Breast cancer and prostate cancer head the list of the most common cancers, regardless of race, among American men and women. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the US and the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2002, approximately 1.3 million Americans received a new diagnosis of cancer and over half-a-million Americans died of the disease. Scientists are trying to learn and review new treatment options and prevention with herbs, vitamins, and diet in order to reduce the risk for cancer, and provide an alternative therapy for many people who are afflicted with this disease.
Are there herbs that have a role in cancer prevention or
therapy?
There are countless herbs that have been found to have anti-tumor activity in
laboratory studies. Whether these herbs have a role to play in cancer therapy or
prevention in humans is not as clear since it takes many years to do long term
studies. However, we will mention a few herbs and nutrients that show potential.
Herbs and plant extracts with potential anti-cancer
activity include:
Ashwagandha has many compounds that have
been found to have activity against lung, colon, breast, and central nervous
system tumors.
Carotenoids show a prominent role in decreasing
the incidence of various cancers
Cat's Claw -- extracts exert a direct anti-proliferative activity on MCF7 breast cancer cell
lines. For more
Cats-Claw information.
Curcumin may help fight
breast and prostate cancer. Researchers have found in the lab that curcumin can
enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL, a naturally occurring molecule
that helps kill cancer cells. TRAIL stands for tumor necrosis factor-related
apoptosis-inducing ligand. In an experiment with human prostate cancer cells in a
laboratory dish, the combination treatment killed off two to three times more cells than
either treatment alone. Curcumin exerts multiple different suppressive
effects on human breast carcinoma cells in vitro.
Green Tea--the polyphenolic compounds are
protective against various forms of cancer.
Noni --
Noni fruit juice contains a polysaccharide-rich substance called
Noni-ppt
with anti-tumor activity.
Reishi mushroom--water soluble extracts from
Reishi inhibit colon tumors in mice. Reishi may be helpful in advanced-stage cancers
and has shown activity against prostate cancer cells.
See also
agaricus.
Tongkat ali --
Beta-carboline alkaloids isolated from tongkat ali have demonstrated
significant cytotoxicity against human lung cancer (A-549) and human breast
cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. In plain English, this means that some compounds in
Tongkat-Ali
can kill cancer cells. The practical significance of this finding in
humans is not clear at this time.
Supplements with potential anti-tumor activity include:
Calcium intake has been associated with a lower
risk of colon cancer
IP-6 -- Inositol hexaphosphate (IP-6), is a naturally polyphosphorylated
carbohydrate found in beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, wheat bran, and
other high fiber foods. IP6 has been reported to have in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity against
numerous tumors, such as colon, prostate, breast, liver, chronic myeloid leukemia, and rhabdomyosarcomas. Significant human trials are lacking and hence we do not currently know
whether taking IP-6 supplements is helpful in cancer prevention or therapy.
Melatonin is a pineal
hormone is a potent antioxidant and has been shown to inhibit estrogen-responsive human
breast cancer cells and augment the effectiveness of tamoxifen.
Supplements that may be helpful for those on chemotherapy:
Carnitine
improves fatigue in those who are undergoing chemotherapy. See research study regarding l carnitine supplements and
cancer fatigue.
Glutamine supplementation can lessen
loss of protein in the muscle and protect immune and gut-barrier function during radio-chemotherapy
in patients with advanced cancer.
SAM-e may have a protective effect in cancer
chemotherapy-induced liver toxicity.
Cancer, diet,
and poverty
Poor black women in U.S. cities face a greater risk of getting cancer because of
unhealthy diets. The finding applies to other poor, ethnic groups. Many poor
urban dwellers do not have adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables and rely
heavily on simple carbohydrates and saturated fats, along with trans fats.
Cancer and diet
Women who eat diets rich in meat and dairy may have a decreased risk of breast
cancer, while those who bulk up on fiber, fruits and vegetables show a lower
risk of ovarian cancer. A diet with by a low intake of meat and starches and a
high intake of legumes is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in
Asian Americans.
What is a cancer?
A cancer is a cell that has lost its normal control mechanisms and thus has unregulated
growth. Cancer can develop from any tissue within any organ. As cancer cells grow and
multiply, they form a mass of cancerous tissue that invades adjacent tissues and can
spread (metastasize) around the body.
Cancer cells develop from normal cells in a complex
process called transformation. The first step in the process is initiation, in
which a change in the cell's genetic material primes the cell to become
cancerous. The change in the cell's genetic material is brought about by an
agent called a carcinogen--such as a chemical, virus, radiation, or sunlight.
However, not all cells are equally susceptible to carcinogens. A genetic flaw in
the cell or another agent, called a promoter, may make it more susceptible. Even
chronic physical irritation may make cells more susceptible to becoming
cancerous. In the next step, promotion, a cell that has been initiated becomes
cancerous. Several factors, often the combination of a susceptible cell and
a carcinogen, are needed to cause cancer.
What are the risk
factors for Cancer?
A number of genetic and environmental factors increases the risk of
developing cancer. Family history is one important factor. Some families have a
significantly higher risk of developing certain cancers than other families. For example,
a woman's risk of developing breast cancer increases up to 3 times if her mother or sister
had breast cancer. Some breast cancers are linked to a specific gene mutation, more common
in some ethnic groups and families.
A number of environmental factors increase the risk of cancer. One of the
most important is cigarette smoking. Smoking cigarettes substantially increases the risk
of developing cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, breast,
cervix, colon, and bladder.
The destruction of the body's natural rhythms accelerated the growth of
cancerous tumors in laboratory animals.
CT scans and risk for
cancer
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scans may raise the risk for cancer. A CT scan
delivers a mega-dose of radiation - as much as 500 times that of a conventional
X-ray. Repeated CT scans, especially in children, could increase the risk for
future cancers.
Childhood cancer and
future cancer risk
Survivors of childhood cancers have an increased risk of developing new
cancers later on. Aggressive treatments used are associated with increased risks
of a variety of adverse health effects, including new primary cancers. The most
common types of subsequent primary tumors include cancers of the breast, central
nervous system, bone, thyroid gland, soft tissue, and skin, along with leukemia.
Children at greatest risk of subsequent cancers included those initially
diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called primitive neuroectodermal tumor, as
well as those with retinoblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. The risk
of subsequent solid cancers is higher in patients who were initially treated for
childhood cancer with radiation therapy. The development of subsequent leukemia
is strongly associated with chemotherapy.
Simple steps to reduce your risk of cancer
If people would quit smoking, eat more healthily and exercise, cancer deaths could
be cut by at least a third. Diet is
second only to tobacco as a leading cause of cancer and, along with alcohol, is
responsible for nearly one third of cases of the disease in developed countries.
1) Walk your Way to Wellness -
By keeping your body healthy and active,
walking can help you improve your mood, boost your energy, lose weight, control your blood
pressure, prevent bone loss, and decrease the risks of many diseases, including cancer.
2) The Facts About Fat - Everyone needs fats. Problems arise only when we get too
much fat, or the wrong types of fat, such as trans fats and hydrogenated fats, and excess
fat from dairy products and meats. Fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart
disease as well as an increased exposure to certain forms of cancer. Avoid
eating too much sugar, substitute
stevia, the no
calorie natural sweetener, instead.
3) The Vital Veggies - Science has shown that some foods may protect against
cancer and tumor formation, and high on the list are vegetables. Eat a variety of different vegetables.
4) Weigh Less, Live Longer - Being overweight seems to play a role in cancers of
the breast, colon and the lining of the uterus. Cancers of the prostate occur more often
in obese men and cancers of the gall bladder, bile passages and ovaries occur more often
in obese women.
5) Seek Shade, Not Sun - A tan is a sign of skin damage! It is a scientific fact
that overexposure to the sun damages skin, causing cumulative, permanent harm, including
(but not limited to) skin cancer.
6) Finding Fiber - Research has shown that eating more foods containing fiber can
lower your risk of two fairly common, potentially fatal cancers: colon and prostate
cancer. Because foods with fiber are naturally low in fat, they also protect you against
other types of cancer to which a high-fat diet may contribute.
7) Drink tea rather than sodas or sugared drinks - Solid evidence
is mounting that drinking tea can prevent cell damage that leads to cancer, heart disease
and perhaps other ills. Tea is loaded with phytochemicals--a wide range of molecules that
can act as antioxidants. Such compounds counteract the damage done to DNA cells by free
radicals--charged particles produced by sunlight, chemicals, many foods and simply the
stress of day-to-day living.
Diet and cancer protection
A healthy diet can protect the body in its efforts to heal itself, and in some
cases, particular foods can strengthen the immune system and lessen the risks of
cancer. To help reduce your risk of some types of cancer, try the following diet
suggestions:
Reduce polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all
partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids
(such as deep-fried foods).
Increase omega-3 fatty acids by eating more cold water oily fish and flaxseeds.
Reduce intake of animal foods and try to replace them with vegetable proteins
such as soy.
Use hormone-free, organically produced products whenever possible.
Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eat shiitake, enokidake, maitake, and mushrooms.
Drink green tea daily and try a variety of different herbal teas.
Natural Therapies for cancer
treatment worth trying
These include yoga, hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback,
imagery, and support groups.
Bladder Cancer
Cigarette smoking is confirmed as a risk factor for
bladder cancer.
Brain Cancer
The number of brain tumor cases in the US and
Europe has increased by up to 40% in the past 20 years. The incidence rate for brain
tumors is increasing among people of all ages, but males between 20 and 40 years old are
the most affected. The latest epidemiological studies indicate that white collar
workers--intellectuals and professionals--are among the most affected. The reason is still
unknown, though environmental causes such as cellular phones, computers and exposure to
electromagnetic fields cannot be ruled out.
Children fathered by men who have been
exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) apparently have increased odds
of developing brain tumors. Experimental evidence suggests that parental
exposure to PAH, which occurs primarily through tobacco smoke, occupational
exposure, and air pollution, could increase the risk of cancer during childhood.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy in women in
the United States and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer-related deaths. Women who are aged 50 to 69 years, and who are
concerned about breast cancer, should be encouraged to have a mammogram every one to two
and a half years along with a medical exam. Eighty five percent of breast cancer
cases occur after age 50. Most common type is infiltrating ductal carcinoma, but the more
aggressive types are medullary and inflammatory. Women aged 40 to 50 should have regular
mammograms if there is strong family history of breast cancer, particularly if the breast
cancer was diagnosed before menopause.
Breast self-exams have not been found to be
definitively helpful. Breast self exam increases the number of false positive results.
These may result in follow-up testing or invasive procedures such as breast biopsies,
leading to anxiety, inconvenience, discomfort, and additional medical expenses. .
There is a higher risk of breast cancer with
early menarche and late menopause. The more a woman breast feeds, the more she is
protected against breast cancer.
There is also a higher risk with oral
contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, including several forms of estrogen, and
probably androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone. Women who
already have breast cancer should not take additional hormone replacement,
particularly estrogens.
Risk of breast cancer decreases in women who
are physically active. Women who work night shifts have a higher rate of breast cancer.
Women who eat a lot of meat, particularly red or processed meats, may be more
likely to develop breast cancer.
Even moderate physical activity--for example brisk walking for at least 2 miles
three times a week--over the course of a lifetime can reduce a young woman's risk of
developing cancer by 33%, and the risk of breast cancer after menopause by 26%,
according to results of a study of women living in the San Francisco Bay area.
Having an abortion or miscarriage does not increase
a woman's risk of suffering from breast cancer later in life.
Having breast cancer tissue sampled with a needle
seems to increase the odds that disease will also be found in an armpit lymph
node called the sentinel node, new research suggests. The spread of breast
cancer to the sentinel node adversely affects a woman's survival and influences
the treatment received. As reported in the Archives of Surgery, Dr. Nora M.
Hansen of the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa
Monica, California hypothesized that the method used to obtain specimens from
the breast tumor might influence the spread of cancer to the sentinel node. To
investigate, the researchers studied 663 women with proven breast cancer. Of the
cancers, about half were biopsied with a needle, while the remainder involved
actual removal of the tumor. Women who had a needle biopsy were about 50 percent
more likely to have cancer in the sentinel node than women who underwent tumor
removal. The researchers suggest that the increased risk of sentinel node
disease may be "due in part to the mechanical disruption of the tumor by the
needle," and they call for further studies to confirm these findings.
SOURCE: Archives of Surgery, June 2004.
A high-fiber
low-fat diet reduces blood levels of estrogen in women with breast cancer. This
may help keep the disease in check, as breast cancers are sometimes driven by
female hormones.
Genistein, which has weak estrogenic and
antiestrogenic properties, may be one of the the components in the soy-based Asian diet
that helps prevent breast cancer by its effects on biochemistry early in life. Reduced
caloric consumption by Asians may be another reason for the lower rate of breast cancer.
Cervical Cancer
Screening should begin within 3 years
after a woman begins having vaginal intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age. If
traditional Pap test results are obtained, screening should be done every year. If
liquid-based Pap tests are used, screening should be done every 2 years.
Many American women who have had a complete
hysterectomy are having Pap smear screenings even though they are not at risk of
cervical cancer.
For women who reach 30 years of age and have
had three consecutive tests with normal results, screening can be done once every 2 to 3
years. However, for women with risk factors such as HIV infection or a compromised immune
system, physicians may suggest screening be done more often.
Women 70 years of age and older who have had
three or more normal Pap test results and no abnormal results in the last 10 years may
choose to stop cervical cancer screening.
Women who take the birth control pill
could be increasing their risk of cervical cancer. The longer women use the pill the
greater their chances of developing the disease.
Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) may reduce the odds that the virus will persist by
increasing the amount of certain carotenoids-- plant compounds with antioxidant
properties - in their diets. Specifically, the study found that increasing
dietary intake of lutein/zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, and papaya
appears to lower the risk of persistent HPV infection, a strong risk factor for
cervical cancer.
Childhood cancer
Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of developing a second
malignancy - specifically, cancer of the connective tissues, such as bone or
muscle. Radiation treatment leads to an increased risk of getting a second
cancer, but even survivors who did not receive radiation are at increased risk
of developing these tumors.
Colon Cancer
Eating lots of preserved meats such as salami, bacon, cured ham and hot dogs could
increase the risk of bowel cancer by 50 percent. Fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and
whole grain cereals and legumes may reduce colon cancer risk.
A daily calcium supplement protects against colon
polyps, particularly the advanced type that go on to become cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy is recommended every 5 years
starting at age 50.
Despite recent advances in screening and
treatment for colon cancer, the number of people dying from the disease has remained
steady since the late 1980s.
Consider the following supplements
Calcium
Reishi mushroom
Endometrial Cancer
Risk factors are unopposed estrogen therapy, late menopause, tamoxifen,
nulliparity, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. Most
endometrial cancers are diagnosed at an early stage when there is unexpected bleeding or
spotting.
Regular
consumption of soy foods seems to reduce a woman's risk of getting cancer of the
endometrium, the lining of the uterus, according to a study conducted in
Shanghai. This benefit is most pronounced among overweight women. The estrogens
women produce are known to play a key role in the development of endometrial
cancer, the researchers note in this week's British Medical Journal. Soy foods
contain isoflavones with both estrogen-like and anti-estrogen activities.
Esophageal Cancer
Carbonated drinks may raise the risk of esophageal cancer. A team at Tata
Memorial Hospital in India found a strong correlation between the rise in per
capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks in the past 50 years and a
documented increase in rates of esophageal cancer in the United States. Team
members studied U.S. Department of Agriculture data to find that per capita
consumption of carbonated drinks rose by more than 450 percent, from 10 gallons
on average in 1946 to 49 gallons in 2000. And over the past 25 years, the
incidence of esophageal cancer has risen by more than 570 percent in white
American men. Esophageal cancer affected 13,900 U.S. men and women in 2003, of
whom more than 10,000 were men, and killed almost all of them, according to the
American Cancer Society. The number of esophageal cancer cases clearly followed
the rise in intake of carbonated soft drinks, the researchers found.
Oral Cancer
Many healthy people who smoke or drink may
have a genetic alteration in the cells of the mouth and throat that could signal
an increased risk of developing cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
Increased risk with postmenopausal estrogen use. Decreased risk with aspirin use.
Women who eat plenty of carrots, tomatoes and other foods high in carotene and lycopene
may reduce their risk.
Pancreatic Cancer
Physical activity decreases risk, obesity increases risk. A diet high in vegetables
reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. Smokers who consume diets rich in saturated fat may
be at increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Respiratory tract cancer
Regularly inhaling the smoke from incense could put people at risk of
cancers of the respiratory tract. Cancer, October 1, 2008.
I am 59yrs old, live in new delhi, India. I had localized lung tumor, T2N0M0, removed surgically 25th april 2009, adjuvant cemo just over, my onco feels cancer is out, but followup is there. I want to know what NATURAL supplements I can use for immune system and to kill the cancer cells, if any are left, and to prevent recurrence. How can I obtain those supplements here in delhi, India,
Stomach cancer
Men exposed to certain forms of lead at work face an elevated risk of stomach
cancer. The risk is linked to working around organic lead -- mainly in jobs
where men are exposed to leaded gasoline in its liquid form -- and to jobs where
they breathed in large amounts of gasoline fumes.
Testicular cancer treatment
This form of cancer is likely to occur in younger men. For information on
testicular cancer.
Cancer vitamin study
The Unending Debate: Do Vitamin Pills Prevent Cancer?
For
several decades the scientific community has debated whether vitamin and mineral
supplements prevent or reduce the risk of cancer. Over the years numerous
studies have given contradictory results leaving the medical community uncertain
of what to recommend to the public. In this latest study, scientists, from the
Scientific and Technical Institute for Nutrition and Diet in Paris, France gave
a vitamin/mineral supplement to thousands of men and women. A total of 13,000
men and women aged 35 to 60 took part in the study. Half were given a daily
supplement containing 6mg of beta-carotene, 120mg of vitamin C, 90mg of vitamin
E, 100 micrograms of selenium, and 20 milligrams of zinc. A dummy capsule was
given to the other participants. At the end of seven years, the researchers
found that taking the supplement had no effect on heart disease, and did not
influence cancer rates in women. But they found a 31% reduction in the risk of
all cancers in men taking the antioxidants. And, overall, the death rate was 37%
lower among men who took the supplement. The researchers, said: "Our findings
support recommendations for following a healthy diet, particularly one rich in
fruit and vegetables which are major dietary sources of antioxidant vitamins and
minerals, for all ages in life and for both sexes." They added that women may
not have received the same benefits because their diet were better than those of
men and they perhaps were already ingesting many healthy antioxidants through
their diet.
Comments: The debate seems to continue
regarding the role of vitamin/mineral supplements and the prevention of cancer.
It appears that those with a very health diet rich in fresh fruits and
vegetables are not likely to reap much benefit from supplements, but those with
a marginal diet would.
Cancer and cell phone use
Researchers at the Danish Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen found
no evidence that cell phone use increases the incidence of cancer. The study
included 420,095 cell phone users who first subscribed between 1982 and 1995 and
were followed for an average of 8 years. The cancer cell phone link study was
done in response to concerns that the electromagnetic fields that the phones
emit might lead to brain tumors, salivary gland tumors, eye tumors, or leukemia.
Cellular telephone use and cancer risk: Update of a nationwide Danish cohort.
Journal of
the National Cancer Institute 98:1707-1713, 2006.
Cancer supplement natural treatment emails
Has anyone looked into the millions of dollars used to cure cancer and what
would happen if they found a complete cure for cancer? How many millions would
be lost? How many businesses would have to close their doors?
I truly believe this is the major reason why a cure will never be found. The
pharmaceutical and oncologists would be out of work! My husband died because he
was 47 years old and had a not very popular form of cancer called renal cell
carcinoma of the kidney. This was in 1980 and nothing has been done yet to find
a cure! It all comes down to how much money can you raise to help find a cure.
Pink ribbons and marches won't work for this type of cancer! If your 47 with a
family of 6 children and wife that you love matters not. You just don't fit in
to the "pink ribbon" slot. I found out how this "cancer cure" system works from
a wonderful doctor at MD Anderson Hospital. He had the guts enough to tell me
like it is. Had I known this I would have never put him through the tortures of
the damned called chemo
and let him live his last days out with his family. He may have lived a little
longer than the 5 months it took him to die after receiving chemo drugs that
dismantled his body. Doesn't is all come down to "whose ox is being gored?"
Last, but not least, let us keep the oncologist and pharmaceutical firms in
business! Why would they want to find a cure?
Regarding bicarb and cancer. This work by Dr Tulli
Simoncini of Italy is really intriguing me. I don’t have cancer nor does
anyone in my family. Reading as much as I can find about bicarb and reading the
methodology of Dr Tulli Simoncini. I can embrace the possibilities that the PH
change could overwhelm a fungus. I’ve been in the swimming pool biz for years so
I understand some of the chemistry involved in eliminating algae. The idea of
eating lots of sugar lots of salt after treatment was at first puzzling to me,
but then I realized the reasoning behind that. A trick to cause the cell to
bring in the higher ph, sort of a Trojan horse. However his use of the
measuring quantity of “soup spoon” sorta thru me. I mean a teaspoon is a fairly
recognized quantity.
It is interesting but we have not treated cancer patients with
this approach and we has not seen enough research to come to a good
understanding of the role of bicarb and Dr Tulli Simoncini's approach to cancer treatment.
I was wondering if there were new studied on the
vitamin B16 and B17 for fighting terminally ill cancer patients and what are the
benefits?
We have not some across new studies with vitamin B16 or B17 in
terms of treating cancer as of April 2009.
Does the herb
tribulus terrestris
extract
considered a
natural therapy for cancer?
We have not seen studies regarding the role of this herb in alternative therapy
for cancer or prevention.
The corporate influence
Cancer researchers who have the greatest ability to influence research are also
the researchers with the greatest financial ties to the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industries. Cancer researchers who design clinical trials, analyze
or interpret the data, or play other key scientific roles are four times more
likely to have financial ties to industry than their counterparts who have
lesser roles in these studies, such as recruiting study subjects or collecting
the data. Dr. Steven Joffe of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston and
colleagues note in the Journal of Clinical Oncology was involved with the study
published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, online January 11, 2010.