Lifestyle Research Updates   November 2014                                             

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More evidence linking low vitamin D with a higher death rate

sunbathing

A study involving >95,000 participants for  over 10 years confirmed the risks of a low vitamin D. The Danish study, published in the BMJ, showed that individuals with a genetic susceptibility for low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (<20 nmol/L) had twice the risk of all cause mortality and cancer mortality but not cardiovascular mortality - Do you know your vitamin levels?

Cleaning behind the ears - may not always be good for you!

Triclosan, an antimicrobial in liquid soaps, creams, shampoos and toothpastes has been found to have potential health risks in a study by the University of California. It caused liver fibrosis and cancer in mice exposed to it for 6 months (roughly 18 human yrs). Although it is present only in trace amount in household products it is ubiquitous; traces have been found in 97% of breast milk samples and in urine 75% of people tested. It is commonly found in drinking water, streams and rivers. Not all creams contain this product

Daily low does aspirin linked to better outcomes after prostate cancer

A further retrospective analysis of the Cancer Prevention Nutrition Cohort has revealed a link between post diagnosis aspirin use and prostate cancer relapse. Although there was no benefit in low grade cancers there was a significant reduction in death among men diagnosed with high-risk cancers (≥ T3 and/or Gleason score ≥ 8)  (remember salicylates are found in vegetables) - full article

Link between cellphones and brain tumours getting stronger

A pooled analysis of 2 case-control studies on malignant brain tumours was published this month. 1,498 (89%) cases of glioma and 3,530 (87%) controls participated. Mobile and cordless phone use was found to increased the risk of aggressive brain cancer (glioma) particularly of the lobe closest to the ear (temporal lobe). The risk increased per 100 hours of use and the earlier in life phones started to be used. It would be wise to encourage children to use ear phones - more

 

Good quality probiotics help reduce chemotherapy diarrhoea

Probiotics have been found to reduce side effects of chemotherapy. A placebo controlled study involving patients taking oral chemo showed a significant reduction in the risk of diarrhoea and no increased risk of infection even when patients had low immunity. Probiotics are not all the same, it is important to buy a multiple strain combination from a reputable source Read more 

Increased number of sexual partners linked to low prostate cancer risk 

kissing A study of >3,000 men from Canada investigated the link between promiscuity and prostate cancer. They found that  those who had >20 female partners were 19% percent less likely to get aggressive prostate cancer. But >20 male partners upped the chances. The authors hypothesised that this was likely to be due to a higher frequency of ejaculations, whose protective effect has been previously observed in cohort studies - read more 

Pre-diabetes linked with an increased risk of cancer

sugar

A meta-analysis from China analysed >900,000 people andf ound that those with prediabetes had a 15% increased risk of cancer. This  is a blood sugar that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered full-blown diabetes or are at the the upper end of normal in a glucose tolerance test. Ongoing study are investigating whether metformin should be given for pre diabetes to individuals with an increased risk of cancer -full article
Higher cholesterol levels linked to greater relapse after prostate cancer

  dairy productsProstate cancer survivors with higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides had an increased risk for disease recurrence, according to a study by Allott et al. The study findings, coupled with evidence that statin use is associated with reduced recurrence risk, suggest that lipid levels should be explored as a modifiable risk factor for prostate cancer recurrence.   read full abstract

Follow us on Twitter Another interesting summary about the benefits of polyphenols

Pomi-T Study
 

Broccoli now shows potential to block ovarian cancer progression
brussel sprouts Researchers from Texas University discovered a mechanism by which diindolylmethane (DIM), an active metabolite of indole-3-carbinol, has an anti-cancer effect. It was found induce cancer cell sudden death (apoptosis).  This is found in high amounts in broccoli and other cruciferous veggies. DIM has also been found to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 in ovarian tumuor cells, and prevent new blood vessels from forming from existing ones. - more about polyphenols
 
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
Lifestyle and Cancer - the facts

Lifestyle after Cancer 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