Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Unit 6 Post
As I have taken the past few weeks to research the topic of breast cancer, specifically DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ), I can see that research on this topic could be turned into an in depth study on different aspects of this disease. I have found that industrial countries are more at risk than other countries. Surprising to me, I have found that third shift workers are more at risk than ones who sleep at night. This fact was quite intriguing, as I have recently changed from a third shift life! Scary stuff!! I have been surprised to find that heredity does not play as big a role in this disease as one might think. I have been unable to find information on how radiation treatment could affect one’s health later in life. I would like to find information on and continue my research into the long-term effects that radiation plays on pulmonary and cardiac function. I cannot see how radiation of this area could NOT affect the function of systems in close proximity to the treatment. Although not required, I plan to continue this research on my own, as it will only be beneficial to me and my family members. My family history spurs me to become as familiar with this disease as possible and to educate the other members of my “clan” to be as diligent at self-examination and mammography as I am.
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Hi Marianne,
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting about third shift workers. My first thought was what do third shift workers have in common. Working all night and sleeping during the day does not allow opportunity for much sunshine, i.e. Vitamin D! Since I believe most disease, especially cancers are related to the immune system, perhaps lack of Vitamin D plays a role in DCIS. Current research shows that Vitamin D-3 plays a big role in the immune system and this product is flying off the shelves at an alarming rate as people discover this news. I am taking this supplement myself even though I live in the sunshine state. I want all the boost for my immune system I can get, just to ward off whatever decides to come my way.
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsletter/h1n1-flu-and-vitamin-d.shtml
http://www.westonaprice.org/The-Miracle-of-Vitamin-D.html
People used to take cod liver oil for Vitamin D. Now, with everyone paranoid about the sun and UVs, people are not getting enough Vitamin D.
As for radiation and long-term effects, I would like to hear more about this myself.
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/2381.cfm
The medical profession claims radiation therapy is so controlled and targeted that long term effects to other organs are rare, but I have my doubts. I look forward to whatever you can find.