Lifestyle Research Updates

July 2013                                                               Cancernet.co.uk

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

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. 

A further analysis of the double blind RCT Pomi-T study presented at ASCO this year has shown that men on the polyphenol rich whole food supplement trial were 30% more likely to stay on Active surveillance or Watchful Watching compared to placebo
 this extra evidence will be presented at the European Meeting on Urological cancers in Marseille. Read more about the Pomi-t study | See channel 5 news coverage 

A study published in JCO suggests that moderate drinking has little effect on survival after a breast cancer diagnosis, and may reduce deaths from cardiovascular disease. Investigators studied 22,890 women with breast cancer, recording information on alcohol intake before diagnosis. Other studies have shown the opposite and is linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer -  so still drink with caution - more about alcohol and cancer

A study published in Cancer Prevention Research randomised two groups of mice - the first group had a normal diet whilst the other a diet with high fat and calories which caused them to gain weight. By 14 months the high fat and high calorie-diet group developed abnormally high numbers of lesions known to be precursors to pancreatic cancer. The cancer promoting mechanism of overeating is thought to be via increased IGF levels and insulin resistance.- more on diet and cancer 

Research recently published in Carcinogenesis reported that grape extract killed head and neck squamous cell cancer cells in cell cultures and in laboratory mice and did not harm "healthy cells in the process. The study was supported by grants from the National Center for Complementary Medicine and NCI - more about polyphenol rich foods

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

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 

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