Approximately 30,000 men and 12,000 women in the country are estimated to be diagnosed with liver cancer this year alone. The number of people being diagnosed and those succumbing to liver cancer is on the rise. Research studies indicate that when liver cancer is diagnosed in the initial stage there is a 31% survival rate. However, like with all types of cancer, the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis will decide the survival rate. So when people are diagnosed with liver cancer after it has metastasized to faraway parts of the body, the number of people recovering from this cancer is reduced to only 2%. The common causes for liver cancer, i.e., cancer originating in the liver, are excessive alcohol consumption, hemochromatosis or the accumulation of too much iron in the body, obesity and diabetes, viral hepatitis B and C. Depending on how much of the liver is affected, whether the cancer is localized or has spread to other parts of the body, other comorbid illnesses of the patient at the time of diagnosis of liver cancer, and the general health of the patient, all play a role in deciding which common cancer treatment option must be followed:

Cervical cancer appears when the cells of the cervix grow abnormally and invade other organs and tissues. Treatments come with side effects that vary depending on the patient’s overall health and their treatments. In some, the side effects are minimal and short term, but for others they can be serious or long term. It is important for the patient to work closely with their doctor to identify and treat the side effects of their treatment. The following are the more common side effects for the various treatment methods for cervical cancer: 1. Chemotherapy side effects The most common side effects that a patient undergoing chemotherapy could experience include hair loss, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, mouth sores, burning sensation, and infections. Some of these symptoms can be easily handled through the use of medication such as anti-nausea medication. In the same way, there are steroids available to boost one’s appetite, and blood transfusions to help deal with any form of risk of bleeding or infections. Simple over the counter medication can go a long way in helping deal with relief from mouth sores. 2. Radiation therapy side effects The most common side effects associated with this form of cervical cancer treatments are skin irritation, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, vaginal pain, frequent urination, early menopause or disruption in menstruation cycle, and burning sensation, or infections.

Your lifestyle is all that matters when you’ve tested positive for HIV. However, it is important to understand that the life expectancy of people with HIV has drastically increased over the past two decades. Living a full and long life has become the new norm. However, you need to be sure to make healthy life choices in order to keep your immune system strong. Below are some lifestyle tips that are necessary to live a healthy life with HIV: 1. Healthy mindset A healthy mind is the core of all wellness in life. A positive and resilient mindset is the beginning of a true and healthy lifestyle. Positive lifestyle changes mean a life filled with positivity and happiness. 2. Visiting the doctor and taking your meds According to the reports at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) held in 2016, the life expectancy of an HIV positive and HIV negative individual was narrower than ever. The survival of HIV-infected people has drastically improved with antiretroviral therapy. It is a combination of many drugs that an HIV-positive individual has to consume regularly every day. Ensure to schedule regular visits with the doctor. 3. Quit smoking and consuming illegal substances Smoking in general causes several carcinogenic toxins to stay in the lungs for a long time.

Muscular dystrophy is a rare and life threatening muscle-weakening disorder and almost 15000 citizens are affected by this condition. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for any form of muscular dystrophy. The goal of treatment is to prevent or reduce problems that arise in the joints and spine and allows people suffering from muscular dystrophy to remain mobile as long as possible. The various treatment options currently available to treat muscular dystrophy include the following: 1. Medication The first medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically to treat muscular dystrophy is Eteplirsen (Exondys–51). It was conditionally approved in 2016 and is being constantly evaluated since. Though this medication seems safe, the side effects of this medicine is still not clear. Though not a cure for muscular dystrophy, it is said to increase muscle strength in those who are being treated with the medicine. The medicine acts on certain gene variance that affects 1 in 7 people with muscular dystrophy. To help muscle strength and delay the progression of certain types of muscular dystrophy, it is said that corticosteroids such as Prednisone are useful but excessive use of corticosteroids can lead to weight gain, weakened bones and increased risk of fracture.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people are at a higher risk than others. It is mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. The three common types of skin cancer include basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma, which is the more dangerous and causes the most deaths. The symptoms, precautions, and treatment methods for the different types of skin cancer include the following: 1. Symptoms of skin cancer Red itchy patches that do not heal for several days Rough patches that hurt and bleed easily Pink bumpy moles with depressed centers Open infections that do not heal and start bleeding Sudden appearance of a mole or wart Severely cracked lower lips that do not heal with lip balm or petroleum jelly 2. Precautions of skin cancer Avoid going out in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm. If you have to be out during these hours, cover yourself well with light clothing, sunglasses, and hats. Regular usage of sunscreen with SPF 30, or above, is highly recommended. Make sure you apply them 30 minutes before you step outside.