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Epoch Health Article When it comes to healthy natural sugars, coconut sugar often comes to mind for many people. It boasts numerous health benefits not widely known. When it comes to healthy natural sugars, many people think of coconut sugar. Some might assume because of its name that coconut sugar is extracted from coconut fruit. However, to be precise, this type of sugar is called “coconut blossom sugar,” as it’s derived from sap that flows from the coconut tree’s inflorescences, which are clusters of flowers on a stem. Coconut sugar boasts numerous health benefits not widely known. How Is Coconut Sugar Produced? To obtain coconut sugar, coconut farmers usually climb coconut trees twice a day. During this process, they adeptly employ knives to cut into the unopened inflorescences of the coconut trees, collecting the sap that flows from them. The sap is then boiled, concentrated, and processed into sugar syrup, blocks, or granules. The main producers of coconut sugar are Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. Collecting sap A single inflorescence from a coconut tree can yield 1.5 liters of sap each day, which contains 15 percent sugar, enough to produce 200 grams of coconut sugar. On average, a coconut tree grows a new inflorescence each month, and each can be tapped for sap for more than 40 consecutive days. This harvesting cycle of coconut trees can extend up to 20 years. Low Glycemic Index of Coconut Sugar In general, foods with a glycemic index (GI) of 55 or lower are classified as low-GI foods, as they result in a gradual change in blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a GI value between 56 and 69 are classified as medium-GI foods, and foods with a value of 70 or higher are considered high-GI foods. Various sources indicate that the GI of coconut sugar falls between 35 and 54, similar to that of maple syrup and lower than that of honey, which has a GI value of 60 (pdf). The GI of coconut sugar is lower because of its sugar composition. Coconut sugar made from fresh coconut sap without preservatives is made up of about 49 percent sucrose, 16 percent glucose, and 14 percent fructose. However, if preservative lime is added during the sap collection process, it will break down a smaller amount of sucrose into glucose and fructose. As a result, the produced coconut sugar will contain a higher sucrose level. Coconut sugar vs White sugar Coconut sugar also contains a certain amount of inulin, approximately 4.7 grams per 100 grams. Inulin is a type of dietary fiber that can help slow the rise of blood sugar. The Health Benefits of Coconut Sugar Heart-Healthy Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant The process of boiling coconut sap involves a Maillard reaction, an interaction of sugars, amino acids, and other macromolecules. The products of the Maillard reaction contribute to the nutritional value and sensory enjoyment of coconut sugar. However, the effects of the Maillard reaction are intricate and heterogeneous and can result in advanced glycation end products, which are something that should generally be avoided. But some of these substances also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. American scientists conducted a small-scale pilot study employing a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. The study demonstrated the potential cardioprotective effect of coconut sugar on middle-aged and older adults. Nineteen adults around the age of 55 participated in the experiment. One group of participants consumed 1.5 grams of coconut sugar daily, and the other received a placebo. After eight weeks, the participants who consumed coconut sugar experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure from 117 to 109 mmHg. The consumption of coconut sugar was associated with an improvement in arterial stiffness among participants. Anti-Diabetic One of the factors leading to Type 2 diabetes is oxidative stress, which can induce insulin resistance and impair insulin secretion. Coconut sugar contains high levels of polyphenols, which can reduce oxidative stress. “Research has confirmed that there are five main phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and alanine in coconut sap. These will be in coconut sugar, but the amount will definitely change (increased in this case) due to longer processing time and higher processing temperature,” Yus Aniza Yusof, from the Department of Process and Food Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, told The Epoch Times. Experiments have demonstrated that coconut sugar possesses a certain inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase. A study published in the International Journal of PharmTech Research in 2015 suggested that coconut sugar could be used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Coconut sugar also contains amino acids such as leucine, arginine, and isoleucine, which may have anti-diabetic properties. In a study published in Foods in 2022, researchers fed diabetic rats cookies made from various raw materials. The results show that, compared with cookies containing added sucrose and margarine, rats that consumed corn cookies made with coconut sugar and coconut oil experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar levels and oxidative stress. Notably, their previously low hemoglobin levels and body weight also improved. After maintaining this diet for four weeks, the blood sugar indicators of the diabetic rats improved, and their overall condition became comparable to that of normal rats. Retains More Nutrients Than Refined Sugar Ms. Yusof mentioned that coconut sap contains 0.27 percent ash, which represents the content of minerals and trace metals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron. “As the minerals are more stable and don’t destroy even by burning, hence they are present in coconut sugar too,” she explained. The iron, magnesium, and zinc content in coconut sugar is twice, four times, and 10 times higher than in cane sugar, respectively. Coconut sugar also contains more phosphorus and potassium. According to Ms. Yusof, although the quantities of these substances in coconut sugar aren’t substantial, consuming coconut sugar can, to some extent, provide the body with minerals and trace metals. Coconut sugar contains the amino acids required for protein synthesis, and it’s also a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6.

Black seeds Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a flowering plant native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Its seed has been used to make medicine for thousands of years.Black seed might have effects in the body that help boost the immune system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, reduce swelling, and lessen allergic reactions by acting as an antihistamine. People commonly use black seed for asthma, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, weight loss, menstrual cramps, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using black seed for COVID-19. Uses & Effectiveness Possibly Effective for Black Seed Acne. Applying a gel containing black seed extract to the skin might help to improve acne. Hay fever. Taking black seed oil by mouth daily might improve allergy symptoms in people with hay fever. Asthma. Taking black seed by mouth along with asthma medicines can improve coughing, wheezing, and lung function in some people with asthma. But it seems to work only in people with very low lung function before treatment. A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking black seed oil by mouth helps to improve lung function in people with COPD who are also using prescribed inhalers. Diabetes. Taking black seed powder or black seed oil by mouth daily seems to improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A digestive tract infection that can lead to ulcers (Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori). Taking black seed powder along with standard therapies might help to get rid of this infection. High blood pressure. Taking black seed powder or black seed oil by mouth might reduce blood pressure by a small amount in healthy adults. But it's not clear if it helps people with high blood pressure. High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking black seed supplements by mouth can slightly lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol in people with or without hyperlipidemia. Breast pain (mastalgia). Applying a gel containing black seed oil to the breasts during the menstrual cycle seems to reduce pain. There is interest in using black seed for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful. Side Effects When taken by mouth : Black seed is commonly consumed in foods. Black seed oil and black seed powder are possibly safe when taken in larger amounts for up to 3 months. There isn't enough reliable information to know if larger amounts are safe when used for more than 3 months. Black seed can cause allergic rashes in some people. It can also cause stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation. When applied to the skin : Black seed oil or gel is possibly safe when used short-term. It can cause allergic rashes in some people. Special Precautions and Warnings When taken by mouth : Black seed is commonly consumed in foods. Black seed oil and black seed powder are possibly safe when taken in larger amounts for up to 3 months. There isn't enough reliable information to know if larger amounts are safe when used for more than 3 months. Black seed can cause allergic rashes in some people. It can also cause stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation. When applied to the skin : Black seed oil or gel is possibly safe when used short-term. It can cause allergic rashes in some people. Pregnancy : Black seed is commonly consumed in foods. But taking amounts greater than those found in foods while pregnant is likely unsafe. Black seed can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting. Breast-feeding : There isn't enough reliable information to know if black seed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children : Black seed oil is possibly safe for children when taken by mouth short-term and in recommended amounts by weight. Bleeding disorders : Black seed might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Black seed might make bleeding disorders worse. Surgery : Black seed might slow blood clotting, reduce blood sugar, and increase sleepiness in some people. This can interfere with drugs used during and after surgical procedures and cause severe side effects. Stop using black seed at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery. Interactions Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might lower blood sugar levels. Taking black seed along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking black seed along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might slow blood clotting. Taking black seed along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might lower blood pressure. Taking black seed along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely. Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking black seed with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness. Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might decrease levels of cyclosporine in the blood. This might reduce how well cyclosporine is able to work. Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking black seed along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low. Amlodipine (Norvasc) interacts with BLACK SEED Amlodipine lowers blood pressure. Black seed also lowers blood pressure. Taking black seed with amlodipine might lower blood pressure too much. People taking black seed along with amlodipine should monitor their blood pressure. Medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain (Serotonergic Drugs) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking black seed along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting. Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with BLACK SEED Clopidogrel can slow blood clotting. Black seed might also slow blood clotting. Taking black seed along with clopidogrel might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with BLACK SEED Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Black seed might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications. Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with BLACK SEED Phenytoin is used to control some types of seizures. Black seed may increase or decrease levels of phenytoin in the blood. Taking black seed with phenytoin might reduce the effects or increase the risk of having side effects to phenytoin. Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with BLACK SEED Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Black seed might increase the effects of warfarin, which could increase the risk of bleeding. Sildenafil (Viagra) interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might reduce levels of sildenafil in the body. Taking black seed with sildenafil might reduce the effects of sildenafil. Minor Interaction Be watchful with this combination Prednisolone interacts with BLACK SEED Black seed might decrease levels of prednisolone in the blood. This might reduce the effects of prednisolone. Dosing Black seed oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 1-2.5 grams by mouth daily for 4-12 weeks. Black seed powder has most often been used in doses of 1-2 grams by mouth daily for 8-12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Astragalus, a key herb in traditional Chinese medicine, has recently surged in popularity due to its impressive health benefits. Known for its ability to boost the immune system, this herb offers a natural way to enhance overall health. In this guide, we will explore the diverse benefits of astragalus, provide specific dosage recommendations for various health conditions, discuss safety precautions, and share tips for effective usage. Exploring the Health Benefits and Power of Astragalus Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a perennial plant from the legume family. It has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as: Immune Function : Astragalus is celebrated for its ability to enhance immune response. Research shows that it stimulates immune cells, like macrophages and natural killer cells, which are vital for defending against infections. A study found that participants taking astragalus extract had a 20% increase in immune markers compared to a placebo group. Anti-Inflammatory Properties : The herb is rich in compounds that combat inflammation. For instance, one study demonstrated that astragalus extract significantly reduced markers of inflammation in participants with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Heart Health : Emerging research suggests that astragalus may contribute to better heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure. A review of several studies found that regular consumption of astragalus could reduce systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg. Stress Reduction : As an adaptogen, astragalus may help the body better manage stress. It can assist in balancing cortisol levels— the hormone responsible for stress. One study indicated that those who took astragalus reported a 30% decrease in stress-related symptoms. Anti-Aging Effects : Astragalus is loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases. It may also promote cell longevity, with research indicating that it can increase the lifespan of certain cells by up to 25%. Blood Sugar Regulation : Some studies suggest that astragalus might aid in blood sugar control. For example, one study showed that participants taking astragalus supplements had a 15% reduction in fasting blood sugar levels compared to those who did not. Given these potential benefits, it's clear that astragalus can be a valuable addition to your health routine. Dosage Guidelines for Different Health Conditions Taking the correct dosage of astragalus is crucial for maximizing its benefits while minimizing side effects. Here are some dosage recommendations based on specific health conditions: General Immune Support : A typical suggestion is to take 500–1,000 mg of astragalus extract per day, ideally split into two doses. Chronic Fatigue and Stress : Individuals dealing with chronic fatigue or high stress may benefit from higher doses, between 1,500–3,000 mg daily. Heart Health : Research recommends doses from 600–1,200 mg daily to potentially support cardiovascular function. Blood Sugar Control : For those managing diabetes or blood sugar levels, a daily intake of 1,000–2,000 mg is generally advised. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosage for your needs, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take other medications. Safety Precautions and Possible Side Effects While astragalus is usually safe for most individuals at recommended doses, it is vital to be aware of possible side effects and interactions. Consider these precautions: Side Effects : Some people may experience mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, or diarrhea. These effects often lessen as your body adapts to the supplement. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding : Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using astragalus, as there is limited research on its safety during these times. Autoimmune Conditions : Since astragalus enhances the immune system, individuals with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, should approach with caution and seek professional guidance. Medication Interactions : Astragalus may interact with certain medications, notably immunosuppressants and antidiabetic drugs. Always discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider to avoid complications. Being informed about these safety precautions can help ensure that you use astragalus effectively. Tips for Safe and Effective Usage Incorporating astragalus into your health regimen can yield benefits when done thoughtfully. Here are some practical tips for its safe and effective usage: Choose Quality Supplements : Purchase astragalus from reputable brands that provide products tested for potency and purity. This helps guarantee you are receiving what is promised on the label. Monitor Your Body's Reactions : Pay attention to how your body responds when starting astragalus. If you notice unusual symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider promptly. Combine with a Healthy Lifestyle : For optimal benefits, mix astragalus supplementation with a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and adequate hydration. Explore Different Forms : Astragalus is available in several forms, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. Trying different formats can help you determine what works best for you. Stay Consistent : Consistency is key with herbal supplements. For best results, incorporate astragalus regularly into your daily health routine. In summary, astragalus presents a wide range of health benefits, from bolstering immunity to supporting heart health. Following proper dosage guidelines, being mindful of safety precautions, and employing effective usage tips can help you safely harness the power of this remarkable herb. Final Thoughts Astragalus offers exciting potential as a natural resource for enhancing health and well-being. As with any supplement, making informed choices about its benefits, dosages, and safety precautions is crucial. Balancing traditional knowledge with modern science, astragalus invites everyone to explore its benefits while prioritizing their health and safety. Close-up view of astragalus root, showcasing its natural form. Adding astragalus to your wellness journey could very well strengthen your commitment to a healthier life. Always consult with healthcare professionals when adjusting your health routine to achieve the best outcomes for your individual needs.

Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum . This prickly plant has distinctive purple flowers and white veins, which traditional stories say were caused by a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk falling onto its leaves. The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin. Its herbal remedy is known as milk thistle extract. Milk thistle extract has a high amount of silymarin that has been concentrated from the milk thistle plant. The silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it has traditionally been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders, promote breast milk production, prevent and treat cancer and even protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons. Here are 7 science-based benefits of milk thistle: The wonderful Benefits of Milk Thisle 1. Milk thistle protects your liver Mil Thistle in Bloom Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. It’s regularly used as a complementary therapy by people who have liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and even liver cancer. It’s also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested. A 2021 study showed improvements in liver function in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and liver damage. Although more research is needed on how it works, milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. One 2014 studyTrusted Source also found that it may slightly extend the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholic liver disease. However, the resultsTrusted Source from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions. And although milk thistle extract is commonly used as a complementary therapy for people with liver diseases, there’s currently no evidence that it can prevent you from getting these conditions, especially if you have an unhealthy lifestyle. 2. May help prevent age-related decline in Brain Function Milk thistle has been used as a traditional remedy for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease for over two thousand years. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function you experience as you age. In older animalTrusted Source studiesTrusted Source, silymarin has been shown to prevent oxidative damage to brain cells, which could help prevent mental decline. These studies have also seen that milk thistle may be able to reduce the number of amyloid plaques in the brains of animals with Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques are sticky clusters of amyloid proteins that can build up between nerve cells as you age. They are seen in very high numbers in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, meaning that milk thistle could potentially be used to help treat this difficult condition. However, there are currently no human studies examining the effects of milk thistle in people with Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s. Moreover, it’s unclear whether milk thistle is well enough absorbed in people to allow adequate amounts to pass through the blood-brain barrier. It’s also unknown what doses would need to be prescribed for it to have a beneficial effect. 3. Benefits of Milk thistle could protect your bones Osteoporosis is a disease caused by progressive bone loss. It usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. Milk thistle has been shown in experimental animal studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss. As a result, two 2013Trusted Source studies suggestTrusted Source that milk thistle may be a useful therapy for preventing or delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women. However, there are currently no human studies, so its effectiveness remains unclear. 4. It may improve cancer treatment A 2023 study found that the antioxidant effects of silymarin can stimulate anti-tumor activities as well as protect healthy cells from damage induced by chemotherapy. A 2022 reviewTrusted Source of animal studies shows that milk thistle could be useful for reducing the side effects of cancer treatments. It may also make chemotherapy work more effectively against certain cancers and, in some circumstances, even destroy cancer cells. However, older studiesTrusted Source in humans are very limitedTrusted Source and have yet to show a meaningful clinical effect in people. This may be because people aren’t able to absorb enough to get a medicinal effect. More studies are needed before it can be determined how silymarin might be used to support people undergoing cancer treatment. 5. It can boost breast milk production One reported effect of milk thistle is that it can boost breast milk production in lactating mothers. It’s thought to work by making more of the milk-producing hormone prolactin. The data is very limited, but one older randomized controlled studyTrusted Source found that mothers taking 420 mg of silymarin for 63 days produced 64% more milk than those taking a placebo. However, this is the only clinical study available. More research is needed to confirm these results and the safety of milk thistle for breastfeeding mothers. 6. It could help treat acne Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. While not dangerous, it can cause scars. People may also find it painful and worry about its effects on their appearance. It’s been suggested that oxidative stress in the body may play a role in the development of acne. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, milk thistle may be a useful supplement for people with acne. Interestingly, one 2012 study found that people with acne who took 210 milligrams of silymarin per day for 8 weeks experienced a 53% decrease in acne lesions. However, as this is the only study, more high-quality research is needed. 7. Milk thistle can lower blood sugar levels for people with diabetes Milk thistle may be a useful complementary therapy to help manage type 2 diabetes. It’s been discovered that one of the compounds in milk thistle may work similarly to some diabetic medications by helping improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar. In fact, the same 2021 systematic review and analysis found that people routinely taking silymarin experienced a significant reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may also be useful for reducing the risk of developing diabetic complications like kidney disease. However, this review also noted that the quality of the studies was not very high, so more studies are needed before it’s possible to make any firm recommendations. Is milk thistle safe? Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken by mouth. When reported, side effects for milk thistle are generally gut disturbances like diarrhea, nausea or bloating. Some people are advised to be cautious when taking milk thistle. These include: Pregnant women: There is no data on its safety in pregnant women, so they are usually advised to avoid this supplement. Those allergic to the plant: Milk thistle may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae / Compositae family of plants. People with diabetes: The blood sugar-lowering effects of milk thistle may put people with diabetes at risk of low blood sugar. Those with certain conditions: Milk thistle can have estrogenic effects, which may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions, including some types of breast cancer. The bottom line Milk thistle is a safe supplement that shows potential as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including liver disease, cancer and diabetes. However, many of the studies are small and have methodological flaws, which makes it difficult to give firm guidance on this supplement or confirm its effects. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to define the doses and clinical effects of this fascinating herb. Be sure to check with your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional before beginning any herbal supplement.

HER2 Breast Cancer Cells HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by an overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes rapid tumor growth. Many individuals seek complementary and/or natural approaches to enhance their well-being, manage side effects, and support the body’s healing process. Natural alternatives can play a crucial role in a holistic approach to cancer care. Below are some scientifically backed natural therapies that may help support the body alongside traditional treatments. 1. Anti-Inflammatory and Nutrient-Dense Diet A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is often linked to cancer progression. Cruciferous Vegetables : Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale contain sulforaphane, which has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. Berries and Citrus Fruits : Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, these help combat oxidative stress and boost immune function. Omega-3 Fatty Acids : Found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish, omega-3s may reduce inflammation and support cellular health. Turmeric (Curcumin) : This potent anti-inflammatory compound has shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Garlic and Onions : These contain sulfur compounds that may help slow cancer progression and support detoxification. 2. Herbal Remedies and Supplements For HER2 Breast Cancer Certain herbs and supplements have been researched for their potential to complement cancer treatment: Curcumin : A compound in turmeric, curcumin has demonstrated anti-cancer properties by targeting cancer cell proliferation and inflammation. Green Tea Extract (EGCG) : This powerful antioxidant has been studied for its ability to slow the growth of HER2-positive cancer cells. Medicinal Mushrooms : Reishi, turkey tail, and maitake mushrooms support immune function and have shown promise in cancer therapy. Vitamin D : Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer; supplementation may be beneficial under medical supervision. Ashwagandha : An adaptogenic herb that may help reduce stress and support immune resilience. 3. Mind-Body Practices for Stress Reduction Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and promote cancer progression. Mind-body therapies can help enhance emotional well-being and physical resilience. Meditation and Mindfulness : Studies show that mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and improve quality of life for cancer patients. Yoga and Tai Chi : Gentle movement practices improve flexibility, reduce fatigue, and promote relaxation. Acupuncture : This traditional Chinese practice may help alleviate chemotherapy-related nausea, pain, and fatigue. Breathwork and Guided Imagery : Techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can aid in stress reduction and healing. Journaling and Emotional Expression : Writing down thoughts and emotions may help individuals process their experiences and reduce stress. 4. Detoxification and Gut Health A strong digestive system supports immune health and enhances the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Probiotics and Fermented Foods : Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi support gut health and immunity. Fiber-Rich Foods : Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables promote detoxification through digestion. Hydration : Drinking plenty of filtered water helps flush out toxins and supports cellular function. Liver-Supporting Herbs : Dandelion root and burdock root can aid in natural detoxification processes. 5. Exercise and Lifestyle Changes Regular physical activity is linked to better cancer outcomes and improved overall health. Walking and Light Exercise : Moderate exercise, such as walking or stretching, can improve energy levels and reduce fatigue. Strength Training : Helps maintain muscle mass, which is important during cancer treatment. Adequate Sleep : Restorative sleep is essential for healing and immune function. Avoiding Toxins : Reducing exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, processed foods, and endocrine disruptors (e.g., BPA) can support overall health. Sunlight and Nature Exposure : Spending time in nature and getting adequate sunlight can improve mood and vitamin D levels. If you have HER2-positive breast cancer , certain supplements and foods should be avoided as they may interfere with treatment, promote cancer growth, or increase inflammation. Always consult your oncologist or a registered dietitian before making dietary or supplement changes. Supplements to Avoid Some supplements can interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies (like Herceptin), or hormone therapies: Soy Isoflavones & Phytoestrogens (Soy Protein Isolate, Red Clover, Flaxseed Extracts, Dong Quai) Contain estrogen-like compounds that may stimulate hormone-sensitive cancers, including some HER2-positive cases. Milk Thistle Increases Estrogen Levels and can accelerate tumor growth. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements (High doses) May interact with blood-thinning medications. Getting omega-3s from food (like fish) is preferable. Iron Supplements (unless prescribed) Excess iron can promote oxidative stress and tumor growth. Only take if anemic and under medical guidance. Serrapeptase Can act as a blood thinner and create excessive bleeding if surgery is required. HER2-positive breast cancer is not always hormone-sensitive , but some HER2+ cases are also ER+ (estrogen receptor-positive) , meaning they respond to estrogen. If your cancer is HER2+ and ER+ , avoiding estrogen-like compounds (phytoestrogens) may be beneficial. What Are Estrogen-Like Compounds (Phytoestrogens)? Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. They can bind to estrogen receptors and may stimulate or block estrogen effects, depending on the situation. Foods High in Phytoestrogens to Limit or Avoid Flaxseeds & Flaxseed Oil High in lignans , which act as weak estrogens. Whole flax in small amounts may be okay, but high doses of flaxseed extract should be avoided. Legumes & Beans (contain phytoestrogens but in lower amounts) Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas – Best consumed in moderation. Red Clover & Herbal Supplements Found in teas and supplements; high in isoflavones (estrogen-like). Licorice Root & Dong Quai Used in herbal medicine and teas; may act like estrogen. Certain Seeds & Nuts (in high amounts) Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds – Contain phytoestrogens, but moderate intake is generally safe. Hidden Sources of Estrogen-Like Compounds Plastic Containers – BPA (Bisphenol A) can leach into food and act like estrogen. Use glass or BPA-free containers. Hormone-Treated Meats & Dairy – Opt for organic, hormone-free options when possible. Personal Care Products – Some cosmetics and shampoos contain parabens, which mimic estrogen. Can I Eat Any Phytoestrogens? If your cancer is HER2+ but ER-negative , phytoestrogens may have less impact. However, if you’re HER2+ and ER+ , it's best to be cautious, especially with soy supplements and highly processed soy foods . Foods to Avoid or Limit Processed & Red Meats (Bacon, Sausages, Deli Meats, Beef, Pork, Lamb) Contain carcinogens (e.g., nitrites, heme iron) that can increase cancer risk and inflammation. High-Sugar & Ultra-Processed Foods (Sodas, Candy, Cakes, White Bread, Fast Food) Can contribute to insulin resistance, inflammation, and tumor growth. Excessive Alcohol (Wine, Beer, Liquor) Increases estrogen levels and cancer recurrence risk. Best to avoid or limit intake. Soy-Based Processed Foods (Soy Protein Isolate, Tofu, Edamame, Miso, Tempeh in High Quantities) Whole soy foods in small amounts are likely safe, but avoid highly processed soy products. Fried & Trans Fat-Rich Foods (French Fries, Margarine, Packaged Snacks, Commercial Baked Goods) Can promote inflammation and negatively impact overall health. Dairy (Full-Fat Milk, Cheese, Butter in High Quantities) Some studies suggest excess dairy may promote hormone-driven cancers, though research is mixed. Opt for organic, hormone-free dairy if consumed. Grapefruit & Seville Oranges Can interfere with drug metabolism (especially tamoxifen and some chemotherapy drugs). What to Eat Instead? Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts) – Contain cancer-fighting compounds. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries) – Rich in antioxidants without interfering with treatment. Healthy Fats (Avocado, Nuts, Olive Oil) – Support overall health without excess inflammation. Lean Proteins (Fish, Chicken, Lentils) – Helps maintain muscle mass. Whole Grains (Quinoa, Brown Rice) – Better blood sugar control. Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach, Swiss Chard) – Provide essential nutrients. Natural Alternative Protocols A Natural & Repurposed drugs protocol needs to be individualized as each Cancer patient has their own individual requirements based on some of the following information: The stage of the breast Cancer Metasteses Health of the individual’s main organs such as Heart (blood thinners, prior Heart ryhtym issues, Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Pancreas, Lungs, Thyroid, Pituitary Weight loss or maintaining Current medications Blood Chemistry results These are things that must be asked of any Cancer patient, and failure to do so may place the Cancer patient in greater danger than the Cancer itself. I started this substack and my two facebook groups to bring light to the problems that I see in every group…Failure to ask the important questions to gain an understanding what each individuals needs are and to do no more hram to the person than what they are facing with their Cancer. I wrote my 588-page book to bring attention to the various Cancers, the use of Ivermectin, Fenbendazole, Mebendazole, Albendazole, CBD, THC and 17 other different proven Cancer killers. I have many blog articles here on my substack and on my website. I have an Ivermectin dose Calculator which I made in Excel to guide people in taking the appropriate doses of Ivermectin based on their weight and their individual needs whether that be parasitic elimintion or Cancer. The dose calculator can be downloaded for free on my website: Brighter-works.ca Final Thoughts: A Personalized Approach Natural alternatives can provide valuable support for individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer . By embracing a holistic approach that includes a nutrient-rich diet, stress management, herbal remedies, and healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can support their body’s natural healing processes and enhance their overall well-being. However, it is essential to note that the information I provide is not medical advice and it is adviseable to see your personal Medical Doctor or Naturopathic Doctor for their guidance.

Epoch Health Article The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus through a canal called the endocervical canal. It has two parts: the ectocervix (the outer surface) and the endocervix (the inner canal). The squamocolumnar junction, or transformation zone, is where the endocervix and ectocervix meet. This is the area where most cervical cancers begin—the location of the transformation zone changes depending on age and after giving birth. There are two main Types of Cervical Cancer Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC):  Squamous cells are flat, skin-like cells that cover the ectocervix. Between 80 and 90 percent of cervical cancers are of this type. SCCs can be keratinizing, meaning the cells form nests (masses) containing keratin (a tough and fibrous protein) or non-keratinizing, meaning the cells form nests without keratin. Adenocarcinoma Adenocarcinoma: starts in the glandular cells that produce mucus in the endocervix. Although less common than SCC, its incidence has risen, accounting for 10 to 20 percent of cervical cancers. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is the most common form of adenocarcinoma, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma resembles cancer found in the uterine lining. At the same time, clear cell carcinoma may occur in daughters of women who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. The two main cervical cancers receive similar treatments.

Stained Breast Cancer Cells 1. First, Just Listen Say Women with Breast Cancer It’s a shock to learn that a friend or loved one has breast cancer. It’s natural to want to know all the details. But a lot of questions can be tough for women with Breast Cancer to face. They may not have all the answers yet. Accept what they're sharing. They understand you don’t know what to say. But instead of, "You're a fighter; you're going to beat this,” try, "I can't imagine how you must feel, I'm here to listen if you want to talk." 2. Don’t Say, 'Call Me If You Need Me' You’ll probably never get the call. It’s better to be specific about what you can do. Say “I can help you with housework on Tuesday or Thursday,” or, “I'm making some casseroles, is there something you would prefer or any ingredient I should avoid?” If they're recovering from surgery, offer to wash their hair since reaching above their head is nearly impossible. 3. Kids Need TLC Kids are kids whether a parent is dealing with cancer or not. Offer to drive your friend’s children to school and shuttle them to soccer practice. Help make things as “normal” as possible. Many teachers and other adults don’t know what to say to kids with a sick parent -- so they say nothing. Be someone they can turn to. Tell them that you’ll listen when they want to talk. Mom watching son go to school 4. They Need a 'Wingman' It’s easy for someone with breast cancer to get overwhelmed by the decisions they have to make. They might need your help to understand it all. Offer to go along to important doctor’s appointments to take notes and ask questions. Having another set of ears in the room may ease their mind. You can offer to drive them to chemotherapy or radiation sessions, too. A picture of two Breast Cancer survivors 5. Reconstruction is NOT a Boob Job A mastectomy -- the removal of one or both breasts -- is an ordeal. Many women are heartbroken to lose such intimate body parts. Reconstruction can rebuild the shape and look of their chest, but it’s not the same as breast enhancement. It can take many surgeries before it’s all over. Some women decide against doing it at all. Whatever your loved one chooses, accept it. Don’t try to change their mind. 6. Cancer Doesn’t Ask Your Age If someone in their 20s or 30s has the disease, they're probably tired of people saying, “You’re so young and active, how can you have cancer?” They may feel isolated because many people in their shoes are much older. When they feel comfortable, urge them to find a group of young people with breast cancer who can understand what they're going through. 7. Men Get It, Too More than 2,500 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S. If it’s a guy you know, don’t question why they have a “woman’s disease” or insist it must be the wrong diagnosis. Men with breast cancer may need even more support because they feel out of place. Most importantly, encourage the men in your life to get any breast lump checked by a doctor right away. 8. Cancer Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All There are many different kinds of breast cancer. Some grow fast, some grow slow. Some are harder to treat than others. You probably won’t know exactly which type your friend has -- they might not even know right away. So don’t say, “My friend had breast cancer and it was horrible,” or “My aunt’s cancer was no big deal.” Each case is unique, and people respond differently to treatment.

The world of health care is expanding. More people are turning to alternative therapies as complementary options to traditional medicine. These natural practices aim to harness the body’s natural healing abilities, offering various methods to enhance well-being. This blog post examines alternative therapies, focusing on Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, highlighting how they work and the benefits they may provide. Understanding Therapy Alternative Medicine Alternative therapies are often seen as non-conventional medical practices. They differ from standard treatments, which are supported by rigorous research and clinical trials. Instead, many alternative therapies are based on longstanding traditions and anecdotal evidence. Some individuals may be cautious about exploring these options because of the uncertainty surrounding them. However, many alternative practices have been used for thousands of years and are deeply rooted in various cultures. By studying and integrating these therapies with conventional treatments, patients can achieve a more holistic approach to their health. The Appeal of Natural Practices The interest in alternative therapies is on the rise, driven by a growing awareness of personal health. Many people are actively seeking natural and holistic solutions that address the whole person instead of just managing symptoms. Natural products, such as those derived from plants or minerals, are often favored by consumers for being perceived as safer with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs. For instance, a survey found that 75% of people express concerns about the potential risks of pharmaceuticals, such as side effects and dependency. This awareness has sparked a shift towards safer, natural alternatives. Ivermectin: A Closer Look Ivermectin was originally developed as a treatment for parasitic infections. However, it has gained attention for potential uses beyond its traditional purpose. Although it is primarily used for treating specific infections in both livestock and humans, researchers are investigating its effectiveness against viral infections. Some studies have shown promise, suggesting that Ivermectin may possess antiviral properties. For example, a study published in 2021 indicated that Ivermectin showed effectiveness against certain viruses in lab settings, but substantial clinical evidence in humans is still required to confirm these findings. Ivermectin as an alternative therapy exploring nature's remedies It is crucial for anyone considering Ivermectin as an alternative therapy to consult with a healthcare provider. Discussing its potential benefits and drawbacks can help ensure informed decisions. Fenbendazole: The Growing Interest Fenbendazole is another compound generating interest in alternative medicine circles. Known for its effectiveness as an anthelmintic, it is often used in veterinary practice to treat worm infections in animals. Lately, some people are curious about its potential use in treating cancer. Anecdotal reports have surfaced, suggesting that Fenbendazole might hinder cancer cell growth. A small laboratory study indicated that it altered cancer cell behavior, reinforcing some of these claims. However, clinical trials that examine its efficacy for cancer treatment in humans remain limited. As with Ivermectin, those considering Fenbendazole should seek professional guidance to understand its implications fully. Other Alternative Therapies Worth Exploring Beyond Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, numerous alternative therapies deserve attention. Here are a few more to consider: Herbal Remedies Herbal remedies utilize the natural healing properties of plants. Common examples include echinacea, which is known for its immune-boosting benefits, and ginger, celebrated for its digestive support. These remedies can complement traditional medicine, but it is essential to pay attention to quality, appropriate dosages, and potential interactions with conventional medications. Nutraceuticals Nutraceuticals are food-based products that provide health benefits. This category includes dietary supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. A recent study found that nearly 50% of adults regularly take supplements, believing they support overall health. Speaking with a healthcare provider can help identify the best supplements tailored to individual needs. Physical Therapies Physical therapies like acupuncture and massage focus on the body's physical well-being. These practices can reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote relaxation, making them valuable additions to any healthcare routine. Exploring Your Options Wisely The field of alternative therapies is rich and constantly evolving. As people increasingly seek natural health solutions, options like Ivermectin and Fenbendazole come into play. While these therapies may offer benefits, they should complement conventional medical treatments rather than replace them. Being informed and consulting healthcare professionals is vital when exploring alternative therapies. This approach can ensure safety and effectiveness, paving the way for a more balanced and holistic view of health. By remaining open-minded and willing to explore various approaches, individuals can enhance their well-being using diverse methods that extend beyond conventional medicine. In this journey toward health and wellness, knowledge and professional collaborations can unlock the potential benefits of alternative therapies, leading to a satisfying and fulfilling life.

A cancer cell spreading into healthy tissue Is Cancer a result of Lifestyle, Environmental, and Genetic Factors Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2023, there were an estimated 19 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths globally. These numbers are projected to rise, with predictions indicating that by 2040, there could be nearly 30 million new cancer cases and 16 million cancer-related deaths annually​. Understanding the causes of cancer is crucial for prevention and treatment. This article explores the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to cancer and offers insights on how to mitigate these risks. When does cancer occur? What is the Cause of Cancer? Cancer begins at the cellular level when cells grow uncontrollably and invade normal tissue. This progression happens in multiple stages, starting from precancerous changes to the development of malignant tumors. Some cancers can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system through a process known as metastasis. Where does cancer occur? Cancer can affect various body parts, including the skin, bones, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, kidneys, and more. It can also impact the immune system, which plays a key role in both the development and progression of cancer. Can you inherit cancer? Cancer can be inherited when certain gene mutations are passed down through families. Genes, which are segments of DNA located on chromosomes, can mutate over time due to factors such as diet, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. This is known as the genetic cause of cancer. While only 5-10% of all cancers are genetically inherited, these tend to occur earlier in life. Examples include Lynch syndrome, which increases the risk of colon and uterine cancers, and mutations in the BRCA gene family, which are linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Today, biomarker tests are available to assess individual risks and guide appropriate treatment options based on a person’s genetic profile. What are the behavioral and lifestyle factors that cause cancer? A handful of behavioral factors may lead to genetic mutations and cancer development. According to Dr. Harold Varmus, Nobel laureate and former director of the National Institutes of Health, “The prevention of cancer requires us to look not just at genetic predisposition but at how our lifestyle choices and environmental exposures interact with our biology to affect cancer risk.” Smoking tobacco: Smoking can lead to lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and kidneys. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the DNA in cells, which can lead to mutations and uncontrolled cell growth. Excessive UV exposure (tanning or sunbathing): UV exposure causes skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, which can trigger mutations that result in cancerous growths. Unhealthy dietary choices and obesity: Consuming red and processed meats can increase cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer. Diets high in red and processed meats are linked to higher levels of carcinogenic compounds like nitrates and nitrites, which can damage the lining of the bowel. Additionally, the microbiome, consisting of all the microscopic organisms in our bodies, supports the immune system’s ability to protect against harmful pathogens. Diets and behaviors directly impact the microbiome and the immune system’s response to cancer. Obesity is likely to surpass smoking as the leading preventable cause of cancer. Consuming animal fat aids tumor growth and reduces anti-tumor immune cells. Researchers continue to explore the link between obesity and cancer development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and weight. High alcohol consumption: High alcohol consumption is linked to various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, colon, stomach, pancreas, head and neck. Alcohol can act as a solvent, making it easier for other carcinogens to enter cells, and it can also be converted into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages DNA. Recent studies suggest that around 4% of cancers worldwide are caused by alcohol intake, highlighting the significant impact of excessive alcohol consumption on cancer risk. Unsafe sex: Engaging in unsafe sex can lead to viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which increase cancer risk. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the anus, penis, throat, and mouth. HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off cancer-causing infections. Inflammatory conditions (obesity and ulcerative colitis): Conditions like obesity and ulcerative colitis are linked to higher cancer risks. Chronic inflammation can lead to DNA damage over time, increasing the risk of cancer. Obesity is associated with cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, and pancreas, while ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Can where you live or work cause cancer? Exposure to environmental factors, such as certain chemicals and radiation can indeed influence your cancer risk. Let’s explore some of these key factors in more detail: Air quality: Poor air quality and pollution contribute to lung cancer. Pollutants in the air, such as particulate matter and industrial emissions, can damage lung tissue and lead to cancer over time. This complicates the diagnosis and treatment process, making it crucial to address air quality for cancer prevention. Sun exposure: Approximately 90% of skin cancers are caused by UV rays from the sun, tanning salons, and sunlamps. UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that result in skin cancer. One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer before age 70. Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is essential to reduce this risk. Advances in immunotherapy have successfully treated over 99% of skin cancer cases, offering hope and effective treatment options for those affected. Radiation and chemical exposure: Exposure to high doses of radiation, such as those from chemotherapy and contact with radioactive materials, can increase the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, chemicals like asbestos and benzene are potent carcinogens that can lead to various cancers. Minimizing exposure to these harmful substances is critical for cancer prevention. Do viruses or bacteria cause cancer? Yes, bacterial and viral infections can cause genetic mutations and chronic inflammation that contribute to the development of cancer. Theories surrounding bacterial causes of cancer date back over 100 years, put forth by the Father of Cancer Immunotherapy, Dr. William B. Coley, often referred to as the Father of Cancer Immunotherapy. Dr. Coley observed that bacterial infections could sometimes lead to the regression of cancerous tumors, leading him to develop “Coley’s toxins,” a mixture of killed bacteria used to stimulate the immune system. His pioneering work laid the groundwork for modern cancer immunotherapy by highlighting the potential of the immune system in combating cancer. Some common viruses speculated to increase cancer risk include: Human papillomavirus (HPV): This virus is linked to cervical, anal, penile, and several head and neck cancers. HPV is known to cause mutations in the DNA of infected cells, which can lead to the development of cancerous tumors. Hepatitis B and C: These viruses can lead to liver cancer. Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C can cause long-term liver inflammation and damage, increasing the risk of developing liver cancer over time. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): This virus is associated with certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer. EBV can cause changes in the DNA of infected cells, contributing to the development of these types of cancer. Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium is linked to stomach cancer. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori can cause long-term inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to the development of stomach cancer. Vaccines and treatments to protect against virus-related cancers are crucial in the fight against cancer. For example, a vaccine protecting against hepatitis B has been available since 1982, significantly reducing the incidence of liver cancer caused by this virus. CRI funds research into both preventive and therapeutic cancer vaccines , emphasizing the importance of these advancements in cancer prevention and treatment. This type of research is vital in developing new methods to prevent virus-related cancers and improve the outcomes for those already affected. How to Reduce Your Cancer Risk About 4 in 10 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the public. Key steps include: Quitting smoking Maintaining a healthy weight Eating a balanced diet Limiting alcohol intake Protecting yourself from the sun Staying physically active Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals Getting vaccinated against cancer-causing viruses

Kidney Tumor What are cancerous tumors on Kidneys? Kidney cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in your kidney tissue. In time, these cells form a mass called a tumor. Cancer begins when something triggers a change in the cells, and they divide out of control. A cancerous or malignant tumor can spread to other tissues and vital organs. When this happens, it’s called metastasis. Who does kidney cancer affect? Kidney cancer is most common in people between the ages of 65 and 74. Men are twice as likely as women to develop the disease. It’s also more common in Native American and Black populations. Kidney cancer is much less common in children. However, 500 to 600 children are diagnosed with a Wilms tumor (a type of kidney cancer) every year in the United States. What are the types of kidney cancer? There are different types of kidney cancer, including: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC): This is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults and accounts for 85% of all kidney cancers. Renal cell carcinoma usually develops as a single tumor in one kidney, but it can affect both kidneys. The cancer begins in the cells that line your kidney’s tubules (tiny tubes that return nutrients and fluid back to your blood). The most common type of RCC is clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Transitional cell cancer: Transitional cell carcinoma accounts for 6% to 7% of all kidney cancers. This cancer usually begins in the area where your ureter connects to the main part of your kidney. This area is called your renal pelvis. Transitional cell carcinoma can also occur in your ureters or bladder. Renal sarcoma: This is the least common form of kidney cancer, accounting for only 1% of kidney cancer cases. It begins in the connective tissues of your kidneys and, if not treated, can spread to nearby organs and bones. Wilms tumor: This is the most common type of kidney cancer in children. It accounts for about 5% of kidney cancers. How common is kidney cancer? Kidney cancer represents about 3.7% of all cancers in the United States. Each year, more than 62,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney cancer. The risk of kidney cancer increases with age. Kidney Cancer Symptoms and Causes What are the signs of kidney cancer? Kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But as the tumor grows, symptoms may begin to appear. For that reason, kidney cancer often isn’t diagnosed until it has begun to spread. Kidney cancer symptoms may include: Blood in your pee (hematuria). A lump or mass in your kidney area. Flank pain. Tiredness. A general sense of not feeling well. Loss of appetite. Weight loss. Low-grade fever. Bone pain. High blood pressure. Anemia. High calcium. What is the primary cause of kidney cancer? The exact cause of kidney cancer isn’t known, but there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of getting the disease. These include: Smoking : People who smoke are at greater risk for kidney cancer. In addition, the longer a person smokes, the higher the risk. Obesity : Obesity is a risk factor for kidney cancer. In general, the more overweight a person is, the higher the risk. High blood pressure : Also called hypertension, high blood pressure has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. Family history : People who have family members with kidney cancer may have an increased risk of developing cancer themselves. Radiation therapy : Women who have been treated with radiation for cancer of their reproductive organs may have a slightly increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Gene changes (mutations) : Genes contain instructions for a cell’s function. Changes in certain genes can increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. Long-term dialysis treatment : Dialysis is the process of cleaning your blood by passing it through a special machine. Dialysis is used when a person’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Tuberous sclerosis complex : Tuberous sclerosis is a disease that causes seizures and intellectual disabilities, as well as the formation of tumors in many different organs. von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) : People with this inherited disorder are at greater risk for developing kidney cancer. This disorder causes noncancerous tumors in your blood vessels, typically in your eyes and brain. How serious is a tumor on the kidney? It depends. Some kidney tumors are benign (noncancerous). These tumors are generally smaller than cancerous tumors and don’t spread to other parts of your body. Surgical removal is the most common treatment for noncancerous kidney tumors. Whether your kidney tumor is cancerous or noncancerous, you should move forward with treatment as soon as possible to avoid complications. Diagnosis and Tests How is kidney cancer diagnosed? If you have kidney cancer symptoms, your healthcare provider will perform a complete medical history and physical exam. They also may order certain tests that can help in diagnosing and assessing cancer. These tests may include: Urinalysis: A sample of your urine (pee) is tested to see if it contains blood. Even very small traces of blood, invisible to the naked eye, can be detected in tests of urine samples. Blood tests: These tests count the number of each of the different kinds of blood cells, as well as look at different electrolytes in your body. A blood test can show if there are too few red blood cells (anemia), or if your kidney function is impaired (by looking at the creatinine). CT scan: This is a special X-ray that uses a computer to create a series of images, or slices, of the inside of your body. This test is often done with intravenous contrast (dye). People with impaired kidney function may not be able to receive the dye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a test that produces images of the inside of your body using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer. Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through body tissues to create images that are displayed on a monitor. This test is helpful in detecting tumors, which have a different density from healthy tissues. Renal mass biopsy: During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor, and a small sample of your tissue is removed (biopsy). A pathologist will look at the tissue under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. Because biopsies for kidney cancer aren’t always completely reliable, your healthcare provider may or may not recommend this test. What are the kidney cancer stages? Most cancers are grouped by stage, a description of cancer that aids in planning treatment. The stage of a cancer is based on: The location and size of the tumor. The extent to which your lymph nodes are affected. The degree to which the cancer spread, if at all, to other tissue and organs. Your healthcare provider uses information from various tests, including CT, MRI and biopsy, to determine the stage of cancer. Stage I : The tumor is 7 centimeters (cm) across or smaller and is only in your kidney. It hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissue. (Lymph nodes are small “filters” that trap germs and cancer cells and store infection-fighting cells.). Stage II : The tumor is larger than 7 cm across but is still only in your kidney. It hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissue. Stage III : The tumor has spread to your major blood vessels — your renal vein and inferior vena cava — or into the tissue surrounding your kidney or to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV : The tumor has spread outside of your kidney to your adrenal gland (the small gland that sits on top of your kidney), or to distant lymph nodes or other organs. Tumors are also graded, which is a way of rating a tumor based on how abnormal its cells look. Tumor grading can also tell your healthcare provider how fast the tumor is likely to grow. Tumors whose cells don’t look like normal cells and divide rapidly are called high-grade tumors. High-grade tumors tend to grow and spread more quickly than low-grade tumors. Management and Treatment How is kidney cancer treated? Kidney cancer treatment depends on the stage and grade of the tumor, as well as your age and overall health. Options include surgery, ablation, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy and sometimes chemotherapy. Surgery Surgery is the treatment of choice for most stages of kidney cancer. Several surgical options may be considered, including: Partial nephrectomy: Your surgeon removes the part of your kidney that contains the tumor. Radical nephrectomy: Your surgeon removes your entire kidney and some of the tissue around it. They may also remove some lymph nodes in the area. When one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney is usually able to perform the work of both kidneys. Ablation Sometimes, heat and cold can destroy cancer cells. People who aren’t candidates for surgery may benefit from cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation. Cryoablation: During this procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a needle through your skin and into the kidney tumor. The cancer cells are then frozen with cold gas. Radiofrequency ablation: Your healthcare provider inserts a needle through your skin and into the kidney tumor. Next, an electrical current is passed through the cancer cells to destroy them. Radiation therapy Your healthcare provider may recommend radiation therapy if you only have one kidney or if you’re not eligible for surgery. Radiation therapy is most often used for easing kidney cancer symptoms, such as pain. Targeted drug therapy Targeted drug therapy blocks certain characteristics that help cancer cells thrive. For example, these drugs can stop the growth of new blood vessels or proteins that feed cancer. Targeted drug therapy is often used when surgery isn’t an option. In some cases, these medications may be given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy uses certain medications to boost your own immune system. In turn, this helps your body recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy may be given as a standalone treatment or along with surgery. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy isn’t a standard treatment for kidney cancer. But it can be helpful in some cases — usually only after trying immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy. Chemotherapy medications are taken by mouth or given through a vein (intravenously) and are generally well tolerated. Prevention Is kidney cancer preventable? Because the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, there isn’t a way to prevent it altogether. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by not smoking and managing certain conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Outlook / Prognosis What can I expect if I have kidney cancer? Your kidney cancer prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer (whether it’s just in your kidney or has spread to other places in your body). The chance of recovery also depends on your general state of health. Is kidney cancer curable? Like most cancers, kidney cancer is most treatable when found in its early stages. In general, if the cancer is detected early, before it breaks through the outer covering of your kidney, kidney cancer is often curable. Living With When should I see my healthcare provider? If you develop kidney cancer symptoms, such as pain in your side, a lump near your kidney or blood in your pee, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away. They can run tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. What questions should I ask my healthcare provider? Learning everything you can about your kidney cancer diagnosis can empower you and help you make informed decisions about your treatment. Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider: What type of kidney cancer do I have? Where is the tumor? Is the cancer localized, or has it spread? What stage of kidney cancer do I have? What are my treatment options? What’s my prognosis?

Muscle may be the hidden key to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Muscle loss vs healthy arm An Epoch Health ArticleFrom a young age, we are encouraged to save for retirement, investing in our financial future to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling later life. What if we could also invest in our future health with the same diligence? Enter skeletal muscle, the often-overlooked organ of longevity. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a board-certified family physician and leading voice in muscle-centric medicine, calls skeletal muscle the true organ of longevity. Mounting scientific evidence supports her claim. A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that older adults with more muscle mass were less likely to die prematurely, independent of fat mass and other risk factors. Muscle mass surpasses body mass index as a predictor of lifespan and plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and independence as we age, according to a 2014 study in The American Journal of Medicine. “It is increasingly being recognized that total body mass is an inadequate marker of prognosis in older adults,” it concluded. Dr. Lyon wrote in her book “Forever Strong”: “The higher your healthy muscle mass, the greater your protection against all-cause mortality and morbidity.” What Is Sarcopenia? Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, begins as early as age 30 and becomes more pronounced with age. Symptoms include reduced muscle strength, difficulty with physical tasks, and decreased muscle size. According to the Alliance for Aging Research, it affects about 10 percent of adults over 60 and nearly half of those over 80. “We lose between 5 and 15 percent of muscle mass each decade,” Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti, chief medical officer of Rebel Health Alliance, said in an interview with The Epoch Times. Sarcopenia translates from Greek as “poverty of flesh,” and its consequences extend beyond muscle loss. A 2012 study in Frontiers in Physiology indicates that the decline in muscle strength occurs two to five times faster than muscle mass loss, leading to greater physical impairment. Age-related hormonal changes, inactivity, poor nutrition, and chronic diseases such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease can contribute to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia imposes a significant economic burden on the U.S. health care system, with the total estimated cost of hospitalizations reaching $40.4 billion, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Frailty and Aging. The research revealed that people over 40 with sarcopenia were almost twice as likely to be hospitalized as those without the condition. The Hidden Cost of Muscle Loss Sarcopenia has profound implications for overall health and longevity, leading to increased risks of falls, frailty, hospitalization, and even death. The reduction in muscle strength compromises balance and mobility, making falls more likely and recovery more difficult. A 2019 study in the Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences found that people with low muscle strength are 50 percent more likely to die earlier than their stronger peers, even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and existing health conditions. “Maintaining muscle strength throughout life—and especially in later life—is extremely important for longevity and aging independently,” lead researcher and epidemiologist Kate Duchowny said in a statement.The study authors suggest that muscle weakness contributes to higher mortality and disability rates because of its association with insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, weak individuals struggle with basic self-care and are more likely to experience disability, creating a negative feedback loop of reduced physical activity and worsening health, they explain.Low muscle mass significantly increases vulnerability to prolonged bed rest from illness or injury, leading to faster muscle degradation and slower recovery. This condition can initiate a vicious cycle of atrophy, in which decreased muscle strength leads to reduced physical activity, further exacerbating muscle loss. Andy Galpin, professor of kinesiology at California State University–Fullerton, highlighted this issue on a podcast: “Atrophy is a loss of muscle, but now because we’re weaker, we want to do less things, which makes it worse and worse, and we just spiral down. So not ever getting into that cycle is critically important.” Moreover, a 2018 review published in the Annals of Medicine underscores the clinical significance of low muscle mass across various health care settings. The review notes that low muscle mass is linked to “higher surgical and post-operative complications, longer length of hospital stay, lower physical function, and poorer quality of life.” Muscle: Boosting Survival in Cancer Patients Muscle loss in cancer patients often results from cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome associated with the disease itself, or from the side effects of chemotherapy. According to the National Cancer Institute, cachexia occurs in up to 80 percent of people with advanced cancer, and it’s thought to directly cause up to 30 percent of cancer deaths. Cachexia leads to the progressive loss of fat, skeletal muscle mass, and strength, severely affecting the patient’s quality of life and ability to tolerate treatments. Chemotherapy can exacerbate this condition by inducing fatigue and further muscle degradation, creating a cycle of decreased physical activity and worsening muscle atrophy. Maintaining muscle mass can significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients. A 2021 review published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that muscle-strengthening activities are linked to better survival rates. Specifically, those who engaged in muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week had a 19 percent lower risk of dying from cancer than those who did less or none. Additionally, the study noted a 26 percent lower incidence of kidney cancer among individuals who engaged in higher levels of these activities. Muscles Improve Health Span Muscles regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and manage blood sugar levels, as the previous article in this series explained. Exercise-induced muscle contractions also promote autophagy, the body’s way of clearing out damaged cells, which helps slow aging. A 2011 study published in Autophagy confirms that autophagy is vital for maintaining muscle health and function. As we age, however, the focus shifts from merely extending life to enhancing the quality of those years. Dr. Palakodeti emphasizes the crucial distinction between lifespan and health span, the latter being the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. Prioritizing muscle health can significantly affect our health span, allowing us to enjoy a higher quality of life as we age. Beyond physical health, strong muscles contribute to mental well-being. A 2022 study in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that lower muscle strength is associated with a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. Specifically, a 5-kilogram decrease in handgrip strength was linked to a 7 percent increase in depression risk and an 8 percent increase in anxiety risk. Increasing Longevity Through Muscle Maintaining muscle health is one of the factors within our control that can significantly protect against the declines associated with aging. Regular strength training and proper nutrition are essential strategies for building and preserving muscle, thereby enhancing overall quality of life and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, according to Dr. Palakodeti. Proper nutrition and resistance-based strength training are crucial in preventing and slowing the progression of sarcopenia. According to a 2023 study published in Medicine (Baltimore), resistance exercise alone or combined with nutrition significantly improves muscle mass, strength, and physical function in middle-aged and elderly people. By prioritizing muscle strength and mass today, we can enjoy longer, healthier, and more independent lives tomorrow.

PubMed ***My personal opinion is that Chemotherapy takes your “Quality of Life” and if losing that is not important then what is?? Chemotherapy patients have a 55-60% chance of recurrent cancer within 5 years and most die from that. But in the interim, they suffer the terrible side effects and then die anyways, and what quality is their life? Poor. Seriously think about using Natural Alternatives Products. I did, I am a survivor and no side effects. A Personal Choice!!   Brighter-works.ca The Bad and the UGLY side effects Chemotherapy drugs can damage healthy, fast-growing cells, such as the new blood cells in bone marrow or cells in the mouth, stomach, skin, hair and reproductive organs. When healthy cells are damaged, it causes side effects. Understanding side effects Everyone reacts to chemotherapy treatment differently. You may have many side effects or a few. Whether you experience side effects and whether they are mild or severe can depend on the type and dose of drugs you are given. Your reaction can also change from one treatment cycle to the next. If you have side effects, they may start during the first few weeks of treatment and occasionally become more intense with each treatment cycle. Before treatment begins, your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will discuss the side effects to watch out for or report, how to help prevent or manage them, and who to contact after hours if you need help. Keep a record of side effects It can be useful to keep a record of your chemotherapy treatment and any side effects you develop. This will help you remember when you had side effects, how long they lasted and what helped to make them better. You can use a notebook, diary or an app on a smartphone or tablet. Tell your treatment team about all side effects. They will be able to suggest ways to manage the side effects or, if appropriate, they may change the treatment schedule or arrange a break. How long side effects may last Most side effects are short term, but some may be permanent. Side effects tend to gradually improve once treatment stops and the normal, healthy cells recover. Most side effects can be managed. Some side effects from chemotherapy may not show up for many months or years. These are called late effects. Before treatment starts, talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk of developing late effects and ways to prevent them. Long-term and late effects of treatment Permanent side effects of chemotherapy may include damage to your heart, lungs, kidneys, nerve endings or reproductive organs. If damage to your heart muscle or lungs is a possibility, your doctor will monitor how your heart and lungs are working and adjust your chemotherapy if early changes are seen. Occasionally, many years after having chemotherapy, some people develop a new, unrelated cancer. The risk of this is very low but can increase with factors such as continuing to smoke or rare genetic conditions .***55-60% is NOT low!!! If you notice symptoms, even many years after treatment, ask your GP whether they could be related to the cancer treatment you received. Ask whether your hospital has a late effects clinic to help you manage any side effects you may experience after treatment.  Record your treatments List the doses and names of your chemotherapy drugs, and the names of your specialists. This will save time if you become ill and need to visit a hospital emergency department. Make sure you tell the hospital staff that you are having chemotherapy, or other therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy Blood-related side effects Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, which is the spongy part in the centre of the bones. The bone marrow makes three main types of blood cells, which have specific functions: red blood cells –  carry oxygen around the body white blood cells –  fight infection platelets –  help blood to clot and prevent bruising. New blood cells are constantly being made in the bone marrow. These rapidly dividing cells can be damaged by chemotherapy, and the number of blood cells (your blood count) will be reduced. Low numbers of blood cells may cause anaemia or bleeding problems and increase the risk of infections. You will have blood tests when you start treatment and before each chemotherapy cycle to check that your blood count is adequate. Anaemia If your red blood cell count drops below normal, this is called anaemia. A reduced amount of oxygen circulates through your body, which can make you feel tired, lethargic, dizzy or breathless. To minimise dizziness, take your time when you get up from sitting or lying down. Your treatment team will monitor your red blood cell levels. Let them know if you have any symptoms of anaemia during your course of chemotherapy. Bleeding problems A low level of platelets (thrombocytopenia) can cause problems. You may bleed for longer than normal after minor cuts, have nosebleeds or bleeding gums, or bruise easily. Periods may be longer or heavier. Your treatment team will monitor your platelet levels. If chemotherapy causes severe thrombocytopenia, you may need a platelet transfusion. Ask your specialist to explain the risks and benefits of this procedure. How to manage a low platelet count Be careful when using knives, scissors or needles, as you may bleed easily from small cuts or nicks. Use an electric razor when shaving your face or body to reduce the chance of nicking yourself. Wear thick gloves when gardening to avoid injury. This will also prevent infection from soil, which contains bacteria. Avoid contact sports and high-impact activities, as these could cause bruising or bleeding if you get knocked or fall over. When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums. Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes indoors and outdoors to avoid cuts on your feet. Blow your nose with care. If you bleed, apply pressure to the area for about 10 minutes and bandage as needed. Taking care with infections "After chemotherapy I became very susceptible to infections. A small scrape can quickly become serious. But when I feel like an infection is coming on, I've learnt to see my doctor straightaway."  – Brigita Beausce Chenotherapy essentially destroys your immune system even a scratch can become infected easily and turn into a very serious, body wide infection. It is vitally important to monitor every bump and bruise to ensure that the skin is not broken to prevent infection from gaing hold. If you see a scratch starting to turn red, itch or become painful seek immediate medical assistance. Those with cats need to be especially careful due to the presence of cate feces in the fur of the paws and on their nails. Fatigue Feeling tired and lacking energy is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. It is known as cancer-related fatigue. You may also: develop muscle aches and pains have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating find it difficult to do daily tasks such as getting dressed, showering and cooking. Fatigue can affect you suddenly and it doesn’t always get better with rest or sleep. If you find it hard to do everyday things, you might feel frustrated and isolated. Fatigue caused by chemotherapy may last for months or years after a treatment, however, many people find that their energy levels return to normal 6–12 months after treatment ends. While fatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy, it can also be a symptom of depression. If you have continued feelings of sadness, you may have depression, and treatment may help. How to manage fatigue Get extra rest the day of and day after chemotherapy to allow your body to recover. Plan activities for the time of day when you tend to feel most energetic. Try to be physically active with moderate exercise (e.g. walking, swimming) and some strength training (e.g. weights or resistance bands). See an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. They can develop a suitable program. Accept offers of help or ask family, friends and neighbours to help with shopping, driving, housework or gardening. If you have children, ask trusted family and friends to look after them during your chemotherapy sessions and to be on call in case you become unwell afterwards. Find ways to manage anxiety or sleeping difficulties as these can increase fatigue. Try relaxation or meditation techniques to help reduce stress, improve your sleep and boost your energy levels. Talk to your GP about trying acupuncture – some studies suggest this may help with reducing fatigue after chemotherapy. Check with your doctor whether your fatigue is related to low levels of red blood cells (anaemia). Anaemia can be treated. Speak to your employer about how they can support you (e.g. you may be able to take a few weeks off, reduce your hours or work from home). Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and don’t skip meals. Try to limit how much you drink, smoke and vape. Hair loss Whether you lose your hair will depend on the drugs prescribed. Some people lose all their hair (alopecia); others find it becomes thinner, or they may lose only a little hair. Some people lose none at all. Although losing hair from the head is most common, eyebrows, eyelashes, hair from your underarms, legs, chest, beard and pubic area can also fall out. When hair loss does occur, it usually starts during cycle two or three – or sometimes after the first cycle. It may be sudden or happen gradually. Before and while your hair is falling out, your scalp may feel hot, itchy, tender or tingly. Some people find that the skin on their head is extra sensitive, and they may develop pimples on their scalp. It’s not unusual to feel sad or less confident. It may take time to adjust to how you look, then more time to feel good about yourself again. Hair growing back After treatment ends, it can take 4–12 months to grow back a full head of hair. When your hair first grows back, it may be a different colour, softer or curly (even if you have always had straight hair). In time, your hair usually returns to its original condition. Scalp cooling Some treatment centres provide cold caps, which may reduce hair loss from the head. Cold caps can only be used with certain drugs and some types of cancer, and they don’t always stop hair loss. Worn while chemotherapy is being given, the cap is attached to a cooling unit. This reduces blood flow and the amount of chemotherapy drug that reaches the scalp. Some people find the cold cap uncomfortable, and the cold temperature may be painful. If you are interested in trying a cold cap, ask your treatment centre if it is an option for you. Tips for managing hair loss Keep your hair and scalp very clean. Use a mild shampoo like baby shampoo. If you want to use lotion on your head, use sorbolene. Check with your nurse before using any other hair or skin care products on the scalp. Comb or brush your hair gently using a large comb or a hairbrush with soft bristles. Explain to family and friends, especially children, that the chemotherapy may make your hair fall out. Consider cutting your hair before it falls out. Some people say this gives them a sense of control. Wear a wig, hat, turban or scarf, or go bare-headed – whatever feels best to you. If you prefer to leave your head bare, protect it against sunburn and the cold. If you plan to wear a wig, choose it before treatment starts so you can match your own hair colour and style. Or consider a new style or colour for a bit of fun. Some treatment centres have wig loan services; call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for more information. Try using a pillowcase made from silk, satin or bamboo as these smooth fabrics can decrease hair tangles. Avoid dyeing your hair during chemotherapy and for about 6 months afterwards to allow the hair to become stronger. Vegetable-based hair dyes may be gentler on the hair and scalp. If your eyelashes fall out, wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes from dust and sunlight.  If your eyebrows fall out, you may wish to wear reusable eyebrow wigs or transfers until they grow back. Contact Look Good Feel Better. This program helps people manage the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment.  How to manage appetite changes Managing appetite loss Eat what you feel like, when you feel like it, but avoid going for long periods without eating. Try eating frequent snacks rather than large meals. Avoid strong odours and cooking smells that may put you off eating. It might help to prepare meals ahead and freeze them for days you don’t feel like cooking. If the taste of certain foods has changed, don’t force yourself to eat them. If you don’t feel like eating solid foods, have drinks enriched with powdered milk, yoghurt or honey. Or try easy-to-swallow foods such as scrambled eggs. Don’t use nutritional supplements, vitamins or medicines without your doctor’s advice, as some products could affect how chemotherapy works. Ask a dietitian for advice on the best foods or nutritional supplements to have during treatment and recovery. Managing nausea Have a light, bland meal before your treatment (e.g. soup with dry biscuits). Sip water or other fluids throughout the day so that you don’t get dehydrated. Sucking on ice cubes or iceblocks, or eating jelly can also increase your fluid intake. If water tastes unpleasant, flavour it with ginger cordial or syrup.  If your stomach is upset, try drinking fizzy drinks such as soda water or dry ginger ale. If you wake up feeling sick, eat something small rather than skipping a meal. If you can’t keep fluids down, contact your doctor or hospital immediately. They may be able to treat the vomiting, or you may need to have fluids through an intravenous drip in hospital.  Constipation or diarrhoea Some chemotherapy drugs, pain medicines and anti-nausea medicines can cause constipation or diarrhoea. If your bowel habits have changed during your treatment, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. For some people, there will be ongoing bowel problems after cancer treatment has finished. For ways to manage bowel issues at home, see the opposite page. How to manage bowel changes Constipation Eat more high-fibre foods, such as wholegrain bread and pasta, fruits and vegetables, bran, nuts and legumes (e.g. baked beans or lentils). If you are having treatment for bowel cancer, ask your treatment team if there are any foods you should or shouldn’t eat to help avoid constipation. Drink plenty of fluids, both warm and cold. Prune, apple or pear juice can work well. Do some light exercise, such as walking. Ask your doctor about using a laxative, stool softener or fibre supplement. Avoid using medicines delivered through the rectum (e.g. enemas or suppositories) as they may cause infection. Let your treatment team know if you have constipation for more than a couple of days. They will be able to help. Diarrhoea Choose bland foods such as clear broth, boiled rice or dry toast. Avoid spicy foods, wholegrain products, fatty or fried foods, rich sauces, and raw fruits or vegetables with skins or seeds. It may help to eat foods that are high in soluble fibre such as oats, white bread, white rice, bananas, nuts and pasta. Limit alcohol, fruit juice, soft drinks, strong tea or coffee, and foods containing artificial sweeteners, as these stimulate the bowel. Drink plenty of water to help replace fluids lost through having diarrhoea. Talk to your treatment team. They may change the drugs or doses you are on or suggest other solutions. If diarrhoea is severe or ongoing, let your treatment team know. It can cause dehydration, and you may need to go to hospital. Thinking and memory changes Some people say they have difficulty concentrating, focusing and remembering things after they have had chemotherapy. This is called cancer-related cognitive impairment or, sometimes, "chemo brain", "cancer fog" and "brain fog". Thinking and memory changes may be caused by treatment or medicines, fatigue and sleep problems, or how you feel, such as stressed or depressed. These problems usually improve with time, although some people experience issues for years. Tell your doctor about any thinking and memory changes you are having, and if this issue is affecting your day-to-day life or your return to work. How to improve concentration Use a calendar or smartphone features, such as reminders, alarms or lists to keep track of tasks, medical appointments, when to take medicines, social commitments, birthdays, etc. Write down anything you need to remember (e.g. to-do items, where you parked the car). Focus on one thing at a time (try not to multitask). Aim to get 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Deep sleep is important for memory and concentration. Do light exercise every day to help you stay alert and sleep better.  Learn a new skill (e.g. take up a new hobby or do crosswords or puzzles). Talk to your partner, family or workplace about changes to your memory and concentration. This can prevent misunderstandings, and they may be able to support you.  Mouth problems Some chemotherapy drugs can damage healthy cells in the mouth and cause mouth sores, ulcers (oral mucositis) or infections. Chemotherapy treatment may also reduce the amount of saliva (spit) in your mouth, make your saliva thick or sticky, or make your mouth dry. This is called xerostomia or dry mouth. If you notice any sores, ulcers or thickened saliva, or if you find it difficult to swallow, tell your doctor. How to look after your mouth Discuss any dental issues with your oncologist or haematologist before seeing the dentist. If you need to have any dental work, tell your dentist you’re having chemotherapy. Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth twice a day. Rinse your mouth often – when you wake up, after you eat or drink, and at bedtime. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist what type of alcohol-free mouthwash to use. They may give you a recipe for a homemade mouthwash. Talk to your doctor or nurse about medicines to relieve pain. Sip fluids, especially water, and eat moist foods such as casseroles or soups if you have a dry mouth. Soothe tender gums or mouth with plain yoghurt. Try sucking on ice during chemotherapy sessions. This may help to prevent mouth ulcers. Blend foods to make them easier to eat. Try smoothies made of fruit and yoghurt. Avoid smoking, vaping and alcoholic drinks, as well as very hot foods and spicy, acidic or coarse foods (e.g. nuts). These can all make mouth sores worse. Skin and nail changes Some chemotherapy drugs may cause your skin to peel, darken or become dry and itchy. During treatment and for several months afterwards, your skin is likely to be more sensitive to the sun. You may find your nails also change and become darker than usual or develop ridges or white lines across them. Your nails may also become brittle and dry or lift off the nail bed. These changes usually grow out. It is recommended that you avoid having your nails done at a nail salon, as this can increase the risk of infection during chemotherapy. Ways to take care of your skin Use a soap-free wash when showering. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing it. Use a good quality moisturising lotion or a cream containing the ingredient urea to help ease the dryness. Wear loose, non-restricting clothing. Choose clothes made from soft cotton fabric instead of rough wool or synthetic fibres. Use mild detergent to wash your clothing if you have sensitive skin. Don’t shave or wax until your skin has healed. Protect your skin from the sun when UV levels are 3 or above. Wear highprotection sunscreen (SPF 50), a broad-brimmed hat, protective clothing and sunglasses, and try to stay in the shade. This advice applies to everyone, but is especially important for people having chemotherapy. Avoid chlorinated swimming pools as the water can make skin changes worse.  If your skin becomes red or sore in the area where the intravenous device went in, let your doctor or nurse know immediately. Sexuality, intimacy and fertility issues Chemotherapy can affect your sexuality and fertility in emotional and physical ways. These changes are common. Some changes may be only temporary while others can be permanent. Changes in sexuality You may notice a lack of interest in sex or a loss of desire (libido), or you may feel too tired or unwell to want to be intimate. You may also feel less confident about who you are and what you can do. There may be physical reasons for not being able to have sex or being interested in having sex (e.g. vaginal dryness or erection difficulties). Changes in how you look can also affect feelings of self-esteem and, in turn, your interest in sex. If you have a partner, it may be helpful for them to understand the reasons why your libido has changed, and to know that people can usually have a fulfilling sex life after cancer, but it may take time. Some partners may feel concerned about having sex. They might be worried about injuring or hurting the person with cancer, or being exposed to chemotherapy drugs during sex . Even if some sexual activities are not always possible, there are many ways to express closeness. Talking openly with your partner about how you’re feeling can be difficult but it is often very helpful. It’s important to take time to adapt to any changes. If you’re worried about changes to how you feel about yourself, your relationships or sexual functioning, you may find talking to a psychologist or counsellor helpful. Using contraception In most cases, your doctor will advise you to use some form of barrier contraception (condom, female condom or dental dam) during treatment and for a period after. This is to protect your partner from any chemotherapy drugs that may still be in your body fluids. As chemotherapy drugs can harm an unborn baby, your doctor may talk to you about using contraception for some months after chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy often affects fertility, it doesn’t always. If you are in a heterosexual relationship and sexually active, you will need to use a reliable form of contraception to avoid pregnancy while having treatment. Talk to your specialist immediately if you or your partner become pregnant. Changes in fertility Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children (fertility), which may be temporary or permanent. If you may want to have a child in the future, talk to your doctor before starting chemotherapy about how the treatment might affect you and what options are available. Eggs (ova), embryos, ovarian tissue or sperm may be able to be stored for use at a later date. This needs to be done before chemotherapy starts. In some cases, hormone injections can reduce activity in the ovaries and protect eggs from being damaged by chemotherapy. Effects of chemotherapy on ovaries Some chemotherapy can reduce the levels of hormones produced by the ovaries. This can cause your periods to become irregular or even stop for a while, but they often return to normal within a year of finishing treatment. If your periods do not return, the ovaries may have stopped working, causing early menopause. After menopause, you can’t get pregnant naturally. Signs of menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, aching joints and dry or itchy skin. Menopause – particularly when it occurs under 40 – may, in the long term, cause bones to become weaker and break more easily. This is called osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage menopause symptoms. Effects of chemotherapy on sperm Some chemotherapy drugs can lower the number of sperm produced and reduce their ability to move. This can sometimes cause infertility, which may be temporary or permanent. The ability to have and keep an erection may also be affected (erectile dysfunction or impotence), but this is usually temporary. If impotence is ongoing, talk to your doctor. “All my life I wanted to be a father. I didn’t want cancer to ruin my chances, so I stored my sperm before treatment started. I think of this as a bit of an insurance policy.” Other side effects Some other common side effects of chemotherapy may include hearing problems, watery eyes and body odours. Changes in hearing –  Your doctor may recommend that you have a hearing test before you start treatment, and this may be repeated before each treatment cycle. You may be at risk of losing the ability to hear high-pitched sounds. Some types of chemotherapy drugs may also cause a continuous ringing noise in the ears known as tinnitus. These changes can happen alone or together and are usually temporary. Let your doctor know if you notice any change in your hearing. Watery eyes –  This can be a symptom of a blocked tear duct, which can be caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Massaging the area regularly with a small towel soaked in warm water (compress) and using eye drops can help clear blockages. Let your cancer care team know if this issue is ongoing. Body odour –  Chemotherapy can affect your sense of smell and you may notice that your body odour is unpleasant. Talk to your cancer care team if you are concerned about a change in body odour. Neuropathy (A horrible side effect!) Nerve and muscle effects Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves that send signals between the central nervous system and the arms and legs. This is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Most often, the nerve damage causes tingling (“pins and needles”), numbness or pain in your hands and feet, and muscle weakness in your legs. For many people, peripheral neuropathy is a short-term issue. But sometimes, it can last a longer time or be permanent. If you experience numbness and tingling, tell your doctor or nurse straightaway. Your treatment may need to be changed, or the problem carefully monitored How to manage numb hands or feet "I had no idea that I would still be feeling tired five months after finishing treatment. I didn't know how to make it better and I was scared that's how it would be: that I wouldn't go back to normal, that I would never go back to having energy again."  - Judy Neuropathy is nerve pain caused by damaged nerves. It often affects the hands and feet, causing tingling, numbness, and unusual burning sensations. Some people also experience weakness and pain. A Patient Perspective A few summers ago, Andrea lost a flip-flop. Anyone can misplace a shoe. But this was the only thing between Andrea’s foot and the London pavement. She didn’t notice that it was gone. She began dropping things then, too. “I couldn’t feel the pressure that I was applying when I was holding drinks. Quite often, they would just slip through my hands.” As they smashed and shattered on the floor, glasses didn’t feel like the only things Andrea was struggling to keep hold of. She was a young mother with bowel cancer, grappling with her mortality while trying to do her daughter’s hair. And these symptoms weren’t caused by the disease. The thing taking her body away from her was the treatment. “When you’re going through a cancer diagnosis, trying to be strong for your children and trying not to worry your family, just something as simple as breaking a glass, for the third time in a week, becomes so overwhelming,” Andrea says. “I would very often just burst into tears. And someone looking in would probably think, ‘Why’s she overreacting?’ But it’s because it’s just another thing – and it has nothing to do with the cancer. What’s trying to save my life is causing me its own set of problems. It’s making my life worse.” What was happening? The problem Andrea was – and, to some extent, still is – dealing with is a type of nerve damage called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN, or neuropathy from chemo). The symptoms of neuropathy can range from mild pins and needles to losing all feeling and control of your hands and feet. It can be caused by cancer treatment, but doctors don’t have a way to treat it. Why might chemotherapy cause pins and needles? Chemotherapies are especially good at killing cancer cells, but they can also harm healthy ones. These include the peripheral nerve cells that carry messages back and forth between the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system) and the rest of the body. When peripheral nerve cells are damaged, it becomes harder for the messages to get through. Healthy vs Damaged Nerve A damaged peripheral nerve cell (right) compared to a healthy one. That’s a big problem when messages have to travel a long way, like to the hands or lower legs. Andrea’s peripheral neuropathy started as pins and needles on the soles of her feet. Then the feeling moved up to her hands. “You know if you sleep on your arm and it goes a bit tingly? I thought that’s what had happened. But it progressively got worse until it was really overwhelming. “It’s not something you can ignore. When I’m sleeping, when I’m walking, when I’m sitting down – constant pins and needles.”  Then, despite the hot summer, Andrea’s feet became freezing cold. Eventually, she began to lose all sense of them at all. It’s hard to walk when you don’t know where your feet are, so Andrea had to drive everywhere. That’s not much easier. If they weren’t strapped into heavy winter boots, the things on the end of her legs wouldn’t stay on the pedals.  After her eighth cycle of chemotherapy, Andrea’s doctors had to stop giving her the platinum-based drug oxaliplatin. Although it was helping to shrink Andrea’s cancer, oxaliplatin is one of the drugs most likely to cause peripheral neuropathy. It was putting her at risk of permanent, life-altering nerve damage, so her last four cycles of treatment couldn’t include it.  Why is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy such a problem? Andrea is now cancer-free. In some cases, though, when side-effects stop cancer treatment, they shorten people’s lives.   As Professor Alison Lloyd, from University College London, makes clear, “Neuropathy is one of the major limiting factors for chemotherapy.” That’s because, once a chemotherapy drug starts causing neuropathy, the only way doctors can stop it getting worse is by taking the drug away.  The problem is made worse by the fact we can’t even test people to see who’s at risk of developing neuropathy from chemo. All doctors and patients can do is wait to see if symptoms will appear. Uncertainty like that can make treatment decisions much more difficult. “We don’t have an identifiable biomarker, or sign in the body to predict which patients will suffer this toxicity and how severe it will get,” says Professor Lillian Siu, who’s been treating head and neck cancers, often with drugs that can cause neuropathy, for 25 years. “I can’t give more information than ‘You have to take it and see what happens’. And that’s not necessarily attractive to anybody.” To make things better, we need to find out more about how chemotherapy drugs affect nerve cells. That’s Lloyd’s specialism. Her investigations have brought an almost unknown system in our bodies into the spotlight. They could give doctors a way to predict, treat and even prevent neuropathy from chemo. The blood, the brain and the nerves We already knew a lot about how the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord interact with chemotherapies. Or, more commonly, how they don’t. A special protective system called the blood-brain barrier (BBB) stops most drugs getting to them. That makes brain tumours hard to treat, but it can protect the brain and central nervous system from toxic side effects. Neuro-toxicities like brain fog or ‘chemo brain’, which Andrea has also experienced, are very difficult problems, but they’d be much worse without the BBB. Things are a little different in the rest of the body. Exactly how different has long been a mystery. A lot of scientists know a lot of things about the BBB. Lloyd is the rare one who has found something out about its not-so-distant cousin: the blood-nerve barrier. That works similarly to the BBB, stopping substances in the blood getting to sensitive peripheral nerves – it just gets nowhere near as much attention. “When we first went to the blood-brain barrier meetings and said, ‘We’re trying to understand the blood-nerve barrier,’ the response was mostly, ‘There’s a blood-nerve barrier?’” recalls Lloyd. What have we found out about chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy? The main difference, as Lloyd got used to explaining, is that the blood-nerve barrier is a little less secure. This might help explain how chemotherapy drugs can get through and cause peripheral neuropathy. And it might also make the blood-nerve barrier a promising area to study. While everyone else was looking the other way, Lloyd’s team made a breakthrough. They found a way of opening and closing the blood-nerve barrier, simply by activating a signal in one of the types of cells that support it. No one’s ever managed to do something similar in the brain. “There was always this idea that you had to break down these barriers,” explains Lloyd. “But that would be toxic. We’ve shown you that can help things cross it, just for a short time, which makes side effects less likely.” Blood nerve barrier Open & Closed In the left image, the blood-nerve barrier is closed, which means drugs (red spots) can't enter peripheral nerves. It’s very different when the barrier is open (right). On the one side, opening the blood-nerve barrier is an important step towards delivering new types of cancer drugs to cancers that start in or spread through the nervous system. Then, quite apart from cancer, it could help treat nerve cell disorders and brain conditions like Huntington’s disease. It could even be the foundation for opening the blood-brain barrier and improving how we treat brain tumours. At the same time, understanding how to strengthen or close the blood-nerve barrier could help us stop chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. How doctors deal with peripheral neuropathy Siu knows just how important that could be. Because there aren’t any tests for peripheral neuropathy today, all doctors like her can do is help patients talk about their symptoms. “You can monitor other issues with scans and blood tests, but you can’t guess what’s happening to the nerve cells in every patient,” explains Siu. “You have to rely on them to tell you how they feel. “We bring it up every visit. And I try not to wait till the symptoms become obvious, because sometimes there’s a delayed effect. If you wait till you have moderate toxicity to do something, it could be severe by the next treatment cycle.” That discussion goes deeper than symptoms, though. Siu has learned that ‘who’ is just as important as ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘when’. Our hands and feet can root us in the world and connect us to each other. Some people will choose to continue treatment when their symptoms become severe, but others couldn’t imagine life with long-term peripheral neuropathy. “I’ve treated a concert pianist, and they’re exquisitely sensitive about their finger movements,” says Siu. “With someone like that, we may mutually decide not to give a life-saving treatment and use an alternative, or to stop an effective drug early, because it could affect the most important part of their bodies. “Sometimes you know the best drug to give, but you can’t give it, or you have to stop, because you’ve decided together that it’s too risky. “It’s always such a tough decision. You can have a patient who’s experiencing a treatment response, which seems to be deepened with every cycle, and then all of a sudden you have no choice but to stop. You don’t want to make the wrong decision that will change the longevity of the patient. But, at the same time, I have to tell them that the neuropathy is only going to get worse if I continue. “We can’t reverse time. The only thing we can do is let time heal. It does get better somewhat. But it’s not fast. And it’s not complete.” Teams with the vision and expertise to uncover more about the processes behind issues like chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy – and, ultimately, to help us understand how to prevent and treat it – have until 22 June 2023 to apply for funding of up to £20m ($25m).  “We have such great knowledge of so many things, and peripheral neuropathy doesn’t seem to be insurmountable,” says Siu. “It’s fitting that it’s a Cancer Grand Challenge, because it can be so difficult for patients, and we have the knowledge in this century to overcome it. If it wasn’t already time, it’s time now. “We may not have leveraged enough knowledge from biologists like Alison. We don’t talk about the blood-nerve barrier very much. There are probably insights there that we haven’t taken advantage of.” Better treatments without compromises Those insights are piling up. In their latest scientific paper, Lloyd’s team covered the ground of decades of studies into the BBB. “We’ve defined the structure and control of the blood-nerve barrier – all the cell types that are involved, how they interact, how it can be regulated and why it’s a barrier. It took more than 10 years of development, but we’ve got a model that enables you to see how a barrier can be opened and closed.” From here, scientists can tackle some of the most debilitating side-effects of cancer treatment, making chemotherapy a better option for everyone. We’re ready with the funding they need to make a difference – and the knowledge of why it’s so important. “You have this kind of love-hate relationship with chemo,” says Andrea. “You acknowledge that it could save your life, but at the same time it can cause you its own set of problems. I understand and respect that that’s why some people don’t want it – they’d much rather protect their quality of life.” We’re with Andrea, and everyone else like her, whatever treatment decision they make. Our job is helping tip the balance. Beating cancer means making sure as many people as possible can get the best quality treatment while living their lives the way they choose. “If chemotherapy didn’t have these side effects, it would be welcomed by so many more people,” says Andrea. And the more people we can treat, the more time we can give. Rash Chemotherapy can alter the immune system in ways that cause rashes and other skin changes. The drugs can also trigger skin changes directly. Severe rashes can cause painful, intense itching. If a person scratches until their skin bleeds, there is a risk of infection. Moisturizing lotions and over-the-counter anti-itch creams may help. Breathing problems Sometimes, chemotherapy can damage the lungs and make it harder to take in enough oxygen. Breathing issues can also result from some types of cancer. Staying calm, sitting and propping up the upper body with pillows, and practicing pursed lip breathing may help. A doctor may prescribe medication if breathing problems continue. Call 911Trusted Source, or otherwise contact local emergency services if anyone has: breathing problems that start suddenly and do not improve a bluish tint to their mouth, nail beds, or skin chest pain weakness or dizziness difficulty speaking Pain Some side effects of chemotherapy can cause pain. For example, there may be: ·       pain in the mouth and throat, possibly due to oral sores ·       nerve pain ·       pain at the injection site ·       headaches Pain can also occur as cancer progresses. The ACSTrusted Source encourages people to contact their cancer care team if they experience headaches or pain at an injection or catheter site. Pain is a potential side effect of chemotherapy. The pain caused by chemotherapy is often described as a burning, numb, tingling, or shooting sensation. It tends to occur in the hands and feet. This is called neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is the result of damage to the nerves caused by chemotherapy drugs or, sometimes, the cancer itself. Other types of pain associated with chemotherapy include: ·       headaches ·       muscle and joint pain ·       stomach aches Pain caused by chemotherapy should be manageable. Your doctor can prescribe medication to help ease the pain. It’s important to take pain medication as prescribed. This may involve following a schedule, so you can stay ahead of any potential pain. Don’t wait until your pain is overwhelming to take your pain-relief medication. Keep in mind that your pain levels may fluctuate throughout your treatment. Many cancer treatment resources recommend keeping a record of when and where you feel pain, what it feels like, and how strong it is. Speak with your healthcare team about how pain affects your day-to-day activities. They can help you manage any side effects or discomfort you may be experiencing. Complementary treatments that may ease pain  The following complementary treatments can be used to reduce the pain caused by cancer and chemotherapy: acupuncture and acupressure biofeedback deep breathing hypnosis massage therapy meditation physical therapy yoga