Table content
- What is prevention.Carcinogenesis.Factors That are Known to Increase theRisk of Cancer.The genetics of cancer.Age and Cancer risk.Tea and cancer prevention.Types of cancer and treatment including natural treatment.Cell phone and cancer.
What is Prevention?
In addition to the physical problems and emotional distress caused by cancer, the high costs of care are also a burden to patients, their families, and to the publicb. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer is lowered. Hopefully, this will reduce the burden of cancer and lower the number of deaths caused by cancer.
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of related diseases. Many things in ourgenes, our lifestyle, and the environment around us may increase or decrease our risk of getting cancer.
Scientists are studying many different ways to help prevent cancer, including the following:
Ways to avoid or control things known to cause cancer. Changes in diet and lifestyle. Finding precancerous conditions early. Precancerous conditions are conditions that may become cancer. Chemo prevention (medicines to treat a precancerous condition or to keep cancer from starting).Risk-reducing surgery.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenesis is the process in which normal cells turn into cancer cells.Changes (mutations) in genes occur during carcinogenesis.
Carcinogenesis is the series of steps that take place as a normal cell becomes a cancer cell. Cells are the smallest units of the body and they make up the body’stissues. Each cell contains genes that guide the way the body grows, develops, and repairs itself. There are many genes that control whether a cell lives or dies, divides (multiplies), or takes on special functions, such as becoming a nerve cell or a muscle cell.
Changes (mutations) in genes occur during carcinogenesis.
Changes (mutations) in genes can cause normal controls in cells to break down. When this happens, cells do not die when they should and new cells are produced when the body does not need them. The build up of extra cells may cause a mass(tumor) to form.
Tumors can be benign or malignant(cancerous). Malignant tumor cells invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumor cells do not invade nearby tissues or spread.
Factors That are Known to Increase the Risk of Cancer Cigarette Smoking and Tobacco Use Infictions Radiation Immuno suppressive Medicines After Organ Transplant Factors That May Affect the Risk of Cancer Diet Alcohol Physical Activity Obesity Diabetes Environmental Risk Factors
Scientists study risk factors and protective factors to find ways to prevent new cancers from starting. Anything that increases your chance of developing cancer is called a CANCER RISK FACTOR ; anything that decreases your chance of developing cancer is called a CANCER PROTECTIVE FACTOR.
Some risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many cannot. For example, both smoking and inheriting certain genesare risk factors for some types of cancer, but only smoking can be avoided. Risk factors that a person can control are called modifiable risk factors.
Many other factors in our environment,diet, and lifestyle may cause or prevent cancer. This summary review only the major cancer risk factors and protective factors that can be controlled or changed to reduce the risk of cancer. Risk factors that are not described in the summary include certain sexual behaviors, the use of estrogen, and being exposed to certain substances at work or to certain chemicals.
Factors That are Known to Increase the Risk of Cancer
Cigarette Smoking and Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is strongly linked to an increased risk for many kinds of cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of the following types of cancer:
Acute leukemia. Bladder cancer. Esophageal cancer.Kidney cancer.Lung cancer.Oral cavity cancer.Pancreatic cancer.Stomach cancer.
Not smoking or quitting smoking lowers the risk of getting cancer and dying from cancer. Scientists believe that cigarette smoking causes about 30% of all cancer deaths in some nation like United States
Lung Cancer Prevention Cigarette Smoking: Health Risks and How to Quit
Infections
Certain viruses and bacteria are able to cause cancer. Viruses and other infection -causing agents cause more cases of cancer in the developing world (about 1 in 4 cases of cancer) than in developed nations (less than 1 in 10 cases of cancer). Examples of cancer-causing viruses and bacteria include:
Human papilloma virus (HPV) increases the risk for cancers of the cervix, penis,vagina, anus, and oropharynx.Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses increase the risk for liver cancer. Epstein-Barr virus increases the risk for Burkitt lymphoma.Helicobacter pylori increases the risk forgastric cancer.
Two vaccines to prevent infection by cancer-causing agents have already been developed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . One is a vaccine to prevent infection with hepatitis B virus. The other protects against infection with strains of human papillom avirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer. Scientists continue to work on vaccines against infections that cause cancer.
Cervical Cancer Prevention Liver (Hepatocellular) Cancer Prevention Stomach (Gastric) Cancer Prevention Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevention
Radiation
Being exposed to radiation is a known cause of cancer. There are two main types of radiation linked with an increased risk for cancer:
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight: This is the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers.Ionizing radiation including:
Medical radiation from tests todiagnose cancer such as x-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine scans.Radon gas in our homes.
Scientists believe that ionizing radiation causes leukemia, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer in women. Ionizing radiation may also be linked to myeloma and cancers of the lung, stomach, colon, esophagus,bladder, and ovary. Being exposed to radiation from diagnostic x-rays increases the risk of cancer in patients and x-raytechnicians.
The growing use of CTscans over the last 20 years has increased exposure to ionizing radiation. The risk of cancer also increases with the number of CT scans a patient has and the radiation dose used each time.
Hormones
Estrogens, a group of female sex hormones, are known human carcinogens. Although these hormones have essential physiological roles in both females and males, they have also been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. For instance, taking combined menopausal hormone therapy (estrogen plus progestin, which is a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone) can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer and is used only in women who have had a hysterectomy.
A woman who is thinking about menopausal hormone therapy should discuss the possible risks and benefits with her doctor.
Studies have also shown that a woman’s risk of breast cancer is related to the estrogen and progesterone made by her ovaries (known as endogenous estrogen and progesterone). Being exposed for a long time and/or to high levels of these hormones has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Increases in exposure can be caused by starting menstruation early, going through menopause late, being older at first pregnancy, and never having given birth. Conversely, having given birth is a protective factor for breast cancer.
Diethy lstilbestrol (DES) is a form of estrogen that was given to some pregnant women in the past years to prevent miscarriages, premature labor, and related problems with pregnancy. Women who took DES during pregnancy have an increased risk of breast cancer. Their daughters have an increased risk of a cancer of the vagina or cervix. The possible effects on the sons and grandchildren of women who took DES during pregnancy are being studied.
Obesity
People who are obese may have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the breast (in women who have been through menopause), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Conversely, eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and keeping a healthy weight may help reduce risk of some cancers. These healthy behaviors are also important to lessen the risk of other illnesses, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas given off by rocks and soil. Radon is formed when the radioactive element radium breaks down. Radium in turn is formed when the radioactive elements uranium and thorium break down. People who are exposed to high levels of radon have an increased risk of lung cancer.
If you live in an area of the country that has high levels of radon in its rocks and soil, you may wish to test your home for this gas. Home radon tests are easy to use and do not cost much. Most hardware stores sell test kits. There are many ways to lessen the amount of radon in a home to a safe level. For more information on radon, see the Radon page and the Radon and Cancerfact sheet.
X-Rays and Other Sources of Radiation
High-energy radiation, such as x-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons, can damage DNA and cause cancer. These forms of radiation can be released in accidents at nuclear power plants and when atomic weapons are made, tested, or used.
Certain medical procedures, such as chest x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans,positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and radiation therapy can also cause cell damage that leads to cancer. However, the risks of cancer from these medical procedures are very small, and the benefit from having them is almost always greater than the risks.
Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for cancer because you were exposed to radiation. People considering CT scans should talk with their doctors about whether the procedure is necessary for them and about its risks and benefits. Cancer patients may want to talk with their doctors about how radiation treatment could increase their risk for a second cancerlater on.
Sunlight
The sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths all give off ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to UV radiation causes early aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.
People of all ages and skin tones should limit the amount of time they spend in the sun, especially between mid-morning and late afternoon, and avoid other sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds. It is important to keep in mind that UV radiation is reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice and can go through wind shields and windows. Even though skin cancer is more common among people with a light skin tone, people of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, including those with dark skin.
Factors That May Affect the Risk of Cancer
Diet
The foods that you eat on a regular basis make up your diet. Diet is being studied as a risk factor for cancer. It is hard to study the effects of diet on cancer because a person’s diet includes foods that may protect against cancer and foods that may increase the risk of cancer.
It is also hard for people who take part in the studies to keep track of what they eat over a long period of time. This may explain why studies have different results about how diet affects the risk of cancer.
Some studies show that fruits and nonstarchy vegetables may protect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus,andstomach. Fruits may also protect againstlung cancer.
Some studies have shown that a diet high in fat, proteins, calories, and red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer, but other studies have not shown this.
It is not known if a diet low in fat and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables lowers the risk of colorectal cancer.
The genetics of cancer
Cancer is caused by certain changes to genes, the basic physical units of inheritance. Genes are arranged in long strands of tightly packed DNA called chromosomes.
Genetic changes that promote cancer can be inherited from our parents if the changes are present in germ cells, which are the reproductive cells of the body (eggs and sperm). Such changes, called germline changes, are found in every cell of the offspring.
Cancer-causing genetic changes can also be acquired during one’s lifetime, as the result of errors that occur as cells divide or from exposure to carcinogenic substances that damage DNA, such as certain chemicals in tobacco smoke, and radiation, such as ultraviolet rays from the sun. Genetic changes that occur after conception are called somatic (or acquired) changes.
There are many different kinds of DNA changes.Some changes affect just one unit of DNA, called a nucleotide. One nucleotide may be replaced by another, or it may be missing entirely. Other changes involve larger stretches of DNA and may include rearrangements, deletions, or duplications of long stretches of DNA.
Sometimes the changes are not in the actual sequence of DNA. For example, the addition or removal of chemical marks, called epigenetic modifications, on DNA can influence whether the gene is “expressed”—that is, whether and how much messenger RNA is produced. (Messenger RNA in turn is translated to produce the proteins encoded by the DNA.)
In general, cancer cellshave more genetic changes than normal cells. But each person’s cancer has a unique combination of genetic alterations. Some of these changes may be the result of cancer, rather than the cause. As the cancer continues to grow, additional changes will occur. Even within the same tumor, cancer cells may have different genetic changes.
Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Inherited genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. Researchers have associated mutations in specific genes with more than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes, which are disorders that may predispose individuals to developing certain cancers.
Genetic tests for hereditary cancersyndromes can tell whether a person from a family that shows signs of such a syndrome has one of these mutations. These tests can also show whether family members without obvious disease have inherited the same mutation as a family member who carries a cancer-associated mutation.
Many experts recommend that genetic testing for cancer risk be considered when someone has a personal or family history that suggests an inherited cancer risk condition, as long as the test results can be adequately interpreted (that is, they can clearly tell whether a specific genetic change is present or absent) and when the results provide information that will help guide a person’s future medical care.
Cancers that are not caused by inherited genetic mutations can sometimes appear to “run in families.” For example, a shared environment or lifestyle, such as tobacco use, can cause similar cancers to develop among family members. However, certain patterns in a family—such as the types of cancer that develop, other non-cancer conditions that are seen, and the ages at which cancer develops—may suggest the presence of a hereditary cancer syndrome.
Even if a cancer predisposing mutation is present in a family, not everyone who inherits the mutation will necessarily develop cancer. Several factors influence the outcome in a given person with the mutation, including the pattern of inheritance of the cancer syndrome.
Here are examples of genes that can play a role in hereditary cancer syndromes.
The most commonly mutated gene in all cancers is TP53, which produces a protein that suppresses the growth of tumors. In addition, germline mutations in this gene can cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare, inherited disorder that leads to a higher risk of developing certain cancers. Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, which is a disorder marked by an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancers in women. Several other cancers have been associated with this syndrome, including pancreatic and prostate cancers, as well as male breast cancer.Another gene that produces a protein that suppreses the growth of tumors is PTEN. Mutations in this gene are associated with Cowden syndrome, an inherited disorder that increases the risk of breast, thyroid, endometrial, and other types of cancer.
Genetic tests for mutatations that cause hereditary cancer syndromes are usually requested by a person’s doctor or other health care provider. Genetic counseling can help people consider the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing in their particular situations.
A genetic counselor,doctor, or other health care professional trained in genetics can help an individual or family understand their test results and explain the possible implications of test results for other family members.
People considering genetic testing should understand that their results may become known to other people or organizations that have legitimate, legal access to their medical records, such as their insurance company or employer, if their employer provides the patient’s health insurance as a benefit. Legal protections are in place to prevent genetic discrimination.
Identifying Genetic Changes in Cancer
Lab tests called DNA sequencing tests can “read” DNA. By comparing the sequence of DNA in cancer cells with that in normal cells, such as blood or saliva, scientists can identify genetic changes in cancer cells that may be driving the growth of an individual’s cancer. This information may help doctors sort out which therapies might work best against a particular tumor.
Age and Cancer Risk
Advancing age is the most important risk factor for cancer overall, and for many individual cancer types. According to the most recent statistical data. Results program, the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66 years. This means that half of cancer cases occur in people below this age and half in people above this age. One-quarter of new cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 65 to 74.
A similar pattern is seen for many common cancer types. For example, the median age at diagnosis is 61 years for breast cancer, 68 years for colorectal cancer, 70 years for lung cancer, and 66 years for prostate cancer.
But the disease can occur at any age. For example, bone cancer is most frequently diagnosed among people under age 20, with more than one-fourth of cases occurring in this age group. And 10 percent of leukemias are diagnosed in children and adolescents under 20 years of age, whereas only 1 percent of cancer overall is diagnosed in that age group. Some types of cancer, such as neuroblastoma, are more common in children or adolescents than in adults.
Tea and Cancer Prevention
What is tea?
Tea is one of the most ancient and popular beverages consumed around the world. Black tea accounts for about 75 percent of the world’s tea consumption. In the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, black tea is the most common tea beverage consumed; green tea is the most popular tea in Japan and China. Oolong and white tea are consumed in much lesser amounts around the world.
Tea is made from the leaf of the plant Camellia sinensis. Shortly after harvesting, tea leaves begin to wilt and oxidize. During oxidation, chemicals in the leaves are broken down by enzymes, resulting in darkening of the leaves and the well-recognized aroma of tea. This oxidation process can be stopped by heating, which inactivates the enzymes. The amount of oxidation and other aspects of processing determine a tea’s type. Black tea is produced when tea leaves are wilted, bruised, rolled, and fully oxidized. In contrast, green tea is made from unwilted leaves that are not oxidized. Oolong tea is made from wilted, bruised, and partially oxidized leaves, creating an intermediate kind of tea. White tea is made from young leaves or growth buds that have undergone minimal oxidation. Dry heat or steam can be used to stop the oxidation process, and then the leaves are dried to prepare them for sale.
Tea is brewed from dried leaves and buds (either in tea bags or loose), prepared from dry instant tea mixes, or sold as ready-to-drink iced teas. So-called herbal teas are not really teas but infusions of boiled water with dried fruits, herbs, and/or flowers.
What are the ingredients of tea?
Tea is composed of polyphenols, alkaloids(caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine),amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, chlorophyll, volatile organic compounds (chemicals that readily produce vapors and contribute to the odor of tea), fluoride,aluminum, minerals, and trace elements. The polyphenols, a large group of plant chemicals that includes the catechins, are thought to be responsible for the health benefits that have traditionally been attributed to tea, especially green tea. The most active and abundant catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate .
Black tea contains much lower concentrations of these catechins than green tea. The extended oxidation of black tea increases the concentrations of thearubigins and theaflavins, two types of complex polyphenols. Oolong tea contains a mixture of simple polyphenols, such as catechins, and complex polyphenols. White and green tea contain similar amounts of EGCG but different amounts of other polyphenols.
Although iced and ready-to-drink teas are becoming popular worldwide, they may not have the same polyphenol content as an equal volume of brewed tea. The polyphenol concentration of any particular tea beverage depends on the type of tea, the amount used, the brew time, and the temperature. The highest polyphenol concentration is found in brewed hot tea, less in instant preparations, and lower amounts in iced and ready-to-drink teas. As the percentage of tea solids (i.e., dried tea leaves and buds) decreases, so does the polyphenol content. Ready-to-drink teas frequently have lower levels of tea solids and lower polyphenol contents because their base ingredient may not be brewed tea. The addition of other liquids, such as juice, will further dilute the tea solids. Decaffeination reduces the catechin content of teas.
Dietary supplements containing green tea extracts are also available. There are 19 different green tea supplements for tea catechin and caffeine content, the product labels varied in their presentation of catechin and caffeine information, and some values reported on product labels were inconsistent with analyzed values.
How might tea help prevent cancer
Among their many biological activities, the predominant polyphenols in green tea,and the theaflavins and thearubigins in black teas have antioxidant activity. These chemicals, especially and , have substantial free radical scavenging activity and may protect cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Tea polyphenols have also been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and induceapoptosis in laboratory and animal studies. In other laboratory and animal studies, tea catechins have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor cell invasiveness . In addition, tea polyphenols may protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) B radiation and they may modulate immune system function. Furthermore, green teas have been shown to activate detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase, that may help protect against tumor development. Although many of the potential beneficial effects of tea have been attributed to the strong antioxidant activity of tea polyphenols, the precise mechanism by which tea might help prevent cancer has not been established.
Did you know that tea is the second most consumed beverage worldwide, after water? While tea brewed in the traditional way is still a dietary staple in many parts of the world, an ever-increasing range of healthy teas in varied forms is now available. Many of these teas offer multiple health benefits.
In fact, tea has been widely used throughout history as a therapy for specific health conditions. It has also been credited with lowering the risk of disease, including cancer risk. And what do you know – recent scientific and clinical research supports some, if not all, of these very intriguing health claims!
Let’s look at three healthy teas scientific evidence indicates you should be drinking daily to lower your overall risk of getting cancer.
Green Tea
Green tea is a very popular beverage in Japan and parts of China. And did you know that green tea, white tea, Oolong tea, and black tea are all made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis? The reason these teas look and taste different is because they’re processed differently. For instance, green tea is made from fresh leaves which are steamed or heated immediately after harvest. Black tea receives more processing, making it the most oxidized of the three.
Green tea contains many naturally occurring “bioactive” compounds – in other words, natural compounds that act in specific ways on our body. Bioactive compounds in green tea include caffeine, tea polyphenols, and so-called “volatile” compounds that contribute to this tea’s familiar odor and taste.
Tea Polyphenols and Catechins are Antioxidants
Tea polyphenols are bioactive plant compounds that include catechins, which are believed to be responsible for many of the promising health benefits attributed to green tea. The most active and abundant catechin in green tea is known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Epigallocatechin (ECG) is another catechin. Both have high antioxidant activity – together they act to neutralize many harmful “free radicals” in our body.
A free radical is a highly reactive molecule that can damage important biological structures in your body’s cells, such as DNA and proteins. Like vitamin C and vitamin E, antioxidants such as EGCG and ECG limit the damage free radicals cause by chemically neutralizing them.
Anti-Cancer Activities of Green Tea
Green tea slows down or completely prevents growth of cancer cells Blocks formation of new blood vessels that cancers need to feed themselves with nutrients may protect the body’s cells against ultraviolet (UV) damage may boost the immune system, appears to trigger natural detox enzymes in our body that help to protect against cancer formation
Although many of these anti-cancer benefits are believed to be the result of the strong antioxidant activity (and other bioactive properties) of green tea polyphenols such as EGCG and ECG, the exact mechanisms by which green tea acts to prevent cancer have not yet been clearly identified.
While regular green tea consumption is recommended for lowering cancer risk, its effectiveness in people who are already suffering from various forms of cancer is unclear at present. However,because of its lack of toxicity and numerous anti-cancer properties, it is both acceptable and advisable to consume two to three cups of green tea daily. It would be reasonable to expect that a preventive therapy that can help to lower cancer risk might also help prevent the progression of the disease.
Dandelion Tea
The lowly dandelion weed has been used for centuries as an alternative herbal remedy to treat infections, lower inflammation, increase bile flow and correct liver problems. It is also considered to be an effective mild laxative, along with improving appetite and digestion.
Recently, very promising studies have shown that extracts of the dandelion flower, leaves, and root – all of which are used to make healthy teas – contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-cancer properties.
Anti-Cancer Properties of Dandelion Root Extract
In a very exciting result for both cancer therapists and patients, dandelion root extract was found to kill aggressive, treatment-resistant human pancreatic cancer cells without harming non-cancerous cells.
Another cancer that is highly resistant to treatment is chronic myelomonocytic lukemia (CMML). Dandelion root extract was shown to selectively kill CMML cells, suggesting that dandelion root extract has great potential as an effective alternative to conventional CMML treatment with toxic anti-cancer drugs.
The lethal and fast-acting skin cancer melanoma is known to be resistant to immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The only known way to treat it is surgical removal after early detection. Promisingly, dandelion root extract has been shown to kill human melanoma cells, once again without harming non-cancerous cells.
It’s important to remember that these studies on dandelion root extract have all been carried out in isolated cancer cells in laboratory conditions. The only way to know how effective dandelion root extract can be against various forms of cancer is to test it in human clinical trials.
Chaga Mushroom Tea
Did you know that up to 100 species of mushrooms are being studied for their health-promoting benefits? It seems that some mushrooms contain very potent immune-boosting bioactive compounds. For this reason, health experts believe that mushrooms may one day be useful in preventing, as well as treating, cancer.For instance, the chaga mushroom has been used for many years in folk medicine in Siberia and other parts of Russia, Poland, and many Baltic countries. Chaga is used as a cleansing agent as well as to treat stomach diseases, worms, liver and heart conditions – and even cancer.
In recent years, thisexoticmushroom – which grows almost exclusively on birch trees and is said to look like a large growth of burnt bark – has been studied closely because of its high nutritional and antioxidant levels. In fact, its popularity has grown to such an extent that you can now buy a healthy tea made from chaga mushrooms.
The Chaga Mushroom – An Anti-Cancer Superhero?
Chaga mushroom extracts have been shown to kill human lung, glial, and colon cancer cells in laboratory studies without harming normal non-cancerous cells.Further, a bioactive compound obtained from chaga was shown to kill multiple types of colon cancer cells, strongly suggesting that it can be used as a supplement in colon cancer therapy.
While these initial results are very promising, clinical trials are still needed to verify chaga’s safety and effectiveness as a potential cancer treatment in humans.
Health experts warn that it is not advisable to drink chaga mushroom tea if you are using a blood thinning drug or if you’re on blood sugar-lowering medications. To be on the safe side, be sure to consult your physician before adding this particular healthy tea to your daily diet, especially if you already have a pre-existing health condition.
Green tea contains many naturally occurring “bioactive” compounds (natural compounds that act in specific ways on our body). Green tea contains both EGCG and ECG which help to neutralize many harmful “free radicals” in our body.
While regular green tea consumption is recommended for lowering cancer risk, its effectiveness in people who are already suffering from various forms of cancer is unclear at present. However, due to its lack of toxicity and numerous anti-cancer properties, it is generally advisable to consume 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily.
Promising recent studies have shown that extracts of the dandelion flower, leaves, and root – all of which are used to make healthy teas – contain bioactive compounds with potential anti-cancer properties.
Most health experts say that it’s perfectly fine to drink a cup or two ofdandelion flower, leaf, or root tea daily as a preventive therapy, because of its near-complete lack of toxicity. (However it’s always best to check with your doctor first.)
Some mushrooms contain very potent immune-boosting bioactive compounds. In recent years, the chaga mushroom has been studied closely because of its high nutritional and antioxidant levels. While initial studies are very promising, clinical trials are still needed to verify chaga’s safety and effectiveness as a potential cancer treatment in humans.
Health experts warn that it is not advisable to drinkchaga mushroom tea if you are using a blood thinning drug or if you’re on blood sugar-lowering medications. Be sure to consult your physician before adding this tea to your daily diet − especially if you already have a pre-existing health condition.
Types of cancer & treatment
The “Terrible 12” Most Common Types of Cancer
1. Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.5 It has one of the lowest survival rates, claiming more than 1.5 million lives every year worldwide.6 There are various types of lung cancer but the most common is “non-small cell lung cancer.” The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking (actually the chemicals used to produce the cigarettes) with a secondary cause no one ever hears about – radon poisoning. Lung cancer affects the alveoli (the tiny air sacs in the lungs) and can spread to other tissues rapidly.
2. Liver Cancer: This cancer took the lives of 788,000 people globally in 2015.7 As your body’s primary organ for filtration, you cannot live without your liver. This organ processes all your blood – a preferred mode of transportation for cancer cells, which is why most cases of liver cancer are secondary sites. In other words, they are cancers that start elsewhere and end up in the liver. When cancer actually starts in the liver, the cause is usually alcohol abuse, a birth defect, or chronic infection such as hepatitis B or C.8
3. Stomach Cancer: this type have results in more than 750,000 deaths per year. This type of cancer affects the linings of the stomach, and sometimes goes undetected at the earliest stage. The longer it takes to diagnosis and treat the cancer, the poorer the prognosis. A diet of cancer-causing foods, smoking, and alcohol consumption are believed to elevate your risk of this particular form. If you have ongoing stomach distress that includes nausea, heartburn, bloating, or pain, talk to your doctor.
4. Colorectal Cancer: Cancer found in the colon or the rectum causes the deaths of almost 800,000 people annually.10 According to the National Cancer Institute it is the second highest cause of cancer death in the United States. If caught early, the survival rates are excellent. Early screening for colorectal cancer and preventive measures are crucial since there are often no symptoms until the cancerous cells have multiplied and spread to other organs. Some proactive measures include consuming a mostly plant-based diet, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, regular exercise, and participating in mind-body therapies.
5. Breast Cancer: Breast cancer occurs in the breast tissues of both males and females – claiming the lives of more than 500,000 people every year.11 The malignant tumor that grows in this tissue spreads quickly to other parts of the body if left untreated (and emotional roots left unresolved). Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women (after skin cancer). Only about 10% of breast cancers are considered to be linked to heredity factors (meaning genetic mutations). However, many familial factors contribute one’s risk. For example, living in a toxic environment, consuming a poor diet, etc.) What this means is that we have ample room to take measures to prevent breast cancer. Unfortunately, regular breast cancer screening with mammograms have not decreased the cases of breast cancer nor have they improved survival rates.
6. Esophageal Cancer: Throat cancer – also known as cancer of the food pipe – claims the lives of more than 400,000 people each year globally.12 The top causes of esophageal cancerare smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and diet. If you are a smoker who also drinks regularly, your risk is significantly higher. Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight and regular consumption of concentrated freeze-dried strawberries may lower risk for esophageal cancer.13 Screening for this form of cancer is complicated and sometimes damages the food pipe during the procedure. Scientists are working on better options.
7. Cervical Cancer: The cervix is located at the lower end of the uterus and opens into the upper portion of the vaginal canal. If the cells in this area undergo changes that are undetected over time, cervical cancer could occur. It is responsible for over 260,000 deaths worldwide.14 While about 84% of cervical cancer cases occur in less developed countries, it is estimated that over 4,000 women in the United States alone will die from this cancer this year.15Doctors utilize Pap tests to determine the condition of the cervix cells and search for cancer or pre-cancerous cells. Early detection is critical since it may be asymptomatic of cervical cancer until it has spread.
8. Prostate Cancer: There may be no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer until it has spread to other areas of the body. That’s the reason it claims the lives of 1.1 million people annually. It is estimated that over 150,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancerthis year and that over 26,000 will die from this cancer.16 Importantly, there are now many less invasive treatments for prostate cancer, so be sure to know all of your options before you accept a potentially damaging surgical method. Here again, researchers have found that a mostly plant-based diet can significantly reduce your risk.17
9. Bladder Cancer: There are over 400,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed each year globally.18 Fortunately, bladder cancer causes discomfort during urination so it is detected earlier than many other forms of cancer. Follow up care is important to ensure there is no recurrence of bladder cancer. Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer.
10. Pancreatic Cancer: This cancer is aggressive and there are few symptoms of the disease until it is advanced. Abdominal pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss are signs that manifest in some patients. Pancreatic cancer claims the lives of over 330,000 people yearly.19 Obesity is a major risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but this cancer even strikes thin people, so your best is to keep your immune system strong. Beta glucans can be helpful.
11. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: This cancer starts in the white blood cells of your lymphatic system – the core of your immune system. Abdominal pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes (found in your armpits, neck, and groin) are symptoms some patients have reported. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is expected to claim the lives of more than 20,000 people in the U.S. alone in 2017.20 Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system and boosting your immune system will lower your risk of developing this cancer.
12. Leukemia: Cancer of the blood cells is called leukemia. It begins in your bone marrow where most blood cells are produced. Too many immature blood cells are created which crowd out the healthy blood cells, leading to increased risk of infection, extreme fat
There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. When you need treatment for cancer, you have a lot to learn and think about. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. But, talking with your doctor and learning about the types of treatment you may have can help you feel more in control. Our Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment may help.
Surgery
When used to treat cancer, surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer from your body. Learn the different ways that surgery is used against cancer and what you can expect before, during, and after surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Learn about the types of radiation, why side effects happen, which ones you might have, and more.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Learn how chemotherapy works against cancer, why it causes side effects, and how it is used with other cancer treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. Get information about the types of immunotherapy and what you can expect during treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread. Learn how targeted therapy works against cancer and about common side effects that may occur.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is a treatment that slows or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow. Learn about the types of hormone therapy and side effects that may happen.
Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cell transplants are procedures that restore blood-forming stem cells in cancer patients who have had theirs destroyed by very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Learn about the types of transplants, side effects that may occur, and how stem cell transplants are used in cancer treatment.
Precision Medicine
Precision medicine helps doctors select treatments that are most likely to help patients based on a genetic understanding of their disease. Learn about the role precision medicine plays in cancer treatment, including how genetic changes in a person's cancer are identified and used to select treatments.
CANCER TREATMENTS METHODS INCLUDE : NATURAL THERAPY ,CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIO THERAPY .
Many medical institutes deal with cancer using chemotherapy and radio therapy , leaving many people lacking knowledge of natural means to control cancer which can be useful in dealing with cancer in its early stages
I will concentrate on NATURAL THERAPY CANCER TREATMENTS
To understand natural CANCER TREATMENTS you should first understand the following :
1 )all of us are born with cancer cells and natural cells
2)cancer surfaces because our cellular proteins are damaged
Therefore natural therapy CANCER TREATMENTS should focus on ensuring a healthy nutrition to boost your immune system
NATURAL CANCER TREATMENTS
1) EAT LOW SUGAR
Since cancer cells feed on sugar do you know how to deal with them easily?- reduce sugar intake
The following foods are high in nutrition but low in sugar :
They are nutrient rich and contain no fat or low healthy fat ,vegetables which are good for your health include : spinach , cabbages ,cauliflower ,carrots ,broccoli and wheat grass
They boost your metabolism a however you should eat them in right amount because they also contain calories .Healthy nuts and seeds include :sunflower ,sesame seeds pumpkin seeds ,peanuts ,walnuts ,almonds ,cashews
As per research recently carried out ,berries help you boost metabolism and are high in antioxidants ,protecting you from many diseases and conditions .Eat raspberries ,strawberries ,blackberries ,blueberries
Help you boost metabolism .Green tea has more health benefits ,it also help you relax and reduce aging
Eat natural ,whole foods that do not have additives ,whole foods are rich in fiber which keep you full
1)Eat regular meals -4 to 5 hours per day everyday
2)Eat variety of foods so that your body gets the nutrition it requires
3)Eat less fat – avoid fried foods
4)Eat high fiber foods like vegetables ,whole grain breads and cereals
2) OXYGENATE YOUR BODY
Cancer cells do not like oxygen therefore do all means to ensure that you supply your body with more oxygen ,you can practice aerobic exercises -you gain more oxygen
Brisk walking about one hour per day everyday help you oxygenate your body
Also do not sit around for more than one hour –it slows metabolism which may result in high sugar levels ,exposing you to increase in cancer risks –cancer like that sugar environment
3) EAT MORE ANTI-CANCER NUTRIENTS
Take in more :vitamin E ,fish oil ,grape seed ,green tea extract ,vitamin C ,vitamin A ,vitamin B 9 ,vitamin B 12 ,zinc ,calcium ,chromium
Vitamin E is very important because it helps lower activity of cancer cells ,vitamin E is also important in boosting your immune system
NOTE :If you are a heavy drinker do not take vitamin A and vitamin E get some instructions from doctor before using them ,however you should note that alcohol also causes cancer so when fighting cancer avoid drinking alcohol
4) USE OLIVE LEAF
It damages viruses and bacterium , it can limit production of viruses .It also boosts your immune system .Olive leaf is useful in treatment of many diseases .
5)EAT MUSHROOMS
REISHI MUSHROOM has anti-allergic ,anti-inflammatory ,anti-bacterium ,antioxidant and anti –viral properties which combat various diseases including cancer
SHITAKE MUSHROOM has anti bacterium agent which can cure various cancer types
MAITAKE MUSHROOM kills cancer cells , especially in prostate and breast –take it as dried mushroom powder
Mushrooms help in controlling many diseases caused by bacterium ,virus and any other diseases ,they also prove to be effective in controlling and destroying cancer cells
SOME NATURAL TIPS ON CANCER TREATMENTS
1)Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for long ,solar radiation causes skin cancer
2)Avoid tap water –YES! It is chlorinated and chlorinated water increase the risk of colon and rectal cancer .Use pure filtered water
3)Avoid smoking ,lead , nickel and cadmium from cigarettes accumulate in body increasing cancer risks
4)Reduce sugar intake , high sugar causes cancer and increase cancer risks
5)Build and maintain a strong immune system with medical mushrooms ,high fiber foods –especially vegetables ,herbs ,seeds ,exercises and low sugar intake
6)Do some exercises every hour and every day .Five to ten minutes of exercises per day everyday will help you control sugar and can
SINCE EVERYONE IS NOW USING PHONE, YOU HAVE TO KNOW THIS...
CELL PHONE AND CANCER
Cell Phone Health Impacts: How Are Devices Impacting Our Bodies?
In just a few decades cell phones have totally taken over our lives. Many times, it’s for the better. When was the last time you actually pulled a map out of the glove compartment to try to navigate somewhere? Or had to stand out in the rain to hail a cab? But are potential cell phone health impacts something to worry about?
Are our devices completely safe? We haven’t been using cell phones long enough to fully study long-term impacts and say using them definitively causes specific diseases. But then again, it took decades to prove a surefire link between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer, too.
Now, I’m not suggesting we all ditch our phones … I rely on mine for so many things. But the following findings may give you reason to take some commonsense cell phone safety precautions to minimize your risk.
Brain Cancer
Cell phones emit non-ionizing radiation, which are radio waves known as a type of electromagnetic radiation. We do know that human tissue closest to cell phone antennas absorb some of this energy. (1)
While studies linking cell phone use to brain cancer bring mixed results, the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society did give credence to a particular research project. In 2016, the U.S. National Toxicology Program released data related to the agency’s large-scale, $25 million study investigating cell phone use and cancer risk. The results? Very high signal cell phone radiation did result in a slightly increased risk of malignant gliomas in the brain. Risk of schwannomas, rare tumors that develop on the nerve sheath of the heart, also increased with cell phone use. As the dose of radiation increased, so did cancer risk. (2, 3)
The World Health Organization listed cell phone radiation as a 2B carcinogen in 2011. That classification means cell phone radiation is “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” (4)
Medical literature does suggest that beginning cell phone use during teenage years results in a four-to-five times higher risk of a brain cancer diagnosis. (5)
Thyroid Trouble
In a first-of-its-kind study published in the Oman Medical Journal, researchers found students who moderately and heavily used cell phones in talk mode experienced a significant alteration to thyroid stimulating hormone levels. (Higher than normal TSH levels, and low average T4 levels were observed.) That may not seem like a big deal, except that even tiny changes to thyroid hormone levels can alter brain function. The study authors say “based on these results, it may be concluded that electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones may cause some detrimental effects on thyroid function.” (6)
Cell phone radiation may trigger negative effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary thyroid axis, throwing off normal thyroid hormone levels. (7) However, a 2016 study published in International Radiation Biology found no link between cell phone electromagnetic radiation and thyroid cancer. (8)
Sperm Damage
Men, please think twice about keeping your cell phone in your pocket or clipped to your belt. Sperm of men exposed to cell phone radiation die three times faster than those unexposed to the radiation. The sperm also experience three times the level of mitochondrial DNA damage, too. Not good news for men’s health or fertility. (9)
Cell Phone Health: Protect Yourself
When it comes to cell phone radiation, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can drastically reduce your exposure without giving up your device. Here are some common-sense tips:
Text instead of talking whenever possible, and use speaker mode or use a hands-free kit when you do make calls.When talking on your cell phone, hold it an inch or more away from your head.Make only short or essential calls on cell phones.Avoid carrying your phone against the body, like in a pocket sock or bra.Don’t talk on the phone or text while driving.If you plan to watch a movie on your device, download it first, then switch to airplane mode while you watch.If you can, avoid making calls when you have a weaker signal. Radiation is higher when your bars are lower.Avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains and buses. Cell phones work harder to push a signal through metal, so radiation increases.Keep cell phones away from children and out of their mouths. (10)
Final Thoughts on Cell Phone Health Threats
We’ve only been heavily using cell phones since the 1990s. That’s not enough time to get a full scope of potential long-term health impacts in humans. Remember, it took decades to draw a conclusive link between lung cancer and cigarette smoking.Studies linking cell phones to cancer, particularly brain cancer, are mixed. But several recent well-designed studies suggests cell phone use could slightly increase the risk of certain types of brain cancers.Electromagnetic radiation from cell phones could also tinker with hormone health, sleep patterns, mental health and more.You can drastically reduce your exposure to cell phone radiation using simple tactics like texting by holding the phone away from your body instead of making long calls, keeping the phone on airplane or away from you while you sleep and not keeping your phone on your body all day.
