Monday, December 28, 2009

Ways to cheer up a family member undergoing harsh cancer treatment

Ways to cheer up a family member undergoing harsh cancer treatment?
My uncle seems to be always feeling down because he can't be as active as before. He's starting to get neuropathy as one of the side effects of his treatment, and he feels useless at times because he can't help out at home. Any ways to make him feel better?
Cancer - 3 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Just be there as someone he can talk to. In fact, I doubt your uncle wants "cheering up" - he'll probably value someone who will listen to him and allow him to get things off his chest than someone who is artificially cheery all the time. Fact is, he's probably very scared and would just want someone to share that with.
2 :
First let me say that you are a wonderful person and your uncle is lucky to have you in his life. You may want to check with his doctor to see if the doctor to see what limitations if any there may be. You may want to start with small things. Perhaps setting the table for dinner or making the morning coffee. Let your uncle work at his own pace. If he wants to do some limited yard work then let him. The key is to always thank him for his help and remind him everyday how much you love him and how important his life is to you. God Bless You
3 :
You need to let your Uncle know that he's useful for things other than physical. He is probably a great storehouse of stories about your parent and their childhood. When he's feeling up to it ask him to reminisce - tape him. Tell him that you'd like the stories for your grandchildren someday. Ask his help in constructing a family tree. Have him tell you what he remembers about each family member. Ask him for advice or talk out your problems with him. This will make him feel useful and give you a good ear. Make a special date with him to watch a movie. Make it a movie about something relevant to his life - a war movie if he served, a movie with a plot that intersects with some interest of his. Then, after, ask him if he will tell you about his experiences. Read the same book together. Or, listen to it on tape and discuss it. If he's a do-it-your-self-er, get "This Old House" DVDs and watch them with him. Basically, spend time with him and let him know that you value that time. Try to tailor that time so that he's able to feel that he's able to impart wisdom and information so that he feels useful.




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Thursday, December 24, 2009

What is the treatment for thyroid cancer

What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
I have enlarged nodules and am wondering about treatment for thyroid cancer, if in fact I do have cancer. I have enlarged nodules on my left and right side.
Cancer - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
definitive treatment is surgery but if the disease is advanced radio and chemotherapy may also be required
2 :
I have thyroid cancer. Was diagnosed after several fine needle aspirations, core needle biopsy and a surgical biopsy along with an ultrasound and a CT scan. I have a papillary tumor on my right lobe, to treat this I am having a total thyroidectomy , which is a surgery that removes my whole thyroid gland. My cancer has also spread to the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck so i am having a neck dissection to remove it. I am having Radioiodine therapy following my surgeries, and will be kept in isolation for a week after that. This will kill any remaining cells. It's a relatively easy cancer to treat, and barely ever fatal. Hope i helped :)
3 :
You have a 95% chance of NOT having thyroid cancer. The treatment for thyroid cancer varies depending on the type and stage. The most common types of thyroid cancer (Papillary and Follicular) always have a surgical removal of the thyroid and (sometimes) follow up treatment of Radioactive Iodine (I-131) to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. Levothyroxine is needed for life since a total thyroidectomy results in one not being able to produce thyroid stimulating hormone. Try not to worry, good luck with everything! http://thyca.org
4 :
I can't tell you what to do but if I was in your shoes or anyone else's who thought they might have cancer I would NOT let anyone start any conventional cancer treatments on me without first reading or rereading the book, Cancer: Step Outside the Box by Ty Bollinger. PLEASE follow the link here to Yahoo Shopping where you will find additional links to sites selling the book. Follow the first link to one of the most popular shopping sites on the web and read over 300 reviews posted by readers of this book including some who themselves had cancer. Then get the book and read it. Yahoo Shopping with links to the book http://shopping.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=Aupn97xop7UTOutTbdvlVKabvZx4?p=Cancer+step+outside+the+box&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-701



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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Does cancer treatment reduce the life span of Breast Cancer patients

Does cancer treatment reduce the life span of Breast Cancer patients?
I want to know more abount the treatment inrespect to radiation and chemotherapy.
Cancer - 6 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
No, treatment will increase life expectancy. The probability of remission will depend on what stage the cancer is when it is first diagnosed. Talk to your doctor about treatment options and the survival rates of each. It will (temporarily) reduce the quality of life, but that is a small price to pay for years more of life.
2 :
LOL! Did you read your own question? Treating a disease that would otherwise kill you is obviously going to increase your lifespan, silly!
3 :
You have a very contradictory question. The best short answer is that the cancer will kill you long before any Chemo or Radiation treatment. Now for the long answer. Yes both Radiation and Chemo can affect the length of a normal life span. Aside from the normal acute side effects of the treatments (weight change, hair loss,fatigue, others) it can possibly damage some healthy cells and cause problems in the future. The good news is that are improving these treatments and they are less harmful now that they used to be. My wife had breast cancer 25 years ago. She had a radical mastectomy and underwent Radiation and Chemo. The shielding for Radiation was not as good 25 years ago, nor was the actual radiation. They have learned to focus and narrow the Radiation along with better shielding. In my wife's case the radiation damaged her heart. She didn't have any heart desease, but she had a damaged heart. She had her Paracardium removed, one valve replaced and another repaired, along with a double bypass. The doctor described the tissue as though it were leather. In fact it had been partially cooked by the Radiation. While all of that sounds really bad, it wasn't. It saved her life. It allowed her to live another 25 years, help raise out two daughters and get to see all seven of our grandkids born. Yes the treatment did effect her. First it saved her life and provided us with 44 wonderful years together.
4 :
As far as chemo goes it's better than radiation therapy. Once the chemo is over your cell will regenerate and be healthy. But like ttpawpaw said radiation will burn the area that was radiated and it will never be the same. That area is burned for life. I had radiation therapy done 14 years ago and I am doing great. I give GOD the glory for that. With GOD all things are possible. to ttpawpaw God bless you and I am so glad you were able to have the wonderful years you had with your wife.
5 :
Not treating breast cancer guarantees a decrease in life span. In my experience, I have learned that when a breast tumor is determined to be cancer by a biopsy (the ONLY way to prove cancer), then the axillary lymph nodes are removed and biopsied (those nodes are in the armpits). That lymph node biopsy report determines the treatment of choice for the cancer. If the original breast cancer is small, and completely removed, AND all the lymph nodes are clean of cancer, then the oncologist will recommend radiation therapy only of the area where the original cancer was found, to kill whatever cancer may have been left in the breast. If, at any time, there is lymph node involvement, then that means the breast cancer has metastisized, or spread, to other parts of the body. Then more severe treatment of chemotherapy is recommended. The chemo is to try to kill any (let us imagine) loose cancer cells floating around the body, via the lymph tissue. Then radiation is done of the surgery area. Depending on the woman's decision and the recommendation of the oncologist or surgeon, a masectomy (surgical removal of the breast) is called for. Usually radiation is not done. sometimes chemo is still recommended. I have seen breast cancer survivors who have lived 10, 20, 30 and more years, with recommended therapies. Very few with breast cancer diagnosis live beyond 5-10 years, and it is a horrific death. :(
6 :
Not everyone has to go through chemotherapy. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) - essentially breast cancer that started in my milk ducts. My doctor had a test done on my tumor cells when I had my tumor excised when I had my lumpectomy. The test is called the Oncotype Assay DX. This test is done to determine how effective chemotherapy will be in treating the type of cancer that is involved. You can find more information about this testing through this website: http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/default.aspx Long story short - after my oncologist reviewed my test results, it was determinted that if I went through chemotherapy treatment, my cure rate from having chemo would be only 2%. I decided that I would not have chemo as I decided that the detrimetal effects of chemo to my body was not worth a 2% cure rate - especially since it could take anywhere from 18 months to a few years for my body to recover from the chemotherapy drugs. I have a friend that had chemo and she sustained irreversible heart damage as a result of her chemo treatments. After my first surgery, it was also discovered that I had a lot of pre-cancerous cells in my breast tissue - just waiting to grow into more tumors. My oncologist recommended a mastectomy and he cited that if I had that procedure, my cure rate would be 90%. Thankfully, during my surgery, they were able to get clean margins, so I did not need to go through radiation treatments. So, I'm recovering from my surgery and feeling very blessed and lucky. Although I lost my breast, I have my life and I do not have to endure the lasting effects of chemo or radiation therapy. The only thing I need to do (besides having regular check-ups to make sure that my cancer does not recur) is take an oral medication, which is far better than having to go through the other treatments.




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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

How do I find help finding finances to help pay for cancer treatment

How do I find help finding finances to help pay for cancer treatment?
Help with prescription meds
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Contact your local Hospice. They often have money available for those treatments. Also if you have a life insurance policy I have read of companies that buy the policy from you which gives you the money now.
2 :
There are agencies who will help you. Talk to the American Cancer Association or the association related to the type of cancer you have. Most of these will be non-profit agencies and funded by donations of charitable folks who care. Your hospital should be able to give you this information too. The meds must be terribly expensive in the US. I know we pay $20 a pill for the anti nausea drug our son needs.
3 :
Contact the American Cancer Society. They can put you in touch with all kinds of resources.
4 :
Apply for public assistance in your state. They can provide you with a medical card for treatment. Also, your Oncologist has connections with the drug companies and he has samples and/or can help you fill out an application to get your drugs at free or reduced prices. Dont be afraid to ask. The drugs are so outrageously priced they do this all of the time PS I am an Oncology nurse.
5 :
If you go to the American Cancer Society website, they have a lot of links to organizations willing to help pay for treatment. Also, if your doctor agrees and you live close to a big city, there are always clinical trials for new cancer drugs going on. The drugs are usually free, but there's no way to know if you're in the control group of the study or not. Good luck.




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Saturday, December 12, 2009

If NHS is so great in Britian, why does a family have to move to NYC for cancer treatment

If NHS is so great in Britian, why does a family have to move to NYC for cancer treatment?
And liberals want us to have that stuff here, get a grip. In a desperate bid to save their son's life, two Scotland Yard detectives have moved their family from London to New York to take advantage of the city's pioneering cancer treatments. Jack Brown, 5, was given a 20% chance of survival by doctors in England after being diagnosed in 2004 with neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks specialized nerve cells. Sloppy, it's not cleaner, just cheaper. And many of those going to india and china comeback worse than when they left.
Other - Politics & Government - 5 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If medical care is so great in the US, why are more and more Americans going to India and Asia for surgeries? Could it be that the hospitals are better staffed, cleaner with less chance of infection, and much less expensive than in the US?
2 :
The NHS is being run down by this, and previous governments, because of the huge financial costs, the politicians of this country all have private medical care, so they do not care about the likes of us, the ordinary tax payers.
3 :
maybe because the treatment (at the time )may only be available here in the states. (doctors location, also factor in .) I would move in a heartbeat If I only want the best possible care for my child. Jack will be in my prayers.
4 :
I'm guessing that about 0.2% of the human population has neuroblastoma. And I'm guessing that, for this reason, even at the U.S. hospital, the son is still going to have only a 20% chance of survival. It's just that the two detectives are going to pay about 700 grand more to drag out the kid's life for another two years. Anyway, the U.S. does have some cutting-edge medical research going on, but so do many European universities. And it seems from the astronomical average lifespans of Japanese citizens that their health care isn't so bad, either.
5 :
if you look at the figures on this site you will notice even though the US health system is the best funded you are pretty far down the list for the overall health and mortality rates and the countries above you mostly have socialised health systems. http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_hea_lif_exp_at_bir_yea_tot_pop-expectancy-birth-years-total-population http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_lif_exp_hea_yea-health-life-expectancy-healthy-year the medical treatment in the US is excellent for 70% of your population but for the 30% who cannot afford treatment and do not have insurance, it does little more than patch them up and let them die painlessly. if you wanted a heart transplant in the 1960s you would have to go to south africa for it, because they were doing the pioneering work. if you have a degenerative brain disease, like parkinsons or alzheimer's you would be better off coming to the UK as they are doing the cutting edge research on that in th UK. the family has gone to new york because the pioneering work on that specific condition is being done there, and they could afford the treatment. i'll bet there are many children in the US suffering from the same complaint but they will die because their families cannot pay for the treatment. the health system in the UK is free at the point of delivery and you will get the best treatment regardless of your ability to pay. that is why the UK has a better record for the population as a whole. whereas, medical excellence in the US is resticted to those who can afford it. it is worth reading this blog, the treatment this woman got for her child would have bankrupted many people in the US. http://www.gallaghertriplets.co.uk/lukes_pages/lukesdiary.htm



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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

What does treatment for prostate cancer consist of, and does it affect a male's ability to have sex

What does treatment for prostate cancer consist of, and does it affect a male's ability to have sex?
A very close friend of ours has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (it really *isn't* my partner or me!) and we were wondering what his treatment options might be. If the prostate gland is removed, does that eliminate the ability to have sex? Probably best to have an older person answer this: it's pretty obvious by the question that this is going to be completely out of the realm of experience for most of the teenagers.
Men's Health - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It can, but new surgical techniques have reduced the risk. I was diagnosed with it about a year ago, but a second opinion from Johns-Hopkins said no. At least not yet. Anyhow, there are a number of different treatments that depend on the age of the patient and the stage of the disease. At my age, 50, and the very early preliminary diagnosis, removal was recommended. There is a new procedure called the da Vinci procedure that is minimally invasive and less likely to lead to the nerve damage that causes impotence. However, it is still a risk, as well as a risk of urinary incontinence. And even if you are not impotent, your orgasms will be dry - seminal fluid is produced by the prostate. There are also other procedures, such as implanting radioactive 'seeds' into the prostate. It is my understanding that the risk of impotence from that or any other radiation procedure is higher than da Vinci surgery, but less than with traditional surgery. Chemo and broader irradiation can be recommended in more advanced cases. My brother had the daVinci procedure, and he is able to have sex. He uses a penile constriction band to maintain an erection; I don't know whether he had any ED problems before. He is able to have orgasms, but as I said, they are dry. Sometimes, again depending on the age,the stage, and how aggressive the cancer, they will recommend leaving it alone. Don't bank on that, though. Here's a link with info on the daVinci procedure. Tell your friend my thoughts and prayers are with him. I know how scary this is. I have to have regular biopsies to keep track of mine, and every time I go through hell waiting for the results. http://www.davinciprostatectomy.com/davinci_prostatectomy/index.aspx If you Google 'prostate cancer stories' there are lots of personal stories on the web.



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Friday, December 4, 2009

medicine is stagnating in cancer treatment and research

medicine is stagnating in cancer treatment and research?
If you ask the typical layperson, he or she will say that medicine is doing wonders today in cancer treatment and research but the FDA published a 'panic bulletin' in 2008 noting that the number of new drug approval requests had declined for the first time since the approval process was established, and the typical patent attorney will tell you that the drug patenting laws are now inappropriate because they were designed to protect major therapeutic breakthroughs which are no longer happening. The death rates for many forms of cancer have not improved significantly for decades at all.Well in short, medicine is stagnating, but the public is being told the opposite with cancer treatment and research.The cancer foundation and all non profit ,public and private sectors are getting whopping money that is outrageous for cancer treatment and research !!With little to no improvements at alll in the past 20 to 25 years. What is going on?
Cancer - 4 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
When you get cancer, you better hope a dr has a kind enough heart to give you the stagnant treatments that will save your life. Post something intellectual or go somewhere else. You didnt even bother to cite your sources, as Im sure you read that garbage somewhere online...
2 :
That's just not the case. Recent medical developments such as SirSpheres and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy, drugs such as Afinitor, Sunitinib, Gleevec mean many neuroendocrine carcinoma patients are living for decades now when twenty years ago their median survival time from diagnosis was measured in months. This is the case with regard to my rare cancer, which you could argue has a relatively small amount of research dollars invested.
3 :
It's pretty obvious from your question that you are a typical layperson who does not know anything about current cancer treatment, current research and you probably have never met a cancer patient in your life. Typically you have not given even one shred of documented evidence to support your opinion. This is pretty much an opinion or worse a political rant.
4 :
All true, but cancer is BIG business, so why kill the goose that lays the golden egg? There are two cancer treatments with high success rates, each based on a simple diet - find them on the net: 1. Gerson diet; fruit and fruit drinks: http://gerson.org/ 2. Johanna Budwig diet; cottage cheese and flaxseed oil (linseed oil). Also, there are herbal teas specifically for specific cancers listed in Maria Treben's book, " Health Through God's Pharmacy ." Using Maria Treben's herbal teas a friend cured himself of leukemia (cancer of the blood) and I cured myself of stomach cancer. I was supposed to stop drinking, but I didn't, though the tea did cut out much of the desire for alcohol.




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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

should chemotherapy be the answer to every treatment of cancer

should chemotherapy be the answer to every treatment of cancer?
why should we have to use chemotherapy all the time to treat cancer? sometimes patients don't survive from the treatment of chemo.
Women's Health - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
http://myweb2.search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-frz&p=cancer%20treatment%20alternatives
2 :
Chemotherapy is not always used to treat cancer. It depends on the cancer you have and where it is. Sometimes surgery and radiation together are more then sufficient to irradiate the disease. A common myth about chemo is that you'll always lose your hair or be nauseated the whole time - but its not true in all cases. The best thing is to ask your doctor why you're on the chemo, what the side effects are, and has it been proven to help with the cancer that you have. Be an informed consumer and don't always assume the doctor has all the right answers.



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Saturday, November 28, 2009

What is a rough estimate of cancer treatment cost in 1 year in california

What is a rough estimate of cancer treatment cost in 1 year in california?

 
Cancer - 2 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I cant give you for California but I can give you for GA-- Each chemo treatment of mine ran roughly 124,000 per treatment I had 8. Each radiation treatment ran $3300 I had 33. That doesn't count the surgeries the follow up appointments and the expensive shot that I had to get after every chemo treatment and the shot was between 5500-6800. I had 8 of those. Those if you add up everything it was well over 1 million. for my cancer treatment. Thank goodness my husband is in the Army because they covered it all.
2 :
I'm a Californian and have had cancer but it depends on the kind of cancer and the treatment program involved. Someone with Stage 1 breast cancer is going to have significantly different costs than someone with Stage 3 colon cancer. My next door neighbor had stage 1 cervical cancer. All she needed was a hysterectomy - total cost - about $20,000. My stage 2/3 breast cancer ran about $100,000 this year.




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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

What is the name of the cancer treatment center out west that takes hopless caes and turns them around

What is the name of the cancer treatment center out west that takes hopless caes and turns them around?
I think it is in Arizona or Nevada? Correction: Hopless cases I'll get it right this time...lol Hopeless cases
Cancer - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Heaven.. Geez Denise, they just don't get us lol...
2 :
You may be thinking of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I know they have locations all across the US and I'm pretty sure they have one in AZ. Check out their website: www.cancercenter.com Good Luck! I hope this is what you were looking for!! ***P.S.- The question didn't ask for opinions on whether or not you believe it's possible to turn around "hopeless cases" of cancer. The question simply asked for the name of the place that claims to do this.***
3 :
That would be Fantasy Land located in Disneyland in Anaheim California. There is no such thing as turning around hopeless cases anywhere in the world.
4 :
No such thing, just misleading advertising to get your money.
5 :
Cancer Treatment Center of America runs several ads on tv saying they do that. One of their hospitals is in Phoenix. Stay away from Interferon therapy. It almost killed my wife.
6 :
Go to almost any naturopathic physician and read a lot of books on the subject per my other answer to this question.




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Friday, November 20, 2009

Why is chemo used first for cancer treatment these days

Why is chemo used first for cancer treatment these days?
My mom has had breast cancer 4 times and has never had to go thru chemo. I'm sure it's just the god-awful Florida Medical Profession. If I ever get cancer, I'm heading straight for Sloane Kettering Memorial in Manhattan NY
Cancer - 5 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Chemo is not always used first for cancer treatment these days. There are many other forms of treatment that can be used too such as radiotherapy, monoclonal antibody treatment, hormone treatment and other biological treatments. All the best
2 :
Chemo is one treatment option for cancer. Depending on the pathology report, scans and laboratory results, the team of physicians will develop a plan that will give the best outcome. Some cancers respond better to radiation, some to surgery and some to chemo or a combination. Some patients have other health issues and may not be a candidate for chemo.
3 :
It's not. It really depends on how much of it there is at the time of surgery. Sometimes even surgery isn't needed; the patient gets radiotherapy, or takes chemo in the form of pills. It's normally used on aggressive cancers, or cancer in late stages. In late stages, there are usually more than one place the tumors are at.
4 :
chemo in most cases are used to weaken the tumor so that radiation will be most effective. In breast cancer, if the tumor has not invaded outside the membrane..no chemo or radiotion has to be used.
5 :
I think I might be able to answer this question in people terms. Ok cancer is cells that have gone off track and multiply at a high speed. Taking over the area or system that it is attacking. Chemo kills the bad cells as well as the good cells. Than they have to rebuild your good cells and the amune system is dammaged by the chemo. After chemo they then use radiation to finish killing the bad cells in limited areas. Where it they use just radiation the bad cells are harder to kill. I learned this the hard way after surgery I got a bug in a blood transfusion during surgery that was not able to be killed by antibiotics. So since I had to have chemo any way I asked if the chemo drugs would kill the bad cells in my blood as well as the good cells. The imunologest said it would but that it was dangerous I felt I had nothing to loose If I did nothing I would die. So they started me on cytoxin first and it killed the bad cells that were about to kill me as well as 9 other guys. Who came home from cleaning up after Sadams chymicals and they had all got sick and they had tryed all antibiotics two had already died from the bug. Any way it worked so they used it on the rest and they made it. So Killing the bad cells is very important to fight cancer and some typs of chemical poisining. Some times they use pill forms of chemo as well as the Iv types. Usually they use tomixifin pills after lumpectomys for 5 years.




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Monday, November 16, 2009

Side effects of anal cancer treatment

Side effects of anal cancer treatment?
I'm just wondering what the side effects and recovery time of treatment for anal cancer are. As best I've determined I think it's a surgical procedure. I'm right in an important time in my golf career so I need to know how this is going to affect me.
Cancer - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
This is something your doctors will be gaining over with you soon, but you will need to take some time off. Usually patients with anal cancer have chemo and radiation before and after surgery and this could take 6-9 months.



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Thursday, November 12, 2009

When was the first cancer treatment discovered using "modern" medicine

When was the first cancer treatment discovered using "modern" medicine?
Modern in this sense means from 1850 to the present.
Other - Health - 1 Answers
 


Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well, the most common treatements for cancer are Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. Surgery has been around basically FOREVER, so I'm assuming that's not a "modern" method. I would say that it's when Marie and Pierre Curie discovered Radiation at the end of the 19th century. This was the first effective non-surgical cancer treatment. Chemotherapy didn't begin until the 1940s.



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Sunday, November 8, 2009

An approach to skin cancer treatment would involve surgery in addition to what

An approach to skin cancer treatment would involve surgery in addition to what?
Possible answers: A. Chemotherapy. B. Tropical corticosteroids. C. Oral antibiotics. D. Anti-melanin medications.
Cancer - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
just went through this back in may.had a mole on my forehead which was simply cut off.the next step was mohs treatment.which means they keep digging/cutting till the cancer cells are no longer visible under the microscope as the doc keeps slicing.the return rate is scary.I went on the net and researched other alternatives.the best I found was bec5 curaderm made in Australia,this a cream that you use on the sore.my problem was gone in 4 wks and I did not have to endure some doc digging into my forehead.no plastic surgery to repair the hole .you can buy bec5 curaderm at http://antiaging-systems.com the cost is $139.90 .it is enough to treat a large mole type growth.by the way it is not available in the USA,thank the dermatologists and the fda.the supplier is in england and reliable.




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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

My friend is going into hospital next week for breast cancer treatment. What can I do to help.

My friend is going into hospital next week for breast cancer treatment. What can I do to help.?
I'd really like to make up a wee goody bag to give her to take in to hospital. If anyone has been through this or just has any good ideas - what kind of things could I put in it?
Cancer - 8 Answers


Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the best support you can give is be there as a friend and what you put in the goody bag that is nice but more important she needs you as a friend to encourage her and be there...and listen if she wants to talk about her fears and if she doesn't want to talk about this and want you to talk to her about normal everyday stuff... and give her a laugh.. if she wants that .. then talk about the things you used to chat about before she got cancer and drop the subject of cancer but if she want to talk then listen...That is the best help you can give her. your friendship...and knowing you are her friend now just as much as before the diagnosis.. that it does not make a difference to your friendship ...xxx
2 :
Vera is right. Most importantly be a friend. As far as a goody bag, Get things that will keep her mind entertained since hospitals are boring. Books, magazines, DVDs if the room has a player (call the hospital and ask).
3 :
i know this isnt what you asked for but please take this into consideration..... theres this stuff called ' immunocal' it is amazing. we've had a friend thathad five months to live. he had cancer everywhere. he was 22 and at the prime of his life when this happened. he lost his hair and looked sickly...until he was put on immunocal. that was two years ago. he is now living healthier than ever...like he should be. its made from an all natural whey protein...giving the same effect as mothers milk i believe. honestly, i have no idea how it works. i just know that if i ever begin to have trouble with cancer...which i will considering all my family so far has died of cancer...i will use this. just please tell your friend about it...it would be great for her just to have it after her surgery. look it up..i dont sell it and im not trying to sell this to you...but its worth looking into!
4 :
I agree with Vera and the originalquestmaker.(I think I got that name right) Support is the best thing. I know this may sound silly, but if you really have your heart set on a "goodie bag," maybe you could give her a coupon book that you would have to make. Put coupons in there with inspirational things or little things you can do for her such as "free help with housekeeping." Another idea....dove chocolate wrappers have inspirational sayings on the inside. Of course, give her the chocolate too. Its always kind of fun to read them. If your friend is going to get chemo, she will probably be losing hair. Maybe a "dew rag" or some other form of cap to keep her head warm. I hear these are huge when a cancer patient loses their hair. She may also become weak, so maybe offers to cook, clean, do daily chores, or whatever other things she may need would be a good idea to offer. Good luck. Hope things turn out well.
5 :
I've had two close friends who had breast cancer and underwent surgery,chemo and radiation. They don't know each other, but they both said the same thing: of all the things that people did, said, or gave them to help get through it, what helped the most was one book: Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul: Stories to Inspire, Support and Heal . I'll say a prayer for your friend, and bless you for wanting to help her. http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Breast-Cancer-Survivors/dp/0757305210
6 :
chapstick, hydrating lotion, face moisturizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, warm hats or scarves, nail polish, snacks... You can also bring her some home cooked meals or throw her a "scarf & hat shower" if she is going to lose her hair... Its a great way for others to show their support and its actually really fun!
7 :
There's some really good suggestions on things you can do for friends that have cancer on http://www.cancer-roadmap.com/gifts-for-cancer-patients.html.
8 :
When a close friend is diagnosed with cancer, you may be confused, scared, sad, angry, or everything in between. It is normal to feel unsure about how to behave around your friend, but these tips will help you overcome your uncertainty and feel more comfortable as you help your friend deal with his or her illness. Step1 Let your relationship be your guide. You know what kind of relationship you have with your friend, and what he or she responds to. Step2 Accept whatever emotions your friend may display. He or she may be angry, sad, scared, and anything in between. Don't take it personally: he or she is not angry at you, just at the situation. Make sure your friend understands that you don't blame him/her for those emotions, and that you understand that they are not directed at you personally. Step3 Unless you personally have had cancer, it may be best to avoid saying "I know what you're going through". Instead, say "I can only imagine how you feel". Step4 Don't underestimate the value of the small things. Just knowing that you are there to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on can mean all the difference. Don't think that you're not doing enough just by being there. Step5 Don't force your friend to talk about it, but make sure he or she knows that you're available if they do want to talk. Don't shut yourself out for fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to say. Sometimes all it takes is a person to listen. Step6 Don't avoid the elephant in the room, but don't make it the central focus of every conversation. A simple "how are you feeling today?" or "is there anything I can do for you?" can let your friend know that you care and acknowledge his or her illness. Some people feel awkward bringing it up, but unless your friend has adamantly stated that they don't want to talk about it, a simple gesture can make sure your friend doesn't feel like you're avoiding the situation. Step7 Stay in touch as often as is reasonable and possible. Even if you don't talk about your friend's illness, staying in touch will make sure that your friend doesn't feel like you're avoiding him or her because of the illness. Step8 Try to keep things as normal as possible. If your friend is healthy enough and is willing to do so, go out and do the things that you did before. Step9 If the clinic allows it, offer to go along with your friend to his or her chemotherapy session. Chemotherapy can be scary, and having a hand to hold can be helpful. Step10 While you should stay in touch and try to help, don't overstep your boundaries. Try to be careful not to overshadow a spouse or other close relative. This is where letting your relationship with your friend guide you is helpful. Step11 Be open with your emotions and take care of yourself, too. If you're scared or mad, talk about it with someone. Step12 If you know someone else who has gone through cancer, consider inviting him/her to meet your friend to talk about their experience.




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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Can i claim for travel costs to and from my cancer treatment

Can i claim for travel costs to and from my cancer treatment?
i have got to have radiotheropy every day for 38 sessions in london can i claim back the rail costs .
Cancer - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
AWWW im really sorry to hear what type is it xxx
2 :
if you are of low income( in receipt of certain benefits) you can claim it back by filling in a form called HC5 which is downloadable form the nhs website.proof of travel costs will also need to be supplied. you can follow this link http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Travelcosts.aspx if you dont qualify this way, ask your specialist nurse to complete a macmillan grant form(means tested) for a payment of up to 500 pounds, die to you having to travel to obtain cancer treatment.
3 :
Not relevant to you, but to keep people informed of general practices elsewhere, here in Australia you can claim assistance if you need to travel more than 200km a day or 500km a week. Round trip for my treatments was about 150km, so I couldn't claim for checkups or chemo, but could for my radiation.



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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I have damage in the lower intestines/colon from radiation cancer treatment 5 years ago. Any help

I have damage in the lower intestines/colon from radiation cancer treatment 5 years ago. Any help?
I would appreciate any help. Hoping for others who have had the same problem tell me what helped them or anyone with any ideas. Alternative treatments would be greatly appreciated but would consider others. Thanks. The details are that I need to have bowel movements several times a day and may not have good digestion (therefore, the supplements I take may not be working as well as they should be.). Which also causes raw tissue from excessive wiping. Sorry if this is too explicit. I have radiation colitis.
Cancer - 2 Answers


Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
what about homeopathic treatment
2 :
I'm not sure what kind of damage you're talking about, but you may have heard of Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, MD and his WaterCure protocol which applies to a wide range of health conditions, cancer being among them. Here are some links on WaterCure: http://www.grandtimes.com/Water_Cure.html http://www.watercure2.org/ http://www.watercure.com/ A link to Dr. B's book that hugely deals with cancer in particular: http://www.watercure.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10 Some cancer testimonials: http://www.watercure2.org/cancer.htm You may also want to visit Dr. Lorraine Day's, MD website at http://www.drday.com Dr. Day is a renowned medical pro who successfully battled terminal stage breast cancer with natural means. You can contact her directly through this site. Hope this helps somehow.



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Saturday, October 24, 2009

How can someone visiting US get funds for breast cancer treatment

How can someone visiting US get funds for breast cancer treatment?
Hi, My mother is visitng USA and noticed a lump in one breast. She does not have any insurance. I am looking for any financial, funding or insurance related help that I can get to pursue her diagnosis here. Kindly post your suggestions to my question and I will greatly appriciate it.
Cancer - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
First of all a prayer to your mom and her family. A very informative website,http://www.breastcancer.org/, and also try Avon (yes the perfume and makeup gurus). They may have a grant that she qualifies for. There are many out there if you are willing to do the work in looking for them.
2 :
Applying




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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What alkaline earth metal is used for cancer treatment

What alkaline earth metal is used for cancer treatment?
Because of it s radioactivity?
Chemistry - 3 Answers


Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
radium (Ra), and wen first discovered, compounds of the metal were used on watch dials for self-luminescence and in early cancer therapy. radium is a source of radioactive rays traditionally used in cancer treatment, though other radioactive isotopes are now more commonly used. A radioactive isotope of strontium, strontium-90, is a component of nuclear fallout. (trust me this is the right answer search it on google or just click the link, hate me 4ever if im wrong, but im pretty sure im write) hope this helps :)
2 :
battery operated microwaves
3 :
Strontium here are its isotopes used for cancer treatment 89Sr is the active ingredient in Metastron, a radiopharmaceutical used for bone pain secondary to metastatic prostate cancer. The strontium acts like calcium and is preferentially incorporated into bone at sites of increased osteogenesis. This localization focuses the radiation exposure on the cancerous lesion. 90Sr is also used in cancer therapy. Its beta emission and long half-life is ideal for superficial radiotherapy. The human body absorbs strontium as if it were calcium. Due to the elements being sufficiently similar chemically, the stable forms of strontium do not pose a significant health threat, but the radioactive 90Sr can lead to various bone disorders and diseases, including bone cancer. The strontium unit is used in measuring radioactivity from absorbed 90Sr. An innovative drug made by combining strontium with ranelic acid has aided in bone growth, boosted bone density and lessened vertebral, peripheral and hip fractures.[4] [5] Women receiving the drug showed a 12.7% increase in bone density. Women receiving a placebo had a 1.6% decrease. Half the increase in bone density (measured by x-ray densitometry) is attributed to the higher atomic weight of Sr compared with calcium, whereas the other half a true increase in bone mass. It means that strontium ranelate creates new, stronger bone. Strontium ranelate (marketed under the trade names Protelos, Osseor, Protos, Bivalos, Protaxos, Ossum) is registered for treatment of osteoporosis in many countries all over the world. Strontium ranelate has been shown to strengthen bones, according presentations given the IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis, in June of 2006. It also reduced bone resorbtion. Strontium ranelate is registered as a prescription drug in Europe and many countries worldwide. It needs to be prescribed by a doctor, delivered by a pharmacist and requires a strict medical supervision. Currently, (early 2007) it is not available in Canada or the United States. Several other salts of strontium such as strontium citrate or strontium carbonate are often presented as natural therapies and sold at a dose that is several hundred times higher than the usual strontium intake. Despite the lack of strontium deficit referenced in the medical literature and the lack of information about possible toxicity of strontium supplementation, such compounds can still be sold in the United States under the Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1994. However, their long-term safety and efficacy have never been evaluated on humans using large-scale medical trials. Such compounds should not be administered to humans before further studies are conducted.




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Friday, October 16, 2009

How long after cancer treatment can you drink alcohol

How long after cancer treatment can you drink alcohol?
Im a teen who just finished his last chemo for his leukimia. I know the chemo does damage to your kidny i think? and i was wondering when i could start to drink without any damge to my kidney
Infectious Diseases - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
avoid drinking alcohol
2 :
you should not drink, probably ever again because i am sure you know the risks of a relapse, and alcohol does damage to not only you kidney, but mainly your liver, brain, and heart. it also depletes your immune system making opportunistic infections very plausible. if you are a teen you should not be drinking any ways because it is illegal. lastly drinking alcohol will eventually damage your kidneys and liver no matter how healthy you are.



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Monday, October 12, 2009

Admission in your hospital for cancer treatment

Admission in your hospital for cancer treatment?
My relative is suffering from Cancer Lx Phx (Rt.) and he is needed operation. I like to sent him in your hospital for necessary treatment and, if required, operation.
Cancer - 3 Answers


Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
uhmm,,ok Sands Hospital Tampa Fl.
2 :
what hospital do you want to send him?
3 :
you need to get on the internet and reascearch the place where you wont him to have all of this done them find a doctor to take him to in tennessee the doctors are in nashville that do the cancer work thats where my husband goes




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Thursday, October 8, 2009

What's the best way to quit smoking right before/during cancer treatment

What's the best way to quit smoking right before/during cancer treatment?
I was recently diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma and sometime in the near future I'll be meeting with an oncologist and starting treatment. I want to quit smoking to help my situation, but I don't know the best way to go about it. Quitting cold turkey would obviously be a good idea, but I honestly don't think I'm capable of doing that. I've used patches successfully before, but it took a matter of months to quit that way. I'm not very familiar with nicotine gum, prescription stop-smoking aids, or anything else that may be out there. I'd like to quit a.s.a.p. to avoid becoming sicker during treatment. I'm also concerned about interactions between a stop-smoking aid and chemo/radiation therapy, if my method of quitting did need to take place while I was being treated. Any suggestions or info would mean a lot...
Cancer - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Chantix worked well for me, but check about interactions. Your doctor will know if you can take it along with chemo. I quit after a week on them, and haven't had one since. Best of luck to you with your treatment, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4b Hodgkins 1 1/2 years ago, and has been in remission after 6 months of treatments.
2 :
Sorry to hear your bad news Start believing in your self. What ever you believe about your self you are right If you believe you cant, you cant but start believing you can and just do it. I believed I cant so I could not, and then I decided my live is worth more than smoking. I start believing I can, and I stopped 5 months ago. And no, its not easy. But every time I want one I think of how valuable I am and all those people around me. And I tell my self every day if I take on Drag I will need to stop smoking all over again and that means I will just end up going throe every thing again. My 1st day went something like this, If I can do one hour I can do 2. 1 day I can do 2 now I'm on I can do 5Months I can do 10 Snack food that I enjoy helps a lot, stay busy, don't worry about picking up wait. Its easier to lose that extra pounds than get your life back. All my luck and best wishes to you. I'm not going to lie to you...It is a hard road
3 :
Ask the oncologist office what they would suggest..here are some links on Hodgkins and some books for info...Stay AHEAD of any nausea with the anti-nausea pills (if given to you). Once you are nauseous, you won't even want to look at a pill. Adult Hodgkins http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_Hodgkins_disease_20.asp http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?rnav=cridg&dt=20 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkinslymphoma http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7085 http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=8312 http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkinslymphoma 3 books on disease symptoms and treatments you could also get these books on ebay or amazon or a half price book store. (last two are very similar).. 1.Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 2.Handbook of Diseases (Lippencott) 3.Professional Guide to Diseases (Springhouse)
4 :
Chantix worked amazingly well for me. I quit before my quit date. I really believe it to be a miracle drug. Of course, check with your doctors for interactions first. You may want to try it even if you can only take it for a short time. It's recommended that it be taken for 3 months. This could interfere with your upcoming procedures and medication. If that's the case, see if you can take it for one month. If you can't use this, my second best recommendation is the patch. It will eliminate most of the physical cravings, although not much for the mental part. It will work if you really want to quit. Best wishes with your treatments. Always talk to your doctor first, before trying anything, even the OTC stop smoking aids.
5 :
I wish you the best of luck with you treatments!! I think kicking the habit will be a wise decision for you in the end!! I was a smoker of 20+ years and a health care provider. I tried quiting a few times, just to find myself at the mercy of Virginia Slims.... After a price hike was approved here in Colorado I decided I wanted the money more than the cigs, so I contacted my doctor who prescirbed Nicotrol Inhaler for me. It is an inhaler loaded with nicotine (not all the chemicals that are put into the tobacco to keep you addicted). Everytime I had a craving I took a puff off of the inhaler and the craving was gone. I have been cigarette free for almost three years now!! Good luck!!!



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Sunday, October 4, 2009

In the USA do you have to pay for your cancer treatment

In the USA do you have to pay for your cancer treatment?
I'm from the UK and our NHS provides treatment through the payment of taxes, I was just wondering if you guys had to pay, and how your system worked? Excuse my ignorance, I'm 16 and want to learn about these kind of things.
Cancer - 7 Answers
 

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Yes :(
2 :
yes , yes you do . I know EXACTLY how you feel ! i'm from Canada ~still living there~ , and everyday , i wonder what kind of cruel,evil people out there would make you pay for something you might die for . Like seriously , how do hey pay for it if they have cancer ? What if they are poor ? And can't afford to pay for these kind's of treatment . It's very sad thinking how people arre like this . Dont YOU think ? and when i grow up , i will do something to stop this ! I will try and try , until it would be free ! all over the world . ^.^ . just like XxX- Martin L. King did !-XxX blue bird: Yeah , you are right , i will start a campaign at my school for this . something so little , could turn out to be soo big! thank youu !
3 :
That is why Pres. Obama just got a health bill passed requiring all americans to buy health ins. If they cant afford it the government will buy it for them like it already does through Medicaid/medicare. If you have no money in the US and are out of work the government will provide very good basic medical coverage called Medicaid.
4 :
2ND ANSWER I COMPLETLY AGREE . WHY WAIT WHEN U GROW UP DO SOMETHING NOW
5 :
You're not ignorant,you just didn't know. You better believe we have to pay for it! If you have a steady job ,working hard to make a living you pay for everything. If you're from other countries you have it made,come to the usa,work,send money back home.I had a man tell me once he came here and is working,and he is ten yrs younger than myself.When he retires he can go back where he is from and live like a king.Luckily, I had a cancer policy which paid for my chemo but I had to pay other bills.
6 :
The majority of people in the US have health insurance provided through large group plans at their place of employment. Employers offer workers 'benefits' to come work for them which includes different types of health care packages, bonuses, and/or retirement funds. It is just a small minority of people . . mostly those who for different reasons are not employed. When you are unemployed, self employed, or employed by a company that does not offer health insurance benefits than most people can not afford to pay for their own private health insurance. These are the people you hear about in the news . . the ones who fall through the health care cracks . . they can't afford health insurance (which can be around $500 a month or more). There are programs in the Federal gov and State gov that will cover the low income patient . .but there is nothing to help out the self employed or person with a modest income but no health insurance. These people must pay full price for their medical care. Most of them will not buy health insurance because it is too expensive and as long as they don't get sick or get in an accident than they are fine . . it is when they get a major disease like cancer or break bones or need critical medical care that there is a real problem with 'paying for their health care'. Those are the people the US needs to find an affordable plan for (an example would be my oldest son who graduated from college, was hired by a company before he left school but would not start work for four months . . he was no longer covered under our families health insurance because he was too 'old' and he had no health insurance coverage until he actually started to work. So he went without health insurance for that period of time. But what can happen is that those people who do graduate from college and cannot find a job . . do not qualify for low income and cannot find affordable health insurance either. But once they get a job they are usually covered. So . . what you need to know is that the overwhelming majority of people in the US are covered under health insurance. Their health insurance pays in many cases up to 100 percent of their health care costs for any major medical crisis and/or pharmacy . . it also pays for routine eye and dental care in some policies. There are wide ranges of offerings depending on the employer. The very poor people are covered under Federal medical programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. And children and the elderly are also routinely covered under these programs. The people who are not covered at all tend to be the unemployed, the self employed (fisherman, loggers, independent laborers) and/or people employed by small businesses who can not provide adequate health insurance benefits. As an example, we have family medical insurance coverage under my employer . . my son had cancer. His entire medical care was completely covered by our insurance (they were a pain to deal with but they paid every rotten dime) . . his bills totaled over a million dollars and we probably paid less than a few hundred for what is referred to as 'co-pay' and 'deductibles'.
7 :
No unless you are poor then you get everything for free. As a women you should look into the susan komen fund. They are a $5.5 billion dollar charity dedicating to raising 'awareness.' Im thinking with all that money they should help with your cancer treatment instead of setting up little jogs in the park for fat women to do.




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Thursday, October 1, 2009

What is the cost of breast cancer treatment in the United States

What is the cost of breast cancer treatment in the United States?
I am specifically looking for current per patient data.
Cancer - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
From http://www.businessgrouphealth.org/healthtopics/breast_cancer.cfm * Breast cancer treatment costs nearly $7 billion a year in the United States. * Almost $2 billion is spent on late-stage breast cancer treatment. When the cancer is found in the early stage, treatment is much less costly. Also http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119414384/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 But if you want per patient information, that depends entirely on the stage and the treatment. Some women with very early stage disease require only lumpectomy with no radiation or chemotherapy. But for advanced disease, we can spend an absolute fortune fighting a breast cancer in one person with all of the new treatments available. Some patients have even gone for bone marrow transplantation to allow for more aggressive chemotherapy. It will also vary in different parts of the country - since you are asking about the USA. It could vary from $10,000 to $500,000 or more. If you just want a very rough guess - take $7 billion and divide by the expected cases of breast cancer in 2009 which is 194,280 by ACS data. That comes to $36,000 per person with a breast cancer diagnosis. About half of these 194,280 are early stage disease.
2 :
Medical care is not dispensed on a bid basis - there are no quotes. You could type the request in your search line. I found this: http://www.ehow.com/way_5481021_cost-breast-cancer-treatment-insurance.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art




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