Lifestyle and Cancer MASSC Updates 2015

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Strong correlation between PSA and MRI dynamics in men on Pomi-T

A study presented at MASSC Copenhagen provides further reassurance for men taking the food supplement Pomi-T . In this new study, men who continued Pomi-T long term had 2 high resolution MRI images a year apart. There was a 100% correlation between disease progression on MRI with a rising PSA This data strongly suggests that the PSA effect of Pomi-t correlates with disease on MRI see full poster

Integrative therapies popular among patients receiving RXT

Cancer partners UK is the second largest provider of technically advanced RXT in the UK. To support their patients it's centres provide healthy lifestyle advice .They also have a Living Well Programme in partnership with an integrative Cancer Support Centre (Penny Brohn). This intervention was evaluated in this study presented at MASSC. Patient concerns (especially psychological) significantly improved over the course of their treatments.

Integrative therapies were accepted by the majority of patients and had a high satisfaction rate. We believe this contributed to the significant improvement in wellbeing scores and added to the quality of care in these centres. - view full poster

Pesticide exposure in pregnancy increases breast cancer risk later

Women who were exposed to higher levels of the potential carcinogen pesticide DDT in utero were nearly four times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer as adults than women who were exposed to lower levels before birth, according to a study published in J Clin End & Met

FDA ban trans-fats in USA

New FDA regulations classify partially-hydrogenated oils that comprise nearly all trans fat consumed in the USA as food additives sat they cannot be used unless specifically authorised. Naturally occurring trans fat in milk and other animal products wouldn't be affected. The impact will be small reductions in LDL cholesterol for an individual but the impact for a population may be significant - read more

Probiotics help reduce chemotherapy induced diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is a side effect of irinotecan, FU and capecitabine chemotherapy. In a study presented at ASCO patients with bowel cancer starting chemo were randomised to probiotics or placebo. Individuals taking probiotics had a significant (17.4%) reduction in severe diarrhoea of grade 3-4 as well as reduction in overall risk of diarrhoea see full poster. It is, however important to take probiotics produced to a high manufacturing stand with a broad spectrum of friendly bacteria - read more

Equal benefit for fish oils over soybean oil for joint pains

A double-blind trial (SWOG S0927), randomised 249 women patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitor to a 3g omega-3 caspsule or soybean/corn (placebo group) for 90 days. There was an improvement in joint pains in both groups but no difference between them. This either means that omega 3 is as good as soybean/corn oil in helping arthralgia or the change in both groups was a placebo effect- read more

Fish oils reduce triglyceride levels

The double-blind SWOG S0927 trial, mentioned above, also had a separate analysis. They compared serum fat levels between women taking the fish oil and those taking soybean/corn oil. In the omega-3 group levels decreased but remained the same for those on placebo (P = .01). No differences were seen for HDL, LDL, or C-reactive protein. This confirms the benefits reported in previous trials - more about the benefits of fish oils

Vitamin B3 helps reduce risk of 2nd skin cancer

The Australian ONTRAC trial randomised 386 patients to 12 months Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) or placebo. They had at least 2 nonmelanoma skin cancers in the past 5 years so were considered to be at high risk. Taken as a twice-daily pill, VitB3 reduced the incidence of new skin cancers by 23%. Combine with adequate vitamin D and avoiding sun burn again, taking Vit B3, in this group seems sensible - read more

Exercise during chemo reduces nausea and fatigue

Although the benefits of exercise are clear after chemotherapy, a trial published in JCO recently confirmed that there are major benefits during chemotherapy, with little risk. What's more, it showed that amoung the 230 patients investigated those randomised to a high intensity supervised programme had particularly less nausea, vomiting and fatigue and more power and stamina to lead a normal life - full paper

Chemotherapy induced nerve damaged helped by exercise

Chemotherapy can damage the nerves in the hands and feet causing troublesome burning, numbness, tingling or loss of reflexes. Men and women who have received oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer are particularly vulnerable but two recent studies from the USA and Denmark both show that those who perform 3 or more hours a week of moderate activity recover more quickly from this troublesome side effect - read more

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

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

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