Tag: Cancer

Oral cancer strikes thousands each year, with several thousand succumbing to the illness. A little care can help you spot oral cancer early and get treated. But can you also prevent the cancer from striking you in the first place? While there’s no foolproof formula, some changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.

A ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbs, prompting the body to use fats instead of sugar as a source of energy. In fighting cancer, it specifically targets cancerous cells that have a damaged metabolic cycle. Since these cells can only feed off glucose, a ketogenic diet may effectively be able to starve tumor cells, thus halting the progression of cancer.

Hear the words, “Eat your vegetables!" and one of the first things that comes to mind is broccoli! Many of us are guilty of pushing it around on the plate at dinner time, hoping it would miraculously disappear. But it turns out that there are many things to love about broccoli. Broccoli is a good source of fiber and chock-a-block full of vitamins and minerals. And it may prevent the recurrence of cancer. Studies have shown that biologically active components in broccoli and broccoli sprouts can target cancer stem cells in different kinds of cancer. These cells are thought to initiate cancer and cause its growth and relapse, by giving rise to new tumors through continuous self-renewal and differentiation.

Phytoestrogens found in soy exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial properties that may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by ~30%. These properties have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing cell death (apoptosis), inhibiting the growth of secondary tumors (metastasis), preventing tumors from developing their own blood supply (angiogenesis).

Besides the sleep-wake cycle, your biological clock influences normal body parameters such as hormonal balance, body temperature, alertness, and mood. Time-dependent sleep (based on your circadian rhythm) cannot be compensated by sleeping the required amount at odd hours. Increased risks of strokes and cancer, impaired cognition, weakened immunity, and stress are repercussions of untimely sleep.

Bacterial infections trigger chronic inflammation that alters cell growth and induces tumors. Bacteria H. pylori is linked to gastric cancer; S. typhi to gall bladder cancer; S. bovis to colon cancer; C. pneumoniae to lung cancer. P. melaninogenica, S. mitis are early salivary markers in the detection of oral cancers while C. trachomatis is linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fats, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, and melatonin – all of which help reduce oxidative stress and retard tumor growth both in terms of size and number. They influence gut microflora, precluding colon cancer. They also prevent prostate and breast cancers. Brain booster, anti-inflammatory agent, cholesterol fighter, and now anti-carcinogen – more reason why you should eat this super-nut.

Studies support the fact that obesity is not only linked with an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI), but also with altered levels of numerous hormones (testosterone, estrogen, insulin, and leptin) and dietary intake in terms of the number of calories and the amount of dietary fat, all of which can snowball into a serious risk of prostate cancer.

Ask your doctor about the side effects of travelling in your condition and vaccinations you need. Get prior permission to carry prescription drugs on the flight. Sea travellers must carry motion sickness tablets. Account for time differences when taking medication. Plan your stay near a hospital or pharmacy. Take time to de-stress, but don’t neglect symptoms that need attention.

Prevention is the best cure and yet the most important thing you can do today to increase your personal odds of beating breast cancer. The...

Carrots owe their anti-carcinogenic properties to their falcarinol and beta-carotene content. Falcarinol reduces and eliminates tumors. Carotenoids neutralize free radicals that create oxidative stress, a potential cause of cancer. When deciding your method of treatment, it's best to supplement with this vitamin-rich root veggie as part of a balanced diet while focusing on more conventional treatments.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Whether or not doctors advice early detection, 1 in 8 women will still be diagnosed with...

A nutritious powerhouse, asparagus is rich in folate, vitamins C and D, and antioxidants that lower the risk of colon, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers. Research even implicates its role in preventing tumor growth by regulating cell division. On the flip side, it contains glutathione that may limit the effects of chemotherapy. Balance it with other foods to minimize side effects.

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays, causing even more harm. Use sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that block both types of rays. Don long-sleeved clothes, sunglasses, and hats for extra protection. Eat antioxidant-rich fruits to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. Avoid sunscreens containing parabens, oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, and artificial fragrance.

Mammograms are considered the best screening test for breast cancer, but even 1 low-energy mammography radiation is sufficient to cause DNA mutations. It heightens the risk of breast cancer by about 1% in women before menopause. Tumors in denser breasts of younger women may still go undetected by mammography. Women below 40 should carefully weigh its benefits against its risks.