The World Health Organization has found that dietary factors account for approximately 30% of all cancers in Western countries, and that diet is second only to tobacco use as a preventable cause. Following cardiovascular disease, it is the second biggest cause of death in developed countries. More than half of all new cancer cases are springing up in developing countries, already plagued by so many other diseases.

What can be done about this startling statistic?

The WHO has recognized that at least one-third of these cancer cases could be prevented. Smoking is one preventable cause of cancer. Overweight and obesity are considered the next major risk factors. Excessive alcohol consumption and inactivity are also related risk factors.

There is no special science needed to understand that eating a healthy, whole foods-based diet and getting regular physical activity can be significantly linked to prevention of cancer, but the research that has been done does support this. We are fortunate in the Western world to have access to an abundance of whole foods. A variety of fruits and vegetables can be found in any supermarket, and whole grains in an array of choices can be found there, as well. We are fortunate and abundant in choice.

Rich, fatty, and over-processed foods are detrimental to overall good health. Not only do they not provide the energy that the body needs to function, they provide an opening for serious health problems such as cancer to gain a foot-hold. Cancer is an alien form of normal tissue that grows in a haphazard and invasive way in the body. This causes healthy cells to mutate and attack the body itself. Of all the cells in the human body, it only takes one to mutate and begin to replicate itself, which it does with a vicious abandon. This is why early detection and treatment are so crucial to put the odds in favor of survival in this drama where the body becomes a battlefield.

A diagnosis of cancer is stressful on the patient as well as on their families. Cancer patient care is expensive for the health system, and it can also have an effect within the family unit, with the patient unable to work while receiving treatment.

Fruits and vegetables can decrease the risk of some forms of cancer, such as mouth, esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. The vitamins provided by a whole foods diet give the body the tools it needs in order to do its job in order to function properly and fend off would-be attackers.

While there are other risk factors involved, such as genetic predisposition, our personal habits far outweigh those risk factors. Personal responsibility for the state of our health can make a difference.

Wouldn’t it make sense to do everything at your disposal to preserve your good health? A body that is starving from lack of good nutritional food cannot be expected to perform adequately in day-to-day operations, let alone fend off a parasite such as cancer. No matter where you are starting from in your wholesome nutritional quest, the main thing is to begin!

Give your body the gift of good, whole foods nutrition, and it will be able to give back to you abundantly in terms of radiant good health. You deserve the best possible health you can attain, and taking advantage of the choices that are available to you is your right. Any opportunity that affords you the best that you can be will reap you rewards in terms of feeling great and enjoying the life you have been given.

Debra Augur has studied holistic nutrition for years, put that knowledge into practice, and has a passion to share that knowledge with others who are seeking their own best health. If we are what we eat, are we denatured, devitalized, deficient and potentially toxic? Visit eat-well-to-be-well.com eat-well-to-be-well.com to learn more, and begin acquiring your healthiest self.

Tags: cancer patient, colorectal cancer

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Tags: cancer patient, colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer prevention and diet have a lot in common.

After all, your colon and your rectum are responsible for things like nutrient absorption, water management and elimination of waste.

You don’t need a scientist to tell you that garbage in equals garbage out. But let’s hear what the experts have to say anyway.

Many studies on colorectal cancer prevention and diet have found that red and processed meats are a major contributor. However, a group of doctors in France were unconvinced by “existing evidence” and decided to do a comprehensive study for themselves.

So they followed a mere 478,040 men and women for nearly five years and finally concluded that red and processed meat was positively a cause of colon cancer AND that eating fish actually considerably reduced a person’s risk. [Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 15;97:906-16]

This isn’t the only research that implicated omega 3 oil from fish as a factor in reducing colorectal cancer.

Doctors associated with the New York University Women’s Health Study closely watched 14,727 women for an average of 7 years. They found “a progressive decline in risk of colorectal cancer with increasing intake of fish and shellfish.”

And there’s more. They also found a similar decline in the risk for women inversely proportionate to the amount of calcium they consumed. In laymen’s terms, that means the women who ate the most calcium had the lowest risk.

But interestingly, they weren’t as certain about the red meat connection as our friends in France were. As a matter of fact, the doctors at NYU said the association of red meat to colorectal cancer “remains unclear.” [Nutrition & Cancer, Vol. 28:276-81]

Another fascinating study out of Harvard suggests that it’s not so much the red meat and fats, but rather our “western” lifestyle that causes the problem.

They cite obesity, physical inactivity, a diet low in vegetables and fruit, while high in red meat and processed foods, all contributes to one common denominator of this lifestyle – high levels of insulin in the blood!

The researchers hypothesize that elevated blood insulin “promotes colon carcinogenesis” because insulin is a “growth factor” that causes cellular division of epithelial cells in the colon. [Cancer Causes & Control, Vol. 6, No. 2:164-79]

So what are we to do about colorectal cancer prevention and diet? It’s easy as pie as long as you don’t eat the pie.

Stick with whole foods, including lots of vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains and other fiber rich foods, unprocessed oils, like extra virgin olive oil, lean meats (mostly fish and chicken, but an occasional T-bone won’t hurt), low fat dairy and plenty of pure water.

Studies suggest it’s important to cut way back on alcohol, practice stress management and exercise regularly (very important!)

Following these guidelines will not only reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, but many other cancers as well, plus heart disease and diabetes too. And it will also improve your vim, vigor and vitality!

Michael Byrd has over 18 years of education and experience in the fields of physical therapy, health, fitness and nutrition. His pursuit of wellness has shown him many omega-3.us fish oil health benefits as well as the benefits of using natural whole foods to help you look younger, feel better and stay healthy. Michael will even send you a Free CD when you visit his site at omega-3.us omega-3.us.

Tags: cancer prevention, colon cancer, colorectal cancer

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Tags: cancer prevention, colon cancer, colorectal cancer

WHAT EXACTLY IS UTERUS CANCER?

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterus cancer. It is so termed as the cancerous cells abnormally develop in the endometrium lining. It is also known as the cancer of the uterus or uterine cancer.

UNDERSTANDING CANCER

To understand cancer, we must first know that this ailment begins in the human cells. The cells are the primary unit of life. Cells combine to form tissues. Tissues come together to form organs. Cancers are malignant tumors. Tumors are masses of extra tissues. Tumors are formed when unnecessary extra cells are formed in our body. Actually new cells (the basic unit of our life) are born as per the body requirement and after the old ones die. But the malignant or cancerous cells keep on forming and constitute tumors or growths. They also spread abnormally fast. Tumors can also be non-cancerous or benign.

MALIGNANT UTERUS CANCER CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING

Uterus cancer can spread (metastasize), to the surrounding nearby blood vessels or nerves. And, from one lymph node, uterus cancer can affect other lymph nodes. Even the bones, liver, and lungs can be affected. Doctors give the newly spread tumor the same name as the mother tumor has as their characteristics remain identical.

CAUSES OF UTERUS CANCER

There is still no unanimity among the medical specialists as to the exact causes of uterus cancer or uterine cancer. Nonetheless, there is agreement among them that uterus cancer cannot spread from one person to another. In other words, uterus cancer is not contagious. Mentionably, though uterus cancer generally happens after menopause, yet it can take place as menopause starts.

TYPES OF UTERUS CANCER

There are different types of uterus cancer. You would be surprised to know that cancerous cells of the uterus at times spread to the lungs. This is not lung cancer but uterine cancer that has metastasized (spread). This ‘distant’ ailment is treated as uterus cancer. Another typical form of uterus cancer is uterine sarcoma. It develops in the myometrium (muscle). There is another uterine cancer that starts in the cervix region.

SYMPTOMS OF UTERUS CANCER

The most common symptom of uterus cancer is profuse bleeding from the vagina. Many have the misconception that such abnormal vaginal bleeding is symptom of menopause and do not pay adequate attention to it. This is wrong! Such vaginal bleeding can begin only as a watery flow having just a streak of blood. But slowly more and more blood flows along with it.

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS

Immediately consult a gynecologist the moment you see any or some of the following symptoms: Pain in the pelvic portion; pain while urinating; pain during intercourse and/or abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding. Of course, these signs can be due to factors other than those related to uterus cancer. Hence, seek expert’s advice without delay.

THE RISK FACTORS

The confusing fact is that many women having uterus cancer risk factors do not develop this ailment. On the other hand, there are umpteen cases of women not having the risk factors contracting uterus cancer. Nevertheless, the risk factors do help in the early diagnosing of uterus cancer. Here is an overview of the risk factors that may aggravate into uterus cancer.

Age factor: First, uterus cancer has been found to take place among women in the 50 plus age group.

Race: White-skinned women get uterus cancer more than, say the African-American women.

Endometrial hyperplasia: Second, many women after crossing 40 years suffer from endometrial hyperplasia. Though it is basically benign (not cancerous), yet it can sometimes develop into cancer. Endometrial hyperplasia happens due to the increase in cells uterus linings. The common signs of endometrial hyperplasia are bleeding in the post-menopause phase, bleeding after successive periods, and menstrual periods that are heavy. Physicians generally recommend progesterone (hormone treatment) or hysterectomy (uterus removal) to check endometrial hyperplasia from degenerating into cancer.

Colon cancer. Women suffering from colon or colorectal cancer that is inherited also may develop uterus cancer. Colon cancer affects the colon in the large intestine or/and the fag end portions of the rectum prior to the anus.

HRT: Third, women undergoing HRT (hormone replacement therapy) also have risk of contracting uterus cancer. HRT controls menopausal symptoms, prevents bone thinning (osteoporosis), and also reduces chances of stroke or heart ailments.

Prolonged use of hormone: Prolonged use of the female hormones estrogen sans progesterone can lead to uterus cancer. It is always advisable to combine the use of both primarily because progesterone acts as a potential uterus shield.

Over-exposure to estrogen: Women entering puberty early or reaching menopause late or those who have not borne any children remain exposed to estrogen for a long period. They too suffer a high risk.

Use of medicines having estrogen: One such commonly used medication is Tamoxifen. It is prescribed as a preventive measure against breast cancer. But long-time use of estrogen can lead to over-exposure to estrogen.

Obesity: The primary reason why obese women develop uterus cancer more than their thinner sisters is simple. Our body manufactures certain percentages of estrogen within the fatty tissues.

Diabetes BP: Since obesity is also linked with diabetes, the diabetic women may also have uterus cancer. Similar is the case with women having high blood pressure (BP).

DIAGNOSIS OF UTERUS CANCER

The ideal diagnosis for uterus cancer can constitute one or a combination of the following tests. They are the biopsy, Transvaginal ultrasound, Pap test, and Pelvic exam.

Biopsy: In biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the lining of the uterus. This is a simple process and is done in the doctor’s clinic itself. However, in complex situations, the patient may have to undertake the D&C process. This D&C (dilation and curettage) operation is a day-long affair. The tissue is examined by a pathologist for the probable presence of various cancerous conditions like hyperplasia and cells. In the post-biopsy stage, the patient may experience cramps and also have bleeding from the vagina for some time.

For the patient’s knowledge: The patient needs to clarify certain positions with the doctor prior to going in for biopsy. These are about (i) the biopsy type she may have to undertake and the reason(s) why she should go for the test; (ii) The approximate time biopsy would take; (iii) Would she have to be anaesthetized; (iv) Whether biopsy be painful? (v) The risks and after effects of biopsy; (vi) And, if in the event of cancer being detected what the steps she would have to take and from whom she would get the consultations.

Transvaginal ultrasound: In this test, sound waves of high frequency is aimed at the uterus via an instrument that is inserted within the vagina. The sound echo patterns make a picture. And, the doctor can have a clear idea of the actual state by examining this picture. But, transvaginal ultrasound becomes impossible if the endometrium is too thick. Then, the patient may have to go for a biopsy.

Pap test: In Pap test, cells are collected from the upper vagina and cervix portions. Pathological examination of the cells is done to find out if there are any cancerous or abnormal cells. The problem with Pap test is that it fails to identify abnormal cells within the uterus. Hence the doctors usually collect the cells via biopsy. Nonetheless, Pap test can readily detect the cervical cancerous cells.

Pelvic exam: The Pelvic exam checks the rectum, bladder, uterus, and vagina. The presence of any lumps or alterations in their sizes and shapes are clear indications of the likely presence of abnormal tumors or cancerous cells. The doctor checks the cervix and vagina via an instrument. This implement known as speculum is first inserted into the vagina.

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published more than 1000 articles and a popular adventure book for children. For more information log on to awellnesshealth.com/ awellnesshealth.com/ abouthealthonline.com/ abouthealthonline.com/ wellbeingwork.com/ wellbeingwork.com/

Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer

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Tags: breast cancer, cancer risk, cervical cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer

One of the forms of cancer of most concern to men is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer, and is the third leading cause of cancer death in men, after colorectal cancer and lung cancer. One in six men will get prostate cancer in his lifetime and over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.

Research has shown that there are several natural ways to prevent prostate cancer. One particular study reported by the UK Tea Council outlined several ways that men can protect their prostate health by making changes to their diets. Some of the most important changes you can make to prevent prostate cancer include the following:

• Lower your fat intake – Research has shown a reduced risk in prostate cancer in men who have a low fat diet. It’s particularly important to lower your saturated fat and eliminate trans fats from your diet. Saturated fat is found in red meats, butter and high fat dairy products. Trans fats are artificial fats and are actually more dangerous than any other, because the body is unable to properly process it.

• Increase your intake of lycopene – Lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant found in tomatoes has been shown to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer. Many doctors recommend that you get your lycopene intake from tomato sauce, because it is a more concentrated form of lycopene than a simple tomato.

• Add a vitamin E supplement – Vitamin E also has been shown to have a cancer preventing effect in some men. A simple supplement once a day may decrease your prostate risk.

• Add a selenium supplement – Another mineral supplement, selenium, has also been shown to be a cancer preventative.

• Add a calcium and vitamin D supplement – Vitamin D has also been shown to have a cancer preventing effect, but it requires an adequate amount of calcium in order to work effectively. So, when you add one supplement, add the other.

• Eat soy protein – Obtaining some of your dietary protein from soy protein sources can lower your risk of prostate and other cancers. Try soy milk and tofu in place of some meat to reduce fat and increase soy protein. Soy protein has been shown to have an effect even when prostate cancer has already been diagnosed. It appears to slow or inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

• Drink green tea – Green tea has been shown in many studies to prevent several forms of cancer, including prostate cancer. Green tea is a powerful source of anti-oxidants, which can prevent free radicals from damaging our cells, leading to cancer, aging and other diseases. However, green tea has other benefits when it comes to prostate cancer.

Green tea has been shown to causes apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. Apoptosis is the systematic killing off of cells. It happens in many circumstances in the body, ensuring that only healthy, vital cells survive. However, rarely have we seen substances that can generate apoptosis in the body for the purposes of killing off abnormal cell growth like cancer cells, or abnormal cells that may grow into cancer.

Improving your diet and adding supplements is a simple way to prevent to cancer and many other diseases. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is an important key to health. Fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants, which are extremely important to protecting health.

Anti-oxidants combat free radicals created in our bodies as a by-product of converting food to energy. Free radicals damage our cells and DNA, causing premature aging and disease unless they are regularly neutralized by anti-oxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are powerful sources of anti-oxidants as is green tea, dark chocolate and red wine. So, by adding these products to your regular diet, you can help ensure that you live a long and healthy life, avoiding many types of disease like heart disease and cancer.

To date, much of the research on preventing cancer naturally has been performed on mice and in laboratory controlled studies. So, it’s clear that we need to perform more tests on humans in order to truly determine the benefits of all these dietary changes and supplements in the fight against prostate cancer. However, we do know that all the changes mentioned here are generally healthy, so we can feel good about making them even if they don’t significantly lower our cancer risk.

The rates of prostate cancer have started to decline over the last 10 years. In addition, the mortality rate has declined. Today, while one in six men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime; only 1 in 34 will die from it. With emphasis on natural preventative measures, perhaps we can eradicate this form of cancer, eliminating one of the most common and significant male health problems.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current

Tags: cancer risk, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, selenium, skin cancer

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Have we discovered a cancer prevention vitamin? Are cancer prevention vitamins really possible? Is the cancer prevention vitamin here?

New studies show we just might have! Some forms of cancer may be preventable with the use of a cancer prevention vitamin. Hardly any family in the United States has NOT had a family member die because of cancer. This could change with the addition of this cancer prevention vitamin to our daily diets.

There are two studies that have been conducted using very sophisticated analysis which revealed that we are close to having a cancer prevention vitamin. Almost half of the cases of breast cancer and almost two thirds of colorectal cancer, in the United States, have been helped with what appears to be the cancer prevention vitamin, Vitamin D, (25-hydroxyvitamin D). T

he data from the breast cancer study showed individuals with the highest blood levels of 25(OH)D HAD the lowest risk factors for cancer. Wouldn’t it be great if we could prevent most breast cancers? The researchers for this cancer prevention vitamin divided the data from two studies into five equal groups from the lowest blood levels of 25(H)D to the highest level of 25(OH)D. The data showing whether or not the individuals developed cancer was also included with these studies. This is strong evidence that we are closer to developing a cancer prevention vitamin for breast cancer.

The cancer prevention vitamin data from the colorectal study was an analysis of five studies relating to 25(OH)D with risk of colon cancer. All these studies involved subjects with a risk of colon cancer and explored the association of blood levels of 25(OH)D. The levels were then checked 25 years later for the development of colorectal cancer.

According to one of the doctors involved in the study of the cancer prevention vitamin stated, “We project a two-thirds reduction in incidence with serum levels … which corresponds to a daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3. This would be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun.”

We have several sources of vitamin D3 (possibly THE cancer prevention vitamin) in our daily routine. We get vitamin D3 through exposure of the skin to sunlight, or ultraviolet B, our diet, and with nutritional supplements. (It is important to note here that the researchers underscored the importance of limiting sun exposure such that the skin does not change color (tan) or burn.) If you are sensitivity to sunlight, or you or a personal or family has a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, any amount of extra sun exposure would be inadvisable. Therefore a cancer prevention vitamin may be taken in higher dose for those how have this sensitivity. That cancer prevention vitamin is easily available in some vitamin supplements.

Analysis of the colorectal cancer study had shown that in 2006 that a low dose of vitamin D (cancer prevention vitamin) didn’t protect against colorectal cancer within seven years of follow-up. However, the researchers wrote, the analysis did show that a higher dose (of cancer prevention vitamin) may reduce its incidence.

I am not a doctor so please consult your healthcare provider.

Keith Standifer is a business owner and an advocate for healthy diets for all. Read more about some of the high quality nutritional supplements he uses. Visit his site at healthisyours.usana.com healthisyours.usana.com or visit his blog at here4health.blogspot.com/ here4health.blogspot.com

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