Weekly Topic Inspiration: Cancer

1. 87

   Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

   Nearly all of our lives have been touched by cancer in some way or another- be it in the form of a personal experience or the cancer struggles of a close friend or family member.
   
   While this can be a tough and scary subject to write about, it is also good for us to be as informed as possible about early cancer detection, preventative measures one might take to avoid getting cancer altogether, and different treatment options.
   
   Share any and all insights you might have on cancer in this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration challenge.
   
   Because this is a health-related topic, it is more important than ever to really do your research and only refer and link to reputable sources. Please be sure to back up your claims and point people to trustworthy sites for more information!
   
   Some search-friendly title ideas:
   The 10 Most Common Cancer Types
   Important Cancer Statistics
   Comforting Cancer Statistics
   Cancer Tests to Get in Your Twenties
   Cancer Survival Rates
   Cervical Cancer Symptoms
   Prostate Cancer Symptoms
   Throat Cancer Symptoms
   Mouth Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
   Colorectal Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
   Cancer Treatment Centers of America
   Types of Cancer Kids are Most Likely to Get
   Types of Cancer that Most Commonly Affect Women
   Types of Cancer that Most Commonly Affect Men
   The Meaning Behind the Breast Cancer Ribbon
   
   To create search-friendly titles of your own, follow the steps outlined in this Learning Center guide.
   
   If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.
   
   Oh, and do you want your WTI Hub to have a shot at becoming a Hub of the Day? Make sure the images are legally used and properly attributed!

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   1. 81

      moonlakeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No hubs from me on the weekly subjects. I don't know a thing about cancer and hope not to know. I will be waiting for my report tomorrow as to whether I have cancer. All women should get a mammogram that is how my lump was found. Even though I did my exam like I was suppose to do I could not feel this lump but it showed up on the mammogram.

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         cre8ivOneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I'm glad you went for the test and I wish you luck.

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            moonlakeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you. I got the results yesterday. No cancer. I have to go back in 6 months for a recheck. I'm sure many women have been through this and it frightens all of us.

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   2. 56

      The0NatureBoyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      During the early 1970s a Justice of the Peace told me the cure for cancer is to abstain from all animal fat and table salt and eat raw vegetarian heavy in the dark leafy vegetables -- {in season has been my discovery because raw foods protect us from their season's climate conditions} -- and cancer will remit.  He said one will loose weight and once they begin to gain again the cancer will be remitting.
      
      I was a nomad for 36 years and told it to many people but in 2009 I wrote it to a friend's wife with about one more month of life expectancy left who was taking "chemo."   She tried it and in about 3 weeks she was healthy enough to drive herself to the treatment center and after a few weeks the nurse talked about her improving and she told her about her diet.  The nurse went someplace and returned with a book reading the same thing, so his wife chose to go ahead and discarnate, by getting off the diet, rather than to be deceived by people who have pledged their lives to healing people. 
      
      A true story. 

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2. 65

   2uesdayposted 11 years ago

   I will not be writing on this topic as I have no medical knowledge.  I do know what it is like to lose someone to cancer and how vulnerable it makes them and the family. I seem to recall Google mentioned health articles at the time it let loose the Panda algorithm.

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3. STAFF

   Paul Edmondsonposted 11 years ago

   Health is the #1 category for traffic on HubPages and the fastest growing.
   
   
   
   We aren't suggesting writing on health topics where you lack expertise.

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      mary615posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hope that includes Pet Health.  That's my main interest!

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      travel_man1971posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Sir Paul. We don't have to be a health expert if we want to write one. We learn from each other's experiences, aside from the tips shared by experts.

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         travel_man1971posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         In our medical routine for sailors, we always undergo prostate cancer test. It hurts to be poked and swiped by doctor's finger just to determine whether I am negative or positive with the disease. But it helps to be informed.

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4. 65

   2uesdayposted 11 years ago

   Sorry Paul, this is maybe a subject I am over sensitive about.

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   1. 87

      Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I understand, 2uesday! Cancer has hit several people in my family as well and I know it's a very tough subject. That said, I've learned a lot from Hubbers who share their coping tips and make readers feel less alone.
      
      I really get why you'd prefer not to touch on this one, though! Carry on.

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      1. 91

         Jean Bakulaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I'm considering this one but am unsure. My best friend from childhood died of cervical cancer at 49. I know what her symptoms were, what her horrible treatment was, and that it came back and she decided it was too advanced to go through the treatment for nothing again, or to gain only a short time. We grew up like sisters, and I was devastated by her death. We talked alot in those months. I knew how she felt. I don't know if I can write about it medically so much, and have concerns it would be more from an emotional point of view. That's a hard one. Women all know they should go for tests. The symptoms are almost always heavy bleeding and backache. So it seems it would mostly be a very medical hub you are looking for?

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5. 74

   WriteAngledposted 11 years ago

   I have a BSc in Cellular Pathology, PhD in Immunology, Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies, nearly 20 years work experience as a scientist and information specialist in the biomedical field and 12 years work experience as a translator specialising in clinical trial documentation.
   
   I have written well-researched hubs on medical topics based solidly on a critical review of the medical literature. One of these hubs deals with scientific studies investigating the impact of coffee consumption on the risk of development of endometrial cancer. That hub is currently standing at 6 views in the last 30 days and will probably be idled pretty soon by an algorithm or by Mech Turk people with no knowledge of biomedicine. Other medically related hubs are not faring very much better
   
   I have no motivation whatsoever to write any further hubs on medical topics here.

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   1. 87

      Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As with all Hubs, it's hard to know what will pick up and what won't. I don't think it is the subject area of your Hub per se that has been the cause of low traffic. Have you tried tweaking the title and adding more to the Hub?
      
      At any rate, 6 views every 30 days is not low enough for a Featured Hub to lose Featured status due to low levels of engagement.

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      1. 74

         WriteAngledposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         My hubs tend to be on the long side with respect to word count and the biomedical ones took me anything from several hours to a couple of days to research and write.
         
         Since my earnings currently average out at 20 cents per hub per month, I feel there is little point tweaking anything.

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      greenchaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! With Knowledge,and experience like that,-It would be great if you do carry on..passing your knowledge on.

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      Sheri Fayeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am very new to Hub but would love to read that article but for some reason can't find it.  And please do keep writing. I am definatly following you!

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         WriteAngledposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Sheri,
         
         We can't self-promote our hubs on the forum, but if you go to my profile it's there, with an image of a coffee cup and a bright pink slogan.
         
         I'm not trying to play prima donna here. I just genuinely do not understand why I'm getting 0-4 views a day on hubs that do deal with issues of concern and try to provide fully-researched objective information, translating the language of scientific communication into something that anyone can understand. On the other hand, I see reports from people promoting various quackeries that their hubs get hundreds of views a day.
         
         I am coming more and more to the view that Google does not want people here writing about serious academic topics and automatically gives such material negative weightings.

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            greenchaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Here ,here,check out the forums andQuestion &Answer site about the same topic,ie,so many people finding their income dropping,

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      travel_man1971posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Don't worry about the views of your hubs. There will be readers and fellow hubbers that will be catching up posting comments on your hubs. I am starting now.

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6. 53

   janderson99posted 11 years ago

   I agree, this is not an appropriate topic for Weekly Topic Inspiration. IMO
   I think  "Mouth Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment" etc. should be left for the experts. etc.

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   1. 87

      Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I've seen some very helpful and successful Hubs on specific types of cancer that summarize disparate information from very reputable sources around the net- they don't make any claims, but, much like good Wikipedia articles, serve as great jumping off points. That's what I'm hoping to see this week.

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      1. 83

         mary615posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I wrote a Hub a while back about skin cancer and the Mohr's method of removal.  Since it is not a new Hub about this subject, may I submit it?  Thanks.

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7. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 11 years ago

   My emotional pain episode has passed. My apologies to everyone. Onward...

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8. 91

   GoodLadyposted 11 years ago

   Sorry guys, I don't think this is a good topic here.
   Whilst researching the net for information after being diagnosed with cancer I came across far too much information that was not strictly reliable.
   I needed strictly reliable.  I mean STRICTLY.
   
   If it isn't totally 100%, it makes life very hard, especially in those early weeks where you are scared and you just read so much on the internet, simply to know what others are saying, to understand the language, to be able to believe you will not be one of the 'dying' statistic, to know what your chances REALLY are!
   
   You can't help thinking "maybe this is true", "maybe that is"...When your doctor sits you down in front of him and talks to you, then THAT is what you listen to.  Your doctor will tell you NOT to go to the internet, not to believe what is written on the internet BECAUSE HE/SHE has your interests at heart.
   
   I have written on  how to cope with 'after getting well', with the fear of cancer recurrence, it's a personal experience piece and it doesn't claim to be more than that.
   
   Unless the Hubber is a qualified doctor, then the only article they can write that will not further clutter up the internet is to write ONLY what they have experienced themselves and KNOW to be 100% true.
   
   I don't want to follow the response to this hub.  I have a feeling there will be people out there outraged at what I've said, which is the point!
   
   
   http://goodlady.hubpages.com/hub/afterc … wellagain#

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      janderson99posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree.
      Also most of the  "search-friendly title ideas:"  ??
      Cervical Cancer Symptoms
      Prostate Cancer Symptoms
      Throat Cancer Symptoms
      Mouth Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
      Colorectal Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
      are going to be very hard to rank for, as Google looks for authorative sources on medical topics (including Wiki)
      
      This is what an author will be competeing with for mouth cancer (serp list)
      
      Scholarly articles for Mouth Cancer: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
      www.medicinenet.com
      www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevent … ./AllPages
      prevention.cancer.gov/prevention-detection/cancers
      www.fccc.edu/cancer/pdq/English/.../Ora … ntion.html
      www.cancerresearchuk.org
      
      I think the topic is fine, just not those medical titles. IMO

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9. 60

   Briana Fayeposted 11 years ago

   While I see many comments not agreeing with this topic, I decided to give a go at it anyways.  I wrote this hub about my experience having gone through a recent cancer scare while only in my twenties.  I didn't provide much in the way of cancer types or treatments, etc. because I am not a medical provider but this is my personal insight on cancer.
   
   http://hub.me/aePRU

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      Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good one, Briana. 

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         Briana Fayeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you!

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10. 73

    Abbyfitzposted 11 years ago

    This is my first foray into the weekly topic inspiration. I have been thinking of writing a hub about my sister for a while. When I saw this week's topic, I decided to just go ahead and write it. I tried not to get too technical and relate things between the cancer and my sister's experience. I hope it's good.
    
    http://hub.me/aeQ9k

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    1. 94

       PegCole17posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Dear Abbyfitz,
       I just finished reading your article and you said it wonderfully. Beautiful job.
       All the best,
       Peg

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          Abbyfitzposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you!

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             Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I'll read it sometime tonight 

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11. 65

    2uesdayposted 11 years ago

    Hi Jean,
    
    I just want to say that I did not intend to put anyone of writing something that would be useful.
    
    I have taken a look at some of the pages linked here, where people are sharing their experiences. The ones I have seen look supportive to others re/ seeking medical advice as soon as possible and how to support a friend or relative in different ways when they need it. That is the sort of thing you cannot find in a medical journal.
    
    I admit that I have a low threshold for 'miracle cures' or regurgitated and misquoted medical articles. But sometimes sharing how to cope at such times or something that says - go and get it checked out early can be good for people to have available.

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       greenchaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi,2uesday ,I totally agree what you say here.

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    2. 91

       Jean Bakulaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hi 2ueday,
       I understand nobody chose the subject to upset anyone. It is a serious issue, and all our sisters should be getting check ups and not ignoring any odd symptoms. The emotional support is so important, and that goes both ways, to the patient and those who love them. Anyone diagnosed with cancer is so upset at first they don't know what hit them, so a well written piece that is researched, with good information, will be helpful to them. I just think the issue is still too close to me, and I'm not the right person to write it. But I do not think it is offensive to offer facts and support. I know we have lots of good writers here that can do a better job on this one than I can. I know whoever tackles the subject will do it for the best reasons. I wasn't offended by the topic, I just got tears in my eyes and thought, if just thinking about writing this is so upsetting, I should leave it alone. Take care.

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    Stina Caxeposted 11 years ago

    I already have a Hub about my personal experience with cancer (which is ongoing).  I actually thing that if you have a personal experience it is a great way to share your information with people who are looking for information they might not get from a doctor.  Such as what to expect emotionally and what your body really did go through physically and how your friends and family reacted.

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13. 64

    kohuetherposted 11 years ago

    I just finished my weekly topic inspiration hub for this week! So many people in my life have had cancer. Some have survived, some haven't. The way I cope is to consider simple, natural things that we can do in our daily lives to prevent it and offer our bodies support if we are going through something like that. Here is the hub I created:
    
    http://kohuether.hubpages.com/hub/Natur … for-Cancer
    
    Thanks for listening. :-)

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14. 88

    sharkfactsposted 11 years ago

    Here's mine - http://sharkfacts.hubpages.com/hub/Shar … ure-Cancer

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15. 65

    dilipchandra12posted 11 years ago

    Here is my hub: http://dilipchandra12.hubpages.com/hub/ … out-cancer

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16. 81

    tlpoagueposted 11 years ago

    Please refresh my memory here. How many hours/days do we have left on this topic? I would like to write a hub on the subject, but forgot how long the topics run for. (Example: Monday to Monday) Thanks!

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    yogawithbarbposted 11 years ago

    Hello all!  I'm relatively new here and this is my first attempt at weekly topic inspiration. I've survived two different types of breast cancers diagnosed seven years apart.  My mother also had breast cancer so I've done a lot of research on the topic for my own well-being.  I decided to share just one tip with my readers that saved my life.  That tip is not settling for the advice of your radiologist if you have a microcalcification.  Here is my hub:  http://hub.me/aePWw

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       Denise Handlonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Good hub, Barb.  I was disappointed, however, that you did not leave a comments capsule for feedback. 

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    travel_man1971posted 11 years ago

    It's my father's plight having a lung cancer and he wrote '30' at the age of 60.  That was in 1998 but I am sharing it, so that I will not go to the same path of his life.
    
    http://travelman1971.hubpages.com/hub/H … ung-Cancer

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    FeekaBabyposted 11 years ago

    I just want to say a massive well done to all the people who have fought cancer or tried to, amazingly strong people and a massive inspiration!!! And my heart goes out to people who have lost loved ones through cancer also xxxx

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20. 74

    WriteAngledposted 11 years ago

    Well, I thought I'd give this a try, although I am still doubtful...
    
    I've written about making the decision on whether to join a clinical trial of a potential new treatment.
    
    My aim was to summarize what a clinical trial is, what it involves for patients, factors that could affect their decision, and where to look for more information.
    
    http://writeangled.hubpages.com/hub/Cli … r-families

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21. 85

    Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

    Here is my contribution for this WTI.  It is about esophageal cancer, which is the type of cancer my husband died of:
    http://denisehandlon.hubpages.com/hub/E … tment?done

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22. 87

    Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

    I'm really happy to see how many of you participated! It means a lot to me, and thanks so much for sharing your personal stories and unique expertise with cancer. I know it is not an easy subject.
    
    This week's new topic is FAR easier to approach: renewable energy! Stop by the new thread to share tips and advice on utilizing renewable energy bolstered by your personal expertise and experiences.

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