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Winter Sun Linked To Skin Cancer

If you're like many Americans, it's snowy or cold where you are, and you probably haven't seen the sun in several days. That doesn't mean that you should abandon your sunscreen!

Even though you can't feel the sun's heat, the sun's UV rays are still reaching your skin and causing damage.

UVA rays remain constant throughout the winter, contributing to skin cancer and skin aging. And although UVB rays -- those responsible for sunburns and skin cancer -- are not as intense during winter months, they still exist.

Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing can leave a person exposed in the sun for long periods of time, too. That constant exposure can be dangerous because your skin absorbs ultraviolet rays both directly from the sun and indirectly when the sun's rays bounce off the snow.

Even if the temperatures are below freezing, most dermatologists recommend applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or more!) and reapplying it every two to three hours. If you're really working up a sweat, you should reapply sunscreen more frequently. Most winter sports also take place at higher elevation levels, which bring individuals closer to the sun than normal.

You'll need more than just sunscreen to hit the slopes. Wearing sunglasses can help prevent eye diseases and skin cancers around the eyelids. Lip balms with an adequate SPF level should be applied, too.

If you're not competing in winter sports, you should still follow basic skincare rules like applying a moisturizer with an SPF of 30.

Check out AOL Health for more information on skin cancer.

Cancer Pain: What Can You Do?

Cancer pain can be an often-overlooked side effect. People who are first diagnosed with the disease will immediately worry about side effects like nausea; however, pain can often be a major influence in one's life.

Cancer treatments, like surgery, can be painful. Tumors can press on bones, nerves or organs as they grow, causing pain. Although cancer pain can't be eliminated, it can be controlled.

The more specific you are about your pain, the more your doctor can treat it. Make sure to include information about when your pain started, what it feels like and how long it lasts. Note changes in your pain, and if it is constant or if it comes and goes. Always let your doctor know what you do to relieve the pain and how well it works. Ranking your pain on a scale makes it easier for your doctor to understand.

Always remember that there are several things you can do at home to reduce your cancer pain. Home treatments to manage pain include:

Check out AOL Health for more information on cancer pain management.

Avoiding Chemotherapy Side Effects

After passing a bill that allows marijuana use for medical purposes, New Jersey is the fourteenth state to have legalized its use.
Although the federal government still regards marijuana as illegal, it is becoming a popular drug at the state level.

What most people don't realize is that a synthetic version of marijuana is already legal and available by prescription in all states. Marinol, a synthetic THC, received FDA approval in 1985.

Doctors who prescribe the drug generally use it to treat chemotherapy side effects like nausea and vomiting, among other conditions.

If you don't live in a state that allows marijuana to be used for medical purposes, there are other ways to curb side effects. Before starting chemotherapy, make sure that you have a friend or family member who can attend your session with you and bring you home. Many people feel fine for the first few hours following chemo. Some reactions may occur about four to six hours later while other people don't react until up to 48 hours later.

If you're worried about nausea, discuss it with your doctor. She might suggest eating a small, light meal before chemo and eating only what you think you can tolerate after treatment. Starches and other grains are generally well tolerated. Avoid skipping meals; drink plenty of fluids including teas, water, sports drinks and diluted juices. If your doctor has prescribed anti-nausea medicine, have the prescription filled before your treatment.

Another side effect you might experience is appetite or taste changes and a heightened sensitivity to odors. Try to eat a low-fat diet with a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins. At times, you might also need to trick yourself into eating. Try to eat warm (not hot) foods and avoid places where foods are cooked -- the smells are more pronounced there. Instead, try eating in a room that isn't attached to your kitchen.

Check out AOL Health for other news on how to cope with cancer.

Cancer Fundraisers And Sports: The Pink Zone

Just over a year ago, Kay Yow died of breast cancer. Her legacy lives on.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, the former North Carolina State women's basketball coach decided to raise awareness and money to fight the disease.

Among the many projects Yow was passionate about was the "Pink Zone," a Women's Basketball Coaches Association initiative that began in 2007 with 120 schools. Last year, "Pink Zone" raised more that $1.3 million.

Each high school, college and professional women's basketball team that participates in the Pink Zone pledges to raise money for breast cancer awareness at a home game. Most schools special order bright pink uniforms, warm-ups and sneakers.

This year's event runs from Feb. 12-21, but some schools are already hosting their Pink Zone games.

Media hype should grow throughout the celebration, but the North Carolina versus Virginia game promises to be among the most notable. Tar Heels player Jessica Breland and Cavaliers coach Debbie Ryan have both fought cancer.

Breland underwent chemotherapy over the summer for Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. Ryan overcame pancreatic cancer in 2000.

Check out AOL Health for more information on cancer prevention.

Cope With Hair Loss

Cancer patients often have a hard time coping with hair loss. Remember, not all chemotherapy medicines cause hair loss, and doctors can tell you what to expect.

Although hair loss doesn't occur right away -- and hair grows back after treatment -- losing one's hair can be an emotional experience, especially because hair loss occurs on all parts of the body -- facial hair, arm and leg hair, underarm hair and pubic hair.

During chemotherapy, hair and scalp need special care.

  • Use a mild shampoo and a soft hair brush.
  • Try to air-dry your hair.
  • Wear a short hair cut, which will make hair look thicker and fuller.
  • Sleep on a satin pillowcase.
  • Do not use rollers, dye hair or get a perm.
  • Use a sunscreen, sunblock, hat, scarf or wig to protect the scalp from the sun.

Some feel more comfortable leaving their heads uncovered. Others like to wear scarves, turbans or wigs.

If you choose to wear a wig or hairpiece:

  • Shop before losing hair to match color, texture and style.
  • Try borrowing first. The local American Cancer Society can help
  • Remember that a hairpiece needed because of cancer treatment is a tax-deductible expense and may be covered by health insurance. Check the policy, and ask for a prescription for a "hair prosthesis."
Check out AOL Health for more cancer information.

Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore

You know you're supposed to do a breast self-exam once a month and see your doctor yearly. You eat right. You exercise. There's no way, you think, that you could have cancer. Think again.

There are a number of warning signs that women miss each day. Sure, you might just be coming down with the flu, but if the following symptoms persist, you might want to call your doctor.

1) Stomach troubles. You should be on the lookout for stomach or ovarian cancer if you're constantly full, have an upset stomach and experience abdominal bloating or pelvic pain.

2) Flu-like symptoms. Many cancers are linked with persistent coughs and chest pain as well as fevers, infections, swollen lymph nodes, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness and fatigue.

3) Breast changes. Red, swollen and sore breasts are linked to breast cancer. Nipple changes are also a warning sign.

4) Bruising and bleeding. If you have more bruises than usual or cuts that are not healing, you might want to get a blood test. These are leukemia signs.

Visit AOL Health for other cancer warning signs that women miss.

Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Stomach Cancer Risk

Mediterranean diet advocates have another reason to cheer for their favorite foods.

Following the Mediterranean diet may reduce your stomach cancer risk, according to a new study from Spain.

The diet
, similar to the traditional Greece and Southern Italian diet, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and cereals. It limits red meat consumption, allows small amounts of wine and uses olive oil as the main fat.

Doctors have championed this diet for several years because it has been linked to reducing the risk of depression, inflammation, premature death, diabetes, birth defect, heart disease, Alzheimer's and obesity.

According
to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adopting the diet lowers the risk of gastric cancer by 33 percent. Researchers also discovered that the more strictly one adheres to the diet, the lower his or her risk of developing cancer. Gastric cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

"The results add to the evidence for the role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cancer risk and add further support for the need to continue to promote the Mediterranean diet in areas where it is disappearing," said lead researcher Carlos A. Gonzalez of the Catalan Institute for Oncology in Barcelona.

Check out AOL Health for more information on foods that fight cancer. Visit That's Fit for details on the Mediterranean diet.

Michael C. Hall Diagnosed With Cancer

Michael C. Hall, a star on Showtime's 'Dexter,' was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and is on the road to a successful completion of treatment, according to a statement released yesterday.

Hall said he was fortunate to be diagnosed with a "treatable and curable condition" and thanked his doctors and nurses for their expertise. Hall's spokesman said the disease is in complete remission and that the actor will continue with his treatment as planned.

The actor is scheduled to attend Sunday's Golden Globe award and the upcoming Screen Actors Guild ceremony. He is a nominee at both awards shows for his serial-killer role in 'Dexter.' The show will be in it's fifth season this year.

Visit AOL Health's cancer center for more information on how to reduce your cancer risk.

Colon Cancer Claims Teddy Pendergrass

Singer Teddy Pendergrass has died from colon cancer. He was 59. Pendergrass is often credited for his explosive, raw voice that transformed R&B.

He was an international superstar and sex symbol who sang about the joy and sorrow of love in songs like "Close the Door," "It Don't Hurt Now," "Love T.K.O." and other hits.

Born in Philadelphia in 1950, Pendergrass's career was marked by a dramatic style change after he suffered a 1982 spinal cord injury. The car accident that left Pendergrass paralyzed from the waist down also took away some of his singing power.

Instead of becoming bitter, Pendergrass created a new identity as a role model by starting the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to benefit others with spinal cord injuries.

Visit AOL Health for more information on reducing your colon cancer risk. Check out Popeater for a complete story on Teddy Pendergrass's life and career.

Green Tea May Block Lung Cancer

Those at high risk for lung cancer might want to add green tea to their diets.

A recent Taiwanese study showed that, thanks to powerful antioxidants, a cup of green tea daily could reduce your lung cancer risk.

The research showed that among smokers and non-smokers, those who did not drink green tea were about five times more likely to get lung cancer than those who drank at least one cup daily. Among smokers, the likelihood of developing cancer skyrocketed for those who did not consume green tea, making them more than 12 times as likely to develop lung cancer.

About 90 million Americans are at risk for lung cancer. Cancer rates in Asia are much lower, which is why some have linked an Asian diet -- including green tea -- to cancer prevention. Although more research is needed, if a small diet change could help prevent the disease, then it might be worth it. Other diet changes that might help prevent cancer include adding more green vegetables, fatty fish and spices to your diet.

Quitting smoking is still the best way to reduce your lung cancer risk. It's not possible, doctors say, to make up for the harm caused by smoking by eating right or exercising.

If you still need more motivation to quit, check out AOL Health's 20 reasons to quit smoking. We also have information about reducing your cancer risk.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Beats Prostate Cancer

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the West End musical impresario best-known for writing the score to the Phantom of the Opera, was given the "all clear" after being diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

The disease was first diagnosed in its very early stages after the composer complained of a weak bladder. An existent E. coli infection made the pain more severe than normal. In November, Webber had his prostate gland removed at a London clinic.

"If that infection had been found and cured, I could have been blissfully unaware that I had a cancerous tumor that was on the verge of breaking loose around the rest of my body," Webber told the Daily Mail. "I could have thought my frequent trips to the bathroom were due to a weak bladder. I have been bloody lucky."

Since his diagnosis, Webber has encouraged all men to get regular prostate exams -- regardless of how embarrassing it might be.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, medical history, race/ethnicity and height. Men who are 65 or older are most likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men whose fathers and brothers have had prostate cancer are twice as likely to be diagnosed as those whose relatives are cancer-free. African American men and taller men are also more likely to develop this cancer.

Check out AOL Health for more information on prostate cancer screening and reducing your prostate cancer risks.

January is National Cervical Cancer Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition launched a campaign against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that can cause cervical cancer, this month.

Once the number one cancer killer of women, cervical cancer is the only cancer known to be caused by a common virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4,000 women in America die of cervical cancer every year; and, an estimated 12,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. annually.

Most women become infected with HPV in their teens, 20s or 30s; but, it can take nearly two more decades for cancer to develop. During that time, regular Pap tests can detect HPV-related cell changes before they become cancerous.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women receive their first Pap smear no later than age 21.

In November, the ACOG released new recommendations for how often women in their 20s need to Pap smears. In the past, they were recommend annually. Now, it's believed that testing every two years will catch slow-growing cervical cancer.

At age 30, women can reduced how often the get Pap smears, getting them every two or three years if they have had three normal tests in a row. Cervical cytology screening is still recommended for women every two years beginning at age 21.

The HPV vaccine, which will prevent many strains of HPV, is recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls. The goal, according to the CDC, is to make sure girls get the vaccine before they become sexually active. Girls and women who are younger than 26 can receive the vaccine if they have not been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.

Check out AOL Health for more information about cervical cancer.

Prevent Cancer in 2010

New Year's Resolutions don't stick if you can't think of a good reason to keep them. Getting fit to feel better, have more energy and be healthy will leave you more likely to lose weight than struggling to get back into your skinny jeans.

This year, if you're still looking for a way to improve your life, why not try to actively lower your cancer risk? Here are three simple tasks to prevent cancer:

Quit smoking. If you're prone to lighting up, give yourself a deadline and determine the best way for you to quit. You can try patches, gum, support groups or quitting cold turkey. Just as importantly once you quit, remember what activities used to trigger smoking whether it's drinking or hanging out with friends who smoke. Then try to avoid the situation. Regulate how much alcohol you drink or join your smoker friends only when they are participating in smokeless activities like dinners out.

Avoid too much time in the sun. If you're a beach bum, melanoma is a serious problem for those who spend time in the sun. Major risk factors include severe sunburn and childhood exposure. You can't undo the damage you've done, but in the future: apply generous amounts of SPF 15 sunscreen; wear protective sunglasses, pants and broad-rim hats; avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and avoid tanning salons.

Improve your diet and exercise. Antioxidant-rich foods can help you fight cancer by preventing cell damage. Maintaining a healthy weight will also keep you feeling better longer. If you do develop cancer, being in shape can make the treatments easier for your body to handle.

Check out AOL Health for more information on lowering your cancer risk.

DJ Raises Money for Pediatric Cancer Patients

Radio DJ Kevin Kline once wanted to be a baseball player. Instead, he has turned into a runner with a purpose: to raise $500,000 for pediatric cancer research with his charity, Strides Against Cancer.

Kline, who decided to raise money for pediatric cancer research after meeting a 15-year-old cancer patient several years ago, began his 13-day, 481-mile trek on Dec. 20. He'll complete his run from the Dallas' Cotton Bowl Stadium to the Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston on Friday. Along the way, he has stopped in Austin and San Antonio.

Why did Kline choose such a huge undertaking during the holidays? It wasn't to key in on others' generosity. Instead, he wanted to sacrifice the holiday hoopla for a painful, sometimes mind-numbing routine.

After all, he told The Houston Chronicle, the repetition would be much easier to endure than the cycle of chemo cocktails, radiation treatments, surgeries and waiting for test results (and good news!) that the kids he's raising money for face daily.

Kline has dedicated each challenging day to a different child who has died. The last day, he says, are in honor of the children who have beat cancer or are fighting for their lives. Current patients, their friends and other supporters will run the last block and up the steps of Texas Children's Cancer Center together.

Check out AOL Health to learn about late effects of childhood cancer.

Breast Cancer: Mammograms Could Save Your Life

Teresa Heinz, wife of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), announced last week that she has been fighting breast cancer for several months.

The cancer was discovered in September during Heinz's annual mammogram. In early October she underwent lumpectomies, surgical procedures to remove the tumors, on both breasts. In November, she had another pair of lumpectomies performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She will undergo radiation next month.

Heinz has been an advocate for breast-cancer issues and early detection in the past. On Dec. 24, she penned an editorial for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that encouraged women to get their mammograms to detect cancer early. Heinz discovered her cancer while it was still in Stage 1.

The opinion piece was a reaction to the recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations that women start receiving biennial mammograms at age 50.

Previous recommendations encouraged women who were 40-years old or older to get mammograms every 1-2 years. They also stated that women with a family history of breast cancer or who have had breast cancer or other breast problems should get mammograms at a younger age.

Check out AOL Health's Breast Cancer Center to learn more about risk factors, screenings, diagnosis and treatments.

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