Category: Integrative Cancer Support

Among the numerous benefits associated with regular physical activity, a particularly noteworthy connection has emerged: the role exercise plays in decreasing risk of cancer recurrence. This article aims to shed light on the risk reduction statistics of exercise following a cancer diagnosis and the mechanisms by which this may occur.   The Effects of Exercise vs. Inactivity on Cancer Risk Per current guidelines, the American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate activity each week in those diagnosed with or with a history of cancer. This includes at least two days of resistance or strength training exercises. It has been well-demonstrated that intentional movement mitigates the risk of cancer development. Most notably, the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization estimates a 20-40% decrease in the risk of developing breast cancer among the most physically active women, regardless of menopausal status, type, or intensity of activity. [[i]] A systemic review examining the 2018 Physical Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report concluded when comparing individuals in the highest category of physical activity versus the lowest, there was 10-20% relative risk reduction in breast, colon, bladder, endometrial, esophageal, renal, and gastric cancers. [[ii]] The effects of prolonged sitting or...

Capturing the attention of scientists and traditional healers alike, the unassuming coriolus mushroom has a distinctive fan-shaped cap with vibrant rings reminiscent of a turkey’s tail feathers. In fact, it is often called the turkey tail mushroom. Nestled within the heart of forests around the world, several cultures have harnessed the therapeutic potential of these mushrooms and modern science has shed light on their remarkable properties. Emerging studies have delved into the potential role of the main constituents of the coriolus mushroom, including PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide), and show promise as adjunctive therapy to conventional cancer care.   Turkey Tail Mushroom and Overall Cancer Survival A notable feature of coriolus mushrooms is the capacity to increase overall survival in cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2019, involving data from 13 randomized control clinical trials and 2,587 patients diagnosed with cancer, demonstrated significant survival advantage for those taking the mushroom adjunctively with standard of care treatment. [[i]] Another review in 2015 evaluated 28 studies and showed improvement of various survival measures, including median, 1-, 2- and 5-year survival, in lung cancer. [[ii]] More specifically, in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, a small randomized clinical trial involving 15 patients no...

History of Mistletoe Therapy The advent of mistletoe therapy for therapeutic applications in cancer care began to take root in the early 1900’s, pioneered by physicians Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman. The ideology of mistletoe stems from the principle of the immune system’s response to fever. Therefore, the goal with mistletoe therapy is to enhance warmth which elucidates an immune system response. This involves identification of unhealthy cells, proliferation of appropriate immune mediators, and induction of direct cytotoxic effects. This mechanism is the reason one might expect a pro-inflammatory response upon administration of mistletoe, such as a slight, transient increase in body temperature and/or fatigue. [[i]]   What is Mistletoe and How is it Used Medically? Mistletoe in its natural form exists as a semi-parasitic plant, inhabiting various types of host trees. The tree in which the mistletoe is derived implies some qualities about the mistletoe that may be useful in cancer care. Other variables influencing the qualitative aspects of the mistletoe include time of harvest and extraction method. Mistletoe is most commonly administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenously. This requires careful consideration from an experienced practitioner to determine the type of mistletoe and route of administration that is preferable...

The Dangers of Stress Stress acts as a relevant and integral piece of our daily lives. Defined as a stimulus that precipitates a physiological reaction in the brain, stress functions to activate a response in the body that has historically served as a survival mechanism for the human population. Stress can be caused by daily responsibilities and routines, or more traumatic events such as development of an illness or hospitalization. Sustained levels of elevated stress responses cause profound alterations in proper functionality of immune system physiology. This can potentially lead to development and propagation of various chronic illnesses, including cancer. The magnitude and duration of elevations in stress hormones affects immune cell trafficking and function, thereby affecting health outcomes. In order to further understand this concept, it is important to survey the types of immune system responses responsible for overall health and well-being. How Stress Affects the Protective Immune System First, the protective part of the immune system mechanistically functions to elicit immediate action in response to wounds, trauma, and/or infection. This involves many of the 'fight or flight' hormones – such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol. In terms of cancer, this piece is vital for appropriate monitoring of cell...

Oftentimes, when we think of cancer, we think of a primary tumor. In fact, this is what so much of our diagnostic screening sets out to find: an abnormal mass occupying space. But an important question to ask is; can cancer metastases occur without a primary tumor? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Cancer Diagnosis and Tumors Tumors are aberrant growths of tissue and are either benign or malignant. We term them malignant when this mass is invasive, uncontrollable, dangerous, and potentially fatal. Invasive risk is the reason great importance is given to screening exams (i.e., mammograms, digital rectal exams, colonoscopies). The rule of thumb has always been: if we can catch it early, the chances of tumor invasion will be reduced, and the chance of overall survival, increased. Cancer Spreading Prior to Appearance of Tumor However, as typically happens with greater knowledge and clinical experience, our deductions – i.e., ‘rules of thumb’ are muddled. What we now know, is that cancer can spread before a primary tumor is appreciable. This phenomenon is not new. In fact, metastatic cancers have been discovered in individuals without a primary tumor. This has occurred and continues to occur in approximately 5% of those afflicted...