Cancer - Fending off the Enemy

Based on the 2007 Canadian Cancer Society report, 39% of women and 44% of men will develop cancer in their lifetimes. On the basis of current mortality rates, 24% of women and 28% of men will die from cancer. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of premature death for both sexes combined, with colorectal cancer coming second. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise among women but are decreasing among men. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women and prostate cancer is the most common for men. Relative survival rates are lowest for pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer. Relative survival rates are best for testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma.

The word “Cancer” refers to the process of uncontrolled cell division. It is thus an umbrella term that encompasses hundreds of different diseases but is not a disorder in and of itself. Cancer begins when genes that control the growth of cells are mutated in the body. This is sometimes an inherited flaw, but more often is the result of the environment and diet. Cells begin to multiple and divide at a rapid rate and the resulting cells form a lump – some benign, some malignant. These lumps pull nutrients away from the healthy tissues surrounding them thus causing interference with normal body functions. If the growth continues, these cells may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. This is called metastasis.

There are four (4) basic categories for cancer. First are Carcinomas which affect the soft tissue in the organs and glands like the skin, lungs, and pancreas. Second are Sarcomas which affect the solid tissues like the bones, muscle and cartilage. These are types of cancer are quite rare. Third are Lymphomas which are in the lymphatic system. Finally, Leukemias are cancers of the tissues that form blood. Leukemia is different from the other three types in that there are no hard tumors.

Prevention involves numerous strategies. Avoiding the obvious “enemies” like cigarettes, second hand smoke, environmental toxins, heavy metals (e.g. mercury) and processed foods is relatively easy, but there are many hidden “enemies” that are more difficult to avoid. Pages and pages could be written on what to watch out for. However, rather than spending time searching out the enemy, why not just anticipate the attack and prepare to defend yourself.

Whether you already have cancer, or you want to prevent it from occurring, your first priority should be to build (or rebuild) your immune system. A high quality multivitamin supplement with plenty of vitamins, minerals, bioflavonoids and antioxidants is vital to this process. Look for a vitamin supplement company that follows Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs) to ensure quality, safety and potency of the ingredients.

Vitamin C is known as the healing vitamin and is vital to the creation and rebuilding of cells, especially collagen and strengthening of the cell walls. It is a powerful antioxidant, especially in combination with Vitamin E. It is important that the Vitamin C be in the form of bioavailable mineral ascorbates such as Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Potassium Ascorbate and Zinc Ascorbate. When bound to minerals, vitamin C is released more slowly into the system and can be more readily absorbed by the cells.

Turmeric (curcumin) has many different anticancer effects and can be used safely in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Fish oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help in the healing process and can prevent cachexia (tissue wasting).

Whey protein powder provides valuable protein to support the immune system. It also helps increase the levels of the important antioxidant glutathione. It is especially useful after surgery when patients often have difficulty digesting whole foods. (Do NOT confuse this with pre-made liquid protein supplements. This form of protein is extremely difficult to digest and can actually be quite toxic).

Milk Thistle can help protect the liver during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Green Tea has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of stages I and II breast cancer. It has also been closely associated with a decreased number of auxiliary lymph node metastases among premenopausal women.

CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) improves cellular oxygenation. It also facilitates the repair of RNA and DNA. It supports the immune system by detoxifying dangerous substances.

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger and provides protection against cancer.

Flaxseed oil has antioxidant properties and may protect against and prevent the spread of cancer.

L-Carnitine is another powerful antioxidant that protects against damage from free radicals and toxins.

Eating a healthy diet consisting of whole, organic foods is, of course, a huge part of the process. Supplements will be of little value when added to a “junk” food diet. Taking responsibility for your health will pay off in the long run, but it is important to start sooner rather than later.