Thursday, May 31, 2007

Vitamin D and Cancer

Scientists have long noticed that people who live in northerly regions of the world like Buffalo have higher cancer rates than those in places with more sunshine.

A growing amount of research now indicates why: vitamin D.

The “sunshine vitamin” — because our skin produces it when exposed to sunlight — is known for building healthy bones. But, otherwise, the nutrient has never received much attention. That’s likely to change.

Dozens of laboratory and geographical studies in recent years suggest that vitamin D deficiency is common and that the risk of cancer, as well as other illnesses, is higher among individuals with low vitamin D levels....

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Acupuncture vs. Cancer: Re-Engaging the Body's Immune System

Can acupuncture retrain the immune system and brain toward a natural and successful antagonistic approach to dangerous cell growth? Some Oriental medical doctors are now using acupuncture in new ways to help the body's immune system relearn its original "seek and destroy" mission against cancer.

One such doctor, Dr. Wang Fuda, of Greenville Research Clinic in southern Taiwan, currently sees 100-200 patients per day. Over 70 percent of his clinic patrons are cancer patients. Dr. Fuda believes that acupuncture, employed correctly, can retrain the body's immune system to defeat cancer, and correct or erase faulty body signals hospitable to cancer.

Dr. Fuda sees the needle as a homeopathic instrument. The point of the needle is actually perceived by the body as an enemy. As the needle pricks, the body musters its defenses against the invader. Fuda says the trained hand can actually feel the qi energy and body tissue resist penetration of the acupuncture needle. Applied at key points, he believes the immune system can be retrained and reactivated in some people, and this defensive action can be channeled to the site of the cancer. For the rest of the story click the link above.

For more information about Dr. Fuda click here

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Nutrition and Cancer: A Review of the Evidence For An Anti-cancer Diet

Abstract

It has been estimated that 30–40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone. Obesity, nutrient sparse foods such as concentrated sugars and refined flour products that contribute to impaired glucose metabolism (which leads to diabetes), low fiber intake, consumption of red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats all contribute to excess cancer risk. Intake of flax seed, especially its lignan fraction, and abundant portions of fruits and vegetables will lower cancer risk. Allium and cruciferous vegetables are especially beneficial, with broccoli sprouts being the densest source of sulforophane. Protective elements in a cancer prevention diet include selenium, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and antioxidants such as the carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin). Ascorbic acid has limited benefits orally, but could be very beneficial intravenously. Supplementary use of oral digestive enzymes and probiotics also has merit as anticancer dietary measures. When a diet is compiled according to the guidelines here it is likely that there would be at least a 60–70 percent decrease in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, and even a 40–50 percent decrease in lung cancer, along with similar reductions in cancers at other sites. Such a diet would be conducive to preventing cancer and would favor recovery from cancer as well.

Acupuncture In Palliative Cancer Care - A study

Acupuncture in Palliative Cancer Care

This study is not yet open for patient recruitment.
Verified by British Columbia Cancer Agency February 2006

Sponsored by: British Columbia Cancer Agency
Information provided by: British Columbia Cancer Agency
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00302185

Purpose

Research question: Can acupuncture improve symptom control and quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced incurable cancer?

The purposes of this study is to investigate the feasibility of performing a randomized trial with acupuncture in improving symptom control and quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced incurable cancer at the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island Centre in Victoria.

We will:

  • Evaluate whether subjects who are receiving palliative care for cancer related symptoms can tolerate and complete to a course of acupuncture treatments.
  • Evaluate whether it is possible to conduct a study using acupuncture on cancer patients.
Condition Intervention Phase
Neoplasms
Palliative Care
Procedure: Acupuncture
Phase III