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 Lifestyle Research Updates
July 2013 Cancernet.co.uk
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 Ginseng helps cancer related fatigue | |
 In a double blind trial conducted by the Mayo Clinic, 341 patients with cancer related fatigue were randomised to receive 2000mg of Ginseng or placebo. By 4 weeks, fatigue, measured by the multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory was significantly lower in the Ginseng group. The effect was seen across all age groups and tumour types. There were no side effects - see other fatigue tips
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Curcumin taken with taxotere chemotherapy may improve outcome
|  It is often quoted that taking spices with chemo would block its effect via an anti-oxidant mechanism. Despite this theory, there is little evidence and a small study published at ASCO 2013 showed that taking curcumin with docetaxel actually improved the response rate. It must be noted, however, that this was only a phase II non randomized trial so the results need confirmation - more about curcumin/turmeric |
The Pomi-T trial presented at ASCO 2013 - big honour for UK researchers
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 A double blind RCT of a capsule containing broccoli, green tea, turmeric and pomegranate was presented in the main urology section of ASCO (Chicago). This was a big honour for the UK research team as this is regarded as one of 10 most significant pieces of research work in urology for the last year read more about the Pomi-t study
See channel 5 news coverage
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Further risks of Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
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 A study in the BMJ showed that long term cal/vit D supplements increased heart disease risk. Now a study published in The Oncologist, found they may also increase risks of aggressive prostate cancer. On the other hand they do help protect the bones from osteoporosis and we know, from the results of our nutritional profile that most people in the UK are vitamin D deficient - tips to increase Vitamin D levels naturally.
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Omega 3 and cancer
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 Populations with higher dietary intake of fish oils including omega 3 have a lower cancer incidence. A study published this month showed, surprisingly, that men with the highest blood levels had a higher risk of prostate cancer. More research is clearly needed especially as we know, from the results of the cancer risk nutritional profile study published last year that most people in the UK are omega 3 deficient so it is rare to have high levels. It is likely therefore in the USA study that most of these men took omega 3 supplements as well as other vitamin and mineral supplements which we now know can also increase the risk - how to measure your omega 3 levels
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Suicide risk higher among men diagnosed with prostate cancer
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 A study published in "EJC" showed that individuals with prostate cancer had an increased risk of suicide - even those with very low risk indolent disease managed with active surveillance - As well as strong reassurance, the authors advocate advising self help strategies which empower the men with some control over their management - advice includes exercise | carcinogen avoidance | weight control | polyphenol rich diet
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Exercise prevents prostate cancer - further evidence
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 Men, particularly, Caucasian origin, who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer and especially have a lower risk of the aggressive high-grade disease. The study involving 300 men undergoing transrectal biopsy was published online in Cancer. Investigators from the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centre found that 9 MET hours a week reduced the risk by 49% - more about exercise and cancer
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Omega 3 and polyphenols protect skin from sun damage
|  Two recent studies have show that certain foods can help protect the skin after Sun damage. The first from Australia showed the risk of subsequent skin cancers are reduced if individuals ate a polyphenol rich diet. The second showed that omega 3 fish oils protect the skin from the aging effects of sun - maybe there is a role for taking Pomi-t after sun exposure? |
Avoid heating plastic containers with food
|  A study from, Taiwan published in JAMA internal Medicine found that serving hot food on melamine tableware could increase your exposure to this chemical. The same risks apply if food is microwaved in plastic containers - The study did not link the amount of melamine measured in the urine with health risks but the FDA have already cautioned that long-term exposure to the chemical could pose health risks such as kidneys stones and an increased cancer risk has been found in animal studies - more about how to avoid carcinogens |
Chapped lips worse during chemotherapy and linked cold sore
|  A study of 100 individuals receiving chemotherapy, published in Focus on Cancer Medicine revealed a 41% increase incidence of chapped lips compared to before chemotherapy. Individuals with chapped lips also had a 2.5 increased risk of cold sores. Of the majority who used petroleum-based creams only 9% reported that they were helpful as opposed to 63% who used natural oil based balms - read more about lip care guidelines |
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Chemotherapy induced nail damage antidote balm developed - study designed
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 A randominsed double blind controlled study looking at an antidote for chemotherapy induced nail damage has been designed in partnership with a Cranfield University Msc graduate. The investigational balm uses natural plant based oils, containing no artificial chemicals, combined with essential oils selected for their anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and moisturizing properties. This will be compared to the usual commercially available synthetic based balms - read more about nail care guidelines
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| Online micro-nutritional testing - optimise your nutritional status |  Most 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 |
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Lifestyle and Cancer - the facts
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 The 2011 edition of Lifestyle and 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 after cancer Order online
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 Free Chapter - Avoiding carcinogens
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