Breast Cancer Risk Can Be Determined From A Biopsy
A landmark Harvard study found that the risk of breast cancer can be predicted by looking at the percentage of dividing cells from a routine breast biopsy. If this tissue analysis (called “Ki-67”) shows that a high percentage of cells are dividing, this is associated with a 500% increased risk of eventually developing breast cancer. This is a very significant finding that could become practice changing. Developing a less invasive approach than a tissue biopsy to assess the proliferation rate of cells would be an even more preferable advance. At this time, all breast pathologists can calculate Ki-67 from tissue specimens.
Curcumin Reduces Side Effects Of Chemotherapy And Radiation Therapy
Curcumin is the most useful botanical supplement in my integrative oncology practice. Here’s why…
Vitamin D Is Anticancer, So Get Those Levels Up!
25-hydroxy vitamin D levels ≥40 ng/ml are associated with a > 65% lower cancer risk compared with those who have levels of 20 ng/ml or less. It’s quite common these days for me to see patients with levels less than 20, so I’m frequently recommending vitamin D3 supplements. Read More.
New Gene Mutations To Consider In Women’s Cancers
Genetic testing for mutations that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer has just gotten more complex with the new consensus recommendation to look beyond BRCA (the “Angelina Jolie” gene mutation.) Some of these other mutations carry cancer risks that may be even higher than BRCA. Multi-gene testing and genetic counseling needs to be part of this new landscape to help guide physicians and our patients on the potential implications for risk reduction surgeries and treatments. Read more.
Vegetables And Fruits Talk To Our Cells
Our cells have natural receptors for compounds in green tea, broccoli and many other plants. These compounds activate complex physiological pathways that are only just beginning to be understood, but we already know they are protective against cancer. The key to maximizing these innate mechanisms is consuming more and a wider variety of plants.
Simple, Processed Carbohydrates Increase The Risk Of Cancer
Diets high in refined carbohydrates and low in complex carbohydrates increase the risk of breast cancer (by 67%) and prostate cancer (by 300%.)
Coffee Drinkers Have A Much Lower Risk Of Colorectal Cancer
Drinking more than 2.5 cups of coffee each day reduces colon cancer risk by 54%.
- Higher coffee consumption was associated with lower odds of developing colorectal cancer:
- One to less than two daily servings: 22% lower risk
- 2 to 2.5 daily servings: 41% lower risk
- More than 2.5 daily servings: 54% lower risk
I’m really loving my French press, right now ☕☕☕
Singing Reduces Stress Hormones And Inflammation
This new study reports that one hour of choir singing reduced biological markers of stress and inflammation. Here are some of their findings:
- Significant improvement in mood scores
- Significant increases in anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating proteins
- Significant reductions in cortisol levels
