On Arthritis Worldwide

Causing swelling and pain in the joints, arthritis leads to substantial activity limitation, work disability, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States with nearly 19 million Americans reporting activity limitations. Experts indicate this figure will balloon to 67 million by 2030. An estimated half a billion people - 10 percent of the world population – experiences some form of impairment or disability, and as the population of the U.S. and other nations increases, it is expected that the incidence of age-related disabilities including arthritis will also increase. Careful monitoring of the condition can help to improve treatment outcomes, and gaining an understanding of the condition and taking precautions to care for one’s joints before arthritis develops may make it possible to mitigate its effects or delay its onset.

Arthritis is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that normally protects the joints of the body, and is typically seen in individuals 65 and older. The inflammation of one or more joints most commonly associated with arthritis frequently worsens with age. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints and is seen almost exclusively in older individuals, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and may be seen in younger individuals as well. Regardless of type, arthritis causes pain, inflammation, and swelling, and restricts movement. Standard treatments focus on relieving symptoms and improving joint function, and may include medications, physical therapy and exercise regimes, lifestyle changes, and surgery if the condition does not improve through the use of more conservative measures.

Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve some of the pain and irritation associated with arthritis, and experts are working to identify new medications that may prove beneficial. While medications do provide relief for some individuals, moderate exercise has been found to be highly beneficial to individuals with arthritis. Certain exercises and stretching techniques have been observed to markedly improve the range of motion and strength of muscles surrounding joints in individuals with arthritis. Despite the benefits of moderate exercise to reduce pain and ease stiff joints, a recent study found that many individuals with arthritis do not get the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity, low-impact activity per week which could improve their condition.

By ensuring that individuals with arthritis and pre-arthritic individuals understand the importance of stretching and exercise, it may be possible to lessen the severity of the condition. In addition to strengthening the joints, these activities can lead to weight loss and improve overall health.



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On Ovarian Cancer

Reports indicate that approximately two million women develop breast or cervical cancer each year, and these rates continue to increase. Though not as common, ovarian cancer - the fifth most common cancer in women – causes more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, to date in 2011 there have been an estimated 21,990 new cases of ovarian cancer, and 15,460 deaths due to the disease. Making women aware of the possible symptoms of ovarian cancer and encouraging them to have routine gynecological appointments may help to improve rates of diagnosis of the condition.

While nearly one in three women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, one in seven will develop ovarian cancer, but detection and diagnosis is significantly more difficult in ovarian cancer. The symptoms associated with ovarian cancer are often vague, and are commonly associated with other common conditions. According to experts, women should see their doctor if they experience bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and pelvic or abdominal pain on a daily basis for more than a few weeks. Because of the difficulty detecting ovarian cancer, it is frequently not detected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. In its late stages it is often fatal, but if diagnosis is made early and treatment is received before the cancer spreads outside of the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is very high. In order to combat difficulties diagnosing ovarian cancer, researchers are working to develop new flureoscence-guided techniques that may make it possible to identify very small tumors that may have been missed using traditional detection methods.

All women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer, but approximately 90 percent of women who get the disease are 40 years of age or older, with the greatest number of cases occurring in women aged 60 and older. Women who have children earlier in life have a decreased risk of developing ovarian cancer, while those who have a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk. Once ovarian cancer has been positively diagnosed, as with other cancers, it is most often treated surgically. This frequently involves the removal of the uterus, both ovaries and fallopian tubes, and/or removal of the lymph nodes. In addition to the surgical removal of tumors, individuals with ovarian cancer may undergo chemotherapy, however radiation therapy is seldom used in the United States to treat ovarian cancer.

Though difficult to diagnose, if treated quickly ovarian cancer can be beaten. By encouraging women to monitor their health and communicate any concerns to their physician, it may be possible to identify cases more quickly and improve treatment outcomes.



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