Obesity is associated with decreased survival and increased risk of recurrence in those with a history of colon cancer

In a study (published in March 2010), examining the body mass index of colon cancer survivors, the authors reported a significantly worse survival time and time to recurrence in those who were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) compared those who were not obese.
This study adds to the mounting evidence that being obese is linked to the development and recurrence of cancers. (Read More Here)

Exercise decreases hormone levels that are associated with breast cancer

In a study (published in February 2010), investigators reported that women who participated in an aerobic exercise program (45 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week) had significantly lower estradiol levels than those women who maintained their usual level of activity.
Estradiol is a hormone that is known to stimulate the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells.
This study adds more even more support to the recommendation that physical activity is an important lifestyle factor in helping to reduce your risk of developing or stimulating cancer growth or recurrence.
(Read More Here)

Diets higher in red meat and milk products lead to worse survival in patients with ovarian cancer.

A study published (March 2010), examining the pre-diagnosis dietary habits of women with ovarian cancer, reported that those who consumed diets higher in red/processed meats and milk had a shorter survival time than those who ate less of these foods. They also reported that the women who ate more yellow and cruciferous vegetables had a longer survival time. (Read More Here)

Vitamin D is important in supporting a strong immune system

A new study reports that Vitamin D is important in creating a strong immune system.
Vitamin D is needed to activate white blood cells in such a way that they become functioning immune support cells (i.e. helper T-cells or natural killer cells.) Without adequate vitamin D, they can not make the important transition step.
This study suggests another mechanism to explain why Vitamin D deficiency (which is very common in adults) has been associated with increased risks of developing various cancers as well worse survival in patients with cancer. Having a healthy immune system is essential in helping your body prevent and fight cancer.
(Read more about this here)

Vitamin D is linked to reduced rates of developing cancer and of cancer progression

Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) who have low levels of Vitamin D have a higher rate of cancer progression and death. (read more here)

The information and references (below) are from the Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health):

"Laboratory and animal evidence as well as epidemiologic data suggest that vitamin D status could affect cancer risk. Strong biological and mechanistic bases indicate that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of colon, prostate, and breast cancers. Emerging epidemiologic data suggest that vitamin D has a protective effect against colon cancer, but the data are not as strong for a protective effect against prostate and breast cancer, and are variable for cancers at other sites [70,71]. Studies do not consistently show a protective effect or no effect, however. One study of Finnish smokers, for example, found that subjects in the highest quintile of baseline vitamin D status have a three-fold higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer [72].

Vitamin D emerged as a protective factor in a prospective, cross-sectional study of 3,121 adults aged ≥50 years (96% men) who underwent a colonoscopy. The study found that 10% had at least one advanced cancerous lesion. Those with the highest vitamin D intakes (>645 IU/day) had a significantly lower risk of these lesions [73]. However, the Women's Health Initiative, in which 36,282 postmenopausal women of various races and ethnicities were randomly assigned to receive 400 IU vitamin D plus 1,000 mg calcium daily or a placebo, found no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of colorectal cancers over 7 years [74]. More recently, a clinical trial focused on bone health in 1,179 postmenopausal women residing in rural Nebraska found that subjects supplemented daily with calcium (1,400-1,500 mg) and vitamin D3 (1,100 IU) had a significantly lower incidence of cancer over 4 years compared to women taking a placebo [64]. The small number of cancers reported (50) precludes generalizing about a protective effect from either or both nutrients or for cancers at different sites. This caution is supported by an analysis of 16,618 participants in NHANES III, where total cancer mortality was found to be unrelated to baseline vitamin D status [76]. However, colorectal cancer mortality was inversely related to serum 25(OH)D concentrations." (read more here)

Quiting smoking after lung cancer treatment doubles survival rates by reducing recurrence

In a study (published in January 2010), patients who quit smoking after treatment for early stage lung cancer had a doubling of their survival rates compared to those who did not quit. The authors report that this seemed to be due to a decrease in the rate of lung cancer recurrence in those who quit smoking.
This is an important study, as it shows that even after getting lung cancer our patients can double their chances of beating lung cancer by quiting smoking. (read more here)

Furthermore, another study (in mice) found that continued exposure to cigarette smoke after a lung cancer develops leads to more rapid growth of the tumor. (read more here)

Physical actvity decreases colon cancer recurrence and death

In a study (published in December 2009) of a large population of men with a history of colon cancer, the authors reported that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of dying due to colon cancer. This study adds to the evidence that a simple lifestyle modification (i.e. increasing physical activity) is able to help your body prevent recurrence and slow the growth of cancer. (read more here)

Soy consumption reported to decrease breast cancer recurrence and mortality

In a study (published in December 2009) which examined women with a prior history of breast, the authors reported that soy food consumption (in an amount typically found in an Asian diet) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of death and breast cancer recurrence.
Importantly, these results did not vary based on the estrogen-receptor status of the tumor. This implies, that soy may be preventing breast cancer growth through an estrogen-independent mechanism. (read more here)

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for hot flashes in women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer

In a study, published in December 2009, acupuncture was reported to be as effective as taking an anti-depressant medication (Effexor) in reducing hot flashes in women receiving antiestogren hormone therapy for breast cancer. Effexor is commonly prescribed to reduce hot flashes in these women, however we now have evidence that a non-pharmacologic therapy is equally effective. The patients who received Effexor experienced numerous side effects (eg, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety), whereas the acupuncture group experienced no adverse effects. Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.
(read more here)

Milk thistle helps reduce liver inflammation in patients undergoing chemotherapy

In a recent study, published in December 2009, milk thistle was given to pediatric cancer patients with liver inflammation from chemotherapy. The authors reported significantly improvement in liver inflammation (on blood tests) in patients who were given the milk thistle supplement. They also noted that those patients who received the milk thistle were able to tolerate more chemotherapy than those who did not get the milk thistle.
In addition, milk thistle appeared to be safe for consumption.
The researchers also studied the effects of combining milk thistle with chemotherapy on leukemia cells grown in the laboratory. They found that milk thistle does not interfere with the cancer-fighting properties of chemotherapy. (read more here)

Multivitamins, Folate, and Green Vegetables Protect against carcinogenic changes in smokers.

In a recent study, published in January 2010, smokers who consumed green leafy vegetables or folate or multivitamins had a significant reduction in the amount of free radical damage to the cells in their lungs. This is important as it suggests that simple dietary changes or taking a multivitamin may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer in individuals who smoke. (read more)

Aspirin may decrease the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death

A study, published in February 2010, reported that female breast cancer survivors who took aspirin (at least 2 days per week) had a significantly lower rate of breast cancer recurrence and death than those who did not takle aspirin. It also appears that the more days per week they took aspirin the greater the benefit seemed to be.
(read more here)

Cautionary information for men taking HGH (Human Growth Hormone): new data shows an association with cancer

A new study, published in January 2010, reports that men with higher levels of serum IGF-1 had an increased risk of cancer death.
Human Growth Hormone (commonly marketed to older men for presumed anti-aging effects), stimulates the production of IGF-1. This is a concern, as now we have further evidence that higher levels of IGF-1 are associated with increased cancer mortality.
(Read More Here)

Soy may slow prostate cancer

A small study (from Vancouver, British Columbia), published in January 2010 reported that 41% of patients who consumed a daily soy drink for 6 months had a decline in the rate of rise in their PSA.
All patients in this study had been previously treated for prostate cancer with radiation therapy, and all of these patients subsequently recurred (i.e. the had a rise in their PSA after treatment.)
The patients were then enrolled in this study to determine what effect 6 months of drinking a soy beverage would have on their outcomes. The results demonstrated that in a substantial percentage of these patients their PSA rose more slowly after consuming the soy for 6 months.
This is interesting, as it suggests that a simple dietary addition (soy) may improve outcomes after treatment for prostate cancer.
(Read more here.)