Mo-mentum from Guideposts

Mo-mentum

I'm a Native Australiam and proud of it. If you'd have told me at age 36 I'd be living in California, I'd have been skeptical. If you'd added that I'd become CEO of the largest non-government funder of prostate cancer research by encouraging men to grow mos (Aussie slang for "moustaches") I'd have said you were batty. But it's true. A conversation with my brother and some of our mates about eighties style turned into a competition to bring back the mo. We met on November 1 with clean-shaven faces. For 30 days we grew some of the best-and worst- moustaches ever. "What if we connect mos to a cause? I said. We agreed on an issue that affects men world-wide: prostate cancer. We've taken the campaign to more than 10 countries and expanded to include other men's cancer and diseases like depression. Last year 450,00 men participated in MOvermber and raised over 81 million dollars for research, advocacy and awareness. We're changing the face of men's health, one mo at a time. Learn more at us.movember.com

-Adam Garone, Santa Monica, California

 http://us.movember.com/mospace/3/

Eagan Kids Can Raise Money To Beat Cancer Too!

The Creator's of The Men of Heart.blogspot.com

Garrett Wardell & Addison Lewis are the creator's of The Men of Heart.blogspot.com. The information on The Men of Heart men will be coming soon! Thank you for your Patience!

My Child is Angry Because of My Cancer

Children with anger, or out of control children are tough enough to deal with when a parent is feeling well. So, what's a parent to do when he or she has breast cancer and has to also deal with a child's inappropriate behavior?  A mother shares her view points below and speaks opening about what her child was going through, the angry outburst, due to the fear that our children face in coping with a parent's cancer.

Breast Cancer isn’t Always Just About You

Kathy-Ellen

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, I was newly married and had just relocated to a new country. My mother was battling lung cancer and my eldest son was going through intense issues of his own. My having breast cancer just made everyone mad. My mother was mad because I couldn’t be there for her, my youngest son was mad because I couldn’t spend time with him like he needed to get used to his new home. My eldest son was mad because that was his thing at the time and my husband was just mad. It seemed that breast cancer wasn’t about me, it was about how it affected their lives.
Today it is evident that my family is still rebuilding after the cancer bomb. My youngest son is still a little resentful of time missed with mom and my husband needs extra attention. My eldest son is even more mad at the world. My mother is in a nursing home and I am living with the guilt of not being able to make everyone’s life perfect. Sucks to be me sometimes. So every now and then, just like now, I have a little pity party by myself (only this time I’m including you) and then I get over it.

When breast cancer hits a woman, it blows up a family. I am actually far more pragmatic then to be consumed by guilt or self pity but every now and then I daydream about how things would be if I had never been diagnosed. Then I realize that things would pretty much be the same, because when you are a mom or a wife or a daughter, it isn’t all about you.

What is Prostate Cancer and Why Does It Affect More Black Men?

Many men living in the Twin Cities Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota), especially blacks, have been found to have a higher rate of prostate cancer than white men.. What is prostate cancer and why do (statistically) more blank men encounter prostate cancer? The Twin Cities MD writes: (Tuesday, Sept. 20 HealthDay News) -- "Differences in the genetic makeup of prostate cells could explain why black men in the United States are more likely to get prostate cancer and die from it than white men, a new study suggests." This news organization also shares: "There are a lot of socioeconomic and environmental factors that create differences in levels of prostate cancer in these two groups," study co-author Bi-Dar Wang, assistant research professor of pharmacology and physiology at the George Washington University Medical Center, said in a news release from the American Association for Cancer Research. "We've found that genetic elements play a role in these disparities as well."
The Prostate is an organ forming part of the male reproductive system. It is located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. Its main function is to produce fluid which protects and enriches sperm. In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is doughnut shaped as it surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the penis. The nerves that control erections surround the prostate.

Prostate Cancer

By Kelly Moore

Cancer can occur in any part of the body - lungs, intestine, rectum, breast or prostate. Prostate cancer develops as a malignant tumor that starts in the prostate gland. There is a possibility of the cancer spreading from the prostate to the lymph nodes, other organs or bones through metastasis.


This is the second most common type of cancer in men, which can lead to death. However, with the improvement of medicine, survival rates in patients have improved considerably. The cause of prostate cancer has never been found out, however, there are some risk factors that induce prostate cancer.

It has been found out that with the increase of age, the risk of prostate cancer tends to increase. Having family members with prostate cancer increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Statistics show that African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. And of course, obese men are more prone to prostate cancer.

There are no specific symptoms for prostate cancer; however as it grows, men tend to suffer from pain in the lower back, upper thighs and pelvis. Other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer are complications in urinating like increase in frequency, interrupted flow, finding it difficult to stop or start urinating, presence of blood in the urine and the presence of pain and burning sensation.

It is suggested that men over the age of 50, have to take a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year, along with a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to find out the presence of prostate cancer. In a DRE, the physician tests for an enlarged prostate, lumps or any abnormal texture by inserting a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum.

The prostate cells produce PSA, and with the PSA test, its level in the blood stream is determined. Men having PSA levels higher than 4ng/mL have a higher chance of prostate cancer. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate cancer; it all depends on the normal PSA level of a man. If it was always on the higher side, then there is not much to worry; this is why it is better to keep track of PSA levels. It is also possible to diagnose prostate cancer through transrectal ultrasound and biopsies. It is through a biopsy that prostate cancer is correctly diagnosed.

The doctor suggests treatment for prostate cancer depending on its severity. It can be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or watchful waiting. Through hormonal therapy, the effect of male hormones like testosterone is blocked to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, this is not a cure; it just controls the disease.

With the surgical treatment, prostate glands and surrounding lymph glands are removed, depending on the severity of the condition. However this may cause hot flashes, loss of interest in sex, impotence and other problems in the patient. Sometimes, radiation is suggested where x-rays are passed through an external machine or through radioactive isotopes inside the body. The doctor may also suggest chemotherapy where the patient is prescribed medication that is administered either orally or through injections.
However, since prostate cancer attacks older men, they are usually advised watchful waiting. This is best if the tumor is small, is expected a low growth rate or when medical treatment proves to be rather risky and may lead to death. The patient has to be monitored frequently with this treatment, but no treatment is administered.



Twin City Women Want to Know What Causes Breast Cancer?

Women Living In St. Paul and Minneapolis Want to know More About Breast Cancer

According to The American cancer Society, certain changes in DNA can cause normal cells to become cancerous.  Certain changes in genes as we grow can deviate from normal patterns that can lead to the formation of cancer cells.  There are many other factors that lead to the causes of breat cancer.  The following article will provide the reader with some of those causes and factors that are the most common and research based.

Understanding the Causes of Breast Cancer

By James Pendergraft

Breast cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases for women and is in fact the leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The figure of those who have died from breast cancer has reached half a million for 2008 alone. What is even more dreadful about breast cancer is that the disease usually indicates the presence of other serious ailments that further compound the situation.

The Common Causes of Breast Cancer

Because of the enormity of the problem that a woman affected with breast cancer faces, it is very important to learn the risk factors and the causes of the cancer to ensure correct treatment for the disease. In understanding breast cancer, the following causes are the most common:


Family History of Breat Cancer: The possibility of a woman contracting breast cancer is magnified if there is a prior family history with a mother, sister, and other close relatives. As such, when a previous family member contracted the disease, it may be wise for one to be on the watch out for the symptoms of the disease. In instances where the ancestor contracted the disease before reaching the age of 40, the possibility of other women in the family contracting the disease is even greater because it indicates that the origin of the disease is genetic in nature.

Personal History: Here, it means that if a woman contracted the disease in one breast, there is the strong possibility that the disease will affect the other breast. The time it will take for the disease to spread to the other disease may take a long time, depending on the medication and intervention made, but it is nonetheless wise to remain alert for signs of the disease spreading to the other breast as well.
Race: Although this may be questionable in some circles, statistics reveal that women of Caucasian origin are more likely to contract the disease than women from other regions.
High Processed Meat Products Consumption: This is due to the presence of sodium and nitrates in processed meat products that may irritate body cells and cause changes in the DNA. The mentioned factors normally lead to breast cancer. Grilling these processed meat products generates carcinogens that can increase the possibility of contracting breast cancer.
Products Containing Aluminum Salts: Believe it or not, deodorants and antiperspirants are linked to breast cancer. This is due to findings of aluminum deposits on the outer tissues of patients affected by the cancer. Because aluminum is not naturally present in the body, its presence could only come from deodorants and antiperspirants. It is thought that the aluminum in these products is absorbed by the body. Experts suggest to use alternatives and products that do not contain aluminum salts.
Absence or Lack of Physical Activity: This is because lack of physical activity contributes to obesity and weight gain, both of which contribute to acquiring breast cancer resulting from living a sedentary lifestyle.



Minneapolis & St.Paul Teens & College Students Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Pink Ribbon Month Is Here

Breast Cancer Ribbons: The Pink Symbols of Our Times

By Kerris Samson

Certainly in this day and age nearly every worthy cause uses a ribbon and certainly without going in to too much detail and they way in which people use them, the ribbon which I feel is more important than most is the breast cancer ribbon.

Many women will agree that breast cancer is an enemy to any woman and although awareness concerning the risks and understanding the preventive measures that need to be taken on a regular basis has increased over the last few years, and which has probably saved many lives, there are some people who are still not aware of the dangers of breast cancer and there are many others who prefer to live in denial of it happening to them.

There it is important for more women to take up the pink ribbon and join in the fight against breast cancer. Firstly and the most important thing is that it shows that you care and that you are willing to give a little of your time or energy to try and educate more women as well as warn others and then just may be by carrying out this one small action you are contributing to saving the life of someone. Certainly this is not a joke, and it is only sometimes awareness that separates the ill from the healthy and those that live or die. We are now at a stage where people are learning of new dangers all the time and now with the potential dangers arising relating to terrorism and natural disasters, breast cancer although it has been around for such a long time and has caused so much grief and pain it certainly deserves to be treated with a little more respect and should be remembered even on a daily basis. So by wearing the pink ribbon you will be doing this.

Now every October across the globe this has been international breast cancer awareness month and it is at this time when we should try and do our utmost to increase the general public’s awareness of the disease and so educate more women in the ways of fighting breast cancer. Also during the month time is dedicating to raising money for the many different organizations and foundations that are working through the year on helping the many victims of the disease. There are many patients who do not have the money or funds to be able to try and treat the disease and it is with the help of the organizations that money is raised for they can provide them with the support that they need.

So when October next comes around all you need to do is purchase one of these pink ribbons and place it on your shirt or jacket and show your solidarity for those patients who are presently dealing with the disease, those that have become victims of the disease and those members of a victims family or their friends who find that they have been effected by this dreadful disease. But you don’t have to limit yourself to wearing it just during the month of October as it only takes one person to ask you about it and just think what a difference this will make over the term of a year, and if liked minded people do the same across the world every day and each person is approached by someone who has no knowledge of what it means, imagine the number of lives that could be saved or spared.

So hopefully that in the future the fight against breast cancer as is the same with the fight against all forms of cancer will achieve the goal it is striving to reach and will end up claiming less victims. Also that it will help modern medicine and science to discover a cure and that even more and more people across the globe will live happier and healthier lives.

About The Author

Kerris Samson, who now lives in Spain and has become a work from home mum. Is now spending a large amount of her time researching breast cancer and other cancers and alternative treatment methods.