer as of now.

Removal of affected regions in the colon to prevent cancer cells from further developing and spreading to other organ parts of the body is the prevalent primary colon cancer treatment. Doctors also recommend chemotherapy to reduce tumor size, impeded tumor growth, or to prevent metastasis of cancer cells. While radiotherapy is a common treatment program on other forms of cancer, it is not used much in colon cancer patients. For one thing, it is very complicated to target particular spots in the colon. Also, radiotherapy may cause patients to develop radiation enteritis.

Need for More Research on Colon Cancer Treatment

According to the US Census Bureau, the graying population of America will continue to grow in forthcoming years. In fact, 20% of the US population by the year 2025 will be composed of seniors 65 years and older. Since age is one of the most dominant risk factors of colon cancer, there is a very great need for increased research on discovery of new and more effective colon cancer treatment.

Because of its relatively high mortality rate, scientists are exploring ways to reduce colon cancer mortality. Scientists conducting research for the National Cancer Institute have discovered that Vitamin D may help in reducing colon cancer mortality.

Another particular exciting colon cancer treatment that is being considered is immunotherapy. Researchers are now exploring several vaccines to treat colon cancer or to prevent its recurrence. Such vaccines aim to help patients develop more robust immune systems so that they can fight colon cancer effectively.

Much, however, is needed to be discovered. A single hand cannot do a lot of work. Similarly, scientists who are working hard to find new and more effective colon cancer treatment will not be able to succeed on their own. They need assistance from each and every one of us.

We at Campaign for Aging Research are dedicated to fighting aging. With your kind and selfless help, we can achieve our goal of securing a healthier life for seniors who suffer from colon cancer and other forms of age-associated illnesses.

References:

Chao, A., Thun, M.J., Connell, C.J., et al. Meat Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Cancer. Journal of the American Medical Association. 293.2 (2005): 172–82.

Freedman, D.M., Looker, A.C., Chang, S.C., and Graubard, B.I. Prospective Study of Serum Vitamin D and Cancer Mortality in the United States. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 99.21 (2007): 1594-602. http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/9/21/1594.

Harrop, R., et. al. Vaccination of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Modified Vaccinia Ankara Encoding the Tumor Antigen 5T4 (TroVax) Given Alongside Chemotherapy Induces Potent Immune Responses. Cancer Immunology. 57.7 (2008): 977-986.

National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Statistics Review: 1975-2001. 2004. http://seer.cancer.gov/cgibin/csr/1975_2001/search.pl.

United States Census Bureau. Population Projections of the United States, by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin: 1993-2050. 1993: 5-1104.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality. 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

Posted under: Cancer.

Tags: colon cancer

Comments (0)

By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

The novelist Barbara Kingsolver once said that, “What you lose in blindness is the space around you, the place where you are, and without that you might not exist. You could be nowhere at all.”

For many people, the sense of sight is perhaps one of the essences of existence. After all, we mainly judge reality on the basis of what we see. That is why blindness, be it partial or complete, is such a devastating blow for any individual.

While gruesome accidents may cause blindness, the vast majority of people suffer blindness due to diseases like glaucoma. In the United States, glaucoma is the main cause of blindness. It is estimated that more than 2 million Americans suffer from glaucoma.

There are several forms of glaucoma, but open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is by far the most common type and accounts for more than 90 percent of the total glaucoma cases in the US. While OAG may occur in young people, it tends to be more prevalent in the elderly. According to the latest estimates, OAG affects up to 1.86% of the total elderly population. And the number is expected to increase in forthcoming years. By 2020, it is possible that more than 3 million elderly may be affected with OAG.

What Causes OAG?

Open-angle glaucoma results when fluid pressure inside the eyes rises to an abnormal level. High fluid pressure eventually damages the optic nerve. Once the optic nerve is damaged, partial loss of vision and total blindness may follow.

Genetic factors may influence development of OAG. However, there are other reasons why fluid pressure in the eyes abnormally increases. Hypertension is believed to be a prime cause of OAG. Long term use of steroids may also cause a person to develop OAG.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

While many diseases have distinct signs and symptoms that may lead to early diagnosis, OAG is very different. At its early stages, OAG is asymptomatic. There is no pain in the eyes and vision may remain normal. But as the disease further develops, a person may have difficulty seeing objects to the side. If left untreated, loss of side vision will follow. Eventually, an OAG sufferer will also lost the ability to clearly see objects in front of him. Finally, total loss of vision will follow.

There is no standard screening for OAG detection. The disease can only be properly diagnosed through a combination of eye examinations, such as, visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, tonometry, pachymetry, and visual field test.

More Effective OAG Treatment is Imperative

As with other types of glaucoma, there is no known cure for OAG. Current treatments mainly aim to halt further loss of vision. However, it is an unfortunate fact that many OAG patients still suffer blindness even if they avail of proper treatment, such as medications and surgical procedures.

There is a great need for us to find more effective treatment for OAG. The National Eye Institute (NEI) is currently supporting research aimed at finding new ways to effectively treat OAG at its early stages as well as to developing long-term medical and surgical treatments for OAG.

Another exciting research opportunity involves the use of stem cells. For current and future OAG patients, stem cell research may offer one of the most promising hopes. Researchers from the Schepens Eye Research Institute, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, are now exploring the possibilities of using stem cell therapy to repair damaged optic nerves of OAG patients.

Yet, much is needed to be done. Scientists cannot do it alone. Cooperation from every segment of society is vital in order for promising studies to bear fruit.

Help Campaign for Aging Research combat aging. Through your generous support, we can find a better future for seniors who suffer from debilitating age-related diseases like open-angle glaucoma.

References:

Friedman, D.S., Wolfs, R.C., O’Colmain, B.J., Klein, B.E., Taylor, H.R., West S., Leske, M.C., Mitchell, P., Congdon, N., Kempen, J. Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group. “Prevalence of Open-angle Glaucoma Among Adults in the United States.” Archives of Ophthalmology. 122.4 (2004): 532-38.

Glaucoma Research Foundation. Optic Nerve and Stem Cell Research. 2010. http://www.glaucoma.org/research/optic_nerve_and.php.

National Eye Institute (NEI). Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS). April, 2010. http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/static/study49.asp.

NEI. Facts About Glaucoma. February, 2010. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp.

Truck, M.W. and Crick, R. P. The Age Distribution of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 5. 4 (1998): 173-183.

Posted under: Glaucoma.

Tags: Open-angle glaucoma

Comments (0)

By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

Michael J. Fox will be forever known for his role in the 1985 epic science fiction film Back to the Future. No one back then would imagine that the boyish-faced actor who played Marty McFly would be eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease six years after the film grazed the box office. It was not until 1998 that he would let the public know about his condition. Since then Fox has become one of the most recognizable faces of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Diagnosed when he was just 30 years old, Michael J. Fox is not the typical PD patient. Young people like Mr. Fox may develop Parkinson’s, but the vast majority of those who suffer from the disease are the elderly. According to the CDC the average age of PD sufferers is 60 years old.

Prevalence of PD

About 500,000 people in the United States have PD. Like other age-related diseases, the incidence of PD is rising. As of the latest estimates, 50,000 individuals are being diagnosed with PD each year. It is now the 14^th leading cause of death of in the United States.

Common Signs and Symptoms

PD is a disorder that causes degeneration of neurons, which control communication between the brain and all other parts of the body. People with PD usually suffer from impaired motor and speech function.

The early signs and symptoms of PD are as follows:

• Stooped posture
• Painful shoulder
• Limping or dragging of one leg
• Numbness of the limbs or neck
• Resting tremor
• Sensation of internal trembling
• Softness of the voice.

In the advanced stages of the disease, patients may suffer from involuntary trembling of the limbs, muscular stiffness, difficulty in maintaining balance, postural instability, and soft or slurred speech.

The Need for More PD Research

The exact cause of PD is not yet known. As such, there is no cure for PD yet. Current treatments of the disease are aimed at alleviating symptoms. Many PD medicines address to abate involuntary tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement.

There is no form of treatment yet that may slow or prevent PD from progressing. Many studies are now aiming their radars to discover means to curtail the advancement of PD.

Some researchers are currently focusing on gene therapy. One particular study is exploring ways to develop virus-propelled genes that can be used to produce enzymes that can protect neurons from further damage.

Scientists are also exploring the potentials of stem-cell therapy as PD treatment. One particular study headed by Dr. Cesario V. Borlongan has shown that a human nueral stem cell transplanted into a rat PD model has allowed the animal to live normally.

Yet more research should be performed. While there are many scientists out there who are willing to dedicate their lives for PD research, promising studies may suffer postponement due to insufficient resources. Additional funding for PD research is really needed.

We at Campaign for Aging Research are committed in helping researchers develop viable therapies for age-related diseases like Parkinson’s Disease. Your donation to our organization is one very essential help in providing more funds for PD research.

References:

Centers for Disease Control. National Vital Statistics Reports. Volume 57, Number 14. April 17, 2009. Deaths: Final Data for 2006. 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/NCHS/data/nvsr/nvsr57/nvsr57_14.pdf

Feng, L.R. and Maguire-Zeiss, K.A. Gene Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease: Rationale and Current Status. CNS Drugs 24.3 (2010): 177–92.

Hoyert, D.L., Heron M., Murphy, S.L., and Kung, H.C. Health E-Stats. Deaths: Final Data for 2003. US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC. 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats
/finaldeaths03/finaldeaths03.htm.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Parkinson’s Disease Backgrounder. October 18, 2004. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/parkinsons_disease/
parkinsons_disease_backgrounder.htm.

Yasuhara, T., Noriyuki, M., Hara, K., Yu, G., Xu, L.,  Maki, M., Kim, S.U., and Borlongan, C.V. Transplantation of Human Neural Stem Cells Exerts Neuroprotection in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease. The Journal of Neuroscience. 26.48 (2006):12497-12511.

Posted under: Parkinson's.

Comments (0)

By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

“I am the greatest.”

Muhammad Ali used to trumpet that during his heyday. Yet Ali himself conceded that there’s one more boxer who deserved to be called the greatest: Sugar Ray Robinson. The first boxer who earned the title “Sugar,” Robinson fought with unparalleled mastery of the sweet science.

Robinson fought 202 marvelous bouts and won 173 of them—108 coming by knockout. During his stellar career that lasted for three decades, Robinson was able to hold several titles at different weight classes and earned the admiration and respect of millions of people across the globe. Graceful as a butterfly and dangerous as a bee in the ring during his prime, an aged Robinson was unable to outbox one unbeatable foe: Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

A form of dementia, AD is one of the most common diseases that affect the elderly. According to the CDC more than 5 million Americans have AD and the vast majority of these are 65 years of age and older. Basing upon the latest figures, the CDC estimates that 5 percent of men and women between 65 to 74 years old have Alzheimer’s disease and about half of seniors aged 85 years old and above suffer from AD.

Perhaps no other disease can be identified with aging other than Alzheimer’s disease. After all, old people seem to forget things from time to time. However, the manifestations of AD, such as extreme decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities that prevent an individual from performing ordinary daily tasks, are not a normal part of aging. Marked by severe depletion of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex and some subcortical regions, AD is a fatal condition. According to the latest estimates of the CDC, AD is now the 7^th leading cause of death in the US.

Burden of AD

Those who suffer from AD comprise not more than 13 percent of the Medicare population, yet the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that they are responsible for 34 percent of Medicare spending. The estimated cost of AD to the economy comes at a staggering $172 billion per year. With the current status of the economy, AD is a cumbersome load to the pockets of American citizens.

What is alarming is that incidence of AD is on the rise. The last Census report predicts that the population of seniors 65 years old and above is steadily increasing and will be doubled to 72 million by 2030.

Research on AD

Understanding underlying mechanisms of a disease is essential as it would lead to formulations of effective treatment. Yet little is known as to what exactly cause Alzheimer’s disease. Considering the current burden that AD is causing, it is essential that research on AD should be stepped up.

Scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) are spearheading the search to find answers that will lead to more understanding of AD. Currently, the NIA is focusing its research to comprehend mechanisms of AD and find more effective treatment. One promising NIA-sponsored research involves the exploration of using anti-oxidant supplementation to prevent cognitive decline.

NIA researchers are also studying the probable positive effects of estrogen on combating AD. Scientists have produced Selective Estrogen-receptor Modulators (SERM) that may be capable of mimicking the ability of estrogen to protect neurons.

Researchers sponsored by the NIA are also exploring the possibilities of developing an anti-Alzheimer’s disease vaccine in the future. AD vaccine experiments involving laboratory mice have yielded positive results but need further refinement.

Aside from the NIA, there are also other institutions and organizations that are conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease. With ample support and funding, scientist will continue to learn more about the nature of Alzheimer’s disease and formulate effective treatment against it.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alzheimer’s Disease. 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/healthybrain/alzheimers.htm.

CDC. National Vital Statistics Reports. Volume 57, Number 14. April 17, 2009. Deaths: Final Data for 2006. 2006. http://www.cdc.gov/NCHS/data/nvsr/nvsr57/nvsr57_14.pdf.

He, Wan, Manisha Sengupta, Victoria, Velkoff A., DeBarros, and Kimberly A. Current Population Reports. 65+ in the United States: 2005. 2005. U.S. Census Bureau. 2005. http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf.

National Institute on Aging (NIA). The Search for AD Prevention Strategies. 2009. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/strategies.htm.

Plassman, B. L., et al. Prevalence of Dementia in the United States: The Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study. Neuroepidemiology. 29 (2007): 125-132.

Posted under: Alzheimer's.

Tags: Alzheimer's

Comments (0)

By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

One of the few diseases that can cause serious disability is arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5% of American adults 18 to 64 years of age are unable to fully perform normal work due to arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the common forms of arthritis that can cause serious disability. Latest studies show that approximately 0.6 percent of Americans have rheumatoid arthritis.

Persons of all ages can be affected with rheumatoid arthritis. Even children can acquire rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, rheumatoid arthritis is far more common in the elderly. At the latest estimates, elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis affects 2% of Americans who are at least 60 years old.

Cause

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system is programmed to send out killer cells to tag and attack foreign entities, such as, bacteria and viruses, once they enter our body. Surrounding human cells are normally left unscathed. But once an autoimmune disease sets in, the immune system becomes overactive and sends out immune cells to attack the body’s own cells.

In rheumatoid arthritis, abnormally aggressive white blood cells attack the soft tissue membrane that lines non-cartilaginous surfaces within the joints. Inflammation in the affected joint then follows.

What exactly causes the immune system to take an abnormal action is not yet known.

Symptoms

The most common sign of rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints. At the onset of the disease, joints become swollen and tender. Affected areas usually acquire redness and are warm to the touch. Pain and stiffness lasting for about half an hour in the morning is normal. Fatigue and occasional fevers may also affect the patient. Compared to osteoarthritis, the pattern of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is always symmetrical. Quite often, the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand are inflamed.

As the disease progresses, muscles, ligaments, and tendons near the affected areas become weak and unable to function normally. Cartilage and bone within the affected joint are usually destroyed by constant inflammation of the synovium.

Treatment

Since little is known regarding the main reason for rheumatoid arthritis, no single treatment has been formulated yet to permanently cure the disease. Current treatments only aim to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain relieving analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, and cortisone therapy are the common treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

As of the moment, scientists are focusing on debunking the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis and discovering effective treatment.

Some researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are conducting genetic studies aimed at understanding genetic factors that renders some people prone to developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, much is yet to be discovered as to why rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in the elderly.

While the exact mechanisms and causes of rheumatoid arthritis are yet to be debunked, some recent developments on rheumatoid arthritis treatment research are very promising.

For instance, it has been demonstrated by researchers at the Northwestern University of Chicago that stem cell therapy can be an effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In the said study, a 52 year old woman recovered from the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis a year after being transplanted with stem cells from her sister.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a seemingly enigmatic and unconquerable disease as of this time. However, the future for those with rheumatoid arthritis, especially the elderly, is not bleak. Dedicated scientists are currently conducting various studies that would surely help alleviate the suffering of millions of elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients in the future.

References:

Burt, Richard K, et al. Induction of Remission of Severe and Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis by Allogeneic Mixed Chimerism. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 50.8 (2004): 2466-2470.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis Related Statistics. 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm.

Helmick, C.G., Felson, D.T., Lawrence, R.C., Gabriel, S., Hirsch, R., Kwoh, C.K., Liang, M.H., Maradit, Kremers, H., Mayes, M.D., Merkel, P.A., Pillemer, S.R., Reveille, J.D., and Stone, J.H. Estimates of the Prevalence of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 58.1 (2008):15-25.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Handout on Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis. 2009.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp.

Rasch E.K., Hirsch R., Paulose-Ram R., and Hochberg M.C. Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Persons 60 Years of Age and Older in the United States: Effect of Different Methods of Case Classification. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 48 (2003): 917-926.

Posted under: Arthritis.

Tags: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Comments (2)

By Khadija Hawkes, Lifestyle Guide Specialist

The skin is your body’s largest organ, with an estimated size of two square yards. Along with the liver, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system, colon, and blood, the skin works to remove built up toxins and waste from your system, maintaining optimal health.

In order for the process to work efficiently, proper care must be taken to ensure that the skin is healthy and uncongested. If the skin is not properly filling its role of eliminating harmful materials, there can be a buildup of uric acid and other harmful elements under the skin. These elements harm the body from the inside often causing gout, loss of skin elasticity, and an increase in blemishes and wrinkles.

Also, the inability of the skin to filter impurities means that other organs of elimination have to work extra hard to fill the void. Over a prolonged period of time, this may overtax those organs, leading to additional health problems. Conversely, if the other organs, such as the kidneys or lymphatic system are malfunctioning, this puts extra pressure on the skin to remove impurities. If you have poor skin health, your skin may not be up to the task. This can been seen in the form of puffy, swollen skin-especially in the face, acne or other skin blemishes, clogged pores, and poor skin color and tone.

The condition of your skin is largely related to your inner health and diet. Adopting a lifestyle and dietary changes that support internal health helps considerably in optimizing the skin’s function and allowing it to appear its best. Some ways to enhance the detoxification capacity of your skin are:

Drinking pure water is one of the best ways to continuously flush your skin and keep the pathways of elimination open. Water cleanses, heals, and refreshes your skin from the inside out. Water is a key ingredient in skin’s beauty and health.

Therapeutic sweating works to open the skin’s pores and freely allow the escape of toxins. Partaking in a steam bath or sauna is an excellent way to cleans and strengthen your skin.

Skin problems are often traced to an issue in the colon. The retention of excess impacted fecal matter pollutes your system and the affects of this can be seen in the skin. Colonic Hydrotherapy, Enemas, or Herbal cleansing agents help to remove old waste you’re your body and considerably brighten dull, blemished, or clogged skin.

If you have been diagnoses with a sluggish elimination system, natural therapies such as juice fasting and increasing the amount of raw foods you consume can help considerably.

By understanding the varied roles of the skin, it is possible to maximize its efficiency and promote a healthy, vital appearance for years to come.

References:

Dr. Ellen Jensen. The Skin:Our Largest Organ of Elimination. (2005) http://corerelease.com/TheSkin.pdf

Charles O’Palmerson. A 2 Z of Health Beauty and Fitness. Detoxification and Your Health: The Body’s 7 Channels of Elimination. (2010). http://health.learninginfo.org/detoxification2.htm

Posted under: Causes of Aging, LifeStyle Guide, Skin.

Comments (0)

By Ryan Acosta, Staff Writer

Last year, the whole world was stunned by the sudden outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus. Governments worldwide imposed quarantines and strict preventive measures to curb possible massive outbreaks. Laboratories rushed to produce vaccines. After vaccines were developed and rolled out of laboratories, hordes of apprehensive people lined up in hospitals and clinics to get swine flu shots.

Humans have a primordial fear of infectious diseases. Indeed, highly contagious diseases like swine flu deserved to be taken seriously. However, there are other diseases that cause far more deaths compared to new infectious diseases like swine flu.

Cancer, for instance, takes about 7.4 million lives per year worldwide, about 13% of all deaths according to the World Health Organization. And the majority of these deaths come from one serious type of cancer: breast cancer.

Incidence of Breast Cancer in the Elderly

Breast cancer is indeed one of the most prevalent forms of cancers in the world. In the US alone, about 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer last 2006. And the majority of these breast cancer patients are elderly women.

Breast cancer may affect young women, but it is more common in the elderly. According to the National Cancer Institute, three out of four women aged 60 years old today may get breast cancer by the time they reach 70. Although the most aggressive forms of breast cancer typically affect younger women, breast cancer is still a very serious disease for the elderly. In fact, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in women 65 years old and above.

Treatment

Elderly women with breast cancer can avail of the same treatment available to younger women. Surgery, irradiation, hormonal therapy and use of chemocytotoxic drugs are still the most common form of breast cancer treatments. Treatment generally varies depending on the patient’s breast cancer stage. Sometimes, two or more forms of treatments are prescribed.

The above treatments, however, are not designed to totally prevent or cure breast cancer in the elderly. As with other forms of cancer, there is not yet a definite cure for breast cancer.

A healthy vegetable-and-fruit-based diet along with regular exercise (two and a half hours of physical activity per week) would help in lowering the risks of developing breast cancer in the elderly. Also, limiting alcohol intake and refraining from smoking tobacco would also help minimizing breast cancer risk, especially for post-menopausal women.

On-going Research

As of the moment, there has been no established cause as to why elderly women are much prone to developing breast cancer.

Much of the research that is being conducted right now regarding the development and progression of cancer (including breast cancer) in older women is focused on discovering cellular and molecular mechanisms. For instance, many researchers are focusing on the relationship between cell senescence and cancer.

Despite the current lack of concrete understanding as to the prevalence of breast cancer among elderly women, researchers around the world are doing their best to know more about the relationship between aging and breast cancer.

Time will certainly come when scientists will find the answer that would possibly lead to developments of more effective breast cancer treatments. Help for countless of elderly women suffering from breast cancer will surely come in the future.

References:

American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Facts and Figures: 2005-2006. 2006. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/stt/caff2005brf.pdf.

Horner MJ, Ries LAG, Krapcho M, Neyman N, Aminou R, Howlader N, Altekruse SF, Feuer EJ, Huang L, Mariotto A, Miller BA, Lewis DR, Eisner MP, Stinchcomb DG, Edwards BK (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2006. National Cancer Institute. 2009. http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2006/results_merged/sect_04_breast.pdf.

Silliman RA, Baeke P. Breast cancer in the Older Woman. In: Balducci L, Ersher WB, Lyman GH. Comprehensive Geriatric Oncology. Amsterdam: Harwood, 1998.

U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute. 2010.  http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

World Health Organization. Media Centre: Cancer. 2009. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en.

Posted under: Cancer.

Tags: Breast Cancer in the Elderly

Comments (0)

By Khadija Hawkes, Lifestyle Guide Specialist

Drinking an adequate amount of water is one of the simplest, yet most underutilized anti-aging skin care techniques. Water is truly the building block of life and a constant infusion of water purifies and feeds cell tissue for optimal skin at any age. To illustrate this point, we must first look at the makeup of the body’s cells.

All cells, including those on the skin are made up of approximately 70% water. Water surrounds and cushions our cells in the form of interstitial fluid. This fluid protects cells, as well as transports waste from normal metabolic processes. This waste is excreted in many ways, including through the skin.

Also found inside of cells in the form of intracellular fluid, water facilitates many chemical processes and helps to support cell structure. Adequate water consumption is paramount for optimal cell and body function. As the body’s largest organ, this holds true for skin as well.

The recommendation to drink eight to ten glasses of water a day is essential, especially for older adults. Water hydrates the skin’s cells and carries nutrients throughout your body to feed various organs. As skin is the largest organ, and one with many functions, it requires a large amount of fluid on a daily basis. Water works to flush your skin of impurities, regulate body temperature, and maintain a fresh, supple appearance.

Many people do not consume enough water and that fact is quite visible. Lack of adequate water consumption is evident in the form of dry, flaky skin, fine lines, and dark circles. Also, as you age, skin becomes thinner. This allows the signs of water loss to become even more visible.

It is also true that as a person ages, the skin produces less sebum-the skin’s natural lubricating oil. Sebum helps to keep the skin soft and supple. Reduced sebum levels lead to increasingly dry skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking water helps to counteract this process by keeping the skin fortified with a steady supply of natural moisture.

In addition, the body is equipped with a keen survival mechanism. If there is a shortage of water, your body will divert available water to organs which are critical to survival. While the skin is important, it takes a back seat to such organs as the heart, lungs, and liver. Over time, consistent redistribution of water from the skin will cause a dried out, leathery, or parchment type appearance. As you age, this can cause increased cracks and fissures in the skin, which may sometimes bleed. This also increases the depth and width of wrinkles. Increasing your water consumption will help to alleviate this problem.

In addition to drinking water, eating fruits and vegetables with a high water concentration will also help you to remain hydrated. Some examples of water rich fruits are watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, cranberries, apples, and apricots. With each fruit listed, more than 80% of its weight is from water. This is a healthy and delicious way to increase your water intake.

Increasing your water intake, as well as eating water rich fruits and vegetables is a low cost, yet effective way to maintain healthy skin. Your diet is extremely important to your overall health and appearance. By consciously increasing the amount of water your drink, you provide your skin with the basic elements of moisture and renewal.

References:

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Water Content of Fruits and Vegetables. (1997). http://www.ca.uky.edu/enri/pubs/enri129.pdf

Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Age-related Changes in Sebaceous Gland Activity. (1979). htttp://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v73/n1/abs/5616250a.html

Advameg. Water. (2010) http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Smi-Z/Water.html