New Cancer Guidelines Cervical Cancer (Part II)

Almost everyone is afraid of hearing that they have cancer. Trusting that the cancer specialists and medical experts are on top of their field and unfortunately, the latest proposed/suggested guidelines are not helping much in the trust department. When it comes to cancer, no one wants to see a set back - especially when for years there are campaigns, fundraisers, walks, runs, documentaries with titles such as War Against Cancer! Stand Up to Cancer, Live Strong, etc., only to be told just days apart that the two leading cancers that causes death in women are now being revised to prolong screenings. Women are furious, concerned and afraid of how these new guidelines will affect their lives. The progress in breast cancer has seen an increase in survivors now the fear looms that this will be a major setback. Not to mention that cervical cancer is not easily detected as it is usually found when it has advanced and it has spread. Successful treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, the patients age among other factors.

Cervical Cancer is found in tissues of the cervix. It is often found through Pap Tests. Abnormal cells will be examined, then it will be determined if it is positive for cancer. Therefore, these tests are very important. There are new methods and promising drugs to help prevent and also to treat cervical cancer. The HPV (Human Papimollarvirus) vaccine is quite heavily promoted to teens and young adults. It is all in an effort to work on defeating a disease that is well known and feared as a killer of many women. According to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated number of new cases in the U.S. of those with cervical cancer in 2009 was 11, 270 and the deaths were 4,070.

Hopefully, these new suggested guidelines will be given a moment of considered and thoughtfully deliberated review with the main goal of saving lives rather than saving dollars. Cancer has shown us all that it is no respecter of anyone - rich, famous, middle class, lower class, old, young and even younger ones are all affected by this disease. In addition, it does not have to have a link to your family, you can be the first and only one.

This is also important for men as well - your mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin or other loved ones may have to face cervical cancer. Stay on top of this important issue your life may depend on it.

Upcoming Books
1. All Things Cancer
2. When Cancer Came Knocking
3. The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey

What others are saying about the new suggested guidelines for cancer screening

While preparing for Part II on the Cancer Screening Guidelines - Cervical Cancer, I am still finding great articles, reviews, responses,interviews, debates, you name it, I am on it. Many women are worried, confused and completely disappointed in the new guidelines as the results may affect their health and well being. Cancer has touched many lives. It has taken away family,friends, co workers,acqquaintances, fellow church members, etc. The discussion continues as it has set a spark in many women who feel that they are being sentenced to death


Rene Syler speaks on Cancer Screening Guidelines

Let us not allow this fast paced technological era distract us from this important issue. Stay informed and speak up. Upcoming topics on the Health & Wellness Show will explore more on these very important guidelines (suggested guidelines). We will have open discussions with survivors, health care experts (specific to the field of cancer) as well as other related organizations.

Upcoming Books
1. All Things Cancer
2. When Cancer Came Knocking
3. The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey

(Part II )Cancer Guidelines for Cervical Cancer coming soon.

New Cancer Guidelines Controversy (Part 1)

A huge controversy has emerged in medicine this past week, let's make that two major medical announcements as it relates to cancer and women. While some of us were aware of the upcoming announcement, we were not sure that it would ever really happen. Well, that's not the case. The announcement came on Monday November 16, 2009 by the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (Federal Advisory Board). The recommendations are as follows: Women between the ages of 40 - 49 No routine mammograms necessary. The current recommendations are for women to have annual mammograms at 40 and up. In addition, the new guidelines suggests that women 50 and older need to get it every other year.

The problem is that no one really knows who is at risk and this announcement really can set back the progress that can be found especially in the fight against breast cancer. As you listen to Lucy Marino PhD, RN who is a member of the U.S. Preventive Task Force stumbles/fumbles through this interview that should convince the population of the findings, actually leaves more questions than answers. Please take a look at this video see for yourself how she refers to life years gained by the actual screening. It is also important to note that this task force of 16 members does not include an oncologist/cancer specialist.

Mammogram Debate

Another opportunity to convince us of their findings:

Another bumbling Task Force Member Dr. Greggory



Let's be clear, mammogram screenings remain the same. In the meantime, let's work to find a more effective screening procedure. Spread the word!

Here are a few of the many organizations that can assist financially in mammogram screenings:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
American Breast Cancer Foundation
Avon Breast Care

What's Going On?!!!!!!

Mass pandemonium has struck this week. The Fort Hood military base in Texas experienced a shocking reality of what can actually happen; it was a crime commited by the person whom they look to for medical care - someone they may have even trusted. No one saw the signs, yet Dr. Hassan Nadal a Major in the Army turned the gun and fired upon the soldiers who were in transition for deployment to war. Unfortunately, the soldiers never made it to the battle field instead Dr. Hassan decided their fate. He took their lives away in a place where they felt most secure.

What's going on? How could a psychiatrist, one who took the oath to do no harm, commit such a heinous act? How could a soldier turn a weapon on his fellow comrades? Were there any warning signs? How did Dr. Nadal mask his illness or intentions? Did Dr. Nadal seek medical intervention for his problems or was he afraid to discuss with another professional? No one may ever know what triggered off this horrendous attack but it will surely create many insecurities for other service men who can become distracted by this latest act. Will they trust their fellow Muslim Comrades? Will this create a major setback for Muslim relations in the general public?

What's Going On?!!!!!!!



What can be done to prevent this from happening again? Who is evaluating the psychiatric professionals? The reports are that Dr. Nadal attended prayer, work and went about his day as he normally would - nothing unusual there at all. This is quite a difficult task to handle.

Did you take your vitamins?

Vitamins are promoted in an effort to ensure that we maintain a daily healthy nutritional balance. As with anything, it is important that you follow the advise of your physician who has an accurate medical history of your physical health.

Now on to the topic of vitamins. Vitamin products promote strong bones and teeth, good eye sight, growth, skin, nails, immune system, among other impressive claims. However, you can also find natural sources of vitamins through our fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin A - Dark green leafy vegetables and yellow, orange or red fruits and vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, fish liver oils, liver, kale, turnip greens, squash, tomatoes, pumpkin, peaches, mangoes, apricots, milk and dairy products.

Vitamin B 1 - Grains, meats, sunflower seeds, pork, bran cereal, peas, fish, beef, liver, ham, peanuts, almonds, macaroni, rice, bread, lima beans, corn, broccoli, potato, orange juice, orange, avocado, dried beans, oatmeal, milk and dried yeast.

Other Vitamin B's

Vitamin C - Kiwi fruit, orange/orange juice, cantaloupe, grapefruit/ grapefruit juice, cranberry/cranberry juice, strawberries, grape juice, watermelon, raspberries, green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, potato, tomato, sweet potato and red peppers.

Vitamin D - Sunlight (the action of sunlight on the skin allows our bodies to manufacture vitamin D), cod-liver oil, sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, milk and milk products.

Vitamin E - Avocado, asparagus, nuts, soy beans, vegetable oil, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, whole grain products, eggs, wheat germ, seeds and milk.


Vitamins were made with popular characters from Sesame Street, Flinstones, etc. Everyday my children would remind me that they needed to take their vitamins and I marveled in their commitment to their health. Recently in one of our moments of laughing about the things they did when they were younger, the confession came - "Oh, remember when we would take our vitamins and then remind mommy so that we can have another one?" They all laughed. I was very surprised. I never thought that there was a way that they could open the vitamin container with the child safety features on the cap. They did not value the vitamins for its nutritious content but more so a treat - like candy.

Keep in mind that vitamins are often recommended for those who have deficiencies in their daily diet. Be cautious in selecting the vitamins as there are many companies that sell vitamins and you may be getting more than you bargained. An independent research was conducted on 21 brands of multivitamins that are sold in the United States and Canada. The test results shows that of the 21 tested, 10 met the stated claims on their labels or satisfied other quality standards. In fact, a popular brand The Vitamin Shoppe Multivitamins Especially for Women, was contaminated with lead. ConsumerLab

As with everything, you must create a sense of balance. We all want to improve our health and wellness. Seek the advice from your health care provider - doctor, nurse or nutritionist. You may find that vitamins may not be necessary for you.