 The FDA has evaluated the scientific evidence for garlic intake with respect to the risk of different types of cancer. Continue reading Garlic and the risk of cancer
Category Archives: Cancer
Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
That’s the latest recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
But what about natural sources like sunlight or indoor tanning devices? Continue reading Better to get vitamin D from food and supplements
Massage for chronic pain not related to cancer
Dr. Jennie Tsao from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California has reviewed the evidence and concludes it depends on the type of pain being treated. Continue reading Massage for chronic pain not related to cancer
Effects of therapeutic touch on cancer pain
Therapeutic touch (TT) reduced pain and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to this study by researchers in Iran.
But, how do we account for the placebo effect? Continue reading Effects of therapeutic touch on cancer pain
Arsenic in modern medicine
HemOnc Today has reviewed the historic and current role of arsenic in the mainstream treatment of cancer today.
Here’s a brief summary of its current use. Continue reading Arsenic in modern medicine
Acupuncture to treat hot flashes in breast cancer
Professor Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the evidence.
They’re not convinced. My view is less negative.
Continue reading Acupuncture to treat hot flashes in breast cancer
Michigan voters say OK to medical marijuana
Another result from Tuesday’s US election — 63% of voters in Michigan approved of letting people who are ill grow their own pot. Continue reading Michigan voters say OK to medical marijuana
Vitamin cocktail and the risk of cancer
 Researchers in Boston evaluated the effect of combined folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 treatment on cancer risk in women at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Here are the findings from the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study. Continue reading Vitamin cocktail and the risk of cancer
Vitamin E and selenium didn’t prevent prostate cancer
 Medscape reports that SELECT (Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) is asking more than 35,000 adult men to stop taking these supplements because of an apparent lack of benefit and a possibility of harm.
But are we sure about this? Continue reading Vitamin E and selenium didn’t prevent prostate cancer
Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in kids with cancer
 Researchers from Saarland University in Homburg, Germany report it “seems to be effective.” Continue reading Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in kids with cancer
Green tea and cancer prevention?
Green tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis.
Here’s what we know about its use to prevent cancer. Continue reading Green tea and cancer prevention?
Active music engagement in kids with cancer
 Music therapy can be active or passive. In the active form, the therapist and patient are actively involved in playing music using instruments and voice. Passive music therapy is conducted with the patient at rest.
In this study, active music engagement was designed to counter the stress that confronts children with cancer while in the hospital. Continue reading Active music engagement in kids with cancer
Christopher Columbus and the CAM connection
The connection, of course, is bromelain, which comes from pineapples. Continue reading Christopher Columbus and the CAM connection
WITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for cancer.
 Cochrane doesn’t explain why this review, which was prepared by researchers at the Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit in London, was published and then withdrawn.
But just labeling it peaks my interest. Continue reading WITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for cancer.
A contrarian’s view of lycopene and prostate cancer
Despite the fact that it’s widely believed that lycopene protects against prostate cancer, Dr. Ulrike Peters at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle says “studies of the potentially protective role of lycopene have been contradictory or inconclusive.”
Here are two studies that support her skepticism. Continue reading A contrarian’s view of lycopene and prostate cancer
Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk
 Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have studied the relationship between omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and the risk of colorectal adenoma — a benign tumor. Continue reading Effect of omega-3 and -6 on colorectal adenoma risk
Effect of green tea on liver disease
 Drinking more might lower the risk of liver disease, according to researcher from Zhejiang University in China.
But what about all that caffeine? Continue reading Effect of green tea on liver disease
More support for acupuncture in breast cancer
Researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan report it reduces side effects.
The results were presented during the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting. Continue reading More support for acupuncture in breast cancer
Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking legal action against companies making deceptive claims that their products cure or treat cancer while offering either no proof, or quoting false clinical evidence.
The products affected include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve (a corrosive ointment), and mushroom extracts.
Here’s a list of the companies and their bogus products. Continue reading Federal Trade Commission goes after false cancer cures
Mediterranean diet: Protective against melanoma
Researchers from Istituto Dermopatico dell Immacolata in Rome, Italy report its effect on the risk for cutaneous melanoma — the cancer diagnosed in Senator McCain. Continue reading Mediterranean diet: Protective against melanoma