Lifestyle and Cancer Research Updates March 2015

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Vitamin D directly effects prostate cancer cells

A study has provided further insights into the potential anti-cancer properties of Vit-D. Researchers randomised 37 to receive either 4000 u Vit-D or placebo for 60 days pre prostatectomy. At surgery there was a significant improvement in features of cancer activity in the vit-D group. They did not measure levels before so we don't know if this just benefited those who were deficient pre trial - see trial video

Unregulated copies of Pomi-T are hitting UK websites

The UK manufacturers have reported to us that batches of unregulated Pomi-T have been found on some UK websites. This is concerning because the original pomi-T underwent a very strict quality assurance programme required for the original UK trial. This included mass spectrometry, authenticity and contamination assays. As the UK manufacturers agreed to continue this QA process the best way to be sure is to get it from them directly >>>

Report highlights the extent of health problems caused by xenoestrogens

Exposure to xenoestrogens is leading to an increased risk of health problems, including cancer, costing > $175 billion / year in Europe. These chemicals that can mimic or block oestrogen are commonly found in thousands of products including plastics, pesticides, furniture, and cosmetics - read report

Saunas are good for men!

A study from - yes you guest it - Finland - asked 2,315 men their sauna going habits via a questionnaire over 10 years.

Men who visited the sauna once a week had a 10% reduced risk of death within 10 years from cardiac arrest or heart disease but men who went 2-3 times per week had a 22% reduction and >4 times had a staggering 63% reduction in risk of death - read more

Being overweight actually improves outcomes after kidney cancer

Obesity gets a lot of bad press but here's a trial which may raise a smile for those struggling to loose the pounds. Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, analyzed 4,657 patients with metastatic RCC who received targeted therapy. The higher BMI group progressed slower and had a significantly longer median overall survival than the low BMI group - read more

Sugar lowering drug helps men with prostate cancer

A meta-analysis of 8 retrospective cohort studies found that the drug metformin, given to mildly diabetic men, was associated with a an 18% decreased risk of PSA relapse in men treated for prostate cancer. For those treated with radiotherapy this was as high as 50%. More research is ongoing but in the mean time diabetics not on metformin should discuss a change with their physicians read more

Smoking increases bowel cancer risk

A study from Roswell Park Cancer Institute evaluated smoking and second hand smoking habits of 1,200 colorectal cancer cases and compared these to 2,400 malignancy-free matched controls. When removing the effect of smoke inhalation from second hand smoking partners they reported substantial increase in the odds of colorectal cancer for all smoking variables... Read more | Tips to quit

Quitting smoking improve outcomes after prostate cancer

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York evaluated 2,400 patients who underwent treatment for prostate cancer between 1988 and 2005. Although smoking has been previously shown to increase prostate cancer risk they found it is still important to give up because that those who continued to smoke during and after radiotherapy had double the prostate cancer specific death rate. Other studies have also shown smoking increased rectal damage. Clearly smokers after prostate should be strong counselled to quit. Read more | Tips to quit.

Insulin resistance increases breast cancer risk - overweight or not!

Insulin's role in breast cancer risk was invested in a study published by the American Diabetic Society. More than 3,300 women without diabetes, 497 of whom developed breast cancer over eight years were analyzed for their weight, fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance. Overweight women with high insulin had an 84% higher risk of breast cancer than overweight women with normal insulin but normal weight women with insulin resistance fared just as badly. It's excess insulin which is the problem not just being overweight.. read more

Certain probiotics shown to protect us from "colds"

A growing interest has been directed towards the role of probiotics in preventing upper respiratory track infections. Several studies have now confirmed that their regular intake reduces the incidence and severity of colds. For most of us this is a troublesome annoyance but of those with other illnesses this could lead more to serious consequences. For athletes colds can interfere with their training programme - hence why probiotics are recommended to the Australian national team. It is very important however to take a reputable brand with high manufacturing standards - read more

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.

An online micro-nutrient service has been developed by cancernet which measures over 50 of the bodies essential micro-nutrients and anti-cancer enzymes.

The results of the detailed blood test are issued with a 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

This latest 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 and hospitals - 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

Read free sample chapter - Avoiding carcinogens

Measure and plot your PSA doubling time (PSAdt)

This application is useful for doctors and patients alike as it quickly and accurately calculates the rate of rise of two or more PSA blood measurements over time - more important measurement than an isolated single level.

This is particularly useful for men with prostate cancer managed with Active Surveillance or experiencing a PSA relapse after previous treatments. The PSA doubling time over any period of time is displayed in an easily readable graph so one can accurately see if it is shortening (bad) or lengthening (good) in response to lifestyle changes or oral supplements such as Pomi-T. The graph can be updated with each blood test and the results emailed to your home computer or doctor - read more