Cancer

Diet is now considered a major factor in the prevention and treatment of cancer. According to the American National Cancer Institute about one-third of the cancers are linked to diet. Thus, right choices of foods can help prevent a majority of new cancer cases and deaths from cancer.

Cancer usually develops over a long period. Latest research shows that what one eats may interfere with cancer process at many stages, from conception to growth and spread of the cancer. Foods can block the chemical activation which normally initiates cancer. Antioxidants, including vitamins can eradicate carcinogens and can even repair some of the cellular damage caused by them. Cancers which are in the process of growth can also be prevented from further spreading by foods. Even in advanced cases, the right foods can prolong the patient's life.

Researches conducted in ascertaining links between diet and cancer since 1970 have now conclusively proved that fruits and vegetables can serve as antidote to cancer. According to Dr. Peter Greenwald, Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at the American National Cancer Institute: "The more fruits and vegetables people eat, the less likely they are to get cancer, from colon to stomach cancer to breast and even lung cancer. For many cancers, persons with high fruit and vegetable intake have about half-the risk of people with low intake. Some studies indicate that eating fruit twice a day instead of less than three times a week cut the risk of lung cancer 75 per cent, even in smokers.”

The normal servings of fruits and vegetables are two fruits and three vegetables a day. Adding more fruits and vegetables to these servings can reduce the risk of cancer.

The plant foods which are considered to possess anti­cancer properties by the American National Cancer Institute include vegetables like garlic, cabbage, tomato, soya beans, ginger, carrot, celery, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts' and cucumber; citrus fruits like orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime; other foods like turmeric, whole wheat, brown rice, barely and berries; and herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, chives and basil.

According to several studies, Vitamin A exerts an inhibiting effect on carcinogenesis. It is one of the most important aids to the body's defence system to fight and prevent cancer. A recent British study found that cancer rates dropped by 40 per cent in men with the most blood beta carotene (a precursor of Vitamin A), compared with those with the least. Other research has found that those with higher levels of folic acid (found in green vegetable) and lycopene (a tomato compound) are much less vulnerable to all cancers, in particular of the lung, cervix and pancreas.

By: Krishan Bakhru

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer colon, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs in the wall and lining of the stomach. According to the American Cancer Society, about 21,500 new cases of stomach cancer were reported in 2008. Stomach cancer was once a leading cause of cancer deaths, but has recently become less common.

There is no specific reason for the decline in the number of new cases; however, doctors believe it may be linked to refrigeration use for storage of food. Before refrigeration, people preserved food by smoking, salting, or pickling. Large amounts of nitrates and nitrites are found in these types of preserved foods, and these nitrates and nitrites can be converted into cancer-causing compounds in the stomach.

Humans infected with the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are at higher risk for developing stomach cancer as well. H. pylori lives in the stomach’s mucous layer and has only recently been linked to stomach cancer. Because of this, doctors are still studying the ways the bacteria are transmitted to humans as well as the reasons for its association with stomach cancer.

The development of stomach cancer tends to be slow, occurring over many years. Many early-stage symptoms go unnoticed and undetected. However, when the cancer is advanced, there are several signs and symptoms including:

- weakness and fatigue
- unintended weight loss
- lack of appetite
- general discomfort in the abdomen
- abdominal discomfort, especially after eating
- feeling full after meals, even when eating is normal
- nausea
- vomiting, with or without blood

There are different types of stomach cancer.

Adenocarcinomas account for 95 percent of all stomach cancers. It is found in the stomach’s innermost lining. Lymphoma is an aggressive stomach cancer found on the immune system tissues in the stomach wall. Carcinoid tumors account for a small percentage of stomach cancer and originate in the hormone-producing cells of the stomach. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, also called GISTs, are rare tumors that can develop in other places besides the stomach; however, the most common location for GISTs is indeed the stomach.

By: Erik Hambrick

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer colon, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

Scottsdale, AZ-based New Hope Medical Center, an alternative cancer treatment center, offers patients suffering from chronic diseases a place to go in order to receive alternative cancer treatment care. Each plan is tailored to a single person, making those who choose alternative cancer treatment care a unique way to fight their cancer or other chronic disease.

Prostate cancer forms in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. This type of cancer affects 1 in 6 men and is the most common non-skin cancer in America. The rate for a prostate cancer diagnosis increases as a man ages. In fact, most men with prostate cancer are over 65 years old. In 2008, there were a total of over 186,000 new cases of prostate cancer, and about 29,000 prostate cancer-related deaths.

Prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, but those who do have symptoms involve urinary problems. A man with prostate cancer may have difficulty passing urine, experience pain or burning during urination or even see blood in the urine. A doctor can diagnose prostate cancer by either performing a rectal exam or testing the blood for a prostate-specific antigen.

At the New Hope Medical Center, the team of doctors works hard to ensure each patient who chooses an alternative cancer treatment is given the utmost care in hopes of suppressing the disease and improving overall well being. There are four main goals the doctors at New Hope Medical Center try to achieve with every patient. They are the following.

1. Try to stop the tumor from growing.
2. Try to make the tumor regress.
3. Reach the stage where the tumor completely disappears.
4. Keep the patient in remission with no recurrences of cancer.

New Hope Medical Center believes boosting the immune system through noninvasive therapy is a key way to eliminate cancer and other chronic illnesses. The doctors at this alternative cancer treatment center also stress body detoxification along with the proper nutrition and diet as ways to bring the body to a better state of health.

The beautiful facilities of New Hope Medical Center and honest, caring, and compassionate staff welcome any cancer or chronic illness sufferer who is looking for an alternative treatment and method of care. Several cancer sufferers have provided testimonials praising New Hope Medical Center, the founder, Dr. Fredda Branyon, and the experienced, highly-qualified staff members.

New Hope Medical Center has helped several cancer patients in their quest to conquer this disease through the use of alternative cancer treatments. Along with proper nutrition and immune system building, other alternative cancer treatment options may include physical therapies, homeopathic medicine, botanical or herbal therapies, systemic enzyme therapy, hormone therapy, acupuncture and stress management, as well as chiropractic medicine.

Men suffering from prostate cancer have other ways to fight cancer besides the conventional chemotherapy or radiation. Contacting the doctors at New Hope Medical Center is a positive first step towards fighting cancer, whether it is prostate cancer or another form of cancer.

By: Dr. Fredda Branyon

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer colon, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

Cancer is one of the major causes of death worldwide. According to an estimate, it is believed that one third of deaths across the world are caused by it. There is a general belief that cancer is a hereditary disease. Though external factors such as chemicals, pollution etc are also believed to cause cancer. Our lifestyle and food habits are major contributory factors of cancer.

The national cancer institute as well as world cancer research fund believes in healthy eating to prevent cancer. The five important foods to be incorporated in our daily diet for preventing cancer are as follows:

Vegetables:

Broccoli, cauliflower, onion, garlic, carrot, sweet potato, spinach, beans, avocado, lettuce, asparagus are some of the vegetables to be included in our daily meal to protect ourselves from cancer. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale contains antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which help reduce the risk of prostate or any other form of cancer. Beans, spinach, lettuce, avocado contain folate which is a preventive food for pancreatic cancer. Tomatoes and sweet potatoes are rich source of beta carotene, a preventive vitamin. Vegetables should be preferably taken in raw form as they are richer in nutrients.

Fruits:

Another important food group to be included in our day to day life for avoiding cancer. Fresh, organically cultivated fruits eaten in raw form or extracted as juice prove healthy for an individual. Fruits like banana, grapefruit, orange, papaya, red grapes, strawberries, raspberries; blueberries are few important fruits which help reduce cancer. Papaya is believed to prevent the absorption of nitrosamines from processed food and cultivation soil, which are major cause of cancer. While banana is rich in potassium and red grapes are rich in bioflavonoid; the berries too are believed to possess anti cancerous nutrients.

Fish:

This white meat is rich in Omega 3s and essential fatty acids which act as a preventive measure against breast cancer. They are healthy for our heart and brain. The fish oil is believed to protect from prostate and colon cancer.

Liquids:

drinking lots of water, juice, green tea and chai is essential for keeping our body healthy. Drinking 5 liters of water everyday washes down all the toxins from our body. While vegetable and fruit juices provide essential nutrients and vitamins. Green tea is a rich source of antioxidant. It has been proven by the American institute of cancer research that green tea contains phytochemicals which are believed to stop the transformation of normal cells to cancerous cells.

Soy:

it is a rich source of protein. At the same time soy is also believed to be rich is phytochemicals responsible for prevention of breast cancer. Soy can be taken daily as soy milk, tofu, granules, pulse. Any form of soy proves beneficial except the processed form. We should avoid soy chips rich in salt as well as other processed soy snacks. In fact any form of processed food be it salami, chips, sausages or cool drinks is unhealthy and major cause of different kinds of cancer.

By: James S. Pendergraft

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer colon, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

There is no doubt that breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis for any woman or man. From the moment those two words are uttered, feelings of uncertainty and fear begin to mount. Uncertainty about the future and whether there’s a way to better the chances of survival collide with feelings of life without one or both breasts. Concern about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment, as well as whether or not survival is possible at all, is what usually swirls through the mind of any person moments after hearing those two dreaded words.

But there is a silver lining around this dark cloud of bad news. The good news is that tremendous advances in cancer detection and traditional as well as alternative cancer treatments have taken place over the past few decades. As a result, the prognosis for surviving breast cancer, and even avoiding radical surgery, has never been better.

Following the advice and course of treatment recommended by your doctor is of utmost importance. But interestingly, many men and women diagnosed with breast cancer report that their symptoms have been improved, and in some cases reversed, by pursuing one of the many medically-approved alternative breast cancer treatments available today.

Of course, no “one-size-fits-all” alternative cancer treatment exists so finding the right one requires the advice of a physician who is trained in alternative cancer therapies. These physicians take a holistic approach to treating breast cancer. Simply stated, they’ll decide on one or more alternative breast cancer treatments depending on the specific type of breast cancer and the stage of the disease.

Perhaps the most essential alternative cancer treatment involves making specific dietary changes in order to boost the body’s ability to combat malnutrition. Malnutrition is a common consequence of breast cancer, responsible for up to 40% of all cancer-related deaths. Proper nutrition also helps people suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment by reducing nausea and hair loss, boosting the immune system, and combating the symptoms of organ toxicity.

Only a trained physician who understands the role of proper nutrition in alternative breast cancer treatments can make specific dietary recommendations. However, the general guidelines below typically form the basis of any beneficial physician-approved nutritional plan.

Medical and nutritional research now proves that Zinc is an essential ingredient for anyone seeking alternative cancer treatments. Zinc supports the immune system by increasing antibody production and providing essential nutrition to the macrophage, a critical cell that plays a pivotal role in the immune system.

Foods that are high in Zinc include:

• Oysters
• Red meat
• Poultry
• Beans
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Zinc-fortified breakfast cereals
• Dairy products

The body absorbs Zinc better with a diet that is high in animal protein than one that is high in plant protein.

Vitamin A is another essential ingredient in nutrition-based alternative cancer treatments. This vitamin contributes to the support of the immune system by assisting in the development of T both-helper (Th) cells and B-cells.

Foods that are high in Vitamin A include:

• Milk
• Margarine
• Eggs
• Beef and chicken liver
• Vitamin A-fortified breakfast cereals
• Carrots
• Cantaloupes
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach

Selenium is a trace mineral used by proteins to make antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins. These selenoproteins combat cell damage caused by free radicals; key contributors to the development of cancer as well as heart disease. Only a small amount of Selenium is required by the body.

Foods that are high in Selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• Walnuts
• Light tuna packed in oil
• Beef
• Turkey
• Fortified oatmeal
• Enriched whole wheat bread
• Long grain white rice
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Vegetables grown in Selenium-rich soils, as well as animals that have been fed grain grown in Selenium-rich soils are also good sources of this essential element.

Besides food, it’s possible to get the required amounts of Zinc, Vitamin A and Selenium by taking food supplements and vitamin pills. Remember though, there is more to consider than these three nutrients when developing nutritional-based alternative breast cancer treatments.

Introducing these nutrients in the wrong quantities, or overlooking other essential ingredients when developing alternative cancer therapies, can actually negate the otherwise beneficial results of a good nutritional plan. That’s why it’s so important to consult a medical professional who specializes in alternative cancer treatments.

By: Mark Branyon

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer colon, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

Staying fit and healthy should be a mantra of life to prevent all kinds of diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer etc. cancer is a very serious disease which at times turns fatal if not detected at early stages. The occurrence of this disease can be prevented by taking few measures.

The foremost step to be taken is of changing ones eating habit. Nutritious food should be included in daily meal for staying healthy. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, Kale, Brussels sprouts which are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibers should be included. Tomatoes rich in vitamin c should be taken along with the morning breakfast of eggs, carrot rich in beta carotene has anti oxidant properties which acts on free radicals of the cancerous cells and prevents their multiplication.

Green leafy vegetables, soy, tofu etc should be a part of our meal. However one has to consider that excessive intake of nutrition also leads to cancer hence we must have balanced meal. Vegetables should be taken in raw, boiled or lightly saute form as cookie is believed to destroy the nutritional property of the food.

Fruits are another rich source of vitamins and minerals which have anti-cancerous properties. Grapefruits, oranges rich in vitamin C help get rid of carcinogens from the body. Papaya is another fruit which prevents the absorption of nitrosamines from soil or processed food which are cancerous. Fresh fruit juices are also very beneficial. However care must be taken to choose fresh, organically grown fruits. The packaged fruit juices should be avoided as they have unnecessary high sugar are rich in calories and have non existent nutritional value.

Fibrous food such as bran, whole wheat, pulses, apple, and peaches should be eaten daily. This helps avoid bowel, colon, rectum, stomach cancer. Processed foods like bread, luncheon meat, salami, potato wafers should be taken in minimal quantity. These food items are rich in salt and fatty acids. Their nutritional value is zero. They cause obesity which further leads to cancer in stomach, colon, kidney, gall bladder, pancreas etc.

Salt and sugar should be taken in moderation. Excessive sodium intake is not healthy and so is excessive sugar which adds empty calories. Read meat like beef, lamb, and pork should be taken once a week in less quantity. Non vegetarians should include more of fish in their daily diet as it has anti cancerous benefits. Fish oil is also meant to reduce risk of cancer. Water intake should be increased to flush out toxins from the body.

Alcohol consumption should be in moderation as excessive intake leads to oral cancer and cancer of throat, larynx, and lymph etc. smokers should be extra careful and should cut down on smoking.

Being healthy is the most essential thing for a happy living. Few preventions and added care can assure a long life for an individual. Hence one should take care to eat healthy diet in moderation and exercising daily. Binge on junk food but once in a while.

By James S. Pendergraft

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer

If you smoke, or ever have, and you eat lots of broccoli (or other cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens or collard greens), you might be doing yourself a great favor in terms of lung cancer. This according to research just presented at the American Association of Cancer Research meeting held last week in Washington D.C. by a team from Roswell Park Cancer Institute of Buffalo, NY when they concluded cruciferous vegetables can helpful as part of a cancer prevention diet.

Li Tang, Ph.D., a post-doctoral fellow at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and colleagues conducted a hospital-based, case-controlled study of lung cancer cases matched with smoking status controls.

The study wasn't focused on broccoli alone, but allowed for eating all the commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables - in either their raw or cooked forms. The study found that among smokers - and especially former smokers - higher intake of cruciferous vegetables was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. Smokers who ate raw veggies saw the most benefit.

Researchers divided their findings into four subtypes of lung cancer. The strongest risk reduction was seen among subjects with squamous or small-cell carcinoma, the two types most strongly associated with heavy smoking.

"Broccoli is not a therapeutic drug, but for smokers who believe they cannot quit nor do anything about their risk, this is something positive," Tang said. "People who quit smoking will definitely benefit more from intake of cruciferous vegetables."

The percentage of Americans who smoke has fallen below 20% for the first time since the mid 1960s. If you smoke and you're concerned about lung cancer risk, first and foremost, you need to stop. Get help quitting from support groups, nicotine replacement therapy, hypnosis or the variety of medications now available. If you have the will (or even if you're not sure you do) getting cigarettes out of your life for good can save you not only money, but help you take solid, real-world steps to improve your health, today and over the long haul as well.

When you do quit, your lung capacity goes up and your bronchial tubes relax which makes breathing easier. Not only this, the poisonous carbon monoxide in your blood goes down so that your blood can carry more oxygen. Of course your sense of smell, the discoloration of your teeth, fingers and clothing will also improve noticeably. Best of all, the second hand smoke you're sending into the environment will be eliminated - a healthy gift to everyone around you.

If you're trying to quit, or can't quite get there yet... eat as many of the cruciferous veggies as you enjoy from the list above, especially in their raw state as heating damages an important enzyme thought to activate the cancer fighting properties.

Earlier work released in February 2008 backed up these findings with results showing that compounds called isothiocyanates from these veggies could have cancer fighting properties. The research was on bladder cancer and supported animal studies that suggest broccoli and the other cruciferous vegetables have some cancer protecting abilities. Another study, out in July 2008, suggested a link between men who ate broccoli four times a week and a protective effect against prostate cancer.

So the real story here is that we should all try to increase our consumption of cruciferous vegetables whether we smoke or not as part of a cancer prevention diet.

By Kirsten Whittaker

Labels: breast cancer, cancer, cancer lung, cancer prostate, cancer symptoms, cancer treatment, cervical cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer