INFO : CANCER

What is cancer?

The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is a disease of these cells.

Cells in different parts of the body may look and work differently but most reproduce themselves in the same way. Cells are constantly becoming old and dying, and new cells are produced to replace them. Normally, cells divide in an orderly and controlled manner. If for some reason the process gets out of control, the cells carry on dividing, developing into a lump which is called a tumour.

Tumours can be either benign or malignant. Cancer is the name given to a malignant tumour. Doctors can tell if a tumour is benign or malignant by examining a small sample of cells under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.

In a benign tumour the cells do not spread to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous. However, if they continue to grow at the original site, they may cause a problem by pressing on the surrounding organs.

A malignant tumour consists of cancer cells that have the ability to spread beyond the original area. If the tumour is left untreated, it may spread into and destroy surrounding tissue. Sometimes cells break away from the original (primary) cancer. They may spread to other organs in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system - the body's natural defence against infection and disease. It is a complex system made up of organs, such as bone marrow, the thymus, the spleen, and lymph nodes. The lymph nodes (or glands) throughout the body are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic ducts.

When the cancer cells reach a new area they may go on dividing and form a new tumour. This is known as a secondary cancer or metastasis.

It is important to realise that cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, each with its own name and treatment.

INFO : MESOTHELIOMA

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum.

About 2000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Mesothelioma of the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma, is much more common than mesothelioma in the peritoneum. For every one person with peritoneal mesothelioma, there will be about 12 people who have pleural mesothelioma.

A. Pleural mesothelioma

The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung; and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily.

When mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the delicate membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura: this is known as a pleural effusion.

Structure of the lungs and pleura

B. Peritoneal mesothelioma

The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs, and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall.

If the mesothelioma is in the peritoneum it is called peritoneal mesothelioma and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.

Side view of the abdomen. The peritoneum is shown as the thick line surrounding the abdominal organs.

Credit cards in Bali

Info :

International credit cards are honored in Bali and in many shops, hotels and restaurants the cards accepted will be displayed in the window. Popular cards are Visa, Mastercard, Citibank and DinersClub.

Bali has a branch of Citibank located on Jl. Teuku Umar in Denpasar and foreigners living in Bali can sign up for a variety of accounts. Local banks charge 3.25% for using their cards. When you get an account at BCA bank in Bali, they will offer you a BCA Master / Visa and plain BCA card.

Mastercard charges 3% for using its card in Bali. Sometimes shops will charge 3%, (as they get charged 3%), sometimes not. If you lose your credit card while in Bali, the best strategy is contact your bank via phone ASAP. I lost my debit card last year and was able to cancel it and order a new one using online banking.

American Express is not so popular in Bali. The vendor has to wait longer to get paid (as in the US) and has to apply to be a vendor. When shopping in Bali you’ll need to use cash for most things in the street, better shops will be able to handle credit cards.

Info Banks and Credit cards in Bali

Here is the contact info for banks and credit cards in Bali

Banks

•American Express Bank (0361) 283973
•ABN-AMRO Bank (0361) 244277
•Bank Central Asia (BCA) (0361) 756283
•Bank Danamon (0361) 757836
•Bank International Indonesia (BII) (0361) 756671
•Bank Lippo (0361) 284158
•Bank Mandiri (0361) 770259
•Bank Niaga (0361) 232969
•Bank Permata (0361) 263373
•Citibank (0361) 255077
•Commonwealth Bank (0361) 237077
•Standard Chartered Bank (0361) 223700

Credit Cards

•American Express (0361) 283970
•Mastercard / Visa (0361) 759010

Banks in Bali have ATM machines that are compatible with foreign banks so you will be able to withdraw money in local currency. There are actually a ton of branches and you can look in the local Yellow Pages for a complete listing, of banks in Bali.

Banking hours are from 8.00 am to 12.00 am Mondays to Fridays, and from 8.00 am to 11.00 am on Saturdays.