Cancer and Diet

The consensus on diet and cancer is that obesity increases the risk of developing cancer. Particular dietary practices often explain differences in cancer incidence in different countries (e.g. gastric cancer is more common in Japan, while colon cancer is more common in the United States). Studies have shown that immigrants develop the risk of their new country, suggesting a link between diet and cancer rather than a genetic basis.

Despite frequent reports of particular substances (including foods) having a beneficial or detrimental effect on cancer risk, few of these have an established link to cancer. These reports are often based on studies in cultured cell media or animals. Public health recommendations cannot be made on the basis of these studies until they have been validated in an observational (or occasionally a prospective interventional) trial in humans.

The case of beta-carotene provides an example of the necessity of randomized clinical trials. Epidemiologists studying both diet and serum levels observed that high levels of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, were associated with a protective effect, reducing the risk of cancer. This effect was particularly strong in lung cancer. This hypothesis led to a series of large randomized trials conducted in both Finland and the United States (CARET study) during the 1980s and 1990s. This study provided about 80,000 smokers or former smokers with daily supplements of beta-carotene or placebos. Contrary to expectation, these tests found no benefit of beta-carotene supplementation in reducing lung cancer incidence and mortality. In fact, the risk of lung cancer was slightly, but not significantly, increased by beta-carotene, leading to an early termination of the study.

However, Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) also have drawbacks in cancer prevention, particularly in micronutrient deficiencies, which are thought by some to be a major contributor to cancer. RCTs involve huge numbers of people, take many years to complete, and are therefore extremely expensive and complicated, and therefore few are done. In addition, these randomized clinical trials usually test only a single dose. An alternative, which is likely to be more useful, is to do shorter intervention trials focusing on other endpoints related to cancer, such as DNA damage. These trials can test a variety of doses on fewer people to determine what level of micronutrient intake (or, better, micronutrient concentration in blood) keeps DNA damage to a minimum.

Cut Fat, Lose Weight and Prevent Cancer

There's now yet another compelling reason to lose weight and cut consumption of unhealthy Omega-6 fats from vegetable sources. Research released from the Institute of Food Technologists indicates that as many as 1 in 3 cancer deaths could be prevented by reducing consumption of corn and vegetable oils and cutting calories.

It's important to understand that fat itself is not the enemy, as it's an essential nutrient required for normal cellular function. The problem arises when the balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fats are disproportional in our diet.

Humans have evolved with a 1:1 ratio of the two fat sources, yet our modern diet is closer to 20:1 in favor of Omega-6 fats. This causes a hormonal imbalance in the body which leads to inflammation, weight gain and increased risk of heart attack and many cancers. Monitoring Omega fat intake is an important first step which will assist with weight loss efforts and lead to reduced risk from many diseases.

Evolution Controls Our Diet

More than 750,000 people die from cancer annually, and the results from this study indicate that a quarter million lives could be spared with a concerted effort to control calories and Omega-6 fat consumption. Our genes are the product of thousands of years of evolution during times when Omega-3 fat sources such as fish and many nuts and seeds were plentiful. Every cell in our body relies on the critical Omega-3 components, EPA and DHA for replication and cell wall construction.

It's only been during the past half century that Omega-6 fats from corn and vegetable sources have become an ever increasing part of our diet, and have now distorted the natural evolutionary ratio we require for optimal health. Omega-6 fats are very stable, allowing food to sit on store shelves for extended periods, and are present in virtually all processed foods.

Lower Omega-6 Fats by Cutting Processed and Fast Foods

Omega-6 fats are present in virtually every processed food on store shelves, with up to 90% of fat calories in our diet coming from this health endangering source. Take a two step approach to reduce Omega-6 calories and improve the ratio with Omega-3 fats.

Eliminate or drastically reduce foods which are packed with Omega-6 fats, including all commercially baked products, fast foods and vegetable based cooking oils. Be especially mindful to cut any foods listing hydrogenated trans fats, as these increase the risk of heart disease by 25%.

Increase Omega-3 Fat Sources to Lower Inflammation

Replace Omega-6 laden foods with Omega-3 healthy options. The best Omega-3 source is fish, as it provides the perfect balance of DHA and EPA, the two primary Omega-3 fats. Fish Oil supplements are a good choice for people who don't enjoy fish.

Nuts and seeds also have smaller amounts of Omega-3 fats, with walnuts, flax and chia seeds rising to the top of the list. It's important to remember that food from any fat source still contains 9 calories per gram, so be careful when substituting and track your daily calories with nutritional software.

Research is beginning to uncover the hidden dangers in the unnatural processed foods which make up a large portion of the Western diet. We are continually reminded that the foods we eat have a direct and immediate impact on our future health and body weight.

Monitor your food choices carefully, paying close attention to the Omega fat ratios and switch to a reduced calorie lifestyle. You'll enjoy the healthy benefits of dramatically lowered risk of cancer and many illnesses while you naturally maintain a healthy weight.

Read More Expert Advice on Diet, Health and Nutrition, and Download your Free Weight Loss EBook! John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your Weight Loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

What is Lung Cancer?

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and lung cancer occurs when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in one or both lungs. Rather than developing into healthy, normal lung tissue, these abnormal cells continue dividing and form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors. Tumors interfere with the main function of the lung, which is to provide the bloodstream with oxygen to be carried to the entire body. If a tumor stays in one spot and demonstrates limited growth, it is generally considered to be benign.

More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when the cancer cells migrate to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a more serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

Lung cancer is called "primary" if the cancer originates in the lungs and "secondary" if it originates elsewhere in the body but has metastasized to the lungs. These two types are considered different cancers from diagnostic and treatment perspectives.

In 2007, about 15% of all cancer diagnoses and 29% of all cancer deaths were due to lung cancer. It is the number one cause of death from cancer every year and the second most diagnosed after breast and prostate cancers (for women and men, respectively). Lung cancer is usually found in older persons because it develops over a long period of time.

Skin Cancer Signs to Watch Out For

Cancer of the skin is common for people who have spent lots of time under the sun, without protection from the rays. It affects people of all skin tones. Cancer signs primarily develops on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun, such as the hands, legs, neck, face, lips, and ears. There are also various stages of skin cancer, and each with their own symptoms.

Signs of skin cancer may be tricky to diagnose, but once you think you have the following then you should see a doctor at the soonest possible time:

1. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of Cancer signs. However, it is also the most easily treated, and signs of skin cancers tend to appear as a bump on your face or neck with a shiny exterior, or a flat lesion on the chest or back that may be flesh or brown in color.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma has a higher tendency to spread compared to basal cell carcinoma, and can only be treated if detected early. Cancer signs include a firm, red roundish lump on the hands, arms, face, neck or ears. It may also exhibit itself as a flat lesion with a more scaly and crusty surface on these same locations in the body.

3. Melanoma is the most severe and serious form of skin cancer. It is fatal and has led to many deaths, which is why early detection is extremely important in survival. Skin cancer signs of melanoma exhibit itself differently for men and women. Men should watch out for signs of melanoma on their head, neck, or trunk, while for women, it commonly affects the arms or legs. Signs of Cancer to watch out for:

a. Small lesions with irregular borders with white, blue, or red spots.
b. A mole anywhere in the body that changes shape frequently and has irregular borders. It may also change color and size and may bleed.
c. Dark-colored lesions located in the fingertips, toes, palms, hands, or on mucous membranes such as the anus, lips, or vagina.
d. Firm bumpy moles that have a waxy or pearly exterior that may appear anywhere on the body.

4. Kaposi sarcoma is a form of Cancer that is not common, but it is as severe as melanoma. Because it forms in the skin's blood vessels, signs of skin cancer include the appearance of purple and red colored patches in the skin and mucous membranes.

5. Sebaceous gland carcinoma is characterized by painless nodules and often diagnosed as benign cancer. These can appear anywhere, although common affected sites are the eyelids. It is not a popular case but still, it is considered very dangerous.

If you are unsure about skin cancer signs, you may want to get the opinion of a doctor or dermatologist as waiting until the signs are more aggressive is a bad idea. Catching skin cancer early on is the best bet for survival.

Neelima P is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on skin cancer basics, prevention methods and treatment options, visit his website at: Skin Cancer Information

Fun and Safe in the Sun

Most everyone loves the sun. Bright light invigorates and helps boost your mood. Unfortunately the sun has some downsides, too. Spending a lot of time outside without taking precautions can lead to health problems.

We are programmed to think tans are a good thing. Pick up most any edition of a women's magazine published in the summer and you will see an article on how to get a healthy tan. Talk to any doctor at a south Chicago hospital and you will hear how unhealthy a "healthy" tan can be. Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and 85% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Basil cell carcinoma looks like a smooth, raised bump which some people think is a sore that will not heal. It is the most easily cured of skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma resembles a red, scaly patch and is the second most dangerous skin cancer. Melanomas are the rarest but most dangerous form of skin cancer. They are often dark in appearance. A mole that changes size or appearance might be a melanoma that needs to be checked out.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer amongst young people. Wilmington Illinois hospital workers can tell you that this is in part due to the widespread use of tanning beds. Teens and young adults use tanning beds in part to look better and in part to feel better. Recent studies have shown that people who use tanning beds can become addicted to them as if they were a drug. Users report increased feelings of well-being after using the beds and depression if they have to miss a session. There is some talk of enacting legislation to limit tanning bed use, but education is probably a better choice. Advances are made every year in sunless tanning that enable you to get the sun-kissed look without the UV damage. Young people need to know as well that too much sun now can lead to increased wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging at earlier ages than if they avoided UV exposure.

The sun's main benefit is in helping the human body produce Vitamin D. This vitamin is essential in helping the body absorb calcium which is needed for strong bones. While Momence Illinois hospital workers will tell you vitamin D is important, you need to balance the benefits with the risks. Many food products, particularly dairy items, are fortified with vitamin D. Fatty fish like salmon and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are good sources as well. While there is no consensus on safe sun exposure, research seems to indicate you can get all the vitamin D you need from sunlight with only 10-30 minutes of sun exposure a week. If you plan to spend more time than that in direct sunlight, you should use some form of UV protection. A shot glass amount of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen can provide adequate protection from the sun's dangers. More sunscreen will need to be applied every few hours or after spending time in the water. Another option is to buy clothing that has built in sun protection.

If you are concerned about your skin cancer risk, you can make an appointment to talk to a doctor at Riverside Medical Center. Their south Chicago hospital, Wilmington Illinois hospital, and Momence Illinois hospital locations make is easy to get healthcare in the area south of Chicago.

Understanding cancer

Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that make up tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body.
Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place.
Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old or damaged cells do not die as they should. The buildup of extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth, polyp, or tumor.
Tumors in the stomach can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors are not as harmful as malignant tumors:
Benign tumors:
are rarely a threat to life
can be removed and usually don't grow back
don't invade the tissues around them
don't spread to other parts of the body
Malignant tumors:
may be a threat to life
often can be removed but sometimes grow back
can invade and damage nearby organs and tissues
can spread to other parts of the body
Stomach cancer usually begins in cells in the inner layer of the stomach. Over time, the cancer may invade more deeply into the stomach wall. A stomach tumor can grow through the stomach's outer layer into nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus, or intestine.
Stomach cancer cells can spread by breaking away from the original tumor. They enter blood vessels or lymph vessels, which branch into all the tissues of the body. The cancer cells may be found in lymph nodes near the stomach. The cancer cells may attach to other tissues and grow to form new tumors that may damage those tissues.
The spread of cancer is called metastasis. See the Staging section for information about stomach cancer that has spread.

Tips for Monthly Breast Exams

We all know the importance of doing monthly self-examinations as an early warning of breast cancer but, even if we remember to do the breast exams on a regular basis, did you know that many of us are not doing them properly? I spoke with Dr. Eden Takhsh, a Chicago-based ob-gyn. He kindly shared the following five tips:
It’s very important to do your self-exam at the right time of the month. If you examine your breasts just before your period, they will probably feel lumpier because of hormonal changes. The best time to examine them is just after your period has finished. Whenever you choose to do the breast exam, it is also important to do it at the same time every month. That way, you will be used to any fluctuations that happen with your menstrual cycle.
Most women forget to check the lymph nodes under their arms. These glands are the primary drainage sites from the breast and will become swollen and tender if there is any ongoing inflammation.
Don’t forget to check your nipples. Be gentle! This should not be a painful experience. Squeeze each nipple just hard enough to check for any discharge. If there is any irregular discharge, see your doctor. What’s irregular? Are you breast feeding? If the answer is no, then the discharge is irregular, and while it may not be cancer-related, you certainly want to have it checked out.
Look in the mirror while you are doing your breast exams. We all have slightly asymmetrical breasts – one bigger, one higher, etc. Checking your reflection in the mirror will help you become familiar with what is normal for your breast. Take note of any changes in position or size, as well as the shape of the nipple.
Remember to do a self-exam every month. It sounds so simple, but it’s easy to put it off or think you can skip a month and, before you know it, you’re out of the habit. By doing regular breast exams, you’ll notice any abnormalities more easily, which in turn means you can provide your physician with more helpful information. Dr. Takhsh recommends beginning a monthly self-exam routine after having your annual physical so you have a normal baseline to begin with.