Good evidence has already been reported that taking daily aspirin reduces general cancer risk and specific risk of colorectal cancer. By targeting molecular pathways involved in inflammation aspirin may reduce both the genesis of cancer as well as its likelihood of spreading. Now new research shows this remarkable benefit of aspirin can be applied to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The [...]

The nutritive supplement industry is booming with over 30 billion in annual sales and about half the adult US population consuming them. People taking these agents in an effort ot prevent disease.  Chief among people hopes for supplements is the belief that that cancer may be prevented. Antioxidants are often touted as having the potential to prevent cancer.  Theoretically cells turn cancerous when [...]

Vitamin D is an extremely important compound as it is necessary for the proper functioning of over 3000 human genes. Not surprisingly, deficiency of vitamin D has been linked to many disease states, the number of which is increasing rapidly in recent years of research. One area that remains controversial is whether low vitamin D status is associated with cancer. In the current study, researchers [...]

Cancer is the second leading cause of early death worldwide with 5 million new cases per year diagnosed in the US and Europe. A new large meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet provides compelling evidence that taking one aspirin daily may significantly lower the risk of cancer. The researchers combined all studies in the literature looking at the effect of aspirin versus placebo on the incidence [...]

Scientists have reported interesting new findings on the tumor suppressor gene Pten.  Pten is a member of a group of three other important tumor suppressors; p53, Ink4a, and arf. When this gene becomes absent or defective the cell harboring that mutation can be come cancerous.  Pten mutation are in fact frequently found in cancers. Scientists decided to see if adding an extra copy of the gene [...]

Add another one to the list of studies that fail to support the use of commonly used supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil are often ascribed significant health benefits. Mainly they are believed to reduce triglyceride levels and have protective effects against cardiovascular disease. However, through anti-inflammatory and possibly antiproliferation pathways it is hoped that they may help [...]

Cancer is a scourge leading to frequent loss of life. In part from the aging process, the environment, genetics and chance, cells all too frequently turn cancerous.  The normal regulation of division and growth goes unchecked and the population of mutated cells spiral out of control. The immune system may often be able to detect and destroy these cells once they arise, but unfortunately some mutants [...]

Chocolate is rich in a particular variety of plant polyphenols which are powerful natural antioxidants.  Though many plant foods contain polyphenols, chocolate seems to have particular potent health-promoting and disease fighting effects.  These compounds include procyanidins, catechins and epicatechins. An interesting observation is that among supercentenarians (those living over 110 years) a love [...]

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer, accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases.  Not only is it common, but it is believed colorectal cancer is often partly attributable to environmental factors.  Evidence exists that red meat and alcohol consumption increase the risk. There is also evidence that diets high in fiber may reduce the risk.  It believed high fiber diets promote [...]

A study published in the journal Lancet has shown that daily aspirin can reduce the risk of cancer. The study was limited to patients with Lynch syndrome, a rare inherited condition that leads to high frequency of colorectal  cancers among others. In the trial, 861 patients with Lynch were given a daily dose of 600 mg of aspirin or placebo and then followed for 4 years. The incidence of new colorectal [...]