| Concerns of excess selenium supplementation |  A study published in the Lancet in Feb 2012 found an association between higher than normal blood selenium levels and an increased risk of diabetes. This may expalin why too much selenium may have an increased cancer risk. Excess selenium can also contribute to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset white blotchy nails, garlic breath odor, fatigue and irritability. On the other hand, individuals with chronically low levels of selenium have a higher risk of cancer. The dilemma therefore for individuals is knowing what their selenium level actually are because taking supplements when levels are normal may do more harm than good - One option is to measure selenium and other micro-nutrients before considering a dietary change or supplement - see essential micro-nutrient testing. |
| Low Vitamin D levels linked to more aggressive breast cancer types |  A study presented in the American Society of Breast Surgeons meeting reported that 155 women with breast cancer with low levels of vitamin D had more aggressive tumors and poorer outcomes. The risk was significantly greater if vitamin D levels were lower than 32 mg/ml. This finding is concerning because the results of the first cohort of individuals who used the cancernet micro-nutrient analysis service (published in the UK NCRI conference) showed that over half had vitamin D below this level - read lifestyle tips to increase VItamin D. |
| Further evidence for the benefits of Aspirin | |
 The potential anti-cancer properties of aspirin have been known for some time. In the lab, it inhibits the COX-2 pathway which can drive growth and spread of cancer cells. In humans, trials have demonstrated a reduced risk of bowel polyps and cancer formation. A study published in the JCO last month showed that women who took regular or intermittent aspirin after breast cancer had a lower relapse rate. - read more about breast cancer
|
|
Vegetarians have higher natural salicylate levels in their blood | |
 Aspirin clearly has anti-cancer properties but has an increased risk of bleeding. Chapter 11 of Lifestyle after cancer discusses the evidence but cites studies which have measured salicylate levels amoung people with diets rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly vegetarians which have serum salicylate equivalent to a dose of up to 80mg a day - usually more than enough to block COX-2 . It could be that aspirin compensates for a low fruit and vegetable intake. A higher intake of fruit and vegetables, as well as delivering numerous other health benefits, actually protects the stomach and digestive pathway, reducing the risk of adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion. read about lifestyle and cancer.
|
|
Mindfulness Training May Benefit Patients Undergoing chemotherapy |  A presentation at the Society for Integrative Oncology conference suggested that patients who underwent mindfulness training had improved mood and other symptoms of well being following intensive chemotherapy. The randomised trial evaluated the longitudinal and short-term effects of mindfulness meditation training in 241 cancer patients.Find a yoga class in your area |
|
Polyphenol/antioxidant trial surges ahead |  The NCRN badged UK Pomi-T study is recruiting 5 months ahead of schedule. So far 162 men with early or relapsed prostate cancer have been randomised to placebo or a mix of 4 polypenol/anti-oxidant rich superfoods. The trial has just been granted further approval from the UK ethics committee to expend the numbers to 200..read more about the Pomi-t study |
| Exercise rehabilitation course - a continued outstanding success |  The Wright Foundation, government recognised, qualification in cancer rehabilitation, has forged a successful new path for UK survivorship programmes. 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 empowers trainers with a knowledge of what, why and how exercise is pivotal for cancer survivors - to sign up or read more about the course |
| Online micro-nutritional testing |  The online micro-nutrient service launched by cancernet measures over 50 of the bodies essential micronutients. 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 information materials. Chemotherapy also damages nails which can lead to pain and infection. Two natural products have been designed with these conditions in mind.
 natureMedical 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).
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 | |
 The new edition of Lifestyle after Cancer 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 |
|
