Win A Cancer Battle!

Levon Helm (May 26, 1940 - April 19, 2012), is a treasured voice in American music. He was laid to rest near his home in Woodstock, New York on April 27^th; eight days after his death.

Helm was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and underwent intensive radiation treatment which greatly damaged his voice. He continued to play music, and after his recovery he sang as well up until his death.

Helm, the drummer and vocalist was best known for his work with the Band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as a member of the Band. He had also appeared in several films: "The Right Stuff", "Coal Miner's Daughter", and "Blue Moon of Kentucky".

Levon Helm lost his long battle with cancer at age 71. We can win a cancer battle understanding what it is about. There are uncountable advertisements, clinical help and information spread in every media about cancer. People have caught some kind of immunity, because many just go after it like if cancer calls them.

There's no proven way to prevent throat cancer from occurring, but knowing where your enemies are helps to keep them away. This hub is meant to keep flowing the same information of throat cancer prevention. I pray that at least one person that by reading this can win a cancer battle.

The throat is a 5 inch long muscular tube that begins behind the nose and ends in the neck. The voice box sits below the throat and it is also susceptible to throat cancer. The voice box is made of cartilage and contains the vocal cords that vibrate to make sound when we talk. Throat cancer can also affect the piece of cartilage (epiglottis) that acts as a lid for the windpipe. On the back of the throat are located the tonsils, which could also be affected with another form of cancer.

Throat cancer occurs when cells in the throat develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living after healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating cells can form a tumor in the throat.

Signs and symptoms of throat cancer may include:

• cough
• changes in voice
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• ear pain
• a lump or sore that doesn't heal
• and/or weight loss.

Any additional signs or symptoms that are persistent to one of these conditions should be notified to a doctor. Most throat cancer symptoms aren't specific to cancer. A doctor will investigate other common causes first. It is not about fear, it is about prevention.

The types of throat cancer may include the following:

• nasopharyngeal cancer,
• oropharyngeal cancer,
• hypopharyngeal cancer,
• laryngopharyngeal cancer,
• glottic cancer,
• supragloticc cancer,
• subglottic cancer.

When the habitual treatment does not work trying alternative treatments with the approval of the doctor, may come well :

• prayers,
• acupuncture,
• massage therapy,
• meditation,
• and relaxation techniques.

throat cancer treatments may include :

• radiation therapy,
• surgery,
• chemotherapy,
• and targeted drug therapy.

Yes, it is said that there's no proven way to prevent throat cancer from occurring. But in order to reduce your risk of throat cancer, you can:

• Stop smoking or don't start smoking at all.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation or not at all.
• Try choosing a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
• Be cautious around chemicals and radiation.
• Love yourself more and those around you.

Ecclesiastes 9:12
"Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them."

Everybody will die of something and everyone has something in their life that perhaps it is not being beneficial for good health; but our conscious speaks to all of us...don't silence the inner voice.

Ephesians 4:30
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Win a cancer battle!

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill