Organic Food Important for Cancer Patients

Cancer cells are said to be aggressive unhealthy cells that attack and destroy healthy cells in the process their replication. They multiply in a surprisingly faster speed than the healthy cells and they do not care about boundaries unlike healthy cells which stop replicating when they sense other neighboring cells, whether good or bad. So how do you combat these pesky cancer cells from replicating?

Recent studies have shown a fine line between cancer cells and the artificially prepared or grown foods which are readily available in the supermarket nowadays. Non-organic foods have proven to help cancer cells grow and replicate faster while diminishing the body's healthy cells of their natural strength. These studies have shown that cancer cells love consuming the artificial chemicals found in non-organic foods because these elements make them stronger.

Now that you know the implications of these unnatural foods, what should you do then to combat your cancer cells? Eat healthier non-organic foods, of course! What are these organic foods then? Organic foods have been grown from pesticide-free and chemical free natural soil. They do not only involve fruits, vegetables, and grain foods but also include milk and eggs from cows and chickens which didn't undergo chemical injections or any other artificial enhancements.

The realization of the great contribution of organic foods to our health has attracted the public into a more healthful diet. You can find lots organic food outlets nowadays and you can even find some of their products in your local supermarket. There's no reason why you shouldn't join the organic food diet wagon especially if you are diagnosed with cancer.

When you get rid of the unnatural foods which the cancer cells love, they will weaken and eventually die thus making them unable to replicate and spread to other parts of your body. Organic foods will strengthen your good cells allowing them to combat your cancer cells even better.


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Vitamin D Decrease Risk of Cancer

It's fairly clear that Vitamin D is good for you. You need vitamin D to absorb calcium, regulate phosphorus levels, and maintain cell and bone growth, to name a few reasons. While you can get enough vitamin D from about ten to fifteen minutes in the sun, or through foods and supplements, that is not the same amount needed to reduce cancer risk.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recently held a conference on food, nutrition, physical activity and cancer. At the conference, researchers shared a new finding: confirmation that certain proteins responsible for tumor growth and development can be activated by vitamin D, making it a key vitamin in reducing cancer risk.

One thing the researchers had not determined was how much vitamin D was needed daily to reduce the risk of cancer. They were almost certain the current daily recommended amount of 400 international units would not be enough. Another issue they were presented with was determining how much vitamin D a person is getting. While it is easy to count supplement grams and the amount of vitamin D in foods, it is not easy to determine how much vitamin D someone is producing in response to sun exposure. Environmental pollution, skin color, and age play a part in determining the amount of vitamin production from sunlight. There are no accurate methods of vitamin D measurement. Blood tests for vitamin D measurement are not very dependable or precise, and even if they were the levels of vitamin D needed in the blood are unclear.

While it is encouraging to hear that vitamin D can potentially decrease the risk of cancer, the details still need to be worked out. How much vitamin D? And once we know how much, the next question is, 'How do I know how much I am producing?'

Some researchers are saying 'go ahead and boost your intake now, because the new numbers are going to show a vitamin D deficiency in most Americans', but others are saying to wait. And still other researchers have conducted studies that counter the results offered at the American Institute for Cancer Research conference - some studies show that vitamin D does not help protect against cancer risk. The jury is still out on a solidified medical agreement.



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Most Popular Cancer Fighting Foods

Up to 30 percent of all cancers are linked to poor diet. That is a scary statistic, until you think of how much power we have to control it. Diet is one of the few controllable risk factors for developing cancer. Studies demonstrate that people who eat a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have a significantly lower risk of developing many types of cancers.

The plant world is filled with thousands of varieties of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. It should be easy for people to select enough of these foods to keep themselves healthy and running at peak performance for a lifetime. Unfortunately, the reality is that fewer than 20 percent of Americans eat the minimum recommended servings of 5 fruits and vegetables daily, and even fewer consume the 9 servings recommended for cancer prevention.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently approved the statement "Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and chronic diseases." And, while it is true that all plant foods provide vitamins, minerals, and enzymes important for good health, a few stand ahead of the pack for their cancer-fighting abilities. Here are the top 10 anti-cancer foods:

1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a plant chemical that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup are particularly concentrated sources.

2. Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts are an excellent source of sulforaphane, a plant chemical that may reduce the risk of stomach, breast, and skin cancer. While broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are also great sources of sulforaphane, broccoli sprouts are especially potent.

3. Berries
Berries get their rich color from plant chemicals called anthocyanins. These compounds are potent antioxidants, and protect against a variety of cancers including colon and esophageal.
For more information on the health benefits of berries see the following articles from TheDietChannel: Why You Should Be Eating Berries and The Goji Berry and Goji Juice.

4. Soybeans
Isoflavones present in soybeans and other soy foods (such as tofu, soy nuts, and soy milk) help to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer
by protecting cells from the harmful effects of estrogen.

5. Tea
Green and black teas are natural sources of catechins, potent antioxidants that act as powerful inhibitors of cancer growth, and may reduce the risk of liver, skin, and stomach cancer. The NCI is currently studying green and black teas for their cancer fighting abilities.

6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin, along with carrots, squash, red and yellow peppers, and sweet potatoes, are excellent sources of beta carotene. Eaten regularly, these powerhouses help reduce the risk of many types of cancer through their potent antioxidant capacity.

7. Spinach
Spinach is known as the "gold standard" of green leafy vegetables. Packed with lutein and vitamin E, both powerful antioxidants, spinach helps ward off cancer of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate.

8. Garlic
Garlic has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, esophagus, and breast. Mince garlic 10 minutes before cooking to increase its cancer fighting potential.

9. Pineapple
Pineapple is a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C. In addition, it contains the enzyme bromelain, which may protect against breast and lung cancer.

10. Apple
In addition to their antioxidant benefits, apples contain the plant chemical quercetin, which has been shown to reduce lung cancer risk and slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Each of these foods has been shown to impact cancer risk on their own. However, countless studies indicate a synergistic effect when eaten together, meaning that plant chemicals work together to produce a greater effect than if they were working alone. The best anti-cancer diet is rich in brightly colored fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with an emphasis on the foods highlighted above.

Sample Cancer Fighting Diet

Follow this sample menu to incorporate the top 10 anti-cancer foods into your diet:
Breakfast
Yogurt smoothie with mixed berries and soy milk
Morning Snack
Apple with peanut butter
Green tea
Lunch
Spinach wrap with mandarin oranges and broccoli sprouts
Cottage cheese and pineapple
Tomato juice
Dinner
Baked wild salmon with caramelized onions and garlic
Stewed tomatoes
Pumpkin soup or baked sweet potato
Black tea

Article Source: http://www.thedietchannel.com/Cancer-Prevention-Top-10-Cancer-Fighting-Foods.htm

Research & Treatment of Prostate Cancer

As the most common cancer in men in the United States, prostate cancer affects thousands of men. Prostate cancer research aims to raise money and awareness to contribute towards improving treatment and finding a cure or cures for this disease.

Prostate cancer is extremely rare in men under 45, it commonly affects men in their 50's and is most often diagnosed in men in their 70's. As it is a cancer that specifically affects older men, it often goes undetected as it can have no symptoms in the early stages or the symptoms are unnoticed, or put down to 'old age'.

As yet there are no cures for prostate cancer, so research looks into this, as well as improving the conditions for men currently suffering from prostate cancer. Research also looks at how to improve the current treatments and how to prevent the cancer from reoccurring after treatment.

The prostrate gland is located between the bladder and rectum and is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is used in the production and storage of seminal fluid.

The current treatments for prostate cancer depend on if the cancer has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body, especially to the bones or lymph nodes, or not. If the cancer is still contained within the prostate then radiation therapy can be undertaken to kill the cancer cells with x-rays.

A radical prostatectomy can also be performed. This is surgery to remove the entire prostate gland. If the surgery is successful and the cancer is all removed then the likelihood of a recurrence is low. Recurrence of the cancer is slightly higher if radiation therapy is undertaken.

If the cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland then radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy are no longer treatment options. Hormone therapy can be undertaken to limit the growth of the hormone. Research has shown that prostate cancer growth is linked to male hormones called androgens.

Androgens, such as testosterone, are produced in the testicles and these hormones can cause the tumor to grow very quickly which increases the risk of the cells spreading. Therefore by limiting the amount of male hormones, you can slow the growth of the tumor. This can be done by medication, although sometimes the testicles are removed to assist the hormone treatment.

The other treatment option is called 'watchful waiting' or 'active surveillance'. This is when no medical treatment is undertaken, however you are closely monitored by your doctor and tests are done to detect any changes in the tumor.

It is hoped that with continued prostate cancer research that treatments will exist and more options will become available, especially to reduce the incidence of reoccurrence after treatment. The eventual aim of prostate cancer research is to find a cure for this deadly disease.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading health problems of man today especially when he reaches the over-the-hill age. Every man should have more than enough information about this predicament and what the best remedies are for it and here at http://www.a1prostatecancertips.com

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Increase Skin Cancer Today

The cause of skin cancer and melanomas does not lie entirely with the sun. If it did our ancestors would not have survived and we wouldn't be here. It was almost unheard of 100 years ago; it's been slowly increasing over the last 40 to 50 years. Cases of melanomas have doubled in the U.K. in the past 30 years. The sun hasn't got any stronger and the ozone layer is still intact, but the foods we consume on a daily basis have changed vastly. It's the sun, combined with nutritional deficiency that causes skin cancer. It's the irritation caused by the sun burn that will determine where the cancer will take hold, but it's the nutritional deficiencies and other lifestyle factors that causes it to grow, that's why it keeps reappearing after treatments. The only ways to cure any skin cancers or melanomas are to address the underlying causes.

Cancer is not a 100 different diseases as we have become to believe but one disease in over 100 different locations. All cancers have mostly common causes. Remember that many people get skin cancer in areas of the body that don't see a lot of the sun, like the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. Also dark skin people get skin cancer just as much as fair skin people. The reasons why a person develops any cancer are well known, and to cure it, all these issues you must address.

The underlying causes are our lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, the use of too many toxic chemicals, many of which are know to be carcinogenic, our sedentary lifestyle, which because of it, our built in defense system which is our immune system has become sluggish and lastly emotional stress which does have a major impact on human health, including cancer.

Melanomas can be very aggressive so if one wants to cure themselves, they need to address all the factors mentioned above. Today we consume many foods which are not suitable for human consumption. For instance, processed foods which nearly all contain fat, salt or refined sugar and those 3 items are known contributors to cancer. The toxic chemicals we use on a daily basis which are mostly in personal care products and are absorbed into our body through our pores. Then we can thank the ubiquitous automobile for our lack of exercise. We need exercise to rid the body of toxins, as it boosts the all important immune system making it work more efficiently.

Emotional stress or unresolved conflict, not letting go of a problem, which might be the loss of a close friend, a business crisis or bankruptcy can have a major effect on the immune system and all cancers are simply a disease of a weak immune system.

There is no mystery about the causes of skin cancer or any other cancer. If you want to achieve a permanent cure, it is essential to eat freshly grown food everyday which is of paramount importance, remove all toxic chemicals, and get some exercise. If you are in the sun use some common sense and cover up during the hottest part of the day. That is the only way to become free of the disease....for good!

Skin cancer and melanomas are an entirely preventable and curable disease and our modern medical approaches are not necessary the most effective approach to healing cancer patients.

Alan Wighton is an independent health researcher, having spent many years gaining knowledge, particularly on the subject of cancer. If you have found this article helpful and would like to learn more, visit his website where you can download a free article that has been written with facts and information to help people overcome their cancer.

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Interventional Radiology Treatment for Liver Cancer

Physicians at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center are performing a new treatment for inoperable liver cancer known as Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT). SIRT is a non-surgical outpatient therapy that uses microscopic radioactive spheres, called SIR-Spheres®, to deliver radiation directly to the site of the liver tumors.

"SIR-Spheres deliver up to 40 times more radiation directly to tumors than would be possible using conventional external radiation," says William F. Regine, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He adds, "SIR-Spheres selectively target tumors in the liver, regardless of their size or location, with a high dose of radiation, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. The treatment has been shown to shrink liver tumors, increase life expectancy and improve the quality of patients' lives."

"As a comprehensive Liver Directed Therapies Program, it is important that all treatment options are considered and that non-surgical approaches such as SIRT be available to patients," says Nader Hanna, M.D., FACS, FICS, Chief of Surgical Oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center physicians are very experienced at using microscopic beads to treat inoperable liver cancer. The University of Maryland was among the first in the nation to successfully perform TheraSphere- which used microscopic glass beads to deliver radiation to liver tumors-in 2000. SIR-Spheres, developed by the Australian firm Sirtex Medical and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for patients with primary colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, is the latest of a wide range of liver-directed therapies the University of Maryland offers to best meet patients' needs. The University of Maryland has already established itself as a national leader of SIR-Spheres.

"We use sophisticated X-ray imaging to help guide the catheter into the hepatic artery and implant the SIR-Spheres. The procedure generally takes less than an hour, and patients tolerate it extremely well. Within two to six hours, they are ready to go home," says Patrick C. Malloy, M.D., director of vascular/interventional radiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and associate professor of diagnostic radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

While treatment with SIR-Spheres is generally not regarded as a cure, it has been shown to shrink liver cancer more than chemotherapy alone. This can increase patients' life expectancy and improve their quality of life.

The Liver Directed Therapies Program at the University of Maryland includes a full array of treatment options for patients with primary/metastatic liver disease. In addition to SIRT and traditional surgical, chemotherapeutic or radiation approaches, treatment options include radiofrequency ablative therapy, chemoembolization and extracranial radiosurgery.

Lack of Sleep Greatly Increases Breast Cancer Risk

(NaturalNews) A study on almost 24,000 Japanese women recently published in the British Journal of Cancer has found that lack of sleep can greatly increase the risk of breast cancer, with women who slept 6 hours or less every night having a significantly higher risk.

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast cancer is the most common cancer to hit women worldwide. In Japan, when age-standardized to the world population, the incidence rate was 28.3 per 100,000 in 1991, and rose to 39.5 in 2001.

In the United States in 2004, the disease hit more than 185,000 women and over 1,800 men, with almost 41,000 women and 362 men dying from it that year. In that year, after non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer was the next highest cancer killer of American women. It was also their fifth highest killer overall.

Next up, over to Canada, where, among the women, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer to strike. According to Canadian Cancer Society estimates, about 22,400 women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, with about 5,300 dying from it.

With such grim statistics, every little thing which can be done to prevent and combat the disease becomes all the more critical.

Details of Study

The Ohsaki National Health Insurance (NHI) Cohort Study started in 1994 and involved 28,515 women in northeastern Japan. The questionnaire used included information on sleep duration and other lifestyle habits.

Participants who had withdrawn from the NHI study before follow-up, had a history of cancer, did not provide information on their sleep duration, and who reported having slept for less than 4 hours or more than 12 hours every night were omitted. This left the data for 23,995 women to be analyzed. An 8-year period, from 1995 to 2003, was used, during which 143 women were hit with breast cancer.

Findings of Study

The women who slept 7 hours each night was used as the reference group. It was then found that women who slept 6 hours or less each night had a 62% higher risk of getting breast cancer. On the other hand, those who slept 9 hours or more every night had a 28% lower risk of getting the disease.

It would follow, then, that those who slept 6 hours or less every night had 2.25 times the risk of getting breast cancer when compared to those who slept 9 hours or more each night.

The results remained largely consistent even when participants who were diagnosed with breast cancer within 3 years from the start of the study were excluded, or when the data was analyzed by age and menopausal status.

Previous Studies

The findings of this study validates the findings of two previous prospective cohort studies relating breast cancer and sleep duration (Verkasalo et al, 2005, Wu et al, 2008). Those two studies had also shown a significant decrease in breast cancer risk for those who slept the longest.

It must be noted, though, that another such study (Pinheiro et al, 2006) did not find any such association. The study team pointed out, however, that that study had looked at residential nurses, who underwent rotating-shift work and had varying sleep timings. The findings of that study thus might not be applicable to the general population.

Strengths and Limitations of Study

According to the study team, their research had a couple of strong points. Firstly, it used study subjects from the general population, thus allowing for overall generalization of its findings. In addition, it used the Miyagi Prefectural Cancer Registry, which the study team said is “one of the earliest and most accurate population-based cancer registries in Japan”.

There were also, however, several limitations. Firstly, self-reported sleep data was used, and assessment was also only carried out once. In addition, and probably very significantly, no information on sleep quality, sleep timing, use of sleep medication, or presence of sleep disorders were available. These factors, of course, are very important as they can directly or indirectly affect cancer risk.

Further, the researchers added that they had no information with regard to rotating-shift work or night work, but they felt that would not have affected their findings greatly as more than half of the study subjects were housewives, farmers or retired.

The Sleep Duration – Breast Cancer Link

Why is breast cancer risk linked to sleep duration? The answer could lie in melatonin, which is secreted during night sleep. When a person sleeps fewer hours, less melatonin is secreted, and lower levels of the chemical had previously been associated with increased breast cancer risk.

In addition, melatonin may possess an inhibitory effect on gonadal function, which includes synthetizing and secreting sex hormones. It had also been found to have an antiproliferative effect on breast cancer cells.

The Bottom Line

If the findings from this study are indeed accurate, then there is an immense difference in breast cancer risk between sleeping 4 to 6 hours every night, and just sleeping 1 to 3 hours more each night. In fact, it is more than likely that the protective effects of sufficient sleep also extend to other forms of cancer. 7 hours of sleep a night may thus be a good number to aim for.

Hopefully, in time to come, further research will reveal more information relating sleep and disease risk, with sleep quality and sleep timing being two of the main possibilities.

Main Source

Sleep duration and the risk of breast cancer: the Ohsaki Cohort Study (http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v99/n...)