Affecting nearly 450,000 people in the U.S. alone, leukemia is one of the most common cancers among people over the age of 55 and also among people under the age of 20. For some weird reason, leukemia tends to affect men more than women and is more common among caucasians than african-american individuals. Simply put, leukemia refers to the cancer of the white blood cells. It occurs when gene mutations occur in normal white blood cells, resulting in the development of abnormal WBCs in the bone marrow which quickly spread, destroying normal blood cells and thus altering the normal functioning of the body. Even though the exact cause of this is unknown, various studies and experiments have helped identify several risk factors. These include: A family history of leukemia Genetic disorders (i.e., down syndrome) Exposure to high levels of radiation (i.e., therapies like chemo) Lifestyle habits, such as smoking Exposure to chemicals (i.e., pesticides and benzene) Race, age, and gender Leukemia is often classified depending on the location of the cancerous cells and also depending on how quickly it develops and spreads. In respect to that, here are the most common leukemia types: 1. Acute myeloid leukemia Also referred to as acute myelogenous, this type of leukemia often affects the myeloid cells of the white blood group hence the name.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood that forms in the plasma cells which are used to fight infection. These cancers cells usually multiply in the bone marrow and overcrowd it. The cancer cells are not mature, and therefore they cause some complications because of the abnormal proteins that they produce. Treatment options for multiple myeloma vary depending on its severity. Some people may have multiple myeloma, but it may take time to show and therefore such people do not need treatment. However, for people that are showing symptoms such as fatigue, nausea frequent infections, and constipation, the following are some of the treatment options available: 1. Targeted cancer treatment This form of treatment has proved effective as it focuses on the abnormalities of the cancer cells. These abnormalities are what make the multiple myeloma cancer cells survive and multiply, and the treatment eradicates them so they cannot thrive. For instance, this treatment ensures the myeloma cells cannot break down proteins, and therefore they die. Some of the drugs used in Targeted Cancer Treatment include bortezomib and carfilzomib. 2. Bone marrow cancer treatment Multiple myeloma affects the bone marrow, and thus one treatment method is treating the bone marrow.

Deep vein thrombosis, also commonly referred to as DVT, is a serious life-threatening condition. DVT occurs when blood flow is restricted or slowed down, which can lead to a blood clot forming. DVT happens in the deep veins, mainly the legs, thighs or pelvis. There is no way to medically assess yourself for DVT, however, there are common symptoms that are signs of possible blood clots and deep vein thrombosis: Charley horse in the leg, arm or chest region Warmth or redness in the affected region Visible swelling Redness or blue color in the affected area Deep vein thrombosis is a life-threatening condition and should be taken seriously. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of DVT, head to your nearest emergency hospital immediately. Here are the most prevalent causes of DVT: 1. Limited movement One of the primary causes of DVT is a lack of movement. This can occur on long flights, drives or bus rides. This can occur after surgery or on bed rest. It can also occur when people work desk jobs where they spend most of the day barely moving. Limited movement does not allow the blood to circulate properly. Blood begins to pool, particularly in the legs and this is when clots are likely to form.

Medical experts determine that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., affecting both male and female patients. Experts also estimate more than 101,420 new colon cancer cases this year, and 51,020 deaths due to colon cancer. However, advanced screening options mean it’s now easier to identify and treat the disease in its most earliest stages, which greatly improves life expectancy. Basically, the earlier colon cancer is detected, the better the chances of patient survival. Here are the most effective treatments for colon cancer: 1. Colectomy surgery A colectomy is a type of surgery that’s often used to treat colon cancer. This surgical procedure removes a portion (known as a partial colectomy or hemicolectomy) or the entire colon, as well as the nearby lymph nodes. 2. Polypectomy Early stage colon cancer polyps are often removed during a colonoscopy. This procedure is known as a polypectomy, and employs a long flexible tube attached to a tiny video camera, which is inserted into the colon via the rectum to cut a polyp at the stalk with a wire loop using electric current. 3. Local excision A local excision inserts surgical tools using a colonoscopy to extract cancerous cells on the inner lining of the colon.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited or genetic condition that causes issues with the cells that are responsible for producing saliva, mucus, and sweat. Generally, when a person has secretions, they are thin. However, with cystic fibrosis, the defective genes cause secretions to be thick and sticky. Instead of acting like a lubricant, sweat, saliva, and mucus begins to block the tubes and ducts around the body. This can lead to issues with the pancreas, lungs, and the digestive system. There are many different treatments for cystic fibrosis both natural and pharmaceutical. Read on for the most common cystic fibrosis treatments: 1. Medications There are many different types of cystic fibrosis medications that a person may be put on if they have cystic fibrosis. A patient may be put on antibiotics to prevent lung infections. They will also be put on anti-inflammatory drugs to help lessen the swelling in the lungs. In some cases, a person may be put on mucus thinning drugs to help cough up mucus. For problems with the digestive system, a person may be put on oral pancreatic enzymes to help improve digestion. For people that experience severe lung issues with cystic fibrosis, they may be put on inhaled cystic fibrosis medications like bronchodilators to help aid in breathing.