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As cancer statistics and deaths continue to increase more and more patients are looking for alternatives to take along with the conventional therapies. Among alternative approaches used to fight the disease include spirituality and meditation. Studies have found they indeed work.   Using faith and consciousness to solve different problems is not new; it started since the dawn of time, and it is increasing in different parts of the world, including developed countries like the United States. In case of cancer, certain techniques are used to restore the moral and physical well-being of the patients. They often include prayer therapy, affirmation, visualization, deep breathing, and others. Regardless, the objective of peopleliving with canceris to heal. A series of three studies published by the American Cancer Society (ACS) which involved over 44,000 patients highlight the important role spiritual beliefs played on the psychological, physical, and social well-being of people living with cancer. The studies have also reported a positive correlation between spirituality and mental well-being in both healthy people and those experiencing physical or psychological disorders. The researchers found spiritual individuals tend to have inner peace and remain optimistic even when facing serious problems such as cancer. Better Physical and Mental Health According to the first study which was conducted by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute,a nonprofit cancer treatment and research center located in Tampa (Florida), patients who had a high degree of spirituality and religiosity were also the ones who preserved the best mental and physical health and who most easily carried out their daily tasks. They also felt fewer treatmentside effects, including less physical symptoms. Dr. Jim, lead author of the study, also found that cancer patients who better integrated in their spiritual and / or religious activities had better physical health to overcome cancer. The second study was done by a group of researchers from the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University in Chicago. They found that the emotional aspects associated with religion and spirituality were more strongly beneficial to mental health rather than cognitive and behavioral aspects of their practice. Regardless you call it spiritual faith or scientific faith, the emotion is the result of their faith; they believe “all things work together for good to them that love God.”      The third study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, additionally focused on social relationship of spiritual people. The results show that spirituality and religion have a role, even if it is modest, to maintain social relationships. The more spiritual is a person the easier for him to have social relationship. Spiritual wellness and religious beliefs are indeed associated with better social health unlike unspiritual and irreligious mentality which is associated with higher tendency to loneliness and isolation.   Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery In addition to these so-called psychosocial oncology programs studies also evaluated meditation technique or MBCR program (Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery) to consciously treat cancer. Developed by psychologists specialized in oncology, this therapeutic approach offers a combination of therapies using meditation, yoga exercises, and others. It is practiced primarily in clinics and hospitals in Canada and the United States.   Notable Cases While it is very difficult to assess the effectiveness of these alternative therapies to overcome cancer, it is certain it works for those who believe. Although very slim, in different parts of the world people use their faith to become free of terminal diseases for which the conventional medicine cannot of do anything. A common case is that of Louise Hay, an American motivational author and the founder who claim she used “the power of her thought” (Mind Power) to get rid of hercancer.   Rhonda Byrne, an Australian television writer and producer, best known for her New Thought books, The Secret, also claims a man used the Law of Attraction, along with gratitude, to heal his kidney failure. In fact, it is not a secret after all; Jesus said the same thing in the Gospels: “...according to your faith it will be done to you.”Matthew 9:29     References:   Pascal Lamanque, MD et Serge Daneault, MD, PHD.Does meditation improve the quality of life for patients living with cancer? A critical synthesis- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov PMC1481669/. 2006 Apr 10; 52(4):474–475. Davidson RJ, Kabat-Zinn J, et al.Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation.Psychosom Med. 2003 Jul-Aug;65(4):564-70.   Jain S, Shapiro SL, et al.A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness meditation versus relaxation training: effects on distress, positive states of mind, rumination, and distraction. Ann Behav Med. 2007 Feb;33 (1):11-21.   Joshanloo, Mohsen (4 December 2010)."Investigation of the Contribution of Spirituality and Religiousness to Hedonic and Eudaimonic Well-Being in Iranian Young Adults". Journal of HappinessStudies12 (6): 915–930.doi:10.1007/s10902-010-9236-4.   Fehring, R.J., Miller, J.F., Shaw, C. (1997). Spiritual well-being, religiosity, hope, depression, and other mood states in elderly peoplecoping with cancer24. Oncology Nursing Forum.pp. 663–671.   Nelson, C.J.; Rosenfeld, B.; Breitbart, W.; Galietta, M. (2002). "Spirituality, religion, and depression in the terminally ill". Psychosomatics43: 213–220.doi:10.1176/appi.psy.43.3.213. Koenig, H. G. (2008) Research on religion, spirituality, and mental health: A review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.   Salsman, J. M.; Brown, T. L.; Brechting, E. H.; Carlson, C. R. (2005). "The link between religion and spirituality and psychological adjustment:The mediating role of optimism and social support". Personality and Social PsychologyBulletin31:522–535.doi:10.1177/0146167204271563.   ...read more

Numerous studies have shown that at least one third of cancers would be linked to the kinds of food that we habitually eat. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, our diet plays an important role in developing certaincancers. Data even show that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables divides the risk in half; that’s more effective than any conventional prevention method. You may ask why blueberry is among the top anticancer foods. Many plants contain molecules that can not only prevent the development of cancerous cells but also slow their progression in individuals who already have the disease. Among twenty fruit, blueberry is ranked first for its powerful antioxidant capacity. Closely follow cranberry, blackberry, raspberry and strawberry. Although research on the anticancer properties of blueberry is in its infancy, some scientific studies suggest that anthocyanidins (pigments found in certain plant which have amazing health benefits) contained in blueberries also have an important anti-cancer potential which patients and healthy people can greatly benefit from. The anticancer potential of the berries is also explained by its anti-inflammatory action. Anthocyanidins, as well as other molecules present in blueberry, would slow the progression of cancer by blocking the development of blood vessels feeding the malignant cells. This antiangiogenic process deprives cancer cells of their supply of oxygen and nutrient molecules needed to reproduce, which makes it a powerful anticancer food. Blueberries are amongst the most commonly consumed berries not only in the United States but also in many other parts of the world. They are rich in phenolic compounds, thus high in antioxidants. According to a review published by the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, from The Florida State University, on Pubmed, “evidence from in vitro, in vivo and a few clinical studies suggest that blueberries and their active constituents show promise as effective anti-cancer agents, both in the form of functional foods and as nutritional supplements.” Although more studies are needed, this mini study shows the carcinogenesis of blueberries works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, which is the genesis of the formation of all malignant tumors. The berries also help stop oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cancer cell proliferation, while at the same time increase the natural programmed cell death (apoptosis) which cancerous cells defect. When consider defective apoptosis is the backbone of the occurrence and proliferation of malignant tumors, the work of blueberries in re-establishing it should be greatly considered. Another study was conducted by the Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal, to investigate the anticancer properties of an anthocyanin-pyruvic acid adduct extract from blueberry in fighting certain types of cancer such as breast cancer. At the end, the scientists conclude the following: “An anthocyanin extract from blueberry (extract I) and an anthocyanin-pyruvic acid adduct extract (extract II) were tested on twobreast cancercell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7). Proliferation was assessed by SRB assay and ³H-thymidine incorporation. Caspase-3 activity was determined in the presence of both extracts. In both cell lines, extracts I and II significantly reduced cell proliferation at 250 μg/mL, after 24 h of cell incubation. Caspase-3 activity was not altered by the extracts (250 μg/mL) in either cell line, with the exception of extract II in MCF-7, which increased its activity... Both extracts (250 μg/mL) demonstrated significant antiinvasive potential in both cell lines.” In other studies it is observed in laboratory that regular consumption of fresh blueberry juice, raspberry and cranberry would slow the growth of human cancer cells mainly in the stomach, prostate, andcolon(bowel). Leukemic cells also reduced. It is clear eating blueberries regularly may not only helps prevent formation of cancer in healthy individuals but also stop or reduce the proliferation of the cancerous cells patients who are already struggling with the condition.   References: Evidence for anti-cancer properties of blueberries: a mini-review -PMID: 23387969 [PubMed - indexed forMEDLINE] pbrc.edu/training-and-education/pdf/pns/PNSBlueberries.pdf Blueberries|American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Anthocyanins and pyruvic acid adducts ofBlueberry:anticancer properties inbreast cancercell lines: Faria A, Pestana D, Teixeira D, de Freitas V, Mateus N, Calhau C. -PMID: 20564502[PubMed -indexed for MEDLINE] http://www.cancereffects.com/Anticancer-Properties-of-Blueberries.html   ...read more

A large majority of studies have shown that regular consumption of watercress may reduce the risk of healthy individuals to have cancer and stop the progression of a cancerous tumor in cancer patients; it was in a general sense. But a new scientific research conducted by some scientists of the University of Southampton found that watercress may have the ability to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells by depriving the tumor of essential blood nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow. The research has shown that watercress has a compound, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), that acts as an anti-cancer by suppressing a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), which is responsible for the development and progression of breast cancer cells. The protein helps malignant cells to send signals to surrounding normal tissue to form new blood vessels that are rich in oxygen and nutrients in order to facilitate their reproduction. The research was led by Professor Graham Packham of Southampton University, in partnership with Barbara Parry, Senior Research Dietician at the Winchester and Andover Breast Unit, on a small group of breast cancer survivors. When questioned about his finding, he comments, "the research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development..." Although there are other ongoing studies, this recent one has provided specific clarification on potential anti-cancer effects of watercress, a food that anyone can afford to buy. To enjoy these health benefits, a woman needs to eat about 80g of watercress or more, which can be juiced, using a power juicer, and drunk immediately. Watercress may interact with these medications. Talk to your doctor if you are taking Chlorzoxazone (Parafon Forte, Paraflex), Lithium, and Warfarin (Coumadin).   References: 1.   British Journal of Nutrition-'In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation bywatercress: ResearchersSyed Alwi SS, ,Cavell BE,Telang U,Morris ME,Parry BM,Packham G. 2.   Cancereffects.com: anticancer properties of watercress 3.   Biochemical Pharmacology -'Inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor by phenethyl isothiocyanate' inwatercress: ResearchersWang XH1,Cavell BE,Syed Alwi SS,Packham G. PMID: 9376091 [PubMed- indexed forMEDLINE] 4.    Ontogenic variations of ascorbic acid and phenethyl isothiocyanate concentrations in watercress (Nasturtium officinale R.Br.) leaves:Palaniswamy UR,McAvoy RJ,Bible BB,Stuart JD-PMID: 12926905[PubMed-indexed for MEDLINE] ...read more

Despite billions of dollars spent over the past decades on research,ovarian canceris still has high mortality rates. This indicates that scientists need a new and better approach to fight it by targeting its initiation through the stem cells, Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs).   Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are malignant cells within a tumor that have self-renewal characteristics similar to normal stem cells but lead to formation of cancerous tumor. According to a recent research, scientists have found that attacking CSCs can be the best way to overcome ovarian cancer.   The reason is because epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) are account for nearly 90% of all ovarian cancer cases and are thought to arise from ovarian surface epithelium stem cells or fallopian tube epithelium. This leads the researchers to focus on EOC in the majority of ovarian CSC studies.   CSCs are capable of generating primary and recurrent ovarian cancer through extensive rounds of asymmetric division; therefore, a scientific approach to combat it by attacking the root of the problem deserves favorable consideration.   Ovarian cancer silently and progressively develops toward an advanced condition. Although it is often successfully treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, the tumor tends to turn into terminal, recurrent, or chemoresistant in high percentage of patients. This new approach brings more hope that there will be a better prognosis for the disease. Learn more oncancereffects     References:   Jung, M. J.,et al.Upregulation of CXCR4 is functionally crucial for maintenance of stemness in drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. Oncogene. 32, 209–221 (2013). Article ISIPubMed   Lengyel E:Ovarian cancer development and metastasis. Am J Pathol2010,177:1053-1064.PubMed Abstract|Publisher Full Text|PubMed Central Full Text   Molecular Cancer2014,13:262  doi:10.1186/1476-4598-13-262 ...read more

“I am sorry, you have cancer” is a sentence that one wants would like to hear from his health care provider. Cancer effects, physically and psychologically, can be challenging to face.  Once the diagnosis is established, the patient now needs to fight the disease before it is too late.   After the treatment, all patients hope to become cancer-free and have a story to tell. But sometimes the disease reoccurs. Cancer recurrence is a stage that can prevent this dream comes true. To prevent this, early detection and undergoing an effective treatment is vital. Visitcancereffects.comtoday to discover what treatment will work best for your cancer as well as survival techniques to consider to combat the tumor until complete healing. Control your cancer symptoms; don’t let them control you. ...read more