Increased risk of 11 types of cancer linked to being overweight, researchers warn

Being overweight could increase the risk of a host of cancers, including those of the colon, breast, pancreas and ovary, researchers have warned following a wide review of more than 200 studies.

According to previous figures from two leading charities, almost three quarters of people are expected to be overweight by 2035, with 700,000 new cases of obesity-related cancer expected over the next 20 years.

The new study by an international team adds weight to the warning, revealing that there is currently strong evidence for a link between excess body fat and an increased risk of 11 cancers: colon, rectum, endometrium, breast, ovary, kidney, pancreas, gastric cardia, biliary tract system and certain cancers of the oesophagus and bone marrow.

“I think now the public and physicians really need to pay attention to obesity with respect to cancer,” said Marc Gunter, a co-author of the research from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. “Telling people to avoid being overweight not only reduces their risk of, say, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it also reduces their risk of many different cancers.”

Published in the British Medical Journal, the study examined evidence from 204 previously published studies which each looked at combined results from multiple pieces of research probing the link between body fat and the development of particular cancers.

Of the 95 studies which looked at obesity measures on a continuous scale such as body mass index, 12 were found to offer strong evidence of an association, encompassing a total of nine different cancers.

Analysis of these studies revealed that as BMI (weight divided by height squared) increased, so too did the risk of developing certain cancers. For men, for every 5kg/m² increase in BMI, the risk of developing colorectal cancer rose by 9%, while among women forgoing HRT, the risk of developing postmenopausal breast cancer increased by 11%. The figures were even higher for cancer of the biliary tract system, with risk increasing by 56% for every 5kg/m² increase in BMI.

The authors note the remaining 83 such studies were of mixed quality. While 18% were deemed “highly suggestive” of a link between excess body fat and cancer, 20% had only weak evidence while 25% had no evidence for a link.

When studies that looked at other measures of obesity were included in the analysis, the total number of cancers for which there was strong evidence of a link to body fat came to 11.

While the new study does not shed light on how excess body weight is linked to an increased risk of various cancers, a number of explanations have previously been proposed. “We know that if you are overweight it causes lots of disruption of hormonal and metabolic pathways,” said Gunter, noting that excess fat has been linked to higher oestrogen levels, higher insulin levels and increased inflammation – all of which can affect cell division.

Dr Rachel Orritt, Cancer Research UK’s health information officer, said: “This research uses very strict criteria to evaluate the evidence and confirms that obesity increases the risk of cancer, linking many of the same cancer types that have been linked before.”

Being overweight, Orritt adds, is second only to smoking as the biggest preventable cause of cancer. “Whether it’s taking the stairs or switching to sugar-free versions of your favourite drinks, small changes can make a real difference, helping you keep a healthy weight and reducing your risk of cancer,” she said.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, added that awareness was key. “Less than half the population realise that being obese increases the risk of cancer and, with almost two-thirds of adults carrying excess weight, this is worrying,” she said.

Paul Aveyard, professor of behavioural Mmedicine at the University of Oxford, agreed that the study highlighted the need for society to take steps to reverse the rise of obesity. “It is one more reason for people to be concerned about the excess body weight that they carry,” he said. “This risk isn’t confined just to people who are really overweight. All of us who carry excess fat, and that is most of us in this country, are at some degree of risk.”

Increased risk of 11 types of cancer linked to being overweight, researchers warn

Go Nuts For Seeds: 8 Types to Eat More Often

Nuts and seeds are receiving increasing attention day by day, and studies show the potential health benefits of them. Seeds, these small foods are loaded with antioxidants, protein, fiber, healthy fats and variety of minerals. And it’s easy to include them into your snack and meals, here are some nutrient-packed seeds you should eat daily:

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are high in fiber and protein, contain omega-3 and 6 fatty acids as well as other essential minerals, makes it as a certified superfood to improve your overall health and prevent some chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds are well known for adding taste to food, while they are also very beneficial for your health. From aiding in digestion, curing the common colds and flu, relieving cough, detoxing body to boosting the absorption of nutrients. (Cumin the Spice With Many Purpose)

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds also have cancer prevention properties and help lower the risk of heart disease. They are a good source of vitamin E, copper, folate, selenium, and phytochemicals.

Chia Seeds

These incredible seeds are a good source of omega-3 oils, calcium, protein and antioxidants, they also contain a good amount of soluble fiber.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are full of protein and rich in zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins. They can regulate blood pressure, prevent diabetes, aid in digestion, make skin healthy, lower cholesterol, boost heart health, ease stress and anxiety, relieve arthritis, prevent liver disease and even prevent cancer.

Pumpkin Seeds

Many people like to add some pumpkin seeds to their salads, this is high recommended as the pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients. They are rich in zinc, manganese, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. They are also rich in lots of antioxidants that are good for your immune system.

Flaxseeds

This is one of the most ideal foods you can add to your oatmeal or smoothies. Flaxseeds are rich in antioxidants that help you fight cancer, and they are also packed with fiber to lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are often used as a culinary spice, the antioxidants in them help reduce cancer risk. They are high in fiber, calcium, and iron, also have anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a superfood for relieving arthritis.

Sources: seekingfit.com, ajcn.nutrition.org, healthdiaries.com

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Fight 9 Types Of Cancer Using Cannabis

Fight 9 Types Of Cancer Using Cannabis

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a common occurrence when a person faces potentially problematic or dangerous situations. It is also felt when a person perceives an external threat. However, chronic and irrational anxiety can lead to a form of anxiety disorder. There are different types of anxiety disorder depending on their causes or triggers.

Generalized anxiety disorder

A person who has this type of anxiety disorder usually experience prolonged anxiety that is often without basis. More accurately, people with generalized anxiety disorders cannot articulate the reason behind their anxiety. This type of anxiety usually last for six months and often affect women.  Due to the persistence of the anxiety, people affected with generalized anxiety disorder constantly fret and worry. This results to heart palpitations, insomnia, headaches, and dizzy spells.

Specific phobia

Unlike someone with generalized anxiety disorder, a person who has a specific phobia experiences extreme and often irrational fear of a certain situation or object. When exposed to the object or situation they fear, people with specific phobias exhibit signs of intense fear like shaking, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and nausea. Common specific phobias include fear of heights, enclosed spaces, blood, and animals. The fear a person with phobia feels can be so extreme that he or she may disregard safety just to escape the situation.

Panic disorder

Also, known as Agoraphobia, panic disorders are characterized by recurring panic attacks which are often unexpected. Symptoms are usually shaking, chest pains, dizziness, fear of losing control, and reluctance of being alone. People with panic disorder are aware that their panic is usually unfounded and illogical. This is why they avoid public situations and being alone. A panic attack can be so severe that people may lose control and hurt themselves.

Social phobia

Alternatively called social anxiety, a person with social phobia may exhibit similar symptoms like those of panic disorder especially in social situations. Shaking, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations may ensue when a person with social phobia finds his or herself at the center of attention or in the company of many people, regardless whether they are strangers or not.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience anxiety caused by a persistent obsession or idea. They tend to avoid experiencing anxiety by resorting to repetitive actions or behaviors that prevent anxiety. For example, a person who is obsessed about cleanliness may experience anxiety at the mere sight of a vase placed slightly off-center. To prevent anxiety, he or she will clean and organize everything compulsively or without reason.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur after a person experienced a severely traumatic event. He or she may relive the experience in his or her mind which causes stress and anxiety. If a person with PTSD comes into contact with stimuli (any object, person, or situation) that he or she associates with the traumatic event, he or she may literally re-experience the event by crying uncontrollably, panicking, or losing control. Subtle symptoms include insomnia and avoidant behavior. PTSD may manifest itself immediately after the traumatic event or even years after.

The good news is that there is hope. It is possible to recover from anxiety (2, 3). The primary source of anxiety is the imbalance in the gut function.  Techniques and methods that are used to help a person cope with a certain anxiety usually target not only the management of symptoms but coping mechanisms when exposed to triggers. Only after thorough diagnosis can treatment and recovery for anxiety disorders really commence.

1. A Mind of your Own, 2016 Kelly Brogan


2. Brain Maker, 2015, David Perlmutter

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Marijuana Has the Potential to Cure These 7 Types of Cancer

As the years progress, marijuana has been shying away from their known Schedule I drug category. The once tabooed plant is being accepted by many medical professionals across the country because of their studied, and proven, medical benefits. Multiple states across the United States have legalized the medical use of marijuana, while a few states have gone so far as to legalize recreational use. Along with the United States, many countries have also been accepting marijuana for medical use.

Cannabinoids, which are found in hemp and cannabis, have a great impact on rebuilding the immune system, and have been proven to reduce cancer cells. It is important to note that not all strains of cannabis carry the same effect; and that it is more effective for medicinal purposes when consumed, rather than smoked.

Listed below are several studies that suggest the benefits of cannabis use to fight against cancer.

1. Oral Cancer

According to a study done by the US National Library of Medicine, cannabinoids are shown to be highly toxic to inhibitors of cellular respiration and malignant oral tumors. It is shown that cannabinoids can inhibit cellular respiration among oral cancer cells because they contain Delta (8)-THC and Delta (9)-THC; which are known to possess antitumor activities and resulted in a rapid decline in cellular respiration when added to the cells.

2. Brain Cancer

The Journal of Neuroscience published a study that provided evidence that THC, which is the main component found in marijuana, can aid in protecting the brain against neurodegeneration. The study was done on rats and examined the biochemical events in progressive neurodegenerative diseases, as well as acute neuronal damage. It was shown that THC possessed antitumor properties and can protect the brain from neuronal injuries.

3. Lung Cancer

Harvard Medical School conducted a study, published by the US National Library of Medicine; that concluded that cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, inhibited lung metastasis and in vivo tumor grown in non-small cell lung cancer. CB1 and CB2 were also observed to inhibit phosphorylation of AKT; which is a molecule that controls cell migration, survival, and apoptosis. This study suggests that these cannabinoid receptors could be used as novel therapeutic targets against non-small cell lung cancer.

4. Breast Cancer

The journal, Molecular Cancer, published a study that suggests that tumor growth, and numbers, could be reduced by THC. The study determined that JWH-133, a non-psychotropic CB2, impairs tumor angiogenesis, inhibits cancer cell proliferation, and induces cancer cell apoptosis in ErbB2-positive breast cancer.

5. Pancreatic Cancer

The American Journal of Cancer published a study that apoptosis was induced by cannabinoid administration. Administration of cannabinoids also selectively increased TRB3 expression in pancreatic tumor cells, and inhibited the spreading, and growth, of tumor cells.

6. Prostate Cancer

US National Library of Medicine published multiple studies that determined that cannabidiol (CBD) inhibited cell viability, significantly. There was a decrease in prostatic cancer cells when acted through cannabinoid receptors, and was shown to have a more potent affect when BDS was in the presence of serum, versus pure cannabinoid compounds. The data produced from these studies all support the clinical testing of CBD against prostate carcinoma.

7. Liver Cancer

Because hepatocellular liver carcinoma (HCC) is the third cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, it has been essential to search for new treatments since there are few therapeutic options available once the advanced stages of the tumor set it. A study done by the US National Library of Medicine determined that THC reduced the growth of human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell lines, as well as reduced their viability. These findings may contribute to a new therapeutic strategy in the management of HCC.

Sources:

Marijuana Has the Potential to Cure These 7 Types of Cancer

Majority of those with common cancer types "can expect to live for 10 years"

Large majorities of people diagnosed with some of the most common cancers can now expect to live for at least 10 years, according to the latest estimates drawn up by government statisticians.

Those who develop skin cancer are the most likely to still be alive a decade after their diagnosis, with 89.4% of sufferers able to expect this lifespan, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

More than four in five (80.6%) women diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common form of cancer in females, should also survive for 10 years, given the gradual upward trend in survival, the ONS said.

Anticipated 10-year survival is almost as high for those with prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men. As many as 79.9% of those diagnosed with it can expect to still be alive after such a period.

Only 5.7% of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will live that long, as will jonly 9.8% of people who develop lung cancer and 11.9% of those with brain cancer.

The figures are part of calculations the ONS made for the first time that project how many people diagnosed with certain forms of cancer in 2015 are expected to survive for a decade. They estimate future survival rather than capturing the number of years cancer patients have already lived since diagnosis. They are based on all those diagnosed with the disease regardless of at what stage their cancer was identified.

The figures come as evidence continues to suggest that new drugs, better treatments and earlier diagnosis of the disease are helping to sustain the gradual increase in survival of some, but not other, cancer types. For example, 96.4% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009-13 lived for at least a year, while 86.7% survived for five years – the largest numbers on record.

For men, survival rates at one year and five years are highest for those with testicular cancer. Women diagnosed with melanoma of the skin have the best chance of the same highest one-year and five-year outcomes.

“Cancer survival is improving and has doubled over the last 40 years. For a number of cancers, including breast and skin cancer, more than eight out of 10 people will survive their disease,” said Rebecca Smittenaar, Cancer Research UK’s statistics manager. “Research has led to better treatments, new drugs, more accurate tests, earlier diagnosis and screening programmes, giving patients a better chance of survival,” she added.

For example, one-year survival for breast cancer has crept up from 95% for those diagnosed in 2007-11 to 96.4% of those who developed it in 2009-13, while five-year survival rose over the same period from 85% to 86.7%.

But Cancer Research UK is concerned that survival remains stubbornly low for some cancers, including lung, pancreatic and oesophageal forms of the disease and brain tumours. That is mainly because they are often diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective, experts say.

Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Surviving is not necessarily the same as living well, and too many people with cancer miss out on the support they badly need once treatment has finished.

“While today’s figures are to be celebrated, they should also act as a warning that as the number of long-term survivors increases, we will need a health service that is able to cope with this increasingly complex situation.”

David Crosby, director of services and engagement at Breast Cancer Care, said: “These extra years of life mean more precious time with loved ones, as well as the ability to continue to work and contribute to society.

“However, readjusting to life after the rollercoaster of breast cancer treatment can be the most traumatic time, for some even harder than the diagnosis itself. They may be struggling with body image or learning to cope with long-term effects of treatment, such as fatigue or painful joints, and living every day with the fear of the cancer returning or spreading.”

Majority of those with common cancer types "can expect to live for 10 years"

Scientists Make the World’s First Discovery on the Cause of Many Types of Birth Defects

For the first time in world history, scientists believe they have discovered a cause of many types of birth defects.  This recent groundbreaking discovery holds the key to understanding why many babies are born with defects of the heart, vertebrae, and kidney, among other congenital abnormalities.

New Research on the Cause of Birth Defects

A team of scientists at the Victor Chang Institute conducted research under the leadership of world-renowned professor Sally Dunwoodie.  The group of experts analyzed the effects of short-term oxygen deficiency on heart development in an embryo.

For the first time, the scientists were able to show that reduced oxygen levels damaged the heart while it develops.  Most significantly, the scientists worked out exactly how low oxygen was damaging the developing heart.

Professor Dunwoodie explains.

“We obviously know that smoking is terrible for an unborn baby’s health. But oxygen deficiency in an embryo can be caused by many things, for example prescription medications, high blood pressure, high altitude, a tangled umbilical cord, as well as carbon monoxide.”

World’s First Discovery

Childhood heart disease is the most common form of birth defect in the world.  It affects 1 in 100 babies.  However, even though birth defects are so common throughout the world, researchers and scientists have struggled in trying to understand the genetic and environmental causes of this serious malady.

Nevertheless, this group of scientists initiated a new study and attempted to find the cause of congenital heart disease (CHD).  This landmark discovery came when the team of scientists used a mouse model.  For eight hours, they lowered oxygen levels inside a chamber from the normal level of 21 percent to as low as 5.5 percent.

Professor Dunwoodie clarifies the groundbreaking discovery process.

“We discovered that reduced oxygen triggered a stress response in the embryonic cells. The cells try to relieve the stress by stopping protein production. Suddenly those proteins aren’t available to make the heart at a critical time and the heart couldn’t develop properly.”

It’s important to note, oxygen deficiency is not the only trigger of this cellular stress. There are a number of other factors, which can set it off — including pollution, poor nutrition, high blood glucose, increased temperature, or viral infections.

Professor Dunwoodie elaborates.

“This cellular stress response could be the key to a variety of birth defects, not just heart defects. Now, we strongly suspect it’s an underlying mechanism for many different types of birth defects — including those of the vertebrae, kidney and others.  Surprisingly this cellular stress response has been used for hundreds of millions of years and it is only now that we have discovered that it can cause organs, such as the heart, not to form properly.”

Prevention

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects are common and critical conditions that affect one in every 33 babies born in the U.S. each year.

Every four ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the U.S.  And each year, nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects.

Unfortunately, not all birth defects are preventable.  However, the CDC recommends there are steps a woman can take before and during pregnancy to increase her chance of having a healthy baby.

Here are the CDC’s recommended prevention steps

• Be sure to see your healthcare provider regularly and start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant.

• Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant.

• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use “street” drugs.

• Talk to a healthcare provider about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal supplements.  Don’t stop or start taking any type of medication without first talking with a doctor.

• Learn how to prevent infections during pregnancy.

• If possible, be sure any medical conditions are under control, before becoming pregnant. Some conditions that increase the risk for birth defects include diabetes and obesity.

Living with a Birth Defect

Babies who have birth defects often need special care and interventions to survive and develop.  State birth defects tracking programs provide one way to identify and refer children for the type of services they may require. Early intervention is very important when it comes to improving outcomes for these babies.

If your child has a birth defect, you should ask his or her doctor about local resources and treatment. Geneticists, genetic counselors, and other specialists are another resource.

Finding Support

Having a child with a birth defect can affect the entire family.  For some people, it’s helpful to talk with families or other people who share the same type of birth defect as you or your family member.

Other people might have learned how to address some of the same questions and concerns you may have.  Additionally, most of the time, they can give you advice about good resources and share what is working best for them.

Talking with other people may also provide hope and emotional support.  There are a variety of ways to connect with other people.  One way to connect with a person is by telephone.  You may also find support on reliable websites and social media groups on the Internet.

But it’s important to note that the choices of one family might not be the best for another family.  So it’s vital to understand and consider all options and discuss them with a health care provider.

This recent study titled, “Gestational stress induces the unfolded protein response, resulting in heart defects,” is published in the journal Development.

Scientists Make the World’s First Discovery on the Cause of Many Types of Birth Defects