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Cancer Prevention |
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(READING TIPS: For fast reading, scan through the topic headings in BOLD BLACK, important conclusions in BOLD BLUE, and " Must Know " in BOLD RED. To jump to specific sections in this article, click on the respective LINKS in the Contents.)
| Before You Begin Information presented here is for general educational purposes only. Each one of us is biochemically and metabolically different. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here. |
Contents
Introduction
How Cancer Develops
Markers of Cancer
Ways to Prevent Cancer
Does Nutritional Supplementation
Help?
How Antioxidants Fight Cancer
Primer on Calcium D-Glucarate
Primer on Free Radicals and
Antioxidants
CLASSES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
A. Antioxidant Enzymes
B. Molecular Antioxidants
DISCUSSION
The events leading up to cancers often take place long prior to the clinical
detection of the disease. It is a disease skewed towards old age. The median
age of a U.S. cancer patient is 70. According to the National Cancer
Institute, the odds of getting cancer after age 60 is 16 times greater than
before age 40.
Cells in our body are dividing 24 hours a day. Bad mutations are few, but
they do happen. When enough mutations have occurred, the result can be cancer.
In fact, we are all walking around with millions of pre-malignant cells.
If we live long enough, we will come down with one form of cancer or another.
Advancements in technology have increased life expectancy in industrialized
nations to almost 76 years. Cancer is quickly replacing cardiovascular disease
as the number one cause of death in the United States.
The lifetime chance of getting cancer of the colon is 6%, prostate 17%,
breast 14%, and lung 7%. At the same time, proper diet, supplementation,
and lifestyle changes can reduce cancer of the colon by up to 50%, prostrate
by15%, and lung by 90%. Dr. Gabriel Deldman, Director of the
American Cancer Society, sums it up well by saying, "We don't need years
of research. If people implement what we know today, cancer rates would
drop. It's that simple."
Unfortunately, cancer chemoprevention research is 10-15 years behind cancer
treatment research. It makes more sense to treat pre-cancerous lesions than
to wait for people to develop fully blown cancer.
How Cancer Develops
We
now know that cancer cells are developed in 3 phases:
- Initiation (Phase 1):
When something (such as a free radical or carcinogen) alters a cell's
genetic makeup, causing the cell to divide more frequently than it should.
- Promotion (Phase 2):
When the damaged cell goes into uncontrolled growth.
- Progression (Phase 3): When the tumor builds itself a blood supply network through angiogenesis and invades surrounding tissue.
The cornerstone of cancer prevention research is to design drugs that thwart the carcinogenic process at points where mutations may occur. One goal is to find drugs that limit the damage caused by substances which cause cell mutations. These substances include such things as tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, or even toxic substances we may eat - such as nitrosamines, in bacon and cured meats, to pesticide residues, in fruits and vegetables. Another goal is to use gene therapy to stop the random genetic mutation that results in cancer. A third goal is to intercept "free radicals" and errant oxygen molecules that are released during normal cellular metabolism (production of ATP) in order to prevent the damage they can do to cells and to trigger genetic mutations.
One trillion molecules of oxygen go through each cell every day, inflicting about 100,000 free radical wounds on the DNA. By age 30, a few million free radical lesions per cell exist in each of our body's cell. By age 50, about 30% of our cellular protein has been damaged by free radicals. The solution is to fight the free radicals with antioxidants such as selenium, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C, among others.
Markers of Cancer
Unlike cardiovascular disease where established markers such as cholesterol have a clear correlation with the disease, many markers associated with pre-cancerous lesions have yet to be validated. There are only a few screening tests for cancer, like the Pap smear for uterine cancer and prostate surface antigen (psa) for prostate cancer. Until we get better imaging technology, determine markers, and develop preventive drugs, we are left with few precious markers for the early detection of many cancers.
Ways to Prevent Cancer
According to the article, "7 Ways to Prevent Cancer" published by the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention and the Harvard School of Public Health, you should:
- Eat
a healthy diet (lots of fruits and vegetables) to lower
the risk of cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, rectum, stomach,
and pancreas. The top 5 anti-cancer vegetables are : broccoli, spinach,
cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts. Other high-fiber vegetables, fruits,
and legumes are also helpful. Garlic and onions are also rich in anticancer
chemicals.
- Get at least 30 minutes of physical
activity each day to lower risk of cancer , especially
colon cancer and possibly breast cancer. Do not expend more than 3500
calories a week on exercise, as excessive exercise can lead to over-oxidation
and free radical formation.
- Drink no more than one alcoholic drink a day to lower
the risk of breast, colon, rectal, mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers.
- Maintain a healthy weight to
lower the risk of cancer of colon, rectum, uterus and breast.
- Don't smoke This will lower the risk of
lung, throat, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, prostate and colon cancer.
Cancer grows better in a high sugar environment. Stay away from
refined sugar and food of high glycemic index.
- Protect yourself from sunburn (by using sun-block lotion with SPF
15 or higher), which will lower your risk of skin cancer.
- Follow safe sex practices to lower the risk of sexually
transmitted infections that are linked to cancers of the cervix, vagina,
and liver.
- Nutritional Supplementation has been shown to prevent and retard cancer growth. This is further discussed below.
Does Nutritional Supplementation
Help?
Consider the following studies:
- In the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene cancer prevention study (ATBC) on 2,002 subjects began in 1985 by the National Cancer Institute, beta-carotene did not appear to prevent lung cancer for the Finnish smokers enrolled. However for those taking vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), there were 34% fewer cases of prostate and 16% fewer cases of colorectal cancer.
How Antioxidants Fight Cancer
Here is a summary of what antioxidants from diets can do, and the anti-cancer
pathway by which they appear to work:
Free radicals cause damage to DNA.
Vitamins A, C, and E, lipoic acid, glutathione, bioflavonoids,
certain minerals, carotenoids, green tea (active ingredient polyphenol),
and tomatoes (active ingredient lycopene) are antioxidants that neutralize
free radical damage.
Phase 1 (Initiation Phase) produces enzyme to break
down pro-carcinogens to carcinogens. Garlic and Onion (active ingredient allyl sulfides) limit the production
of Phase 1 enzyme. Calcium Glucarate (CGT) reduces tumor multiplicity during
this phase.
Phase 2 (Promotion Phase) produces enzymes,
which remove residuals left behind by Phase 1 enzyme. Broccoli (active ingredient
sulforaphane) boosts production of phase 2 enzyme.
Calcium Glucarate (CGT) reduces tumor multiplicity during this phase.
Cell Promotion can result in uncontrolled cell growth. Flaxseed and fish
oil (active ingredient Omega-3 fatty acid) inhibit cell growth.
Estrogen promotes cell growth. Soy (active ingredient isoflavone) competes
for estrogen cell receptors and reduces cancer formation.
Angiogenesis results in development of new blood vessels. Red Grapes (active
ingredient resveratol) suppress new vessel growth promoted by Cox 2 inhibitors.
Primer on Calcium D-Glucarate
D-Glucaric acid is a nontoxic, natural compound. One of its derivatives
is the potent beta-glucuronidase inhibitor (1,4-GL). 1,4-GL increases detoxification
of carcinogens and tumor promoters by inhibiting beta-glucuronidase and
preventing hydrolysis of their glucuronides. 1,4-GL and its precursors,
such as Calcium D-Glucarate, may exert their anti-cancer action, in part,
through alterations in steroidogenesis accompanied by changes in the hormonal
environment and the proliferative status of the target organ. Glucarates
may directly detoxify any environmental agents responsible for cancer formation.
It has been postulated that D-Glucarate exerts some of its effects by equilibrium
conversion to D-glucarolactone, a potent beta-glucuronidase inhibitor. Laboratory
studies comparing Calcium Glucarate (CGT) with a known chemo-preventive
agent, 4-HPR during Initiation Phase (I), Promotion Phase (P), and Initiation
plus Promotion Phase (I+P) together, showed that CGT reduced tumor multiplicity
28%, 42%, and 63% for the various stages respectively, compared to 4-HPR
which reduce tumor multiplicity 63%, 34%, ad 63% respectively. The maximum
effect occurred during the P and I+P phases. In particular, studies showed
that the chemo-preventive effect was synergistic when CGT was used together
with 4-HPR.
| Attention Because of tremendous individual variation, the use of nutritionals should therefore be personalized for your body. One person’s nutrient can be another person’s toxin. If you have a specific health concern and wish my personalized nutritional recommendation, write to me by clicking here. |
Primer on Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Molecules are composed of atoms and atoms are composed of a nucleus surrounded by orbits of electrons. In a stable molecule, these electrons orbit their respective nuclei in pairs. When a reaction occurs causing a molecule to either lose an electron, or gain an extra electron, the result is a molecule with an unpaired electron. This molecule is called a free radical. It is highly reactive, meaning it will try to combine with other molecules in order to steal an electron and so it can return to a stable state. The molecule from which the original free radical steals the electron becomes a free radical, wanting to steal an electron, resulting in a domino effect or a self-perpetuating process.
Many of our body's normal metabolic processes produce free radicals.
For example, free radicals are a normal by-product in the production of
ATP (the energy molecule) from glucose. In another case, our body deliberately
produces a free radical. Certain types of white blood cells destroy invading
microbes by the production of free radicals. Free radicals are also formed
by enzymatic production. However, external sources such as pollution,
cigarette smoke and sunlight cause the production of free radicals.
Excessive production of free radicals can cause damage. Fats, protein,
carbohydrates, and DNA are all subject to free radical damage.
Membranes exposed to free radicals lose their ability to properly transport nutrients, lipoproteins are changed into a dangerous form, and damaged DNA has the potential to cause mutations and cancer. Free radical damage is associated with almost every chronic disease, including arthritis, heart disease, cataracts, cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Antioxidants are molecules made by our bodies to neutralize free
radical damage. Antioxidants do this by donating an extra electron
to the free radical without becoming destabilized itself, also preventing
the, otherwise self-perpetuating, free-radial process. Although the antioxidant
has donated an electron, thereby becoming a free radical, it has the property
of being much less reactive than the original radical it has quenched.
Being less active, the affected antioxidant does not cause any further damage.
When vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and donates its electrons, it cannot function again until it has been "recharged", or has its missing electron replaced. This is where vitamin C enters the process. Vitamin C donates its electron to vitamin E, allowing Vitamin E to function again. Since certain types of antioxidants work best in different environments - some being effective in the plasma environment while others work their best within a fatty environment - there is no single "best" antioxidant. They all work together. What develops is a complex network or partnership of antioxidants that, not only fight free radicals, but also serve to regenerate one another. Hence, they work synergistically - that is, when they are all present, their effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
Fruits and vegetables are very high in antioxidants. Unfortunately,
diet by itself cannot provide the amount of antioxidants needed for anti-aging
purposes. For example, an RED, which is one of the best sources
of vitamin C, contains about 65 mg of vitamin C. To get 2,000 mg, you would
need to eat 30 REDs a day. Similarly, to get the 400 IU of vitamin E commonly
recommended, you would have eat almost 5,000 calories of food, mostly as
fat.
CLASSES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants come in various forms. They are classified broadly into two
groups:
A. Antioxidant Enzymes
- Superoxide Dismutase:
this enzyme contains a highly reactive form of oxygen which converts the
very reactive free radical superoxide into hydrogen peroxide, with zinc
and manganese acting as cofactors.
- Catalase: Hydrogen
peroxide is less reactive than superoxide, but is still somewhat unstable
and able to cause the formation of free radicals. Catalase converts the
hydrogen peroxide formed by superoxide dismutase, as well as other superoxides
to oxygen and water.
- Glutathione Peroxidase:
Glutathione removes peroxides that contribute to the formation of free
radicals. Glutathione peroxidase converts highly reactive molecules like
lipid peroxides into less reactive molecules.
B. Molecular Antioxidants
- Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is a very powerful water-soluble antioxidant that circulates
freely within the plasma. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the recycling
of vitamin E and other antioxidants. Smoking not only lowers vitamin C
metabolism leading to lower plasma vitamin C levels, it also creates high
levels of oxidative stress. Vitamin C is particularly important for optimal immune
function, eye health, cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Vitamin E:
This is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is transported primarily in LDL-cholesterol,
where it functions to help prevent the oxidation of the fatty acids and
proteins that comprise the LDL particle. LDL-cholesterols that are unprotected
can become modified by the oxidative process. Once oxidized, LDL-cholesterol
particles are taken up by macrophages leading to the formation of fatty
streaks and ultimately atherosclerotic plaques. Vitamin E protects LDL particles from oxidation and protects our
vascular walls.
- Carotenoids: The carotenoids are a group of more than
500 different pigments found in plants. These include beta-carotene (found
in carrots), leutin, lycopene (found in tomatoes), and zeaxanthin. While functioning
as antioxidants, the way they perform is slightly different from other
antioxidants. Certain forms of carotenoids are able to destroy a particularly
damaging form of oxygen called singlet oxygen. Research supports the hypothesis that a diet rich
in carotenoids reduces the risk in many diseases, including cancer and
age-related macular degeneration. Two carotenoids in particular,
leutin and zeaxanthin are found in the macular of the eye. People who
consume diets rich in leutin- and zeaxanthin-containing foods, such as
spinach, have a reduced risk for developing AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
- Bioflavonoids: Also known as flavonoids, these are compounds
that occur naturally in many plants. They can be divided into 6 groups:
- Isoflavones (found predominately in soy),
- Flavonols (found in onions
and broccoli),
- Flavones (found in greens, including thyme and parsley),
- Flavonones (found in citrus fruits),
- Catechins (found in tea
and apples), and
- Proanthocyanidins (found
in grapes and cherries).
- Minerals: Certain minerals play an important role as antioxidants, the most notable being selenium, zinc and manganese. They function as cofactors for various antioxidant enzymes. For example, the enzyme superoxide dismutase catalyses the conversion of superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. The cytosolic (within the cell, but outside the mitochondria) form of this enzyme requires copper and zinc as cofactors, while the mitochondrial form of superoxide dismutase requires manganese. Research has shown that consumption of certain minerals, such as selenium, is inversely correlated with the risk for developing cancer.
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DISCUSSION
It should be obvious that there is no single magic bullet for cancer prevention. A healthy lifestyle with an appropriate stress reduction and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are excellent starters. Those who desire supplementation should consider antioxidants and calcium d-Glucarate. Certain herbs are also reported to have anti-cancer properties but the discussion of herbs is beyond the scope this Research Brief.
While there is no established laboratory reference for an optimum dosage of antioxidants for optimum heath, many in the forefront of anti-aging research are advocating the levels of intake toward the upper limit of what is recommended as safe, relatively speaking. While each person is unique in his or her requirement, the following represents part of a common regimen of natural chemo-preventive strategy for those with a high risk of cancer due to family history or those who have existing cancer.
- Beta Carotene: 25,000 - 50,000 IU
- Vitamin C: 2,000 - 5,000 mg
- Vitamin E: 400 - 1,200 IU
- Calcium D-Glucarate: 100 - 300 mg
- Grape Seed Extract: 100 - 300 mg
- Green Tea Extract: 100 - 300 mg
- Quercetin: 100 - 300 mg
- Selenium: 200 mcg
- Magnesium:
300 - 600 mg
- Coenzyme
Q 10: 30 - 120 mg - a mitochondrial enhancer that is also an antioxidant.
- Lipoic Acid: 100 - 500 mg - the universal antioxidant.
- Calcium: 600 - 1,500 mg - to
maintain musculo-skeletal health.
- Vitamin B Complex:
to fortify the nervous system.
- Garlic: to strengthen the immune system.
The
fact is no one knows which of the myriad of chemicals in a turnip or tomato
does the most to keep our cells healthy. In order to scientifically study these
issues, it will take decades of clinical study. Even then, age, heredity,
and other unknown risks will still make prevention an inexact science. The
question is this: Should we change our lives on the strength of current laboratory
studies and epidemiological associations, or should we wait until the case
for soy-burgers is seamless before taking action?Cancer prevention strategy should be started during youth, using lifestyle choices which minimize the body's exposure to free radicals and maximizes the body's exposure to circulating antioxidants. This can be accomplished through diet and supplementation. It is never too late to start, although we do know that the earlier you start, the better your chance of avoiding cancer.
| Message from Dr. Lam I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don’t understand, comments (good or bad), or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here. |
About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He is currently the Director of Medical Education at the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, U.S.A. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Lam pioneered the formulation of the three clinical phases of aging as well as the concept of diagnosis and treatment of sub-clinical age related degenerative diseases to deter the aging process. Dr. Lam has been published extensively in this field. He is the author of The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity (available on-line). He also serves as editor of the Journal of Anti-Aging Research.
For More Information
For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam
at www.LamMD.com. Feel free to email
Dr. Lam at dr@LamMD.com if you have any questions.
Reprint Information
This article may, in its unabridged, unaltered form and in its entirety only,
be reprinted and republished without permission provided that it is for personal
and non commercial education use only and further provided that credit be given
to the author, with copyright notice and www.LamMD.com
clearly displayed as source. Written permission from Dr. Lam is required
for all other use.
©2001 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
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