Natural Home Cures For Cancer
The word ‘cancer‘ comes from the latin "carcinoma" meaning
crab. It is the most dreaded disease and refers to all malignant tumors
caused by the abnormal growth of a body cell or
a group of cells. It is today the second largest killer in the world,
next
only to heart ailments. The term covers more than 200 diseases.
The majority of
cancers occur in the age group 50-60. Sex does not affect the incidence
of the disease. It does affect the site of growth. In men, cancer is
usually found in the intestines, the prostate and the lungs. In women,
it occurs mostly in the breast tissues, uterus, gal-bladder and thyroid.
Symptoms
The symptoms of
cancer vary according to the site of the growth. The American Cancer
Society has prescribed seven signs or danger signals in general which
may indicate the presence of cancer. These are: a sore that does not
heal; change in bowel or bladder habits; unusual bleeding or discharge;
thickening or lump in
breast or elsewhere; indigestion or difficulty in swallowing; obvious
change
in a wart or a mole, and a persistent and nagging cough or hoarseness.
Other symptoms may include unexplained loss of weight, a change in skin
color
and changes in the menstrual periods, especially bleeding between
periods.
Causes
The prime cause of
cancer is not known. Certain cancer causing substances, known as
carcinogens increase the chances of getting the disease. About 80% of
cancers are caused by environmental factors. 40% of male cancers are
linked with tobacco. The consumption of
pan, tobacco and slaked lime has been linked with lung and throat
cancers.
Heavy consumption of alcoholic drinks can cause esophageal, stomach and
liver
cancers. Occupational exposure to industrial pollutants such as
asbestos,
nickel, tar, soot and high doses of X-rays can lead to skin and lung
cancers
and leukemia. Other factors contributing to cancer are vital
infections,
trauma, hormone imbalance and malnutrition. Many well-known biologists
and
naturopaths believe that a faulty diet is the root cause of cancer.
The effective
treatment of cancer consists of a complete
change in diet, besides total elimination of all environmental sources
of carcinogens, such as smoking and carcinogenic chemicals in air,
water and food. There has recently been a surge of popular interest in
the concept that diet is not just a minor, but rather a major factor in
both the development and the prevention of cancer.
The disease can
be
prevented and even treated by dietary programs that include ‘natural
foods and
the use of megavitamin supplements.
As a first step,
the patient should cleanse the system by thoroughly relieving
constipation and making all the organs of elimination - the skin,
lungs, liver, kidneys and bowels - active. Enemas should be used to
cleanse the colon. For the first four or five days, the patient should
take only juicy fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, apples,
peaches, pears, pineapples and tomatoes.
After a few days
of an exclusive fruit diet, the patient may be given an alkaline-based
diet. It should consist of 100% natural foods, with emphasis on raw
fruits and
vegetables, particularly carrots, green leafy vegetables, cabbage,
onion,
garlic, cucumber, asparagus, beets and tomatoes. A minimum requirement
of
high quality protein, mostly from vegetable sources such as almonds,
millet,
sesame seeds, sprouted seeds and grains, may be added to the diet.
Dr. Ann Wigmore
of
Boston, U.S.A., has been testing the effect of a drink made of fresh
wheatgrass in the treatment of leukemia. She claims to have cured
several cases of
this disease by this method.
Recent researches
have shown that certain vitamins can be successfully employed in the
fight against cancer and that they can increase the life expectancy of
some terminal cancer patients.
Vitamin C in
large
doses as well as a copper compound has lethal effects on cancer.
Vitamin
A exerts an inhibiting effect on carcinogenesis. It is one of the most
important aids to the body’s defense system to fight and prevent
cancer.
Recent studies
from al over the world suggest that a liberal use of green and yellow
vegetables and fruits can prevent cancer. The 20-years old, ongoing
Japanese study
found that people who ate green and yellow vegetables every day had a
decreased risk of developing lung, stomach and other cancers. A Harvard
University study of more than 1,200 elderly Massachusetts residents
found that those who reported the highest consumption of carrots,
squash, tomatoes, salads or leafy green vegetables, dried fruits, fresh
strawberries or melon had a
decreased risk of cancer.
Reports
The
Grocery List for
Cancer
Prevention?
When Vanity Pays Off: Check Yourself To Protect Against Skin Cancer
Sun Frocks and Sunscreens: Dressing
for
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin Cancer
The Grocery List for Cancer
Prevention? By:
Karen Barrow
A garlic, broccoli sprout and sauerkraut sandwich? It sounds gross, but
in fact, this may be one way to prevent some common forms of cancer.
Four new studies, presented at the annual meeting of the American
Association for Cancer Research, provide a grocery list of foods that
may help in preventing stomach, skin and breast cancer. In fact, these
preliminary studies show that the chemicals in some foods directly
interact with some carcinogens and
the body's own cells to provide a strong defense against would-be
cancer causes.
"[We're] discovering more and more about the cancer-preventing
properties of things we are eating," said Dr. William G. Nelson,
program chairman, at a news conference. "The idea of having more fruits
and vegetables in the
diet has more and more evidence to support it."
Finish Those Broccoli Sprouts
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that sulforaphane,
a chemical found in broccoli sprouts, is effective in fighting a
dangerous bacteria and the stomach inflammation it causes.
Patients with infections caused by the bacteria H. pylori were directed
to eat 100 grams of broccoli sprouts for two months. Afterwards,
patients had a significantly lowered amount of the bacteria in their
stomach when
compared to a group eating a similar amount of alfalfa sprouts, a
relative
of the broccoli sprout that is much lower in sulforaphane.
But what does a bacterial infection have to do with cancer?
Several studies have shown that stomach inflammation, or gastritis, is
a major cause of stomach cancer, particularly when it goes unchecked
over a long period of time. Broccoli sprouts prevent and reduce stomach
inflammation and, therefore, may also be a weapon against stomach
cancer.
If that's not enough, another group of researchers from Dartmouth
Medical School have shown that the same compound in broccoli sprouts
that protects against stomach cancer may also protect your skin from
the damaging effects of the sun.
Researchers coated the skin of mice with highly-concentrated amounts of
sulforaphane, and then exposed the rodents to UV light five days a week
for 11 weeks. While the mice that did not have the sulforaphane coating
all developed tumors, the amount of tumors was reduced by 50 percent in
the sulforaphane-protected mice.
"We weren't looking for a sunscreen-effect," said study author Dr.
Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova from Johns Hopkins University, "Our findings
suggest a promising strategy for skin cancer prevention after exposure
to UV light." So, the compound would presumably benefit those who
already had some sun damage.
It may be some time before a broccoli sprout lotion hits the shelves,
but researchers from both studies believe that the compound acts to
protect the DNA in cells from damage, preventing tumor formation.
One with the Works, Extra Kraut
Next time you pass on the side of coleslaw, you may want to
reconsider. Consuming high amounts of cabbage, both raw and slightly
cooked, may help to prevent breast cancer.
Cabbage
consumption is particularly high in Poland, where people eat up to 30
pounds a year
of the leafy stuff. When Polish women migrate to the United States,
their
risk of getting breast cancer is three times higher than it would have
been
had they stayed in Poland. This fact lead Dr. Dorothy R. Pathak from
Michigan State University to suspect that cabbage was the Polish
woman's secret to preventing breast cancer.
To test her theory, Pathak, with researchers the University of New
Mexico, looked at Polish women's eating habits in both the United
States and their native country. Ultimately, she found that those who
ate raw cabbage, sauerkraut or slightly-cooked cabbage three or more
times a week had a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer. The
highest risk reduction, in fact, was seen in women who ate high amounts
of cabbage in their teens.
Based on previous work, Pathak believes that one compound in cabbage,
called glucosinolate, is responsible for preventing breast cancer. Like
the chemical found in broccoli sprouts, glucosinolate, she believes,
decreases
the amount of DNA damage caused by carcinogens, thereby limiting cancer
growth.
But if you hate cabbage, garlic may also fight breast cancer.
It'll Keep the Vampires Away, Too
Researchers have found that garlic may be just the spice to add to your
burgers and steak to help fight off the carcinogens that come with
grilling.
In previous studies, researchers have shown that a compound formed when
meat is cooked at high temperatures can cause breast cells to produce a
cancer-causing enzyme, called PhIP. Now, researchers from Florida
A&M
University in Tallahassee have found that a compound responsible for
garlic's
flavor, daillyl sulfide, can prevent this enzyme from forming.
Dr. Ronald Thomas, lead study author, explained that diallyl sulfide
blocked the formation of this enzyme in 100 percent of breast cancer
cells. Like the compounds in cabbage and broccoli sprouts, diallyl
sulfide seems to protect the DNA in the body's cells from the damage
that causes tumor formation.
While it will be some time before researchers confirm a direct medical
use for these foods, a potential weapon against cancer may be only a
grocery store away.
When Vanity Pays Off: Check
Yourself To Protect
Against
Skin Cancer By: Eric Sabo
More than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year,
making it the most common form of cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest skin
cancer of all, accounts for nearly 10,000 deaths a year. If you have
fair skin, a
history of skin cancer in your family or a lot of moles, it's a good
idea to see a dermatologist regularly. Catching the disease early can
often mean a cure.
Indeed,
regular skin check ups are good idea for both sun lovers and shade
dwellers alike. It is also something you can easily do on your own.
Take time to regularly self-check your skin, keeping the following
steps in mind.
What Are You Looking For?
To protect against skin cancer, vanity helps. Focus on all your moles,
freckles, blemishes and birthmarks. Be alert to any changes.
The most common skin cancers (basal and squamous cell) typically appear
as pale, wax-like nodules. They can also turn up as red, scaly patches
or a sore that does not heal.
Melanoma generally begins as a small, mole-like growth. To determine if
mole is potentially worrisome, doctors recommend the ABCD method of
detection:
Asymmetry—Does one half of a mole look different from the other?
Border—Is the border, or edge, of the mole ragged or blurred?
Color—Does the mole have various shades or colors within the same
lesion?
Diameter—Is the size of the mole greater than 6 millimeters, roughly
the size of a pencil eraser?
People often dismiss abnormal skin lesions as "warts" or other benign
things, but these can be serious, says Daniel Berg, MD, director of
dermatologic
surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle,
Washington.
Dr. Berg also points out that many forget to check hard to see areas,
like their backs or behind their legs. "Melanoma is common on these
areas," he says.
Giving it the Once Over
In a well-lighted room, remove all clothing, stand in front of a
full-length mirror and check your body from head to toe.
Begin by examining the palms of your hands, between fingers, nails and
forearms
Flip your hands over and examine the top of your hands and forearms
Lift your arms overhead and examine upper arm and armpits
Stand with arms down and examine the entire front of the body starting
with the neck, chest and torso
Women should check in the skin folds under and between the breasts
Men should check under the scrotum and penis
Turn around to look at your buttocks, thighs and calves
Using a handheld mirror examine your upper back, neck, shoulders and
upper arms
Sit down to examine your legs and feet, looking between the toes
Using a hand-held mirror, examine your scalp using a hair dryer on a
cool setting
Examine your face, neck, head and behind your ears
See a Doctor When Lesions Look Lousy
If you find a suspicious lesion, don't ignore it. "Any persistent or
changing lesion that looks like skin cancer should be checked by a
primary care doctor or a dermatologist," says Dr Berg. Surgery is
highly effective at removing early cancerous growth.
Sun
Frocks and Sunscreens:
Dressing
for Skin Cancer Prevention By: Karen Barrow
The idea that you need to protect your exposed skin from the sun while
lying on the beach makes perfect sense. You can always find mothers and
fathers setting up sun umbrellas for their children to play under and
tubes
of sunscreen in every beach bag. Yet many people don't know that some
of
the clothes they wear offer more protection from the sun than even
sunscreen.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, well-selected clothing
can protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, which
can,
over time, increase the risk of skin cancer and cause painful burns,
especially during the hot days of summer. Dr. Susan Weinkle, MD,
assistant clinical
professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, explained
some
simple rules that can make your clothes sun-safe at a conference of the
American Academy of Dermatology.
Be Finicky About Fabrics
In general, the darker the fabric and tighter the weave, the better
protection certain clothing will provide. For example, a white cotton
T-shirt, a standard summer staple, has at most a sun protection factor
(SPF) of 10, while a
dark denim shirt may have an SPF of 1,700. (Meaning you can safely stay
out in the sun 170 times longer in the denim shirt). If you don't want
to
wear a heavy denim shirt on a hot day, shiny materials, such as 100
percent
satin, silk or polyester, offer protection by reflecting light away
from
the skin. Some fabrics even have added absorbers to help mop-up harmful
light before it hits your skin. These additives can be found in some
laundry
detergents—look for the ingredient "optical brightening agent" (OBA) on
the label—which can temporarily clog the pores of a fabric and raise
its
SPF value. Some clothing manufacturers are now making super sun-worthy
clothes,
however, there are no official standards yet in place.
Wet, stretched out, threadbare or tightly fitting clothes offer less
sun protection because the weave loosens, allowing more light to get
through. One good way to gauge how well a fabric shields out the light
is simply
to hold it up to a lamp: the sheerer the fabric, the brighter the lamp
will
appear.
Accessorize It!
Hats and sunglasses should also be a part of the sun-protection
wardrobe. Wide-brimmed, cotton or polyester hats are better sun shields
than straw
hats or baseball caps. Straw hats allow small beams of light though,
potentially resulting in a patterned sunburn, while baseball caps leave
your neck and the sides of your face totally exposed. A good hat is
especially useful
for people with extra-sensitive skin who can't use a strong sunscreen.
Although you can't see the damage immediately, sunlight can cause your
vision to deteriorate over time. A close fitting pair of UV-protective
shades
helps stave off age-related vision problems, such as macular
degeneration
and cataracts.
"Teach children early to wear sunglasses during skiing, snowboarding
and other sports where sunlight is abundant," said Weinkle.
And even though it's summer, and your wool mittens are stored away,
don't forget to wear gloves to protect your hands when you golf, fish
or garden for long periods.
Looking Your Best, But Being Safe
Dressing for maximum sun protection may seem like a drag as tank tops
and shorts finally come out of winter storage. And while sunscreen with
an SPF of 15 or higher is highly recommended to protect your exposed
skin from
the sun, it cannot give you total protection.
"You can still look fashionable while being sun sensible," said
Weinkle.
By taking extra precautionary measures with the right sun frocks you
can protect against skin cancer and always look your best.
Skin
Cancer
By: Peter Young, MD
We’ve all heard the expression “a healthy tan.” In fact, it was only
one or two generations ago that people lived with the misunderstanding
that sunbathing was indeed healthy. Sure, a golden tan is still
considered attractive in today’s
society, but it is now well known that too much long-term sun exposure
and
bad sunburns cause the vast majority of skin cancers.
Skin cancer
is
the most common type of cancer in both men and women, and has reached
epidemic
proportions in the United States over the past several years. In fact,
skin
cancers represent fifty percent of all new cancers. Approximately one
out
of every five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of his
or
her lifetime. There were over one million new cases of skin cancer
detected
in 1998. Alarmingly, the rate of melanoma, the most dangerous type of
skin
cancer, is doubling every eight to ten years. Rarely a day goes by in
my
own dermatology practice that I don’t diagnose a patient with skin
cancer.
Aside from overexposure to sunlight, other risk factors for skin cancer
include light skin, light eyes (blue or green), and light hair (blond
or
red). Greater than ninety percent of all skin cancers develop on areas
of
the body exposed to the sun, including the face, ears, neck, hands, and
forearms.
However, skin cancer can develop on any area of your skin.
Prevention And Early Detection
There are several measures you can take to protect yourself
from
the sun without having to avoid it outright.
Stay out of the hot sun: Try to stay out of the midday
sun
(between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM) when the sun’s rays are at their
strongest.
Cover up: Stay covered up as much as possible. This
includes wearing
long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and a hat or visor with a wide brim to
protect your face and neck. You should also wear sunglasses to protect
your eyes.
Use sunscreen: Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen
(UVA and
UVB) every day, even during the winter months. I tell my patients to
make
sunscreen application a part of their daily morning routine, just like
brushing
their teeth. Use sunscreens with an SPF rating of at least 15. Remember
to
reapply your sunscreen every two hours while you are out in the sun,
more
frequently after swimming or sweating, even if it is waterproof. Don’t
forget
to protect your lips as well. There are several commercially available
lip
balms that contain sunscreen.
Use sunscreen on your child: You should begin using
sunscreen on
your children when they reach the age of six months. Prior to this,
they
should be kept out of direct sunlight, in the shade. This can be
accomplished
by placing an umbrella over their stroller. The earlier you start
practicing
sun precautions, the better off you and your kids will be.
Avoid tanning parlors: Stay away from tanning parlors, tanning booths,
and sunlamps. These artificial sources of ultraviolet light can be as
dangerous, and sometimes even more dangerous, than the sun’s rays.
Do self-examinations: Early detection of skin cancer is
important,
and may even be lifesaving. I recommend that you perform monthly skin
self-examinations to check for any abnormal growths or moles. Your
doctor can teach you the best way to do this. If you notice any new or
changing skin lesions or moles, consult your doctor.
Pay particular attention to changes in size, shape, or color of your
moles. Although these changes don’t necessarily mean that you have skin
cancer, a
doctor should certainly check them out to be sure.
Get annual doctor-exams: I also advise that older,
fair-skinned individuals have an annual skin examination by a doctor as
part of their routine physical check-up. Keep in mind that expedient
removal of an early melanoma/skin cancer is usually curative.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer,
representing about eighty percent of all skin cancers detected in this
country. Fortunately, it is also the least aggressive form of skin
cancer. Older people with fair skin, blond or red hair and blue or
green eyes are at the highest risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Symptoms and medical outlook
These tumors of the skin usually appear as small, fleshy, shiny or
pearly bumps or nodules, generally on sun-exposed areas of the body
(face, ears, neck, arms, and hands). They commonly occur as sores on
the skin that won’t heal. Fortunately, basal cell carcinomas grow very
slowly and almost never metastasize (spread to other vital organs). The
cure rate is over 95 percent if detected and treated early. However,
left untreated, they can cause considerable local damage and
disfigurement.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for basal cell carcinoma,
depending on the size and location of the cancer as well as the
individual
needs of the patient. These include surgery, freezing the cancer with a
very
cold substance known as liquid nitrogen, or a procedure called
electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping the skin cancer with a
curette device followed by burning the cancer with an electric needle).
Your doctor will discuss these various treatment options with you.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer,
accounting
for sixteen percent of all skin cancers.
Symptoms and medical outlook
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is found
predominantly on sun-exposed regions of the body, again in people with
light skin, light hair, and light eyes. These tumors may appear as red,
scaly patches or as raised, crusty growths. The cure rate is over 95
percent with early diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately,
without proper treatment they can metastasize and even be deadly.
Treatment
If detected early, the same treatment options are available for
squamous cell carcinomas as previously mentioned for basal cell
carcinomas. However, if the cancer has spread, radiation therapy or
other more aggressive therapies may be necessary. Again, it is
important to discuss all of the treatment options
with your doctor first.
Melanoma
Also known as “malignant” melanoma, this is the least common, but most
deadly type of skin cancer. The chances of developing a melanoma are
about one in eighty. Although it represents only about four percent of
all skin cancers, someone dies of melanoma about every hour in the
United States. Fortunately, due to earlier detection, the death rate
from melanoma is on the decline.
Risk factors
Similar to basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, excessive sun
exposure is a definite risk factor for melanoma, particularly among
fair-skinned people. There is a strong association of melanoma with
severe blistering childhood sunburns. People with a family history of
melanoma also run an increased risk
of getting melanoma, even if they haven’t had an excessive amount of
sun
exposure. In addition, atypical moles, which may be hereditary, are
often markers indicating an increased risk of melanoma either within
these moles or on other areas of the skin. If you have a history of
excessive sun exposure or severe sunburns, a family history of
melanoma, or lots of unusual looking moles, make sure to have a
complete skin check by your doctor every year.
The group at highest risk for developing melanoma is men over the age
of fifty, but it can affect anyone of any age. The most commonly
involved sites are the chest and abdomen in men, the lower legs in
women, and the upper back
in both genders. Persons of dark skin color, such as African Americans,
Hispanics,
and Asians, although less likely to get melanoma, are certainly not
immune.
Interestingly, when a black person develops melanoma, it often occurs
on
the palms, soles, or under the nails, all areas with very limited sun
exposure.
Symptoms and medical outlook
A melanoma may spontaneously appear on previously normal
skin
or it may arise from a preexisting mole. It usually appears as an
asymmetric
dark brown or black mole-like growth with irregular edges. It may be
multiple
colors, including mixed shades of red, blue, tan, and white. Other
warning
signs include:
- changes
in
the surface of a mole (raised areas, bleeding, or crusting).
- pain or
itching
within a mole.
- spread of
pigment,
or color, from the edge of a mole into neighboring skin.
- If you
notice
any of these changes, it is important that you notify your doctor. Keep
in
mind that early detection and treatment of a melanoma is usually
curative,
but if a melanoma goes unnoticed, it can spread to other parts of the
body
and be deadly.
Treatment
Melanomas are treated by excision (surgical removal). The
earlier
the cancer is detected the less invasive the surgery that will be
required.
If the cancer has already spread, additional treatments may be
necessary,
including radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Many studies involving new
treatments
as well as melanoma vaccines are currently underway, and offer hope for
further
advances in the prevention and treatment of this most aggressive form
of
skin cancer.
Summary
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and has
reached
epidemic proportions. Excessive sun exposure is the single most
important
risk factor for developing skin cancer. Therefore, your best defense
against
skin cancer is to minimize contact with the sun during peak hours and
through
liberal use of sunscreen and other protective measures.
The three common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell
carcinomas can be locally destructive, but these forms of skin cancer
rarely spread. They carry a 95 percent cure rate if caught and treated
early. Melanoma is the least common, but most aggressive type of skin
cancer. If it goes undiagnosed, it can spread to other organs and be
fatal. Remember, early detection and treatment of skin cancer carries a
very high cure rate. If you are unsure about a mark on your skin,
consult your doctor.
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