According to studies and surveys by the American Cancer Society, in the year 2004 about 500,000 people in America alone would have died of cancer giving 1,500/fatalities a day. In the same year 1.4 million new cases would be detected without the inclusion of “in situ cancer” plus approximately a million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers, also for the same year.
As the statistics show, there is an ever-rising occurrence of the disease in it’s many forms and the drive for the decreasing of the number of afflicted members of society from behavioral and environmental factors. These factors can be summed up as, what you eat, drink, the lifestyle you live and even where you live can all be contributory factors in the risk you face in getting the disease.
March 10, 2010
Cancer : The Statistics you need to know
February 9, 2010
Research : Leading the Fight Against Cancer
The Cancer Prevention Foundation is one of the leading authorities in the prevention of the said disease and it does this through cutting edge research in the following fields; the expansion of our knowledge between the relationship of cancer and our diet.
The discovery and synthesis of new drugs that can help us fight/prevent cancer, the in-depth study of the human gene to discover the weaknesses that makes one susceptible to cancer, research into a better understanding of the processes that turns and utterly normal cell into a cancerous one, research into a better understanding of the human immune system and how to boost it in hopes of preventing the disease and lastly the development of methodology and equipment that would allow the early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous conditions. All of the above fields of research are conducted along with private and government branches to give us a better understanding of the factors that leads to the disease thus giving us a better understanding for its prevention.
December 10, 2009
Breast Cancer Reduction Treatments have different results
The current practice of administering prevention surgery for women with breast cancers in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation bracket may have different results that previously expected. The risks are the same yet they may have different effects which may outweigh the risks of having the surgery in the first place. The study factored in the effect of genetics into the equation which was not considered in the past and it shows that a family history of the disease in women may provide varied results for sufferers. The cancer reducing operation coupled with the intake of cancer fighting drugs has produced results but this new study shows that the two types have different risks involved and that two different approaches should be devised for successful prevention and treatment.
November 5, 2009
Colonoscopy -Colorectal cancer screening
The process is quite unpleasant and requires a lot of time for the digestive tract has to be void of all contents before it can be done (imagine the mess it would create if it were full). Testing usually requires fasting for up to 12 hours before the exam during which the colon, through the rectum is flushed again and again to remove all contaminants which can impair the view of the colonoscopy scope. Once a cleared view of the colon is assured, the test continues with a lighted tube to which a camera is attached allowing viewing of the colon to find growths called polyps. Polyps are not cancerous but are considered to be the beginnings of such so dietary adjustments are required if they are to be tamed to prevent colorectal cancers. If polyps are found, regular exams are required to see if the polyps remain as polyps and do not progress into cancerous growth. For those who go thought the procedure, ask the doctor to increase the time they scan for these growths for studies in the US have shown that the standard exam to a maximum of almost 20 minutes increases the success of locating them by as much 10 times increasing accuracy.
October 17, 2009
Breast Cancer Myths
As with any disease, there are lots of myths surrounding the ability of a family member to develop the same form of disease. Some experts say there is no direct link to the said relation and your ability to get the same disease except perhaps for the same environmental factors which may be causing the disease to manifest in both of you. There is no solid scientific basis for cancer being inherited but it should be used as an indicator that you are susceptible to it. The size of breasts is also a point of contention for many claim that having large natural breasts are a sure sign of you being prone to getting breast cancer. Experts say there is also no medical foundation for the myth and that whatever size of breasts you may have; the best tool in the fight against cancer would be to get screened regularly. There are more myths regarding the disease and most are said to be just plain myth without scientific basis. The best tool for prevention and successful treatment is early detection which is the key.
May 12, 2009
Raspberries…… Again!
Raspberries have indeed been causing a stir in the world of anti-oxidants, this time the humble fruit has been found to have gene altering capabilities. The said trait has never yet been seen in any single agent or protein therapy. The said concentrated extract has proven to be quite successful compared to single proteins designed to target a single receptor or agent. In laboratory animals, an amazing modification of around 460 of a total 2,200 affected genes, a truly miraculous development. These events have fueled the renewed interest in the humble fruit that has caused many a sour faces due to their inherent flavor. (more…)
February 23, 2009
Who should get a HPV vaccine?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes some cancer types (i.e., cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal) and genital warts can now be prevented through HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is given in three doses over a period of three months.
Health professionals urge early HPV vaccination for girls as early as 9 years old. This development is due to the fact that adolescents start to be sexually active at a younger age even before puberty. The vaccine could also be administered to women up to 45 years old except for expectant mothers since it poses risks to the unborn.
The vaccines offered in the markets does not treat HPV, rather it helps in the prevention of acquiring these types of viruses. A regular pap smear screening by an OB-GYN is still recommended for women even after vaccination since the HPV vaccine alone does not protect against all types of HPV.
January 30, 2009
Black Raspberries the next cancer Cure
Anthocyanines or an active ingredient in black raspberry extracts have been found to have a very beneficial effect as a chemo preventive regimen for cancer prevention. This follows studies that aim to identify the so-called super-foods that have high nutrient, vitamin and cancer preventive components making them better than synthesized equivalents. People have been jumping onto the all natural diet and health cures for ages and seems they were right all along. natural foods tend to have some hidden compounds that were not found in previous studies. New test results show that the active ingredient anthrocyanines is a very effective preventive drug for cancer prevention and more studies are underway to determine the exact mechanisms induced by the wonder molecule.
The advent of such discoveries tends to bring us to the area of conservation for who knows what mother nature may be hiding in her depths in the unspoiled jungles out of the clutches of man. Conservationists have long been fighting for the preservation of some of the most remote and untouched forests in the world for they are some of the most pristine environments around that may hold the secrets to the many deadly diseases that are plaguing the human race.
September 29, 2008
Phytochemicals fight Cancer
Image Source: nlm.nih.gov
Whether we like it or not, cancer affects each one of us directly or indirectly. The lifestyle we have and the environment we live in and even the food we eat and other factors greatly increase the risk of cancer.
There are foods contents that can prevent cancer. One of the great factors of it is Antioxidants. It is a substance that prevents damage to cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are cells that have lost an electron, thus are unstable cells. These free radicals basically steal electrons from other cells in effort to heal themselves, ultimately creating new free radicals in the process. By stealing electrons, it can cause damage to DNA, leading to the possible development of cancer.
Free radicals are formed from a number of causes. The most controllable cause is the food we intake. There are anti-cancer foods that we normally see in our homes but are taken for granted. Like Tomatoes are oozing with lycopene, which helps ward off the free radicals associated with lung and digestive cancers as well as prostate, ovarian and lung cancers. Lycopene is also found in watermelon and pink grapefruit. Broccoli sprouts this one’s got a fistful of antioxidant benefits that last for days. In the same family of cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. The contents of it protects against prostate, bladder, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and other hormone-related cancers. Berries are all berry-rich in anthocyanins that help repair and protect DNA like blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, and grapes. Soybeans are soy-good for your health as they’ve got isoflavones (like genistein) that prevent and treat prostate cancer. Soybeans may also reduce breast cancer risk. Tea either make that green and black – is steeped in powerful compounds that, according to countless studies, may lower the risk of several types of cancer. Not too many know that Pumpkin is super-rich source of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, two carotenoids that work hard to fight lung and ovarian cancers. Also rich in carotenoids are carrots, yams, squash, melons, and sweet red peppers. Spinach active antioxidant – lutein – may even help KO cancers of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate. Lutein is also found in kale and other leafy greens. Our common kitchen friend, Garlic from the allium family, works to boost the body’s antioxidant defense systems to protect against stomach, esophageal, and breast cancers. Meet the other members of the family: scallions and onions. Pineapple fruit is coveted sweet pulp contains an anti-inflammatory enzyme – bromelain – that may inhibit the growth of malignant lung and breast cancer cells. Studies show that quercetin – a flavonoid abundant in Apples that prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells. The phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibits the reproduction of colon cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, eating an apple a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent. There’s a mouthful of wisdom in the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The most recent studies have shown that regular Coffee consumption may lower the risk of developing cancer.
August 9, 2008
Cancer Prevention Diet and Nutrition:
image source: www.altcancer.com
Current research indicates that the foods we ingest to our body can influence our risks to certain types of cancer. High energy and high fat diets can lead to obesity and are generally thought to increase the risk of some cancers. Plant-based diets high in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain foods may help to prevent cancer.
Diet is just one of the lifestyle factors that influence the risk of developing cancer.
Smoking, obesity, alcohol, sun exposure and physical activity levels are also important.
Foods to limit in your diet or eat less of include: Fatty processed red meats ,Highly processed foods that are low in fibre Heavily salted and pickled foods.
Foods to eat more The strongest protective anti-cancer effect has been shown with: Vegetables, especially raw vegetables or salads ,Leafy green vegetables, carrots,Tomatoes,Citrus fruits ,Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and other Asian greens.