Every May, this article is updated with new information
and links, in an attempt to bring together all the helpful information and
advice I can find about this dreaded disease. Are we winning or losing the war
on Cancer?
Ironically, the 2005 edition of this article was just another
intellectual exercise for me, but in September of 2005, a CT-scan found a large
tumor in my abdomen. My
odyssey is detailed here.
This of course suggests
that no matter what we do, there are no guarantees. It has also
made me look closely to see what went wrong with my daily regimen.
But it has in no way deterred me from my belief that we CAN
influence our health destiny.
I feel that taking preventative measures is possibly the most important health
step we can take, and the strategies I am going to suggest have so much
expert support that I will say this:
Taking control
certainly beats sitting back and
just waiting for Fate to get you.
In addition, all these suggestions lead to better overall
health for the people who follow them, and that in and of itself is a major
advance. Nine months after my diagnosis, having refused to follow the
standard medical route, due to healthy heart, lungs and liver function, I am as
well as ever, except for the undeniable presence of a large tumor.
You may remember that in 2005, the American Cancer Society issued
a report (http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/CPED2005v5PWSecured.pdf), which suggested that 62% of the over 563 thousand cancer deaths
that we can expect this year are PREVENTABLE. This statement did not
receive much press - possibly because of the recommendations the ACS made for
preventative measure only one involved the medical profession.
The point is that all
the other preventative measures recommended were lifestyle changes -
stopping smoking, improving diet, losing weight, exercising.
Read on, as I outline a program to lower your cancer risk.
My
position, put simply, is that one (or a combination) of these things
must occur for cancer to develop:
either the immune system has become depressed
there are hormonal imbalances
toxins are present
the mechanisms which control the birth and death (apoptosis)
of cells have been interfered with
chronic
inflammation is present - http://www.cancernetwork.com/journals/oncology/o0202d.htm
or there is viral
involvement - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=3988
or you have blood type A, and are at increased
risk for developing cancer. http://altmedangel.com/canblood.htm
Whatever affects these things (and remember, stress
affects the first 3!) affects one's risk level. Keeping them under control is
our lifelong balancing act.
The immune system is
our first and most important line of defense:
many major life situations and dietary choices
can cause cancer to challenge it. These are the warning choices:
In
2006, new studies linked obesity with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Obesity_And_Height_Linked_to_Ovarian_Cancer_Deaths.htm
Poor liver function, inhibiting
the elimination of toxins, and affecting sugar pathways.
Stress ,
which affects so many body functions that controlling it or compensating for
it may be the second most important thing we can do to protect
ourselves. Stress and inflammation are intimately connected.
No exercise, or exercise that is too extreme and
causes stress..
Regular exercise to make sure that your weight is
under control, and that stores of fat are tapped to burn for energy.
Parents, look to introduce physical exercise early into your children's
lives: while no one wants to affirm compulsions to be thin to an
adolescent, there is much to be said for concepts of healthy moderation! Do
not exercise when stressed: interesting research suggests a connection
between poor sleep and vigorous exercise. (McClain
J, et al, "Association between physical activity, sleep duration, and
cancer risk among women in Washington County, MD: a prospective cohort
study" AACR 2008 Abstract B145.)
adjust your diet - whole grains, fresh vegetables
(particularly cruciferous) and fruits (particularly the colorful ones
like blueberries and raspberries) are the best sources of cancer
protective nutrition ... don't barbecue or deep-fry anything!
Avoid lunch meats. Select beneficial herbs and spices - like turmeric
(http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/108/108886.htm?DEST=WebMD&contentSRC=aolmain)
and oregano (http://www.pioneerthinking.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi?file=aicr_pastaherbs.html).
sensibly (rather than fanatically) watch your
complex carbs and carefully monitor blood sugar
identify allergens and intolerances and eliminate
them..
add some of the superfoods, such as spirulina,
pollen, chlorella, fermented
soy.
use whey protein.
Low levels of Glutathione have been
found in healthy cells when cancer is present.
One of the best ways to increase Glutathione levels
is to use a good
whey
protein: in animal studies, whey protein
concentrate consistently raised glutathione levels beyond those of any
other protein studied. (Bounous G. and Gold P., Clin. Invest. Med.
1991).
A study has shown that
whey protein selectively interferes with the levels of glutathione in
cancer cells, while increasing levels in normal cells. (Baruchel S. and
Vaiu G., Anti Cancer Research 1996).
Keep yourpH regulated. In an
unbalanced system, nutrients do not enter cells effectively, nor can cells
clear themselves of toxins,
Drink plenty of pure water. Cut back on or
eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Eliminate pop. Drink
Green Tea.
Take occasional
fasts
and combine with a cleansing program to support and tone your
colon. Make sure you have the proper balance of friendly bacteria in your
system. Consider a heavy metal cleanse periodically to make sure the
most harmful toxins are evacuated.
Support your Liver - consider regular cleanses
specific to that important organ and supplemental support. (see RESOURCES for my article on liver health)
Control Viruses - many
viruses have been connected with cancer.
If you are blood type A, Dr. d'Adamo suggests
adding soy to your diet. http://altmedangel.com/canblood.htm
Limit toxins. Consider once again the benefits of organic
foods. (See RESOURCES)
Remember, authentic organic foods confer benefits on the producer, the
environment, any creatures involved and the consumer. It is not just another
word attached to nutritionally inferior food to entice you to buy!
I do not want to get into the whole subject of factory
farming here, but will only say that in my opinion the health risks we
discuss here from the chemicals are only a fraction of the many
adverse social effects.
Social
commentary:
The
Meatrix -a riveting
presentation - http://www.themeatrix.com Read
a story about Chicken Liberation here - http://www.nocompromise.org/news/000623a.html
Report
on Antibiotics in Eggs - full story here - http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,11381,1191403,00.html
Details
for the Strong of Stomach - http://www.all-creatures.org/anex/chicken.html
There are additional risks we are just becoming
aware of in commercial fertilizers, too. Did
you know that when toxic wastes are added to fertilizer, they become
an unregulated "product"??
If you think you are avoiding heavy metals, look at this
information. and think again!! I recommend a book called Fateful
Harvestby Duff Wilson, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer
prize. It will make you aware of a problem we should all be
working to overcome. See RESOURCE.
Be aware of the
potential fortoxicity
in your cosmetics and personal
care items. Some experts are now investigating the possibility that
this partly explains the difference in cancer levels between women and men -
women use the make-up, shampoos, lotions etc. and hair dye more frequently!
Read
this report on Phthalates in cosmetic and hair products. http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1811
Take care to ensure that your cells are getting the targeted
nutrients needed to maintain healthy defenses.
Control inflammation.
I am indebted for this information to the Life
Extension Foundation. They use it as part of a letter for Cancer
patients to send to their Doctors, asking for the addition of Cox-2
inhibiting drugs to their medications. You
can access the letter here. http://www.lef.org/featured-articles/cancerupdate-ltr.html
I include it here to indicate the importance of
controlling inflammation, and have listed two natural Cox 2 affecting
supplements at right since I am not enamoured of the use of drugs!.
According to a study in the British Journal of
Cancer (1997;75 (8), human prostate cancer cells sustain their growth
by stimulating themselves to up-regulate their production of COX-2,
which facilitates cell proliferation via several mechanisms. However,
COX-2 inhibition results in a decrease in cell replication and a
reduction in the synthesis of COX-2 and its metabolites, such as the
dangerous prostaglandin E2. The authors of this study concluded that
COX-2 is involved in the maintenance of growth and homeostasis of
human prostate cancer cells.
In the Sept 7, 1999 issue of the Wall Street Journal, an investigative
report revealed that scientists are actively investigating COX-2
inhibitors as drugs that would be effective in the prevention and
treatment of many cancers. COX-2 inhibiting drugs, given to small
numbers of patients with colon polyps (pre-cancerous lesions), caused
the completely disappearance of the lesions. When a group of rats were
given a potent carcinogen, there was a 90% reduction in those, who
developed cancer if they were on COX-2 inhibition therapy. In the few
rats that did develop the tumors while taking COX-2 inhibition
therapy, the tumors were 80% smaller and less numerous than the group
not on COX-2 inhibition therapy. The Wall Street Journal revealed that
a handful of physicians, knowledgeable about COX-2 and cancer, are
prescribing COX-2 inhibitors to their patients.
In a report published in JAMA (1999 Oct 6;282(13), a nearly 10 year
epidemiological study showed that COX-2 expression in colorectal
cancer was significantly related to survival. The doctors concluded
that the data add to the growing epidemiological and experimental
evidence that COX-2 may play a role in colorectal tumorigenesis".
Maximize nutrient intake. Change your diet to
contain only nutrient rich foods.
Some confusing studies have emerged
on antioxidants and cancer recently, and here is what the
A.P.John Institute for Cancer Research has to say:
"The controversy about whether to treat cancer
with anti-oxidants is slowly resolving with the newer understanding of
how they affect the activity of genes and enzymes in cancer cells. The
prevailing data shows that the benefits, or lack of benefits, depend
upon the oxidative state the cancer cells are in. Anti-oxidants taken
when the cells are in a very high oxidative state may prevent them
from entering apoptosis or from committing suicide. When oxidative
stress in cancer cells is only slightly above normal, however, then
anti-oxidants are expected to stop their growth and
reproduction."
In other words, if you HAVE cancer, use supplemental
anti-oxidants under the care of a health professional only. If you
want to do all you can to avoid it - well, that's another matter! Use
them ad libitum.
Dr. Ralph Moss, of the Newsletter THE MOSS REPORT at www.cancerdecisions.com
writes a carefully structured last-word-on-the subject report.
He has a more detailed report available for purchase here: https://webssl.cancerdecisions.com/list/optin.php?form_id=29
NEW STUDY CLARIFIES ROLE OF
ANTIOXIDANTS
DURING RADIATION TREATMENT
An important paper on the interaction of antioxidants and radiation
therapy was recently published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Interestingly, despite the significance of its findings, this study
has
received virtually zero attention from the scientific community or the
media.
As background, in April 2005, Isabelle Bairati, MD, PhD, and her
colleagues at the Hôtel-Dieu de Quebec
Research Centre and the Universite
Laval completed a ten-year study on the interaction of antioxidants
and
radiation therapy. This was hailed as the first placebo-controlled,
double-blind, randomized trial assessing the effect of supplementation
with
antioxidant vitamins during radiation therapy. The study concluded
that
supplements of synthetic beta-carotene (30 mg per day) or alpha
tocopherol
(400 IU per day) had a harmful effect on cancer patients. In
particular, the
authors claimed that the cancer recurrence rate was 40 percent higher
among
patients who had been randomly assigned to the supplementation arm of
the
trial. They therefore called on patients and physicians to exert
caution in
using antioxidants until new evidence could be provided by future
trials.
Kedar Prasad, PhD, and other proponents of the concurrent use of
antioxidants during cancer treatment criticized the Bairati paper.
They were
disappointed that Bairati and colleagues had used ordinary alpha
tocopherol
as their choice of vitamin E when Prasad's previous work had shown
that it
was not just alpha tocopherol but alpha tocopherol succinate that had
the
anticancer efficacy. They also felt that natural forms of the vitamin
were
more effective than synthetic, drug store-type vitamins. But, by and
large,
the medical world accepted the Bairati trial as definitive proof that
antioxidants interfered with radiation therapy. Word spread like
wildfire in
oncology circles, confirming a long-held belief that antioxidants
interfered
with standard cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
The take
away message, as stated in a Universite Laval press release, was that
"Supplements May Speed Up Development of Cancer." Advocates
of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) were confounded by
this large and impressive study.
But now the other shoe has dropped.
In December 2007, Dr. Bairati and her Quebec
colleagues published a major
modification of their previous conclusions. Further analysis
revealed, they
said, that the danger of synthetic antioxidants was limited to one
particular sub-population: cigarette smokers - specifically, those
who
continued to smoke during radiation treatment. The authors
analyzed the
outcome in 540 patients who had been given radiation for head and neck
cancers. During the follow-up period, 119 patients had a recurrence of
their
disease and 179 died. Smokers were the group with the worst prognosis.
However, astonishingly, smoking in the period leading up to or
following
radiation therapy did not modify the effects of the two supplements.
It was
only smoking during the course of radiation therapy that led to a
statistically significant increase in the risk of a recurrence. It was
a
large enough increase to skew the statistics for the group as a whole,
leading to the erroneous conclusion that antioxidants interfered with
radiotherapy in the general patient population.
Statistically, increased risk is generally expressed as a
"hazard ratio"
(abbreviated HR). In this study, current smokers had an HR of 2.41 for
recurrence, in other words more than double the chance of a recurrence
compared to the rest of the patient population. The HR for death from
any
cause was a similar 2.26. But the hazard ratio for dying of their
initial
head and neck cancer was a whopping 3.38 in patients who got
radiation,
smoked and also received a single synthetic antioxidant.
"These results could best be explained by the hypothesis
that the combined
exposures reduced the efficacy of radiation therapy," Bairati and
her
colleagues now say. "Particular attention should be devoted to
prevent
patients from both smoking and taking antioxidant supplements during
radiation therapy" (Meyer 2007).
According to the National
Cancer Institute, 85 percent of head and neck
cancers are linked to tobacco use. (Alcohol use further exacerbates
this
trend.) This has been widely known for years, and so it is shocking
that
there are still people so hopelessly addicted to tobacco that they not
only
continue to smoke after they've been diagnosed with head and neck
cancer but
continue to smoke right through their radiation therapy. It was in
this
subset of particularly unhealthy individuals that antioxidants were
associated with an increased risk of disease progression. As Bairati
and
colleagues suggest, such individuals should definitely not compound
their
problems by then taking a synthetic antioxidant.
But the more important lesson for patients and practitioners is
that
antioxidants do NOT generally interfere with the effects of radiation
therapy, as was previously suggested. They do NOT increase the
risk of a
recurrence, of death from head and neck cancer, or of overall
mortality in
the average patient. In this updated study, the harmful effect of
synthetic
antioxidants was entirely limited to those relatively few
tobacco-addicted
patients who continued to smoke during their radiation therapy. Thus,
the
major premise underpinning oncologists' condemnation of antioxidants
during
radiation therapy has crumbled, although few seem to have noticed so
far.
Regulate your exposure to electro-magnetic fields - more
studies are coming out at least suggestive of a link here. Even the Cancer
Institute, as conservative a group as you could find, has
this to say. http://www.lef.org/featured-articles/cancerupdate-ltr.html
The foundation of your
preventative program should be
a good Multi-vitamin.
Do not expect to get what you need in one pill a day.
Choose either a formula that suggests a number of pills daily, or a pack to take
each day which contains many pills.
It is difficult to find any nutrient that has not at some
point been singled out and investigated for a connection to Cancer prevention:
selenium, folic acid, beta carotene, calcium - taking a really good multi
is, in my view, Life Insurance. Make it a your life insurance policy!
Case in point - Vitamin
D
These days, we are all warned not to
let the sun shine on our skin for an instant. And it is true that the risk
of skin cancer is real. However, if you go to www.sunarc.org, you will be fascinated, as I was, to
discover the extent that geography governs our cancer rates.
Death rates for breast, colon and
ovarian cancer clearly diminish the further South one goes. What is the
significance of this? The founder of SunArc, Dr. William Grant, argues
that exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D account for the difference.
In effect, that regular, moderate exposure to sunshine helps
protect our health.
Enzymes
Taking systemic enzymes on an empty stomach is a recognized
alternative cancer therapy. Adding a digestive enzyme to mealtimes as an
aid to absorption is something I recommend to anyone who has experienced any
form of digestive distress because irregularity, gas, bloating, heartburn -
whatever the symptom, they are suggestive of a problem with the uptake of
nutrients and the elimination of wastes. Keeping the body clean of toxins and
supported with nutrition is key to health.
Read
my article on Digestion for full information,
There are many
supplements that are suggested for support and defense of the
immune
system, but I do not propose to go in to all of them
here.
The fact that I don't mention them doesn't mean they are not
effective: I have simply chosen the ones that I have found most successful
and that have the most compelling science behind them. I want to say
again, however, that diet, exercise, water, acid/alkaline balance and proper
digestion/elimination are essential first steps: merely adding supplements
to an unhealthy lifestyle is a little like standing on the brake and the
accelerator at the same time: you probably won't go anywhere at all.
Colostrum
When a female mammal gives birth,
before the production of the nutritious milk comes the valuable food known as Colostrum.
Where breast milk is a source of protein (among other nutrients),
colostrum is a source of immunity. Farmers habitually remove a calf from
its mother in order to appropriate the cow's milk production for their own use:
but they soon discovered that if they remove the calf before it has a chance to
suckle for a few days, not only does its health suffer long term, but it is more
susceptible to infection and disease as a baby.
Now that we have identified the
components of Colostrum, this comes as absolutely no surprise. Among other
things, it contains:
An enzyme which
attacks bacteria in the body by releasing lysins (dissolving agents)
that weaken the cell walls of the bacteria until they collapse. Swiss
studies show it to be effective even against E. Coli, a major
childhood threat. (Wild et al., Reevaluation of the effect of lysozyme .....
Microsc. Res. Tech, 1991; 39(3):297-304) .
Lactoferrin - a
protein which captures iron molecules and makes them unavailable to bacteria
and viruses, which need it for growth.
Immunoglobulins, to
include IgG which attacks and attaches to bacteria, thereby making them
vulnerable to attack by the body's immune system.
Glycoproteins -
natural protease inhibitors.
Interferon - which
supports the immune system, and fights viruses.
Oligosaccharides -
which support and encourage the growth of probiotic bacteria,
IGF1 & 2, and
other growth factors important for all growth of muscle and tissue.
and more ........ See
Beth Ley-Jacobs book in RESOURCES.
It tops my list. I may add that
it is invaluable for many pet health problems, too.
WHEY PROTEIN
This is an excellent source of
the molecules the cells need to stay healthy, the building blocks of our
RNA/DNA. There are many choices of whey protein that are simply that:
a protein. Then there are others that are concentrates of the biologically
active proteins that play a major role in the repair of RNA and DNA,
antioxidant production (Glutathione precursors), improved liver function and red
blood cell production, the binding and safe removal of heavy metals, wound
healing, growth of new muscle and the support of various immune functions. Ihighlyrecommend the Undenatured
Whey Protein Concentrate you will find in the RESOURCES, because it is a precursor
(required for the production) of Glutathione
(GSH). It contains exceptionally high amounts of undenatured
Cysteine and Glutamine, the amino acids required for intracellular GSH
production.
Resveratrol
A group of FFH Program scientists led by Dr. John Pezzuto in
the College of Pharmacy at the UIC campus have recently shown that Resveratrol
is one of a group of compounds (called phytoalexins) that are produced in plants
during times of environmental stress such as adverse weather or insect, animal
or pathogenic attack. Resveratrol has been identified in more than 70 species of
plants, including mulberries and peanuts. Grapes, however are particularly good
sources. Resveratrol is found in the skin (not flesh) of grapes. Fresh grape
skin contains about 50 to 100 micrograms of Resveratrol per gram, while red wine
concentrations range from 1.5 to 3 milligrams per liter. This compound is also
thought to be responsible, in part, for the cholesterol-lowering effects of red
wine and may also explain why those consuming a Mediterranean-type diet (of
which red wine consumption is characteristic) may have a reduced risk of heart
disease.
In the current study, Pezzuto and colleagues were able to show that Resveratrol
was effective during all three phases of the cancer process: initiation,
promotion and progression. Resveratrol was found to have antioxidant and
antimutagenic activity and also increased levels of the phase II
drug-metabolizing enzyme quinone reductase, an enzyme capable of metabolically
detoxifying carcinogens, thereby ridding them from the body. All three of these
physiological effects are indicative of Resveratrol preventing cancer
initiation--the initial, irreversible stage of the cancer process. Resveratrol
also demonstrated antiinflammatory effects and inhibited the activity of the
cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase enzymes (suggestive of antipromotion
activity) in addition to causing the differentiation of human promyelocytic
leukemia cells, indicating that this compound may also depress the progression
phase of cancer. Finally, Resveratrol inhibited the development of preneoplastic
lesions in mouse mammary glands treated with a carcinogen in culture and
inhibited tumor formation in mice. No toxic effects were observed.
So, a glass of good red wine a day, and/or a Resveratrol supplement is my next
recommendation.
Blueberries,
cranberries, strawberries
all contain powerful phytochemicals that fight cancer,
heart disease, high cholesterol and more. http://www.newstarget.com/z001505.html
Moducare
The immune response has two ways of dealing with
foreign pathogens. The B-lymphocytes synthesize specific antibodies called
immunoglobulins. This is known as humoral immunity. The other system involves
T-lymphocytes, which regulate the synthesis of antibodies as well as direct
killer cell activity and the inflammatory response of delayed type
hypersensitivity. This system is known as cell-mediated immunity. Like
everything else in the body, these systems need to be in homeostasis - too much
of one, and we have immune related disorders, too little, and we are open to
inflammatory and viral diseases, as well as disregulation of cells.
Moducare has been demonstrated to balance the two branches of the immune system
which is why it appears to be effective in widely differing situations. It
is my next choice. For
more information, click here.
First, of course, is to implement all the
strategies mentioned in the sections on immunity, diet exercise, cleansing,
water etc.
If
you want to live longer limit your carbohydrate intake,
choose any carbs you eat from those high on the Glycemic
Index scale (sugars which enter
the blood slowly, usually because they are accompanied by
protein, fiber or fatty acids), and select supplements which
will help you balance your sugars. http://www.mendosa.com/gi.htm
For example, AGEBlock,
specifically designed to address this situation. It contains Goat's Rue,
the herbal prototype to the antidiabetic drug, Metformin. see RESOURCES.
My articles on Diabetes
and Insulin
Resistance address this subject in detail.
Next in line is
IP6.
This supplement is derived from rice,
which may partially explain why a macrobiotic diet sometimes
has such an effect on cancer.
IP-6 is found in highest concentrations in the bran part of
rice, and is found also in corn, sesame seeds and in all unprocessed grains and
legumes. However, it is not possible to get a therapeutic dose this way. While
ensuring that one's diet is a good source of it makes excellent sense, since it
leads to eating healthy foods, eating enough of the source foods to get a
significant supply of IP-6 also involves large amounts of calories,
carbohydrates and (gasp! did you ever think to hear me say) too MUCH fiber.
Dr. Shamsuddin, who did the original research on IP6 and
cancer, says it plays a role in communicating to the cell what its reaction
should be to stimuli: it may regulate either the manner in which the
signal is transmitted, or even act as a censor for unacceptable messages.
Be that as it may, the results of his studies show
unequivocally that IP-6 brings about reduction in the size of all the tumors he
monitored in rats, colon, mammary glands, lung, liver, skin - you name it. As he
says, if the mode of operation of IP-6 is as outlined above, then it will be
effective against all forms of cancer. Cancer is the uncontrolled division of
cells bringing about uncontrolled growth: a nutrient that can cancel out the
message to the cells that causes this rogue reaction would (in Dr. Shamsuddin's
words) "reduce this abnormal growth rate of cells down to the normal growth
level." Dr. S's work found that combining IP6 with Inositol was more
effective than IP6 alone, and that is the combination he has patented.
Fats are essential to the health of our
cells. Restated, the PROPER fats are essential to the health of our
cells. The fats most prevalent in our diets, however, are predominantly
Omega 6, which are pro-inflammatory. Corn and safflower oils, which are in
practically everything in the way of prepared foods, are Omega 6. What we need
is to redress the balance to a prevalence of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Sources of Omega 3 are walnuts,
flax and fish. When you consider that an enzyme (deficient in many
people, and especially in disease conditions) is needed to convert flax to the
anti-inflammatory form we need, and that Flax also contains Omega 6, the clear
winner is fish, with a supplemental form being both convenient and pure.
Answering
the Fish
or Flax Question - http://www.omega3sealoil.com/Chapter4_3c.html
The two fatty acids present in high amounts in Fish Oil are EPA and DHA, both
precursors to important ANTI-inflammatory substances in the body, and both
connected in studies to a lowered risk of cancer.
Additionally, a 2003 study at the University
of Edinburgh determined that Omega 3s can halt and reverse the weight loss and
lack of appetite (Cachexia) experienced by some cancer patients. See
RESOURCES
for the study report.
Selenium and Colon Cancer
Evidence continues to mount that
Selenium is intimately connected with rates of colon cancer. I have one
link in Resources to a study suggesting that, and now an analysis of 3 studies
comprising more than 1500 patients showed that those with the highest blood
levels of selenium had the least risk of recurrence of colon cancer.
The researchers were clear:
"higher selenium status may be related to decreased risk of colorectal
cancer," write the researchers in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of
the National Cancer Institute. (J Natl Cancer Inst
2004;96:1645-1647,1669-1675.)
Apoptosis can be defined as "gene-directed cellular
self-destruction" or programmed cell death. Direct from the Roche site
(thank you!) I have taken the following definition: "Apoptosis
plays an important role in the homeostasis and development of all tissues within
an organism. In contrast to necrosis (cell death by accident), apoptosis is a
well regulated physiological process. Any disturbance of the balance between
cell proliferation and cell death maintained by apoptosis can result in serious
disease, in particular cancer."
Some of the most recent research in 2004 has to do
with methods of turning on apoptosis for cancer cell, since in the
words of one of the researchers:
"Cancer has an amazing ability to shake off the
shackles of ageing and death, which is one of the reasons why it can
be so hard to treat," comments Dr Madalena Tarsounas, who heads
the study at the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute.
"Understanding how cancer cells remain eternally young has been a
key focus of research for more than a decade, so it's particularly
exciting to have made such a striking discovery ..... evidence of a
completely new mechanism for stopping the clock on a cancer cell's
timer and preventing its lifespan from ticking down. It raises the
possibility of starting the clock again and making cancer cells
susceptible to death once more."
Bearing this in mind, I feel I can hardly do
better than to reproduce this press release from January 2000, which will make
it easy for you to guess what my final recommendation is!
Strong
Apoptosis-Inducing Activity Found in Grifron Maitake D-fraction®
A research group of the
Dept. of Urology, at the New York Medical College presented the results of their
"apoptosis" study using a Maitake mushroom extract, "Grifron
Pro D-fraction®
(GD)", on human prostatic cancer cells (PC-3) at the American Academy
of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Conference held on December 11-13, 1999 in Las
Vegas.
The study demonstrated a significant cytotoxic effect via oxidative membrane
damage on prostatic cancer when treated with GD, resulting in apoptotic cell
death. This cytotoxic activity was even more potentiated when combined with
Vitamin C. Moreover, some strong synergistic effect was seen between GD and a
chemotherapeutic agent such as carmustine (BCNU) which is used in the treatment
of brain tumors. The research group had also tested several other natural
extracts (other mushroom extracts and seaweed extracts that were already known
to have some apoptosis-inducing activity) and has confirmed that the Maitake GD
is much more potent than any other sample extracts they investigated.
The phenomenon of "Apoptosis", a form of programmed cell death
(or, the cancer cells actually committing suicide), has suddenly and
dramatically been thrust into scientific consciousness gaining keen attention
from the frontline of cancer research. Dr. Barbara Osboarne, an associate
professor at the University of Massachusetts, found an erratic history of this
"apoptosis" awareness, characterized by very little early study
activity followed by booming interest. She searched databases for apoptosis
references and found only 300 total papers by 1991 soaring to over 3,000 papers
by early 1995.
Michael Shirota, President and CEO of Maitake Products, Inc., who has supported
this study, states that this result is very exciting since Maitake
D-fraction® is now proven not only as an
immune-booster but also an apoptosis-inducer. According to Shirota, his
company has received a large amount of feedback from health professionals and
cancer patients, reporting that Maitake D-fraction® works very well
against some prostate cancers and brain tumors. Shirota now believes that the
result of this study could be the evidence to support the above positive
testimonials.
Grifron Pro D-fraction®
has been under the FDA approved clinical study (IND #54,589) on advanced cancer
patients with prostates and breast cancer.
I do carry the Grifron product, but have found an
extract made by Mushroom Sciences which I like equally well. It is
developed by the same Dr. Nanba who originated the Grifron product, and is
stronger.
TO RECAP:
Avoid toxins
Eat organic
Improve diet
Lower blood sugar.
Balance Hormones.
Control stress.
Control viruses
Drink pure water.
Exercise.
Improve your Immune system.
Restrict Cancer's pathways
in the body.
Have faith.
Laugh a lot.
Think positive.
Make friends.
Love your partner.
Stay close to your family.
Cancer concerns all of us - few of us have been untouched by
its ravages, whether we ourselves were the victim, or a friend or loved one.
We need to know what to do to protect against it. I hope this article has
helped guide you on the path to taking control of your destiny. If you
have any questions or comments, please contact me.
Lynn
The Vitamin Lady®
in Memoriam Nancy Morey, friend mentor personal saint
This
study is important information for womensince they are the ones
who are most likely to color their hair. Women who hide their natural hair color
with regular applications of permanent hair dye may be putting themselves at
increased risk for bladder cancer, new research findings suggest.
"Our study is the first to demonstrate a
frequency- and duration-dependent association between personal use of
permanent hair-dyes and bladder cancer risk," lead study author
Dr. Manuela Gago-Dominguez, from the Keck School of Medicine at the
University of Southern California, told Reuters Health.
To investigate the relationship between permanent hair dyes and
bladder cancer, Dr. Gago-Dominguez and colleagues analyzed more than
1500 cases of bladder cancer, 897 of which yielded information about
hair dye use. Data on a similar number of adults who did not use
permanent hair dye were used for comparison. The study findings will
be published in the February 2001 issue of the International Journal
of Cancer.
After adjusting for cigarette smoking, the authors found that women
who used permanent hair dye at least once a month were 2 times more
likely to develop bladder cancer than women who did not use permanent
hair dye. Women who reported regular long-term use of the hair dye for
at least 15 years were more than 3 times more likely to develop
bladder cancer than nonusers.
Hairstylists and barbers were 50% more likely to have bladder cancer
than those who did not have occupational exposure to hair dye. Those
who were exposed to hair dye for at least 10 years were five times
more likely than the comparison group of unexposed individuals to
develop bladder cancer.
"Our novel observations are provocative and carry enormous public
health implications," Dr. Gago-Dominguez said. "It is
[perhaps] a little premature to make any recommendation about stopping
the use of permanent hair dyes," she acknowledged. "However,
this is one of the largest and most comprehensive studies ever
conducted on the issue and we think our results should not be
ignored."
Back
to Top
Now we come to the fun part! According to Dr. John Corbett, a consultant
to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Dr. Gago-Dominguez and her
team may have used a faulty study design.
"Their measure of exposure is just (Lynn: my italics) frequency of
use and duration of use, which is not very good," he told Reuters Health.
"The most important factor in exposure to hair dye is the shade you
use."
"All of the shades use essentially the same chemicals, but there's quite a
lot more of [the chemicals] in dark brown and black than there are in
blonde," he explained.
Also, Dr. Corbett contends that the researchers "seem to make light of
previous studies" by the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer
Society that failed to find an association between hair dye use and cancer risk.
"The bottom line is I don't think [the new study findings] should affect
people in their decision as to whether to use hair color or affect the hair
color industry," Dr. Corbett said. Science
News, April 29, 2000 Back
to Top
Soy-rich diets appear to help fight
certain cancers. Tea drinking has been linked to similar benefits. Two studies
now find that the combo offers a potent double whammy against cancer of the
breast and prostate -at least in mice. Jin-Rong
Zhou and his colleagues at Harvard Medical School in Boston injected a million
breast cancer or prostate cancer cells into mice engineered to possess weak
immune systems. Two weeks earlier, they had replaced the drinking water of some
animals with green or black tea. Others received chow laced with
isoflavones, soy's biologically active antioxidants. Two groups of mice got both
the mix of isoflavones and one or the other tea. Some just ate their normal
diet. Two months after implantation of the
cancer cells, the researchers surveyed for tumors and found that all the
experimental diets had conferred some benefit. Compared with animals on the
normal diet, mice given isoflavones or tea had 25 to 50 percent fewer tumors,
and their tumors weighed 15 to 25 percent less. However, benefits from pairing
tea and isoflavones equaled or exceeded the sum of either alone--a reduction of
between 72 and 87.5 percent in tumor number and a similarly large decrease in
each tumor's size. Back
to Top
*** Int
J Cancer 2002 Mar 1;98(1):78-83
Laboratoire de Biologie des Tumeurs, Clinique
d'Oncologie-Radiotherapie, Service de Gynecologie-Obstetrique, E.A. 2103, Unite
de Recherche Associee Universite-INRA, CHU, Tours, France.
Experimental studies have
indicated that n-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3)
and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit mammary tumor growth and
metastasis. Earlier epidemiological studies have given inconclusive results
about a potential protective effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
on breast cancer risk, possibly because of methodological issues inherent to
nutritional epidemiology. To evaluate the hypothesis that n-3 fatty acids
protect against breast cancer, we examined the fatty acid composition in adipose
tissue from 241 patients with invasive, nonmetastatic breast carcinoma and from
88 patients with benign breast disease, in a case-control study in Tours,
central France. Fatty acid composition in breast adipose tissue was used as a
qualitative biomarker of past dietary intake of fatty acids. Biopsies of adipose
tissue were obtained at the time of surgery. Individual fatty acids were
measured as a percentage of total fatty acids, using capillary gas
chromatography. Unconditional logistic regression modeling was used to obtain
odds ratio estimates while adjusting for age, height, menopausal status and body
mass index. We found inverse associations between breast cancer-risk and n-3
fatty acid levels in breast adipose tissue. Women in the highest tertile of
alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) had an odds ratio of 0.39 (95% confidence
intervals [CI] = 0.19-0.78) compared to women in the lowest tertile (trend p =
0.01). In a similar way, women in the highest tertile of docosahexaenoic acid
(22:6 n-3) had an odds ratio of 0.31 (95% CI = 0.13-0.75) compared to women in
the lowest tertile (trend p = 0.016). Women in the highest tertile of the
long-chain n-3/total n-6 ratio had an odds ratio of 0.33 (95% confidence
interval = 0.17-0.66) compared to women in the lowest tertile (trend p =
0.0002). In conclusion, our data based on fatty acids levels in breast adipose
tissue suggest a protective effect of n-3 fatty acids on breast cancer risk and
support the hypothesis that the balance between n-3 and n-6 fatty acids plays a
role in breast cancer. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Keywords: defense
against cancer, natural defense cancer, lifestyle strategies beat
cancer, the vitamin lady writes about defense against cancer, ip6
cancer, maitake cancer, thymate immune system, essential fatty acids
cancer, obesity cancer, estrogen cancer, resveratrol cancer, ip6 with
inositol, inositol hexaphosphate , shamsuddins ip6, cranberry cancer
Important
information: ANY woman who is on birth control, and has received the report of an
atypical Pap smear needs to know about this.
http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/thinprep.htm
Gentle
Chemotherapy through IPT - http://elkabest.org/
Some
personal stories from People who have beaten Cancer with Nutrition.
http://www.cancure.org/cancer_victors.htm
Dying forever after -
the aftermath of beating
childhood cancer Physical - http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=17AB7B5BB7CA18F6D5F33DFBCBAEE1A2
The
Revised Metabolic Oncolytic Regimen for Effecting Lysis in Solid Tumors -
http://www.redflagsweekly.com/extra/2003_aug12.html
Relaxing, soul-strengthening movies - Non-denominational
Meditation instruction -
http://hop.clickbank.net/?vtmnldy/meditation
Dr Murray's book,
"How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine" -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1573223433?tag=wwwvitaminlac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1573223433&adid=1XJYY7NW6AEZR3Y2XT7P&
Diet
and Cancer - a Report - http://rex.nci.nih.gov/NCI_Pub_Interface/raterisk/risks73.html
Cancer
- Diabetes Connection - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12766105&dopt=Abstract
Cancer and Stress Control through Mind
Control -
Accepting and Receiving suggestions for change through Hypnosis
Find out more about programs to manage Stress and Anxiety”,
all composed by state-licensed psychologists.
http://www.hypnosisnetwork.com/hypnosis/stress_anxiety.php
Death
By Doctoring -
a
riveting essay. - http://www.whatareweswallowing.com/
Don't
let recent reports deter you from a better diet.
An Overview. - http://www.charitywire.com/charity10/00239.html
Steve
Dunn's informative and comprehensive site which takes a balanced
look at alternative treatments. http://cancerguide.org/alternative.html
Another well-informed and useful alternative Cancer Therapy site.
http://www.cancertutor.com/
Information
on the link between estrogenic plastic compounds and cancer -
http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Commentary/Opinion/1997safeNEJMflaws.htm
Some good news
about cancer risk and obesity
in women Read
about it at http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/ijo/journal/v27/n12/abs/0802437a.html&dynoptions=doi1070036606
Cancer
Links USA
an
extensive informational source. http://www.cancerlinksusa.com/
Fats
and Cancer - http://www.townsendletter.com/June_2002/skinnyonfats0602.htm
CLA and breast cancer - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14988466
Putting
Laughter & Humor in your Life - http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/family/nf389.htm
as the inimitable Victor Borge
put it - he who laughs, lasts!
Fateful
Harvest by Duff Wilson - http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060931833?tag=wwwvitaminlac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0060931833&adid=0EBHTXW48BRSWZ8TGJXP&
Green Tea and
Health - http://www.o-cha.com/health.htm
IP6 by Abulkalam M. Shams http://www.amazon.com/dp/1575663570?tag=wwwvitaminlac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1575663570&adid=1EE0NX6VFA0V0N37TWXE&
COLOSTRUM
-
Nature's Gift to the Immune System
by Beth Ley-Jacobs
- http://www.amazon.com/dp/0964270374?tag=wwwvitaminlac-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0964270374&adid=1P67Y96EPBPC450DDXQH&
Cancer Treatment Center of America -
Organic Food & Cancer - http://www.cancercenter.com/promotions/spotlights/default.cfm/146
Source for
Apricot Kernels
Our
Father's Farm - http://www.ourfathersfarm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=130&Itemid=131
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