Cancer Avoidance

A study published in 2003 by researchers at the Mayo Clinic failed to find conclusive proof that green tea can slow or halt prostate cancer. in fact, they noted that two out of three of patients “reported mild side effects of diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Seventeen per cent of the patients had moderate to severe side effects, including insomnia, diarrhoea and confusion.” They administered 6 grams (o.2 ounces) of concentrated green tea daily. Unfortunately, about a sixth of the people in the study dropped out in under a month because of the side effects and lack of visible progress.

A new study, published in “Cancer Prevention Research” journal, conducted by researchers at the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center in Philadelphia, used a compound called Polyphenon E, which is found in green tea. They reached different conclusions. The patients took four capsules of the compound a day, equivalent to twelve cups of green tea a day. The study noted a significant reduction in levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Some patients experienced reductions of more than 30%.

Cancer is life threatening and any time there’s a study that suggests a potential remedy or therapy there’s a tendency for people to rush towards the magic cure. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen above, studies can yield widely differing results. However, it’s almost universally agreed now that a good mixture of fruit and vegetables, especially green vegetables, every day can help stave off a whole range of maladies, including some kinds of cancer. Conversely, excessive smoking and alcohol intake have been shown to increase the chances of developing many kinds of cancer, including prostate, lung and breast cancer. It’s also a good idea to increase exercise, reduce the intake of animal and saturated fats and increase the consumption of the essential oils Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are found in oily fish, evening primrose oil, seeds, borage oil and flax oil. Other foods that seem to be beneficial include olive oil, cooked tomatoes and plenty of fiber. If you’re not getting enough fiber from fruit and vegetables there’s always Metamucil. Don’t forget that new food pyramid for seniors either.