Cancer & Alcoholism

Cancer & Alcoholism

Not the nicest topic I’ll grant you but nevertheless an important subject that we need to deal with. Cancer is an exceedingly stressful condition and I’m a great believer that stress/chronic stress is the biggest killer of all, regardless of what the anti-smoking nutters say or the ‘lifestyle guru’s’ profess to know! Without even trying these two factions cause people more stress than they realize – though they would never admit it. They are simply another case of the ‘do-gooders’ doing badder! Clint Eastwood has just celebrated his 88th birthday but according to the anti-tobacco & anti-alcohol mobsters, he should have had the decency to depart this world  20/30yrs ago!

We all like a drink at some time or other and the majority of us have a pint or two at the weekend or at family functions etc; ie, we drink in moderation mostly. However, lack of moderation causes its own problems, such as depression, low self-esteem, worthlessness, etc resulting, more often than not, in imbibing more and more so as to blot out the realities of life and its hardships. And, strangely enough, it works in the reverse order too!

If you remember from one of our first posts, smoking & alcohol, although contributory factors ARE NOT the main causes of oral/throat cancers. “Yes they are” I hear you yelling at me, but the truth is that the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the main culprit and that virus is passed on from human to human via sexual activity mainly. The American University found that 65% of oral/throat cancers were caused by the HVP, 21% from alcohol abuse, 12% from smoking/chewing tobacco & 2% unknown/unaccountable. The strange thing is that there is no determination of ‘alcohol abuse! Does that mean 1pt of beer per day or is that 10pts per day? Is it 1 glass of wine per day or is it a bottle of wine with every evening meal?

Did you know that the ‘medical genius’ who determined how many units per day we could safely drink used no scientific formula, no tests, no mathematical equations whatsoever: he simply stated that (eg) 4 units per day for men & 2 units per day were the safe level! Some science that is – and I can tell you now that I have since seen the following sign in hospitals:- Beware-There is NO safe level of alcohol. The same route as the SHS brigade and absolute hogwash of course, but then it is their intention to use the fear factor in all matter prohibition. With smokers/smoking they got away with it but with 95% of the population enjoying a drink at some time or other ‘they’ have no chance of following the smoking route with alcohol etc.

We have been sent a very in-depth piece by a gentleman by the name of Mr Paul Bailey who knows what he is talking about, being an ex-alcoholic himself. It highlights the immense dangers of alcoholism and I do advise people to read this and take note of what can become of them.

Guide to Alcohol and CancerA matter-of-fact guide by Paul from “Rehab 4 Alcoholism” explaining the cancer risks associated with drinking alcohol.  See more at:

http://www.rehab4alcoholism.com/article/47/ultimate-guide-to-alcohol-and-cancer

I think the important thing to remember is that this view from an ex-alcoholic is simply another pointer for you all to consider. We all now know that cancer is nothing but a lottery, some will & some won’t but this is just another step in the right direction of possible avoidance.

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Tonsil Cancers

Tonsil Cancers

What is tonsil cancer?

Tonsil cancer is cancer that occurs in one of the three types of tonsils of the throat.

  • palatine tonsils (most common) which are located on either side of the throat
  • pharyngeal tonsils (also called adenoids), which sit behind the nasal cavity
  • lingual tonsils, which are at the back of the tongue.

always check yourself out, viz… (small torch & mirror make it easy)

  • The back third of your tongue
  • The soft area at the back of the roof of the mouth (the soft palate)
  • The tonsils and two ridges of tissue in front of and behind the tonsils
  • The back wall of your throat

Most tonsil cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which we have previously mentioned, although it is possible for lymphoma (a type of immune system cancer) to develop in the tonsils.  As with most throat cancers, it has been found that the human papilloma virus (HPV), the commonest cause being oral sex, is the single most causation. the combination of smoking and alcohol use yields an even greater risk than using either substance alone. Smoking is a common risk factor for squamous cell carcinomas of the tonsils as is alcohol:

Symptoms of tonsil cancer include a sore at the back of the throat that does not heal or one tonsil that is bigger than the other. It may or may not be painful. Tonsil cancer is known to cause bleeding, bad breath, or altered taste. Larger cancers can interfere with eating, talking, or breathing, and may make it difficult to open the mouth. Lumps on the side of the neck have also been noted.

  • How far your cancer has grown into local tissues
  • Whether it has spread to nearby lymph glands
  • Whether it has spread to any other part of the body – this is called staging cancer. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about which treatment is best for you once your cancer has been staged.

Radiation therapy or surgery can be effective in treating early tonsil cancer, and chemotherapy can be effective in treating more advanced tonsil cancer. Following surgery to remove cancerous tissue, reconstructive surgery can help restore structures that have been removed and rehabilitation can help you relearn how to eat, swallow or talk if needed.

Some complications of tonsil cancer can be serious. Seek immediate medical care (call 999) for serious symptoms, such as uncontrolled or heavy bleeding or respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking. You have the best chance of curing tonsil cancer if you catch it early. 

Seek prompt medical care if you have bleeding in the throat, notice sores or lumps in the back of the throat, have difficulty eating, swallowing, or speaking, or have any other symptoms that concern you. please note that with tonsil cancers, if treated early enough, there is every chance that cancer will NOT spread thus causing loss of voice-box/larynx. This simple knowledge, above all else, should ensure that any worried persons should report to their doctor immediately for a full check-up.

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