What do we know about how cancer develops? Researchers continue to make significant headway in understanding the unique contributing factors that drive the formation and spread of cancer. But is this information being translated into practical solutions that can help people take appropriate preventative measures?
It may be helpful to start by looking at what most of us believe about this all-too-common disease. Data from polls suggest that more than 85% of people in the U.S. believe that cancer occurs mainly in those who are genetically predisposed; about 80% felt that industrial pollution is also largely responsible; and an estimated 92% associated smoking or secondhand smoke with cancer.
Interestingly, less than 50% of those polled believe that their eating or lifestyle habits might influence their risk of developing the disease. These statistics suggest that many of us feel we don’t have much control when it comes to cancer prevention.
This isn’t the case.
Let’s take a look at the current scientific evidence identifying risk factors for the development of cancer. Research shows that it is a minority of cancers that are caused by factors beyond our control, such as the presence of a cancer-associated gene. For example, in looking at studies of identical twins, the results suggest that a maximum of 15% of cancers are caused by hereditary genetic factors, like the BRCA1 mutation in breast cancer. Exposure to air and water pollution and other toxins is another known contributor, although the exact statistics in this area are harder to determine.
However, when you add up the contribution of heredity, environmental pollution, and possible viral or bacterial triggers, it appears these factors still only account for about 30% of cancer cases. That suggests that up to about 70% of cancers are linked to controllable lifestyle and dietary factors — smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, disrupted circadian rhythms, poor dietary habits, and many other controllable factors. The real risks occur when these factors are combined and compounded.
When we do the math, it appears that a full two-thirds of cancers may be prevented by changing the way we live. Furthermore, science is showing that even the factors that appear to be beyond our control such as environmental causes, may also be potentially improved with targeted health and prevention programs. Such programs include gentle long-term toxin removal protocols and other individualized therapies. As an integrative physician who believes in patient-driven medicine, I find this information to be truly empowering.
Mapping Cancer Around the World
These statistics are supported by studies mapping cancer occurrence and types of cancer around the globe, and studying the changing landscape of cancer incidence among ethnic groups as they migrate to new areas and adopt the lifestyle and dietary habits in their new environments. Both cancer incidence and the types of cancer synchronize with that of the area in which they settle, rather than their country of origin, which is what one would expect if heredity was the main factor. Once again, the influence of heredity is minimized — though not entirely eliminated — with the influence of diet and lifestyle.
Blocking Cancer
Cancer cells generally take a long time to develop from normal tissue. Abnormal cells need a good blood supply to bring nutrients and oxygen for their growth, so tumors have mechanisms to attract blood vessels to them (a process called angiogenesis). Blocking this process can prevent abnormal cells from ever gaining a foothold.
One of the many anticancer properties of fruits and vegetables is that they contain significant quantities of compounds that limit the process of abnormal angiogenesis. This is just one of the many ways that the daily ingestion of healthy foods can inhibit cancer formation. Other mechanisms include powerful immune support to identify and destroy abnormal cells; potent antioxidant support to fight harmful free radicals and protect DNA; anti-inflammatory support; cellular mitochondrial support and much more.
One area gaining significant attention is the field of Galectin-3 research. A large and fast-growing body of data shows that this rogue protein drives aggressive cancer formation and metastasis, fuels inflammation and allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. According to this body of published scientific literature, Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) is the only available solution to bind and block Galectin-3 and prevent — even reverse — these devastating effects. MCP is a natural ingredient extracted from the pith of oranges, lemons, and limes.
What Are Your Epigenetic Tendencies?
One of the fastest-growing areas of medical research is the study of cancer epigenetics. This fascinating practice looks at how certain inherited genetic tendencies and environmental influences, such as emotional stress, toxin exposure, and erratic sleep habits, affect gene expression and cancer risk and aggressiveness.
Scientists are making groundbreaking discoveries in epigenetics, showing how we can “hack our DNA” with targeted foods, botanicals, therapies, and other stimuli to turn on health-promoting genes and turn off disease-promoting ones.
Immune health is one area where epigenetics can give us a quantum edge. Revolutionary findings in this field are showing how simple it can be to activate genes for optimal immunity, which plays a vital role in cellular health and cancer prevention.
Recent research includes:
- One study from the Linus Pauling Institute showed that two plant-based compounds — resveratrol from red grapes, and pterostilbene from blueberries — worked with vitamin D3 to increase the expression of a gene known as “CAMP”. The CAMP gene plays a major role in human immune function, helping to support immunity against bacteria, viruses, and even cancer.
- Other research found that curcumin, the bright yellow active ingredient from turmeric root, also influences the CAMP gene to increase immune function.
- Another study says that eating green vegetables can have a significant impact on immunity — especially at the genetic level. The study showed that green vegetables like broccoli activate a gene called T-bet. This gene boosts immune cells that protect the digestive tract from harmful invaders.
- One study showed that the mushroom Phellinus linteus influenced anti-cancer genes to enhance the body’s ability to control abnormal cell growth.
The bottom line is, your genes are not your destiny. In fact, it’s estimated that fewer than 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by genetics alone. You can change your outcome even with a BRCA mutation or family history. You can support your body’s ability to successfully repair cellular DNA despite these genetic issues. And you don’t have to accept the standard prevention recommendations – chemotherapy and surgery – that absolutely cause physical and emotional damage.
The Role of Therapeutic Apheresis in Cancer Treatment
In some cases, nutrition, herbal supplements, IV treatments and other supportive therapies are not enough, and a more powerful approach is needed.
One important approach developed by us, is the use of therapeutic apheresis. Apheresis is a specialized treatment of blood filtration that works to remove certain harmful factors from the circulation. By removing inflammatory and cancer growth factors, we can enhance the effectiveness of conventional therapies, reduce side effects, and support recovery.
Cancer cells do not exist in the body alone. They survive in a background of inflammation and certain growth factors that fuel their abnormal cell replication. If these inflammatory signals and growth factors can be removed from the blood, the cancer cells will have less fuel. This is where therapeutic apheresis can play an important role in cancer treatment.
Apheresis removes blood from the body and separates its components into plasma and cells. The plasma portion is then filtered and various inflammatory compounds are removed. Compounds such as oxidized LDL cholesterol, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and other inflammatory and growth factors can be filtered out of the blood.
The two blood components, filtered plasma and blood, are then combined and returned to the body. With the reduced concentration of inflammatory markers and growth factors in the bloodstream, the cancer’s defenses are weakened and it becomes more susceptible to attack from our immune system and anti-cancer medications. Also, with less inflammation in the body, there is a dramatic reduction in the thickness of the blood, providing better circulation and oxygenation of the tissues that enhances immunity and improves the delivery of natural and pharmaceutical agents to the tumor site.
Essentially, apheresis weakens the mechanisms that cancer cells use to keep multiplying and defend themselves. This gives the immune system a greater ability to find cancer cells and destroy them.
My research in the last years is focused on developing a specialized column tht cna selectively remove Galectin-3. The column, XGAL-3 is showing promising results in the treatment of sepsis and Acute Kidney injury (AKI). The column is anticipated to improve the results of immunotherapy in cancer and reduce side effects.
Advancements in integrative cancer therapies are leading to personalized therapies and more effective interventions. With a combination of leading-edge, research-based approaches, and time-honored traditional healing approaches, we can work to reduce cancer risks and optimize health, for greater longevity and vitality.
