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7 foods that help reduce the risk of cancer

7 foods that help reduce the risk of cancer

In a world where most ready-to-eat meals contain excess fats and calories, finding a balance becomes necessary. The food one consumes helps maintain overall health, reduces the risk of a disease, and hastens the recovery process. This is particularly true in the case of cancer. While no food can cure cancer, intake of certain vegetables, such as the ones given below, may reduce its risk. This article additionally touches upon options for cancer treatment.

7 Foods That Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Berries
Berries like blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid, and have anti-cancer properties.

Garlic
Garlic is a vegetable that contains an active compound called allicin. One study concluded that people who ate a large number of allicin-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots had a lower risk of stomach cancer.

Tomato
According to some experts, this fruit is a cancer-fighting superfood. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant phytochemical that keeps away heart diseases. They are, additionally, a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, all nutrients that help reduce the risk of cancer.

Grapes
Grapes and other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges decrease the risk of cancer, especially of the digestive and upper respiratory tract. They are also known to reduce the risk of pancreatic and stomach cancer.

Broccoli
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are known for having potent anti-cancer properties. They contain glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes when they pass through the digestive system. These enzymes help the body to detoxify harmful chemicals that could lower cancer risk.

Apples
Each slice of an apple contains a high amount of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. These are beneficial in cancer and its recovery. Apples also contain potassium, which helps prevent fluid retention, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium. They are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that shields cell membranes from toxin damage. Plus, carrots are believed to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Treatment Options for Cancer
Several studies are ongoing to find the right treatment for every type of cancer. Ibrutinib is one such medicine that is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and small lymphocytic lymphoma. It works by blocking the growth of abnormal protein that leads to the multiplication of cancer cells.

Flax seeds are believed to contain potent cancer-fighting compounds like alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), lignans, and phytoestrogens. Studies indicate these compounds improve survival rates among some patients by stopping certain tumors from spreading and causing cell damage. The ALA also helps counter inflammation linked to the progression of many cancers.

Also, cancer screenings are a crucial part of the treatment to manage the progression of the disease. Doctors generally suggest sensitive screening tests like a colonoscopy for colon cancer. A colonoscopy provides a complete view of the rectum allowing proctologists and oncologists to identify the extent of the spread depending on the cancer stage. Alternatively, for breast cancer, doctors suggest BRCA gene testing analysis to identify any harmful changes in mutations linked to the progression of breast cancer.

Xofigo® is an injectable treatment option for prostate cancer patients. It is used for patients in advanced stages of the condition and those who fail to respond positively to traditional treatment options like surgery or hormonal treatment. Xofigo® radium 223 cancer treatment works because of the radioactive compound radium 223, which plays the role of a radiotherapeutic agent that destroys cancer cells. It can only be used when cancer has spread to the bones of the patient and nowhere else. A healthcare professional can administer the injection, and it is generally injected once every four weeks in six doses.

Another cancer treatment method is the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. It is a method wherein the immune cells are genetically modified in a lab so they can attack the cancer cells.  Besides the T-cell therapy, healthcare experts may also prescribe Vectibix® (panitumumab), combined with FOLFOX chemotherapy, for patients diagnosed with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This prescription is administered intravenously and blocks signals that may help the cancerous cells divide and grow.

Carfilzomib is another medicine used to reduce or completely stop the growth of cancer cells. It is used for treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, a type of cancer affecting the white-blood cells .  Oncologists typically recommend it for individuals who have already undergone at least one type of intervention for this health condition. Carfilzomib treatment option is sold under the brand name KYPROLIS. Carfil zomib can be used alone or in a combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone; lenalidomide and dexamethasone; or only with dexamethasone. It is available in powder form that is to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously. It is typically administered over a period of 10 to 30 minutes. This medication may be given for two consecutive days every week for a period of three weeks, or it can be administered once a week over a period of three weeks.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in plasma cells—white blood cells that fight infections by making antibodies. While the condition has no cure, a novel course called B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is receiving attention. BCMA is a protein that promotes B-cell survival, which helps inhibit cancerous growth. Doctors are in the process of developing therapies and treatments to target the BCMA protein for managing multiple myeloma.

Fostamatinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, manages chronic immune thrombocytopenia. It is being investigated for  Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) as well. It is currently sold under brand name Tavalisse® and works by increasing blood platelets. This inhibitor is given after other treatments have failed. Patients should take Tavalisse® as prescribed by the doctor. Potential side effects include high blood pressure, liver problems, diarrhea, and infections.

It is believed that messenger RNA, or mRNA, could be the next frontier as a more effective cancer therapy. mRNA carries specific signals to the cells, specifically dendritic cells, that instruct them into producing proteins and strengthening the immune system to kill the invading host cells, such as cancer cells. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out to treat pancreatic, colorectal, and melanoma cancer through this form of immunotherapy.

The human body naturally produces antibodies to fight off disease-causing organisms. Monoclonal antibodies are biological antibodies that are prepared in labs and often used as a targeted therapy for cancer patients. They are marked to target specific cells in the body, minimizing harm to healthy cells. These lab-produced monoclonal antibodies mimic the immune system’s response to unwanted cells and destroy them by blocking their growth, destroying cell membranes, flagging cancer cells, and attacking them.

XTANDI (enzalutamide) is a recommended novel hormone therapy for prostate cancer. It is used for treating three types of advanced prostate cancer: metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). XTANDI is an FDA-approved treatment option and is used orally once daily in either four 40 mg or two 80 mg dosages. It can be had with or without food.

Genetic testing can be used to ascertain cancer presence if one is genetically predisposed to the condition or has undergone cancer treatment at a younger age. It helps assess the gene mutation in the body. A healthcare expert tests an individual’s DNA by collecting cells at a clinic or from the individual’s home. The sample helps identify the signs of cancer development and draw an adequate treatment plan.

Cancer research can be extremely expensive, so donating to organizations involved in conducting or funding the research can be an incredible support initiative. For instance, non-profit foundations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) use donated funds for cancer-related research and treatment. The contributions also help donors receive tax benefits. One can check out the official St. Jude and BCRF websites for more details.
In addition to the above, Shriners Hospital for Children accepts donations and utilizes the funds for various treatments for patients. The hospital provides care and treatment options to all children, irrespective of their family’s ability to pay or their insurance status. The funds are also used for research and educational purposes.

In the case of metastatic colorectal cancer, Vectibix® is also advised to the patients as a type of immunotherapy. It is an antibody that is administered through the vein. Vectibix® has been designed to attach and block a protein molecule known as the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR). This prevents the multiplication of cells and leads to the death of the cancer cells.

In addition to standard screenings, tumor marker tests are done to predict cancer progression, identify suitable treatment options, and check for any relapse. Once the markers are identified and the extent of treatment is mapped, oncologists may consider using gene and cell therapy. In this treatment approach, doctors synthesize genetic material in the laboratory to help prevent the progression or manage particular cancer symptoms. In addition to therapies, prescriptions like XOSPATA® are also suggested to manage types of cancers like acute myeloid leukemia. However, some possible side effects include fever, cough, nausea, breathing problems, rash, dizziness, swelling of arms or legs, and decreased urination. The side effects can develop with varying intensities depending on the case.

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