Lifestyle and Cancer News Updates
February 2012
 

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Nutritional testsThis news update highlights published research, announcements and practical products from the international literature with the aim to improve our understanding of how lifestyle after cancer can help outcome and well being ..read more

Obesity in epidemical propportions is increasing cancer risk 

overweightIn the UK, an estimated 60% of adults and 30% of children are overweight. According to the BBC, waist circumference is another important measure and 38 per cent of adults had a raised waist circumference compared to 23 per cent in 1993. In addition, the import and use of sugar is sky rocketing - both risk factors for cancer. Scientist predict ours is the first generation where our  kids are likely to live to a lower average age than their parents...more about lifestyle and cancer.

Exercise shown to change genes of prostate cancer cells - making them less aggressive

swimming cancernetA study  presented in the American Society of Clincal Oncolofgy meeting this month showed that >180 prostate cancer genes of men with early stage prostate cancer changed their expression of proteins, for the better, after exercise. This included activities such as jogging, tennis or swimming for at least three hours a week, compared with genes in men who did less exercise. The same researchers, in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that with prostate cancer who participated in three or more hours a week of vigorous activity had about a 50 percent lower risk of death from all illnesses, and a 60 percent lower risk of death from prostate cancer. -  more about exercise and cancer.

Eating fish regularly linked to a lower risk of bowel polyps

fishstudy published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that adult females who consume three servings of fish on a weekly basis have a 33% decreased chance of adenomas being found during a colonoscopy. The authors theorize that omega-3 fatty acids in fish may act as anti-inflammatories, preventing the formation of colon polyps. Women who consumed more fish appeared to have decreased levels of prostaglandin E2, a hormone which in higher levels has been associated with an increased risk for colon cancer.  - more about diet and cancer

Meta analysis confirms amazing benefits of exercise after cancer

bmjA study published in the BMJ this months evualuated 34 randomised controlled trials from across the world. Twenty two studies assessed aerobic exercise, and four also included resistance or strength training.  Physical activity was associated with improvements in insulin-like growth factor-I, bench press, leg press, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. There were significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body weight, peak oxygen consumption, peak power output, distance walked in six minutes, right handgrip strength, and quality of life. - read BMJ abstract

A major double blind placebo RCT trial of pomi-T gets NCRN approval
Pomi-T nutritional therapyA major UK study aiming, to find out if whole food supplements have an influence on cancer progression, is recruit well after a strong start. The placebo cncrnontrolled study now has the support NCRN and funding by Prostate Action. This study, the first of many, involves men on active surveillance with prostate cancer has choosen a mix of pomegranate, brocccoli, green tea and turmeric as these food have some phase II data - combining these whole foods in specific formulation aims to enhance the anti-cancer effect whilse avoiding potential overload of one food source... Read more or follow the trial progress.
Benefits of Pilate's after breast Cancer
The csp programmeThe benefits of exercising after breast cancer is becoming more and more convincing as each new study is published. In general, > 3 hours of moderate exercise a week correlates with a reduced risk of relapse (Read more). After the battering of cancer treatments this target is not always easy and the gym, running or brisk walking may not be everyone's cup of tea.  Top pilates instructors Rachel Stephenson shows how regular pilates is particularly beneficial for the mind, body and overall well  being - read Rachel's full article       (find pilates classes in your area).
Risks of barbecued and fried meat not just confined to the colon
processed meatHeterocyclic amines (HCA), found in abundance in barbecued, processed and fried meat, are known to damage DNA causing carcinogenic mutations in laboratory experiments. Studies in human populations have suggest that HCAs are behind the observed association between meat consumption and cancers of the pancreas, prostate and colon. Other chemicals include acylamides, nitrites, free iron or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also add to the carcinogenic risk. Recent studies have demonstrated that HCA levels can be reduced by lowering cooking time and temperatures and avoiding burning.Another showed that marinating in herbs and spices added antioxidants helping to counterbalance the carcinogens. The chapter from Lifestyle after Cancer entitled "How to avoid carcinogens" is available free online
Exercise rehabilitation course - an early outstanding success
wright foundationThe Wright Foundation, government recognised, qualification in cancer rehabilitation, featured in the last newsletter, has forged a successful new path for UK survivorship programmes. Dates have been booked for the next 6 months both in municipal and private gyms. This is a great step forward for cancer rehabilitation in the UK as gyms, who have an instructor with these level 4 skills, are now able to accept referrals on the nationall exercise referral scheme. Instructors with this qualification also have a another "quiver in their bow" and are able to take on private clients for individual rehab. The course welcomes gym instructors, other exercise professionals empowering them with a knowledge of what, what and how exercise is pivotal for cancer survivors - to sign up or read more about the course 
Too much or too little folate increases risk of cancer 
green vegA major international study has confirmed a U-shaped distribution for the benefits of folate intake. The evaluation of the epic study published in The European Journal of Cancer showed that individuals with diets low in leafy green vegetables rich in folate, had a higher risk of cancer whilst those who took excessive supplements increased their risk. This confirmed two Scandanavian studies of folate acid supplementation described in detail in the vitamin section of Lifestyle after Cancer, which also showed an increased risk of cancer.  The most relaible way to ensure you have the correct level of micro-nutrients is to measure them - see online micro-nutrient testing.
Online micro-nutritional tests featured in ICON magazine
nutritional testsThe online micro-nutrient service launched by cancernet is featured in this months Icon magazine. The test measures over 50 of the bodies essential micronutients, and the article described the evidence for the link between  deficiency or excess and the risk of cancer.  The results of the detailed blood test are issued with a comprehensive bespoke which aims to empowering the recipient to a diet and lifestyle which aims to optimise their nutritional balance - read more about micro-nutrient testing

Natural remedies aim to ease some of the burdon of chemotherapy.          

Chapped lips can occurs in up to 60% of people during chemotherapy yet this troublesome symptom is rarely mentioned in CRF's. Chemotherapy damaged nailscan lead to pain and infection. These two natural products have been designed with these two conditions in mind.

 

naturemedical balmnatureMedical lip remedy has been developed to moisturise and soothe the lips during and after chemotherapy. It containing only natural waxes and oils (bees, shea, cocoa, olive) and rare essential oils selected for their anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties - read lip care guidelines (order).

 

  

nails

natureMedical nail balm aims to moisturising the nail beds and prevent splitting and defects. This cream uses 100% natural, organic waxes and African Sage which has anti-septic and anti-fungal properties...read nail care guidelines (order)

Lifestyle after Cancer - the facts - "Best seller" at the NCRI conference

Lifestyle after CancerThe new edition of Lifestyle after Cancer was the best selling book on the wise press stand at the NCRI conference in Liverpool last Novemebr. This colour illustrated books dispells the myths by providing clear evidence based advice, to help readers cope with side effects, speed up recovey and reduce the risk of relapse. You can order  online or send to a friend or family (�8.95).

 

A new scheme is also now available to advocacy groups - The publishers are able to supply at cost price to groups who can sell on to members at a discount Contact us about joinng this scheme 

 

Read foreword by Paula Radcliffe Download a free Chapter - Avoiding carcinogens 

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