General cancer news

[Guest guest]

I believe we have several parents who belong to this group who are writing for

their children. I thought this might be of general interest.

Five- and 10-year survival rates in childhood hematalogic cancers have

significantly improved since 1990, according to the results of a study recently

published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Approximately 40% of childhood cancers are classified as hematalogic cancers.

Hematologic cancers are cancers of the blood and bone marrow, and include

leukemia and lymphoma. There have been astounding improvements in treatment

outcomes for pediatric leukemias and lymphomas in the past 30 years. For

example, in the early 1970s fewer than 10% of children with acute lymphoblastic

leukemia survived for 10 years after diagnosis, whereas today 80% of children

will survive. There is more at the link below.

http://www.ufscc.ufl.edu/Patient/cancernews.aspx?section=cancernews & id=42671

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Cat's Claw to treat cancer:

Research on the effectiveness of cat's claw began in Europe and Peru in the

1970s. However, this herb's potential to treat cancer or manage symptoms has not

been reported in human clinical trials. 13,30,31 Nonetheless, M.D. 's

Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources, suggested that " recent

reports have demonstrated Uncaria's [cat's claw's] role in improving immunity in

cancer patients as well as its anti-mutagenic properties. " 40

Current/Potential Uses: arthritis and bone pain, depression, cancer, fungus,

gastritis, gastric ulcer, hemorrhoids, herpes, acne, asthma, urinary tract

inflammation, wounds, neuralgia, menstrual irregularities, immune system

disorders, hypertension, disorders of digestive tract, heart disease, HIV and

AIDS, drug or radiation side effects, allergies, shingles, tumors, cysts,

reduced physical and/or mental stamina. 2Much more can be learned from this web

site.

http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/ManagementOfCancer.aspx?DocumentId=705

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Dr. Neli Ulrich, at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer research center, compiled more

than 30 studies on cancer patients. She shares some important information on

vitamin D, antioxidants, and what you should ask your doctor.

She also is considering a study into Folic Acid. Typically it helps to produce

new cells, but so do tumors. " Folic Acid is a nutrient that is important for the

healthy growth of cells, but once people have a tumor, there is now data that

suggests that it can foster the growth of a tumor. "

There is also growing research that grapefruit juice can be dangerous for cancer

patients. It can block enzymes in the body that regulate how well the body

absorbs cancer medication. " We want to avoid a case of extreme toxicity, " warns

Ulrich, " but we also want to give the highest maximum dose to kill the cancer. "

Ask your doctor if there is a reason to believe that some of these drugs could

interact with some of the supplements you are taking.

3. Make sure every doctor that treats you knows of the supplements that you are

taking and it is written in your records.

4. Dr. Ulrich recommends *not* taking supplements *during* treatment.

5. Also, avoid multi-vitamins or " mega-doses " of vitamins. You can usually get

most of what you need in a balanced meal.

6. Get on an exercise plan. The research is strong, that exercise helps in

reduction and recovery.

7. Have a good social system around you to help you ask questions and support

you when you need help.

4 GOOD SOURCES:

1. Your Physician

2. National Cancer Institute www.cancer.gov

3. American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

4. Fred Hutchinson www.fhcrc.org

http://weblogs.q13.com/features/health/wellnessreport/2008/03/cancer.html