Cancer Experts Discuss Cancer Vaccines and Immune Cycle Timing of Treatments in Brisbane

Cancer vaccines and immune cycle timing: Hear Prof Brendon Coventry and Martin Ashdown on 612 ABC radio Brisbane, Queensland with Steve Austin today 10.30am Tuesday 13 January 2015. State-wide broadcast. Listen or Download later as a podcast at: http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/programs/612_morning/

Cancer vaccines and immune cycle timing: Hear Prof Brendon Coventry and Martin Ashdown on 612 ABC radio Brisbane, Queensland with Steve Austin today 10.30am Tuesday 13 January 2015. State-wide broadcast. Listen or Download later as a podcast at:

http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/programs/612_morning/

A MEETING OF MINDS – EXPLORING FURTHER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF • Cancer Vaccines in

Prof Brendon Coventry Adelaide, South Australia
Prof Brendon Coventry Adelaide, South Australia

Australia & Immune Synchronisation of Cancer treatments is organised by my Institute. The Grace Gawler Institute is always looking for better ways to assist cancer patients to navigate the increasingly complex cancer maze.

We have invited a group of Medical scientists and clinicians to come together in Brisbane to discuss new ways to tackle the issue of improvements in the medical treatments of cancer. Conventional cancer treatments often get bad press, but the fact is they save lives, true not all lives; but significant enough particularly in some areas of medicine. As one solution to the growing swell of alternative cancer treatments; this group are looking at what can be done to improve conventional cancer medicine by extending the scientific knowledge of our immune system; utilising its inbuilt power and ability to “remember” pathogens, and invaders like cancer cells and proactively destroy them.

GG and Martin AShdown 31 Oct 14 interview  - Copy (2)
Martin Ashdown Melbourne University & Grace Gawler

Immune therapies and the discovery of the immune cycle in cancer patients to help better time delivery of treatments with potentially better outcomes and less side effects; is worthy of attention and research funding in the current climate.

Jeffrey Deslandes – recovered patient using cancer vaccines after 4th recurrence stage 4 lymphoma and now 8.5 years clear will also be in Brisbane this week. His book “From Cancer Good things Grow” tells his story of recovery using cancer vaccines made from his own tissue. All proceeds from the book go to research & Development and clinical application of cancer vaccines in Australia.

I will also be interviewing Prof Brendon Coventry on this weeks Navigating the Cancer Maze internet radio show.
Stay tuned for more updates…..

Until next time…

Grace

From Cancer Good Things Grow – A Survivor’s Story|Grace Gawler Interviews Jeffrey Deslandes

Jeffrey Deslandes thought he had it all. The father of five children, he had his whole life ahead of him. But on one fateful day in 1999, he believed it was all over when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He was wrong. His life had just begun!

from cancer good things growA true story of survival: Share the good news. Listen to Navigating the Cancer Maze: From Cancer Good Things Grow.  If you know someone with lymphoma, leukaemia, melanoma or other cancers – you need to tell them about Jeffrey Deslandes and how he survived and thrive thanks to cancer vaccines. They need to read his story.

Jeffrey Deslandes thought he had it all. The father of five children, he had his whole life ahead of him. But on one fateful day in 1999, he believed it was all over when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He was wrong. His life had just begun!

His diagnosis, B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, follicular mixed small and large cell, Stage IV, with bcl-2 gene translocation, with spleen and bone marrow involvement. His prognosis; poor.

His is an inspiring, positive, and true story about surviving cancer—and the things it teaches you. You grow as a person. You learn what is really important in life. You discover who your true friends are. Listen to my interview with Jeffrey on Voice America’s Health & Wellness Channel – Navigating the Cancer Maze: From Cancer Good Things Grow.  (Note: The show is sponsored by the Grace Gawler Institute. Free to listen – live stream on demand – select link above or download and listen another time – share with friends and fellow patients. Live broadcast 12 noon Friday – USA time(PST) – Australia – 6 am Qld time.

After traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, failed to control his cancer, Jeffrey started looking for emerging therapies. When he learned of an experimental treatment involving a personalised vaccine protocol, he pursued it. It is now feasible to have something good—a personalised cancer vaccine—created from something bad—your cancer. This one-of-a-kind vaccine reeducated his immune system so that it could identify and destroy his cancer.

Jeffrey’s story is not a gloom-and-doom tale of yet another poor soul enduring cancer treatment. Instead, he shares his story in the hope of reaching and inspiring other cancer patients who may have given up. Some of the stories in this book come from his deep spiritual core, but he is not a “religious” man. He doesn’t require you to believe these stories, only to know that everything detailed in this book is true.

See Press pass info – share this link to others.

ABOUT Jeffrey Deslandes: Jeffrey is a native of Melbourne, Australia. He has a Masters in Engineering Science, and is a Doctor of Philosophy, attained at the University of Melbourne. He has been married twice and has five children.  His is an inspiring, positive, and true story about surviving cancer—and the things it teaches you. You grow as a person. You learn what is really important in life. Compelled to write about his experience. “From Cancer Good Things Grow” was published recently. Available as ebook and soft cover.(Balboa Press) BUY online at: Balboa Press:

All proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to cancer vaccine research in Brisbane where Jeffrey had his treatment. He wants more people to know about his doctor and the the hope that vaccines bring for recovery. For more information about Jeffrey’s treatment – please contact me via the contact page on this BLOG or via www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

Note: Dendritic cell vaccines are highly technical and need rigorous quality control and expertise. Ask me for further information on how to access this treatment.

VOICE AMERICA LINK to listen to audio:

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/82217/from-cancer-good-things-grow-a-survivors-story

Until next time…… Grace

Options, Choices and Treatments for Cancer Recovery| Navigating the Cancer Maze

New cancer treatments are always controversial; BUT – this method is not a treatment. It’s a smart approach. A Smart approach that utilizes all that we know so far about cancer. It works because ultimately; our innate immune system knows what to do.

Options, Choices and Treatments for Cancer Recovery: De mystifying the oscillating the immune cycle.

When my ex husband and I had the idea for starting support groups for cancer patients in the early 1980’s. cancer organizations, patients and doctors were initially not supportive. In fact they were skeptical. They could not see any possible therapeutic benefit could come from people attending a support group.  How wrong they were! Move forward Body rhythms diagram40 years! Yes this December marks my beginning working with cancer patients 40 years ago in a time when there was no support in the health system and no support groups. Now, the benefit of patients attending structured supports and the well being benefit is indisputable.

There are still many new areas to explore, which leads me to discussing the immune cycle. It would seem that during 2014 on Navigating the Cancer Maze – we uncovered and delivered some significant “missing” pieces of the cancer treatment puzzle. It is my hope that as 2014 comes to an end – that 2015 will truly usher in a new paradigm in cancer treatments. The foundation has been laid, extensive research already done, the concept has been introduced worldwide – the  immune cycle measurement is here – NOW!
Now it is up to cancer patients to prove Martin Ashdown and Brendon Coventry right….or wrong. I liked it when Martin Ashdown said – “We believe this is so, a breakthrough – but we are open to being proven wrong!” As in the early days of my first charitable  foundation – it was people power – patient power that made a difference to the success of the Cancer Support Group Movement. Once told there would likely be a measured benefit from attending a support group – the press broadcast the news and the patients came on board en masse!

New cancer treatments are always controversial; BUT – this method is not a treatment. It’s a smart approach. A Smart approach that utilizes all that we know so far about cancer. It works because ultimately; our innate immune system knows what to do. It is just in temporary overwhelm. So doesn’t it make perfect sense that to find the best time to work in synch within the cycle of each person’s immune system to add the best chemotherapy or monoclonal antibody or other targeted treatment. Isn’t this the personalized approach we have been searching for? We all thought it would come in a pill – not an approach and that’s a paradigm shift that some in the world of science and medicine are struggling with.

measuring immune cycleKnowing how one’s immune cycle oscillates holds a clue, “the missing link” that can direct doctors to seek the best time to treat patients in their personal window of opportunity. Then within the parameters of what we know they will have the best chance of a good response or complete response to treatment. (CR)

When cancer cells challenge us – they are also smart. They are a part of us created by our internal systems. You could define cancer as an internal systems error!  These cancer cells cleverly recruit our intelligent mechanisms using them for their own growth and survival. It seems a bit crazy that something that wants to survive – kills its host. But – that’s life! To listen to the latest Voice America related to this blog visit:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/82056/options-choices-and-treatments-for-cancer-recovery

So – I believe as do Ashdown and Coventry – that if there is enough of the immune response left in a patient – that the cycle can still be measured and timed so administer the right treatment at the right time. It is simple enough – the only real cost being a series of blood tests. Then finding a doctor who will look at the science and research and say yes – they administer treatment during the 12 hour window of opportunity. The Grace Gawler Institute is keen to let you know and experience the immune cycle for yourself. Please Read more below or join the immune cycle registry at:

http://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/immune-cycle-registry/ also see our Next “Survivor Academy” Course!

Martin Ashdown and Brendon Coventry have built upon earlier excellent work in the study of chronobiology: Below are references given on Navigating the Cancer Maze today: I have provided abstract content as well as links.

Until next time……Grace

  • Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2010;50:377-421. doi: 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.48.113006.094626.
    Circadian timing in cancer treatments.
    Lévi F1, Okyar A, Dulong S, Innominato PF, Clairambault J.
    Author information
    Abstract
    The circadian timing system is composed of molecular clocks, which drive 24-h changes in xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification, cell cycle events, DNA repair, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The cellular circadian clocks are coordinated by endogenous physiological rhythms, so that they tick in synchrony in the host tissues that can be damaged by anticancer agents. As a result, circadian timing can modify 2- to 10-fold the tolerability of anticancer medications in experimental models and in cancer patients. Improved efficacy is also seen when drugs are given near their respective times of best tolerability, due to (a) inherently poor circadian entrainment of tumors and (b) persistent circadian entrainment of healthy tissues. Conversely, host clocks are disrupted whenever anticancer drugs are administered at their most toxic time. On the other hand, circadian disruption accelerates experimental and clinical cancer processes. Gender, circadian physiology, clock genes, and cell cycle critically affect outcome on cancer chronotherapeutics. Mathematical and systems biology approaches currently develop and integrate theoretical, experimental, and technological tools in order to further optimize and personalize the circadian administration of cancer treatments.
    PMID:
    20055686
    [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
  • http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20055686

Ann Pharm Fr. 2008 Jun;66(3):175-84. doi: 10.1016/j.pharma.2008.05.003.
[The circadian-timing system: a determinant of drug activity and a target of anticancer treatments].
[Article in French]
Lévi F.
Author information
Abstract
Cellular proliferation and drug detoxification are controlled over the 24h by the circadian-timing system, whose disruption can favor malignant processes. Thus, prolonged shift work appears to increase the risk of breast, colon or prostate cancer. Alterations in circadian physiology and/or molecular-clock genes accelerate cancer progression in experimental models and in cancer patients. In addition, anticancer treatments can also dampen or reinforce the circadian-timing system, as a function of dose and time of administration. The adjustment of anticancer-drug delivery to the circadian-timing system (chronotherapeutics) has allowed to reduce five-fold the incidence of severe adverse events as compared to constant rate infusion or wrongly-timed chronomodulated delivery in cancer patients. In experimental models, the best antitumor efficacy is usually obtained following treatment delivery near the least toxic time, a statement that also seems to apply to patients. Dedicated technologies include programmable in time pumps and rhythm monitors and are required for chronotherapeutics. Recent results have revealed that the optimal chronotherapeutic schedule could differ as a function of gender and circadian physiology. In conclusion, the circadian-timing system was shown to negatively control malignant proliferation via partly identified molecular mechanisms. The components of the circadian-timing system thus constitute new potential therapeutic targets in oncology. Mathematical models help toward a better understanding of the role of variability for the determination of the optimal chronotherapeutic schedule and constitute useful tools for the personalization of cancer chronotherapeutics.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18706346

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2013;(217):261-88. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-25950-0_11.
Cancer chronotherapeutics: experimental, theoretical, and clinical aspects.
Ortiz-Tudela E1, Mteyrek A, Ballesta A, Innominato PF, Lévi F.
Author information
Abstract
The circadian timing system controls cell cycle, apoptosis, drug bioactivation, and transport and detoxification mechanisms in healthy tissues. As a consequence, the tolerability of cancer chemotherapy varies up to several folds as a function of circadian timing of drug administration in experimental models. Best antitumor efficacy of single-agent or combination chemotherapy usually corresponds to the delivery of anticancer drugs near their respective times of best tolerability. Mathematical models reveal that such coincidence between chronotolerance and chronoefficacy is best explained by differences in the circadian and cell cycle dynamics of host and cancer cells, especially with regard circadian entrainment and cell cycle variability. In the clinic, a large improvement in tolerability was shown in international randomized trials where cancer patients received the same sinusoidal chronotherapy schedule over 24h as compared to constant-rate infusion or wrongly timed chronotherapy. However, sex, genetic background, and lifestyle were found to influence optimal chronotherapy scheduling. These findings support systems biology approaches to cancer chronotherapeutics. They involve the systematic experimental mapping and modeling of chronopharmacology pathways in synchronized cell cultures and their adjustment to mouse models of both sexes and distinct genetic background, as recently shown for irinotecan. Model-based personalized circadian drug delivery aims at jointly improving tolerability and efficacy of anticancer drugs based on the circadian timing system of individual patients, using dedicated circadian biomarker and drug delivery technologies.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23604483

Chronobiol Int. 2002 Jan;19(1):1-19.
From circadian rhythms to cancer chronotherapeutics.
Lévi F.
Author information
Abstract
Mammalian circadian rhythms result from a complex organization involving molecular clocks within nearly all “normal” cells and a dedicated neuroanatomical system, which coordinates the so-called “peripheral oscillators.” The core of the central clock system is constituted by the suprachiasmatic nuclei that are located on the floor of the hypothalamus. Our understanding of the mechanisms of circadian rhythm generation and coordination processes has grown rapidly over the past few years. In parallel, we have learnt how to use the predictable changes in cellular metabolism or proliferation along the 24h time scale in order to improve treatment outcome for a variety of diseases, including cancer. The chronotherapeutics of malignant diseases has emerged as a result of a consistent development ranging from experimental, clinical, and technological prerequisites to multicenter clinical trials of chronomodulated delivery schedules. Indeed large dosing-time dependencies characterize the tolerability of anticancer agents in mice or rats, a better efficacy usually results from treatment administration near the least toxic circadian time in rodent tumor models. Programmable in time multichannel pumps have allowed to test the chronotherapy concepts in cancer patients and to implement chronomodulated delivery schedules in current practice. Clinical phase I and II trials have established the feasibility, the safety, and the activity of the chronotherapy schedules, so that this treatment method has undergone further evaluation in international multicenter phase III trials. Overall, more than 2,000 patients with metastatic disease have been registered in chronotherapy trials. Improved tolerability and/or better antitumor activity have been demonstrated in randomized multicenter studies involving large patient cohorts. The relation between circadian rhythmicity and quality of life and even survival has also been a puzzling finding over the recent years. An essential step toward further developments of circadian-timed therapy has been the recent constitution of a Chronotherapy cooperative group within the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. This group now involves over 40 institutions in 12 countries. It is conducting currently six trials and preparing four new studies. The 19 contributions in this special issue reflect the current status and perspectives of the several components of cancer chronotherapeutics.
PMID:
11962669
[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11962669
Cancer Causes Control. 2006 May;17(4):611-21.
Chronotherapeutics: the relevance of timing in cancer therapy.
Lévi F.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Cell physiology is regulated along the 24-h time scale by a circadian timing system composed of molecular clocks within each cell and a central coordination system in the brain. The mammalian molecular clock is made of interconnected molecular loops involving at least 12 circadian genes. The cellular clocks are coordinated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei, a hypothalamic pacemaker which also helps the organism adjust to environmental cycles. The rest-activity rhythm is a reliable marker of the circadian system function in both rodents and man. This circadian organization is responsible for predictable changes in the tolerability and efficacy of anticancer agents, and possibly also in tumor promotion or growth.
METHODS:
Expected least toxic times of chemotherapy were extrapolated from experimental models to human subjects with reference to the rest-activity cycle. The clinical relevance of the chronotherapy principle, i.e. treatment administration as a function of rhythms, has been demonstrated in randomized multicenter trials.
RESULTS:
Chronotherapeutic schedules have been used to safely document the activity of the association of oxaliplatin, 5-FU and leucovorin against metastatic colorectal cancer and to set up a new medicosurgical management of this disease which achieved unprecedented long term survival.
CONCLUSION:
The chronotherapy concept offers further promises for improving current cancer treatment options as well as for optimizing the development of new anticancer or supportive agents.
PMID:
16596317
[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Mol Med. 2012 Dec 6;18:1249-60. doi: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00077.
Circadian rhythm disruption in cancer biology.
Savvidis C1, Koutsilieris M.
Author information
Abstract
Circadian rhythms show universally a 24-h oscillation pattern in metabolic, physiological and behavioral functions of almost all species. This pattern is due to a fundamental adaptation to the rotation of Earth around its own axis. Molecular mechanisms of generation of circadian rhythms organize a biochemical network in suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues, building cell autonomous clock pacemakers. Rhythmicity is observed in transcriptional expression of a wide range of clock-controlled genes that regulate a variety of normal cell functions, such as cell division and proliferation. Desynchrony of this rhythmicity seems to be implicated in several pathologic conditions, including tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. In 2007, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized “shiftwork that involves circadian disruption [as] probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A in the IARC classification system of carcinogenic potency of an agent) (Painting, Firefighting, and Shiftwork; IARC; 2007). This review discusses the potential relation between disruptions of normal circadian rhythms with genetic driving machinery of cancer. Elucidation of the role of clockwork disruption, such as exposure to light at night and sleep disruption, in cancer biology could be important in developing new targeted anticancer therapies, optimizing individualized chronotherapy and modifying lighting environment in workplaces or homes.
PMID:
22811066
[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID:
PMC3521792
Free PMC Article

Chronobiol Int. 2012 Apr;29(3):227-51. doi: 10.3109/07420528.2012.658127.
Clock genes and clock-controlled genes in the regulation of metabolic rhythms.
Mazzoccoli G1, Pazienza V, Vinciguerra M.
Author information
Abstract
Daily rotation of the Earth on its axis and yearly revolution around the Sun impose to living organisms adaptation to nyctohemeral and seasonal periodicity. Terrestrial life forms have developed endogenous molecular circadian clocks to synchronize their behavioral, biological, and metabolic rhythms to environmental cues, with the aim to perform at their best over a 24-h span. The coordinated circadian regulation of sleep/wake, rest/activity, fasting/feeding, and catabolic/anabolic cycles is crucial for optimal health. Circadian rhythms in gene expression synchronize biochemical processes and metabolic fluxes with the external environment, allowing the organism to function effectively in response to predictable physiological challenges. In mammals, this daily timekeeping is driven by the biological clocks of the circadian timing system, composed of master molecular oscillators within the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, pacing self-sustained and cell-autonomous molecular oscillators in peripheral tissues through neural and humoral signals. Nutritional status is sensed by nuclear receptors and coreceptors, transcriptional regulatory proteins, and protein kinases, which synchronize metabolic gene expression and epigenetic modification, as well as energy production and expenditure, with behavioral and light-dark alternance. Physiological rhythmicity characterizes these biological processes and body functions, and multiple rhythms coexist presenting different phases, which may determine different ways of coordination among the circadian patterns, at both the cellular and whole-body levels. A complete loss of rhythmicity or a change of phase may alter the physiological array of rhythms, with the onset of chronodisruption or internal desynchronization, leading to metabolic derangement and disease, i.e., chronopathology.
PMID:
22390237
[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Navigating the Cancer Maze Radio – USA Thanksgiving Holiday edition|Fran Drescher with Grace Gawler

The Cancer Schmancer Movement is changing the paradigm away from a cure toward cancer prevention and early detection. 90% of cancer is caused by environmental factors she says. By knowing what toxins to avoid we can reduce our cancer risk and by being proactive with annual screenings, people can be diagnosed earlier with a better chance to live longer & healthier.

Today on Navigating the Cancer Maze radio on Voice America – I have repeated our most popular interview since the show began in August 2012. It’s Thanksgiving weekend in the USA and Voice America staff are on holiday.  To locate my interview with Fran Drescher, if you haven’t heard it before – please select this link . Fran Drescher’s interview has encored several times on the show due to her popularity. Each week Navigating the Cancer Maze audience is growing. The show is being talked about by patient groups and audio files are being shared around the globe to those in need of valid and practical cancer information. I am not one for promoting celebrities – but I see something different in Fran Drescher, pro active and smart; based on her experience; she genuinely wants to make a difference in cancer. You will see what I mean when you take a look at her charity website www.CancerSchmancer.org 

GRACE GAWLER AND FRAN DRESCHER CANCER SCHMANCERThe Cancer Schmancer Movement is changing the paradigm away from a cure toward cancer prevention and early detection. 90% of cancer is caused by environmental factors she says. By knowing what toxins to avoid we can reduce our cancer risk and by being proactive with annual screenings, people can be diagnosed earlier with a better chance to live longer & healthier.

The impulse for Cancer Schmancer was born through Fran’s personal adversities. An added trauma for celebs is that their issues are played out on the public stage. Raped during a robbery in her home in 1985, she later was diagnosed with uterine cancer. A survivor, she has been an inspiration and an example to other women to not give up! Misdiagnosed by 8 doctors over a 2 year period – it was her dogged persistence to get a proper diagnosis that led to her surgery and recovery. The outcome could have been very different had she not been the type of person she is. But not all women persist with getting a diagnosis when they know something is not right with their health. Second, third, fourth opinions or more may be needed. Early diagnosis is a far easier path than dealing with advanced cancer and this is the path the Fran Drescher has taken in educating women about women’s cancers.

Fran divorced her first husband, writer and producer, Peter Marc Jacobson, who later came out as gay. Recent good news for Fran is that it seems found her real life Maxwell Sheffield when she married Dr Shiva Ayyadurai in September this year.

Fran is known for her innate ability to transform bad experiences into positives, writing a book titled Cancer Schmancer, where she wrote, “my whole life has been about changing negatives into positives.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKMVz3qfn-I&w=560&h=315]

Footnote: About Thanksgiving: A Triumph of woman power and a listening president!

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of “Thanksgiving to God” under its new constitution. However it was a persistent woman, Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book who for thirty years, promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln’s precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

http://www.cancerschmancer.org/frans-story

http://www.cancerschmancer.org/

http://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU_Q8S8nvp0&w=560&h=315]

Happy Thanksgiving to all my USA listeners and supporters…

Until next time
Grace

An Answer to Cancer – How Your Immune Body-Clock can assist Complete Remission | Navigating the Cancer Maze

Cancer affects everyone around the world in some way. Friends, relatives, children, mums and dads, grans and grandpas! It does not discriminate. It causes as much or perhaps even more misery than war because it reaches into every race, culture and country! If there was just one thing we could add to the recipe for Curing cancer or extending life with quality and well-being – wouldn’t we all be excited and interested?Do you want to know one important missing piece of the cancer puzzle? Two cancer researchers Martin Ashdown & Brendon Coventry have explored that question and yes they are excited!

How Your Immune Body-Clock can assist Complete Remission: (Please pass on the link to this blog to those in need)

Cancer affects everyone around the world in some way. Friends, relatives, children, mums and dads, grans and grandpas! It does not discriminate. It causes as much or perhaps even more misery than war because it reaches into every race, culture and country!  If there was just one thing we could add to the recipe for Curing cancer or extending life with quality and well-being – wouldn’t we all be excited and interested? Do you want to know one important missing piece of the cancer puzzle?  Listen to today’s show at: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/81479/an-answer-to-cancer-how-your-immune-body-clock-can-assist-complete-remission

Measuring immune cycles
Measuring immune cycles may be one missing piece of the cancer cure puzzle!

The show is free to air on the internet – live streaming listening at any time- free download – archived indefinitely.

Two cancer researchers Martin Ashdown & Brendon Coventry have explored that question and yes they are excited! So am I and so are some doctors and oncologists! Testing patients to map their immune cycle is not a complex exercise, but to do this, a system needs to be changed. All discoveries of worth seem to be hobbled for while – then accepted – struggling across the finish line…sometime after decades!

In 1983, Australian doctors J. Robin Warren and Barry Marshall isolated Helicobacter pylori, the bacterial cause of peptic ulcer disease. When the H. pylori hypothesis was developed, the doctors were certain that it would immediately gain universal acceptance and that within two years peptic ulcer therapy would be essentially an antimicrobial regimen”. This was far from the case. A 1986 book on Peptic Ulcer and its Drug Causation lends a page to the bacterial hypothesis, noting, “Whether these bacteria have an aetiological role in peptic ulcer gastritis is unknown”. At this time, doctors still prescribed drugs to reduce stomach acidity and monitored patients for complications. The story of Helicobacter pylori’s acceptance as a pathogenic agent reveals the issues with the acceptance of new thought even when there is validation and justification. http://www.jyi.org/issue/delayed-gratification-why-it-took-everybody-so-long-to-acknowledge-that-bacteria-cause-ulcers/

There are ethical laws in place; essential for the safety of humans in medicine. Changed laws of medical ethics, prevent a modern reprise of Pasteur’s heroic demonstration of his rabies vaccine through the vaccination of an infected boy. Measuring each cancer patients immune cycle and timing their treatment at the right time –  is nothing akin to that! It simply makes sense!

Perhaps one can understand the caution in prescribing an antibiotic. Measuring immune cycles and timing treatment for a better outcome? Now to my way of thinking this fulfills the old Hippocratic oath – “Above all, do no harm!”

The Grace Gawler Institute has a history of wanting to procure the best treatment options for cancer patients. We feel that by educating patients about their immune cycle and taking this material to their doctor – they can help change the face of cancer treatment in a risk free experiment to prove (or not) the research work of Martin Ashdown & Brendon Coventry.  This is why we have created the Cancer Immune Registry:

world cancer
Cancer affects everyone around the globe- it does not discriminate!

Background –  A cancer drug used for more than 20 years that is now providing oncologists with new information about how to best help patients achieve complete remission. The drug called interleukin-2, is providing cancer researchers with something akin to how the “Rosetta Stone” was used to unlock historical script; the outcome; mapping the immune cycle!

To understand how this is possible – join me with guest Martin Ashdown on Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel ( internet radio)  to hear the full story of this amazing breakthrough.

Learn how you can access info about your immune cycle to assist cancer treatment efficacy.

RESOURCES:

1. http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/81479/an-answer-to-cancer-how-your-immune-body-clock-can-assist-complete-remission

2. http://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/immune-cycle-registry/

3. Martin Ashdown Window of Opportunity1 article: Australasian Science

4. MARTIN ASHDOWN A Matter of Time_AS_Article: article Australasian Science

5. VIDEO: Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Could Timing Be Everything? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXX-9t8xiAo

6. CLICK  HERE FOR PRESS RELEASE VOICE AMERICA

7. CLICK HERE FOR VOICEAMERICA PRESS PASS RELEASE

An Answer to Cancer – How Your Immune Body-Clock can assist Complete Remission Grace Gawler with Martin Ashdown

Could timing of cancer treatments be the missing link in delivery of cancer therapies? Sounds too simple to be true? Two cancer researchers Martin Ashdown & Brendon Coventry are “immunological explorers” who not only unearthed a buried “treasure”; but they have also created a map for other innovative cancer “explorers” to follow. The “treasure” is a cancer drug used for more than 20 years that is now providing oncologists with new information about how to best help patients achieve complete remission. The drug called interleukin-2, is providing cancer researchers with something akin to how the “Rosetta Stone” was used to unlock historical script; the outcome; mapping the immune cycle!

An Answer to Cancer – How Your Immune Body-Clock can assist Complete Remission

Be sure to mark this coming weekend in your diary (7,8 November) to listen to this inspiring and significant edition of Navigating the Cancer Maze.

The Cancer Immune Cycle - A Window of Opportunity in Treatment Efficacy
The Cancer Immune Cycle – A Window of Opportunity in Treatment Efficacy

The show can be downloaded on itunes or reached at any time live streaming at the link below.
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/81479/an-answer-to-cancer-how-your-immune-body-clock-can-assist-complete-remission

The show is broadcast by Voice America on internet radio – but is distributed world wide and is a must for all cancer patients. Please select link at bottom of page to be directed to the eCard for this weeks edition. You can also sign up with Voice America to receive notice of ongoing shows. You can also sign up and follow this blog ( in the right side bar)  to receive weekly invaluable cancer information and Navigating the Cancer Maze links direct to your email inbox.

We know you will be inspired and encouraged by this show – so we have a call to action page on our website where cancer patients can be involved.

To join or read about the Cancer Immune Cycle Registry
please visit: http://www.gracegawlerinstitute.com/immune-cycle-registry/

 

This week……..An Answer to Cancer – How Your Immune Body-Clock can assist Complete Remission

Could timing of cancer treatments be the missing link in delivery of cancer therapies? Sounds too simple to be true? Two cancer researchers Martin Ashdown & Brendon Coventry are “immunological explorers” who not only unearthed a buried “treasure”; but they have also created a map for other innovative cancer “explorers” to follow. The “treasure” is a cancer drug used for more than 20 years that is now providing oncologists with new information about how to best help patients achieve complete remission. The drug called interleukin-2, is providing cancer researchers with something akin to how the “Rosetta Stone” was used to unlock historical script; the outcome; mapping the immune cycle! Join me with guest Martin Ashdown on Navigating the Cancer Maze to hear the story of this amazing breakthrough. Learn how you can access info about your immune cycle to assist cancer treatment efficacy.            Please Remember to like us on Facebook!

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Why you Need an Experienced Guide to Help you Navigate the Cancer Maze.

Best Advice for anyone dealing with Cancer – Don’t try to Navigate the Cancer Maze alone! Find an experienced guide – someone you can trust and who is professional. If you have cancer or know someone who is dealing with cancer – please forward this blog link or the direct link to Voice America – where the Grace Gawler Institute’s internet radio show is hosted. We have a global audience. Listen live streaming or download episodes for free and listen later. Please help us in our mission to distribute reliable, valid and evidence-based cancer information – The lives of cancer patients depend upon truth in all branches and modalities of medicine.

Best Advice for anyone dealing with Cancer – Don’t try to Navigate the Cancer Maze alone! Find an experienced guide – someone you can trust and who is professional. If you have cancer or know someone who is dealing with cancer –  please forward this blog link or the direct link to Voice America – where the Grace Gawler Institute’s internet radio show is hosted. We have a global audience. Listen live streaming or download  episodes for free and listen later. Please help us in our mission to distribute reliable, valid and evidence-based cancer information – The lives of cancer patients depend upon truth in all branches and modalities of medicine.

A Helping Hand Grace GawlerAn experienced cancer guide who can navigate with a best of both worlds approach is becoming more and more essential in the escalating world of cancer information overload. While clearly patients want to be in charge & empowered when it comes to choosing cancer treatments, much of the knowledge being filtered to them is misleading; some just downright untruthful.

But on the other hand many patients have lost trust in the medical profession’s approach and treatment of cancer. Accordingly, this patient dissatisfaction has created a void in the system which has been readily filled by pseudo-science & magic promises of “cures” that don’t deliver. Time is precious for all patients but for some, a wrong path taken while navigating the maze, can have devastating consequences.

On today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze –  I share with you some of the relevant history of cancer that has led to today’s experience of cancer and how for thousands of years – Cancer has been deemed to be incurable. How can patients be discerning & use a best of both worlds approach?  In this episode you will learn about survival strategies & how patients can learn to embrace an intelligent and reliable approach. It is always useful to know about history and the history of medicine and cancer is no exception. By taking an historical walk through the centuries of cancer and medicine today to current time – you will learn why the cancer-cure is the most sought after prize on the planet. As a follow on oday’s episode is packed with useful – lifesaving information and strategies to help anyone effectively navigate the cancer maze.

Cancer is not a new disease of modern civilisation as many people think. Growths suggestive of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer; have been seen in Egyptian mummies.

The oldest complete example in the world of a human with metastatic cancer in a 3,000 year-old skeleton - Egypt
The oldest complete example in the world of a human with metastatic cancer in a 3,000 year-old skeleton – Egypt

Some of the earliest evidence of cancer is found among fossilized bone tumours, ancient Egyptian human mummies in, and ancient manuscripts. The oldest description of cancer was discovered in Egypt and dates back to about 3000 BC. Writings about the disease recorded on papyrus at the time, translated as, “There is no treatment.”

The ‘incurable’ nature of cancer and belief systems about cancer held by humanity for thousands of years is likely the reason that throughout the centuries, so many have wanted their claim to fame by trying to cure the so called incurable. Doctors even practised some strange and weird practises such as tying a live toad to a women’s breast to cure cancer.

Many of these were not scientists; some may have been genuine – for example, herbalists who stumbled across plants with anti cancer properties that may have played a part in a person’s recovery and this became folklore medicine – some of it is still of value today. However – this concept of cancer, has I believe – always left the door open for the charlatans and those who want to take advantage of an unsuspecting cancer public.

Over centuries – the trickster, charlatan, quack or snake oil salesman has been ready to peddle their products; whilst in modern times; information gathering pseudo-scientists, men in cowboy hats, banana-fuelled runners and aging entrepreneurs along with people who look barely old enough to vote, have jumped on the “I can cure cancer bandwagon” – follow me!  Some of them may mean well – but without an understanding of cancer they have become the dangerous persuaders of modern times.

But hey let’s not forget that modern medicine and science have delivered the best results so far in history. Chemotherapy was first developed at the beginning of the 20th century, although it was not originally intended as a cancer treatment. During World War II, it was discovered that people exposed to nitrogen mustard developed significantly reduced white blood cell counts. From thereon investigations into cancer cures were driven by yes, some big pharma profiteers – but also by genuine researchers and scientists. It has not been the best we could have done in terms of making people sick in order to help them get better- that seems to go against the grain of healing principles. Yet although it has been a rough road for some  – but many of my past patients would not be alive with out it! Immunotherapy has arrived on the scene….but there is more on the horizon. The future of treating cancer is now on the precipice of some amazing new information that I will be sharing with you in the next few weeks – STAY TUNED!

LISTEN TO GRACE GAWLER  VOICE AMERICA AUDIO
LISTEN TO GRACE GAWLER VOICE AMERICA AUDIO

This leads me to the real thrust of today’s show: That today in 2014 – in my experience in 40 years of working with cancer patients – that  it  is the strategies that a person employs in dealing with cancer that can make a difference to outcome and survival.

A How to Survive Cancer Manual is not given at the time of diagnosis!  How to survive and thrive – how to live well or die well – how to enhance life quality throughout adversity, how to adapt to changes around you and in your body, how to relate to those around you, how to really heal your life and grow though the experience of cancer are less popular  …. the real stuff of being a human with cancer is not to be found in juices and psuedo-science ….conventional medicine can help the body – but that is only one part of the story. Cancer patients who take charge of their life and make informed decisions clearly do well – even with advanced cancer.

Thanks for reading this blog and for listening to Voice America – Navigating the Cancer Maze. More on this topic in the next few days……Enjoy your day…..Grace

Resources mentioned in the show today:

How Surgeons can Help you Navigate the Colorectal Cancer Maze | Dr Francis Seow Choen with Grace Gawler

Dr Francis Seow Choen is himself a medical miracle. As a 7 year old he recovered from major surgery for a cancer in his small intestine after facing a horrendous 6 months of radiation treatment and chemotherapy back in 1964 when treatments were harsh. He survived! Dr. Seow-Choen graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1981 & obtained his higher surgical qualifications in 1987. He sub-specialised in colorectal surgery in 1989 where he worked with the world-class surgeons of St Marks’ Hospital in London. He is a remarkable CR surgeon.

Part 2 – How Surgeons can Help you Navigate the Colorectal Cancer Maze

Dr Francis Seow Choen MBBS (Spore), FRCS (Edin), FAMS

Dr Francis Seow Choen Fortis Surgical Hospital Singapore
Dr Francis Seow Choen Fortis Surgical Hospital Singapore

Dr Francis Seow Choen is himself a medical miracle. As a 7 year old he recovered from major surgery for a cancer in his small intestine after facing a horrendous 6 months of radiation treatment and chemotherapy back in 1964 when treatments were harsh. He survived! Interview CLICK HERE

Dr. Seow-Choen graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1981 & obtained his higher surgical qualifications in 1987. He sub-specialised in colorectal surgery in 1989 where he worked with the world-class surgeons of St Marks’ Hospital in London. He is a remarkable CR surgeon.

I have interviewed Dr Francis Seow Choen previously on my internet radio show Navigating the Cancer Maze at Voice America. This time however, we touch on more details about the surgical techniques available for anyone dealing with colorectal cancer today.

As well, speaking as CR surgeon and recovered patient; he had a powerful message to cancer patients. Listen to this short excerpt from his interview: Select the icon below right to hear Dr Seow Choen’s message.

A personal message to cancer patients from Dr Francis Seow Choen
A personal message to cancer patients from Dr Francis Seow Choen

I have tremendous respect for the art and science of surgery. My own introduction to surgery came when I was 15 years of age. I began working in a veterinary clinic after school, then during holidays and for while as permanent staff. I was fortunate that the owner took me on as an apprentice as he knew my passion was to become a veterinarian. So, not only did I learn “hands-on” labrador retriever at the vetsurgery at an early age – I also was involved in co-performing post postmortems on animals which has served as a treasured learning field for understanding anatomy, physiology and pathology – many older dogs and cats who succumbed to an advanced and previously undiagnosed cancer that became a postmortem exercise; allowed me to see a wide range of cancers in vivo.

On the other hand, I was also impressed in how quickly animals responded to surgery for cancer and that for a high percentage of our animal clients – of those  caught early in diagnosis; few had a recurrence. There were also cases where enormous tumour loads were surgically removed, and the dog lived a long life afterwards! It was here that I developed a tremendous respect for surgical skills and the associated healing potential and regenerative powers that along with our animal friends, we all possess. However, surgery has come a long way since those days when robotic surgery entered the arena a few years ago.

You will find today’s interview with Dr Seow Choen informative, especially regarding the techniques using the new DaVinci Robotic surgery technology. You can read more about this technique as well as listening to the interview with Dr Seow Choen at: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/80875/how-surgeons-can-help-you-navigate-the-colorectal-cancer-maze-part-2

Singapore Fortis surgical Hospital da-Vinci-Robotic-Surgery equipment
Singapore Fortis surgical Hospital da-Vinci-Robotic-Surgery equipment

 

Dr. Seow-Choen helped establish the first colorectal surgery department in Asia at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and is considered a leader in the development in CR surgery and approaches to treatment.

In this interview with Dr Seow Choen he also comments on diet and nutrition for cancer patients from the viewpoint of an experienced CR surgeon.

You may be surprised what he says……

 In the last segment of today’s show, I provide an overview on treatments available for CR cancer in 2014. A not to be missed show!

DaVinci robotic surgery technology
DaVinci robotic surgery technology

Resources:

Contact: www.fortissurgicalhospital.com to learn more…..

Or visit Dr Seow Choen’s website:

http://www.colorectalcentre.com/eng/index.html 

Don’t miss reading the informative medical media articles  at……….

http://www.colorectalcentre.com/eng/media_articles.html

If you missed last weeks interview with Dr Seow Choen’s colleague Dr Lim Jit Fong –

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Remember all interviews on Navigating the Cancer Maze are free to air (on live streaming and available from the archives anytime) and can be downloaded for free on itunes.

The show is not copyright and is available to distribute in the interest of cancer education and public awareness.

The show is available globally and is sponsored by donations to the Grace Gawler Institute a registered NFP Health Promotion Charity with DGR status based in Australia with a global outreach.

Tips on How to Navigate the Carers Maze – Grace Gawler interviews Ellen Slater- Carers Qld.

Having been a sole care-giver at the age of 21 when my then boyfriend and later husband was suddenly diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) I had an abrupt introduction into the world of the caregiver. When he underwent surgery for a full leg amputation – life became even more challenging. Carers are the backbone of most societies. Their task is often unnoticed and even unappreciated. Ellen Slater aims to change that – in fcat she has made it her life mission to provide care and teach self – care to caregivers.

Tips on How to Navigate the Carers MazeGrace Gawler interviews Ellen Slater- Carers Qld.

Having been a sole care-giver at the age of 21 when my then boyfriend and later husband was suddenly diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) I had an abrupt introduction into the world of the caregiver. When he underwent surgery for a full leg amputation – life became even more challenging. Carers are the backbone of most societies. Their task is often unnoticed and even unappreciated. Ellen Slater aims to change that – in fcat she has made it her life mission to provide care  and teach self – care to caregivers.

Ellen Slater has had a life-time of personal care-giving & then chose a vocation in care-giving as well as a career as a family therapist and counselor.

Ellen Slater Carers Qld
Ellen Slater Carers Qld

 For 6 years Ellen has been Manager for Counseling, Family Support and Advocacy programs with Carers Queensland. Carers Australia is the peak body for carers. Carers Queensland is responsible for a National Carers Counseling Program (NCCP) which, Ellen has been privileged to manage. In Queensland the organization has 13 professional counseling staff, where they offer face to face counseling, telephone counseling & home visits. This is a state wide program. Ellen has recently resigned from her position at Carers Qld to follow her heart and passion into her next venture and adventure; Joyland Carers Retreat near Korora beach, Coffs Harbour in Northern NSW. www.joylandcarersretreat.com.au More about Ellen Slater on the Guest page.
CONTACT CARER’S QLD:  www.carersqld.asn.au

 

Listen to the audio interview – download on itunes for free and live streaming anytime.

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/80607/how-to-navigate-the-carers-maze-grace-gawler-and-ellen-slater

About Ellen:
Ellen Slater Ellen has been a carer for most of her childhood, adolescence and adulthood. She has a Masters of Counseling & has completed clinical courses in Family Therapy and supervision, a Diploma of Ministry, a Bachelor of Counseling, & has now been accepted as a candidate for a PhD. She is a recipient of the “Golden Key”, University of New England-Armidale. Whilst studying and also caring for her late husband, she ran a successful private practice & support groups from home.

 Joyland Carers Retreat Coffs Harbour
Near Joyland Carers Retreat Coffs Harbour

She became Senior Counselor & Manager for Counseling & Advocacy-Carers Qld.

As a carer she was exhausted, isolated, angry; then later guilty & emotionally burnt out.

She dreamed of having a break & being alone for a while to find her-self. She was aware of others in similar situations; carers who needed respite & nurturing to regain their strength and courage to carry on.

Joyland Carer’s Retreat will open in Jan 2015; a self funded initiative that is now almost a reality www.joylandcarersretreat.com.au

Resources:Australia:

  1.  www.joylandcarersretreat.com.au
  2. http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
  3. http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/about-carers/young-carers2/

USA:

  1. http://www.caregiver.com/
  2. http://www.helpguide.org/elder/caring_for_caregivers.htm
  3. https://www.caregiver.org/
  4. http://www.caregiveraction.org/

CLICK HERE  – TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH ELLEN SLATER

Attention caregivers: Making use of helpful services – USA RESOURCES CONTINUED.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE HARVARD’S CAREGIVERS HANDBOOK

Being a caregiver for an ailing parent, spouse, child, or other loved one can feel like a lonely undertaking. But it doesn’t have to be, even if you don’t have family nearby to pitch in. Help for caregivers is available from various organizations. Once you learn what’s available, it may be easier to chart a less-demanding course toward meeting the needs of your spouse, relative, or friend.
Get your copy of Caregiver’s Handbook

Close to 49 million informal or family caregivers offer assistance of all sorts to adults in America. Their efforts are vital to the lives of people struggling with illness, disability, or the changes that often accompany aging. This report will assist you in meeting the needs of the person you care for while attending to your own. It includes financial, legal, and medical information that’s vital to caregivers, as well as a special section devoted to caring for yourself as you navigate caregiving challenges.

Here are some types of services and professionals you might want to investigate.
• Adult day services. These programs offer comprehensive packages of assistance, though what’s in the package varies from place to place. Services may include transportation, nursing care, meals, personal care (such as help with bathing or toilet use), social opportunities, or rehabilitative activities. Such facilities are immensely helpful if your loved one needs supervision or assistance with daily activities, health care, or social support for physical or cognitive impairments. Typically, adult day services are open during normal business hours. Some offer evening and weekend hours.
• Certified nurse’s aides. These trained aides can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and personal care. Keep in mind that they are not nurses, and so can’t administer medications.
• Hired companions and homemakers. You may want to hire someone to help with meals, shopping, and laundry; supervise activity; and provide companionship and transportation. Some people may also be willing to help with personal care. An informal arrangement—such as a college student who lives in a home and provides help in exchange for rent—can work well.
• Home health aides. These aides perform personal services such as bathing and dressing, and may do light housekeeping.
• Meal programs. Hot, nutritious meals may be available through programs like the Meals on Wheels Association of America (703-548-5558, or www.mowaa.org) or the federally funded Eating Together Program, which offers lunch and companionship at community centers. Senior centers, community groups, or religious organizations may have similar services.
• Case managers. Some hospitals and health insurance plans assign case managers to oversee and coordinate health care. Case managers are often registered nurses or social workers. They help coordinate services, keep tabs on a patient’s progress, and communicate with the patient, caregiver, family, clinicians, and key departments, such as billing.
• Nurses. Nurses offer skilled nursing care, such as inserting intravenous lines, cleaning wounds, and changing bandages. They can also administer medications.
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapists. These trained professionals may do in-home therapy sessions.
• Respite care workers. Respite care workers provide caregivers with time off from their caregiving duties.

• Transportation services. Some communities offer free or low-cost transportation to medical appointments for seniors or people who are disabled. Other potential sources of free or low-cost transportation help are religious and community organizations, such as churches or synagogues, councils on aging, and senior centers.
The United Way (www.unitedway.org) and other national organizations may be able to refer you to services in your community, useful information, and assistance. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) offers a 24-hour help line (800-272-3900) and support groups throughout the country. Some of its chapters also offer training programs, assistance with coordinating care, and other services.
Another good resource is a website sponsored by the National Health Information Center: www.healthfinder.gov. It can help you locate resources in your area. A local agency on aging, geriatric care manager, hospital case manager, or social worker can also advise you about local services and may be able to suggest ways to cover the costs.
For more on developing plans and effective strategies for the hard work of caregiving, buy Caregiver’s Handbook, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

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How to Safely Integrate Botanical Medicine into a Cancer Treatment & Prevention Program with Grace Gawler

Have you noticed how in recent times, ordinary foods have been re-invented and labelled as awesome super-foods. The awesome super-food brings with it a promise of health, vitality, longevity and prevention of every illness under the sun – especially cancer. And….it’s all natural! Well is it? First of all, vegetables and fruits we eat today are different from the foods our ancestors were eating.

Have you noticed how in recent times, ordinary foods have been re-invented and labelled as awesome super-foods. The awesome super-food brings with it a promise of health, vitality, longevity and  prevention of every illness under the sun – especially cancer. And….it’s all natural! Well is it? First of all, vegetables and fruits we eat today are different from the foods our ancestors were eating. They have been altered in their genetic material since the late 1800’s. Scientists and farmers have been genetically modifying food crops  through a process known as hybridization or selective plant breeding for a long time. This was the pre-biotechnology method of introducing genetic materials from one individual plant to another. The humble carrot was manipulated long before that!

carrots superfoodsA knowledge of history often helps to put things into perspective. Did you know that the Carrot we know of today was already tampered with in the 1700’s. They were bred orange in The Netherlands during the 17th century from the older white and purple stock (that are now back in fashion as “heritage” varieties) to show support for the Orange-Nassau dynasty. So provocative were orange carrots seen to be in the early modern period that, at various points, they were banned from sale in Dutch markets as the fortunes of the dynasty waxed and waned politically! Even in the the 1700’s vegetables were used to promote a cause! ( source The Conversation)

But – back to the 21st Century. In today’s hype for health there is one thing missing  in many of the self stylized Health Gurus – knowledge!

Food science is fascinating and complex and as technology increases- our understanding and knowledge builds.

Unfortunately promoters of the current “healing super-foods” are not  qualified in the science; nor are they qualified in botanical medicine. On today’s Navigating the Cancer Maze , I look at just one of the super-food groups – Cruciferous vegetables.  The phyto-chemicals contained in cruciferous vegetables, as well as macro and micro-nutrient content have caused a stir in cancer circles.

Based on my more than 3 decades of experience, research & qualifications with plant medicines & nutrition to help cancer patients; I would like to share with you some critical aspects for any cancer patient to know when using plant based medicines or super-foods for health; both during treatment and outside of treatment. Click here to listen to audio streaming Voice America

Many studies have highlighted reduction of cancer risk Health intelligence australiaby consuming macro-nutrients-carbs, proteins, fats, fibre and proteins. There are also specific nutrients contained in foods called micro-nutrients-what we know as vitamins, minerals & trace elements. However, plants contain many chemical substances other than micro-nutrients that may help prevent cancer; some are effective adjuncts in treating cancer- these are called phyto-chemicals.

There is a saying – “It’s not what you eat – but what you do with what you eat”. Almost every patient who visits my practice has already made lifestyle and dietary changes according to what they have read on Dr Google or in books obtained through Dr Google. Some have sought naturopathic advice. Most finish up on vegan diets with copious juices whilst taking plant nutrients in capsules or powders by the bucket load. This is not natural!  A few more helpful sayings: ” Less is more” and….. there is no one size fits all in healing- we are all different.”

One of the biggest digestive enemies of the cancer patient are the foods that do not breakdown well and create excess gas & pain and….often these foods don’t absorb well. You can be taking in lots of nutrient dense foods and supplements – but be malnourished. I see this in my practice constantly.  Excessive gas and inflammation from ingesting large quantities of raw greens along with a compromised digestive system can lead to many more health issues. Remember Cancer is disease that begins with inflammation that becomes chronic. Ideally we want to make life easier for our digestive systems – not more difficult.   I highly recommend you visit the following website:  http://www.puristat.com/bloating/anti-flatulence-diet-plan.aspx

Did you know that by overdoing ingestion of the cruciferious family by taking excessive green powders and juicing raw vegetables that absorb better if cooked – can lead to genotoxicity?  This is the term which describes the property of chemical agents that damage genetic information within a cell causing mutations, which may lead to cancer. Excess raw greens can also affect thyroid hormones and create Goiter. The principle applies  – Less is more!

So often in my practice I find that by changing the “healthy regimens” that patients are taking in order to recover, and replacing it with a well structured, personalized dietary regimen with steamed and cooked foods;  that bloating, due to excessive gas and inflammation, decreases or disappears. As does the debilitating pain that accompanies foods that don’t suit our metabolism. Patients with gastro- intestinal cancers can therefore reduce pain medication due to a sensible dietary change.

Another excellent resource for learning about Gut issues is the following website:  http://www.gutsense.org/

In tomorrow’s blog more resources and information about cruciferous vegetables and nutrition for cancer patients. See you then …
Grace