Cancer
What is cancer?
The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cells in different parts of the body may look and work differently but most reproduce themselves in the same way. Cells are constantly becoming old and dying, and new cells are produced to replace them. Normally, the division and growth of cells is orderly and controlled but if this process gets out of control for some reason, the cells will continue to divide and develop into a lump which is called a tumour. Tumours can either be benign or malignant. Cancer is the name given to a malignant tumour.
In a benign tumour the cells do not spread to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous. However, if they continue to grow at the original site, they may cause a problem by pressing on the surrounding organs.
It is important to realise that cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, each with its own name and treatment.
Who gets cancer?
1 in 3 people will develop cancer during their lifetime, but cancer is not common in children or young people - it mainly occurs in the later years of life. Cancers can occur at any age, but the risk of developing cancer increases with age. Over 70% of all newly diagnosed cancers occur in people aged 60 years or more.
Some cancers are very common and others are very rare. The most recent statistics for the UK show that for men the most common cancer is lung cancer (19%), followed by prostate cancer (17%), large bowel cancer (14%) and bladder cancer (7%). For women the figures are breast cancer (29%), large bowel cancer (12%), lung cancer (11%) and cancer of the ovary (5%).
Many people with cancer can be cured. Even if a cancer cannot be cured, it can often be controlled with treatment for months or years.
Common causes of cancer
Cancer develops gradually as a result of a complex mix of factors related to environment, lifestyle, and heredity. Scientists have identified many risk factors that increase the chance of getting cancer. They estimate that about 80 percent of all cancers are related to the use of tobacco products, to what we eat and drink, or, to a lesser extent, to exposure to radiation or cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the environment and the workplace. Some people are more sensitive than others to factors that can cause cancer.
These are some of the factors that are known to increase the risk of cancer:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Diet. Your choice of foods may affect your chance of developing cancer. Evidence points to a link between a high-fat diet and certain cancers, such as cancer of the breast, colon, uterus, and prostate.
- Sunlight. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, especially if you have fair skin or freckle easily.
- Radiation. Exposure to large doses of radiation from medical x-rays can increase the risk of cancer.
- Chemicals and Other Substances In The Workplace. Being exposed to substances such as metals, dust, chemicals, or pesticides at work can increase the risk of cancer.
- Close Relatives With Certain Types of Cancer. A small number of cancers (including melanoma and cancers of the breast, ovary, and colon) tend to occur more often in some families than in the rest of the population.
Top 10 ways to prevent cancer
- Avoid smoking, whether it be actual smoking or second-hand smoking.
- Practice sun safety and recognize when skin changes occur.
- Eat your fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help repair our damaged cells.
- Watch the meats you eat, especially smoked or cured foods.
Research suggests that a diet high in animal fat can lead to the development of certain cancers. A diet high in smoked foods, salted fish and meat, and pickled vegetables increases your risk factor for cancer. - Limit your alcohol intake.
- Exercise for cancer prevention.
- Know your personal and family history of cancer.
Research tells us that some types of cancers can be genetic. Knowing your family history of cancer can help you make more informed decisions about your healthcare. - Know what chemicals you are being exposed to in your work environment.
- Practice safe sex.
Unsafe sex can result in the infection of the HPV virus, a known cause for cervical cancer and a risk factor for many other cancers. HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse. - Be sure to keep up on screening tests like the Pap, mammograms, and DREs.
Nutritional supplements that help prevent and fight cancer
Shark Liver Oil is a natural product that has great success with arthritis because it contains different substances that combat arthritis. It boosts the immune system with alkylglycerols, it has squalene in it which is an antioxidant, it contains vitamin E and omega 3 oils and combats Leaky Gut Syndrome which is at the bottom of so many cases of arthritis.
Specifically, shark liver oil may help to augment traditional cancer treatments. In Europe, shark liver oil is widely used to complement traditional cancer treatments. Some preliminary research suggests that the alkylglyerols in shark liver oil may prime the immune system, causing cancer cells to come under attack and preventing spread of disease. The oil may also fortify healthy cells and ease the harsh side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatments. There are few sound studies, however, to confirm these possible cancer-fighting benefits in people.
Garlic Oil has benefits for the immune system, when suffering from infections and colds, for heart disease and blood pressure regulation.
There is a wealth of information published on the role of garlic in preventing cancer. Most research today is centred upon establishing which particular compounds, after allicin, are most active in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Some very recent research from the U.S. proved that by injecting diallyl disulphide - formed when raw garlic is cut or crushed - into the bloodstream, tumours can be reduced by up to a half.
The research also found that another compound in garlic, called S-Allylcysteine, is effective in preventing cancer-causing agents from binding to human breast cells.
Other research found that increased garlic intake reduced nitrite levels in the body and resulted in fewer deaths from stomach cancer. It is also well known that garlic can help to strengthen the immune system, which is vitally important for fighting cancer.
Squalene is unique oil high in Vitamins A and D that is found in high concentrations within shark liver. It also occurs naturally within the human body where it supports natural lubrication for our skin and supports oxygen delivery and toxin removal within all our body's cells. Pure New Zealand squalene is ideal to take daily to naturally support beautiful skin, eye health and overall well-being.
Spirulina been scientifically proven to provide the following benefits:
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Immune Enhancement
Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer. -
Protein Supplement
Amino acids make up 62% of spirulina. Because it is a rich source of protein and other nutrients, spirulina has been used traditionally as a nutritional supplement by people who cannot obtain sufficient calories or protein through diet alone and by those whose nutritional requirements are higher than normal, such as athletes. -
Anemia
Animal studies suggest that spirulina promotes hematopoiesis (formation and development of red blood cells). This is thought to be due to the high levels of iron present in this food supplement. -
Allergic Reactions
Animal and test tube studies suggest that spirulina may protect against allergic reactions by preventing the release of histamines (substances that contribute to allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and soft-tissue swelling). Whether these preliminary studies will translate into benefit for people with allergies is not known. -
Antibiotic-related Illnesses
Although antibiotics destroy unwanted organisms in the body, they may also kill "good" bacteria called probiotics (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus) which sometimes results in diarrhea. In test tubes, spirulina has promoted the growth of L. acidophilus and other probiotics. Whether this positive laboratory finding will translate into protection from antibiotic-related diarrhea is not clear at this time. -
Infection
Test tube studies suggest that spirulina has activity against herpes, influenza, cytomeglovirus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Whether this laboratory finding will prove beneficial for people in treating these infections is not clear. -
Oral Cancer
In one study, 87 people who chewed tobacco and had a precancerous lesion known as leukoplakia were randomly assigned to receive Spirulina fusiformis or placebo. Lesions were significantly more likely to disappear in the spirulina group than in the placebo group. More research in this area will be very helpful. -
Liver Disorders
There is some preliminary evidence that spirulina may help protect against liver damage and cirrhosis (liver failure) in those with chronic hepatitis. More research is needed in this area.
Royal Jelly Extract is a highly nutritious dietary supplement rich in protein and anti-stress B Vitamins. It can help stimulate the body's metabolism, energy and stamina levels and assist in the management of cholesterol.
Bee Propolis acts as a natural antibiotic which raises the body's resistance to disease by internally stimulating the immune system. This helps the body fight infection, colds, flu and sore throats.
Propolis may help improve skin condition. Applied externally, propolis is good for abrasions and bruises because of it's antibacterial effects. It may also help lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure. Some suggest that propolis improves energy and endurance in athletes.
Grape Seed Extract is one of the most powerful Anti-Oxidants ever discovered. If you are looking for Optimal Health, you should be taking Grape Seed Extract on a daily basis. It has numerous health benefits that dramatically extend your lifespan and improve your quality of life.
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Strengthens and Repairs Connective Tissue
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Helps Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
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Helps Teeth and Gums
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Reduces Allergic Responses By Minimizing Histamine Production
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Enhanced Capillary Strength and Vascular Function
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Reduces Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
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Helps Prevent Cancer
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Strengthens The Immune System
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Increases Peripheral Circulation, Improving Vision
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Reduction in Skin Aging and Loss of Elasticity
Omega3 is sourced from pure New Zealand deep ocean cold-water fish. Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) are essential elements in human nutrition.
Aid cancer prevention and cancer support. Preliminary research from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain healthy breast tissue and prevent breast cancer. Also, in a recent study, participants who supplemented their diet with fish oils produced fewer quantities of a carcinogen associated with colon cancer than did a placebo group. More research into this exciting use for omega-3s is underway.