According to the World Health Organisation the number of cancer deaths worldwide could double by 2030 to reach 13 million.

Patients who are suffering from lethal types of cancers, like brain, lung, liver, ovarian and pancreas, do not respond well to existing therapies. This is bad news.

However there is good news too. Recent discoveries in cancer treatments are raising more hope for researchers as well as patients.

Cancer experts who met at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month were encouraged by the recent victories in treating cancer. Instead of the conventional way of standard chemotherapy, new therapies are taking a bigger role in targeting key tumour functions and destroying the cancer cells by boosting the immune system.

Patients with advanced or metastasized cancers, with limited treatment options, have shown increased rates of survival.

Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug, ipilimumab, can extend the lives of patients suffering from advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasing at a faster rate than other types of cancer.

Crizotinib, another experimental drug, was also shown to shrink tumours in advanced lung cancer patients.

Patients of advanced ovarian cancer have shown good progress in clinical trials of Avastin, a drug that cuts off supply of nutrient-rich blood to the tumours.

The life expectancy of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer can be significantly improved by adding radiation to hormone deprivation therapy.

Researchers are able to produce cancer vaccines that are more effective by using a common diabetic’s drug known as Metformin. They discovered that this anti-diabetic drug works better by boosting the number of cancer fighting T-cells.

These T-cells have immunological memory and can fight off a tumour that might occur later.

This discovery could revolutionise current strategies for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines are meant to treat illnesses that have already occurred and can be developed to treat many types of cancer including breast, prostate and lung.

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent diseases from developing in healthy people, and can be developed to treat liver and cervical cancers.

In Singapore, scientists have discovered a way to halve chemotherapy costs for advanced breast cancer patients by using a $9 anti-fungal drug meant for dandruff and athlete’s foot infections.

Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore found that Ketoconazole, the anti-fungal drug, complements chemotherapy treatment as it impedes an enzyme in the body from breaking down a drug used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment uses a drug known as Docetaxel to treat breast, stomach, lung and prostate cancers. Patients undergo a total of  four cycles, each cycle once every three weeks and this cost between US$1300 to $1800. Using Docetaxel together with Ketoconazole, the concentration level of the chemotherapy was reduced by 40 per cent and in turn halving the cost while maintaining the desired results.

In a separate trial done recently involving 2000 women from nine countries, it was found that a single dose of radiation during surgery was just as effective for breast cancer patients as receiving weeks of radiation.

This new technique, called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, could save patients many weeks of post-operation radiotherapy that can include 20 or 30 visits to hospital. It also reduces damage to organs such as the heart, lung and oesophagus from radiation exposure. Although this new technique was applied to women with a similar type of breast cancer, researchers were excited by the findings.

Hopefully before the end of 2010, there will be more great news for cancer patients. Stay tuned.

Related posts:

1. Good tasting tropical fruit juice cures cancer – Sour Sop Juice. I love to drink freshly squeezed fruit juices as...
2. Kiwifruit has amazing health benefits Kiwifruit is one of my favourite fruits. It tastes good...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Fast forward to the 21^st century, where we are faced with modern day conveniences and high tech devices such as smart mobile phones, online shopping, microwave oven, speedy transportation and fast food.

But with all these technological advances and conveniences are we healthier, happier and live longer than our ancestors?

One thing is certain; we are now exposed to an environment which our forefathers were not. The air that we breathe, the earth where we grow our vegetables and fruits and our water resources are now polluted with chemicals.

Our foods are added with harmful synthetic hormones, antibiotics and addictives. When our bodies break down and we become sick, we are fed with drugs and more chemicals.

This modern day stress, unhealthy lifestyles, poor eating habits and a hostile environment have created illnesses that were uncommon in the past.

Cancer, diabetes, asthma, anxiety and depressive disorders, and deep vein thrombosis are just some of the so-called “New Age Diseases” in our modern world.

As we become more affluent, we adopt a Western diet that is high in fat,  carbohydrates, red meat, processed foods and low in fibre. This eating habit has contributed to a rise in colorectal cancer.

Our colon is designed to collect toxic waste and then discharge it. When it is clogged with too much of harmful chemicals and acidic content and insufficient fibre, many things can happen. This includes irregular bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, and even colon cancer. In serious cases, it may affect the liver and kidneys.

An unhealthy diet and a stressful lifestyle with little time to exercise are a perfect formula for obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

Obese people are also prone to fatty liver disease which is growing at an alarming rate. This happens when the liver accumulate fat causing inflammation and other liver diseases, such as cancer.

Office workers are spending long hours in front of computers and other digital devices which are getting smaller in footprint. This has led to an increase in aches, pains and sprains of the neck, back, knee and hand joints. In some cases varicose veins may develop. Women who wear high heel shoes or are pregnant and spend long periods of time sitting still or standing are more likely to develop varicose veins.

People who suffer from varicose veins are also at risk of getting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein and stays there. Several cases of people on long-haul flights have been reported to have died from DVT. With more people travelling by air for work and leisure, DVT is becoming a new age disease.

As our world become more urbanised, our air quality deteriorates and respiratory diseases become more common. In some Asian countries, farmers regularly burn large tract of land to clear them for vegetation. The air pollutants resulted from the burning spread to neighbouring countries, and increasing incidents of respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

With our hectic and pressurised lifestyle, we neglect our physical and mental health. The recent financial crash has also created a feeling of powerlessness. These have contributed to more people having depressive disorders. People suffering from these disorders have low mood and energy levels, cannot sleep well, no appetite, cannot focus and unable to enjoy life.

So how do we get out of this predicament and start to enjoy healthy living?

Find out in my next article.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It is low in fat and sugar and contains no cholesterol. Most fruits have one or two nutrients but kiwifruit has a broad complement of nutrients. Among the fruits with low-sodium and high-potassium, kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruit. It also contain phosphorous, magnesium and copper.

Health Benefits of Kiwifruit

Cancer

Kiwifruit contains an anti-mutagenic component which helps to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process.
Kiwifruit has been shown to aid the prevention of nitrosation, a process when carcinogenic nitrates, created during smoking or barbecuing of food, is ingested.

In laboratories tests, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, a type of skin cancer.Arginine, an amino acid found in kiwifruit, improve post angioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Kiwifruit contains an important phytochemical known as Lutein which is linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
Studies have indicated that kiwifruit contains a not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time which help to prevent colorectal cancer. This laxative action decreases the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.

Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green when ripe, and chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is believed to be an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.

Eye Health

Kiwifruit contains Carotenoids lutein, the natural compounds that give various fruits, vegetable and flowers their rich red, orange and yellow colors.

Carotenoids lutein promotes clear vision by absorbing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and neutralizing free radicals in the retina (the light-sensitive portion of the eye). This may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an age-related vision disorder that is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Some studies have revealed that people who consumed a high quantity of carotenoid lutein have a 20 – 50% lower risk of getting a cataract.

Heart Health

Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine dilates the arterioles and improve the blood flow which is important for heart health.

Kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E and Magnesium which are crucial for a healthy heart. It also contain pectin which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Kiwifruit has a good sodium/potassium ratio which is critical for a healthy heart.

Impotence

Arginine is known to be effective in the widening of blood vessels and relaxation of muscles and may be helpful in treating impotence in men.

Depression

Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol functions as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system and is beneficial in the treatment of depression.

Diabetes

The presence of Inositol in the kiwifruit makes it great for diabetes patients, as it helps regulate the body hormones and neurotransmitters.

Stress Reduction

Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin which provide a calming effect in most individuals.
Physical Fitness
Kiwifruit contains a wide range of electrolytes that is essential for replenishing those lost during rigorous exercises.

Indigestion

Kiwifruit is highly effective in easing indigestion. It contains an enzyme called actinidin that may make an excellent meat tenderizer. It is also a rich source of potassium, which is needed to stimulate the flow of digestive juices.

Joints Pain

The enzymes found in Kiwifruit could benefit people who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia. These enzymes are also beneficial for anyone with low back pain, hip pain and sciatica. If you suffer from inflammation of the joints and muscles you should consume kiwi fruit regularly.
Pregnancy
Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folic acid (vitamin B9) which is vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.

Testosterone

Kiwifruit contains Zinc which is important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. In addition, Zinc is essential in for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit to have for breakfast, or simply as a desert or snack. It is easy to eat and digest which is important for lazy people. It is good to eat a kiwifruit if you have a heavy meal to help digest the protein rich meal.

Related posts:

1. Good tasting tropical fruit juice cures cancer – Sour Sop Juice. I love to drink freshly squeezed fruit juices as...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I love to drink freshly squeezed fruit juices as they not only taste great but come in so many colors and consistencies. Some fruit juices are full of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, digestive enzymes, pure water, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Fruit juices have the power to cleanse your body of toxic wastes.

For example, Pomegranate juice has been claimed to help fight cancer; cranberry juice is good for the brain and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The red grape juice, like red wine, is beneficial to the heart. Prune juice which is high in fibre, iron, and potassium contains a natural laxative known as Sorbitol and is recommended for relieving constipation. Perhaps the most common fruit juice which is cheap and easily available is orange juice. It is loaded with vitamin C and has immune-boosting benefits.

Recently I read about a tropical fruit juice which has amazing health properties – the Sour Sop juice. The juice is white with a creamy flavor reminiscent of coconut or banana and has a refreshing sweet sour taste.

Sour sop, which is also known as Guyabano in Spanish and Graviola in Portuguese grows mainly in the tropical regions. The flesh of the fruit consists of a juicy white edible pulp that is high in fibre, carbohydrates, Vitamins C, B1, B2, and potassium. Fortunately it is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Sour sop can be eaten raw when ripe and can be made into ice-cream, sherbets, candies, tarts, shakes and other beverages.

Sour sop has been used as traditional herbal medicine in many countries. It has been used to suppress spasms, induce sweating and vomiting, Boling the leaves of the fruit tree and drinking it help reduce fever and induce sleep. The crushed leaves can be applied to the skin to alleviate rheumatism and eczema.

Studies on sour sop have been done over the last few decades by leading medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies and universities. Findings and results have shown that certain compounds and chemicals extracted from sour sop fruit, seeds, leaves and bark appeared to kill cancer cells without harming the normal cells. They were proven to be effective in hunting down and killing cancer cells in the breast, lung, prostate, pancreas and colon.

In a separate study, scientists have proved a chemical found in the sour sop selectively killed colon cancer cells at 10,000 times the potency of Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug.

Conventional healthcare professionals may regard such alternative medicine and claims as unproven and even harmful. Indeed there are some drawbacks in consuming sour sop. It is known to interact poorly with antidepressants, affect blood pressure and destroy good bacteria in the stomach.

So it is wise to consume fruit juices, including sour sop juice, in moderation, especially those who are obese and diabetic.

As for me, drinking a freshly squeezed fruit juice after an exhausting exercise is a great treat.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.