Posts Tagged ‘Preventing’

Published Results Show Denosumab Superior to Zometa® in Delaying or Preventing Bone Complications in Patients With …

Published Results Show Denosumab Superior to Zometa® in Delaying or Preventing Bone Complications in Patients With …
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) today announced the publication of results from a pivotal Phase 3 study of 2,046 patients which compared denosumab with Zometa® (zoledronic acid) in delaying or preventing skeletal-related events (SREs) in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. An SRE consists of any of the following: a pathologic fracture …

Read more on redOrbit

New clinical trial explores role of vitamin D in preventing esophageal cancer

New clinical trial explores role of vitamin D in preventing esophageal cancer
( University Hospitals Case Medical Center ) In a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, physicians at University Hospitals Case Medical Center who are Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers are exploring the role of Vitamin D in preventing esophageal cancer. Principal Investigator Linda Cummings, M.D., along with Amitabh Chak, M.D., and Gregory Cooper, M.D., from the UH …

Read more on EurekAlert!

Top 10 Ways of Preventing Cancer by Medimanage.com

Cancer – either you have had it, may develop it at some point in time, or know someone who has had it or has it. Whether we like it or not, cancer affects each one of us directly or indirectly. Preventing cancer is easier than you may think. Through simple lifestyle changes, we can reduce our risk of developing many types of cancer.

Avoid smoking, whether it be active or passive smoking.
We hear at least a dozen times a day about the ills of cigarettes and the risks associated with smoking, including the risk of lung cancer. The reason for this is the fact that smoking is one such significant risk factor associated with cancer, which can easily be reduced. You would be surprised to know that smoking can increase your risk of developing a number of other cancers as well. Quitting the habit is much easier with the help of many rehabilitation centers, counsellors as well as websites providing the right kind of help that can help you give up the habit altogether.

Practice sun safety and recognize when skin changes occur.
Skin cancer is becoming more common, especially among young people. Wear sunscreen when outdoors, even if it is shady, and try to avoid going outdoors during the sun’s peak time, which is 10 am – 2 pm. Knowing your skin’s moles and spots is essential. Any changes you observe on your skin, need to be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.

Eat your fruits and veggies.
Fruits and vegetables, being rich in antioxidants, help in the repair of the damaged cells in the body. Especially, dark green leafy vegetables, and bright red and yellow coloured fruits and veggies, are your best bet. Also, as friuits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants, they aid in the prevention of various types of cancers.

Watch the meats you eat, especially smoked foods.
Research suggests that a diet high in animal fat can lead to the development of certain types of cancers. A diet high in smoked foods, salted fish and meat, and pickled vegetables, can increase your risk to cancer to a large extent.

Limit your alcohol intake.
Drinking excessive amount of alcohol regularly, increases your risk of developing cancer. Studies suggest that men who consume two alcoholic drinks per day and women who have one alcoholic drink per day, significantly increase their risk to certain types of cancer. Hence it is recommended that you consume alcohol in moderation.

Be sure to keep up on screening tests like the Pap, mammograms, and DREs.
Make sure you regularly undergo health checkups and screening tests like the Pap smear and mammogram if you are a woman, and a DRE (digital rectal exam) if you are a man. The Pap and DRE can detect cellular changes before they become cancerous, and the mammogram may be able to detect breast cancer early.

Exercise for cancer prevention.

Being overweight greatly increases your risk factor for developing cancer. Hence, exercising to maintain your ideal weight is one of the best defenses against cancer. Exercising doesn’t have to be boring, you can get into dancing, brisk walking or simply playing your favourite sport that requires you to be on your toes, for instance, tennis or badminton. Being physically active would ensure flexibility of the body and lasting good health.

Know your personal and family history pertaining to cancer.
Research tells us that some types of cancers can be genetic. Knowing your family history pertaining to cancer can help you make more informed decisions about your healthcare. It can also aid in genetic testing and counseling, so that you can find out if you carry a mutated gene that increases your risks of developing cancer. To read more about Top 10 Ways of Preventing Cancer by Medimanage.com

Preventing Cancer – Using The pH Diet To Avoid Cancer

The main point of ph miracle diet is that cancer can be avoided by using the principles of this diet. The above mentioned statement has cause many controversies in the field of health and science .But at the same time it has there are many who thank the ph diet in helping them to reverse cancer and improve their health.

Dr. Robert Young, the founder and creator of ph diet feels cancer is not a disease or a sickness as it is commonly thought off by many people. It is caused due to the metabolic acids which are formed in the blood and they are then released into the tissues. In reality Dr. Young says that cancer is actually a liquid acid which enters the cells, organs and tissues. Cancer is not the mutation of body cells,

There is always a cause for any condition. Cancer has direct and clear causes .And as in the diet book; acidity is the cause of cancer. Acidosis containing very low Ph (usually less than 7.4) is responsible for cancer. Normally the ph level below 7.4 is acidic. The level of acidity in a person’s body is higher if the ph level is higher.

Talking from the level of cells, metabolic acids are produces by cells which eat the food we intake. These acids come out of the body in the form of urine and sweat. There will be an excess of acidic waste when you intake a lot food which has high acid content and have a lifestyle which involves in the consumption of more acid. Your body will not know how to react in this case. Your body won’t have the needed energy to clear the excess acid when you eat foods with high acid content on a daily basis. It gets collected in your body and cause disruptions at the cell level.

These acids are stored in the blood at first and then moved to the tissues. Acid in the tissue causes disease, sickness and cancer tissues. The acidic liquid that is pooled in your body is cancer. Just like how a spoilt apple will spoil the whole basket a single cell will affect all the other tissues. Mutation of cells is not the reason for cancer. Cells cannot change forms; they are just restricted in their functions because of the presence of the acid. There is nothing called as “cancer cells”. These are cells which just contain high acid level.

It is very surprising to know that in the relationship between cancer and ph tumors actually help the body. They are formed in those areas where the acid is becoming widespread and disturbing the functions of the cell. Your body tries to prevent the spread of cancer by tumor cells. These act like signposts to those places in your body which has excess acid. At times a few people genetically collect acid in some parts of the body. This is the reason behind the medical histories of families. For instance breast cancer.

Tumor is not a problem, they just act as signs as to what is going wrong in a particular part of your body. Metastasizing of cancer indicates that the acidic condition is spreading to other cell and spreading cancer.

Cancer cannot be developed unexpectedly. The choices we make in eating, drinking and living life are all signs of formation of cancer. The chances of cancer are less if we lead a calm and alkaline lifestyle focusing on an alkaline based diet. In contrast an acidic lifestyle will increase the chances of cancer in your body by increasing the acidic content of your body.

It is exciting to know that cancer has a treatment and it can be prevented. Cancer patients can take steps to prevent the spread and work toward reversing its effects. They should be more aggressive in their alkaline diet when compared to those who follow the diet for health sake. Apply the basic principle of the ph diet to help you reduce or control or eliminate cancer effectively.

Four research teams to study role of exercise in preventing, treating chronic diseases

Four research teams to study role of exercise in preventing, treating chronic diseases
Canadians will benefit from new insights into the link between physical activity and health as the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced funding for four research teams through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. These teams will study the effects of exercise on the body and its role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases including arthritis, breast …

Read more on News-Medical-Net

Benefits of Blueberries in Preventing Cancer

Here is a question you get asked daily, what do prostate cancer, breast cancer, cholesterol levels, chemotherapy, antioxidants, free radicals, green tea, cancer prevention, beta-carotene, weight loss, and blueberries have in common?

Blueberries are the super-food of the century! Studies show that blueberries of all foods are the highest in antioxidants (antioxidants fight diseases including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer). A half-cup of blueberries has as much as five times the antioxidant power of other fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are also high in fiber and contain pigments that also help prevent cancer and can aid in weight loss. Not convinced yet, researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center (HNRCA) have found that compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity.

So what if blueberries are high in antioxidants? Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals those are the nasty trash things in your body that are left over after your body takes what it needs. It is those free radicals hanging around inside you that can cause cancer and many other diseases.

Now, if you are a tea drinker you can get the same antioxidant benefits as a cup of blueberries by drinking a cup of green tea but personally I have never cared for tea and very much love my fruits. Oh and do not worry if you do not have a blueberry bush in your back yard. Studies have shown that any form is equal when it comes to blueberries: fresh, frozen, or dried they all aid in preventing cancer, lowering cholesterol, and weight loss.

That is not the end of the story though, along with helping prevent cancer blueberries also help to reduce cholesterol. It is reported in studies that blueberries also contain a natural product that is especially helpful for people who can not for some reason or another use conventional cholesterol lowering drugs. With all the resent talk about cholesterol I think we know cholesterol is bad and can lead to obesity and heart disease. Anyone who has tried to lose weight can tell you, one of the first things the doctor is going to tell you is to reduce your cholesterol.

Are blueberries on the top of your shopping list yet? If you know someone who is undergoing chemotherapy rather than sending flowers you might want to send a bowl of blueberries. There is now a rumor undergoing studies that this super food may help fight the nausea that is commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments. It also stands to reason that if they aid in relief of nausea they very well could help with other stomach related concerns.

Cancer prevention, cholesterol lowering, and weight loss are all great reasons to eat blueberries. If you still have not ran to the store to stock up on blueberries here are a few more benefits of eating blueberries: they help reverse short-term memory loss, like cranberries they can prevent urinary tract infections, and last but not least can improve night vision and relieve eyestrain. Eating blueberries can also because of their high antioxidant properties protect us from stress related illnesses, slow the aging process, prevent heart disease and strokes, and to wrap it up improve balance and coordination.

Preventing Death From Breast Cancer Through Diagnosis

One of the steps in an early diagnosis of breast cancer is self-examination. The techniques used to find small abnormalities in the breast are making a great difference for many women. Although medications have been refined there are still debilitating side effects, so early detection in most cases limits their use and greatly improves the overall health of women diagnosed with cancer. Finding these small lumps in the breast can greatly increase the efficacy of the least invasive surgeries and limit the need for some breast cancer medication.

Less than 20 years ago, more women were finding breast cancer diagnosiss after the cancer had taken hold and spread to other organs, and limiting the chances of surviving the initial disease. With the advances in cancer research and an aggressive media campaign to provide breast cancer info to the general public, many more women are seeking early diagnostic exams and helping to lower the instances of mortality, according to breast cancer statistics.

Self examination training can be found on many medical websites but it is best to talk to your doctor and learn the correct procedures. Women also need to know to look for more than just lumps. Any change in the shape or size of the breasts must also be noted and can only be detected if the self-exam is conducted on a regular basis.

One of the ways to do this is to stand in front of a mirror, with arms relaxed at your sides. Now, look at both breasts, but dont be alarmed if they are slightly different in size, most womens breasts are not identical. Look for changes like puckering around the nipples, differences in color, or sores. Now, bend forward facing the mirror and roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles and look for changes in contour. Do the same looking at each side carefully for these abnormalities.

Finding a lump or other abnormalities doesnt always indicate that cancer is present. Women of all ages can find benign fibrous tumors or cysts caused by any number of reasons. However, only through a doctors evaluation can these be determined. And if breast cancer is the diagnosis there have been huge advances in breast cancer medication and treatments that have saved thousands of lives. The most important factor in cancer survival rates is seeking medical treatment as soon as possible. The earlier that treatment can take place the better the overall chances for survival and in many cases total remission.

Once you have visually checked your breasts and noted any changes or problems identified above, it is time to feel for thickening or lumps under the skin. For the best results, it is best to have your doctor explain all the steps to make sure you are doing this part of the exam correctly. In all cases the technique and steps are paramount in finding breast cancer early.

Further research shows that breast cancer statistics have greatly improved in the areas of mortality over the last 10 to 15 years. Early diagnosis begins with the individual and with the internet there is reliable breast cancer info to be found. This is good news for thousands of women and their families and a triumph for the doctors and researchers that have worked tirelessly to prevent early death from this type of cancer.

Some Tips For Preventing Cancer

Possibly no word strikes greater fear in people’s hearts than cancer. So it is important to employ every possible strategy that may prevent you from ever hearing it in connection with your health. If you are still smoking, you need to stop. Although it is true that some non-smokers have gotten lung cancer, the majority of people with lung cancer are smokers. Cure your home if it is sick. Radon is a natural gas that can also cause lung cancer. It enters your home from soil and rock in the surrounding area. The danger is you cannot see or smell it. But you can order test kits to check the levels in your home. If you discover they are high, it is not expensive to clear them out.

Go for the green – tea that is. While all tea has cancer-preventing properties, green tea is the highest in polyphenols that kill several types of cancer cells including breast, liver, colon, lung, pancreas, and skin cancer. And a couple of cups of coffee each day will ward off cancer of the liver. According to Swedish scientists, coffee is high in the antioxidants that prevent the formation of carcinogens. Once you’ve had your cup of Java for the day, get moving. Scientific research has proven that exercise protects your immune system. And your immune system is your body’s defense against cancer. In fact, a healthy immune system can destroy a cancer cell without your awareness. Then when you’re thirsty after the exercise, try a glass of grape juice instead of a soda. Purple grape juice has also been proven to improve your immune system’s function.

And when it’s time for dinner, try substituting fish for beef. Frequent consumption of red meat increases your risk of colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer due to the high saturated fat content. Fish, on the other hand, is high in omega-3 fats that are beneficial to your health and since they are difficult to find, it is common for people to be deficient in omega-3 fats. Be sure to make your meal colorful. Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables of all colors. Each fruit or vegetable has different anti-oxidants and together they all offer you protection from cancer.

Take the right supplements. Calcium and Vitamin D offer protections from the risk of developing breast cancer and also are important in preventing other diseases. Most people do not get the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, especially those who live in winter climates, so a supplement is important. Of course, individuals should always check with their health care provider before adding any supplement to their diet.

Choose the right spices. Add a little garlic to your diet. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have been found to prevent rapid cell division, a process that cancer cells need in order to spread. Add the garlic to tomato sauce and become a tomato lover. Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been proved to reduce the risk of colon, lung and breast cancer. Lycopene destroys free radicals before they can effect the cellular changes that lead to cancer. And processed products are as effective as the fresh vegetable. You can get the same benefit from ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste and cooked tomatoes.

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

No one knows exactly what causes cancer. Research has learned that when the immune system slows down or cannot work properly, cancer and other immune failure diseases seem to take over. The white blood cells are a main part of the immune system. When the white blood cells die or in some way become impaired, the immune system breaks down.

Conventional cancer treatments usually consist of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These can all lower your white blood cell count and wreak havoc with your immune system.

White blood cells are very tough little guys, swimming through our veins, attacking infections and various other “bad germs” in our blood. But they are vulnerable to certain things. They can not do their job well when there is infection. They are killed off by chemotherapy, radiation, mold, chlorine and fluoride in our water supply and metal toxins such as mercury, iron or aluminum.

What’s even more frightening is antibiotics, as well as, some pharmaceutical drugs that we are given to help combat disease and infection can sometimes destroy the white blood cells. Many times the very drugs and treatments that kill cancer end up killing the patient because their organs  break down and fail to function. So there goes our immune system.

In 2002 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I endured surgery and chemotherapy, which made me horribly sick and left me so weak I could barely walk across the room. When I told the oncologist I was sick and vomiting for several days after each chemo session, she told me it couldn’t be the chemo making me sick. It had to be something else making me vomit.

Even after the chemo sessions were over, I was still too weak to do much of anything. I asked the oncologist if there were any herbs or certain kinds of foods I should eat. She said, “No, just eat what you normally eat.” She obviously had no knowledge of herbs or nutrition.

So, it looks to me like, if you’re suffering from the effects of chemotherapy or radiation, you’re pretty much on your own. It’s very hard to cope with these vague feelings of tiredness, no energy, depression, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss and concentration. Most doctors seem to feel these symptoms are unimportant and dismiss them without much thought.

One thing we can do is take advantage of the many cancer fighting, immune enhancing herbs, some of which have been around for 1000s of years. Scientists around the world are concentrating on herbal medicines to boost the immune cells of the body  in it’s fight against cancer.

Find a good herbalist or Doctor of alternative medicine. He or she can put together an herbal formulation based on your body, it’s needs and your life style.

Because there are many kinds of cancer and different herbs work in different ways, they are usually not given singly. They work much better in synergistic combinations.

Some herbs fight disease by enhancing the immune system. Others work with the lymph system to neutralize toxins and encourage drainage of fluids which flush toxins out of the body. Water, although not an herb, does a very good job of flushing toxins from the body. Just make sure the toxic chemicals that are added to  most water systems are filtered out before you drink it.

According to the Department of Agriculture there are over 3000 herbs that contain anti-cancer properties. Following is a list of the more common herbs for treating this dreaded disease.

Astragalus has been used for more than 5000 years in China. It enhances the immune cells and the natural killer cells that are known to destroy cancer cells. It has been shown in research to speed recovery from chemotherapy and radiation treatments and prolong life expectancy. Astragalus is rarely given alone. According to Chinese medicine it works best when given along with other immune enhancing herbs. Some studies do show that it is effective when used alone and it is certainly worth using.

Flaxseed supplements help balance the hormonal system and enhances the immune system and is recommended as a preventative for  women who are concerned about breast cancer.

Doctors in Germany have been using yarrow along with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Garlic and onion has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer of the colon, esophagus and the stomach. Hippocrates was the first to recommend it’s use.

Antioxidants are found in most fruits, vegetables and herbs and are known to fight cancer and other diseases.

Pau D Arco has been known to shrink cancerous tumors.

Burdock, Cat’s Claw, sweet potatoes and pineapple, all have cancer fighting qualities which can detoxify your body and boost the immune system.

If you don’t have an herbalist or doctor who will prescribe a synergistic herbal combination to fight cancer for you try eating a wide variety of herbs known to fight cancer and rejuvenate the immune system.

Find more information about combating disease with herbs at www.healthyherbalplants.com.

Alternative Ways For Preventing Breast Cancer – Why Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Nowadays, with advanced technology, there has been greater improvement in breast cancer prevention compared to before. In order to reduce the pain, side effects or recurrence after the treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy, an alternative way considered is traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and energy exercises, are the alternative ways to improve the breast health of the patients after the treatments. Emotional distress such as easily angry, stress and etc will lead to functional disorders of liver and spleen and thus causes the lumps in the breast to worsen and recurrence after treatment. Acupuncture is one of the recommended ways which can provide the energy and release the stress after the treatment.

Another traditional Chinese medication for patients is through herbal medicine. There are four areas of this treatment such as herbs for depressing cancer cells, herbs with anticancer properties which is used for cleansing the body toxins, herbs for immunity and herbs for preventing alterations. Energy exercises such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi will help in reducing the stress and tension in the body. The treatments have shown effectiveness in controlling the cancer cells and in improving the lifestyle of a person.

In order to improve breast health and recovery after the treatments, traditional Chinese medicine is one of the best therapies considered to reduce the recurrence after the treatment and the risks in developing breast cancer. Besides that, maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as quite smoking, do more exercises can also improve the breast health.