One of the primary differences between conventional and alternative medicine is in how cancer is defined. Conventional doctors see a malignant growth in the body and call that the cancer. Consequently, their treatments consist primarily of attacks against the tumor. Their preferred choices are surgery (cut out the tumor), radiation (burn the tumor), or chemotherapy (poison the tumor). If the tumor is removed or even reduced in this fashion, the doctor pronounces that the therapy is a success, and we often hear such reassuring statements as "We got it all." All-too-often, however, the malignancy returns either to the same location or spreads to another, and another, and yet another. At that point, we are told that the cancer has returned, and the attack against the new tumors is repeated as before.
By contrast, practitioners of alternative medicine do not consider the tumor to be the cancer, but merely the symptom of the cancer. They are more concerned with what caused the tumor to grow in the first place. They reason that it is more logical to fix the cause of the tumors than to attack the tumors themselves. If they can accomplish that, then the malignancies will stop growing, become harmless lumps, and eventually be re-absorbed and discarded by the body.
When a farmer sees black spots on the leaves of his corn crop, does he run around the corn field cutting the spots out of the leaves? Of course not, because he knows that the spots are caused by tiny organisms called blight. Even if he could succeed in cutting out all the spots, by the next day, they would be back on other parts of the leaves and there would be twice as many as the day before. The only way to get rid of the spots is to treat his entire crop to get rid of the organism that causes them. This is the approach of alternative medicine. Under microscopic examination, malignant growths usually appear to be quite different from each other, depending on their location and maturity. Since doctors of orthodox medicine think that these growths are cancer, they conclude that there are many different types of cancer. They give them distinctive names and often have a different approach for the treatment of each of them.
The doctor of alternative medicine, however, sees all malignancies as merely different manifestations of the same disease. What makes them appear different is that they take on some of the characteristics of the organs in which they grow. However, the more malignant the growth, the less they resemble their host organs and the more they resemble each other. The most malignant growths of all are practically indistinguishable from each other. They are, for all practical purposes, the same. (For a more complete understanding of this phenomenon, see World Without Cancer; The Story of Vitamin B17, by G. Edward Griffin, referenced in the Sources of Information section of this website.) The doctor of alternative medicine, therefore, views cancer as a general, systemic disease rather than a localized, organ-related disease. Consequently, the treatment is aimed primarily at strengthening the patient's natural defense mechanisms and assisting the whole body to overcome the malignancy.
In some cases, especially those where a malignancy has become life-threatening due to its proximity to a vital organ – such as the heart or brain – most doctors of alternative medicine will prescribe surgery to remove the immediate threat. But they do not consider that to be treatment of the disease. It is merely a procedure to buy valuable time in which to apply the slower-acting therapies of re-building the natural defenses.
However, since prevention and early detection is important, we have set up a page to let you know what some of the symptoms of cancer can be. We also have a page devoted to tests for detecting cancer.
Oral Cancer
Counting chromosomes to predict chance of oral cancer
Doctors at the University of Oslo have found an easy way to predict one of the world's most deadly cancers - oral cancer.
More than 300,000 people around the world, and about 30,000 in the United States, are diagnosed each year with oral cancer, making it the 11th most common cancer in the United States, and the ninth most common worldwide. More than half of those people die within five years, largely because the cancers are hard to diagnose early.
The most common sign that cancer may develop is a white patch inside the mouth, called oral leukoplakia. The patches don't always signal cancer, but doctors often remove them because they have no way to know whether the patches will develop into cancer.
In a study done by Dr. Jon Sudbo and reported in the New England Journal of Medicine., it was found that the number of chromosomes one has can help predict oral cancer.
Oral cancers usually develop from white patches that can develop into cancer. It was rare for patches made up of cells with the normal 46 chromosomes - 23 from each parent - to develop into cancer, but it increases when the cells have double the usual number of chromosomes, and it occurs most often when the number was not a multiple of 23 - what doctors call “aneuploid.”
Thirty to 50 percent of all oral cancers have the normal 46 chromosomes and the test can't predict those cancers, but it is at least a predictor and may help identify some oral cancer sooner so it can be treated.
Thirty to 50 percent of all oral cancers have the normal 46 chromosomes and the test can't predict those cancers, but it is at least a predictor and may help identify some oral cancer sooner so it can be treated.
Many mouth cancers can be prevented by staying away from tobacco and alcohol.
Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is now the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Breast cancer is a condition in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the breast.
At this time, no one knows the cause of the majority of breast cancers. There are many theories, including an inherited tendency, genetic mutations and environmental exposure; pesticides, and even bras (though many feel it is the metal in the bras and not the bras themselves); however, the cause of breast cancer is the subject of ongoing research. Every woman is at risk for developing breast cancer. Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than in men. Following skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women.
While many risk factors have been identified, approximately 70 to 80 percent of breast cancer cases occur in women with no readily identifiable risk factors. Factors associated with an increased risk of female breast cancer do include: Increasing age: 75 percent of cases are diagnosed in women greater than 50 years of age; previous history of breast cancer; family history of breast cancer; prolonged estrogen exposure; genetics; and lifestyle behaviors, as well as hormonal therapy used to treat other medical conditions and radiation therapy. The primary risk factor associated with male breast cancer is advancing age.
Signs and Symptoms
Some women may not experience any symptoms. The first clue leading to the diagnosis of breast cancer may be the presence of a tumor as seen on a mammogram or thermogram. For women that do experience symptoms, the earliest one is typically the discovery of a lump in the breast or underneath the armpit. Usually there is no pain associated with the lump. Women who discover a lump or any of the following symptoms should see their physician:
- Change in the normal appearance of the breast, including size and shape of the breast, or color or feel of the skin
- Swelling
- Nipple retraction
- Nipple discharge, either clear or bloody
- Sudden onset of breast pain or tenderness
The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a painless lump. Additional symptoms may include nipple discharge (clear or bloody), nipple retraction or skin ulceration.
Types of Breast Cancer and Risks associated with them:
Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, which have many smaller sections called lobules. The lobes and lobules are connected by thin tubes called ducts. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal cancer. It is found in the cells of the ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules is called lobular cancer. Lobular cancer is more often found in both breasts than other types of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon type of breast cancer. In this disease, the breast is warm, red, and swollen.Hereditary breast cancer makes up approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases. The genes in cells carry the hereditary information that is received from a person's parents. Several genes have been found to be defective in some breast cancer patients. Relatives of breast cancer patients who carry these defective genes may be more likely to develop breast or ovarian cancer. Some defective genes are more common in certain ethnic groups. Tests are being developed to determine who has the genetic defect long before any cancer appears.
Hormonal contraceptives may be another factor to consider. Research findings suggest a link between contraceptive use and a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer.The
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Generally, the earlier a breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. The traditional screening methods include: Breast self-examination (BSE); physical breast examination by a health care professional, and mammogram. There are also many alternative tests that can be used - go to our Tests to Detect Cancer page. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine whether or not it has spread - normally a biopsy, but there are also alternative approaches also discussed on our Tests page. For a list of places that offer thermography screening, go to our Breast Cancer Thermography page.
If it is determined that there is cancer, some feel it is important that certain tests (called estrogen and progesterone receptor tests) be done on the cancer cells. Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests may tell whether hormones affect the way the cancer grows. They may also give information about the chances of the tumor coming back (recurring). The results help a doctor decide whether to use hormone therapy to stop the cancer from growing.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the breast or has spread to other places in the body), the type of breast cancer, certain characteristics of the cancer cells, and whether the cancer is found in the other breast. A woman's age, weight, menopausal status (whether or not a woman is still having menstrual periods), and general health can also affect the prognosis and choice of treatment.
Estimated new cancer cases and deaths in the United States for the year 2002, according to the American Cancer Society (Year 2002 Surveillance Research from the American Cancer Society) for breast cancer are: There is an estimated 203,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and 1500 in men, and 54,300 new cases of in suti breast cancer. The estimated number of deaths for 2002 is 39,600 for women and 400 for men.
Improved screening techniques allow earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options, and the mortality rate for breast cancer has declined. The 5-year survival rates for women and men with node-negative cancer are 92 and 79 percent, respectively. The survival rates decrease for node-positive cancers and vary depending upon the extent of metastatic spread. If cancer has spread regionally, the rate drops to 78% and for women with distant metastases, the rate is 21%. There are many who disagree with these figures, but these are the figures reported by the
American Cancer Society.
What are the Treatments for Breast Cancer?
Most of the current conventional approaches to treating cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, biological and hormonal therapy, including Tamoxifen and Herceptin. The treatment of male breast cancer is similar to that of female breast cancer.
Monoclonal Antibody approach may also be used - This is where an antibody is produced in a laboratory to isolate and clone individual B-lymphocytes, resulting in the production of a pure antibody. This approach attempts to block or inhibit cancer receptor sites. This approach is an attempt to prevent the spread of cancerous cells and sensitizes the immune system in fighting off cancerous cells.
Breast cancer prevention:
Breast cancer prevention includes watching your diet; exercising and avoiding toxins. It is most important to lower the saturated fat content in your diet, but to include "good fats" such as fish oils and olive oil.
Eating organic foods will help you avoid pesticides, which have been linked to this and many other forms of cancer. It is advised to stay avoid estrogen as it can raise the risk of cancer.
Daily exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer significantly.
Minimize your exposure to ionizing radiation.
Recurrence:
Once a person has had breast cancer, there is a greater risk of reoccurrence. A diligent maintenance program and lifestyle change is important to optimize the duration of remission. The use of a mega-nutrient nutraceutical, plus detoxification will enhance traditional approaches and may function on its own as a good adjunctive program. Using these protocols not only detoxifies the body, but strengthens the immune system.
Bi-annual check ups are important for physical exams, overall blood tests (chem panel/CBC differential), selective tumor mark blood tests, such CA15-3 or CA-27.29 (Breast), and/or various instrumental techniques to monitor a possible reoccurrence of cancer. Early detection of a breast cancer reoccurrence can enhance success of various treatment modalities for cancer.
News Reports:
The Lancet, 2002;360:187-195 reports a study on breastfeeding and family size. Researchers now believe small family size and reduced breastfeeding may be a significant factor fueling this ever-growing epidemic. Researchers reported the overall risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3 percent for every year a woman breastfed in her lifetime. Additionally, there was a 7-percent decrease for every birth regardless of whether the mother ever breastfed. The authors of the study said that if women were to breastfeed each of their children for an additional six months, this could prevent about 5 percent of breast cancers each year. An additional 12 months could decrease that number by as much as 11 percent.
ASIA WorldSources, Inc. reports on a couple of studies. One claims Healthy diet helps reduce cancer risk for breast cancer and secondary cancers in women. Zubairi Djoerban, internist and hematologist at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday that eating vegetables and fruit five times a day or taking a daily 30-minute brisk walk could reduce the risk of breast cancer. He said that eating fatty foods, smoking and drinking alcohol made women susceptible to breast cancer. Another study conducted in the U.S., Soehartati said that early detection could help reduce breast cancer deaths by up to 30 percent
Colon and Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In the U.S., cancers of the colon and rectum combined (colorectal) are the third most common site of new cases. It is estimated that 148,300 will be diagnosed this year and that approximately 56,600 Americans will die of the disease this year. It is estimated that eighty percent of colon cancers occur in people with average risk of the disease, and about 20 percent occur in those at high risk, including those with a personal history of ulcerative colitis or a family history of colon cancer in a mother, father, sister or brother who receives a diagnosis before age 50. Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but over 90% of the cases occur after age 50. The median age at which colorectal cancer occurs is 62 years, but the risk of developing colon cancer starts rising at age 40. In addition, many younger people have colon cancer risk factors.
Rectal cancers occur in the final six inches of the digestive tract. Tumors that arise in the bowel above the rectum are colon cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 90% of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are thought to be preventable. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. Other risk factors include a sedentary life-style (not enough exercise) high fat/low fiber diet and inadequate ingestion of fruits and vegetables. (Note: Garlic and its cousins (onions, chives, scallions and leeks) appear to help prevent cancers of the digestive system, including the colon and rectum.)
In addition, according to a study reported by Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, 2002;11:227-234, people with a family history of colon cancer may be able to reduce their risk of developing the disease with a few simple dietary changes. The study was based on the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing project that has tracked the health of more than 100,000 female registered nurses in the United States for more than 25 years. It appears a diet high in folic acid, high in methionine (an essential amino acid), and low in alcohol intake, when followed for at least five years, significantly reduced colon cancer risk in those with a family history of the disease.
As with all cancer, early detection is important. This cancer may exhibit no signs in its early stages. Gradually, as it progresses, any of the following may be noted: a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation or a sense that the bowel is not empty, blood (either bright red, or dark) in the stool, abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain, weight loss for no apparent reason, constant tiredness and fatigue, anemia due to blood loss, and vomiting.
There are a few tests normally used to diagnose colon cancer. These include:
The fecal blood test. Note: This test can have some false positives, as there are some other reasons for blood in the stool, such as if a person has hemorrhoids.
A sigmoidoscopy presents a visual picture of the colon so a doctor can clearly see the polyps that
might be cancerous, but the procedure only looks at the lower part of the colon, and there is some discomfort with the procedure.A colonoscopy, which is what is often recommended as a follow-up to other procedures if there is evidence of possible cancer, offers the most thorough look at the whole colon and only needs to be done every 10 years if no cancer is found. However, it is more expensive than the other procedures and requires preparation a day ahead of time.
When any suspicious signs or symptoms are encountered, further testing might be done - often a double contrast barium enema (DCBE). If cancer is found, a biopsy is normally performed. Additional tests that are available include:
Tests for Colon/Colorectal Cancer:
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cancer marker. Go to our cancer tests page for more information.
- DR-70 is a simple blood test - Go to our cancer tests page for more information.
- Hemoccult Test for colorectal cancer tests for blood in the stool. A positive finding warrants having further tests, like a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to detect polyps and tumors. This test can be performed by almost any doctor's office. Note: A hemoccult test can yield a false positive if the person has recently consumed fresh fruits and vegetables, red meat, iron tablets or vitamin C tablets. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also cause false positives. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
- PreGen-26 - a new DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer is not a predictive test but a test to detect the presence of actual disease in people with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). People with HNPCC have an 80% lifetime risk of developing the disease. The test, a stool-sample test was developed by Exact Sciences Corp. and is being commercialized by Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp, Burlington, NC, USA). In active colorectal cancer, DNA from tumors is shed into the colon and carried out of the body in stool. Patients collect stool samples and send them to LabCorp, who will send the test results to the patient's doctor for use in determining future monitoring and treatment.
- CEA is a blood test which indicates the presence of the cancer. Go to our cancer tests page for more information.
More Aggressive Colon Cancer Screening Urged - Reported July 15, 2002 - HealthScoutNews -- More evidence that early screening reduces death from colon cancer has prompted a government group to boost its recommendation that everyone over 50 be screened for the disease. According to The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), studies show that a fecal occult blood test, a colonoscop, or a sigmoidoscopy are effective is reducing mortality from colon cancer. They feel people at a higher risk for the disease, like those with a family history, should be tested at younger ages, but that 90 percent of colon cancers appear in people over age 50, they feel that is a good age to start undergoing screenings. The American Cancer Society also feels that beginning at age 50, both men and women should have a fecal occult test every year or a sigmoidoscopy every five years, or both, or a barium enema every five to 10 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years
Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon Cancer - as reported on Ivanhoe Newswire's website - Jun. 28, 2002. A new study reported in The Lancet, 2002;359:2224-2229 claims colon cancer patients have fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and longer survival rates when they receive laparoscopic surgery (LAC), a less invasive surger, to remove their tumors.
Although colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Western countries, prognosis for people with the disease has been improving in recent years. Better diagnostic tests can uncover the cancer in its early stages, making treatment more effective, and new medical therapies have improved survival rates after surgery. LAC, which has been used for other types of gastrointestinal surgery, causes fewer complications because it is less invasive, but it has not been used on a regular basis for colon cancer due to the difficulty of performing the procedure. Even more important, LAC patients, particularly those with more advanced tumors, had a 60 percent reduced risk of suffering a relapse of their tumor than those in the conventional group.
Vitamin D May Be Crucial to Protect Against Colon Cancer- New studies by researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute indicate that vitamin D protects against colon cancer by helping to detoxify cancer-triggering chemicals that are released during the digestion of high-fat foods. One should not overdue the amount of vitamin D they take as it can produce hypercalcemia, but if one gets adequate exposure to the sun, the body can manufacture Vitamin D. Go to Howard Hughes' website for more information.
Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may help thwart colon cancer. They are rich in antioxidants, thought to have cancer preventing properties - even more than blueberries and strawberries.
No comments:
Post a Comment