How Tobacco Causes Cancer

Cancer in the lungs from smoking and radon

Tobacco is one of the things that sadly are still used by too many members of our society. It is one of the items that cause cancer. Even though levels of smoking have steadily decreased, smoking related deaths continue to occur. Radon is one of the elements that naturally occurs in the environment and may contribute to carcinogens in cancer.

There are a number of things that are known carcinogens and tobacco is one of them, radon is another. Radon is one of the elements you need to understand it is just here in the ground, and the radioactivity is in the soil. In addition, unfortunately, there are over 7,000 chemicals that are involved in cancer production. Some of the more common chemical additives are listed here: Cyanide, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Methanol, Acetylene, and Ammonia.

These are all additives that are put into tobacco. Most probably the fact that tobacco causes cancer is due to the additives that are put in the cigars during the processing of the material. Some of the items that are put in cigars include the above. Radon is the gas that can cause cancer. As mentioned, there are way too many chemicals that are added to tobacco products and may contribute to cancer rates.

Tobacco in itself absorbs radiation from the ground so it has some cancer issues within itself. It is just one of the products that no one needs although it has been used for centuries in various forms. The variety and type of tobacco is not important it all causes cancer.

This is the information t you will find when doing research on tobacco products. These are the harmful products that have a wide variety carcinogens added. These are the important pieces of information that need to be understood when looking at the causal link between smoking and cancer. They are well linked.

Tobacco in and of itself is carcinogenic as small parts of radioactive materials are found in the soil. This is what makes it carcinogenic as well. Radioactive particles build up in the lungs over time. This is what may cause cancers to form. Likewise, some people have a problem with radon which is a natural element in the soil and is responsible for 14,000 lung cancer deaths per year.

Radon an odorless and colorless gas is one of the naturally occurring elements in nature consequently those who smoke and also are exposed to radon have a huge risk and may develop cancer in their lifetime. It is one of the elements that you need to test for in your home. The combination of radon and smoking is one of the well linked cancer causes in the world.

It would behoove everyone to stay away from tobacco and especially if they are uncertain whether or not they may have other problems emanating from the soil. Make sure to get the radon testing done you need. It is one of the many options that you need to take advantage of and use to keep your family safe in a world that has naturally and artificially induced dangers.

The Most Common Causes of Cancer for Middle-Age Women

Female Health

Why Radon Should Be Considered As a Cancer Risk to Women

It takes women by surprise. Cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses that a lady can receive. There are many different types of cancer, but radon is one of the most common causes of this disease that most people don't even consider. Sure, breast, uterine and other forms of cancer take center stage, but radon should also be a huge consideration in what actually fed the cancerous cells.

Because radon is an odorless radioactive gas, a woman may not even know that the area that she is in is problematic. The outside area has low levels that are naturally in the air. This is due in part to the fact that rotting of elements like thorium and uranium. This takes place in the soil. This gas has no odor, no taste and is completely invisible. Yet, it is able to seep through the ground and into the homes of those that live in geographical locations with high activity. Women are susceptible to this type of gas, and it is known to cause cancer.

Radon causes lung cancer. This is because it is breathed into the body and lodges into the lungs. Here the gas lodges and causes cancerous cells to mutate. Radon can come from a well that supplies the home with water, or it is especially known to be in homes that have a basement structure. The basement is close to the ground and it is easier to absorb these mineral gases through the floors.

Studies in women and men have shown that nearly 20,000 die each year due to radon exposure. Though the cancer can spread to other areas, women may not find the root cause from the lungs. This is why so many women say that they have lung cancer but never smoked a day in their lives. It is not because of cigarette smoke, but rather the radon gasses they have inhaled and haven't known about.

There is a way for women to reduce their risk and their families by doing testing on their home. Some areas tend to be a little more prone to higher levels than others. This is nothing that someone did or didn't do, but rather caused from the contents deep within the area of the earth they live on. Public awareness is the key to helping women become aware of the risk of radon cancer, and take preventative measures.

It is dangerous because you can't see it or taste it, but it can still be lurking inside the home and causing destruction within the human body. There are several people who will pass from cancer and never know what the root cause was. The EPA is helping to devise plans to increase awareness about this deadly gas. While the news brings a great deal of attention to breast, pancreatic and lung cancers, not very many discuss the root causes of these diseases that can be prevented.

It is imperative to check the home for radon. It doesn't matter if it is a new home, one that is 100 years old, or even one that is out in the country by itself. It's the ground that matters and what's deep in the earth can be deadly for women, men, and children alike.

Radon Levels in Caves Could be Hazardous

Radon Levels in Caves

Uranium can be detected on earth as far back as six billion years ago. While it is one of the heaviest metals its structure does not allow it to penetrate the earth's crust, so it remains on the surface. Radon naturally occurs when uranium decays and turns into an odorless and colorless gas that is released into the air. Radon is one of the heaviest metals that remain a gas under normal environmental circumstances. Naturally-occurring radiation is responsible for over 50% of the earth’s heat, even though it is crucial in providing a large proportion of the world’s electricity, it does have fatal side effects. 

Normally, radon levels in natural environments, such as caves, are very low because the gas escapes into the air. This process is inhibited when the radon is trapped inside of caves, allowing levels to rise to a dangerous point. Because they are rich in uranium ore, caves are littered with fragmented pockets that disperse this gas and raising radon to deadly levels. When caves are located near silicic volcanic rocks or areas frequented by earthquakes, they have naturally occurring higher levels of radon gas. 

With a lack of ventilation, long term exposure to high levels of radon in caves can be deadly. This health hazard was discovered in the 1940’s and 50’s during peak production times in mines, not only with uranium but other hard rock materials as well. These miners had significantly higher incidences of lung cancer deaths which led to improved ventilation in the mines in an attempt at lowering radon gas levels. Many countries have done studies to determine the possible health hazards of exposure to high levels of radon in caves. The U.S. participated in these tests due to concern for some of the highest levels of radon occurring through the middle and upper parts of Northern America. 

Collection of data was done over a period of a year to determine how weather factors into changing levels of radon in caves. Scientists recorded daily and seasonal climatic changes and their effects on the radon levels inside the caves. What they found was that levels were lower in winter and higher in summer, suggesting that higher temperatures did not allow radon gas to dissipate quickly. The results also indicated that winds also play a role in lowering radon gas levels. In the summer when there is little circulation in the air, the temperature inside the caves is uniform. During the winter when the air blows directly into the caves it lowers the temperature inside thereby, lowering radon levels. This natural ventilation also occurs during heavy rainfall periods.

During these experiments, various techniques were used to collect radon gas; from simple cups with filters to sputum collection from national park employees. In addition, they tested caves with large bat populations because these areas are known to have low to medium levels of radon. In the end, the results were the same - although somewhat inconclusive. As the studies done decades ago had indicated, long term exposure to radon in caves is detrimental to one’s health. However the fluctuating seasonal data for short term excursion into caves had too many factors to determine an exact impact this, in part, is due to the fact that radon has a half life of only 4 days.

How Radiation Causes Cancer

Radiation and the Cancer Process

This day and age there are many people that are concerned with radiation. Radiation has been in the news for many different reasons. Some types of radiation are used to kill and to treat different types of cancer while other types of radiation are actually the causes of different types of cancer. It is interesting to note that radiation can be both a positive and negative things when it comes to cancer and a person really does well to investigate radiation to find out how they can improve or minimize their risk of getting this potentially fatal disease through the different types of radiation.

 X-rays, Gamma Rays and Their Roles in Cancer:

Both x-ray and Gamma rays can come from an organic source in our earth. Our world is surrounded by different radioactive elements but radioactive elements can also be human made as well. When it comes to things such as Gamma rays and x-rays they were both created by humans and they give off nuclear energy. These types of rays are made in nuclear power plants. When these types of rays go through the cell in the human body they can cause the cells to change or to mutate. Quite often, these mutated cells will eventually expire on their own and cause no damage to the body. Other times the same cells can mutate and that mutation can lead to cancer. The reason that many people want to avoid these types of x-rays is because they do not want to do anything that would potentially increase their risk of developing cancer.

 Medical Radiation

Many cancer patients will use radiation therapy as a way to treat their cancer. When a person does receive this type of therapy they get high doses of ionizing radiation. This type of body radiation is used to go straight to the cancerous cells in order to cause their demise. At the same time this type of radiation therapy can cause different changes or mutations in other cells of the human body and then turn it can actually cause a person to develop a different type of cancer.

 Natural Sources

Natural radiation radon is a type of natural radiation. Radon is a type of gas that cannot be seen and has no smell and it is made up of a breakdown of different radioactive chemicals that are found on the earth. These natural elements can be found in things such as soil and rocks. Radon gas has been cited as the most frequent cause of environmental cancers by worldwide health organizations.

 Radiation and You

In reality it is virtually impossible to escape radiation completely. At some point in life every human being is going to have to be exposed to a certain level of radiation when it comes to testing, or their natural environment. In reality the best thing that people can do is try their best to lead healthy lifestyles, and of course get early prevention checks for cancer. While no one wants to get cancer there are many innovating tests that being done, and also there are many lifestyle changes that a person can make in order to lower their risk of getting cancer.

Types of Lung Cancers Triggered by Radon Gas

Radon-Induced Carcinoma: The In-Depth Perspective

Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers. As the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, it kills more than 150,000 people in America every year, roughly one American every three and a half minutes. The incidence of radon induced lung cancer is also increasing at one-half a percent each year worldwide.

For now, about 171,841 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed yearly in the United States and more than one million worldwide. Overall, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 28 percent of all cancer-related deaths, more than colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Why is Lung Cancer from Radon so Deadly?

Lung cancer is deadly because it is usually in advanced stages by the time physicians can diagnose it. Thus, the number of yearly deaths nearly equals the yearly diagnoses rate. Overall, more than 70 percent of lung tumors are diagnosed only when they have grown very large or metastasized. However, lung cancer is potentially curable if diagnosed early.

The Science of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when normal lung cells change and begin to divide uncontrollably. Like almost all of the body's cells, lung cells grow, divide, and produce more cells as needed for proper functioning. If cells begin to grow when they are not needed, they form a mass of extra cells that, in turn, form tumors.

Types of Lung Cancers

The two general classifications for radon induced lung cancer are small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The most common form is non-small cell cancer, which accounts for about 80 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. This type tends to grow and spread more slowly. Non-small cell cancer is usually broken down into three types and named after the kind of cells involved:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma- thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracks. Approximately 30 to 35 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses are squamous cell carcinomas and are found near a bronchus.
• Adenocarcinoma- This type of radon-triggered cancer begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular properties. Usually found in the lung's outer region, it is the most common of the lung cancers found in women and accounts for approximately 40 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses.
• Large Cell Carcinoma- This form of cancer forms large cells and they look abnormal when viewed under a microscope. Large cell carcinoma may form in almost any part of the lung. It tends to grow and spread quickly and, as a result, has poor prognosis. Large cell carcinoma accounts for about 10 to 15 percent of all lung cancers arising from radon exposure.

Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20 percent of all diagnoses. It is considered the most aggressive type of lung cancer because it spreads quickly and widely throughout the body. Small cell lung cancer is also known as oat cell carcinoma and small cell undifferentiated carcinoma. It often begins in the bronchi near the center of the lungs.

In summary, lung cancers are some of the most devastating illnesses out there. One proactive measure that you can take to avoid the affliction is to test your office and household for radon gas. Being the second most common trigger of lung cancers, it makes good sense to detect and correct this issue before the health implications arise.

Radon's Relationship to Cancer

Types of Cancer and How Radon Contributes to Contraction

Cancer: It's a reality we don't like to think about. However, approximately 40 percent of men and women will be diagnosed at some point in their lives. By understanding the common types, you can take steps to minimize your risk.

Radon Link to Lung and Bronchus Cancer
Most understand the link between smoking and lung and bronchus cancer. However, there is a hidden danger you may be exposed to without even knowing it. Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, may be present in your home. 
Most radon exposure occurs indoors, and elevated radon levels have been identified in every state. When radon decays, it becomes radon progeny, which attaches to dust and can be easily breathed in. To avoid the development of lung and bronchus cancer due to radon exposure, having a professional radon-testing company to test your home is the best step.

Prostate Cancer
Approximately one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, and 27,540 die annually as a result. On the plus side, most men are able to survive prostate cancer. Regular checkups are the key to early prevention. Although there are limited studies that link radon exposure to this type of cancer, most scientists agree that exposure to radiation (which is what radon gas is) will increase the risk of acquiring many forms of cancer.

Breast Cancer
Men and women both should be aware of breast cancer as it affects both sexes. Signs that breast cancer may be developing include:

• Change in the feel of the nipple

• Discharge

• Presence of a lump

Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer both share many of the same symptoms and often begin as a polyp. These growths in the colon or rectum do not always turn cancerous, but those experiencing rectal bleeding should have colon and rectal cancer screening performed.

Bladder Cancer
If you have noticed blood in your urine, you are exhibiting the most common sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer causes approximately 16,000 deaths in the US annually, so symptoms should be taken seriously. Radon within a home's water supply can increase the risk of bladder cancer by causing genetic mutations within cells of the digestive organs.

Melanoma Skin Cancer
Early-stage melanoma skin cancer is easily treated, so early detection is essential. Those suffering with melanoma skin cancer have various treatment options including:

• Surgery

• Immunotherapy

• Chemotherapy

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that attacks the immune system, and it can be confused with Hodgkin lymphoma. If you are have swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fatigue, weight loss and fever, ruling out Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is important.

Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer, which occurs in the neck, comes in various forms. However, they share similar symptoms including a lump in the neck, trouble breathing, and throat pain. Thyroid cancer treatment can be highly effective when detected early.

Kidney, Renal Cell, and Renal Pelvis Cancer
Kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer are synonymous, and 61,560 new cases are diagnosed annually. Those at a higher risk of the development of kidney, renal cell, and renal pelvis cancer include smokers and those who are overweight. These illnesses can be prevented by testing the local water supply for radon and curing the problem if it exists via a aeration mitigation system.

Endometrial Cancer
Beginning in the lining of the uterus, endometrial cancer affects approximately 650,000 women annually. Those particularly susceptible of development of endometrial cancer include women who have never been pregnant and those who have had more years of menstruation.

Leukemia
Leukemia, a cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, comes in many forms. The white blood cells prevent infection, but those suffering with leukemia have deformities in these cells, so infections can turn deadly. Treatment options vary and are dependent on factors such as age and the type of leukemia cells found. Although scientific studies are still in the works to identify the definitive link between indoor radon exposure and leukemia, the risk of getting the disease is reduced as exposure to environmental radiation (such as radon gas) is minimized.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more common than many realize, and symptoms can start off as subtle. If you are experiencing continual bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and pale-colored stools, schedules an examination to rule out pancreatic cancer. Limiting ingestion of radioactive particles from well and municipal water supplies can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer which makes testing for radon in drinking water of utmost importance.
In summary, there are many forms of cancer that we as humans are susceptible to contracting. By making efforts to live a "safe" lifestyle, eat a healthy foods, and limit exposure to radon gas; we can all minimize the risks of acquiring many of these forms of cancers.