16. CANCER SUPPORT Flashcards
What is cancer?
The uncontrolled division of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries.
What are the most common types of cancer?
- Breast
- Lung
- Prostate
- Colorectal
What is apoptosis?
Programmed cell death.
What is angiogenesis?
Formation of new blood vessels.
What are some traits of cancer cells?
- Evasion of apoptosis
- Insensitivity to anti-growth signals
- Limitless replicative potential
- Sustained angiogenesis
- Ability to metastasise
- Avoidance of immune destruction
- Inflammatory tumour promoters
- Genome instability and mutation
- Reprogrammed energy metabolism (Warburg effect)
What does the stage of cancer refer to?
How far it has progressed and the level of invasiveness.
What is Stage 0 cancer?
Carcinoma ‘in situ’ — no spread to nearby tissues.
What is Stage IV cancer?
Spread to other organs or throughout the body.
What are key gene mutations associated with cancer?
- Oncogenes
- Tumour suppressor genes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
- DNA repair genes
What percentage of cancers are linked with inherited mutations?
5–10%
What are some environmental factors that can increase cancer risk?
- Exposure to carcinogens
- Exposure to x-rays/other radiation
- Infections
- Poor diet/nutritional inadequacies
- Overweight/obesity
- Chronic inflammation
What is the Warburg effect?
Aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells where glucose is fermented to lactate even in the presence of oxygen.
What role does chronic inflammation play in cancer?
Supports proliferation, survival, migration of cancer cells, and angiogenesis.
What is NF-κB and its role in cancer?
A crucial link between inflammation and cancer, promoting every step of tumour progression.
What is the recommended omega-6:3 fatty acid intake ratio?
1:1 to 2:1
What is the effect of high omega-6 fatty acids on cancer?
Increases cancer risk and progression.
How does Vitamin D influence cancer risk?
Regulates cell cycle, induces apoptosis, promotes cell differentiation, and acts as an anti-inflammatory factor.
What is the carcinogenic classification of aspartame?
Group 2B carcinogen, particularly associated with liver cancer.
What food preparation methods increase cancer risk?
- High temperatures (grilling/frying)
- Formation of heterocyclic amines
- Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- N-nitroso compounds from processed meats
What is acrylamide and its potential effects?
A chemical that can form in starchy foods during high-temperature cooking, potentially carcinogenic and neurotoxic.
What is the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer?
Linked with cancers such as breast, pancreas, liver, and colon due to the formation of acetaldehyde.
What are the cancer risks associated with smoking?
Contains over 60 carcinogens and impairs detoxification, leading to increased DNA damage.
What is dysbiosis?
Alterations to gut microbiota linked to increased cancer risk through inflammation-mediated mechanisms.
How does stress influence cancer risk?
Promotes DNA damage, weakens immune surveillance, and increases risk of cancer invasion.
What is the effect of disrupted sleep on cancer?
Circadian rhythm disruption can affect cancer initiation and progression.
What is the impact of disrupted sleep on cancer?
Circadian rhythm affects cancer initiation and progression
Melatonin increases at night and acts as a powerful antioxidant, enhancing immune actions.
What is the Nocebo Effect in cancer?
Negative expectations can harm patients, leading to side effects and influencing perceptions of incurability
A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary patient distress and even death.
What are common cautions regarding cancer treatment claims?
Illegal to treat cancer without medical doctor approval; no exaggerated claims about cures
Support can be given through diet and lifestyle without interfering with conventional treatments.
What dietary practices can help prevent cancer?
Eliminate cancer promoters like refined carbohydrates and processed meats; focus on nutrient-dense foods
Mediterranean-style diets are linked to reduced cancer risk.
What are the benefits of polyphenols in cancer?
Improve antioxidant status and reduce DNA oxidative damage; have anti-tumour effects
Polyphenols support apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis, and support p53 gene function.
List some key anti-cancer polyphenols.
- Curcumin
- EGCG
- Resveratrol
- Anthocyanins
- Gallic acid
- Lycopene
- Quercetin
- Carnosol
- Apigenin
These compounds are found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
What fats should be avoided to reduce cancer risk?
Refined vegetable oils and trans fats; moderate saturated fat intake
Focus on omega-3 fatty acids for their anti-inflammatory properties.
How can food preparation methods influence cancer risk?
Avoid high heat and dry cooking methods; use steaming and lower heat cooking
Marinating red meat can reduce harmful compound formation.
What role does stress play in cancer?
Stress can decrease treatment effectiveness and is a significant stressor upon diagnosis
Mindfulness exercises can alleviate anxiety and improve immune response.
What is the macronutrient ratio of the Ketogenic diet?
75% fat, 20% protein, 5% carbohydrate
This diet can starve tumors of glucose and inhibit growth signaling.
What are Fasting Mimicking Diets (FMDs)?
Low-calorie diets that mimic fasting effects, helping cancer patients thrive
FMDs can sensitize cancer cells to conventional treatments.
What is cancer cachexia?
Affects up to 85% of cancer patients; characterized by weight loss and muscle wasting
It is linked to high expression of inflammatory cytokines.
What are the functions of Vitamin D in cancer management?
Has anti-inflammatory effects, promotes cell differentiation, and inhibits cancer cell proliferation
Optimal levels are crucial for immune function.
How does intravenous Vitamin C benefit cancer patients?
Enhances immune function and has pro-oxidant effects against cancer cells
High concentrations achieved through IV infusion can lead to cell death.
What are the roles of Shiitake and Turkey Tail mushrooms in cancer treatment?
Immunomodulatory and anti-proliferative effects; reduce chemotherapy side effects
Lentinan from Shiitake is a licensed anticancer drug in Japan.
What is the purpose of oxygen therapy in cancer treatment?
Controls tumor proliferation and increases sensitivity to treatments
Includes methods like hyperbaric oxygen and ozone therapy.
What is the effect of oxygen therapy on tumor cells?
Controls or reduces tumor cell proliferation and increases sensitivity to conventional treatment.
What is Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?
A pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber where the patient breathes pure O2.
What is ozone therapy?
Uses ozone (O3) to increase the amount of oxygen in the body.
What is Kaqun water?
Oxygenated water used for bathing or consumption.
How does increased oxygen saturation benefit health?
Positively influences immune function, enhances NK cells, decreases tumor cell growth, promotes apoptosis.
What role does folate play in tumor growth?
Can protect against and promote tumor growth through its regulating effects on the cell cycle.
What are the risks associated with long-term folate deficiency?
Leads to DNA replication stress and double-strand DNA breaks, increasing tumor development risk.
What caution should be taken with folate supplementation in cancer clients?
Determining and maintaining correct levels is crucial; if in doubt, prefer food sources.
What common issue is associated with iron levels in cancer patients?
Depletion and anemia are common, but excess iron can drive tumor growth.
What is the role of glutamine in cancer cell metabolism?
It is a source of carbon and nitrogen for the proliferation of cancer cells.
What should be considered regarding glutamine supplementation?
Caution is advised; limiting glutamine in the diet is not recommended since the body can synthesize it.
What is the breast cancer risk associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?
Inherited mutations in these genes account for 4-6% of cases in females and 11-12% in males.
What percentage of breast cancer cases are considered preventable?
23% of cases in females.
What factors contribute to breast cancer risk linked to hormonal exposure?
Increased levels of circulating estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.
What are the effects of estrogen dominance in breast cancer?
Induces overexpression of ERα and ERβ receptors.
What dietary components can support healthy estrogen metabolism?
Cruciferous vegetables, glutathione, turmeric, resveratrol, berries, rooibos tea, and celery.
What is the significance of 2-OH-E1 in estrogen metabolism?
It is a weaker-acting estrogen with anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic effects.
What is the relationship between calcium intake and colorectal cancer risk?
Higher dietary calcium intake is associated with reduced risk.
What role does quercetin play in cancer treatment?
Reduces inflammation, acts as an antioxidant, and may improve response to treatment.
What is the effect of dietary fiber on colorectal cancer risk?
Low fiber intake increases risk; fiber helps dilute fecal carcinogens and reduces transit time.
What are the potential benefits of naturopathic treatments in cancer care?
Reduced side effects, protection against damage to healthy tissues, and increased 5-year survival rates.
What is a key consideration during chemotherapy regarding supplementation?
Caution must be applied; some supplements can improve response while others may decrease effectiveness.
What are the advantages of standard cancer treatments?
Increased 5-year survival rates
Standard cancer treatments have shown significant improvements in survival rates.
What are the disadvantages of standard cancer treatments?
Highly toxic and destructive; difficult return to full structural and functional normality
Many patients experience long-term side effects from these treatments.
What is the general recommendation regarding supplements during chemotherapy?
Stop supplements 2 days prior to, and 2–3 days post chemotherapy administration
This includes both nutrient and plant compounds.
How can diet change during chemotherapy?
Appetite and food preferences can shift greatly
This varies depending on type and stage of treatment.
What types of foods should be avoided during chemotherapy?
Highly processed foods and foods that can harbor bacteria
Foods like delicatessen items and undercooked eggs or fish are risky.
What dietary strategy can help with chemotherapy-induced nausea?
Consuming complex carbohydrates with protein and eating 2x hourly
This helps address negative effects on blood glucose and energy.
What is Pgp in the context of chemotherapy?
A membrane transporter that can efflux drugs out of cancer cells, reducing chemotherapy efficiency
Pgp can diminish the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Which herb has shown to alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea?
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger promotes gastric emptying and has chemo-sensitizing effects.
What acupressure point can help relieve nausea?
Pericardium 6 (P6)
Located on the forearm, stimulating this point can alleviate nausea.
Which probiotics may alleviate chemotherapy-induced diarrhea?
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces species
These probiotics modulate immune function and regulate intestinal microbiota.
What role does physical activity play during chemotherapy?
It positively influences immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine function
Exercise is associated with reduced treatment side effects.
What is the importance of Vitamin D3 during radiotherapy?
Good vitamin D levels are essential to reduce side effects and the risk of osteoporosis
Oral supplementation may be considered during treatment.
Which herb protects against radiotherapy-induced mucositis?
Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice
It stimulates healing of damaged mucosa and increases blood supply.
What are key dietary considerations for stem cell therapy?
Increase protein intake and focus on polyphenol-rich foods
Avoid red or processed meat and be aware of potential food allergies.
What should be avoided in terms of food preparation after a stem cell transplant?
Avoid eating food prepared more than 24 hours prior
This helps reduce the risk of infection, a common side effect.
What should a practitioner remember when supporting a cancer patient?
Work within your scope of practice and support with health-promoting diet and lifestyle factors
It’s essential to stay informed about medical treatment and check interactions.
