By Carol Kornmehl

Complementary medicine integrates non-Western treatment methods into mainstream medical practice. Examples include light exercise, guided imagery, massage, yoga, reiki, tai chi, acupuncture, music therapy, and art therapy.

In the oncology area, these modalities can help to reduce side effects and thereby enhance a person’s physical and/or emotional tolerance to treatment. People thus feel better during what might otherwise be a very difficult period of cancer treatment.

Fatigue is a common symptom during cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can stem from the underlying illness, insomnia/sleep deprivation, anxiety, and/or the cancer treatment itself. Helping people manage and reduce fatigue is an important component in enhancing their overall well-being. After all, oncologists strive to treat the whole person and not just the disease.

The mechanism of fatigue in radiation therapy is not known. Often, it is not purely radiation treatment induced, but rather, is due to one or more of the factors outlined above.

In people with breast and prostate cancer, the National Cancer Institute undertook a randomized controlled study of cancer related fatigue in 38 individuals. 27 were women with breast cancer and 11 were men with prostate cancer. All received at least 30 radiation treatments, five days a week for six weeks.

Baseline tests to assess fatigue, strength, and cardiovascular heath were performed before the people received radiation therapy. The study compared a half the people in the group who followed an exercise program to the half who were randomized to receive radiation therapy without exercise therapy.

The program consisted of moderate, home-based use of resistance bands and walking. Of the participants in the trial, the average age was 60. Half the people received chemotherapy and 84% endured surgery. Participants were enthusiastic and 95% of them completed the prescribed exercise course

The exercise group was required to take walks daily and to try to increase the number of steps taken each day. They wore pedometers and kept a diary. In addition, they were assigned to complete 11 resistance band exercises daily, performing one set of eight to 15 repetitions daily and gradually increasing to three to four sets. Results revealed an 82% increase in the number of steps walked daily and the use of resistance bands an average of 3 1/2 days per week for 20 minutes at a moderate intensity level.

Those who exercised maintained their stamina during radiation therapy and improved their aerobic capacity. Also, they were able to walk faster and further in only four weeks and they experienced less cancer related fatigue than the control group. In fact, the control subjects demonstrated a decline in their baseline muscle strength.

The mechanism by which exercise alleviates fatigue is not clear. Although this study is small and more clinical trials will be helpful, the results suggest that when exercise is non-burdensome, safe and feasible, it serves as an inexpensive, valuable tool in improving the quality of life of cancer survivors.

By Brendon Wivel

By Scott Malin

According to the American Cancer Society, 50% of all men and 33% of all women in the United States, will develop some sort of cancer in their lifetime. In a healthy body, cells divide at a controlled rate so as to grow and repair damaged tissues and replace dying cells. This predetermined rate of cell division is what keeps our bodies healthy. If cells keep multiplying when new ones aren’t necessary, a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor, is formed. A benign tumor is not cancerous, and can occur anywhere in the body without spreading to other parts and does not come grow back if removed. Malignant tumors however, are cancerous and can be life-threatening. Malignant tumors grow uncontrollably, interfere with normal metabolic and organ functioning, and have the ability to invade other tissues. All cancer cells have two things in common, they grow uncontrollably, and they have the ability to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Possible contributors to the development and growth of cancer, can be divided into three categories:

1. Externals – unhealthy environments and exposure to air and water pollution, chemicals, pesticides and herbicides from our food supply.

2. Internal Factors include genetics, infections, and a depressed immune system.

3. Lifestyle factors (what we can readily control) – including diet, smoking, drinking, and sun exposure. People exposed to cigarette smoke have significantly higher rates of lung cancer. Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth and throat cancers. A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber is associated with a greater risk of colon rectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. According to a study released by the Harvard University School of Public Health, poor diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle elements are responsible for about 65% of cancer deaths.

The following is a breakdown of the overall percentages of cancers many researchers attribute to different lifestyle factors: 1. Poor diet and obesity – 30%

2. Smoking – 30%

3. Genetics – 10%

4. Carcinogens in the workplace – 5%

5. Family history – 5%

6. Lack of exercise – 5%

7. Viruses – 5%

8. Alcohol – 3%

9. Reproductive Factors – 3%

10. Socioeconomic Status – 3%

11. Environmental Pollution – 2%

Many experts believe that what these factors have in common is that they increase the body’s exposure to free radicals. Free radical damage is an important factor that leads to uncontrolled cellular growth, which is characteristic of cancer. Another significant factor are poor dietary choices and cigarette smoke because they impair the immune system. The immune system is responsible for destroying pre-cancerous cells before they develop into cancer. There are more than a hundred different varieties of cancer; they have different causes and symptoms, and vary in aggressiveness.

However, there are four broad categories

1. Carcinomas – Cancers that affect the skin, mucous membranes, glands, and internal organs.

2. Leukemias – Cancers of blood forming tissues.

3. Sarcomas – Cancers that affect muscles, connective tissue, and bones.

4. Lymphomas – Cancers that affect the lymphatic system.

The seven classic early warning signs of cancer:

1. Change in bowel or bladder habits

2. A sore that does not heal

3. Unusual bleeding or discharge

4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere

5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

6. Obvious change in a wart or mole

7. Nagging cough or hoarseness

Recommendations:

· Boosting the immune system is very helful for increasing white blood cells and macrophages that are known to attack and literally eat cancerous cells. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE that is complete and made from whole foods. It should be high in natural Vitamin C as well as a wide array of essential nutrients. Make sure you know what you are getting from the nutritional label.

· An herbal detoxification program may be helpful in removing aluminum, other heavy metals, and thousand of other toxins and poisons from the body. These toxins have been shown to have an overall significant depressing effect on the immune system. Look for organic whole herb formulas. If interested, take a look at our selection of herbal formulas.

· Eat a minimum of 50% raw organic foods; including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, squash, yams, apples, all berries, cantaloupe, cherries, grapes, plums, Brazil nuts, and legumes. All of these foods have important nutrients and phytochemicals, which are important in fighting and preventing cancer. Berries protect DNA from damage. Many of the plant pigments in red, yellow, orange, and blue fruits and vegetables, are good sources of antioxidants (destroys free radicals).

· Eat raw garlic liberally as it enhances the immune system and is a good cancer fighter.

· Eat 10 raw almonds every day. Almonds contain Laetrile, which has anti-cancer properties.

· Green tea has many cancer fighting properties, including a substance known as EGCg, which has been found to cut off blood vessels that feed cancerous tumors.

· Eat as many tomatoes as possible. Tomatoes contain a phyto-nutrient and antioxidant called lycopene, which protects against and fights cancer.

· Drink fresh “live” juices including varying combinations of the following juices including beetroot, beet greens, carrot, cabbage, and asparagus. Also drink grape, black cherry, and all dark colored juices.

· Drink steam distilled water only. Use a filter for your shower.

· Increased levels of radium in public tap water has been associated with increased rates of lung, bladder, and breast cancers, as well as leukemias.

· Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to promote oxygen in the tissues. Cancer cannot live in the presence of oxygen.

· Yoga and deep breathing can also be very helpful.

· Because of potential low-level radiation leakage, avoid microwave ovens. Sit a minimum of 8 feet away from televisions and avoid x-rays.

· Avoid chemicals such as hairsprays, cleaning products, fresh paints, and garden pesticides.

· Remove all other known and suspected carcinogens from your life and home.

· As much as possible, avoid stress.

Things to Avoid:

· All Animal Foods: dairy foods (milk, cheese, butter, cream, ice cream), fish, meat, chicken, turkey, eggs, fried and greasy foods, margarine, and all other processed foods and animal derived products from your diet. These foods are laced with chemicals, pesticides, and toxins as well as high levels of saturated fats which have a very damaging a draining effect on the immune system and the rest of the body.

· Salt, tobacco, caffeine, sodas, coffee, sugar, and refined white flour (breads, pastas, cereals- replace with whole wheat pastas, breads, and cereals). These products are extraordinarily destructive to the immune system and the body.