Recently I joked with those in attendance at a presentation about our “quarterly newsletter that comes out twice a year!” While we fall behind on that goal we stay current posting compelling links and recent findings on Facebook and in our blog. We invite you to join the conversation by subscribing to either and share your own insights and resources with others.
In the meantime, one of the most important ways to take charge of your health in 2011 is by downloading this free guide and sharing it with friends and family. It provides a list of the labs you need to stay abreast of new thinking in health and medicine along with an annual plan based on your age. Bring it with you to your primary care physician to ensure you stay ahead of the curve. Follow this link to download the Proactive Health Review
And from our Spring 2011 newsletter check out these headlines:
New Test for Early Prostate Cancer
Scientists in the U.K. say they have developed the first reliable test for diagnosing early prostate cancer. Scientists at the University of Surrey “identified a protein called EN-2, which is only produced by prostate cancer cells.” This easy to administer urine test may become the gold standard for prostate cancer screening. It finds 60 to 70% of cancers that are present and is falsely positive only 4% of the time (meaning when the test is positive it is not cancer 4% of the time) compared to PSA which detects only 40% of cancers present and is falsely positive half the time. – Fox News Health:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,232878,00.html
Preventing Bowel Cancer Polyps
People who lead an active lifestyle “are up to a third less likely to develop polyps which can develop into bowel cancer,” according to scientists from Washington University School of Medicine. After collating data from more than 30 previous studies, their findings are the first to definitively show that even low levels of exercise have a beneficial effect. The recommendation is to have at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. – BBC health news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12610236
Reducing Fatigue During Radiation Treatment
A recent study reported in the journal of Health Psychology found that participants in a cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation program did not experience fatigue over the course of radiation treatment, but the control group did. Increasingly, cancer centers are incorporating skill-based programs to help individuals upgrade their energy and quality of life. For more on programs like these please visit: http://tinyurl.com/4gjsxds
Hormones of the Heart Treat Heart Failure, Renal Failure and Cancer
After losing his wife to breast cancer, David Vesely, MD, made a startling leap of insight. He followed it up with serious science, isolating heart peptides (LANP, Vessel Dilator, Kaliuretic peptide, ANP) and noting their effects in various diseases. These extraordinary hormones lowered blood pressure, increased fluid output in the kidneys, and even inhibited cancer growth. As a result of his remarkable discoveries, Vessel Dilator will soon be in clinical trials in Australia for treatment of heart failure. But further research shows the peptides not only increase cardiac output but improve renal function and regenerate kidney tubules themselves, indicating a future role in restoring normal kidney function to those with renal failure. Remarkably, its anti-cancer effect targets only cancer cells and does no harm to normal cells. In mouse studies these heart peptides began killing cancer cells within just 2 hours of administration. To see Dr. Vesely’s research and statistics for yourself follow this link:https://www.academycim.com/course-catalog-online-courses.html.
Breast Implants & Cancer
The Food and Drug Administration says “it has found a possible link between breast implants and a very rare type of cancer.” After reviewing data published between 1997 and 2010, the agency determined people with both saline and silicone gel-filled implants have a small but significant risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALCL, which is rare is diagnosed in 1 of 500,000 women with breast implants each year, but in roughly 1 of 33,000,000 women without implants each year. So while there is an increased risk, bear in mind that it is still extremely rare. If you have breast implants you can review the information on the FDA website’s news release:http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm241090.htm
Low Dose Chemotherapy
Did you know that breast cancer cells have six times more insulin receptors and ten times more IGF-1 receptors than normal tissue? Although not yet considered standard therapy, the premise is when combined with insulin the dose of traditional chemotherapy can be reduced by 85 to 90% while still giving a therapeutic effect and significantly decreasing side-effects. Explore new findings in low dose insulin potentiated chemotherapy and its role in integrative oncology at this upcoming conference: http://www.iptforcancer.com/conference/ For more information: http://www.elkabest.org/
Prevent Nerve Damage from Chemotherapy with Vitamin E
It has long been thought that antioxidants like vitamin E decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy, but a 2003 study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology not only proved that a dose up to 300 mg daily of vitamin E during and after treatment did not affect treatment success, it actually decreased the risk of neuropathy by over 50%. This is of key importance as the nerve damage from cisplatin treatment is often permanent. A later study in 2010 using 400 mg of Vitamin E came to this strong conclusion: “This phase III study confirms the neuroprotective role of vitamin E against cisplatin peripheral neurotoxicity. Vitamin E supplementation should be adopted in patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class II evidence that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduces the relative risk of developing signs or symptoms of neurotoxicity.” After checking with your physician make sure you are supplementing with the natural form of Alpha tocopherol.http://www.jcojournal.org/content/21/5/927.short and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20194916
Three Nutrients to Complement Cancer Care
Integrative oncologist, Dr. Constantine Kotsanis explains to his patients how 3 simple nutrients can complement cancer care: iodine helps balance different types of estrogen and is reported to have tamoxifen-like effects on breast cancer; proper levels of vitamin D can potentiate a healthy immune response as well as reduce inflammation; and vitamin A coupled with healthy nutrition since junk food increases inflammation. For foods that reduce inflammation see the article below: http://kotsanisinstitute.com/index.php and Put the Fire Out: Five Steps to Reduce Inflammation.
Beat Breast Cancer? Treat Depression
As if the diagnosis of breast cancer isn’t bad enough, it’s often accompanied by depression. Although a common reaction, the results of an 11-year on-going study at Ohio State University found that talk therapy, exercise and relaxation techniques reduced inflammation and extended life compared to those who did not receive such interventions. Reducing inflammation is key since patients with higher levels are at greater risk for recurrence. For a free 5-minute stress busing audio: http://tinyurl.com/68wb5ug and methods of monitoring and tips for reducing inflammation see:http://tinyurl.com/4ba7nrq
Search and Destroy
Published in Genes and Cancer, a new breakthrough treatment for a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma is in development now. Scientists have found a way to target and destroy glioblastoma cells without damaging healthy tissue. Designer proteins target a specific cell type, invade the cell and then accumulate. When a drug is attached to the protein it then reaches only the targeted cells—not the healthy ones. Read more here: ‘Designer protein opens new door in cancer research.’ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803112813.htm
New Hope without Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions carry significant risks. Now researchers in Canada at McMaster University have figured out how to “transform skin cells directly into blood cells—without first reverting them to an embryo-like stem-cell stage. Published in the journal Nature, scientists produced all 3 types of blood cells (White cells, Red cells and Platelets) by inserting a single gene and exposing the skin cells to specific growth factors. While not yet close to being used in humans, this eventually could help patients with anemia or those undergoing cancer treatment.http://www.nature.com/news/2010/101107/full/news.2010.588.html
The Oasis of Hope
In Irvine, California oncologist Francisco Contreras follows his father’s footsteps in providing holistic and integrative care to cancer patients, addressing the physical and emotional needs of his patients with a focus on reducing inflammation. Recognized as a pioneer in the integration of conventional complementary therapies with holistic counseling and an emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship, Dr. Contreras founded his philosophy on two principles: First, do no harm; and love your patient as you love yourself. The authors of this newsletter recently had the pleasure of being in attendance at his acceptance speech of his lifetime achievement award: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQbyCZfRRZo. To date, more than 100,000 patients from 55 nations have received care at his clinic. http://www.oasisofhope.com/about_us.php
Stress Kick Starts Tumor Growth
Click on the above link to read how unhealthy levels of stress hormones affect tumor growth. But while you do, keep in mind that easy-to-apply skills counteract harmful levels of stress hormones. (For fast relief from stress try this five-minute stress buster.)
Not Just Mind Over Matter
“Mind over matter,” is a common misconception in pop psychology’s take on mind/body medicine. Listen in on my discussion with ABC/KGO radio host Joannie Greggins as we lay this myth to rest and discuss what the latest findings in mind-body medicine really mean for you and your future well-being. http://tinyurl.com/68wb5ug
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Your Prescription and the Placebo Effect
Ever since a 1960s experiment successfully used syrup of ipecac as a treatment for morning sickness (it worked) the placebo effect has been much studied but little understood. What is clear: our expectations about our medical care, the physicians we see and the drugs we take have biological effects. Make sure you’re taking advantage of this chemical reality yourself by having an open and trusting relationship with your physician and confidence in your treatment plan, including any medication you happen to be taking. Positive Expectations May Make Drugs Work Better
The Mind-Body Connection in the Treatment of Cancer
Over the last decade, we have learned that specific skills can make the difference between robust health and life-threatening disease. Researchers have identified three immune enhancing traits, dubbed the 3 Cs for: Commitment, Control, and Challenge. Cultivating the 3 Cs leads to the gold standard of survivor research: resilience. Resilience is linked to an increased ability to find meaning in suffering and thrive in the face of adversity. To see how resilient – flexible, resistant, strong, buoyant – you are take the test provided by clicking here. For more: http://rccancercenters.com/archives/2808
Upcoming Events:
Please join us for the Ninth Annual International IPT/IPTLD Conference in Hollywood, Florida, entitled “Integrative Oncology: A Holistic Healing Platform & Targeted Cancer Therapies.” Among the topics, Stockdale presents on “The Biology of Belief: The Role of Stress in Cancer.” For a complete program please visit: http://www.iptforcancer.com/conference/
Please note that many of the citations in this newsletter come from the dynamic speakers at this notable conference open to physicians and patients: 13th International Congress of BioEnergetic Medicine: https://www.academycim.com/course-catalog-online-courses.html
Photo compliments of Renjith Krishnan
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