The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts |
When Arimidex was compared to tamoxifen in a breast cancer prevention trial, Arimidex was slightly more effective and virtually free of side effects (ATAC Trialists' Group 2002).
The Role of the Thyroid Gland
The health of the thyroid gland should be considered in any debility in the reproductive organs. Hypothyroidism can be the primary causative agent in abnormal Pap smears (Papanicolaou test); menonhagia (abnormally heavy or long menstrual periods); ovarian cysts; metrorrhagia (bleeding other than that caused by menstruation); infertility; and unsuccessful pregnancies. |
Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
| Epstein's The breast cancer prevention Program, 2nd ed., 1999, and give it to your daughters, women friends, and others.
10. If you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, search the Web and the literature for the latest alternative treatments. Your doctor is no doubt sincere, but possibly functions on automatic pilot, especially if he or she relies on drug representatives instead of the medical journals.
11. Thoughtfully consider, but carefully doubt all information (including this article) and start your own search. |
| Fenretinide and raloxifene are 2 other drugs that are being studied for their usefulness as potential breast cancer prevention agents.
This is yet another proposed drug solution to a condition that many researchers are saying is due to the chemicals and toxins in our environment.
ARRESTING THE CANCER PROCESS
I've spent a lot of time telling you in Chapter 3 and in this chapter what causes cancer. Now let's find out ways of increasing our odds of staying healthy and preventing cancer. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts |
An association has been made between low thyroid function and breast cancer; as a source of iodine and other trace minerals, sea vegetables provide optimal nutrition for the thyroid gland.
The high content of potassium in seaweed is good for the heart and kidneys. The iodine in seaweed aids in weight loss also. Seaweed nourishes membranes, making it good for nervous disorders, skin conditions, colds, and constipation. It is high in chromium, which helps to control blood sugar levels. |
Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The dietary intake of Laminaria, a brown seaweed, and breast cancer prevention. Nutr Cancer.l983;4:217-22.
7. Teas J, et al. Dietary seaweed (Laminaria) and mammary carcinogenesis in rats. Cancer Res.l984;44:2758-61.
8. Yamamoto I, et al. Antitumor effect of seaweeds. IV. Enhancement of antitumor activity by sulfation of a crude fucoidan fraction from Sargassum kjellmanianum. Jpn J Exp Med.l984;54:143-51.
9. Maruyama H, et al. |
Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
This is of particular importance for colon and breast cancer prevention." Shahaniand, Anticarcino genie and immunological properties of dietary lactobacilli. Journal of Food Protection 1990; 53:740-710.
• "... One study showed it beneficial for those with constipation who had colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other various disorders." Rettger LF et al., Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Its Therapeutic Application. New Haven, CT: Yale U. Press, 1935.
• "... Numerous studies have shown that acidophilus and other good bacteria are helpful to prevent and treat cases of infectious diarrhea. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay. See book keywords and concepts |
A controlled clinical trial using 300 mg per day on 60 women confirmed it as a promising breast cancer prevention agent.
Turmeric Root Studies show that curcumin (the active ingredient) inhibits cancer cell proliferation in a variety of ways and helps induce programmed cell death, or apoptosis.
Coenzyme Q10. Numerous holistic physicians are reporting a benefit in preventing and treating breast cancer. The preventive dose is 50 mg per day, while for cancer treatment the dose is 200 mg three times per day. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S. See book keywords and concepts |
Recent scientific findings suggest that diet is especially important in breast cancer prevention. For example, in one very recent study, researchers from the New York University Medical Center and the Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York discovered that the level of bile acids (which can be carcinogenic) found in breast cyst fluid is 100 times greater than in the blood. They also discovered that the origin of this high concentration of bile acids came from food being digested in the intestines — indicating a strong link between diet and the risk of breast cancer. |
Kenny Ausubel See book keywords and concepts |
Nevertheless, Tamoxifen was officially approved for breast cancer prevention in late 1998, and the manufacturer, British conglomerate Zeneca, announced its plan for an aggressive mass-marketing campaign directed at women.34
In a perverse spin on corporate vertical integration, Zeneca founded and helps fund National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Formerly Imperial Chemical Industries, Zeneca reaps half its profits, about $500 million annually, marketing Taxomifen, now the world's best-selling cancer drug, and sells it through the eleven cancer treatment centers it owns. |
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The dietary intake of Laminaria, a brown seaweed, and breast cancer prevention." Nutrition and Cancer 4(3), 217-
223, 1983.
FEVERS & INFECTIONS
HERBS
Form: Capsule, Tea, Compress, Poultice
CONTENTS: ECHINACEA root (Echinacea augustifolia), MYRRH gum (Commiphora myrrha), Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata), Cinchona (Peruvian bark), Butternut root bark
(Juglans cinerea), Garlic (Allium sativum) & Kelp (Laminaria, Mac-rocystis, Ascophyllum). |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
Some Aspects of Vitamin E Related to Humans and breast cancer prevention," Adv. Exp. Med. Bio. 364 (1994): 119-27.
Consumption of green vegetables is significantly associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
C. LaVecchia et al., "Dietary Factors and the Risk of Breast Cancer," Nutrition and Cancer 10 (1987): 205-14.
An epidemiologic survey conducted in 21 countries found that, in women over 45, high dietary intake of sucrose appears to be a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
S. Seely and D. F. |
Gale Maleskey See book keywords and concepts |
One way to reduce free-floating estrogen is by following the dietary guidelines for breast cancer prevention mentioned earlier. In addition, Dr. Brett notes, there are some natural substances that will help to reduce estrogen levels. Your key allies are called phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are simply the estrogens that occur naturally in plants. When you eat fruits and vegetables that contain those compounds, they act as a weak form of estrogen in your body. |
Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox, and Makoto Suzuki See book keywords and concepts |
Scientists at UCLA are now testing fish oil capsules in prospective breast cancer prevention trials.
Okinawan women consume at least three servings of fish per week, which according to a study of ours results in three times more omega-3 fatty acids in their blood than is found in North Americans. |
| The connecting thread here may be fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and seems to be the active component for breast cancer prevention.41
Most breast cancer arises in the breast duct tissue. These cells turn over faster than other breast tissue, and any cell that has a faster reproduction rate is at higher risk of producing a daughter cell that has gone awry, a cancer cell. If not detected and killed by the body, the cell can grow into a full-blown tumor. |
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Bernard Fisher, scientific director of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project that conducted the breast cancer prevention Trial, proclaimed: "This the first time in history that we have evidence that breast cancer cannot only be treated but also prevented."37 Dr. H. Varmus, NIH director and uncritical supporter of the cancer drug industry (page 493), whose disinterest in mission-oriented research is a matter of record (page 369), enthused about "a big deal. |
| NCI programs on breast cancer prevention reflect myopia and questionable science, as illustrated by emphasis on a high-fat diet by itself as the major cause (Table 17.6). This is further compounded by neglect and by an apparent unfa-miliarity with evidence incriminating a wide range of carcinogenic pesticides and other xenobiotic dietary contaminants. |
| Salmon said the breast cancer prevention Trial, the largest chemoprevention trial to date, "may make a major reduction in breast cancer incidence, and that could give a far quicker result than the longer term approaches to primary prevention."
In addition, Salmon said he objected to Epstein's statement that treatment results are based on tumor shrinkage: "I have to point out that the Food and Drug Administration does not approve anticancer drugs on the basis of tumor shrinkage. |
| Craig Jordan and Monica Morrow, and misleadingly assures women that the use of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention has been "recently approved by the FDA." unpublished studies involving less than 50 women treated with raloxifene (Evista), manufactured by Eli Lilly, were released by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.59 Raloxifene is a second generation of a group of drugs known as "selective estrogen receptor modulators" (SERMs), of which tamoxifen was the first generation progenitor. |
John Robbins See book keywords and concepts |
You might think Zeneca Pharmaceuticals would know something about breast cancer prevention, for Zeneca is the very company that sponsors the highly publicized annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But a closer look reveals something different.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 1987 by Zeneca's parent company, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). This highly publicized event takes place every October, and is "focused on educating women about early detection of breast cancer" —with a particular focus on mammograms. |
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
This announcement was highly unusual in two particulars: (1) it was not accompanied by any scientific publication, and (2) none of the details of the so-called "Breast Cancer Prevention Trial" would be available for at least six months.
A leading tamoxifen researcher and pro-
Table 17.7 NC11998 budget estimates for'Total Prevention Research"
Program $ (in thousands)
Chemoprevention Activities...............................32,393
Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP)..............41,200
Diet and Nutrition...................................... .57,710
Early Detection Activities....... |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik See book keywords and concepts |
Their potential roles in colon and breast cancer prevention. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1999; 889:107-119.
Heaney RP. Calcium, dairy products and osteoporosis. J Am Coll Nutr. 2000; 19(2 Suppl):83S-99S.
Heaney RP, Dowell MS, Barger-Lux MJ. Absorption of calcium as the carbonate and citrate salts, with some observations on method. Osteoporosis Int. 1999; 9:19-23.
Heller HJ, Stewart A, Haynes S, Pak CY. Pharmacokinetics of calcium absorption from two commercial calcium supplements. J Clin Pharmacol. 1999; 39:1151-1154.
Levine PJ, Hauth JC, Curet LB, et al. Trial of calcium to prevent preeclampsia. |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
Some Aspects of Vitamin E Related to Humans and breast cancer prevention," Adv. Exp. Med. Bio. 364 (1994): 119-27.
Consumption of green vegetables is significantly associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer.
C. LaVecchia et at, "Dietary Factors and the Risk of Breast Cancer," Nutrition and Cancer 10 (1987): 205-14.
An epidemiologic survey conducted in 21 countries found that, in women over 45, high dietary intake of sucrose appears to be a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
S. Seely and D. F. |
Sandra Steingraber See book keywords and concepts |
Somehow, Jeannie has managed to finish writing two articles, one about the search for cancer genes and another on breast cancer prevention for a British medical text. Feeling triumphant, she is in the mood to talk about cancer—but not her own.
"You remind me of Rachel Carson," I laugh.
We talk all the way to the ocean and back.
Silent Spring is remembered for the birds. When I ask people to name words, phrases, or images that Rachel Carson's book evokes for them, "thin eggshells" is among the most frequent responses. |
D. Lindsey Berkson See book keywords and concepts |
Taking a daily multiple vitamin reduces the risk of heart disease by 25 percent! breast cancer prevention does not, on the other hand, offer easy what-to-
HIGH-RISK GROUP
• close family history of breast cancer (a controversial issue)
• personal history of er+ breast cancer (a controversial issue)
• personal history of endometrial (uterine) cancer
• active thrombophlebitis
• active gallbladder disease
• personal history of asthma
No one knows yet about des daughters. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts |
This, in turn, can cause an overproduction of estrogen, which has a negative effect on both breast cancer prevention and treatment. A diet designed to maintain low blood-glucose levels can selectively starve tumors, yielding a lower insulin output to help regulate prostaglandin synthesis. Insulin deprivation will inhibit tumor growth and cell division.28 This can be achieved by removing all processed sugars and starches from your diet. However, don't overdo the Sucanat or honey either; unrefined sugars should also be minimized as you strive to keep quality and balance in your diet. |
National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts |
Similarly, your health practitioner has been bombarded with the drug companies' packaging of "the latest scientific findings" (from short-term studies) and may even be frightened into thinking that women could now sue their physicians if they are not offered "breast cancer prevention" drugs.
If you are interested in learning more about the new products, find someone who can work with you and realistically assess your breast cancer risk. In general, women's risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer has been exaggerated. |
| Although he notes that "initial reports of reduced estriol excretion in breast carcinoma have not been substantiated by others,"32 he continues to argue that estriol may be useful in breast cancer prevention.33, 34 This is particularly notable, since by his own report six of twenty-four breast cancer patients treated with 5 to 15 mg of estriol daily experienced "increased growth of metastases," and two developed endometrial hyperplasia. Five others also experienced vaginal bleeding. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik See book keywords and concepts |
A dose-ranging study of indole-3-carbinol for breast cancer prevention. / Cell Biol.mS:. 28:111-116.
Zeligs MA. Diet and estrogen status: the cruciferous connection. J Med Food. 1998; 1:67-82.
Inosine
TRADE NAMES
Inosine is available generically from numerous manufacturers. Branded products include Inosine Mega (Twinlab).
DESCRIPTION
Inosine is a purine ribonucleoside widely found in plants, animals and other forms of living matter. It is comprised of the purine base hypoxanthine and the sugar D-ribose. |
Samuel S. Epstein, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Not surprisingly, the
X This section is largely based on material from Chapter 13 of The breast cancer prevention Pro-
White House was warmly responsive to this PR onslaught. President Clinton announced his initiative to increase funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by 65% over the next 5 years. This is the largest increase in cancer-related spending in the history of NIH. Approximately 90% of the funds would go to the NCI, bringing its budget up from $2.5 billion this year to about $4.3 billion by 2003. |
National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts |
You think you may want to take hormones.
Discuss why you may want to take hormones. Know that there is estrogen by itself (ERT) or estrogen plus progestin (HRT), both available in different brands and dosages and delivered in pills, patches, and creams. Expect your provider to take time to discuss which product will be best for you and why. Make certain that you remind your provider of any family history or other factors (such as whether or not you have a uterus) that you think affects your decision. |