Breast Cancer Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How a Mammogram Actually Causes Breast Cancer

The AHA! Team — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:07:39 +0000

Abby Campbell via NaturalHealth365 – In reality, more and more studies are showing that a mammogram breast screening has some major flaws – which put women at serious health risk and actually increase the risk of cancer. An X-ray picture of the breast, called a mammogram, is heavily promoted as the ‘primary way to screen’ for breast cancer, according to Western medicine. Conventionally speaking, an annual detection screening is recommended as early as age 40 by both the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, while the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screenings every other year starting at age 50. While mammogram guidelines differ amongst organizations, they all agree there are concerns about the test. Yet, disputes exist amongst experts when it comes to mammography detecting invasive breast cancer. So, the question remains: do the benefits outweigh the risks? In reality, more and more studies are showing that a mammogram breast screening has some major flaws – which put women at serious health risk and actually increase the risk of cancer. Strange logic: Zero-stage cancer detected but treated aggressively Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) refers to the abnormal growth of cells forming a lesion between 1 and 1.5 centimeters in diameter. While this is not cancer, approximately 25 percent (60,000 cases) of all newly diagnosed breast cancer falls within this category each year. Because evidence indicates that less than half of DCIS cases progress to invasive cancer, some experts declare it should be reclassified as a non-cancerous condition. Additionally, they recommend a “watchful eye” for women who have this condition rather than invasive therapy. After all, why treat someone who doesn’t have cancer with chemotherapy or radiation – which places their immune systems at risk for a lifetime? However, mammography proponents claim they’re saving lives through early detection and treatment of DCIS. They view it as pre-cancerous or “stage zero cancer” and believe it could eventually cause harm if left untreated. Therefore, they recommend treating it in the same manner as invasive cancer with aggressive treatments. But is this right or fair? According to Time Magazine, “Cancer has a language problem … A 57-year old woman with low-grade DCIS that will almost certainly never become invasive hears the same word as the 34-year old woman who has metastatic malignancies that will kill her. That’s confusing to patients conditioned to treat every cancer diagnosis as an emergency in a world that still reacts to cancer as though it’s the beginning of the end.” The latest round of controversy was set off about DCIS treatment after a study was published by JAMA Oncology. After a 20-year analysis of 100,000 women who were diagnosed with DCIS, the mortality rate from breast cancer of these patients was the same as the general population at 3.3 percent. Radiation from mammogram screening is a breast cancer risk While several organizations like the Susan G. Komen for the Cure heavily promote mammograms for early screening for breast cancer, it’s ironic that mammogram machines put each woman at risk for the very thing they want to prevent. The ionizing radiation used to detect breast tumors is a risk factor for breast cancer development. Additionally, the crushing compression of this test on the breast tissue may potentially spread cancer if the cancer cells are present. After several studies, Cornell University determined people who are exposed to ionizing radiation emitted from machines like the mammogram machine place themselves at risk for breast cancer. They also stated, “… female breast tissue is highly susceptible to radiation effects” as it “is one of the most sensitive tissues to the carcinogenic action of ionizing radiation.” They also revealed that it takes a minimum of five to 10 years for radiation-induced breast cancer to develop. Finally, they concluded that greater levels of radiation exposure lead to a greater risk of breast cancer. Every time a woman is exposed to this form of radiation, she is placing herself at higher risk – especially if the screening is done when there is estrogen stimulation and tissue proliferation that occurs during monthly menstrual cycles. Prevention of breast cancer is better than detection While early detection of breast cancer can be done by mammogram screening, it is not the same as “prevention.” Lifestyle choices will help you prevent cancer or any chronic illness. Be sure to eat real whole and organic foods, drink plenty of fresh (clean) water, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, and manage stress levels. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to naturally reduce the risk of cancer, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov CDC.gov Nccn.org Time.com To read the original article click here.

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Researchers Admit: Chemo Worsens Quality of Life with No Benefit of Overall Survival in Advanced Stage Cancer

The AHA! Team — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:22:16 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Chemo, as a treatment for cancer, has always been controversial with many patients and healthcare providers doubting its efficacy and safety as a cancer treatment. Bottom line: chemotherapy does trigger more harmful effects than beneficial ones, in many cases. Now, researchers admit that chemotherapy can actually accelerate deterioration in cases of late-stage cancer who still have the mobility and energy for daily activities. Another study published in JAMA Oncology also showed that cancer patients with limited or moderate functioning ability feel worse when undergoing chemotherapy. Is chemo worth the effort? The risks and side effects exposed In the words of the study author and lead researcher, Dr. Holly Prigerson, cancer patients who feel good have “the most to lose and the least to gain” through undergoing chemotherapy. Prigerson is a palliative care researcher at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York and Weill Cornell Medical College. The side effects of chemotherapy are numerous and include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, constipation, bladder issues, bleeding, bruising, edema, hair loss, fatigue, infections, neutropenia, lymphedema, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, throat and mouth issues, nerve issues, pain, sexual and fertility issues, insomnia, and more. Other medical professionals have expressed similar concerns regarding chemotherapy administered near a patient’s death. Doctors have long debated whether the strong, toxic chemicals used in chemotherapy bring enough positive effects to justify the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Some have referred to this practice of administering chemo to clients with late-stage cancers as harmful at worst and wasteful at best. Cancer patient warning: Chemotherapy hazards outweigh gains and benefits The above study monitored the chemotherapy effects that 312 cancer patients experienced in their final week of life at six oncology clinics in the United States. Within this group, chemotherapy tended to be administered most often to those who were younger, more educated, receiving treatment at a university medical facility, had pancreatic or breast tumors, and presented additional issues besides cancer. They also were able to engage in their normal daily activities. To assess chemotherapy’s impact, caregivers were interviewed shortly after these patients died. Among those who had high functionality in their last week of life, chemotherapy was shown to reduce their quality of life dramatically, even beyond the impact of being in intensive care or on a ventilator. A lower quality of life was reported versus similar patients who didn’t receive chemo. Sound the alarm: Quality of life should be considered in end-stage cancer cases At the very least, clinical guidelines should be reviewed and revised to adjust for this potential harm from chemotherapy near the end of life. After all, quality of life matters in all cancer cases, and areas like pain control, addressing insomnia, and boosting mood, as well as the potential side effects of chemotherapy, should be given greater consideration. Clearly, chemotherapy isn’t helping patients feel better or live longer in many cases. While the objective is often to fight cancer and tumors with every option, terrible side effects and erosion of quality of life are a heavy price to pay. We would hope that medical professionals take a more cautious approach to prescribing chemotherapy, especially in late-stage cases. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Jamanetwork.com Cancer.gov Reuters.com To read the original article click here.

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Research Links Excessive Oxalates to Breast Cancer

The AHA! Team — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:46:57 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” Information about little-known compounds called oxalates can be confusing and conflicting. They are often equated with the “bad” substances in foods, but, in reality, oxalates are neither good nor bad. They can become problematic, however, when too many of them accumulate in the body. When there are too many oxalates – they can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to kidney stones and immune deficiency. Furthermore, research indicates that high levels of oxalate in the mammary area have been linked to breast cancer tumor growth as well. The body itself forms most oxalates Oxalates (COOH), or oxalic acid, are strongly acidic substances that help plants and animals metabolize. The body’s functions form about 60% to 80% of oxalates. The other 20 to 40% of oxalates come from food. Most fruits and vegetables contain a small amount of oxalic acid, and they are found in the leaves of plants as opposed to the roots, stalks, and stems. The following foods contain a high amount of oxalates overall: Rhubarb Chocolate Spinach Beet greens Swiss chard Some nuts, especially almonds, cashews, and peanuts Some berries, especially gooseberries Lemon and lime peel Some grains and pasta (except brown rice) Some legumes, especially navy beans, black beans, and soybeans Okra Parsley How are oxalates linked to breast cancer? Oxalates are oxidizing substances. As such, they are extremely volatile and can damage tissue in large amounts. Oxalate crystals cause the formation of kidney stones, which can block the flow of urine and lead to kidney infection and bladder cancer. These crystals are also razor sharp and can cause direct damage and long-lasting inflammation to whatever internal tissues they come into contact with. Oxalate-iron crystals can lead to iron depletion. When calcium-oxalate crystals form, they can lodge in internal organs and bone. As they grow, they crowd out bone marrow, leading to immune deficiency and anemia. Excess oxalates also can chelate heavy metals. However, oxalates trap metals like mercury and lead in tissues, unlike other chelators. Excess oxalate has been linked to fibromyalgia, vulvodynia (vulvar pain), digestive disorders, and autism. The most startling new connection between excess oxalates and disease has to do with breast cancer, however. A study conducted by the National University of Cordova in Argentina compared the oxalate levels of breast cancer tumor tissue and regular breast tissue. They found that “all tested breast tumor tissues contain a higher concentration of oxalates than their counterpart non-pathological breast tissue.” The researchers also discovered that oxalic acid caused tumor proliferation and stimulated the expression of pro-tumor genes. Surprisingly, proliferation did not happen when oxalate was injected into the backs of laboratory mice. This indicates that high oxalate levels do not induce cancer tumor growth in all types of tissue. Three ways to reduce your oxalate levels Obtain calcium from natural foods, not calcium supplements. Calcium has an interesting relationship with oxalates. Approximately 5-15% of the world population will develop some form of kidney stone. Of those, 80% will be calcium-oxalate stones. When calcium is combined with foods that are high in oxalates within the intestines, the two together form an oxalate-calcium crystal that the body cannot absorb. When this happens, a “stone” is formed that will make its way to the kidneys to eventually be eliminated in the urine. The presence of oxalate-calcium crystals, which can block urine flow and cause kidney infection, can also lead to a higher risk of renal, pelvis, and bladder cancers. These same kinds of crystals can also form in the lungs, nerves, brain, bones, blood vessels, and joints. Does this mean you should limit calcium intake if you are prone to kidney stones? Not necessarily. Research conducted on vegetarians found that they did not have higher-than-normal rates of calcium deficiency or osteoporosis caused by oxalate interference. In fact, according to a study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, vegetarians had a lower rate of kidney stones than meat eaters did. Those who consumed calcium supplements regularly, however, have shown time and again to have higher rates of kidney stones. Calcium supplementation has also been linked to both prostate and breast cancer. Stick to natural and preferably vegetable and fruit-based calcium sources to avoid kidney stones and cancer. Be aware of your protein intake. Be cautious about protein, especially if it is derived from meat and dairy. Oxalates are produced from amino acids in the liver. Amino acids are the building blocks on which proteins are made so some researchers make the connection between total protein amounts and total oxalates formed. For meat-eating women, the general recommendation is around 5 ounces a day. This is equivalent to a small hamburger patty or four eggs. The USDA states that, on average, Americans eat 30% more meat protein than the recommended allowance. Maintain good intestinal flora. According to research, some individuals have a physiology prone to higher levels of oxalate uptake in the digestive tract (thus, a higher risk of kidney stones). Although there is evidence to suggest that hereditary disposition plays a role for some people, there is also a strong link between kidney stone formation and disorders of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut, and Crohn’s. Could oxalate hyper-absorption have more to do with extreme gut flora imbalance than genetics? The jury is still out on that one. What is known, however, is that it is the job of specific flora, in particular, certain species of Oxalobacter formigenes, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacteria, to process oxalic acid and prepare it for absorption. Currently, there are several studies underway which focus on the role of oral probiotics in this process. Let food work for you to keep oxalate levels in balance Remember that problems only emerge when there is an excess of oxalates in the system. The standard American diet contributes to oxalate overload, but you can also keep it in check by being proactive with prevention. Eating antioxidant-rich food, consuming citrate-rich lemon and lime juice (which experts say can help prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones), staying hydrated, and watching your salt intake are other ways to keep kidney stones in check. Also, don’t let the fear of kidney stones prevent you from getting adequate amounts of vitamin C and D. One of the ways that oxalates are formed is through conversion from vitamin C. However, studies thus far have been inclusive as to whether high vitamin C intake actually leads to increased oxalate production. In regards to vitamin D, deficiency of this vital substance has reached pandemic proportions in the developed world, including among those who have experienced kidney stones. Be sure to get your levels checked the next time you get blood work done. Maintaining a healthy balance of all substances in the body, including oxalates, is the only way to achieve and experience true health naturally. Editor’s note: For the finest quality vitamin C and D plus many other supplements, shop LuvByNature today. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov Oxfordjournals.org MDPI.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Sciencedaily.com Scientificamerican.com Nutrition.org To read the original article click here.

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Black Cumin Seed Oil: Powerful Ally Against Breast Cancer & Chronic Inflammation

The AHA! Team — Wed, 07 May 2025 05:28:18 +0000

Lance D Johnson via Natural News – Long before Big Pharma dominated healthcare, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Ayurvedic physicians prescribed black cumin seeds for ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections. • Black cumin seed oil contains thymoquinone, a potent bioactive compound with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. • Research shows thymoquinone induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in breast cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. • Combining black cumin seed oil with conventional chemotherapy may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce drug resistance. • Historical use of Nigella sativa dates back thousands of years, but modern science is now validating its medicinal power. • Systemic inflammation drives chronic disease, and black cumin seed oil helps restore immune balance naturally. The science behind black cumin’s healing power For centuries, traditional healers have revered black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) as a cure-all, dubbing it “the remedy for everything but death.” Today, cutting-edge research confirms its extraordinary potential—particularly in combating breast cancer and taming the destructive inflammation underlying chronic disease. Unlike toxic chemotherapy drugs that ravage the body, black cumin seed oil offers a natural, scientifically backed alternative that targets cancer cells while fortifying overall health. Black cumin seeds are a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, with thymoquinone standing out as the most potent. Constituting 30–48% of the seed’s essential oil, thymoquinone has been shown in numerous studies to: • Trigger apoptosis in breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, T-47D) by up-regulating tumor suppressor genes like p53 and Bax while suppressing survival signals like Bcl-2. • Inhibit metastasis by blocking CXCR4, a protein that aids cancer spread, and reducing the activity of TWIST1, a gene linked to tumor progression. • Enhance chemotherapy by reversing drug resistance in doxorubicin- and tamoxifen-resistant cancer cells. A historical remedy validated by modern medicine Long before Big Pharma dominated healthcare, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Ayurvedic physicians prescribed black cumin seeds for ailments ranging from digestive disorders to infections. The Prophet Muhammad reportedly called it “a cure for every disease except death.” Today, science is catching up: • A 2020 study found that Nigella sativa reduced tumor volume in mice by 67% and blocked liver metastasis. • When combined with paclitaxel (a common chemo drug), thymoquinone boosted apoptosis rates in triple-negative breast cancer cells. • Human trials show black cumin gel reduces radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients, proving its protective effects. Yet, despite these breakthroughs, mainstream medicine continues to ignore natural solutions in favor of expensive, patentable drugs. Why inflammation is the silent killer — and how black cumin stops it Chronic inflammation is the root of nearly all modern diseases—cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. As we age, the immune system loses its ability to regulate inflammation, leading to a dangerous imbalance. Black cumin seed oil restores equilibrium by: • Suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-?. • Boosting antioxidant defenses to neutralize free radicals. • Enhancing immune surveillance against cancerous cells. Chronic inflammation is the silent engine driving many degenerative diseases, from cancer to heart failure. While acute inflammation helps the body heal, unchecked systemic inflammation ravages tissues, accelerates aging, and primes the body for illness. Black cumin seed oil, rich in the bioactive compound thymoquinone, acts as a natural regulator, suppressing destructive inflammation while enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight infections and malignancies. Landmark study A landmark study published in Phytotherapy Research found that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking black cumin seed oil experienced dramatic relief—42.5% reported reduced joint swelling and stiffness. Another study in Experimental Biology and Medicine revealed thymoquinone’s ability to slow osteoarthritis progression by blocking enzymes that destroy joint tissue. Even more striking, research in the Egyptian Journal of Immunology showed the oil matched the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone, a powerful steroid, without the harmful side effects. A natural cancer fighter hiding in plain sight Conventional oncology relies on toxic chemotherapy, but black cumin seed oil offers a gentler, yet equally aggressive, alternative. Studies demonstrate its ability to mobilize the immune system’s front line defenses: • Macrophages—cells that engulf and destroy cancerous invaders—become more active. • CD-8 T-cells, the body’s assassins of malignant cells, survive longer and attack more efficiently. • Natural killer cell function increases by 30%, while helper T-cells surge by 55%, orchestrating a stronger immune response. Beyond cancer, black cumin seed oil shows promise in cardiovascular care. By lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL, it may prevent artery-clogging plaque. It also appears to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury—the tissue damage following heart attacks or strokes—offering hope for recovery where conventional medicine falls short. Allergy and asthma sufferers For allergy and asthma sufferers, the oil’s immune-modulating effects bring relief without the drowsiness or dependency of antihistamines. Patients report fewer nasal symptoms and easier breathing, thanks to its ability to calm hyperactive immune responses. With breast cancer rates climbing and conventional treatments often failing, the question isn’t whether natural therapies like black cumin seed oil work—it’s why they aren’t being embraced. If a drug demonstrated thymoquinone’s safety and efficacy, it would be fast-tracked by the FDA. Instead, patients are left to navigate the murky waters of Big Pharma’s profit-driven system. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com MDPI.com Pubmed.gov Pubmed.gov To read the original article, click here

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Study Reveals Higher Breast Cancer Mortality Risk for Black Women Across All Tumor Types

The AHA! Team — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:15:48 +0000

Mass General Brigham via News-Medical – Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among U.S. women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Black women who develop breast cancer are around 40% more likely to die of the disease than white women, but it was unclear until now whether this disparity exists across all types of breast cancer. Now, a meta-analysis led by Mass General Brigham researchers shows that Black women have a higher risk of dying from breast cancer for all tumor subtypes, and the size of this disparity varies from 17-50% depending on the type of breast cancer. These findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, demonstrate that higher mortality rates among Black women with breast cancer are at least partially attributable to factors that are independent of tumor biology-;for example, socioeconomic inequality, delays in diagnosis, and inadequate access to timely quality cancer treatment resulting from systemic racism. “Our findings demonstrate that multiple, interacting factors contribute to disparities in breast cancer survival between Black and white women. To achieve equity, intervention is necessary at multiple levels-;from community to healthcare systems and individual healthcare providers, to patients themselves learning about their disease and what their expectations should be for their care.” Erica Warner, ScD, MPH, senior author, cancer epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system Though it is often discussed as a single disease, breast cancer has multiple subtypes that differ in risk factors, treatment, and prognosis. These subtypes are defined based on whether the cancer cells carry hormone receptors for estrogen or progesterone, which can be targeted for treatment, and whether they carry HER2 (human epidermal growth receptor 2), a protein associated with cancer aggressiveness and another potential treatment target. Breast cancer has multiple subtypes that differ in risk factors, treatment, and prognosis “There had been an anecdotal sense in the research community that differences in survival between Black and white women were greater for the most treatable forms of the disease-;tumors that carry hormone receptors-;and smaller for the historically less-treatable, hormone-negative tumors,” said Warner. To investigate whether these anecdotes were supported by the evidence, Warner’s team combined data from 18 studies that were published between 2009 and 2022. Altogether, these studies analyzed 228,885 breast cancer cases, 34,262 of which were in Black women. They found that survival was worse for Black women for all breast cancer subtypes, though the size of these disparities varied between breast cancer subtypes. There was a larger racial disparity for hormone-positive tumors, which were associated with a 34-50% higher risk of death for Black women, compared to hormone-negative tumors, which were associated with a 17-20% higher risk of death for Black women. “These findings underscore a stark reality in our healthcare system: Black women are facing higher risks of death from breast cancer compared to their white counterparts, across all types of the disease. This disparity isn’t just about biology,” said co-author Paulette Chandler, MD, MPH, associate epidemiologist in the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. “It’s a call to action for healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities alike to confront these inequities head-on and strive for meaningful change in breast cancer outcomes.” Because hormone-negative tumors are less common, Warner says that racial disparities in breast cancer survival for hormone-negative subtypes were likely not observed previously because individual studies lacked statistical power due to the small number of cases. “There may also be differences in the biological characteristics of some tumor subtypes between racial groups that our therapies are not attuned to, potentially because of underrepresentation of Black women in clinical trials,” said Warner. The researchers point to several existing multilevel intervention programs However, these racial disparities are not inevitable, and the researchers point to several existing multilevel intervention programs that have successfully reduced disparities in cancer survival. These programs leverage multiple strategies, including helping patients navigate the healthcare system, proactively identifying social needs and connecting patients with resources to address those needs, and by implementing systems that alert healthcare workers of missed appointments or unmet care milestones. At the national level, interventions like ACCURE and Equal Hope aim to close gaps in mortality and survival between Black and white women. Locally, MGH is collaborating with Boston Medical Center on a virtual Equity Hub for Cancer Treatment with the goal of enhancing partnerships and improving cancer care for underserved patients at community-based mental health centers. Source: Mass General Brigham Journal reference: Torres, J. M., et al. (2024) Racial Differences in Breast Cancer Survival Between Black and White Women According to Tumor Subtype: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Oncology. doi.org/10.1200/JCO.23.02311. To read the original article click here.

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Licorice, an Effective Breast Cancer Fighter?

The AHA! Team — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:45:08 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – Licorice has been proven in numerous studies to stop cancer in its tracks, especially when it comes to breast cancer tumors. But this humble yet powerful herb has also gotten a bad rap for its association with heart arrhythmias, drops in potassium levels, and even heart attacks in some individuals. What is the real deal about licorice? Is it a healer or a health threat? Keep reading for the true facts that every cancer patient needs to know. Licorice: Don’t overdo it, and stay away from the candy! Let’s cut right to the chase and first talk about what all the fuss is about. The FDA and others warn that you can overdose on too much licorice – and for some individuals, this is absolutely true. According to the FDA: “…black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is the sweetening compound derived from licorice root. Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. When that happens, some people experience abnormal heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure.” Researchers at the University of Massachusetts add that too much licorice may have an effect on adrenal hormones and can lead to a condition called pseudoaldosteronism. For these reasons, most experts recommend that healthy individuals interested in using the vast healing power of licorice utilize deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, where the glycyrrhizin has been removed (although glycyrrhizin itself is considered to be one of the healing substances in the root). Many also recommend not using any licorice product or supplement for more than four weeks at a time. Of course, if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, stop using it right away. I would add that if you are on any kind of cancer-healing protocol, stay away from the candy version. This is not a healthy way to utilize the healing effects of this powerful herb. The “candy” version often contains more sugar than the actual herbal extract, and science has confirmed that cancer feeds on sugar. In addition, many commercially processed licorice candies are created using ammonium chloride. Although no tests have been done as yet to determine this chemical’s carcinogenic effects, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have found that chronic exposure to ammonium chloride can lead to acute respiratory problems. What are the powerful cancer-killing properties? Interestingly, the University of Massachusetts researchers and others in Western medicine recommend that individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast, ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancer) avoid using licorice altogether. However, this advice is in direct contrast to recent studies that have found specific tumor-reducing, immune-boosting, and hormone-regulating factors within the root. Researchers at the University Sains School of Medical Sciences in Kelantan, Malaysia, discovered eight different bioactive immunomodulators within herbs such as licorice, curcumin, apricot, ginseng, and a host of others. Of these eight, four of them can be found in licorice, including: Ajoene, an anti-fungal Arctigenin, a lignan with anti-cancer effects β-carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant; and Glabridin acid can also prevents DNA damage caused by oxidation. Other studies have found similar connections between the properties of licorice and breast cancer healing and prevention: Researchers at Rutgers University were able to isolate a particular polyphenol molecule, ß-hydroxy-DHP (BHP), extracted from licorice root. This molecule has the ability to kill breast and prostate cancer tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The Chinese have long used licorice root as a hormone balancer and for complications associated with menopause. A study conducted by Nanjing Medical University in Nanjing, China, looked specifically at the Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) content found in licorice root and its effect on estrogen-positive breast cancer. The researchers found that licorice extract had an effect on estrogen levels that was breast cancer-preventative in a dose-dependent manner: the DMSO stunted cancer cell proliferation in high doses yet had the opposite effect at low doses. Other studies have found that licorice root helps to positively balance testosterone metabolism, decrease serotonin re-uptake, and reduce cortisol levels, all three of which are important to breast cancer prevention and healing. Finally, licorice has proven to be a powerful immune system regulator. Isoliquiritigenin and Naringenin found in the root can promote T cell growth. Glycyrrhizin and other flavonoids found in licorice can help reduce inflammation in the body overall. Consider licorice as part of your breast cancer healing toolbox There are so many powerful herbs found in nature that contain powerful cancer-healing properties. With over 400 compounds in one small root, licorice can definitely be considered among them. Ancient cultures from India to Greece knew this; licorice has been used all over the world for thousands of years as a hormone-balancer, immune system booster, aid for oral health, digestive aid, and more. Now, modern science is discovering the exact mechanisms that make it a true healer. If you are considering using this herbal wonder as part of your breast cancer healing protocol, be sure to do so with the help of a qualified healthcare provider. In addition, certain tests, such as the Research Genetics Cancer Center (RGCC) Test, may be able to pinpoint if licorice supplementation is right for your breast cancer journey. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to stop cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Sciencedirect.com Lifeextension.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Rgcc-group.com To read the original article click here.

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A Moderate Level of Physical Activity Increases Breast Cancer Survival

AHA Publisher — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:00:25 +0000

Suchandrima Bhowmik via News-Medical – Physical activity may provide some level of protection against the development of breast cancer; however, the impact of physical activity following a breast cancer diagnosis remains unknown. Previous studies suggest that both strenuous and moderate exercise have comparable benefits on the incidence of breast cancer; however, there is limited data on survival outcomes. A recent letter published in the journal JAMA Network Open discusses the association of physical activity beyond essential everyday functions with the mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. About the Study The current study included post-menopausal breast cancer survivors who had received their initial diagnosis at least two years prior to the start of the study. More specifically, the study participants’ early-stage breast cancer diagnosis was provided between 1996 and 2012. Baseline interviews were conducted between August 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015. After that, the participants were followed up with until their death or when the study ended on April 30, 2022. The Fatigue Severity Inventory and the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and leisure. Exercise patterns were categorized as insufficiently active, moderately active, and active at baseline based on exercise habits during a seven-day period. Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Death Due to Breast Cancer A total of 315 participants were included in the study, all women. The mean age at the interview was 71 years. A total of 217 participants were non-Hispanic White, 28 were Pacific or Asian Islander, 66 were African American or Black, and four were Hispanic. Unfortunately, five participants died within the follow-up period due to breast cancer. Mortality rates were 12.9 per 1,000 person-years (PY) for active participants, 32.9/1000 PY for insufficiently active participants, and 13.4/1000 PY for moderately active participants. Taken together, moderately active or active participants were associated with a 60% reduced risk of death compared to insufficiently active participants. Conclusions Taken together, these findings indicate that both active and moderately active women diagnosed with breast cancer were less likely to die from breast cancer as compared to entirely inactive participants. Thus, the care management plans for women diagnosed with breast cancer should incorporate physical activity to increase the likelihood of survival and improve their overall quality of life. A key limitation of the current study includes the lack of information on the participants’ daily diet habits. Furthermore, physical activity was self-reported by the participants and is subject to bias; therefore, future studies incorporating technological devices such as pedometers and heart rate monitors may be beneficial. Journal reference: Chen, L. H., Irwin, M. R., Olmstead, R., et al. (2022). Association of Physical Activity With Risk of Mortality Among Breast Cancer Survivors. JAMA Network Open. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.42660. To read the original article click here.

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Warning: Emotional Stress Increases Breast Cancer Risk

AHA Publisher — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 07:00:03 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – The diagnosis of breast cancer is inevitably a very emotional event. As your mind races a hundred miles an hour, dozens of questions come to the surface. You wonder about your course of treatment, what the outcome will be and how you and your family will make it through it all. I deal with these issues all the time, and I can tell you that emotional stress does inhibit immune function and increases your risk of cancer. In fact, Essential # 4 of “The 7 Essentials System™” for healing the body naturally is about healing your emotional wounds as you work towards healing your body. But just what do the emotions have to do with breast cancer? Even the American Cancer Society Admits There Is an Emotional Connection to Disease Inquiry into the mind-body connection within the scientific community goes back further than you may think. Dr. Predergast, an eminent oncologist that was president of the American Cancer Society, said in 1959: “There is some evidence that the course of disease, in general, is affected by emotional stress. It is my sincere hope that we can widen the quest to include the distinct possibility that within one’s mind is a power capable of exerting forces which can either enhance or inhibit the progress of this disease.” Dr. O. Carl Simonton was often called the “father of mind-body medicine for cancer patients” and is best known for his pioneering research in the field of psychosocial oncology beginning in the 1970s. He developed a model of emotional support for the treatment of cancer that introduced the concept that a patient’s state of mind could influence their ability to survive the dis-ease. His emotional intervention program was even approved by the Surgeon General’s Office. While he was in practice, Dr. Simonton applied this emotional support program to his patients and saw improvements in survival time and quality of life. He believed that “emotions are a strong driving force in the immune system and other healing systems.” Understanding How Chronic Negative Emotions Can Trigger Cancer Cell Growth Research abounds that centers on the connection between the mind and health. The following are four common emotional patterns specifically found in people who have cancer. The list is based on the work of Douglas Brodie, MD: 1) A significant loss, such as divorce or the death of a loved one, between 6 and 18 months prior to diagnosis 2) Poor self-image 3) A strong tendency to hold on to resentment 4) A poor ability to develop and maintain long-term, meaningful relationships Emotional healing can help you heal from a cancer diagnosis. How does one go about healing lifelong emotional patterns? There are two must-haves as you start your emotional and physical healing journey: 1) The first must-have is the DESIRE for change. No change is possible without the intention to improve not only your physical life but your emotional and spiritual health as well. 2) You must also have FAITH. For many individuals, this also includes faith in a higher power. Whatever your beliefs, however, faith in yourself and the belief that you have what it takes to turn your health around is vital. In addition, you must also possess a strong belief in the course of treatment you have chosen. This Is Important: Get the Support You Need for Emotional Health Part of the emotional healing process is distinguishing what mind-body support you may need and then taking action to get that support. The practice of meditation is fundamental for whatever path you take. A study by Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital showed that meditation could actually rebuild grey matter in as little as eight weeks. The results were based on 30-minutes of meditation a day. One meditation tool I personally used after my own breast cancer diagnosis (and still do today) is called the Silva Method. Founder Jose’ Silva believed that 90% of illnesses originate in the mind and therefore can, to some extent, be reversed by the mind. After working with tens of thousands of students, Silva identified three essential requirements for effective mind-body healing: 1) Functioning at the Alpha and Theta levels: Going to the Alpha and Theta levels has the same basic effect as meditating. When someone meditates, scientifically they are reducing their brain wave frequency to Alpha or Theta. Jose’ Silva found that people who can remain at these levels are able to put themselves in a state where cells repair, stress dissipates, the immune system strengthens, and physical symptoms of illness are in some cases reduced. 2) Harnessing the power of healing imagery: Healing Imagery (or Visualization) involves visualizing the end result of your goal or desire while you are in the Alpha or Theta state. Visualizing the tumor shrinking and eventually disappearing is a powerful exercise! 3) Mastering the D-B-E thought process: The ability to “Desire, Believe and Expect” that healing will occur is the first step in making it a reality. When you commit to healing your whole body – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and begin to act on that commitment, you will inevitably “see” real-time positive outcomes in your life. Why not give a mind-body tool like meditation a try – and “see” for yourself! Sources for this article include: BreastCancerConqureror.com HealingCancer.info SilvaMethod.com To read the original article click here.

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Artificial Sweeteners May Not Be Safe Sugar Alternatives

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:00:43 +0000

PLOS via Newswise – Artificial sweeteners reduce added sugar content and corresponding calories while maintaining sweetness. A study publishing March 24th in PLOS Medicine by Charlotte Debras and Mathilde Touvier at the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and Sorbonne Paris Nord University, France and colleagues suggests that some artificial sweeteners are associated with increased cancer risk. Many food products and beverages containing artificial sweeteners are consumed by millions of people daily. However, the safety of these additives has been a subject of debate. To evaluate the potential carcinogenicity of artificial sweeteners, researchers analyzed data from 102,865 French adults participating in the NutriNet-Santé study. The NutriNet-Santé study is an ongoing web-based cohort initiated in 2009 by the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team (EREN). Participants enroll voluntarily and self-report medical history, sociodemographic, diet, lifestyle, and health data. Researchers gathered data concerning artificial sweetener intake from 24-hour dietary records. After collecting cancer diagnosis information during follow-up, the researchers conducted statistical analyses to investigate the associations between artificial sweetener intakes and cancer risk. They also adjusted for a range of variables including age, sex, education, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, height, weight-gain during follow-up, diabetes, family history of cancer, as well as baseline intakes of energy, alcohol, sodium, saturated fatty acids, fiber, sugar, whole-grain foods, and dairy products. The researchers found that enrollees consuming larger quantities of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K, had higher risk of overall cancer compared to non-consumers (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.25). Higher risks were observed for breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. The study had several important limitations; dietary intakes are self-reported. Selection bias may also have been a factor, as participants were more likely to be women, to have higher educational levels, and to exhibit health-conscious behaviors. The observational nature of the study also means that residual confounding is possible and reverse causality cannot be ruled out. Additional research will be required to confirm the findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms. According to the authors, “Our findings do not support the use of artificial sweeteners as safe alternatives for sugar in foods or beverages and provide important and novel information to address the controversies about their potential adverse health effects. While these results need to be replicated in other large-scale cohorts and underlying mechanisms clarified by experimental studies, they provide important and novel insights for the ongoing re-evaluation of food additive sweeteners by the European Food Safety Authority and other health agencies globally”. Debras adds, “Results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort (n=102,865) suggest that artificial sweeteners found in many food and beverage brands worldwide may be associated with increased cancer risk, in line with several experimental in vivo / in vitro studies. These findings provide novel information for the re-evaluation of these food additives by health agencies.” To read the original article click here.

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