Nutritional tests
Lifestyle Research Updates
August 2012

 

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Lifestyle News Updates highlights published research from around the World which improve our understanding of how lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer, help enhance our outcome after treatments and alleviate many of the side effects.  

This months issue features studies emphasising the importance of psychological health afer cancer.

 

Previous issues: July | JuneMay | April | March | Feb | Jan

Depression and stress associated with better survival after cancer. 

stressResearchers followed 217 newly diagnosed patients with kidney cancer, over a five year period. They found that the patients who had symptoms of depression had shorter survival times. They also measured salivary cortisol levels, a marker for stress. Those with higher stress levels were also linked to shorter survival. This trial confirms that it is advisable to try to improve psychological well being after cancer - yoga, pilates and exercise are useful tools to do this - find a class in your area 

 Higher levels of emotional and family support linked to better survival
reducing family arguementsFurther evidence for the benefits of psychological well-being was provided by a study involving 168 women with ovarian cancer, published recently in the prestigious JCO. Researchers reported that after nearly five years, a higher percentage of  patients who were classified as having strong emotional and family support were alive, compared to those with lower levels of emotional support. - Tips to reduce family arguments
 Preparing yourself for chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduces  anxiety and depression
chemotherapy and radiotherapy A RCT, published in the respected EJC, evaluated 220 patients who were about to receive cehmotherapy or radiotherapy [1]. Half were given a 22 minute film to take home and watch as many times as they like, with their families. The film, made with Sue Lawley and a multi-idsciplinary team of professionals, showed real patients going through treatments, describing their experiences and discussing strategies to relieve side effects. Compared to patient who were not given the film, being better prepared resulted in significantly lower anxiety and depression scores and better satisfaction - this study won the UK NHS communication prize - read more about the DVD
The csp programmeGroup sessions during which cancer survivors are taught meditation, mindful yoga, and communication techniques significantly improve psychological symptoms and quality of life (QoL) according to findings presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons meeting. Researchers randomly assigned 77 female cancer survivors to either attend weekly two-hour classes for eight weeks plus a single for-hour weekend retreat or be on a waiting list (control group). Patients in the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in stress - Find classes in your area
  Being better psychologically prepared for surgery improves outcome
man yogaResearch from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center involved159 men with early-stage prostate cancer, scheduled for radical prostatectomy. A third of the men received routine care, a third had access to psychologists one to two weeks before surgery and a third group received stress management training. Men in this intervention group met with a psychologist for support, learned deep breathing and guided-imagery techniques. Two days after surgery, the men who had received stress management had a measurably stronger immune response, based on higher levels of natural killer cell function and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, which affect the healing process.
exercise A study published in the BMJ evaluated 34 randomised controlled trials from across the world [2]. Twenty two studies assessed aerobic exercise, and four also included resistance or strength training. Physical activity was associated with improvements in depression, fatigue and quality of life.  - read more about fatigue
Group therapy may prolong survival for women with breast cancer
chemo A study has indicated taht women with breast cancer who participate in group therapy sessions - consisting of a year of small-group meetings led by clinical psychologists - may live longer and have a lower risk of cancer recurrence.  Researchers found that after 11 years, women who participated in the one-year group sessions were 56 percent less likely to die of breast cancer and 45 percent less likely to experience cancer recurrence, compared to women who did not participate - most areas of the UK have support groups for cancer survivours - read a list UK support groups
Online micro-nutritional testing - optimise your nutritional status
nutritional testsMost top athletes measure their body's essential micro-nutrients to ensure they have the correct nutritional balance for optimal performance. These tests are now available for everyone especially those concerned about or who have survived cancer. A online micro-nutrient service has been developed by cancernet which measures over 50 of the bodies essential micro-nutrients and anti-cancer enzymes (read evidence base).  The results of the detailed blood test are issued with a comprehensive bespoke advice programme which empowers the recipient to a diet and lifestyle which corrects deficiencies and lowers excesses to restore optimal nutritional status - read more about micro-nutrient testing
Polyphenol/antioxidant trial completes recruitment 10 months early
Pomi-T nutritional therapyThe national NCRN badged UK Pomi-T study has now completed the statistical power calculated recruitment target 10 months ahead of schedule.  201 men with early or relapsed prostate cancer have been randomised to placebo or a mix of 4 polypenol/anti-oxidant rich superfoods. The trial  was just been granted further approval from the UK ethics sponsored by Prostate Action and supported by the NCRN..read more about the Pomi-t study

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 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.

 

  

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)

Lifestyle after Cancer - the facts

Lifestyle after CancerThe 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 

Reference sources 

 

[1] Forewarned is forearmed - benefits of preparatory information on video casette for patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy - a randomised controlled trial. Thomas R, et al  (2000) EJC 36 1536-1543.


[2]   Physical activity for cancer survivors: meta-analysis of randomised Controlled Trials (2102) Fong et al BMJ 344:e70

 

 

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