Lifestyle and prostate cancer

BY LENA HUANG | NOVEMBER 16, 2009

Two studies released this month shed light on how health and nutrition can affect prostate cancer patients. One study involved the impact of exercise and the other looked at red and processed meat consumption.

In "Can Men Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes?" published in the Journal of Urology, researchers examined 190 men who underwent prostate biopsy at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In that group, researchers found that men who exercised moderately, such as walking three to six hours a week, were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Researchers also found that of the men who were diagnosed, those who exercised had a lower risk of high-grade disease.

In another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers at the National Cancer Institute followed more than 175,000 men for nine years and found that men whose diets were high in red meat and processed meat had increased risks for developing prostate cancer at any stage. Further, researchers looked at cooking methods and found that men who ate meats cooked at high temperatures, such as with grilling and barbecuing, were also linked to increased risk for prostate cancer. A similar connection was found between men whose diets were high in nitrates, which are chemicals used to preserve and cure meats, such as bacon and ham. For more on this topic and ways to grill healthier, check out my article "Good Grilling."

While additional studies need to be completed on these topics, these studies provide more evidence that changes in lifestyle can influence our risk of certain cancers. And this is a powerful message--that we can make choices and change behaviors that may give us a better chance not get to cancer, and many other diseases, in the future.

Curry and cancer

BY LENA HUANG | NOVEMBER 2, 2009

I often get calls or e-mails from friends wondering about natural cures for cancer that they have read in the news or heard about from other friends or family. And while some are hoaxes, there are also some that are backed by exciting research. Many natural ingredients are the basis for chemotherapies that we use today.

The call I got recently was about curry, more specifically turmeric, a spice in curry that provides that vibrant yellow color. Last week the British Journal of Cancer published a study that showed curcumin (a molecule in turmeric) began to kill esophageal cancer cells within 24 hours after exposure in lab tests.

Although these findings are based only on laboratory results and not human trials, they are part of a growing body of research on curcumin's effect on cancer cells. Other in vitro and animal studies have shown similar cancer-fighting properties, including effects on colon cancer and promyelocytic leukemia cells. Currently, there are over a dozen clinical trials examining curcumin as a treatment alone or combined with other therapies.

However, like other antioxidants, turmeric seems to counteract the effects of some chemotherapies. Patients on Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) are advised to limit their intake of turmeric due to the possibility of interference. Also, there are questions regarding the dosage of curcumin, as well as its weakened effect after ingestion.

So before you load up on curry, ask your doctor or nurse if it hinders any medications you are on. And if you get a green light, enjoy this tasty, versatile spice, and hopefully we'll hear more about its cancer-fighting abilities through these latest clinical trials. It may not be a cure for cancer, but it is certainly a wonderful addition to any pantry.

Treating depression in older cancer patients

BY LENA HUANG | OCTOBER 22, 2009

Depression in older cancer patients is unfortunately common and often goes unrecognized and untreated. The American Cancer Society estimates about 1 in 4 people with cancer may have clinical depression, that is, not just having a bad day but feeling distress that impairs daily life and that lasts for several weeks or more. This is a problem because depressed cancer patients may feel less motivated to follow treatment plans, may not eat well or exercise, and may not care about getting better.

However, there is hope, according to results published this week in the Journal of General Internal Medicine from the Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) study. Cancer patients were divided into two groups, one receiving IMPACT and the other receiving usual care. After six months, 55 percent of IMPACT patients showed a 50 percent or greater reduction in depressive symptoms. Of the usual care patients, about 34 percent showed a reduction in symptoms. In addition, IMPACT patients experienced greater remission rates, less fatigue, more depression-free days, and greater quality of life than the usual care patients.

The IMPACT program differs from usual care in that participants work with a depression care manager in their primary care provider's office or clinic. The depression care manager provides counseling, medication, or a combination of both to the patient and is supervised by a psychiatrist and the primary care physician. The IMPACT program was tested across the country in primary care facilities that serve a variety of socioeconomic and ethnic populations.

With the growing number of older cancer patients and survivors, it is important to have options, especially outside specialized cancer centers. Hopefully, results from the IMPACT study will increase the availability of depression care managers in primary care facilities, which will result in more patients and survivors being treated for this serious medical condition.

Energy balance and cancer

BY LENA HUANG | OCTOBER 13, 2009

Last week I attended a "first of its kind" conference on energy balance held at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. This was a "first" because it brought together researchers from many disciplines, from nutrition and exercise to genetics and psychology, who study how their specialty relates to energy balance and cancer.

The term energy balance simply defined is the balance between the energy we take in, generally through food and drink, and the energy we use, generally through physical activity and metabolism. But other factors, such as genetics, weight, psychosocial influences, and the effects of certain foods on the body, also contribute to energy balance.

The study of energy balance and cancer is a focus of the National Cancer Institute, a sponsor of the conference, because of studies linking being overweight or obese to increases in certain types of cancer, such as postmenopausal breast cancer, colon cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and endometrial cancer. This is a national concern because nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese.

Research at the conference covered a lot of ground. I listened to researchers who presented studies in rat models that showed calorie restriction and increases in physical activity resulted in leaner animals that lived longer and had fewer tumors. There were studies presented on specific cancers and obesity, mostly focused on postmenopausal breast cancer. Research in other cancers, such as colorectal and prostate, were discussed, but also realized was the need to increased funding to research cancers that may get less attention.

I learned there will be a lot of interesting research coming out in the next year or so in this area, and I will continue to keep you updated. Until then, I am sure many of you wonder what you can do, a subject that was discussed at this conference as well. Until more specific recommendations are made, try to stick to the government's suggestions to exercise at least 150 minutes a week, to maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, and to eat a healthy diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. For more recommendations, check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid website and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' guidelines for exercise.

I'll have pineapple with that

BY LENA HUANG | OCTOBER 1, 2009

A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog about the importance of drinking water, especially for cancer patients. One of our readers asked a question that I thought was important as it could help people increase their water intake. "Adrienne" asked if adding fresh mint, ginger or honey to purified water makes a difference.

This is a question I've wanted to know the answer to so I contacted Milton Stokes, MPH, CDN, who is a registered dietitian and owner of One Source Nutrition, a nutritional consulting and counseling firm. Milton also sits on the board of CURE magazine.

Here's what Milton said if you missed it: "As a Registered Dietitian, I always counsel my clients to tweak/alter beverages (and foods) to fit their individual preferences. So if you like mint and ginger in your water--I certainly do!--then go for it. Whatever gets you to your goal. And your add-ins may help digestion, which is another bonus! If you need some sweetness, honey is fine. Just hone in on what "a little" really means. Is it a lengthy squirt from the bear-shaped container? Or are we talking a teaspoon? While honey provides antioxidants, it also delivers calories. So if you're trying to lose weight, you may wish to minimize or skip the honey. Another option: sliced oranges or berries in the water. That's your call. Just glad you're focused on hydration."

I've put citrus in my water before, but I hadn't tried berries so I sliced up a few strawberries today in my water, and it was yummy! Thanks, Milton, for the great input. I'm sure other fruits can be just as tasty. I think I'll try pineapple tonight.

Obesity and cancer

BY LENA HUANG | SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

Two studies on obesity and cancer released results this week. One study showed leukemia cells finding a safe haven in the fat tissue of obese mice, and the other study predicts that obesity could be the leading cause of cancer in women in the future.

The leukemia study, published online by Cancer Research, was inspired by an earlier study which showed that obese children have a 50 percent higher chance of recurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia than lean children. Researchers developed obese mice with leukemia and treated the mice with traditional chemotherapy used in children. Compared with the normal mice with leukemia, the obese mice had a higher relapse rate. Upon closer examination of the relapsed mice, researchers found leukemia cells hiding in the fat tissue, protected from the chemotherapy. This may explain why obese people often have poorer prognoses in not only leukemia but other cancers as well.

In the second study, European researchers found cancer could be attributed to obesity in about 124,000 cases in 2008. In men, 3.2 percent of cancers were caused by obesity, but in women the number was higher at 8.6 percent. These findings were announced at a joint meeting of the European Cancer Organization and the European Society for Medical Oncology where lead researcher Andrew Renehan, MD, said, "As more people stop smoking and fewer women take hormone replacement therapy, it is possible that obesity may become the biggest attributable cause of cancer in women in the next decade."

These studies and other research will hopefully help us understand the connection between obesity and certain cancers and will encourage more patients, survivors, and health care providers to make losing weight not just a suggestion but a prescription for fighting cancer.

Weight lifting and lymphedema

BY LENA HUANG | SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

In the past, weight lifting has generally been discouraged for breast cancer survivors who have lymphedema. But a recent study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveals that weight lifting may not be so harmful, and actually may benefit survivors.

A total of 141 women were randomized for this study with half of the survivors entering a twice-weekly progressive weight-lifting program and half as the control group. Participants were required to wear compression sleeves while weight lifting, trained by certified fitness professionals, and assessed by lymphedema specialists on a regular basis.

Researchers concluded, "In breast-cancer survivors with lymphedema, slowly progressive weight lifting had no significant effect on limb swelling and resulted in a decreased incidence of exacerbations of lymphedema, reduced symptoms, and increased strength."

Another interesting aspect of this study was the fitness centers used were YMCAs that host the LIVESTRONG program, a collaboration between the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the YMCA to develop programs specifically for cancer survivors and to certify trainers who understand the special needs of survivor population.

But before you start pumping iron, make sure you check with your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist to see if you are ready to start a program and find a certified trainer who is trained to work with lymphedema patients and can show you the exercises that will help.

Cancer survivors sought for online study

BY LENA HUANG | SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii are recruiting participants for a study that hopes to improve the lives of cancer survivors.

"Cancer: Thriving & Surviving" is a six-week, Internet-based workshop to help cancer survivors adjust to life after cancer. Many survivors have unique issues after completing treatment; they may struggle with physical changes, late effects of treatment, emotional concerns, and/or the stress of recurrence.

Researchers hope this interactive workshop will help survivors through some of these issues. Each workshop will bring together about 25 survivors and will be facilitated by two trained moderators, one of whom is a cancer survivor. Participants will also have access to an online learning center and discussion boards, and will be asked to log in at their convenience two or three times for a total of about two hours a week during the six-week workshop.

This study will assess the effectiveness of this program. The workshop is based on Stanford's "Healthier Living with Chronic Conditions Self-Management Program," which showed in a similar study that participants who developed confidence in managing their own health required fewer medical interventions and were overall healthier.

Researchers are looking for about 400 survivors who have completed treatment to participate in this study. For more information and requirements, go to cancersurvivors.stanford.edu or email cancersurvivors@standford.edu.

A culinary legend dies

BY LENA HUANG | SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

We sadly lost another soul to brain cancer recently. Just five days after Sen. Ted Kennedy passed away from brain cancer, Sheila Lukins, 66, succumbed to the disease on Sunday.

You may remember Lukins as the food editor for Parade, where she wrote a monthly column with recipes and insight. After Julia Childs left the position in 1986, Lukins took over and brought her innovative style of cooking, reinterpreting old classics, such as beef stroganoff and chicken pot pie, and adding new creations, like Chicken Marbella, a wonderful medley of chicken, garlic, prunes, olives, and capers.

During college, I remember visiting The Silver Palate store in New York City where I first became enamored with Lukins' cooking and where I purchase my first "The Silver Palate Cookbook." I was raised on Julia Childs and Pei Mei, so Lukins' recipes were considered an adventure for me. Adding blueberry vinegar or mango chutney to a dish? I couldn't even find those items in Dallas in the 80s!

Lukins and her business partner, Julee Russo, resolved that quickly by developing a line of sauces and condiments that eventually arrived in local grocery stores. Two items I was never without were their Caesar salad dressing and their raspberry vinegar.

In 1989, Russo and Lukins published another cookbook called "The New Basics Cookbook," and besides Julia Childs and Pei Mei, this is the cookbook I consistently turn to for help and inspiration. It is filled with just about everything you need to know about cooking as well as crammed with hundreds of awesome recipes and tips. Also note, the book (as well as the other Silver Palate cookbooks) has wonderful illustrations, which were done by Lukins who was an artist as well.

I know there are many accomplishments and awards that Lukins achieved in her life that I have not mentioned here so for more on Lukins, here is her obituary from Parade. Lukins changed the way millions cook and her presence on the culinary scene will be missed. I think I'll pull out my worn cookbook tonight and make a dish or two in her honor.

Water works

BY LENA HUANG | AUGUST 25, 2009

Here in Dallas, the dog days of summer seem to last longer than any man or canine wishes. With temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, you break a sweat just walking to the car or picking up the paper.

In this heat, it is important to remember to stay hydrated, especially for cancer patients. Dehydration happens when you lose more water than you take in, and the body needs fluid to function. Water has many functions in the body, including transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells, regulating body temperature, and flushing out waste from the kidney and liver, to name a few.

Some symptoms of dehydration are: dry mouth, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and decreased urination. Seek medical attention for severe dehydration, which has symptoms of sunken eyes, low blood pressure, no urination or dark urine, no sweating, and unconsciousness.

Side effects of chemotherapy, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, can cause dehydration. In hot or humid weather, you lose water through sweating so it is even more important to drink enough water. For more details on hydrating during therapy, see CURE's article "Drink Up."

I have to admit that I'm guilty of not drinking my required eight glasses a day. I have to make a conscious effort to drink water because there's just something about water's taste, or lack there of, that just doesn't do it for me. I mean, doesn't a tall, quenching glass of lemonade sound so much better than some water?

Although lemonade does provide fluid, it also provides a lot of sugar. Other drinks, such as sodas with caffeine, tea, and coffee, make you urinate more and reduce the fluid in your body. Bottom line is plain old water is the best. However if you are losing too much water, oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, may be recommended to restore fluids and electrolytes to your body.

I start every morning with a glass of water, and I always have a cup on my desk to remind me to drink throughout the day. Water is vital, especially for cancer patients. So keep yourself hydrated, and let me know if you have any tips on making water work for you.