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March 2006

March 1, 2006

Helping Someone With Cancer

Helping Someone With Cancer
By Charles Kassotis

Do you know someone with cancer? A cancer diagnosis can be crippling in itself, inciting fear and anxiety over an unknown or perhaps dreaded future. Victims worry about their health, their looks, and their families when a doctor pronounces this terrible sentence. If a friend or family member is struggling with one of the many forms of cancer, your support and encouragement are likely to be most welcome.

But how do you help someone who has cancer? There are several things you can do to make your friend or loved one feel more at ease.

1. Treat the person the same as always. Don’t approach her gingerly, as though she might break or fade away. Nor should you overdo it, however, by talking too much or roughhousing with children who may be physically fragile. Just treat the person the same as you would if he had not been diagnosed with this condition. Of course, if the diagnosis is grim, you need adapt your attitude accordingly and not gloss over serious implications.

2. Offer practical assistance. As you have time, run errands or bring in a home-cooked meal. Grocery shopping, letter mailing, and kid drop-offs at sporting events can save the sick person’s time and energy. Depending on how well you are acquainted with the victim, you might want to come over a few hours each week to clean house, baby-sit, or cook meals for freezing.

3. Be an encouragement. Send a funny get-well card or an inspiring note. Drop off a humorous video or suggest praying together before you leave. Using discretion, you might want to let others know about the ill person’s indisposition so they can possibly help out, too.

4. Be willing to listen. Sometimes those facing a serious problem like cancer, especially when a terminal diagnosis has been given, may simply want to reminisce about the past, discuss future plans, or share difficult emotions. Just being available to listen in person, by telephone, or via the Internet can provide a beautiful source of support. Don’t push or pry, however. Wait until the person is ready to talk.

5. If the situation warrants, consider donating financial support. A single mother with two fatherless children may need to get connected to social service agencies. Or she may have some general support already, but lack a little extra money for holidays or birthdays. You may want to send a card with a $20 check that could help pay for special occasions or real needs, needs, like medication, above and beyond any insurance coverage.

6. Provide transportation. If the person grows weak or is unable to drive and family members work at jobs that keep them from driving the sufferer to appointments, ask if you can take the person when you are available. Getting around is one of the greatest challenges facing people who become immobile with serious illnesses.

Whatever your circumstances, chances are you can offer some kind of help to a person who is struggling with cancer. It will certainly be appreciated!

For more information about helping someone who has cancer or to get help for a loved one or yourself, visit Cancer Directory at http://www.cancerdir.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Kassotis

March 2, 2006

Broccoli Prevents Cancer?

Broccoli - The "B" in Beating Cancer
By Amanda Evans

Many people see broccoli as nothing more than another green vegetable that they are supposed to consume as part of the eat five a day regieme.

Well people that is where you are wrong. Broccoli is not just another vegetable broccoli is in fact a super vegetable that can help fight against and prevent cancer. So lets look at broccoli a little closer.

Broccoli contains life-enhancing, health-enhancing phytochemicals that protect all ten of the body's healing zones and broccoli is also among the foods that are richest in these agents. Broccoli's phytochemicals help protect the body from Cancer, cardiovaascular disorders and premature aging but in this article we are focusing on Cancer.

Broccoli has been recognised as the number one vegetable by the National Cancer Institute and if you want to prevent your body from getting cancer it is suggested that one half cup of broccoli a day will do just that.

A half a cup of broccoli per day can provide the body with protection from various types of cancer including cancer of the oesophagus, lungs, larynx, stomach, colon, prostate and mouth. So what is the magic ingrediant? Sulforaphane, an antioxidant that works by bonding with toxins it encounters and then flushes these toxic substances from the body.

The antioxidants in broccoli also inactivate oestrogens that are known as 16 alphahydroxyestrone. These oestrogens promote cancer of the ovaries, breasts and cervix.

Broccoli also contains both the beta and alphacarotenes and this is what accounts for broccoli's ability to both resist and even help to reverse lung cancer and also slow the growth rate of tumours.

That's not all broccoli also contains high chlorophyll levels and this helps to block pre-cancerous cell mutations.

One serving of broccoli will also provide you with 125% more vitamin C than that of a glass of orange juice and together with the anticancer antioxidant beta-carotene broccoli helps to reduce the risk of respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tumours.

So as you can see broccoli really is the "B" when it comes to beating cancer. Don't you think it's time you started eating more broccoli.

Amanda Evans SNHS (Nutrition) is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and freelance writer. Amanda is also the webmaster of http://www.amandawrites.com a website dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams of becoming writers.

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March 3, 2006

Natural Preventative Methods for Cancer

Natural Preventative Methods for Cancer
By Stewart Hare

There are many different types of cancer, the most common being breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer and it is estimated that as high as one in three people will be affected by one form of cancer in their lifetime. The majority of cancers are linked to exposure to a cancer causing agent such as smoking, excessive sunlight, HRT, pesticides and alcohol and a weakened immune system.

Studies have shown that there is a link between diet and lifestyle and cancer and by changing your diet and lifestyle you can reduce the risk of developing a form of cancer. If, in your family history you have a high instance of cancer you may be more prone to develop cancer. Knowing this is the first step to prevent yourself from suffering from cancer, you can change your diet and lifestyle to help prevent cancer.

Preventative measures for cancer are increase insoluble fibre in your diet such as whole grains found in rye, brown rice, and whole wheat, increase the consumption of oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, tuna and sardines, this is because they are high in Omega 3 fatty acids which helps to protect against cancer, use olive oil in the diet, keep to a vegetarian style diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables especially citrus and berry fruits, apples and tomatoes, onions, cauliflower and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, avoid alcohol, this will cut down the risk of developing cancers of the liver, mouth, throat and voice box, cut down on red meat consumption especially meat that has been fried or barbecued, cut down on salt in the diet, limit caffeine consumption, increase the consumption of Soya products, excess sugar should be avoided, decrease the consumption of saturated fats found in animal products, maintain a healthy weight, give up smoking, avoid HRT and have regular check ups with your doctor.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from cancer.

Antioxidant complex

Beta carotene

Biotin

Calcium

Cat’s claw

Co-enzyme Q10

Copper

Folic acid

GLA from evening primrose oil

Lutein

Lycopene

Magnesium

Melatonin

Multivitamins and minerals

Probiotics

Saw palmetto

Selenium

Shark cartilage

Vitamin A

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B6

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Zeaxanthin

Zinc

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Advice for a healthier natural life: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare

March 4, 2006

Cancer Treatment versus Cancer Prevention

Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent Cancer?
By Troy Winters

Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.

Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control.
These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let's take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.

Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don't know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.

Read more about all types of cancer, cures and preventions at http://www.cancer-society.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_Winters

March 5, 2006

Chemotherapy Tips

4 Steps for You to Help Yourself During Chemotherapy
By David Saunders

Chemotherapy is a word that causes dread in most who hear it. It is a time of stress as well as risk. If you, or someone you know, are facing chemotherapy, these four simple steps may help get through the process with better spirits and better results as well.

1. Tell your doctor if you get side effects from treatment

You can't expect the possibility of relief from side effects if you do not share them with your doctor. Be sure to communicate with your doctor. Some people keep a health journal during and after treatment to improve the information you have to present to your doctor if problems arise more gradually. Discuss what you might keep in a health journal that might improve the effectiveness of your treatment.

2. Ask your doctor before you take any other medicine

All drugs operate by manipulating some normal cell function. This includes the chemotherapy drugs as well. These manipulations may conflict with the intended effects of your chemotherapy treatment. Even herbals, or an over the counter pain reliever can lead to unintended consequences. Always inform your doctor before taking any other medications.

3. Take care of your health

There are many things you can do to support the natural ability of your body to restore, protect and defend itself from the effects of injury and disease. Seek to improve your diet, find ways to reduce other sources of stress in your life and be thankful for the hope and opportunity you have because of your treatment. These things can have a remarkable affect on your body and your feeling of good health.

4. Talk about your feelings

These are stressful times. Don't keep your feelings bottled up. People you know and love are probably feeling stress too. Help each other by being open about what you are going through. By being open with others, you can feel more in control of the stress and trepidation you’re feeling, instead of those things being in control of you.

Self-help can never take the place of professional health care. Ask your doctor and nurse any questions you may have about chemotherapy. Also don't hesitate to tell them about any side effects you may have. They want and need to know.

Dave Saunders is a professional lecturer, and certified nutritional educator. He enjoys creating interconnections through his writings and lectures to help others create context and see new discoveries and technologies in more a practical light. You can find out more about new discoveries in cancer research at http://www.cancerresearchnewsonline.com

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March 6, 2006

Wheat Grass Juice Prevents Cancer?

Prevent Cancer - Will a Daily Shot of Wheatgrass Juice Help?
By Judy Ford

Cancer seems to hit suddenly yet it has usually been developing in the victim’s body for many years. There could be some cancer lurking away in the hidden parts of most of our bodies. Some of us could be facing a cancer diagnosis in the near future. It is very frightening but is there anything we can do?

Most of the publicity about cancer is focused on cures. Some of the information discusses risk factors but this latter information is usually fairly difficult to interpret. We know, for example that smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer. But we also know of people who smoked all their lives without developing lung cancer. Leaving aside the negatives, let’s look at folic acid, a nutrient that seems to be universally good for our health.

Folic Acid turns up again and again as one of the “good guys”. However it works in cooperation with Vitamin B12 so both need to be consumed simultaneously. Folic acid supplementation prevents birth defects known as neural tube defects. It also reduces birth defects in women taking antiepileptic drugs, which themselves cause folate deficiency. It also lowers blood homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease.

As a geneticist I often studied cells grown in culture with low folic acid. It is well known that deficiencies of folic acid are associated with breaks in chromosomes and that giving extra folic acid corrects the problem. Since a break is usually the first event in the evolution of a cancer cell, it is critical to minimize breaks. The initial genetic damage is often caused by other toxic agents but the folic acid plays a critical role in the repair of this damage.

How do studies on people shape up?

Intervention studies show that cellular measures of chromosome damage are minimized when people take more than 200 – 400 μg folic acid and more than 2 μg vitamin B12 each day. Controlled studies suggest that intakes of 700 μg folic acid and 7 μg B12 are appropriate intakes for young adults. It is expected but not yet proven that high folate and B12 consumption will protect against all cancers. Thus far there are studies that prove that taking a supplement with folic acid protects against colon cancer. There is also evidence that high folate counteracts the effects of drinking alcohol, which otherwise increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

Wheat Grass Juice
Wheat grass juice is a fantastic health supplement and is an incredibly rich source of folic acid. One 100 gm shot will give you 1,110 μg folic acid and at the same time supply you with most of the other B group vitamins, Vitamin A, C and E as well as the minerals you need. Unlike most vegetables, it also contains Vitamin B12 although 0.8 μg, not as high as the concentrations advocated by the studies. So whilst you can use Wheatgrass to really top up on your vitamins, minerals and folic acid, you will need some extra B12 to reach the levels recommended by the invention studies. If you want to get this from food, the highest food sources of B12 are shellfish and crustaceans. Fish are quite a rich source but have far less than the other sea-foods. Dairy and eggs have similar amounts to wheatgrass itself so a combination of wheatgrass with an egg and a piece of cheese or glass of milk will give sufficient intake. For strict vegetarians, it is wise to supplement.

Although there are other steps that are important in cancer prevention, a daily shot of wheatgrass will put you well ahead in your optimal health program.

Dr Judy Ford, an internationally respected geneticist has researched causes of cancer and steps that can be undertaken to prevent cancer or greatly reduce personal risk. Dr Ford worked for 30 years in Cancer Research, specializing in how genetic material can be damaged by some chemicals and radiations and why cells sometimes misdivide. She now works as a Science Communicator, explaining Science in lay terms and showing people how to modify their lifestyles to reduce their risks of cancer. You can access her new E-Book: “Know Your Enemy: Understand and Reduce Cancer Risk” by visiting: http://www.the-lifestyle-doctor.com/preventcancer.shtml. You can find a great resource for information and supply of organic wheatgrass juice by visiting http://www.the-lifestyle-doctor.com/au-nsw/bondiwheatgrassco.shtml.

Attention Website Owners: You are welcome to reprint this article on your website as long as you do not change any of the content and include all the resource information and links.

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March 7, 2006

Cancer and Antioxidants

Urging Cancer Patients to Avoid Antioxidants is Questionable Advice
By Betty Hoeffner

Something about antioxidants could be putting cancer patients at risk – but it’s not the supplements themselves. Instead, it’s the lack of knowledge about how they may help fight malignancies that is the real danger, says cancer expert Keith Block. A report recently published in the American Cancer Society’s medical journal, CA, suggests cancer patients could be reducing the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy treatments by taking antioxidants. In fact, the article states, supplements might actually be “feeding” their tumors and even reduce their chance of a cure. Dr. Block points out, however, that the author of the article, Gabriella M. D’Andrea, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center based her conclusions on a review of a handful of human trials that showed supplements often don’t benefit cancer patients and could cause them harm.

“The article ignored a growing body of published research that shows just the opposite. In fact, there is compelling data that the cautious and judicious use of a number of antioxidants can be helpful in the treatment of cancer, either as ‘stand alone’ agents or as additions to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” says Dr. Block, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 1,500 Americans die from cancer each day. For advanced metastatic cancers, the prognosis is typically between one and two years. “Chemotherapy can improve survival for many of these individuals, but this often comes at the expense of toxic side effects that can at times be more frightening than the disease itself. However, some physicians have found that patients who receive antioxidant-rich nutrition experience fewer side effects during and after chemotherapy. Many also believe that treatment response and survival are also improved,” Dr. Block notes.

There is a growing body of scientific research to back this up, including the gold standard of evidence-based medicine -- randomized controlled clinical trials. “Glutathione has been shown to significantly reduce the various toxic effects of cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs in six randomized controlled clinical trials to date. Not one of these studies found any sign of interference between glutathione and the various chemotherapy drugs,” Dr. Block says. He adds that studies of the potent antioxidant called melatonin have been even more favorable, including multiple studies showing significant improvements in both outcome and survival in advanced cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The numbers of studies showing positive results of cancer therapies supplemented with antioxidants is far larger once non-randomized studies are included. “Although those trials are not considered the gold standard for medical evidence, it’s worth noting that virtually all of them suggest favorable outcomes or at least no interference with chemotherapy,” says Dr. Block.

So where does the idea come from that supplements could be harmful to cancer patients? Dr. Block explains that some chemotherapy agents create free radicals or similar molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are highly reactive and unstable forms of oxygen that have the capacity to damage genes and other cell structures. These in turn cause the intended cellular damage to cancer cells. Because antioxidants are used to counteract the damaging effects of ROS, some researchers assume concurrent use of antioxidants should limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs that rely on ROS and may advise against the use of antioxidants with all chemotherapy agents, regardless of whether or not they create ROS.

“This is a speculative theory,” says Dr. Block. “In fact, other cancer researchers like myself work from the premise that cancer and many anticancer treatments can result in the increased production of free radicals and ROS that tend to fuel the progression of the cancer. In other words, oxidation promotes malignant progression and drives a cancer cell to become even more aggressive. This helps explain why numerous antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of cancer. Some scientists think that the ROS produced by chemotherapy drugs may actually hinder the effectiveness of the drugs themselves.”

Dr. Block says both sides of the antioxidants-in-cancer-therapy debate can agree on one point: more research is needed to find out how to best use supplements to help fight cancer. “However, I take issue with physicians who say that patients should be advised against taking antioxidant supplements because not enough evidence exists to support their efficacy,” he states. “Patients certainly should not indiscriminately take antioxidants in hopes that they will be helpful; they need to consult with practitioners who are experienced in this area before choosing to use antioxidant supplements with chemotherapy. I believe, in particular, that people who face a late stage, more advanced or life-threatening cancer should use every tool at their disposal to prolong survival, under the guidance of physicians who are open to the use of supplements and who have worked with patients in this situation. For the moment, the bulk of the evidence supports the use of antioxidants with the cancer patient. Until well designed studies actually show a real interference, I will continue to urge patients to use supplements that appear to have the ideal composition for combating cancer, improving the ability to better tolerate treatment and for supporting the treatments these patients receive.” Dr. Block is Medical/Scientific Director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health.


The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health, located in Evanston, Illinois, was founded in 1980 by Penny and Keith Block, M.D. with a focus on treating the patient as a whole person, not treating just the diagnosis or symptoms. The Center's research-based treatment integrates an innovative approach to the best of conventional medicine with scientifically sound complementary therapies -- therapeutic nutrition, botanical and phytonutrient supplementation, prescriptive exercise, and systematic mind-body strategies -- to enhance the recovery process. Block has pioneered this "middle ground" approach to cancer care and optimal health – designing a total treatment plan that is tailored to the precise needs of each patient, using a unique set of clinical and laboratory assessments. The Block Center is breaking new ground with the creation and development of Cancer Rehab as an innovative treatment modality, and is currently the only private North American medical center using chronomodulated chemotherapy. While the Block Center is a full treatment clinic, it is involved in clinical cancer research with other university facilities in the United States and Israel (www.blockmd.com).

Betty Hoeffner has been writing articles for various media outlets for the past 30 years. She is currently producer of a patient safety film called Things You Should Know Before You Enter the Hospital and president of Hey U.G.L.Y., Inc. NFP, a 501C3 nonprofit organization that empowers teens with self-esteem building tools, to help them counter challenges such as eating disorders, bullying, violence, substance abuse and suicide. U.G.L.Y. is an acronym meaning Unique Gifted Lovable You.

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March 8, 2006

Preventing Cancer

Prevent Cancer: Dont Let Terrorist Cells Take over Your Body
By Judy Ford

Cancer starts in a very small way when one cell changes in a significant way, becomes a minor criminal and stops obeying the normal rules of cell order and behavior. It is very much like the situation in Society when one person decides to break the rules and behave in an antisocial way. At first there may be a very minor disruption but there is only so much that one petty criminal can do on his or her own. However, if the criminal builds up a group with identical antisocial values and behaviors and then this group expands and adopts extra negative characteristics, eventually the group can start creating havoc. That havoc first occurs within a localized area but in time if the group grows in strength, the disruption can start having impact at national and even international levels.

Metastatic, invasive cancer, is the equivalent of a terrorist organisation causing major disruptions to a nation’s transport and communication systems. It may take over key functions and eventually bring the nation to its knees.

Cancer starts when the genetic material of a single cell is damaged. In most cases this damage has no effect until that cell divides into two cells. At this stage the cell might have the ability to break one of the body’s critical rules. Having broken the first rule, the cell might be able to continue to divide forming 4 and then 8 renegade cells.

The body, like Society, has a Police Force. It is called the Immune System. It has some ability to recognize misbehaving cells but like a Police Force it might not recognize minor misdemeanors. In fact the Immune System might not be alerted that a problem is brewing until the renegade cells step further out of line. In biological terms, this might occur when the cells undergo further changes and start breaking more rules. The initial rebel cells are likely to step out of the picture at this stage whilst later generations of despot cells start to wreck havoc.

Using this analogy it is easy to see that cancer has the following characteristics:

It starts with a single cell. The genes of that normal cell are changed in some important way by a process that is called MUTATION (a word that means change). This change affects one of the many systems relating to the rules of cell behavior. Since there are a great many different systems controlling cell behavior, there are a great many different mutations that can occur. The single altered cell has no impact until it divides. This stage of the process is called CANCER PROMOTION. A group of renegade cells is formed but at the early stage these cells might not have broken enough rules for them to be recognized by the body’s Immune System.

Like criminals, renegade cells tend to progress to a worse stage. This progression occurs through the destabilization of cell division and is called CANCER PROGRESSION. During this phase the population of cells is able to try out many different rule breaking activities. Under these unstable conditions the “gang” of cells throws up a variety of combinations of bad behavior until it finds the ones that best defeat the surveillance systems.

In order to prevent cancer, we need to understand all the environmental and lifestyle factors that affect these activities of renegade cells. Many of these are already known. There has been a great deal of research into these matters but generally it is not explained in a simple enough manner. It is possible both to identify and avoid the factors that promote each one of these stages and it is also possible to eat certain foods or adopt certain behaviors to counteract these activities. Understanding is power.

Dr Judy Ford,an internationally respected geneticist has undertaken considerable research into causes of cancer, and the steps that can be undertaken to prevent cancer or greatly reduce personal risk. Dr Ford worked for 30 years in Cancer Research, specializing in how genetic material can be damaged by some chemicals and radiations. She also contributed a great deal to knowledge about how cells misdivide. She now works as a Science Communicator, explaining Science in lay terms and showing people how to modify their lifestyles to reduce their risks of cancer. You can access her new E-Book: “Know Your Enemy: Understand and Reduce Cancer Risk” by visiting: http://www.the-lifestyle-doctor.com/preventcancer.shtml

Attention Website Owners: You are welcome to reprint this article on your website as long as you do not change any of the content and include all the resource information and links.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Ford

March 9, 2006

Cancer Prevention Efforts

Prevent Cancer: Why Bother?
By Judy Ford

Cancer is a word that strikes fear in the heart of individuals and families. When it strikes close to us we sit impotently by as we watch our loved one suffer. The victim is usually offered surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and goes through a dreadful time of illness and suffering, not knowing whether they are winning the battle. Cancers vary. Some are more aggressive than others. Some have a reasonable chance of survival. Other cancers are outright killers. A cancer death is always ugly, usually painful and often degrading.

We know that the rates of most cancers are rising, especially breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. We know that the death rates in these cancers have dropped but the suffering has not. We also know that a great deal of research has been undertaken but most of the results we hear about are concerned with treatment. Perhaps there is a new wonder drug on the market or a new discovery about how to administer radiation. This research is of course very helpful once we are ill but why isn’t there more effort put into prevention? Do we need to get ill in the first place?

There are several fairly obvious reasons why most money, effort and publicity is put into cure rather than prevention. It is really very easy to understand but this bias is hard to justify.

First, almost all of us live in a capitalist economy. Businesses have to make money and so they need to sell products. Drug companies invest heavily in each drug that they develop and many never reach the market so pharmaceutical companies need to market their products very strongly in order to recoup money for their shareholders.

Second, prevention doesn’t sell newspapers and is hard to prove. The absence of something is never as interesting or startling as drama. Prevention doesn’t captivate the audience in the same way as dramatic cures. Being saved from a trauma is much more interesting than the absence of trauma in the first place. Drama sells newspapers, books, radio, TV and films.

Third, there are vested interests in many of the products that are causing cancer. In 1939 there was definite proof that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer. Serious efforts to curtail smoking have only occurred in some countries recently. In others, it hasn’t started. We have a long way to go before we restrict other cancer causing agents.
Fourth, politicians don’t win votes on prevention. Prevention is slow. The results are only seen over the long term. Politicians are generally disinterested in things that can’t be accomplished within their term of office.

The good news is that a great deal is known about the cancer process and the variety of things that can affect it. There are three major steps in development. They often occur over long periods of time, even decades, but can occur simultaneously in one part of the body. The steps are MUTATION, CANCER PROMOTION and CANCER PROGRESSION.

The chances of any of these steps taking place in your body can be significantly reduced by understanding and knowledge. Research has explained most of the mechanisms that underlie cellular errors and the progression of changes from a normal cell to a cancer cell. Intelligent people are capable of understanding these processes even without a Science or Health background. Research has also gone a long way to showing us how the three stages can be eliminated or minimized. This is still work in progress but there is already a great deal that you can do right NOW.

Dr Judy Ford is an internationally respected geneticist who has undertaken considerable research into the causes of cancer , and the steps that can be undertaken to prevent cancer or greatly reduce personal risk. Dr Ford worked for 30 years in Cancer Research, specializing in how genetic material can be damaged by some chemicals and radiations. She also contributed a great deal to knowledge about how cells misdivide. She now works as a Science Communicator, explaining Science in lay terms and showing people how they can modify their lifestyles to reduce their risks of cancer. She has recently written an E-Book: Know Your Enemy: Understand and Reduce Cancer Risk.

This article may be reproduced in full as long as the author's name and all links remain attached to it.

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March 10, 2006

Many Cancer Deaths Can Be Prevented

Many Cancer Deaths Can Be Prevented
By Valerian D.

Not taking into account certain skin cancers, in 2005, more than 570,000 Americans, or more than 1,500 people a day, will die of cancer. The bad news is the rate is increasing by about 1% a year. Finally, one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our life.

Cancer tends to affect older people, but it can strike at any time. Some cancer, such as breast, are becoming more common. New cases of lung cancer fall away due to the big number of smokers. According to statistics, cancer is the second leading cause of death among Americans. It is responsible for one of every four deaths in the United States

However, while the overall number of new cancers is not falling, the good news is that successful treatment rates for many of the most common types are improving rapidly.

On the other hand, recent studies claims the number of new cancer cases can be reduced substantially, and many cancer deaths can be prevented. It's in our power to adopt healthier lifestyles. Just take a look to the following list:

  • avoid tobacco use,
  • increase physical activity,
  • achieve optimal weight,
  • improve nutrition,
  • avoid sun exposure.

The above actions can significantly reduce a person’s risk for cancer. On the other side, making cancer screening, information, and referral services accessible and available to all Americans is also crucial for reducing the high rates of cancer and cancer deaths.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valerian_D.

March 11, 2006

Liver Cancers in Children

Liver Cancers in Children
By Dr. Manju S.

The liver is a large, very important organ situated in the right upper quadrant of abdomen. The normal functions of the liver in the body are:

  • To help store nutrients from food
  • To break down and remove harmful chemicals from the body
  • To build chemicals that the body needs to stay healthy

Hepatoblastoma:The most common type of liver cancer in children is Hepatoblastoma. it occurs most frequently in infants or very young children between 2 months and 2 year.

Symptoms:

- Lump in the abdomen (most common)

- Reduced appetite

- lethargy

- nausia / vomiting

- Pain in abdomen

- Jaundice

Investigations:

The following minima investigations are proposed to diagnose hepatoblastoma

- Tumor markers- serum AFP

- CT scan of abdomen with Ct guided FNAC or Biopsy

- X-ray chest

- Complete blood count

- Biochem profile

Treatment:

Surgery & chemotherapy are two treatment options

Surgery: Liver resection according to the location & extent of the tumor. It will be either

- Rt hepatectomy

- Lt hepatectomy

- Extended Rt or Lt hepatectomy

- Bi or trisegmentectomy

If liver resection is not possible because of multicentric disease then liver transplant is the only treatment of option.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is given before or after surgery. Surgery is done either as a sandwitch surgery (in between cycles of chemotherapy) or it is done at the start & then chemotherapy is given.

The drugs used are

- Cisplatin

- Doxorubicin

- Vincristine

- 5-Fluorouracil

Other less common malignant liver tumor in children:

Hepatocellular carcinoma.

The author is Pediatric Surgeon and operate plenty of child surgeries every month. Please visit Surgeon's blog on Child Cancer http://cancer-surgery.blogspot.com/. This article can be republished along with the information given above only.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Manju_S.

March 12, 2006

Mouth Cancer

Mouth Cancer: A Painful Disease that can Strike Anyone
By Hector Milla

Mouth cancer is a painful disease. It can affect your lips, tongue, cheeks and even your throat in a short period of time. The first sign is a non-healing mouth ulcer or a red or white patch in the mouth.

This disease can affect anyone. It does not matter if you are a young or an old person. The important thing is the way of leading your life, because experts believe that mouth cancer is increasing probably due to drinking alcohol and smoking in huge quantities, and to a poor diet also.

It is believed that these people are up to 30 times more likely to develop this type of cancer than those who do not smoke nor drink alcohol. The British Dental Health Foundation estimates mouth cancer kills 1,700 people in the United Kingdom every year, meanwhile 4,300 new cases are diagnosed. Thereby the importance of warning people of all ages to check their mouth regularly, since if mouth cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully in most cases.

Remember that the way to diminish considerably your risk of being affected by mouth cancer is leading a healthy lifestyle, giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy diet.

Regular self-examination is very important too, because you shall visit your doctor or dentist if you notice persistent ulcers, lumps or red or white patches in your mouth.

Article written by the staff of cancer - 10.com a website edited by Hector Milla. If you want to read more articles about mouth cancer information visit http://www.cancer-10.com, you can reprint this article in your website or ezine always mentioning the author above and keeping a live link to his website.

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March 13, 2006

Hope and Cancer

Finding Balance Through Hope: The Guiding Star in Cancer
By Norma Schmidt

"If you don't have hope, you don't even feel like getting out of bed in the morning," someone said to me recently.

How true.

We need hope as much as we need air, water and food.

When cancer strikes, hope plays a vital role, finding a healthy balance that avoids both false optimism and pessimism.

Not to badmouth optimism.

Hope supports a HEALTHY optimism, an emotionally intelligent attitude that increases our power to take positive action.

The problem is FALSE optimism -- the head-in-the-sand kind that says "ignorance is bliss" and tries to eliminate fear. False optimism leads to unbalanced decision-making and collapses when reality shatters illusion.

The opposite exreme is pessimism. Here, fear balloons out of control, and a dark cloud of "gloom and doom" seems to follow us everywhere. Pessimism leads to feelings of helplessness and to premature "giving iup."

Hope guides us on a middle path.

"This is the great paradox of true hope: Because nothing is absolutely determined there is not only reason to fear but also readon to hope," says Jerome Groopman, M.D., in The Anatomy of Hope. "And so we must find ways to bridle fear and give greater rein to hope."

Taking risks and dangers into account, hope keeps fear within healthy bounds and finds the best way forward.

The results: endurance and courage.

Mark Twain said, "Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear."

With hope as our guiding star, we can navigate the rough waters of cancer and find the way to healing.

TIP: When fear feels overwhelming, arrange to talk with someone you can trust to support your hope. Meanwhile, take time for pleasant activities that help you focus on the hear-and-now, rather than on a frightening imagined future.

Visit http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com RIGHT NOW to get your free report, "45 Strategies for Living Well With Cancer."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Schmidt

March 14, 2006

Allies in Healing From Cancer

Compelling Reasons: Allies in Healing From Cancer
By Norma Schmidt

When Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after the death of her husband, she "would have lain down and died" -- if it hadn't been for her toddler. Past the treatment phase now, she is happy, remarried and far along the path to healing.

When Agi learned she was Stage 4 and her doctor gave her no hope, she knew that there was a purpose to her life. Eighteen months later, she is a self-described "bundle of joy" and the host of "The Inspired Survivor Show" on Internet radio.

Both of these survivors had "compelling reasons" for healing from cancer.

I first learned about "compelling reasons" from a self-defense book for moms. The book explained how to fend off criminals who prey on mothers with babies and young children.

The real-life scenarios in the book scared my socks off. At the same time, I learned that parents facing a life-threatening situation have a huge advantage: The desire to protect their children provides a "compelling reason" to survive.

In the face of cancer, all of us can look to our "compelling reasons" for healing as sources of power and purpose.

Our "compelling reasons" might involve relationships with others, unfinished tasks or a belief that God has something more in store for us in this life.

Whatever are compelling reasons are, they can powerfully fuel our quest for healing.

TIP: Take a few moments and identify your "compelling reasons" for healing. If you wish, create a reminder of your "compelling reasons" to carry in a pocket or purse.

Visit http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com RIGHT NOW to get your free report, "45 Strategies for Living Well With Cancer."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Schmidt

March 15, 2006

Glyconutrition and Cancer

Cancer: Are You a Believer?
By Dr Robert Gamble

First, we must settle one of two issues before you continue reading this article. The first issue is straight forward, a "direct-punch-to-the-nose" kind of a question:

Do you believe cancer is "beatable?"

I don't mean, "Sometime in the future..."

I think everyone believes "some day", "somewhere", "someone" will discover the cure.

Nor do I mean anything like, "Is cancer treatable where people temporarily overcome the disease through the burning of radiation, the surgeon's knife or the necessarily toxic effects of chemotherapy?"

That we all know is possible....

No, my question is far more specific:
In your opinion, is Cancer... Curable...Stoppable ...Conquerable... Whatever synonym you supply, the question remains...Is it or isn't it defeatable?

Yes or no. Can we whip this thing?

...Because if, in your heart of hearts, you believe Cancer is NOT 'defeatable'... there's no sense in continuing this letter.

However, if you're like me, you believe it's certainly defeatable. Now the only question that remains:

Is Cancer NOW facing REAL defeat?

Since we all have a healthy fear of being "sold" the next bottle of snake oil, we need to establish that the claims being made are credible and reliable. Incidentally, I am NOT selling you anything in this letter. I believe you should consider a product or two...but not here.

So, let's deal with cancer:

* According to the American Cancer Society, "cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death."

* Cancers tend to metastasize (spread) over time, causing destruction of healthy tissue and damage to bodily functions...

* If left unchecked, cancers can cause death. However, even the treatments for cancer can be destructive to healthy tissues and can do severe damage to bodily functions (side effects)...

* Over the past 100 years, cancers have grown into epidemic proportions without any scientific explanation for the sudden surge in their appearance. Remember, cancer was once comparatively RARE.

* BUT, scientists have now concluded cancer is fundamentally a breakdown of the immune system. As the immune system goes, so goes the cancer. That fact is the new approach ...and it has a whole world of scientific evidence behind it.

Consider carefully:

Changing Cancer Cells' Surface Sugars Can Inhibit Tumor Growth

"According to the research of scientists, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, altering the sugar coats of cancer cells can control cancer."
( published in the Scientific American, Jan. 22, 2002)

In other words, "sugar" is a BIG issue in the medical, alternative, and complementary health world. The words "Glycomics" and "Glyconutrition" have sprung up in the vocabulary of health authorities around the world. (Glyco is the Greek word for "sugar."). These sciences refer to the study of biological sugars. What makes these "sugars" so important is among the over 200 known sugars around the world, there are 8 sugars which medical research has isolated as VITAL to human immune system functioning.

The 1999 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Dr. Gunter Blobel for his work in the science of Glycobiology. Out of the last eight Nobel Prizes awarded in medicine, four Nobel Prizes have been awarded for discoveries made in ONE field…Glycobiology. This is the field that affects CANCER directly. Why? Because, 8 sugars have been isolated that strengthen the immune system and cell communication. Human life cannot be supported without them.
The field is glyconutrition. Glyconutrients are NOT vitamins, amino acids or minerals. Scientifically, glyconutrients are a class all by themselves. The field is revolutionizing the medical world. For the first time in a long time, many authorities in both the conventional medical world and those of the alternative world are in agreement. Powerful glyconutrients have already been included in the Physicians Desk Reference (post 2002), the "Bible" of physicians everywhere throughout the country.

Why? Consider…

Four Ways Glyconutrients Fight Cancers*

1. Macrophage and Immune killer cells are stimulated by glyconutritional supplementation to destroy malignancies.

2. Glyconutrional research shows that glyconutrients increase the production of substances in the body that target cancer cells for destruction, such as interferon.

3. Glyconutrients activate T-cells to recognize and destroy invasive and abnormal cells.

4. Glyconutrients help regulate the process of apoptosis- the natural "dying off" process in cellular systems.

If these processes are restrained - due to a variety of factors such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, poor glyconutritional dietary habits, etc., the body will fail to prevent the onset of cancer.
(Cited in Miracle Sugars, Rita Elkins, M.H., Woodland Publishing, p. 29)

Note How the Scientific World is Successfully Combating Cancer with the New Discoveries in Glycoscience

The revolutionary "glyconutrition" discoveries found over the past decade have stunned the scientific world. If that sounds "more hype than hope" you might want to take just a few moments to consider just a few developments:

In 1985, an issue of Cancer Research reported the formation of cancer cells in the colon and in the stomach was directly and UNMISTAKENLY related to the absence of glyconutrition or the presence of deformed sugar molecules. Since then, scientists at the University of South Florida believe confirmation of the glyconutritional linkage to cancer inhibition and its spread is profound. For example, according to the 1997 issue of Anticancer Research science periodical, glyconutrition decreases the number of liver tumors.

In addition, "Dr. Ronald Klatz reported in the now incredibly famous medical research study nicknamed "Norman's Rats", 40% of the animals that had no defense whatsoever against cancer and were injected with just ONE of the eight essential glyconutritionals, showed "tumor regression and complete recovery."

- Advances in Anti-Aging Medicine, Vol. 1, 1996 by Dr. Ronald Klatz.

Obviously, YOU and I must find out about Glyconutrition…for the sake of our health and for those we love. It is for that reason, and that reason alone, I have written this open letter…

Dr. Robert Gamble is retired from a very successful Cardio-Thoracic surgical career spanning three decades. He is now active in researching medical issues such as glyconutrition and offers his insights for public benefit. For information about Glyconutrition: Go to http://www.glycoshare.com or write NetPublish@Direcway.com Call Toll Free: 1866.735.5871

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Robert_Gamble

March 16, 2006

Childhood Cancer

Stamping Out Childhood Cancer
By Alice Wisler

September means back to school, but some kids aren't getting on the school bus. Among them are bald-headed children in hospital rooms with chemo running into their veins, kids with dreams and hopes of becoming vets, artists, mechanics, and astronauts.

I'm not sure what my son Daniel wanted to be, but I do remember his desire to get his hair back. He fussed one day that people made fun of him. I didn't ever hear anyone, but I'm sure many looked at him and turned away. He didn't see the compassion or pity in their eyes. He just saw his reflection in the mirror and even at age three and four missed his full head of soft blond hair.

Some days when I see his hair-less photos I want to turn away. But he'd tell me to fight. If he had lived through the eight months of chemo and radiation for neuroblastoma, that's what he'd tell me.

As a nation we need to look. We must take our head out of the sand and believe truth--- kids do get cancer, children of all ages, and of all ethnic groups. One out of every 330 children in the USA will get some form of cancer before age 20.

While advances have been made in childhood cancer research, there are still so many miles to go. A petition for a childhood cancer stamp has been in the works for over two years and yet isn't receiving enough attention. There is no stamp to commemorate the fight against this number one killer disease among children and to make us aware of the young innocent victims who need a voice in our society.

It's time to bring these children and this disease out into the open.

Visit this web site to learn more about the cancer stamp and action you can take to help: http://www.kidscancerstamp.org/

Alice J. Wisler, founder of Daniel's House Publications, lost her 4-year-old to neuroblastoma treatments in 1997. She is an advocate of childhood cancer research. More resources can be found at her web site: http://www.geocities.com/griefhope/index.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Wisler

March 17, 2006

Chronotherapy and Cancer

Doctors Are Finding Chronotherapy More Effective in Treating a Wide-range of Diseases
By Betty Hoeffner

In a recent news piece on ABCnews.com, it was reported that “.....Many of our body's internal processes are cyclical. There are daily patterns, like waking and sleeping, monthly patterns, like a woman's menstrual cycle, and even seasonal patterns, like those that cause seasonal-affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months. But doctors are only recently beginning to understand these rhythms' impact on other conditions well enough to more effectively treat their patients. The idea that medical treatments can be improved based on when they are given to a patient is called chronotherapy. And by making use of this good timing, doctors are finding that they are more effectively treating a wide-range of diseases such as asthma, arthritis and cancer, all while reducing side effects.”

According to Dr. Michael Smolensky, co-author of the book The Body Clock Guide to Better Health, "When cancer medications are given in a chronobiological manner, patients may be able to tolerate higher, more potent doses than would be possible otherwise."

Keith Block, MD, one of the nation’s leading cancer specialists has been using chronotherapy with his patients since 1999. “This method of administering chemotherapy is revolutionary and has demonstrated in large randomized trials its potential to improve survival,” states Dr. Block, Dr. Block, who is also Medical/Scientific Director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health in Evanston, Illinois. “Current research indicates that Cis-Platin is best given between 4 and 6 pm, as opposed to the evening, as advised in the ABC News piece.. Adriamycin should peak at 4 am, with a 4 to 6 am infusion window. We have found that often patients receiving chronotherapy reduce what would have been recurring side effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. This is important because the debilitation caused by chemo can cause patients to reduce or even stop treatments that could otherwise help them win their battle with cancer.”

Randy Lopez was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at 35. Fighting for his life, he underwent chemotherapy that left him weak and debilitated. In less than a year, he received more devastating news – the cancer had metastasized to his liver. The prognosis was grim. In fact, Lopez and his doctors believed he was running out of time. After working with Dr. Block and undergoing chronotherapy, Lopez, now 42, is cancer free. He will attend the September 30th national meeting of the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) in New York where Dr. Block will address the CCA and explain how even though time was not on Randy’s side, timing was literally the key to his successful recovery.

One of the main problems with this type of treatment has been logistics – figuring out how to deliver chemotherapy in exactly timed doses. Dr. Block has brought technology to the U.S. that administers chemotherapy via a pump designed to precisely time up to four channels of infusion simultaneously to the individual needs of a patient. Highly portable and small enough to fit in a fanny pack, patients are able to maintain full mobility, play sports, and enjoy a full night's sleep – while receiving their specifically timed cancer therapy.

Keith I. Block, MD is co-founder and Medical/Scientific Director of Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care and Optimal Health in Evanston, Illinois (www.blockmd.com). Block uses research-based treatment methodologies that combine the best of western medicine with complementary treatments in nutritional pharmacology, psychotherapy, meditation, exercise, yoga, etc. Block is editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed journal, Integrative Cancer Therapies, published by SAGE Science Press and indexed in MEDLINE and Index Medicus. He serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, and as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pharmacognosy (the branch of pharmacology that deals with drugs in their natural state and with medicinal herbs and other plants) in the College of Pharmacy at UIC. In addition, Dr. Block is involved in collaborative research with university facilities in the United States and Israel.

Betty Hoeffner has been writing articles for various media outlets for the past 30 years. She is currently producer of a patient safety film called Things You Should Know Before You Enter the Hospital and president of Hey U.G.L.Y., Inc. NFP, a 501C3 nonprofit organization that empowers teens with self-esteem building tools, to help them counter challenges such as eating disorders, bullying, violence, substance abuse and suicide. U.G.L.Y. is an acronym meaning Unique Gifted Lovable You.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Betty_Hoeffner

March 18, 2006

Isoflavones and Lycopene may Prevent Cancer

Two Substances That May Reduce the Risk Of Cancer
By Alex Fir

Food helps us by supplying many vital micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Your genetic composition can make you susceptible to some types of cancer. Your way of eating plays a major role in increasing or reducing the risk of cancer.

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances found in plants. They protect us against diseases when they are in our body. Isoflavones and Lycopene are phytochemicals. Isoflavones decrease the risk of breast cancer for premenopausal women, while Lycopene decreases the prostate cancer risk in middle aged men.

Soya is a great source of Isoflavones like genisteinm and daidzein. Although isoflavones are weak estrogens, the established hypothesis has been that isoflavones exert antiestrogenic effects when placed in a high-estrogen environment (pre-menopausal women) and estrogenic effects when in a low-estrogen environment, (post-menopausal women).

Daidzein was found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in many studies.
Genistein:

- Reduces the protective mechanisms of cancer cells.

- Acts as an antioxidant.

- Inhibits several enzymes in cellular signaling pathways.

- Increases levels of transforming growth factor-beta' that inhibits the growth of tumor cells.

- Inhibits the growth of wide range of both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancer cells.

Decreased rates of breast, uterus and prostate cancers are associated with Soya consumption because of its antiestrogenic action.

Lycopenes:

Tomatoes, watermelon and other orange-to-red colored vegetables and fruits like paprika, rose-hips etc. contain abundant lycopenes. A better level of Lycopene is produced from tomatoes when they cooked with olive or canola oil.

Lycopenes are natural carotenoids that act as antioxidants. They also block the conversion of food mutagens found in fried, cooked meats and fish in the form of heterocyclic amines.

Lycopenes are good inhibitors of cell proliferation and lower the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol thus minimizing the heart disease risk.

Lycopenes reduce the risk for stomach, breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Both raw and cooked tomatoes have same amount of cancer fighting power. Lycopenes stimulate the enzymes that block the carcinogenic damage to the cell.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death among humans. Visit Cancer Information, FREE web site to learn more about cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Fir

March 19, 2006

Cancer and Caregivers

Cancer & Caregivers
By Brent Atwater

Cancer & Caregivers; Part of a series of Positive Attitudes for Cancer.

Battling Cancer is an individual journey that takes all of heaven and earth to combat.

Choose your caregivers well:

Your Caregiver walks a fine line between reality, support cheerleader, hand holder, master "hugger" and "inspiration machine", and friend, who must give that medicine, drives you to treatment, and fusses at you to keep you on track for your healing journey.

Your Cancer caregiver is your primary filter and monitor of your visitors, both family and friends. They should only allow POSITIVE PEOPLE!!! and ONLY people who are emotionally nourishing for you.

YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

They should encourage you to be surrounded by individuals who treat as if you are living and expect you to have a future. No "what if'ers,' no "maybe that won't work", or "oh you poor dear", or any others who say negative things.

If ANYONE ever says to you "before you were living with cancer, now you're dying with cancer."

Remove them from your life until they can be respectful and empathetic! Not only are they unable to determine your death, they are also unkind to make a remark like this.

If they say to you, "I was just making a realistic statement so you won't be in denial and we can address your will, funeral plans, and future provisions." FORGET THAT justification!!!!! NO ONE who truly cares about your heart and soul, would ever say anything like that.

Do not be so needy for attention, that you allow yourself to be the "victim" of comments that are TOTALLY inappropriate!! no matter how sick you are. As long as there is breath in your body, you have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, and as if you are going to live!!!

Family members as Caregivers:

If you have spent your life helping others, and enabling them, it's time to stop that energy drain. This does NOT mean that you do not love them anymore. It means that you care enough about yourself to take care of you FIRST, so that you can be around in the future to help them.

Non-healing: 1. "But he's my brother and he just drinks a little too much, and he wants to come visit"..... His energy will drain you!!! Visit with him when you are healed!

2. At this time, YOU do NOT need to hear their problems. They need to support you!

Friends as Caregivers:

There are several kinds of friends during this time in your life.
The talkers:

They call to see how you are, listen for a short period of time and then spend hours telling you about their life. They ask if they can do anything for you. When you mention that you need a ride to chemo on Thursdays, their answer is, "I'd love to take you, but I have book club." Do not be discouraged. This person is interested enough to call, but NOT authentic about truly helping you or they would have taken you to chemo…….. There will be more book clubs, this is your battle with a disease! Thank them for calling, and get off the phone.

You are not THAT needy to have to talk with someone who won't really be there for you!

The Doers:

These are the friends that pick you up, sit through, and bring you home after chemo, and probably add fresh flowers to your home. Be thankful. They encourage you to live with every dinner invitation, movie, or "let's go to" invitation. GO! Do not feel like you are "putting them out", "being a bother", or whatever. When you are well, YOU can DO for them!!!!! They are your Earth Angels.

Being the Caregiver for someone battling cancer, and going through cancer treatment is a job that requires everything you can muster to handle your work and all of your coping skills.

Advice for the Cancer Caregiver:

1. Treat your Cancer client as if they are going to live. DO NOT treat them as if it's just a matter of time. Always speak of their "experience" NEVER a disease.

2. You will most likely be caught up in the overwhelming environment of caregiving, and handling every life and medical detail and decision.
Try to look at the patient and all of their circumstances as if they are in a healing situation, and in a positive manner. Don't be a Pollyanna, but try to put a positive spin on everything that you can.

3. Although your patient has "determination to live", that determination needs to be rooted in positive. Positive energy raises their body's physical energy frequency which fights their disease.

4. Creating a positive uplifting environment:

a. Dress in happy colors.

b. Help create a environmentally pleasant and visually happy care area. Little touches mean a lot!

c. Only allow positive people around your patient. EXPLAIN why the negative folks need to stay away, and help keep them away.

d. Be very conscious of how YOUR energy can effect the "patient."
If you view the patient in a "sick" condition, you are sending negative energy their way!

If you have a negative attitude, or irritable responses, you generate negative energy which lowers your patient's physical body frequency and DOES NOT help heal the disease. Your energy field will affect your patient.

e. Keep your energy field clean. Your patient is like a sponge and absorbs and interacts with all the energy surrounding them and that they are exposed to.

5. Contributing Life force energy thru Love:

On numerous occasions, family and friends have asked how they can contribute positive energy to the "patient." [An educational note: The hand that you write with is your energy sending hand. The other hand is your energy input receiving hand.] So follow the directions below according to whether you are right or left handed.

Take your left receiving hand and place it on your heart, and take your right sending hand to hold the patient's left hand (receiving hand). Then say to the patient, "I send you the love from my Heart and it's healing life force energy to use as you so choose."
You then become an "energizer" bunny for the patient thru your love for them.

You are invited to download our free pamphlet with excerpts from this book. We hope this will help you with your healing journey. "Positive Attitudes, Affirmations & Actions to Help Survive Your Cancer Experience" ISBN#: 978-0-9766370-0-4. http://www.brentatwater.com/ or http://www.brentenergywork.com/BOOKS.htm

You may reprint this article only in it's original format and with the disclaimer.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Brent Atwater, Atlanta, GA 1.404.242.9022 USA, NC Office: 1.910.692.5206 USA, email: Brent@BrentAtwater.com

Disclaimer: There are no guarantees about the healing properties of these suggestions. We can only state that positive results have been documented for individual clients and research in this area continues. Ms Atwater is not a medical doctor or associated with any branch of medicine. Ms Atwater works in Alternative, Integrative and Complementary Medicine. She offers her opinions based on her intuition, which is not a substitute for medical procedures or treatments. Always consult a physician or health care provider concerning any medical problem or condition before undertaking any diet, health related or lifestyle change program.

Brent Atwater: Medical Intuitive, Distance Healer: Her global Medical Intuitive & Distance Healing has been studied by & or documented at Duke, the ARE, & for pets by the NCSU's Veterinary school. ARTIST: An artist (30+), Brent is a pioneer in healing art by scientifically documenting the Healing benefits of Paintings that Heal™. Her art was featured on "PBS". At 16, the NC Museum of Art chose her painting for their permanent collection. In 1987 she founded Just Plain Love™ Charitable Trust to benefit children & other causes. AUTHOR: Just Plain Love™ Children's Healing Books. The books are translated into plays performed in children's healthcare facilities turning illness negatives into positives. "Cancer Kids, God's Special Children", & "Positive Attitudes, Affirmations, & Actions for Overcoming Your Health Challenges" These books are holistic, alternative medicine & alternative healing for your mind. MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER:On TV & radio shows, Brent's motto is "I want my art & books to DO good, as well as BE good!!!" Brent attended Wake Forest Law School and is a minister.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brent_Atwater

March 20, 2006

Beta Glucan May Prevent Cancer

Orally Administered Beta-Glucan May Prevent Cancer
By Jeremy Maddock

A recent study has shown that immune stimulation has a significant effect on tumor growth in animal specimens. Safe and effective forms of immune stimulation can enhance cellular immunity, which in turn enhances the activities of T-helper cells and natural killer cells.

Beta Glucan has been shown to increase activation of macrophages, lymphocyte production, and natural killer cell activity. Several studies have indicated that Beta Glucan can also increase levels of IL-1, and TNF-alpha, both of which are instrumental in immune system coordination, and can help the body eliminate tumors more efficiently.

The use of Beta Glucan is of special interest to the cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. This is due to the fact that beta glucans have shown an amazing ability to accelerate recovery in irradiated animal specimens, even when it is given after the radiation dose. It can also stimulate recovery of bone marrow following chemotherapy, something vital to restriction of tumor growth and prevention of infectious complications during treatment.

Although the data provided in this study is still quite premature, and needs to be confirmed with a larger, more controlled trial, it does demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of Beta Glucan as a treatment for cancerous tumors.

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of Immune Wellness, your source for high quality information about Beta Glucan and other health products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock

March 21, 2006

Cancer and DNA Analysis

Grandparents Use DNA Analysis to Prevent and Treat Inherited Diseases for Future Generations
By Scott Nizborski

Why is DNA Analysis important to me?

Knowing your family’s genetic history may someday save your life or that of someone you love. Based on state-of-the-art genetic technology, a unique DNA Profile can be generated for you to keep for years to come. DNA Storage for up to 25 years is available for future genetic testing, upon your request. What better gift can a loved one leave behind?

What role does DNA have in Funeral Service?

The purpose of this article is to familiarize Funeral Directors about DNA activities, and related areas. Realizing that this technology is what we as caregivers are used to discussing, is a field that is of concern to many of our clients and their families. The vast spectrum of DNA can give us insight on the value it can play in our community. In a series of articles, we would like to give you a basic knowledge about the different but related studies involving DNA.

It takes three generations to determine predisposition to most of the genetic inherited diseases / disorders. It is now known that families should store DNA for future use. Banking specimens containing DNA from the same Family provides invaluable information for the health of current and future offspring. We as Funeral Directors have an opportunity to make a Family aware that such a service is available. After burial, retrieving DNA can be expensive. Obtaining DNA after cremation is much more difficult. The success rate of recovering DNA within the first year of cremation is approximately 50%. Offering storage and or profiling DNA of the deceased, gives Funeral Directors a Unique opportunity to offer a Service that can have a lasting impact on those we serve. If you as a Funeral Director do not see the need for this service, it does not mean that families do not need this service. Statistics tell us that families place a tremendous amount of trust in their Funeral Director. This is because we care so deeply in what we do. Informing a Family of their options, while guiding them through the most difficult times in their life is a responsibility that a Funeral Director accepts and excels in.

It is our hope that Funeral Homes throughout the United States will contact us and give us their input as to the value of DNA in a Funeral service.

Why we firmly believe in what we do.

At the National Funeral Directors Association meeting in October 2001, we outlined all the reasons for the value of DNA storage such as paternity/inheritance, genealogy, missing persons, forensic issues; identification of hereditary disorders, congenital birth defects; predisposition to allergies, mental, metabolic, cardiovascular, bleeding/clotting disorders, genetic cancers, microbial diseases. The potential does not end with the above. Rapidly evolving technologies in cloning pets, stem cell/gene therapy are currently being done, all to improve the quality of life.

Recently we had four interesting success stories...

1. A 62-year-old female dies of complications resulting from Breast Cancer. The deceased women leave 2 daughters and 1 granddaughter. During a "Pre-Need Consultation", the woman elected to have her DNA profiled and the sample banked.

2 years later; one of the daughters is diagnosed with the same Breast Cancer as the Mother. The second daughter has her DNA profiled and compared to the mothers. It is determined that the second daughter does not have the same genetic structure as the mother that would pre-dispose her to the cancer. However, the Granddaughters DNA is profiled and it is determined that she possesses the same genetic disorder as the Grandmother. Pharmacogenomics and gene therapy are begun to prevent the cancer in the granddaughter before it develops.

2. The mother of a Divorced son was interested in identifying the granddaughter's father. Was he her husband were her son? We identified her son is the alleged father. This was a "Paternity" issue.

3. The three sons of the deceased lady came to request identification of their mothers remains between two occupants of a gravesite that had collapsed. She passed away seven years ago, so the atypical specimen sources were bone marrow and vertebrae. Procedures were laborious, but we identified their mother. Her remains can now be transferred to another site. This is "Profiling".

4. A friend's baby presented with what appeared to be a Bleeding tendency at 3 months of age. The baby was admitted to Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, extensively treated but expired at age 8 months. An autopsy revealed universal capillary involvement (small blood vessels) by a clotting abnormality resulting in damaging complications in vital organs such as heart, liver and spleen. This leaves a Protein called von Willebrand factor and is coded by a Gene called ADAMSTS 13. The parents are currently being tested for "Mutations" in order to know who transmitted to the gene. The baby's DNA is currently in storage it doesn't matter who stores DNA in life and in death provided it is properly collected and stored because although it's stable, it can be contaminated and it can disappear during purification; this complicates genetic testing. Before the advent of Pharmacogenomics, astute clinicians treating HIV patients relied on drug resistance testing to predict outcomes; complementary to resistance testing his current genotyping, which includes identifying mutations, associated with resistance. In the not-too-distant future, the combination of drug resistance testing and pharmacokinetic testing will provide a better idea of in-vivo relevance of resistance data. Stored DNA lasts forever; it will provide an endless source for multiple testing that will hopefully improve clinical outcomes.

Pharmacogenomics

The terms "Pharmacogenomics" and "Pharmacokinetics" are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the analysis of genes involved in drug response.

Pharmacogenomics is more inclusive; it refers not only to the effects of individual genes, but also to complex interaction between genes from every part of the genome affecting drug response.

Pharmacogenomics is an aid to diagnosis and prognosis. Routine diagnosis is not always straightforward. A patient does not always come with textbook type symptoms of the disease. In some cases, a single gene variation has been shown to be responsible for disease, and a Genetic test for this scan confirms the diagnosis as in cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease. Sometimes more than one gene is involved, such as to Breast Cancer genes, Alzheimer's Disease genes, and susceptibility to Migraine genes. The most likely publicly visible contribution of Pharmacogenomics to improved health care would be delivery of a number of drugs coupled to diagnostic tests based on genetic markers for head and neck, pancreatic cancers, and solid tumors.

Pharmacogenomics classifies patients into responders and non-responders to particular therapeutic options. Breast cancers that over express a Protein for the herceptin genes are candidates for monoclonal antibody therapy. The cholesterol-lowering drug PRAVACHOL works according to the number of copies of the transfer protein gene. HIV Phenotyping is an important and practical adjunct to the treatment of AIDS.

Pharmacogenomics can save lives lost to adverse drug events, the 6th leading cause of death in the US. A blood test now enables physicians to tailor a certain drug dosage to their patient's genetic profiles. However, the cause and effect association remains unknown. Implementation of rapid automated DNA genotyping capabilities still, over time, provides individual genotypes of patients. Clinical data that is properly collected and managed identifies patient subpopulations at risk for adverse events, while allowing others to continue to receive the benefits of pharmaceutical therapy.

Pharmacogenomics and Gene Therapy

Mutation is a change of DNA sequence leading to aberrant or absent expression of the corresponding protein. It is the mutation, not the gene that causes predisposition to disorder/disease. Polymorphism is the quality of existing in several different forms. Sequencing of parts of the genome has demonstrated that some of these polymorphisms are in genes whose functions are important in responses of individual patient to therapy. The pathologist will need to profile common polymorphisms in patients who are beginning therapy for common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and infections. The laboratory definition of the genotype/phenotype will determine the specific drug and doses suitable for him. This puts the pathologist in a more definitive position to determine appropriate therapy than traditional predictions of disease behavior based on morphology of lesions (microscopic patterns) or cultural characteristics of infectious organisms. The lab also monitors the success of gene therapy. After a gene is introduced, the tissue where the gene is inserted (i.e.: Transgenic Monkey or Mouse) must be active and should be monitored for normal expression of the introduced gene and normal structure and function of the gene product. The lab must also monitor the "integrating transfected genes" such that integration allows both normal gene expression and does not produce abnormal function or structure of the patient's other genes. In summary, molecular pathology is permeating and penetrating, as was immunopathology 20 years ago. "Immunopathology" an example of which is vaccine therapy is nothing new, a German/Austrian vaccine "UKRAIN" is supposed to destroy cancer cells through APOPTOSOS (programmed cell death) without attacking healthy cells. The US now has "GLEEVAC" with identical results. It also has been proven that in breast cancers there are genetically divergent CLONES that account for different microscopic components resulting in different responses to therapy.

Future Direction

As the human genome Project continues to uncover important disease genes (especially those for common disorders) at an ever increasing rate and technologies for high-speed DNA sequencing and multiplex mutation detection continued to improve, we can anticipate diagnostic molecular genetics assuming a far more dominant role in public health and preventive medicine. The advance of DNA "CHIPS" containing thousands of probes may someday allow extensive genotyping and lifetime disease prediction for thousands of disorders from a single drop of blood. Also, a poster on Human Genome Landmarks in the US Department of Energy, identifies a whole gamut of diseases/disorders with the corresponding position of the defective gene! Against these promising advances will have to be weighed ethical issues, especially in the field of gene therapy. Whatever the ultimate balance reached, there's no doubt that molecular genetics will be the driving force behind an ever greater proportion of evidence based medical practice in the 21st century and virtually every patient whether healthy or ill will feel the impact.

The impact of DNA storage on clinical practice
Evidence based medicine is the gold standard for the 21st century.

What do we do that contributes to the practice of this medicine? What specific examples and daily living indicate that storing DNA is a "Must"?

The event of 9/11 mainly profiling and identifying the deceased was laborious and expensive on federal funds despite which only approximately 2000 persons have been identified. One does not realize the importance of the death certificate without which burial cannot be accomplished until death occurs! Soldiers "missing in action" cannot be declared dead until their bodies are found and identified.

An article in USA Today concerned a "Mystery killer" that involved a young couple; studies failed to give a definitive answer despite autopsy and numerous laboratory tests. Since chances that the suspected disease that clinically presented to be contagious (plague) proved negative on repeated testing. Had DNA been stored, further testing may have led to the diagnosis and cause of death

A TV program about a Serial killer in Juarez Mexico led to more than 200 missing women and "no leads". Profiling and storing of DNA when these women were newborns would have helped identify the remains that took months to surface. The women after being raped were doused with gasoline and burned! The problem is ongoing.

Although Chandra Levy was missing for a year before the body was found, DNA is stable, and after profiling samples from her remains she can now be laid to rest. Since degraded DNA is difficult to purify, tests on her remains are ongoing to hopefully identify the killer. The FBI in USA Today declared, "there still are no clues to the killer". Samples are from her remains such as hair, teeth, bone; even old blood can still be stored and tested along with a Suspect's samples until results are conclusive.

A complex disease such as Parkinson's disease and the genes whose polymorphic forms can increase any person's risk but not necessarily cause it is the second most common in a Neuron-degenerative disorder. Parkinson's disease has neither a Polygenic (multiple genes) or multifactoral (genes and environment) cause. Over the past few years, debate has occurred between Parkinson's disease having a Genetic component or is just secondary to environmental influences. To evaluate the possible genetic component, open quote gene mapping" is the way to go. The availability of data from the Human Genome Project is opening new possibilities in studying common diseases such as Parkinson's disease. The multitude of molecular techniques and statistical tools applied to this data now allows us to potentially move medicine from a "reactive" discipline to one that can prevent disease. However, once found, how these "susceptibility genes" will be used in the future remains to be seen.

A newborn (the 3rd child) was diagnosed to have a "Rare protein allergy". Surgery was successful the baby is now seven years of age and healthy. Two other siblings are healthy. Storing this baby's DNA would have enabled testing of future siblings for mutations related to this rare congenital predisposition to allergies.

At three months of age a Baby presented with a Bleeding disorder; she was admitted, traded and died at the Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. The baby's profile showed a defective ADAMSTS 13 gene. The parents are being tested for this "mutation" and the baby's blood, buccal smears, and hairs are stored.

Will everyone be gene type early in life to prevent disease that they are at risk for? How will this affect employment/applications for competitive educational opportunities? Wolf farm code genetic genotyping be routine to determine patients with the risk for side effects or variability in efficacy? If the patient refuses typing will third-party payers is still pay for medications and/or treatment? Someday mandatory DNA storage and testing in life and death will enhance the quality of life and improve clinical outcomes because increasing knowledge of genetic variations sheds light on the role of genetic and environmental factors and disease susceptibility, aggression and therapeutic response.

Specialists can now screen eggs for the faulty gene that closes early onset Alzheimer's disease, enabling women who carry their rare disorder to avoid passing it on to their children.

FDA approved GLEEVEC has been very effective in chronic myelogenous leukemia and rare (stromal) stomach cancers; causes of relapse do so because they have developed mutations that alter GLEEVEC's target site in the leukemic cells, a Phenomenon well known to infectious disease clinicians. Just as microbes developing drug resistance mutations, so do cancer cells.

Summarizing the future of cancer treatment: in the past, pathologic diagnosis was based on histology. In the future it will be based on molecular profiling of tissue both that the genetic and proteinomic level. In the past, therapy was chosen by disease category. In the future, combination therapy will be aimed in tailored to individual patient profiles or classes of profiles. Select, monitor, and reevaluate.. that's hope for the future!

Scott Nizborski is the President and Owner of LabEx, Inc.
LabEx is an authorized represetative for DNA Analysis providing DNA Profiling and Storage Services focused on the Funeral Pre-Need business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Nizborski

March 22, 2006

Weight Gain During Chemotherapy

How to Avoid Weight Gain During Chemotherapy
By Doug Grant

For Patsy M., the cancer was bad enough.

Then came the chemo and her energy level took a dramatic tumble while her once trim figure ballooned.

She tried watching what she ate. Cut down on portions. Nothing helped. The weight kept climbing.

When she asked her doctor she was told to exercise. It was the best answer to chemo weight-gain.

This wasn’t what she wanted to hear. She didn’t feel like exercising. Some days it was all she could do to move from bed to couch.

Then a friend told her about a neighbor who was going through chemo as if it was a Sunday school picnic. She continued shopping, visiting friends AND EXERCISING. Claimed it had to do with taking some simple sugars called glyconutritionals.

"Sounds like one of those whiz-bang miracle things, if you ask me," Patsy replied. "You see them advertised all the time and most of them don’t have a stitch of healing in them."

Her friend nodded, "I agree, except glyconutritional is a scientific name not a brand name. And my neighbor claims there is a ton of medical research behind them. Not to mention a few Nobel Peace Awards in Medicine and a thousand or more medical journal reports?"

"If that’s true, how come my doctor never told me about these simple sugars?"

"Because he might not have heard about them. Doctors have a hard enough time keeping up with developments in their own field without getting into food and food supplements. Although my neighbor did say that many doctors have begun incorporating the simple sugars into their practice."

"So what’s it supposed to do for me?"

"Help create more energy so you’ll feel more like doing what your doctor told you to do...exercise."

Patsy still looked doubtful. "Why can’t I just eat an energy bar?"

"Wrong kind of sugars. They will do you more harm than good. According to my neighbor, these eight simple sugars go directly to your body cells. It has something to do with building and strengthening your cell’s communication system. This in turn enables your cells to order in whatever they need to make repairs and stay healthy."

Patsy still wasn’t convinced. "And that’s supposed to give me more energy?"

"Well, actually the simple sugars do a whole lot more than help create energy. But wouldn’t that alone be a blessing? You might feel good enough to start exercising and working off some of that bulge peeking over the top of your jeans."

Patsy glared at her friend. "Well, thank you very much. I can always count on you to make me feel good about myself. So where do I get these simple sugars?"

"I don’t really remember. As I recall, my neighbor said there was only one company making a true and all-natural blend of the simple sugars. But I don’t remember the name. I think it started with an ‘M’."

"That’s real helpful. Maybe you ought to worry less about the bulge around my middle and find yourself some brain food. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m worn out with all this energy and exercise talk. I think I’ll go lie down."

More information about simple sugars and how they can help reduce chemo side-effects, can be found at http://www.GrantForHealth.com/chemopg.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Grant

March 23, 2006

Cancer and Prayer, Part 1

How to Pray Your Way Through Cancer, Part 1
By Norma Schmidt

When cancer strikes, we may turn to prayer.

By "prayer," I simply mean connecting with the sacred. Prayers are often directed to a higher power, but they don't have to be.

Often, prayers involving cancer ask for a particular outcome. We might pray for a cure, or for the results of our next test to be favorable, or for freedom from unwanted side-effects of treatment.

Such prayers offer a release for intense emotions and connect us with our Source of meaning, power, hope and unconditional love.

On the other hand, if our prayers don't bring the results that we asked for, we may experience spiritual distress.

Here are some tips for keeping your experience with "asking" prayer positive:

* Pray honestly. This is no time to hold back!
* Remember that prayer doesn't require words. Tears, sighs, and simply relaxing into the sacred can all be prayer.
* Don't worry about falling asleep during prayer. Moms don't mind when their babies fall asleep in their arms. Your higher power won't mind either.
* Ask others to pray with and for you. Even if you don't see the answer to their prayers, right away, you'll get a lift from the love of the pray-ers.
* Believe that your prayer will be answered in wondrous ways -- some of which you may not see.
* Don't worry about praying the "right" way. When a toddler blurts out, "Wah nuk," a loving parent answers, "Oh, do you want some milk? Here it is!" In a similar way, the One we pray to can make sense of our prayers even if we sound like nonsense to ourselves.
* Conclude "asking" prayer with thanksgiving to boost your hope and serenity.

(c) 2005 Norma Schmidt, LLC, d/b/a My Cancer
Support Coach.com

Visit http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com RIGHT NOW to get your free report, "45 Strategies for Living Well With Cancer."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Schmidt

March 24, 2006

Cancer and Prayer, Part 2

How to Pray Your Way Through Cancer, Part II
By Norma Schmidt

Prayers that don't ask for anything can have surprising power.

A woman in the hospital was experiencing pain when a chaplain arrived. "We're praying for the pain to go away, but it isn't working," the woman's adult daughter said, clearly distressed.

With encouragement from the chaplain, the mother reported the pain to her nurse.

Then the chaplain said, "Let's try another way of praying."

The chaplain invited the mother to see herself resting in God's love. Then the chaplain read aloud a beautiful Psalm reflecting on God's unfailing presence.

The anxiety in the room slowly melted away. The mother's face relaxed and her breathing became deeper and slower. By the time new pain medication arrived, the mother was already on her way to experiencing relief.

I like to call the kind of prayer that the chaplain used "bridge-type" prayer.

It doesn't make any requests at all.

Bridge-type prayer simply seeks to bring into our awareness the presence of the sacred, allowing divine love and compassion into our situation.

There's a wide variety within bridge-type prayer, allowing each person to connect with the sacred in their unique way. Your bridges to the sacred might include:

* Prayers or songs of thanksgiving and praise.
* Reading sacred or philosophical texts or inspirational literature.
* Meditating.
* Walking, running or dancing.
* Using prayer beads.
* Gardening.
* Listening to inspirational material on a tape or CD, or having someone read sacred texts to you.
* Journaling.
* Creating art or music.
* Wordlessly relaxing into divine love.


Bridge-type prayer can be a great soother in times of fear or pain. A habit of daily bridge-type prayer provides powerful spiritual nurture, keeping our connection to the sacred strong and vibrant.

Along with "asking" prayer, "bridge- type" prayer can be an important spiritual tool for living with cancer.

TIP: What is your strongest "bridge" to the sacred? Consider making that bridge part of your daily routine.

Visit http://www.MyCancerSupportCoach.com RIGHT NOW to get your free report, "45 Strategies for Living Well With Cancer."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Schmidt

March 25, 2006

Breath Therapy and Cancer Patients

Breath Therapy and Cancer Patients
By Carol A. Lampman

Cancer Patients

Over the last couple of years I have worked with adult cancer patients in Israel. Omri Citron, an enthusiastic supporter of our work, and well respected psychologist and leader of two Cancer Support groups, has organized several workshops for cancer patients and their families. I have been invited to speak to several of his group meetings and he sends his clients and group members to workshops, individual sessions and the trainings. We even did a day for the Cancer Support group leaders allowing them to learn a few techniques to integrate into their group meetings and have a personal experience of the breath at the same time.

My view of working with cancer patients is that there is everything to gain and nothing to lose. I do not subscribe to the idea that it is hazardous for cancer patients to do Breathwork. One of the suspected causes of cancer is chronic stress and Breathwork is a great stress management tool. A diagnosis of cancer in itself is an emotional experience and treatments can be physically and spiritually challenging. We are magnificent beings with body, mind and spirit interwoven and blended into each other. In order to attain healing, the whole being needs to be considered.

Our breath supplies us with oxygen to fuel our body and is essential for optimal healing. It is important to keep the life force energy moving and stay attuned to our needs, moment to moment. Our breath can help us do that and more; it can connect us to our spirit. There are those who say they have learned so much from their disease… about themselves, their relationships with others and, most importantly, their deepest beliefs about who they are.

In my first career, I was a specially trained medical tech working in a clinic where one of our doctors was the director of pediatric oncology at UC San Francisco. In this clinic, we saw many of his young patients for treatments, routine follow ups and provided counseling for the families. I watched the most courageous young people live with a disease that challenged their very survival. They were so in touch with themselves; they often knew the state of their well being before the tests came back … before the doctor gave his report. I watched with amazement as some of them gently prepared their parents to be without them.

They taught me a lot… about courage, honesty, and about being in the present moment. Parents would try to minimize the situation out of the desire to protect their child…but these children knew exactly what was going on. It was this awareness that brought UC San Francisco’s head of Psychiatry, Gerald Jamplowsky, to create an organization, The Center for Attitudinal Healing. Some of the children from this pilot program came from our clinic. The focus of this program was not on their prognosis or the possibility of death, but on life. Living, loving and being in the present moment is all any of us have anyway. This was the focus of this marvelous program working with the power of the mind. Several years after I left California, I saw a television program featuring the work of this organization. I watched with great joy as I saw the happy and healthy faces of several children from our clinic speak about their philosophy of life.

The tools utilized in Breath Therapy can help the patient deal with the thoughts and beliefs they hold about the disease and the possibility of recovery. There are a full range of emotions that cannot be ignored ...the fear and panic of dealing with a potentially life threatening illness. The feelings of anger and sadness will only intensify or result in depression unless given an appropriate outlet. From the physical standpoint, chemotherapy and radiation is another attack on the body when it is already compromised.

As to the way to work with a cancer patient, I would first consider their current physical condition. Someone with a brain tumor should not do fast and full breathing. It might trigger a seizure. Someone who has had recent surgery should go slow and easy and would benefit from the practice of circular breathing to clear out anesthesia from the system. If any part of the breathing apparatus (lungs, throat, mouth, nose, etc) has been compromised by surgery or radiation, then accommodate for this to ensure the comfort of the client. Be sure to encourage the breather to let their body move in any way it wants as this can allow an opportunity for the body to unwind. Most important is to create a space of love and acceptance so that the breather will feel safe enough to express their feelings and concerns …with you they can let down and be real. Whatever the patient’s prognosis, there is a need to make peace with life. In some cases there is a need to prepare for death.

Remember that whatever you need to work on will walk in the door and you may find yourself affected by what is coming up for the client. The ability to connect with spirit during Breathwork can open the doors to a deeper level of understanding and is a gift to both facilitator and client. There can be powerful insights and healing around the separation from God… and the realization that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience. Great comfort for the patient and their family can come from the realization that there are no endings, simply transitions. The love that is shared at these times can heal a lifetime.

Carol A. Lampman:

Holistic Therapist, Certified Breathwork Instructor, Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Release Therapist with training in Hypno-Behavioral Therapy, Reichian Process Work, Integrative, Cathartic, Rebirthing Breathwork, Hendricks Body Centered Transformation. Carol is an acknowledged speaker and educator, and has presented programs, trainings and workshops for the public in the US, France, Italy, Spain, Venezuela and Israel. She is moving into a more prominent role in the professional community as a facilitator of personal transformation techniques. Her dynamic personality combined with her humor and deep respect for the work of the participants has allowed her to establish a strong foundation of support among the professional community. Carol’s life experience with childhood trauma and her early medical background working with catastrophically ill children sparked her interest in the mind body connection, the emotional process, and its overall relationship to health and wholeness.

http://www.IntegrationConcepts.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_A._Lampman

March 26, 2006

Alternative Cancer Treatments

Alternative Cancer Treatments That Work!
By Paul Sanford

We all know someone that either has cancer now or has died from it. Cancer is the Bubonic Plague of our times and despite billions of dollars in research, chemotherapy remains one of the most popular forms of treatment within the established medical community.

With all of their shiny new buildings and fancy equipment, doctors still resort to this “shotgun” approach and others that are equally ineffective. This is probably why an astounding 96% of cancer patients die of complications relating to treatment---not even the cancer itself!

What is wrong with this picture? What is it about their nice clean lab coats that makes us believe that doctors hold all of the answers when it comes to our own bodies? Don’t believe for a second that they are unaware of the odds of a successful chemotherapy treatment regimen! What use is it to kill the cancer when they also destroy all of the surrounding tissues?

Is it at least possible that when they are advising patients of their treatment options they first took the time to investigate the insurance plan first because how could they ever recommend such costly and painful procedures when they know—know that the odds of success are 4%?

But, what if there were another way?

What if those highly improbable yet costly procedures were not the only option? For those tens of millions of Americans without the luxury of medical insurance (and yes, even those of you that do have it!!), is it possible that alternative cancer treatments are an option?

People, it is not just an option, it is the solution you have been seeking! The doctors won’t admit that they are almost powerless to help you or your loved one because then they can’t use all of that fancy, expensive equipment and charge equally expensive rates! They certainly won’t admit that there are proven, effective alternative cancer treatments out there because the insurance companies don’t reimburse for such “unscientific” options---and who suffers in the process??

Ultimate Cancer Breakthroughs is a compilation of the 12 most effective alternative treatments in existence. With an investment of over 780 hours of research, the authors have assembled all of the information you will need to find the treatment solution best for you! Don’t wait and don’t let the doctors play God with your body---take back control of your life and your treatment!!

Paul Sanford

Cancer Treatment and Prevention Resources:

http://www.theliomaattorney.com/cancercures.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Sanford

March 27, 2006

Cancer Prevention via Lifestyle Changes

Cancer - The Missing Point
By Dr. Randy Wysong

(If one were to judge by television advertising and news reports, it would seem that the “war on cancer” is all but won. What are the weapons being heralded? Drugs, research, tests and exams. They miss the point.

“Prevention” is promoted as meaning catching the disease early. Really. That also misses the point. Is it “prevention” if you call 911 when you come home and see smoke billowing from all your windows? Do we just live with a carpe diem philosophy and wait for the doctor to tell us we have a lump in our breast or a swollen nodular prostate? Is the cause of cancer a lack of one of the new cancer drugs? Is the cause of cancer really unknown, requiring endless research?

First, let me put to rest the propaganda that the war is being won. Since President Nixon declared the war (1971) and after over 200 billion dollars have been spent on research (remember, one billion is a thousand million), more Americans will die of cancer in the next 14 months than have died in all U.S. wars ever fought combined! (Where are the protest marches?) Soon, cancer will overtake heart disease as the number one killer.

Decades ago, early in the war, there were some dramatic successes such as with Hodgkin's disease and some forms of childhood leukemia. There can be little doubt that debunking (surgical removal) of large cancers brings benefits. But the big killers such as colorectal, lung, prostate and breast cancer remain as threatening as ever. Survival gains are measured primarily in additional months (not years) added to life, not in cures. The placebo effect is by and large ignored. (People getting a sugar pill placebo in cancer studies have been known to lose their hair and some actually cure themselves by simply thinking they will be cured.) A percentage of people can experience remissions spontaneously and from simple lifestyle adjustments, but the cancer therapy is always credited with the cure. (Investigations, "Placebo Learning: The Placebo Effect as a Conditioned Response," 1985; 2(1):23. O'Regan B, et al. 1993. Spontaneous Remission: An Annotated Bibliography. Sausalito, CA. Talbot M. 1991. The Holographic Universe. New York. Harper Collins Publishers. Townsend Letter, 2004; 251:32-3.)

Statistics can always be massaged to create the result desired. This practice is rampant in cancer research. Animal models (euphemism for real living and feeling caged creatures being tortured by the millions) do not prove effectiveness across species boundaries to humans. Neither do laboratory cell lines. That's why all the "breakthroughs" based on tumor shrinkage never pan out. For-profit drug companies and National Cancer Institute grant-based research ignore metastases (the spreading cells of cancer through the body) in their positive reports. Instead they highlight and focus on more easily obtained lab results, such as "tumor shrinkage,” and on easily manipulated clinical data such as "five-year survival."

Twelve new "improved" drugs introduced in Europe between 1995 and 2000 were no better than the drugs they replaced. But the prices were all higher, in one instance by a factor of 350 times. One new "revolutionary" drug, Erbitux™, found to "shrink" tumors but not extend the lives of patients at all costs $2,400 per week. Avastin™, another costly chemotherapeutic, by the best calculation, extended the lives of 400 colorectal patients by 4.7 months. Tamoxifin™ is proven to be effective in decreasing breast cancer. Risk is decreased by about 15% but what is not equally heralded is the fact that it increased the risk of endometrial uterine cancer by about 15%. (Patient Information: Nolvadex, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals)

Are such results worth the financial devastation and miserable life that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery impose? Is that the way to spend one's remaining days? If such therapy does add a couple of months, are those couple of months really worth the poking, prodding, pain, unrelenting nausea, disfiguring, destruction of the immune system and increased susceptibility to other diseases? "Yes" would be a hard answer to justify.

In the face of a cancer diagnosis most people just throw up their hands in terror and surrender to the conventional cancer therapy death process. The feeling is that something must be done, and, since "doctors know best," one must begin the "fight" by following the advice of the doctor. But fighting does not mean surrendering to the will of another person who has their own personal agenda and narrowed field of view dictated by the club they belong to. That misses the point. You must do something.

Here's the on-point best approach:

1. Prevention means adjusting your life right now so that you are living in tune with your design. Cancer is, quite simply, the reaction of cells subjected long enough to an environment they are not designed for. The genetic apparatus loses its bearings, becomes insane, if you will, and regresses to embryonic infancy and just begins multiplying recklessly. What is the proper environment? It is that food, air, water and lifestyle you are genetically designed for. The proper healthy preventive living context is encapsulated in the Wysong Optimal Health Program™.

2. If you get cancer, don't panic. First thing is follow #1 advice. Learn. Gather as much information as you can from all resources, not just what the medical establishment provides. We try to gather such information for you in The Wysong Directory of Alternative Resources.

3. Think about what has happened in your life that has caused the disease. It is caused, it does not just happen. Correct your life.

4. You take control of your own body and you make the decisions. Determine to set right what is wrong and do it. Taking control is essential to not feeling like a helpless victim and sinking into hopeless despair – a sure mindset to speed the disease along.

5. Think long and hard before submitting to unproven cancer therapies. If the doctor cannot prove effectiveness (at least prove that you will be better off with the therapy than without) and if you are not willing to take the risk of all the contraindications, then don't submit because you think it is "all that can be done." It isn't. See #2 above.

All good things in life are hard. In our modern world, good health takes effort and attention. Preventing and reversing disease also takes effort – your effort. Begin today to take charge of your health and be the best you can be. Most chronic degenerative diseases have long latency periods, the time between when the disease begins and it manifests in overt symptoms. Most everyone reading this has such disease brewing within at this very moment. So take advantage of the window of opportunity and give your body a chance by living the life you were designed to live. That will not only prevent disease from gaining a foothold, but reverse disease that is incubating within.

Dr. Wysong is a former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the present company by his name and founder of the philanthropic Wysong Institute. He is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy now in its eleventh printing, a new two volume set on philosophy for living, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net and a free subscription to his e-Health Letter is available at http://www.wysong.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Randy_Wysong

March 28, 2006

Getting the Best Cancer Treatment

Cancer Diagnosis: Strategies for Getting the Best Treatment
By Patricia Walter

As a patient with cancer, two of the most important decisions you will make are which treatment you will receive and where.

But diagnosing cancer is a very complex process that involves many health care professionals. In addition, the testing that is done on patients varies between doctors and specialists. And even the best health care professionals make mistakes.

How do newly diagnosed patients know they are getting the best therapy for their cancer?

Unfortunately, most patients don’t get the best treatment because they are diagnosed by a doctor who is not an oncologist. Therefore, that doctor is not likely to direct them to the most up-to-date therapies available.

The first step toward getting what you need is to get a second opinion. The Institute for Advanced Study in Medicine reported that 25% of patients had their treatment changed based on a second opinion.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers are the best places to get second opinions. That’s where the experts are, doctors who think about your type of cancer every day. And that’s what you want.

If you aren’t near a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center or Clinical Cancer Center (you can find their locations online), you can still get a second opinion. Choose a doctor who is not affiliated with your doctor, and who is at a hospital that is not affiliated with your doctor’s hospital.

Another important part of getting the best therapy is to get a second opinion on your cancer by an expert pathologist. This involves getting the biopsy specimen to an outside pathologist.

Pathologists can’t always precisely determine the stage of cancer, and sometimes not even the type of cancer. And, sometimes tests that could be done on your biopsy specimen aren’t, simply because they aren’t commonly used. But that doesn’t mean these tests won’t help you.

You need an expert to examine your biopsy specimens. For example, The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pathology.

Another important thing to do when you are first diagnosed is to contact the organizations for your type of cancer. They can lead you to experts in that field. Finally, get good nutritional counseling, and if you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, try your best to stop.

Copyright 2005 Palkon Publishing Services Corp.

Patricia C. Walter (http://www.managingcancer.net)

Ms. Walter is a long-time patient advocate who supports the rights of cancer patients to make informed choices about every aspect of their treatment and care. Her goal is to educate patients about their full range of options and give them every possible tool to live a long, high-quality life. A member of the American Medical Writers Association, Ms. Walter has worked in the publishing field for 25 years, the last 12 years in medical publishing. She has also worked in the medical communications field and in the pharmaceutical industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Walter

March 29, 2006

Curcumin to Prevent Cancer?

Could Getting Spicy Aid Your Treatment of Cancer
By Rusty Ford

Wow, as a two time survivor of cancer I found it amazing that I might be able to eat my self free of cancer. Well, that is an over statement but new research is showing that Curcumin to have strong cancer fighting properties. Curcumin also called turmeric is the compound that gives curry its yellow tint. Curcumin has long been known for its antioxidant properties and is being studied now for it benefits in treating several different diseases. Cancer researchers have taken an interest in Curcumin because many countries with curry-rich cuisines have lower cancer rates than Western countries have.

Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found Curcumin, blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers. The study was published in the August 15, 2005 issue of the American Cancer Society journal “Cancer”. The study tested varying doses of Curcumin on three melanoma cell lines. It showed that Curcumin stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and induced apoptosis (programmed cell suicide). The results were the same for high concentrations of Curcumin over short periods of time and smaller doses over longer periods of time.

In a study published in 2002 in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention”, researcher gave three groups of mice different amounts of Curcumin extract for 15 weeks. The results showed that the group of mice given the largest amount of Curcumin found a reduction of 40 percent in benign tumors that were caused the same gene that causes mot types of colon cancer. A similar study was published in “The Prostate” in 2001. Again three groups of mice were used. All three were injected with human prostate cancer cells. One group was a placebo group that received no treatment. One group was given Curcumin when injected with the cancer cells. The other group was given Curcumin two weeks after the cancer injection. After 6 weeks the tumors in the two groups give Curcumin were to percent smaller than in the placebo groups.

A study on Curcumin and breast cancer was published in Cancer Research, Vol. 62, July 1, 2002, pp. 3868-75. This study found that the use of Curcumin was as effective in preventing the spread of breast cancer as Taxol in laboratory mice. In the study mice were induced with breast cancer then the tumors were removed such as with a mastectomy in humans. Then the mice were divided into 4 groups. One was a placebo group, one received Curcumin, one received Taxol, and the other Curcumin and Taxol. After 5 weeks the study showed that half the mice in the Curcumin group had the cancer spread to the lungs. Only 22 percent of those in the Curcumin plus Taxol group had seen the cancer spread. 75 percent of the Taxol only group saw the cancer spread. The placebo group saw 95 percent of the mice had the cancer spread to the lungs. These were amazing results.

Human studies are just beginning. But the early signs are that the simple safe spice may offer a safe way of preventing cancer and may also be a great way of aiding in the treatment of Cancer.

It should be noted that a culture study showed that Curcumin reduced the effects of several chemo drugs used for treating cancer.

Rusty Ford

http://my-local-news.com

Rusty Ford is the Health editor for My-Local-News.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rusty_Ford

March 30, 2006

Is Common Sense or Research Needed to Cure Cancer?

Is Common Sense or Research Needed to Cure Cancer?
By Dr. Randy Wysong

It is an incredible feat that organisms can begin from one cell and then differentiate and compartmentalize into the millions of diverse tissue and organ niches that represent a mature body. Why brain, fingernail, liver, intestine and bone cells ever become what they are is mystery enough. Why they stay what they have become while still retaining the full genetic information to produce an entire new body, compounds the miracle even more.

Cancer is a condition in which cells lose their orientation and proliferate uncontrollably. Any cell can become cancerous. A lot of them do, but are squelched by cell death (apoptosis), the immune system or nipped in the bud by DNA repair mechanisms. Successful cancer cells escape these impediments, disregard normal cellular checks and balances and become an island unto themselves with only their own survival and self-interests at heart.

The cause of cancer is no mystery. It is our aberrant modern living context that has put us at cancer risk. When cells are forced to bathe in a milieu (the tissue soup we create with modern foods, drugs and lifestyle) entirely unlike what they are genetically programmed to expect, they revert to their most primitive directive – multiply, multiply, multiply – without regard for neighbors. It’s a sort of payback for our disregard for “neighbors” when we pollute and repudiate nature. Why should our cells be polite to their neighbors if we don’t have regard for ours? Since the immune system is compromised from the chronic stresses created by modern living, defenses are down. Couple this with the nutritionally depleted and perverted modern processed diet and you have the incubator for cancer.

Today, about one in three humans will get cancer. In pets it is worse and perhaps the leading cause of death. No evidence exists that the disease was of similar incidence before our modern era. President Nixon's "War on Cancer" (beginning in the early 1970s) is the most failed and embarrassing "military" campaign ever undertaken by any nation at any time in history. One person in 30 got cancer at the beginning of the 20th century, now almost one in two do.

Some will say that the only reason the incidence has increased is because humans and animals live longer due to modern medical measures. So when science fails in their mission to defeat cancer, they cleverly spin the failure as their success. As I have shown previously (Why Modern Medicine is the Greatest Threat to Health http://www.wysong.net/health/post_77_061902.shtml), this is nonsense since modern medical measures are themselves probably the number one threat to life.

The reason for cancer and most chronic degenerative diseases is modern living, pure and simple. We have subjected ourselves to an artificial environment to which we are not adapted. Nature – not exhaust, sugar, pop and plastic – is what we are designed for. Screw with Mother Nature and a price will be paid.

Whatever the inciting cause, it is known that inducement and propogation needs to be relentless and of long-standing duration. Cancer can have a latency period of decades, requiring continuous exposure to the inciting stress. Our departure from our genetic roots certainly qualifies.

If disease does not strike immediately after a bad life choice, then the conclusion is that the choice is just fine. We refuse to take the long view and make intelligent decisions now for consequences that may not emerge until years later. It's a common human failing we see replayed in every aspect of human endeavor. It's the modus operandi in government, economics, agriculture, social issues and health care. Living in the moment is what children and animals do. We should do better with the pounds of gyri and sulci resting on our shoulders.

Nevertheless, this common sense approach (returning to our genetic roots) to preventing cancer and other diseases will be ignored. Instead we will pour billions of dollars into research to discover the cure for cancer. But there will never be a cure other than respecting our genetic heritage and living, eating, breathing and drinking as we were designed to do. A pill or vaccine to save us just isn't going to happen.

Let me give some examples of recent research findings that reveal the obvious. First there is the "discovery" that fresh fruits and vegetables contain anti-cancer nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and flavanoids. Why would they not be anti-cancer, they are the natural food of humans? No research is necessary to discover that!

Then there is the "discovery" that cancer preferentially feeds on glucose, diverting it from body use and inefficiently metabolizing it by glycolysis into lactate and a couple ATP energy molecules. (Glucose normally yields 38 ATP.) The body then has to reconvert the lactate back, via the Cori cycle, into glucose (at an energy cost). The net result is that the cancer acts like an energy sink resulting in cachexia, a pathetic condition of severe muscle wasting and debilitation. Modern diets are laden with sugar and starches that not only provide the perfect food for cancer but the perfect acidic medium in tissues. Processed sugar and starch is not a natural human food. No research is needed to discover that!

Research has also shown that a low carbohydrate, high protein, high arginine (meat amino acid), low omega-6 fatty acid and high omega-3 fatty acid diet is useful for both preventing and treating cancer. Tumor cells do not do well on fats or protein. But they love that sugar. The natural, raw diet for humans and their pets is high in fat (the preferred energy source) and protein, high in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, wild meat, some seeds and vegetables) and low in omega-6 fatty acids (grains, grain-fed meats and most oils), and is alkalinizing. This is no scientific discovery. It's common sense.

But companies are clamoring to patent versions of natural diets and crediting their science for discovering the obvious. Examples are new patented, "cancer-fighting" foods featuring high fat, high omega-3 fatty acids, low carbohydrates, and high protein and arginine. Finally, feeding people and pets what they should have been getting all along (as, I hate to say, I have been arguing for decades) is so novel that it is patentable!

It is the edge-of-the-map science that is responsible for this sorry state of affairs. Like the ancient mariners who believed the world ended where their maps left off, science has assumed that calories, regardless of their source, were the edge of their map. Their nutritional world ends with calories and percentages of known nutrients. Science has insisted that if a human or animal requires X calories per pound each day, it matters not whether those calories come from fresh, real foods or Twinkies. That's why hospital patients paying a thousand dollars a night dine on Registered Dietician Jell-O, diet pop and instant potatoes.

What has been ignored is that calories are not the edge of the map; ships do not drop off the Earth when they disappear over the horizon. Now the world beyond the edge of conventional medicine and nutrition is slowly being rediscovered. The world is round... and people and animals require their natural, genetically programmed diet that lies beyond the edge of science’s calories. Quality of calories do matter and is a whole new world promising health.

So, to increase the chance of having cancer, or to speed its progression, eating the standard modern fare is the way to go. Get lots of sugar and lots of grain-based foods such as pasta, bread, cereal, bagels, donuts (which convert to sugar after consumed) and lots of vegetable oils. Increase carbohydrates, eat oleo and look for low-fat foods. Drink very little water and instead enjoy acidified pop and municipal acidic water. Tumors thrive on this banquet.

You can wait for “research” to prove that natural foods and natural living (fresh air, exercise, sunlight, loving relationships) prevent and reverse cancer, or you can be a thinking person and apply this obvious wisdom beginning today.

Further Reading:

The Wysong Optimal Health Program™ http://www.wysong.net/optimal_health_page1.shtml

Lipid Nutrition – Understanding Fats and Oils in Health and Disease http://wysong.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WOTTPWS&
Product_Code=ED050-S&Category_Code=EDUAIDS&Product_Count=4

Is the U.S. Healthier than Ever? http://www.wysong.net/health/post_77_061902.shtml

What to Do to Reverse and Prevent Acidemia http://www.wysong.net/health/post_101_011403.shtml

Shorts – Acidosis...I Told You So http://www.wysong.net/health/post_99_123002.shtml

Cancer and Diet http://www.wysong.net/PDFs/mar_apr2000.pdf

Cancer and Sulforaphane from Veggies http://www.wysong.net/healthletter/hl_aug99.shtml

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil for Cancer http://www.wysong.net/healthletter/hl_apr99.shtml

Sugar and Cancer http://www.wysong.net/healthletter/hl_sep98.shtml

Flax Seeds and Cancers http://www.wysong.net/healthletter/chl_dec96.shtml

Dr. Wysong is a former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the present company by his name and founder of the philanthropic Wysong Institute. He is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy now in its eleventh printing, a new two volume set on philosophy for living, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net and a free subscription to his e-Health Letter is available at http://www.wysong.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Randy_Wysong

March 31, 2006

Antioxidants to Prevent Cancer?

The Best Way to Prevent Cancer and Get Healthy
By Novi N White

It’s not unusual matter if you are asked to consume fresh fruit and vegetables to prevent cancer. Once you took those foods rich with antioxidants, you are preventing various kinds of diseases from your body.

Okay, so what’s the correlation between cancer and antioxidant? Have you got information on those two subjects? Of course you know that cancer is very dangerous, and that it may take your life away if it’s not treated well or earlier. One of the ways of preventing cancer is by taking antioxidant. Now let us see further details about antioxidant and how it’s going to make our body healthy.

Our body naturally produces chemical elements (reactive molecules) called free radicals. They can cause permanent damage to our cells. Cancer, aging, and cardiovascular disease are the causes of this damage. To protect us from these diseases, antioxidant plays a great role.

Antioxidant protects body cells from the bad impacts of free radicals, such as pollution, exhaust fumes, radiation, certain drugs, chemical exposure, and even processed food. How can you get this antioxidant then? Actually, our body has built natural methods of antioxidant in order to neutralize the free radicals. However, today’s environment is hazardous and has increased more free radicals which our body may not maintain anymore. Luckily, we have the nature to help us live longer.

Yes, the nature produces many important substances that function as good antioxidant. Food nutrients and botanicals they produce have great roles in improving body’s health. To be exact, fresh foods like fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants other than those you can get from pills. Thus, eating them will prevent you from cancer and many other diseases caused by free radicals. Talking about fresh foods, oranges, peas, and cauliflower contain a very high capacity of antioxidant.

What you might not now is that antioxidant may prevent prostate cancer, which is mostly found in men. There is a study that finds a good, protective effect in selenium. High blood levels of selenium decrease the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Thus, men who consume high levels of selenium significantly decrease prostate cancer risk. Selenium is mostly found in most plant foods and in some meats and shellfish. If you are nuts lovers, you are very lucky, as they are good sources of selenium.

So now you have gathered information about the correlation of antioxidant and cancer. Will you start a healthier lifestyle now? Yes? Great!

About The Author: Novi White writes health articles on various publications. She has been working with doctors for their research publications. You can visit her Website MyAntioxidantGuide.com at http://www.myantioxydantguide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Novi_N_White

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