Viruses and Cancer| Professor Ian Frazer Navigating the Cancer Maze with Grace Gawler | Voice America

The subject of viruses and their role in causing or accelerating cancer is a fascinating subject. It is a topic that is often discussed in Germany where specific tests and antisense treatments are implemented to treat oncoviruses. (An oncovirus is a virus that can cause cancer.) If you missed my interview with Prof Ian Frazer last September, this special episode was encored today on Voice America on Grace Gawler’s weekly show; Navigating the Cancer Maze. To link a virus to cancer in the 1980’s was contentious, but Ian Frazer persevered, convinced this needed further investigation. Now his successful research and development of a cervical cancer vaccine has sold worldwide under the brand names Gardasil and Cervarix.

The subject of viruses and their role in causing or accelerating cancer is a fascinating subject. It is a topic that is often discussed in Germany where specific tests and antisense treatments are implemented to treat oncoviruses. (An oncovirus is a virus that can cause cancer.) If you missed my interview with Prof Ian Frazer last September, this special episode was encored today on Navigating the Cancer Maze. To link a virus to cancer in the 1980’s was contentious, but Ian Frazer persevered, convinced this needed further investigation.

Prof Ian Frazer
The Book that tells of story of one of the most important discoveries in recent medical science

Now his successful research and development of a cervical cancer vaccine has sold worldwide under the brand names Gardasil and Cervarix.  To Listen to the interview select the link to Voice America below:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/76241/special-encore-presentation-navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer

Professor Ian Frazer was born in 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland, into an academic family. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University and trained as a renal physician and clinical immunologist. He received a BSc(Med) in 1974 and an MB ChB in 1977.

In 1974, as part of his studies, Frazer spent three months at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne. In 1981 Frazer returned to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute where he continued his clinical training and undertook studies in viral immunology and autoimmunity and became particularly interested in human papilloma viruses (HPV).

In 1985 he took up a teaching position with the University of Queensland. When he moved to Brisbane he decided to continue his work with HPV, in particular HPV and cervical cancer. He was awarded a MD from the University of Melbourne in 1988. The work of Frazer with his colleague, the late molecular virologist Dr Jian Zhou, has led to the development of a vaccine which prevents infection with HPV and cervical cancer.
Prof Ian Frazer is currently CEO and Director of Research at the Translational Research Institute (TRI). Select link below to listen to interview with prof Ian Frazer:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/76241/special-encore-presentation-navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rnemwyjMKs]

The theory that cancer could be caused by a virus began with the experiments of Oluf Bang and Vilhelm Ellerman in 1908 who first show that avian erythroblastosis (a form of chicken leukemia) could be transmitted by cell-free extracts. This was subsequently confirmed for solid tumors in chickens in 1910-1911 by Peyton Rous.

By the early 1950s it was known that viruses could remove and incorporate genes and genetic material in cells. It was suggested that these new genes inserted into cells could make the cell cancerous. Many of these viral oncogenes have been discovered and identified to cause cancer.

The main viruses associated with human cancers are human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr virus, human T-lymphotropic virus, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus(KSHV) and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Experimental and epidemiological data imply a causative role for viruses and they appear to be the second most important risk factor for cancer development in humans, exceeded only by tobacco usage.
To continue visit source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oncovirus

Professor Ian Frazer, The Man who Saved a Million Lives interview with Grace Gawler

During this past week, a book about Professor Frazer’s personal story and his discoveries relating to viruses and cancer was launched in Brisbane. It is one of those books that is a must read – an important contribution to Australia medical science history! Authored by Madonna King, the book titled: “IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives” is available in Australia from Dymocks, Target and many other bookstores. Buy online at UQP. Listen to my Interview with Prof Ian Frazer on Voice America…..

Have you ever wondered about the nature of viruses? What they are made of… how they operate….. and how they can do a takeover bid in our bodies and make us so ill?  Did you know that viruses are implicated as a causative factor in the development of many cancers – not only cervical cancer? The bigger question begs; what can we do when a virus strikes and can we prevent a virus from causing cancer?

Fortunately for all of us Prof Ian Frazer began asking these questions at an early age.  At about the age of nine, he remembers lining up with schoolmates for their polio vaccinations. He said in a recent Reader’s Digest issue: “The needle got my attention,” he says – which is where most kids are happy to leave it. “Then, I realized there were [crippled] kids around who had had polio. That got me interested in how the body fights infection … how the body repairs itself.” Thanks to his earlier scientific curiosity, HPV 16 – one of the leading causes of cancer of the cervix, is in process of being eradicated worldwide.
During this past week, a book about Professor Frazer’s personal story and his discoveries relating to viruses and cancer was launched in Brisbane. It is one of those books that is a must read – an important contribution to Australia medical science history!

Prof Ian Frazer
The Book that tells of story of one of the most important discoveries in recent medical science

 Authored by Madonna King, the book titled: “IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives” is available in Australia from Dymocks, Target and many other bookstores. If you haven’t bought your Father’s Day gift yet – this one would a fantastic idea. (A percentage of proceeds from the book will be donated to the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation). Not available in e-book yet, the book is published by University of Queensland Press BUY ONLINE HERE
If you want to hear more about viruses and Professor Frazer’s work – Please do not miss listening to today’s special edition of Navigating the Cancer maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/72540/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer
About
Professor Ian Frazer AC, FRS, FAACEO, 2006 Australian of the Year & Director of Research at the Translational Research Institute, Brisbane Australia; is one Australia’s most celebrated medical research scientists. Prof Frazer has received numerous national and international awards for his work in developing the technology that has enabled vaccines to help prevent cervical cancer. To link a virus to cancer in the 1980’s was contentious, but Ian Frazer persevered, convinced this needed further investigation. Now his successful research and development of a cervical cancer vaccine has sold worldwide under the brand names Gardasil and Cervarix.  In May 2011, Prof Frazer was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This achievement elevates him to the same status as world renowned scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton. Today’s interview will probe in depth the connection between viruses and cancer and the function of immunity in viral destruction and management.
Short BIO – Professor Ian Frazer
Professor Frazer, a renal physician & clinical immunologist from Edinburgh, Scotland; came to Melbourne Australia in 1981 to pursue studies in viral immunology and autoimmunity at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of medical Research.
In 1985, he moved to Brisbane to assume a teaching post with the University of Queensland & was appointed Director of the Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research in 1991. He has taught immunology to undergraduate & graduate students at the University & has research interests in immune-regulation and immuno-therapeutic vaccines for HPV (Papilloma virus) associated cancers.

Translational Research Institute Brisbane Australia
Translational Research Institute Brisbane Australia

Now involved in revolutionary research, he is developing a vaccine/treatment for HSV-2 – the virus implicated in genital herpes.
He is a past President of the Cancer Council Australia, Chairman of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation’s Medical Research Advisory Committee & Chair of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Scientific Advisory Committee.

More on this topic and a review of the book IAN FRAZER….The Man who saved a Million Lives in my next blog at www.gracegawlermedia.com

Navigating the cancer Maze on Voice America Heath and Wellness Channel is presented each week by the Grace Gawler Institute in the interest of informing and educating the worldwide cancer community. www.gracegawlerinstitute.com

 Listen to the interview at :    http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/72540/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-ian-frazer

Dr Carl O Helvie lung cancer survivor interviews Grace Gawler on the Holistic Health show

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Dr Carl Helvie for the USA based Holistic health Show. Dr. Carl was a relatively young man when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and told he had six months to live. Instead, he made a decision to fight back with something other than the traditional conventional medicine he was offered.

Introducing Dr Carl O Helvie: Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Dr Carl Helvie for the USA based Holistic Health Show. Dr. Carl was a relatively young man when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and told he had six months to live. Instead, he made a decision to fight back with something other than the traditional conventional medicine he was offered. Amongst the millions of diagnosed cancer patients, his type of total, long term remission is a rare event. When a histologically proven cancer goes into remission we must always be open to asking ‘Why’? Also in Dr Carl’s favor is that he is a well qualified, well credentialed and highly intelligent man who has dedicated his life to helping others diagnosed with cancer. Just occasionally someone comes along like Dr Carl who has managed to recover from cancer without conventional medicine. Remember the story of Deborah Franke Ogg whose stage 4 nodular lymphoma went in to remission.  (hear my interview with Deborah at Voice America

Watch the clip from the movie about her life and remission; ” Leap of Faith”  later retitled A question of Faith”. 
http://www.samneillonline.com/leapoffaith.html

Dr Carl O Helvie at 80 years young - one of the longest living lung cancer survivors.
Dr Carl O Helvie at 80 years young – one of the longest living lung cancer survivors.

Dr Carl Helvie also has an extraordinary story. A registered nurse with two masters and a doctorate in public health and wellness, Dr. Carl Helvie has decades of experience as a nurse practitioner, educator, author and researcher. He is the recipient of numerous awards with listings in Who’s Who In American Nursing, Men of Achievement, American Men and Women of Science, just to name a few. He has eight published books as well as being a contributor to others, and has published or presented internationally over 100 papers and articles. He retired from academia in 2000 and in 2002, taught at the University of Applied Sciences in Frankfurt, Germany and served as a nursing consultant to Russia.

He developed and published a nursing theory now used worldwide and has established a nursing center that provides primary care for homeless and low-income individuals and families.
While 89% of Americans over age 65 have some form of chronic illness and by age 75 can expect to have three chronic illnesses and be taking five prescribed medications daily – Dr Carl’s prescription; today, this healthy 80-year-old man takes no prescribed medications and is one of the longest living lung cancer survivors.

Select the URL below to listen to Dr Carl as he asks me in depth questions about my life and why and how I teach survival skills for those with life challenging illness or conditions: 

http://www.holistichealthshow.com/wordpress/tag/holistic-approach/

Also listen to Navigating the cancer Maze. Today’s show is  Cancer Recovery-Crucial Choices: How to Navigate Critical Crossroads in the Cancer Maze

To read more about Dr Carl O Helvie  and his work  visit:  http://www.beatlungcancer.net/bio/

A Cancer Patient who Chose the Best of Complementary and Conventional Medicine Grace Gawler

Two weeks into our Hallwang Clinic trip; the Grace Gawler Institute’s “Patients without Borders Medi-Tour”, we have witnessed a delightful and significant event. I have no awkwardness in terming this patient’s experience as a small miracle thanks to smart conventional and targeted complementary medicine.

German Cancer Treatments
German Cancer Treatments Black Forest Germany

Two weeks into our German Clinic experience and we have witnessed a delightful and significant event. I have no awkwardness in terming this patient’s experience as a small miracle thanks to smart conventional and targeted complementary medicine. For the patient it is a large miracle and far more than he expected! The patient (we will call him Vernon to protect his identity) attended out last Medi -tour in March April 2013; he decided to come back for more treatment this June-July. Although his results were very good, when he returned home to Australia in April – friends and family saw that the lump had changed, but it was still very evident. They thought his life was still going to be taken by this tumour. At times his pain levels had been 10 out of 10. Everyone was hopeful – however he knew that as long as the lump remained – he would have to use a lot of energy to convince people that he could recover. However – even though they may have doubted the possibility of a recovery; it was thanks to the generosity of his friends and family that he was given another opportunity to return to Germany.

Vernon was putting a lot of energy into trying to recover with plans to return to Germany for more treatment when he was immobilised and near death due to a clostridium infection that could have killed him. He believes it came from organically raised eggs he had bought at a local market or it could have been from yoghurt made with raw milk. Not wise with a compromised immune system. He made a protein eggnog in his blender; soon after, he collapsed . Within hours he was fighting for his life on life support……Seeing his obvious large tumour, when vaguely conscious; they asked him if it was his time to die – to literally pull the plug. He was not expected to survive. Vernon chose and demanded life!!

Although weak – he recovered enough to join us in Germany. Vernon has worked hard for his recovery. Around the time this first image on the left was taken – with no hope and horrendous pain he thought he life was over.

Tumour destruction - Patient Hallwang Clinic Germany
Tumour destruction – Patient Hallwang Clinic Germany

He was deemed palliative earlier this year when his large and invasive head and neck tumour, squamous cell carcinoma, was treated with high dose radiotherapy; high dose because he wasn’t expected to survive. The tumour continued to grow and pain reduction was of short duration. Now that he has outlasted his prognosis, and his tumour is fast disappearing, he faces the uphill battle of recovering from radiation damage that extended his life and temporarily reduced his pain-but came at a cost.

 The innovative treatments liquefied the solid tumour which was then removed by syringe after 10 days.  Since this photo was taken, more dead  liquefied dead tumour has been removed. The Patient has given me permission to use his images and his name – however I have chosen to protect his identity as he needs to stay focused on his recovery and regain energy.

There are many difficult issues that arise whilst navigating the German Cancer Treatment Maze. The journey is not to be taken lightly and there are many aspects to be considered regarding suitability for treatment etc

If you have any inquiries about treatment options in Germany please contact me via the contact page on this blog.

                                                   www.facebook.com/germancancertreatments

READ MORE ABOUT THE NEW CULTURE OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP AT…

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/cancer/streamlining-cancer-treatments-choosing-the-best-of-complementary-and-conventional-medicine

Grace Gawler Redefining Cancer Outcomes with the New Culture of Cancer Survivorship

Cancer Patients without Borders Redefining Cancer Outcomes with the New Culture of Cancer Survivorship on the new season of the Grace Gawler Institute’s Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel.

Voice America Navigating the Cancer MazeVoice America Redefining Cancer Outcomes with the New Culture of Cancer Survivorship

Today marks the new season of the Grace Gawler Institute’s Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness channel. The show began almost one year ago and serves as an educational tool for cancer patients who want navigate the maze in an eclectic yet informed manner. The show draws from a wide range of presenters who speak from experience and authority on various cancer related  topics. The archived programs represent an tremendously helpful encyclopaedia of knowledge that is not in any way in conflict with the thoughts and opinions of all the experts on the show. This means – no confusion and greater clarity for patients. Instead of opposing views and a “this treatment is better that one” approach, these archives serve purpose as a balanced and significant value-ad for any cancer patient navigating the maze. Listen to people close to cancer such as Fran Dresher (ex-the Nanny), Dr Emmett Miller, oncologists, Prof Thomas Vogl, Dr Ioannis Papasotiriou Genetic/molecular medicine, researcher Caryle Hirshberg, recovered patients Debbie Franke Ogg, Bob Ellal, Peter Trayhurn and more. To listen to today’s show or to access archives please visit http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2125/navigating-the-cancer-maze

Navigating the Cancer mazeRemember to like us on Facebook at Voice America – we lost many thousands of show “likes” this year to cyber gremlins!

Please pass this resource on to people who are dealing with cancer – MP3 downloads for ipod/ipad are a great gift to take to someone in hospital where there is often a lot of idle time.  Cancer patients spend so much of their valuable and precious lives waiting to see health professionals, so MP3’s on ipod/ipad are also great for use in waiting rooms. Please visit Voice America’s Health and wellness Channel to listen to recent or archived shows located on the right side of the my Voice America webpage. The show is free to air and I believe it is one of the most effective ways to educate cancer patients as it has the potential to be heard by millions and change old fear based models that surround cancer into new paradigms of authentic hope and a new Culture of Cancer Survivorship. For resources please visit our new shop at www.germancancertreatments.com also visit www.gracegawlerinstitute.com for more information.

Navigating the Cancer Maze on Voice America’s Health and Wellness Channel

Redefining Cancer Outcomes with the New Culture of Cancer Survivorship

June 28, 2013

Welcome to the new season of navigating the Cancer maze…..Today’s show will present an overview of our past editions and some key GRACE GAWLER Navigating the Cancer Maze Voice Americalearning’s from our past guests. This seasons show promises to provide you with even more food for thought regarding how to effectively navigate the cancer maze. Importantly, we mark a new era; what we call the New Culture of Cancer Survivorship.  What is this new culture about and how will it impact cancer patients. This new show is sponsored by the Grace Gawler Institute for Integrated Cancer Solutions – a Global entity offering unique personalised services to cancer patients. Today we will also talk about the Grace Gawler Institute’s Cancer Patients without Borders Medi-tours and how those tours are impacting cancer patients and treatment outcomes.

http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2125/navigating-the-cancer-maze

voice america logos

How Qigong helped Bob Ellal survive stage 4 lymphoma – Energy Warriors on Voice America with Grace Gawler

Bob Elall knows a lot about Survivorship – I dare to say he is an expert. Diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1991 and given six months to live, Bob Ellal read everything he could about cancer survivors. Eventually his success and survival was due to the combination of conventional medicine and Qigong.

Bob Ellal Energy warriors voice America grace GgwlerBob Ellal knows a lot about Survivorship – I dare to say he is an expert. Diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1991 and given six months to live, Bob Ellal read everything he could about cancer survivors. He practised visualisation and breathing techniques along with his treatment. At the end of 6 months, against all odds, he was cancer free; but over the following five years the lymphoma would return three more times. His treatment; double doses of CHOP (chemotherapy) was targeted at the disease that returned in his pelvis and fractured hip. Remission. Then another recurrence in his shoulder and a stem-cell transplant. Bob found Qigong and used it to successfully add to his survival strategies ‘tool-kit’. Remission again and recurrence; a second transplant was required. Throughout his crisis Qigong became his focus – the perfect partner for Bob helping him to withstand the side effects of drastic treatments, allowing him to gain resilience, calm strength and centredness. He persevered and found authentic hope in the combination of the best conventional medicine had to offer and what he could do to help his body, mind and spirit to survive and thrive.

Bob Ellal is a true Survivor and his story and writings come from a place of deep wounding that has been transformed into a way of mindful living based on Martial Arts principals.

Energy Warriors -overcoming cancer and crisis with the power of QigongAs time went on Bob committed himself to the practice going more deeply into the mind/body connection – he trained with a Boston kung-fu master in the art of Qigong. Bob’s Doctors gave him a 10% chance of survival. He immersed himself in a disciplined daily practice of Qigong. Against all odds, he finally beat the disease in 1996.

He’s been cancer-free for 17 years and continues to practice Qigong. In his working life Bob was writer/editor for a division of a major publisher and now works as a freelancer. In addition to co authoring Energy Warriors: Overcoming Cancer and Crisis with the Power of Qigong, he is completing his second book, The Leavings of the Wolf, a collection of short stories about the real-world challenges of cancer survivors.

 Bob is co author of “Energy Warriors – Overcoming cancer and Crisis with the power of Qigong” I interviewed him recently on my Voice America radio show:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/69039/navigating-the-cancer-maze-grace-gawler-and-bob-ellal-energy-warriors-and-the-role-of-qigong-in
Visit Bob’s website for more info/articles:       http://www.bobellal.com
Visit Master Lawrence Tan’s website:               http://www.tandao.com/energy-warriors/

Qigong in the news: This week I also discovered a newly published study that found that the practise of Qigong reduced symptoms of depression and improved quality of life in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer reports Lorenzo Cohen, PhD, professor of General Oncology and Behavioral Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and director of its Integrative Medicine Program, and a co-author of the study.1 Continue reading “How Qigong helped Bob Ellal survive stage 4 lymphoma – Energy Warriors on Voice America with Grace Gawler”

Effective German Cancer Treatments VoiceAmerica Grace Gawler and Professor Thomas Vogl

The answer to treating liver, lung and difficult to resect tumours…bringing tumour reduction, wellbeing and increasing longevity – Prof Thomas Vogl and Hallwang private Oncology Clinic patient interviews on….
VoiceAmerica and WorldTalk Radio

The answer to treating liver, lung and difficult to resect tumours…bringing tumour reduction, wellbeing and increasing longevity – Prof Thomas Vogl on….VoiceAmerica and WorldTalk Radio Health and Wellness Channel: Navigating the Cancer Maze with Grace Gawler

Navigating the Cancer Maze with Professor Thomas Vogl discussing innovative German treatments

March 29, 2013

Don’t miss listening to my  conversation with Prof Thomas Vogl talking about innovative solutions to treating Cancer, including mesothelioma. Professor Vogl is Chairman Department of Radiology University of Frankfurt- Department of Diagnostic and Prof Thomas VoglInterventional Radiology Germany. His institute is in a position to offer a total of ten interventional methods for the therapy of a variety of tumors, metastases and recidivist tumors. Frankfurt, Germany has become a primary cancer center in Euorope offering outstanding service in interventional conventional oncological therapies like chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, TACE trans arterial chemo-embolisation while transarterial chemoperfusion (TACP), and transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE) have become particularly viable methods for the treatment of malignant tumors in the lung. Prof Vogl works in close collaboration with Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic in Germany’s Black Forest, making a powerful team in solutions-focussed cancer medicine.

ABOUT TACE: Normal liver tissue recieves 75% of its blood supply from the portal circulation and 25%from the liver (hepatic artery). On the other hand, liver tumours or metastases receive more than 95%of their blood supply from the hepatic artery alone.

Local injection of a chemotherapeutic agent into the area ensures the delivery of the chemotherapy in a concentration up to 100 times more than what is achieved when the chemotherapeutic agent is given systemically while usual systemic side effects are minimised owing to the local injection of the drugs.

In addition, embolising the branches of the hepatic artery which supply the tumour will cause selective ischemia and death of the tumour while the normal liver tissue will maintain its blood supply through its main source of supply – the portal vein. The reduced blood supply to the tumour causes tumour starvation and at the same time delays the washout of the chemotherapy from the tumour area. Thus the effect of the chemotherapeutic agent is maximised by increasing the duration of contact between the drug and the tumour which can last up to several weeks.

Prof Vogl liver TACE Germany
Left: Multiple liver cancer metastases. Right: after 3 sessions TACE

.
Prof Vogl TACE liver cancer

Be inspired with authentic hope: Listen to my interview with Prof Vogl and interviews with patients who have undergone the TACE procedure at :

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68215/navigating-the-cancer-maze-with-professor-thomas-vogl-discussing-innovative-german-treatments


INQUIRIES:
For more information about Prof Vogl  CONTACT ME VIA the contact page

Alternative medicines and cancer-Grace Gawler in conversation with Sloan Kettering’s Dr Barrie Cassileth

This week on Navigating the Cancer Maze- Voice America and WorldTalk radio, I am in conversation with Dr Barrie Cassileth founder the Integrative Medicine Service at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York.

Navigating the Cancer Maze: The role of Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care
Grace Gawler in conversation with Memmorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Dr Barrie Cassileth PhD on VoiceAmerica and WorldTalk Radio.
Broadcast times: USA Friday 22 March 2013 from Arizona live at 12 noon.
Saturday 23 March – Australia available after 8 am – listen streaming or download MP3 or  download on itunes. Available to listen as a streaming audio anytime after the 29 March
Note: Facebook link is broken on my Voice America Page:

In about 30 minutes from now I will broadcasting from Germany – to Voice America Arizona with a show guest from New York – A truly geographically challenging show today!
This week on Navigating the Cancer Maze I am in conversation with Dr Barrie Cassileth founder the Integrative Medicine Service at theMemorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, (MSKCC) where she remains the chief, and holds the Laurance S. Rockefeller Chair in Integrative Medicine.

Dr Barrie Cassileth PhD
Dr Barrie Cassileth PhD

Dr Cassileth has been involved with the psychosocial aspects of cancer care for more than 25 years and also founded the Society for Integrative Oncology, which publishes a medical journal. She has just released a new book, The Complete Guide to Complementary Therapies in Cancer Care. MSKCC’s Integrative Medicine Service’s Web site, www.MSKCC.org offers evidence-based information about herbs, vitamins, and unproved cancer treatments at no charge to professionals and the public.

The Service’s research includes studies to evaluate the ability of specific complementary therapies to reduce important symptoms associated with cancer treatments and the investigation of botanicals for potential antitumor effects.

To listen in to the show – select the link below:
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68025/navigating-the-cancer-maze-the-role-of-complementary-therapies-in-cancer-care-grace-gawler-in
About Dr Barrie Cassilieth:
Founding President of the International Society for Integrative Oncology and founding Editor-in-Chief of its journal, Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, Dr Barrie Cassileth has a truly holistic approach and is known as one of oncology’s most ardent advocates for treating the “whole” patient. At MSKCC  she has been the principal investigator of many research studies. The Botanical Center investigates immune-modulating botanical supplements by composition, mechanisms of action and clinical value. She has published 158 papers and 60 books and textbook chapters for physicians, patients, and families. A new edition of The Alternative Medicine Handbook is underway, and the second edition of MSKCC’s  Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology is now available. Dr Cassileth has researched and promoted proven complementary therapies used along with mainstream care to improve quality of life and to help sustain healthy survivorship. http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctor/barrie-cassileth

Please pass this blog address on to friends and colleagues and especially cancer patients. My Navigating the Cancer Maze internet radio show is free to air and free to download as an MP3. Any questions – contact me: institute@gracegawler.com

The Grace Gawler Institute is a not for profit registered health promotion charity providing access to invaluable information for cancer patients as a value add to conventional care

Navigating the Vascular Maze in Cancer Patients-a Silent and Potentially deadly issue – Grace Gawler

Last Friday on my internet radio show, Navigating the Cancer Maze I interviewed a Gold Coast Vascular Surgeon because I was interested to get the latest information on how Cancer patients can manage the issue of DVT, embolisms and other blood clotting issues

Last Friday on my internet radio show, Navigating the Cancer Maze I interviewed  a Gold Coast Vascular Surgeon because I was interested to get the latest information on how Cancer patients can manage the issue of DVT, embolisms and other blood clotting issues. I have known Dr John for some time and thankfully he had alerted me to the issues of DVT when I had been a patient undergoing repeated and long surgical procedures. His advice was invaluable.

As far as cancer patients are concerned; this is a serious matter and more education is needed – especially interms of safe air travel and also whether a cancer patient or not – for any of us sitting immobile for long periods of time can be a problem. Dr John provides us with great advice – simple preventive measures for avoiding vascular  problems.

DVT Navigating the Cancer MazeCancer patients have a dramatically increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and dangerous blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Did you know that – a cancer patient has 7 times the risk of developing a blood clot.
It is not all doom and gloom – but knowing this fact empowers us to to be proactive, seek good advice and or if we detect or suspect an issue – you may save your life by early intervention.

In this interview  with Dr John you will learn about the vascular system and lifestyle issues that can cause a stroke. You will learn about tests and scans you should have to check out veins and arteries, things you can take to offset clotting affects – issues that MUST be discussed with your doctor or oncologist.  Basically  Clotting risk should be assessed in all patients with cancer. Whenever  you are hospitalised, if you are a cancer patient……ask about treatment to prevent DVT or PE both in hospital and at home.

In hospital, you may be given heparin or low molecular weight heparin. Compression stockings…getting you mobile ASAP is a good intervention.However – Patients should be aware of signs and symptoms of DVT/PE – and if you suspect an issue – DONT DELAY GETTING ATTENTION…

I have had many  patients who have ignored advice regarding anticlotting medications before during and after air-travel. Patients have returned from cancer treatments overseas not following the advice and have lost their lives to DVT and pulmonary embolisms or stroke. Quite a number of them had significant reduction in their cancer – but died due to their likely preventable vascular events. Fitted  pressure stockings will help and in the interview Dr John gives us a powerful tool for clearing the large muscles of the calf when we travel or if we are immobile for a long period – particularly if there is pressure to the back of the calf muscle. Continue reading “Navigating the Vascular Maze in Cancer Patients-a Silent and Potentially deadly issue – Grace Gawler”

Grace Gawler, Prof Alex Crandon Conversations about Gynaecological Cancer on Voice America

Voice America Grace Gawler talks with Prof Alex Crandon whose specialty is Surgical Gynaecologic Oncology and one of the few surgeons in the world practising Hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy or HIPEC; a special type of surgery recommended for some women with ovarian cancer which promises to significantly improve survival.

How to Navigate the Gynaecologic Cancer Maze with Professor Alex Crandon                

February 1, 2013

Hosted by Grace Gawler
http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/67129/how-to-navigate-the-gynaecologic-cancer-maze-with-professor-alex-crandon

It is important to be educated and to educate your teenagers and grandchildren: Safe sex has never been more important for protection against future cancer development. For those who are sexually active, a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is the strategy most likely to prevent HPV infection!!!!

HPV16
HPV16

Did you know that …….

  1.  1.HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus ) is responsible for many cancers other than cancer of the cervix. When the new vaccines begin to act in a preventive way – we will see at least a 70% drop in diagnosed cases of cervical cancer.

2. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, with just two HPV types, 16 and 18, responsible for about 70 percent of all cases.

3. We often think of the nasty diseases like Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis as being the dreaded STDs however today a  more silent offender is at work…a virus that can cause cancer 10- 15 years after the first infection….yes …it is HPV.

4. HPV also causes anal cancer, with about 85 percent of all cases caused by HPV-16. HPV types 16 and 18 have also been found to cause close to half of vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.

5. Most recently, HPV infections have been found to cause cancer of the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat including the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. In the United States, more than half of the cancers diagnosed in the oropharynx are linked to HPV-16.

6.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has increased during the past 20 years, especially among men. It has been estimated that, by 2020, HPV will cause more oropharyngeal cancers than cervical cancers in the United States . Reference: see end of blog.

Be educated on Womens Gynaecological Cancers and more……This week on Voice America’s Navigating the Cancer Maze I speak with  Prof Alex Crandon whose specialty is Surgical Gynaecologic Oncology and one of the few surgeons in the world practising Hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy or HIPEC; a special type of surgery recommended for some women with ovarian cancer which promises to significantly improve survival. He was the first to introduce the method to Australia. When diagnosed with gynaecological cancer there are not only decisions to be made about a potentially life-threatening illness but the biggest challenge for a woman is also the morbidity factor; life quality and wellbeing and adapting to massive changes throughout and after treatments. Navigating the Cancer Maze focuses on best options for those dealing with cancer therefore I will be asking many questions of Prof Crandon covering the big 5 women’s gynaecological cancers; cervical, uterine, ovarian, vulval and ovarian germ cell cancer. Be informed! Imperative listening for all women!

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/67129/how-to-navigate-the-gynaecologic-cancer-maze-with-professor-alex-crandon

Who Is Prof Alex Crandon? M.B., B.S., PhD (Leeds)., F.R.C.O.G(Lond)., F.R.A.C.O.G., C.G.O.

Prof Alex Crandon is the Director of the Queensland Centre of Gynaecological Cancer, (est. 1993). A graduate of University of Sydney,1973; he initially worked at the Royal Alfred Hospital before training in the UK (1975-1980).

Prof Alex Crandon grace gawler institute
Prof Alex Crandon

He completed his postgraduate studies and specialist training in surgical gynaecology oncology. Between 1980 and 1993 he was a staff gynaecologic oncologist at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital and Chair of the Gynaecological Council at the University Qld from 1993 to 2004. In1993 he established the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer- now the largest gynaecological cancer service in Australia and one of the ten largest in the World.

In 1997 Mr John Gower & Prof Alex Crandon set up the Gynaecological Cancer Society, which now provides a wide range of services to patients throughout Australia. Prof Alex Crandon has a major interest in improving the results for the treatment for ovarian cancer especially in HIPEC. Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal Chemotherapy.

For further helpful information about gynaecological cancer please visit:  http://www.igcs.com.au/pil/default.htm

To contact prof Crandon please select: http://www.materonline.org.au/specialist/gynaecologic-oncology/prof-alex-crandon

Resources and references:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV

I hope you find this edition of Navigating the Cancer Maze helpful. Email questions to: institute@gracegawler.com

error: Content is protected !!