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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Watching Dr. Oz 9/20/11: 5 Fast Moving Cancers and the 5 Biggest Solutions - Pancreatic, Brain, Esophageal, Liver

The Dr. Oz Show
Airdate: September 20, 2011
Dr. Oz 5 Fast Moving Cancers and 5 Biggest Solutions

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Skin cancer
Dr. Oz says this is the most important show about cancer he will ever do. Cancers move throughout the body at varying rates. Slow moving cancers can typically be found before they migrate through the body. Fast moving cancers, however, move so quickly through the body that, often, by the time warning signs are noticed and discussed with a doctor it has already move throughout the body decreasing survival rates.

Sounds scarey! The “C” word is scary and unfortunately the rates of cancers are increasing. What do you do? Know the warning signs and know the behaviors which can reduce your risk.

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Dr. Oz 5 Fast Moving Cancers and 5 Biggest Solutions

Today's Dr. Oz Show discusses 5 cancers that are fast moving in the body making them extremely deadly. Along with food and lifestyle recommendations, Dr. Oz has put links on his website to some of the top cancer research organizations in the nation and is encouraging viewers to donate to them and support the advancement of cancer research. Read more about the recommended organizations and find links to their sites on http://www.doctoroz.com/.

Dr. Oz: Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is the one cancer that doctors fear most, according to Dr. Oz. Pancreatic cancer is very commonly missed due to the location of the organ.

This year 40,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Nearly 38,000 of those people will die of pancreatic cancer. The actor Patrick Swayze died 20 short months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Due to the location of the pancreas toward the back makes it nearly impossible to detect a tumor in early stages of growth. Warning signs of pancreatic cancer include stomach and back pain, unexplained weight loss and light colored stools. See Watching Dr. Oz 9/15/11 on Pee and Poop

The pancreas is located behind the stomach, next to a portion of the intestines and under the gall bladder in an ideal position for it's role throughout the digestive process and in insulin production. Enzymes created in the pancreas are vital to digestion as well as every process in the body including the breakdown of waste, removal of toxins and general cleaning out of unneeded and unwanted cells in the body.

When Cancer cells enter the pancreas they strangle the cells so and the pancreas no longer functions. Ducts inside the pancreas that lead into the stomach and other areas of the body can become blocked and all those enzymes are trapped inside the pancreas. Those enzymes begin to breakdown the pancreas. If undetected, the cancer cells can spread throughout the body, causing jaundice in the liver and moving into the stomach and intestines. At this point, there is no way to eradicate the cancer from there.

Steve Standiford, MD with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, says the way to fight off cancer is to know your cancer risks.

Elizabeth Jaffee, MD with Johns Hopkins University says there is no screening for pancreatic cancer making the diagnosis happen, most commonly, after the cancer has had time to grown and move throughout the body.

Dr. Oz Pancreatic Cancer Risk #1: Family History
Two or more family members have had breast, pancreatic or ovarian cancer. A genetic counselor may be recommended for patients who have two or more family members with these cancers.

Ten percent of pancreatic cancers have been passed down from parent to child however, any family member having had these cancers can increase your risk for getting pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Oz Pancreatic Cancer Risk #2: Alcohol and Soda
Drink more than 1 alcoholic drink per day and/or more than 2 sodas per week over a long period of time. Chronic use of soda and alcohol use can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, and over a long period of time this disease-state can create genetic mutations of cells as well as increased cell growth both of which are associated with pancreatic cancer. Studies indicate that 2 or more sodas in a week provides an 87% increase of pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Oz Pancreatic Cancer Risk #3: Type-2 Diabetes
There is more needed to be learned more about the association between type-2 diabetes but it is believed that the connection may with the hormone insulin. Too much insulin in the system can increase cell growth which, over the long term, could lead to cancer.


Dr. Oz Solution for Pancreatic Cancer #1: Reduce Processed Meats
Reduce the amount of fatty red meat and processed meats (deli slices). Studies have shown that eating meats cooked at high temperatures and eating processed meats was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Oz Solution for Pancreatic Cancer #2: Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Eat 2 servings of red and yellow vegetables within your total 5 fruits and vegetables every day. The red and yellow colors indicate the presence of flavonoids in foods such as: tomatoes, yams, squash, red and yellow peppers.

Consuming an average of 5 or more fruits and vegetables provides the vitamins, minerals and fiber that give the body the tools it needs manage health. People who consume less than 5 servings over the long term can increase their risk of illness, including cancer.

Dr. Oz Solution for Pancreatic Cancer #3: Curcumin
Dr. Oz recommends taking curcumin, 750mg twice a day. Curcumin is the active constituent naturally found in turmeric and has been shown to inhibit and, even prevent pancreatic cancers in animals. [Turmeric can be used as a spice and complements eggs, pasta salads, tomato sauces, chicken – pretty much any food. The flavor is mild but the benefits are amazing. Check out Rodale's website with recommendations on cooking with turmeric.

Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin 400mg 60 Vegecaps - $28.50
from: Best Price Nutrition






[The list of positive actions in the body supported by turmeric, and curcumin too, is extensive. Here's a list of just 20 benefits from the use of this versatile spice. I would put turmeric on the solution list for all the cancers discussed in this episode.]

Dr. Oz recommends donating to the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center.

Dr. Oz: Brain Cancer

Daily headaches have been associated with brain cancer. Fifty percent of patients diagnosed with brain tumors have had frequent headaches.

Dr. John Boockvar of the Weil Cornell Medical Center says that headaches in combination with seizures and vision loss or headaches with pain that causes night waking or headaches that start in the morning and get worse throughout the day or headaches along with coughing and sneezing could be a warning sign of brain cancer.

Why, if you get headaches at night is that more concerning? Going to sleep builds up carbon dioxide due to the natural changes in breathing. Additional carbon dioxide causes the blood vessel in the brain to swell. If there is a tumor in the brain it leaves less room for the vessels to swell causing pain and a headache.

Dr. Oz Brain Cancer Risk Factor #1: Age
Age. Being over 50 years old is a risk factor for brain cancer. The average age of brain cancer diagnosis is 55-60.

Dr. Oz Brain Cancer Risk Factor #2: CAT Scans
Having undergone 3 or more CAT scans to the head or neck area has been associated with higher rates of brain cancer.

Dr. Oz Brain Cancer Risk Factor #3: Cell Phones
Heavy cell phone use has been linked to an increase risk of brain cancer in some studies. Other studies say the opposite that there is no link between cell phone use and brain cancer. In either case, Dr. Oz says that people “in the know” are recommending limit cell phone usage to reduce the amount of radiation exposure.


Dr. Oz Solution for Brain Cancer #1: Hands-Free Cell Phone Use
Reduce cell phone radiation exposure by utilizing an ear piece. Tissues closer to the cell phone absorb the most radiation. Put the cell phone down on the counter and use an ear piece.

Dr. Oz Solution for Brain Cancer #2: Keep A Headache Diary
Keep a headache diary for 2 weeks. Indicate where is headache is located, how long was the headache, describe the pain experienced, and indicate whether the headache was responsive to over-the-counter medications. Dr. Oz has provided a printable headache diary on his website. 
Dr. Oz Solution for Brain Cancer #3: Eliminate Processed Meats
Eliminate the intake of cooked ham, processed pork and fried bacon. Over-processed meats and meats cooked at high temperatures have high levels of carcinogens. Carcinogens disrupt the normal processes of the cells leading to an increased the risk of cancer.

Dr. Oz recommends donating to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.

Dr. Oz Esophageal Cancer

Symptoms related to esophageal cancer range from a a lump in throat that doesn't go away, heartburn, a hoarse voice in the morning. Why is esophageal cancer so concerning? The symptoms associated with the cancer are often misdiagnosed as other ailments. Treatments designed to deal with these other disease issues often do not effect the underlying symptom. Overtime, the cancer grows and spreads. When a diagnosis is made the cancer may have spread throughout the body and is inoperable.

Dr. Oz Esophageal Cancer Risk #1: Acid
A high acid diet contributes to the loosening of the muscles that separates the esophagus from the stomach allowing acid to break through the barrier and move into the esophagus. Dr. Oz cautioned against 6 high acid common foods: caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, breath mints, raw tomato and raw garlic.

Many of the 6 are recommended in small amounts and are even recommended by Dr. Oz to use daily - chocolate and alcohol. The key is moderation.

[Before this episode aired, I came across an old article by The Nutrition Report, Jack Challem titled the PH Factor published in Experiene Life magazine, March 2007. The article helps to make sense of the acid-alkiline balance and foods that help to maintain that balance]

Dr. Oz Esophageal Cancer Risk #2: Smoking 
As if the research and horror stories weren't enough, here's another reason to give up smoking and a reason to never pick up the habit. Smoking also loosens that muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach, increases acid and, is a direct carcinogen.

Dr. Oz Esophageal Cancer Risk #3: Barrett's Esophagus
The stomach is designed to tolerate acid but if that acid moves into the esophagus, an area that is not made to withstand acid, the tissues are damaged. Long-term reflux issues cause the esophagus to be repeatedly exposed to acid and over time the tissues are eaten away and this is called Barrett's Esophagus.

Dr. Oz Solution for Esophageal Cancer #1: Wait 3 Hours After Dinner Before Going To Sleep
Waiting 3 hours after dinner before going to sleep can help to reduce possible acid reflux, acid entering the esophagus.

Esophageal Cancer Solution #2: Treat Heartburn
Treat heartburn with acid-lower therapies. However, if taking acid control medications talk to your doctor about the method and potential side effects. The downside of some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, is that some can inhibit the absorption of calcium potentially creating bone health issues.

After 2 weeks of medication therapy for acid concerns some symptoms may go away but the underlying issue may not be affected. If acid continues to enter the esophagus despite acid therapies testing for esophageal cancer may be warranted. Maintain a dialogue with your doctor when undergoing acid-reduction treatments.

Dr. Oz recommends donating to The DeGregorio Family Foundation.

Dr. Oz Liver Cancer

Warning signs of liver cancer can be abdominal pain and pain in the right shoulder. Shoulder pain? This didn't make any sense to me. According to the Cleveland Clinic, shoulder pain could be an indication that bleeding is occurring into a cyst in the liver. Honestly, it still doesn't make sense, it's really unusual but, apparently that is a warning sign which shouldn't go ignored.

Liver cancer is extremely hard to diagnose because the people can continue to feel fine even if cancer cells have entered the liver and begun to cause damage. The liver is the largest organ in the body and it can still function even if some or many cells are damaged. By the time people feel symptoms that are associated with liver cancer, the cancer typically has already proliferated and spread to other areas of the body.

Screenings are available to look for the presence of conditions ripe for liver cancer. A blood test can look at liver enzymes, a Hep. B test is available and, a blood test can look for cancer cells in the liver.

Dr. Oz Liver Cancer Risk #1: Body Shape
An apple body shape is thin on the bottom and heavy through the middle. Belly fat is a risk factor for many diseases including liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis.

Dr. Oz says the waist should never be more than half your height in inches. Take your height and convert it to inches, divide that number in half and that should be your maximum waist measurement.

Dr. Oz Liver Cancer Risk #2: Alcohol Consumption
Chronic, heavy alcohol consumption increases stresses the liver. The liver can regenerate but, chronic, heavy drinking creates a situation where the liver is repeatedly regenerating. Continual regeneration leaves scars on the liver and scarring can lead to cirrhosis.

Reducing sugar intake as a whole will decrease the risk for a fatty liver and will less the risk of diabetes.

Dr. Oz Solution for Liver Cancer #1: Sugar Intake
Reduce the intake of sugar. Processed sugars are empty calories that lead to increasing the waistline. Sugars suppress the immune system and contribute to weight gain and obesity. All those extra pounds add up to risk factors for nearly every disease.

Dr. Oz Solution for Liver Cancer #2: Hepatitis B Vaccine 
A vaccine against Hepatitis B. Most of the population has received a Hep. B vaccine. People over 40 who have not received the vaccine may be at risk for contracting Hep. B, which can damage the liver and thereby increases the risk for liver cancer. Dr. Oz suggests that people who are unvaccinated may want to weigh their options and consider a vaccine.

Dr. Oz recommends donating to The American Liver Foundation.

Dr. Oz: Skin Cancer

People with light color hair and eyes have less melanin, the natural shield that protects DNA from sun damage. People with darker skin can still be at risk for skin cancer though the incidence tends to be lower it is not obsolete.

Having one or more severe sunburns as a child puts the body at risk for skin cancer to develop later in life. The sunburn is a shock to the cell that the body may not be able to repair.

[I had numerous severe sunburns as a child and in my late 20's I noticed a bump on my head that wouldn't go away. Years later, bump still there, I finally remembered to ask my doctor about it. I was diagnosed with Basal Cell skin cancer. While not fatal, being diagnosed with the “C” word is terrifying. Thankfully, the form of cancer was not life threatening. The experience scared the crap out of me!]

Dr. Oz's 10 Second Skin Cancer Test
Use a #2 pencil as a guide to go through the A, B, C, D, and E's to evaluate the health of a mole.

A – Asymmetrical. If the mole was folded in half and the parts don't match then it is asymmetrical and of potential concern for skin cancer.
B – Border defined. The border of the mole should be clearly efined.
C – Color should be brown and consistent
D – Diameter. Take the eraser of the pencil and place it on the mole. The eraser should be able to cover up the entire mole.
E – Evolution. Watch for changes in moles. Dr. Oz suggests that every year on your birthday to put on your birthday suit and check moles. If you have concerns about any moles, take a digital photo once a month for 3 months and include something like a dime as a reference point. If changes have occurred, the call your dermatologist.

Dr. Oz recommends donating to The Melanoma Research Alliance.

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