There are other tests besides a colonoscopy, but I believe a scope of the best diagnostic test if you have any symptoms. The issue is some people don’t have symptoms, so they are missed until it’s far too late. There is a take home kit called Cologuard and its a fecal blood test that checks for cancer DNA. I believe it’s 92% accurate, so not bad! Also insurance is just starting to cover it regardless of the age…
If you and your doc thinks you don’t need a full colonoscopy, you can ask for at minimum a rectal exam and/or a tiny scope (that doesn’t hurt at all) to take a look around. That would only catch rectal cancer, but that is where 70% of all young onset cases at located.
What I Learned From Dawn Eicher * Be your own advocate! * Nobody knows your body better than you do. If something isn’t right, tell your doctor. If your doctor won’t listen, find one who will. * One person can affect change. * In less than 90 days, Dawn was able to get over 70,000 signatures on her petition she’s sending to congress. *I also learned that Attitude is everything! * Many people would be angry and bitter after experiencing what Dawn went through. She chooses to be positive and channel her energy for change.
How you can help make a difference: Please support the efforts of my friend Dawn Eicher to make it possible to save your life and many others. We have a ” Health Care” business system that relies on statistical analyses to determine approved insurance expenditures. Decisions must be based on EACH individual patient, regardless of age. In the toxic world we live in, children can be at risk as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wTnUu8qzfs
In the United States I could have went to prison for how I healed from Lyme disease naturally. For those that don’t know Lyme Disease it can be just as dreadful as cancer. It’s a virtual death sentence and I really want to share with you a couple of things I learned along my pathway to wellness.
The first is a test called a CEDSA. How it works is very similar to a lie detector test. It scans your body or more specifically your Central Nervous System (either in person or DNA, with saliva and hair samples). It then produces a test result that shows what organs or parts of your body are failing and then lists why. From there it suggests the supplements that you need to correct these ailments. It detects bacteria such as Lyme, parasites, heavy metals, cancer (up to three years before it’s medically detectible), Thyroid function, Adrenal Function, Heart Function, ADD/ADHD, Herpes Virus and almost everything else you can imagine.
Since the doctors had no explanation they decided the first measurement was inaccurate. I obviously believe it was the Rife that produced that result as my dad had purchased one and was using it faithfully. Without a doubt in my mind, I believe had he done just the True Rife and supplements he would have lived many more years.
Since I have frequent CEDSA tests to determine where I am with my Lyme and healing the rest of my body. I am able to find out things others would never know. Like the fact I had completely eliminated my Lyme and all co-infections except one using the Rife, but I’ve also been reinfected by a mosquito 2 times since. Once in Tulum Mexico last September and the most recent about six weeks ago in Southern Utah while attending to my mother who was also hospitalized. The test is very affordable, only $150 and is 94% accurate.
What I have learned from the owner of True Rife, is that of 200+ units he has sold specifically for cancer patients, he has had an 80% cure rate. You won’t find this information published anywhere and to me it feels very much like an underground society. I’m fine with that except for the fact so many people have no idea of this technology and could benefit so greatly from it. You may already know about it, however, for the common layperson like myself here’s how I explain it:
That’s how it works. The really amazing thing about True Rife is, not only does it come pre-programmed with over 2,000 pre-written programs for everything you could imagine it treating. You also get free updates for life. That’s all really amazing, but the very best part is that it comes with detox footbaths called Ion Pro-Waves. Which help detoxify all these dying organisms from your body so there is nearly zero herx or healing crisis.
I’m of the opinion that every household in the country should own one. They also have really cool things to add on. I have a Silver maker, Ozonated water for complete blood oxygenation, special bulbs for specific treatments, etc. Again, you may not remember, but you did give me amazing advice for my dad. For that I’ll be forever grateful. He just chose the wrong path.
When I think of Kenya, I think of the safaris, the lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and poisonous snakes. However, most recently, through a new Facebook friend Ayot Adhiambo, I got to experience a different side of that wilderness. Of how it’s really like, really living near wild animals. It is through that experience that you learn great respect for their habitat and the way the human species should co-exist with wild animals.
What being home early has taught me for fear of reprisal is Ayot’s 10 Life Principles
Always appreciate others when I see something of worth in them. Strive to focus more on the positive rather than the negative.
Respecting other people’s way of doing things just as I would want to be respected for living my life the way I would want to.
Being trustworthy, dependable in character and honor.
Being true to myself at all times, not trying to be someone else’s perfect.
Strive to be courteous and speak kind and respectful words that are clearly pronounced to establish a tone that favors comprehension.
Have a genuine interest in others
Being humble and never allowing the spirit of pride to fill my heart.
Being a woman of self-control who shows great ability in controlling every aspect of my life.
While being my greatest number one fan ever and having confidence in myself, believing in my abilities always no matter what.
Don’t underestimate anyone and don’t speak any negativity to anyone, because there is worth and greatness in each person.
It still shouldn’t alter how people should view life or death. We have our choices and it’s my belief we should read more and become more aware of the dangers that lurk within our environment and what comes from Out of the Darkness!! From Ayot’s Ten Life Principles, I have learnt how one can courageously live near the wilderness .
This strong belief that she has also inspires me to stay as far as I can from the dangers of everyday life! She has also inspired me to have unwavering faith should cancer come into my life I will be a survivor through it all. It’s through her nuggets of wisdom, that I am empowered to overcome whatever life’s obstacles that come my way.
When he was in his mid-50s, after working for 25 years as a restaurant manager, Paul lost his wife, Mary, to breast cancer. Following that traumatic experience, he sensed a tug on his heart — a call to a challenge, the call to pursue a dream.
With a mixture of dread and determination, Paul left his job, traveled to Georgia — and at age 57 — took his first steps on the 2,176-mile Appalachian Trail. That was in March 2008. What he learned during the next four and a half months changed his life and led to his first book, “Hiking Through.”
Paul had often dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Hiking through the beauty of nature had always brought him solace; so, after a year of trying to continue his life and work through his grief, he made the decision to quit his job, strap on a backpack, and walk the legendary trail through wilderness from Georgia to Maine.
The journey was more difficult than he had ever imagined. A thru-hiker walks the entire length of the trail in one season. In most years, less than 20 percent of all thru-hikers who begin actually finish. Paul encountered all of the things that drive people off the Trail: loneliness, discouragement, homesickness, physical injuries, exhaustion, extreme weather. He had vaguely expected such trials, but he was ambushed by the ferocity of these hardships.
On an Appalachian Trail hike you discover what the basic necessities are in life — food, clothing and shelter. However, everything you need to survive must be carried on your back. You soon realize if you are carrying extra baggage not essential to survival it needs to be discarded. I carried a sleeping bag, tent, water purification system, cooking equipment and about five days of food. With water, I was carrying close to 40 pounds.
Leaving my good job as manager at Dutch Valley Restaurant in Sugarcreek was the hardest choice I’ve made in life. I sometimes wonder if it was the smartest choice, and it certainly wasn’t financially, but I chose living life over money.
Hiking Through was written for all of you who have known the sorrow of losing someone dear and for all of you who still have time to cherish the ones you love. It was written for those who question whether God has any hand in our lives, and for those who believe God walks with us every step of our journeys. And, of course, it was written for anyone who dreams of hiking the great Appalachian Trail.
In the summer of 2010, Stutzman again heeded the call for adventure and pedaled his bicycle 5,000 miles across America. That led to his second book, “Biking Through.”
He recently released his first novel entitled, “The Wanderers,” a story about a young Amish boy and a young Amish girl, who undertake a long journey before they finally find home.
In addition to writing, Stutzman currently speaks to groups about his hiking and biking experiences and the lessons learned during these adventures. He can be contacted through his website at www.hikingthrough.com or www.paulstutzman.com.
It was this time nine years ago tonight when my father was in his final hours of battling leiomyosarcoma and vowed to myself that before I part this world. I would create a website that provides a free access centralized hub of cancer research. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why people had to be treated in the manner in which they are without prior knowledge to up their odds for survival.
So often with a doctors work load they are often distracted and also misleading with not much time to give you the full answers that a patient should be given to know for sure what to expect from a treatment. So last May around my fathers birthdate I started our Facebook support group. I am always honored when a cancer survivor…. would like to share their experience with the visitants of Solitarius.
In the early days of our relationship, my husband and I went to salsa classes. He would complain that I was always trying to lead, that I was too rigid! When I relaxed and trusted, it became so much more fun.
I see cancer as a dance. One that just got a bit more energetic. For the second year in a row, my Minimal Residual Disease test shows elevated cancer cells.
The day of the test results I shut down. I was upset. Disappointed. I had tried to sneak back into ‘normal’ society, pretending that I was done with cancer, that my new happy life meant I could have the occasional glass of wine, eat the kids gluten free bread, order cheese in a restaurant, snack on dark chocolate for a treat.
The reality is, that although blissfully contented, cheating with food was never a long-term option. I believe wholeheartedly in epigenetics. I know that I still have circulating cancer stem cells. I understand that should I create a unfriendly environment for those cells, they will metastasise.
On day two I got my head down. I read. I went back to basics. What was I doing in the early days after diagnosis that kept my results stable? What did I instinctively feel would heal me?
By day three I had a new protocol. One which focuses on healing my gut (leaky gut being at the core of all auto-immune disease, cancer being one), and on boosting my immune system. Back to vegan. Gluten, grain, potato and legume free. Zero sugar. More green everything. More raw. More sprouted seeds and nuts.
With My full list of supplements looks like this: medicinal mushrooms, curcumin, ubiquinol vitamin A, probiotics, enzymes, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D3, B patches, iodine, zeolite, flaxseed oil, bee pollen (the only non-vegan aspect), and Angioblock, Artemix, vitamin C, silica, epsom salt baths, FIR infrared saunas, cod liver packs, DIM, coffee enemas and wheatgrass implants.
The new protocol is pretty intense. There are pills with food, pills without food, pills with protein. However, I feel great. I feel clear. I feel hopeful and more authentic.
Just Let Go Let go of how you thought your life should be Sincerely,Nicola Corcoran🙂 and embrace the life that is trying to work its way into your consciousness.
Yesterday when I was out and about I went to Lebanon Ohio and visited a relative. While having a relaxing conversation before church and a dinner reservation at the Golden Lamb. We went to St Francis De Sales for their 5 30 mass. I was so inspired by their Priest sermon. I thought I would include it in this blog post. Wearing The Wood was the title of this amazing sermon and went something like this. He stated that last Sunday Night he was amazed at how the Iraq’s Christians are being persecuted by ISIS as they destroy crosses. While making Christians…. live their life like Islamic… As they tell people… turn Islamic or die without a choice.
Why do we live in such a diabolical world any more is beyond me. We are suppose to live a life where we are marked by the cross at birth. One where we are proud to say, “We Believe in GOD” and it’s a belief that keeps us tried and true through the trials and tribulations of living. So why in the world today: does people take such satisfaction on wearing a University of Cincinnati, Dayton or Ohio State T shirt costing $50 bucks. While some people make mockery of those that wear a cross costing only $10 to 15.00 bucks.
God in your eternal life doesn’t give two hoots about your favorite sports team, who won the day before. But he does care about how you live your life to the extreme. To gain an ever lasting life one must walk that straight and narrow to achieve his expectation set forth upon you ~ your mission of life. Why in todays world do others judge others more harshly than they judge themselves. And why in todays world… when everything is turning up side down. So why don’t we… turn back the clock to days gone by. To days gone by when wearing the wood meant something.
Minerals are inorganic substances that are essential for a healthy body, as they help to create hormones, enzymes, bones, tissues, teeth and fluids. So let’s take a closer look …at some important minerals and their effects of deficiency on the body!!
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of fracture. A deficiency in calcium can create improper brain function, low bone mineral density, and also muscular symptoms like aches, pains, twitching, spasms and cramps. In elderly adults, supplementation of calcium and vitamin D can markedly enhance bone density and reduce fracture. As women are particularly prone to calcium deficiency, it is important that they have a bone scan by age 60 and also take a daily calcium supplement. While liquid whole food vitamins and minerals are a good holistic source to ensure proper calcium intake and other needed nutrition.
The adult human body contains roughly 25 grams of magnesium, which is important for maintaining energy levels. A deficiency in magnesium also triggers a calcium deficit, which results in low blood potassium levels, retention of sodium, muscular symptoms such as tremors and spasms, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and personality changes.
Potassium keeps the muscles and nervous system working properly. Because of its alkaline properties, it helps the body to maintain pH levels and regulates the amount of water in the blood and body tissues. The most important function of potassium is also in helping to regulate blood pressure. When the body fails to retain the necessary amount of required potassium, deficiency results called hypokalemia, which can be fatal if not attended to. Some symptoms of potassium deficiency are fatigue, muscular weakness, acne, anxiety and memory loss.
Iron-deficiency anemia is caused by a deficit in iron which the body uses to produce hemoglobin, a substance in the red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. When there is a deficit in iron, the red blood cells are fewer and smaller than usual, and anemia results. Iron-deficiency anemia will likely cause fatigue, dizziness, irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, a pale appearance, brittle nails, and also cracked lips. Also supplementing with iron can increase risk for diabetes in women. While the best sources are dietary in the form of clams, oysters, beef, shrimp, turkey, enriched breakfast cereals, cooked beans, lentils and pumpkin seeds.
Zinc is essential for healthy growth in humans, animals and plants, and also for mental development in children and proper functioning of the immune system. The risk of zinc deficiency affects one third of the world population and is the fifth leading risk factor for disease in the developing world. Symptoms of zinc deficiency can include hair loss, skin lesions, diarrhea, acne and white spots or lines on the fingernails.
Chromium is essential in the use of glucose for energy and for the metabolism of amino acids and fats. Symptoms of deficiency include glucose intolerance, elevated cholesterol and weight loss. Those over age 55 and folks who exercise regularly may lose chromium through the urine and will need supplementation. Some chromium supplements contain yeast, which can interfere with certain prescription drugs and chromium is unsuitable for pregnant or breast-feeding women and for epileptics.
Other trace minerals such as molybdenum, selenium, phosphorus, iodine and sodium are important for health and well-being. With their deficiencies can cause a host of health problems. A good diet is the foundation of a healthy body, but to ensure proper nutrition and to stave off symptoms of deficiency, so make sure to take high-quality liquid vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.
Significant correlations were found between the ratio of people over 90 years old per 100,000 inhabitants and trace elements, including molybdenum, in soils, drinking water and rice. Which constitutes key elements of their natural environment. With the percentage of long-lived people (>80 years old) in Zhongxiang (Hubei province) was also positively linked to the content of molybdenum in their staple food, rice. Also in these regions, it is likely that combinations of trace elements contribute to optimum health and longevity as opposed to the sole effect of molybdenum. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/molybdenum/
The role selenium plays in combating various forms of degenerative disease has been known for several decades. More recent data have intensified scientific interest in its specific anti-cancer mechanisms. Researchers have found that selenium favorably modulates gene expression to suppress a protein involved in tumor onset, growth, and metastasis. But not all “seleniums” are the same. http://www.lef.org/magazine/2012/ss/Selenium-Protect-Against-Cancer/Page-01
Relative deficiency of phosphorus can be caused by very high calcium intake or by taking a lot of antacids which can bind phosphorus. Aluminum, also magnesium, and iron can interfere with phosphorus absorption. Low vitamin D intake can also lead to deficient body phosphorus. Symptoms of phosphorus deficiency which may include anorexia, weakness, weight loss, irritability, anxiety, stiff joints, paresthesias, bone pain, and bone fragility. Decreased growth, poor bone and tooth development, and symptoms of rickets may occur inphosphorus-deficient children. In adults, as mentioned, a low calcium – to – phosphorus ratio is most likely to generate problems. Osteoporosis (bone resorption) is often brought on by high phosphorus and low calcium intake. Other adult problems include skin disease, tooth decay, and even arthritis. http://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/Phosphorus/2061/2
MONTREUX, Switzerland, Natalie Mitchell’s Amazon Best Seller second book “How To Kill Cancer Cells” sets out clear guidelines for readers to create a bodily environment in which cancer cells cannot thrive. Everybody has cancer cells and with the medical technology available nowaday doctors can only diagnose cancer when people already have developed BILLIONS of active cancer cells in their body.
While the information is easy to understand, the Author’s clear message is that as we individuals, can control our susceptibility to Cancer, We can eliminate Cancer cells, prevent and avoid the disease by neutralizing, rather than unwittingly nourishing, the body’s natural Cancer cells and their growth.
Natalie Mitchell is an international consulting Nutritionist specializing in cancer prevention and recovery for her clients. For over a decade she has counseled both the healthy and those with Cancer on how to achieve prevention as well recovery through optimized daily nutrition and diet.
Natalie Mitchell celebrates the success of “How To Kill Cancer Cells”. Known for her clear guidelines on how to create a bodily environment, which prevents cancer cells from thriving, she seeks to give readers the ability to create for themselves a cancer prevention diet. One that asserts a bodily environment that can be created through nutrition, which will be toxic to cancer cells.
Her nutritional advice is presented in a way that is easy to understand, and which allows the reader to choose enjoyable foods to prepare and eat.Many chapters of “How to Kill Cancer Cells” conclude with a list of foods to avoid and foods that embrace related to the chapter, such as the list of “Best Alkalizing Vegetables with Minerals and Vitamins content details” at the end of the chapter on preventative minerals. The book seeks to make food planning and preparation for cancer prevention simple and easy-to-follow.
Through her years helping cancer patients maintain their strength through diet, Natalie Mitchell has developed knowledge of the food choices which can make the body an uninhabitable place for cancer cells. She demonstrates how to prevent and avoid the disease by controlling and neutralizing, rather than unwittingly nourishing, the body’s natural cancer cells and their growth.
“How To Kill Cancer Cells” is all about practical advice. Chapters, which focus on things like foods which cancer cells love, acid levels in the body, and enzymes that kill cancer cells, hand out specific advice for everyone who wishes to actively make sure their bodies remain cancer-free. Research from papers, both mainstream and alternative medical sources, back the advice Natalie Mitchell is providing. While the information is easy to understand, the Author’s clear message is as individuals, we can control our susceptibility to cancer and eliminate Cancer cells and in our bodies.
In Sheryl Malin’s essay We Are Not Rag Dolls she states, “Now, if you or someone you know has cancer ~there are options out there. This is the age of communication and it is a big world, look and see what other countries are doing to manage cancer other than cut, poison and burn. I have studied options for over four years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Check out my option www.thejourneytogoodhealth.com for I have learned that managing cancer is a scientific approach and it’s your blueprint that needs to be changed. “
Everyone lives in fear of a cancer diagnosis. Aside from all the pain and stress of the disease itself, the diagnosis brings with it the horror of being subjected to terrifying surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy…. all of which can have side effects as bad as or worse than the disease.
When Sheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wasn’t willing to have her health ruined by US-standard cancer treatments. Instead, she and her husband went to the internet. Armed with their belief that the usual prescribed course of action wasn’t right for Sheryl, they also discovered highly effective alternative treatments being used in Europe and in Mexico.
This is the story of how Sheryl beat cancer without surgery, chemo, or radiation. Through her daily journal, which she also shares online as a blog with readers who followed her journey of hope, Sheryl charts her progress.With information ranging from types of alternative treatments available to the necessity of lifestyle changes to stay healthy, And Sheryl’s amazing memoir is a radiant beacon of possibility for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Sheryl Malin has triumphed over cancer without using conventional Western medicine. Sheryl and her story have been featured on CBS local news, where she shared information about her treatment, and how she changed her lifestyle. She is married and has one child. She was a longtime resident of Florida, and now lives in Mexico.
However, Her message always remains that how you treat your illness should be your choice. Everyone is unique in their own way , and it’s your right to trust the wisdom of your body and mind to choose the path that is best for you. So Follow Sheryl on the road to recovery…. and learn about the innovative options available when you start thinking outside the box.
Sheryl’s purpose is: Please stand up with me and change the thinking of our health industry and help me convince our politicians and physicians that there is a better way to fight cancer without side effects and have immune therapy. A type of treatment available to all with the insurance paying even some of it. We need to not be treated like rag dolls, but as human beings.
Individually we are a drop, but together we are an ocean. The ocean turns into the sea, which surrounds this big world. So let’s begin today and talk about it among our friends. Support this cause and stand up to a better option to destroy cancer.
In Sheryl Malin Video FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE:
WHAT IS CANCER AND HOW I WAS TREATED?
THANKS GOES OUT TO THE STAFF OF ANGELES HOSPITAL, DR. PEREZ, DR. GARICA, VERA LOPEZ FOR MY SUCCESS OF HEALING FROM CANCER.
One day I decided I was done with it all. I was done with the Life ‘with” cancer and it was time to move into my life “after” cancer. Any evidence or thoughts, there of, to the contrary were also immediately discarded. Because I had a husband whom is my best friend and two daughters to continually live for. ✦ಌ⊱♡❁ ✲ ❁♡⊰ಌ✦
It took a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis for me to seriously consider what I was entitled to in my life. Despite, all the successful experiences in my business life. I had found the most important aspect of my life was learning how to redefine my life so I could go on living.
After declining conventional treatment: I had to start thinking in order to stay alive and reclaim my health. Embarking on a journey of personal discovery, development I slowly but surely unfolded the “gift of cancer.” In doing so I realized mindset, thoughts and beliefs are important.
Mindset, thoughts and beliefs Are also often over looked, but a vital tool to achieving and maintaining good health and wellness. So in 2004 Marika Hamilton founded Dealing With Healing, an out reach organization that is dedicated to inspire, support and encourage others to live life to it’s fullest.
A cancer is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells.
In some the rate is fast; in others, slow; but in all cancers the cells never stop dividing.
This distinguishes cancers — malignant tumors — from benign growths like moles where their cells eventually stop dividing (usually). Benign growths are also different from malignant ones in not producing metastases; that is, seeding new growths elsewhere in the body.
Cancers are clones. No matter how many trillions of cells are present in the cancer, they are all descended from a single ancestral cell. Evidence: Although normal tissues of a woman are a mosaic of cells in which one X chromosome or the other has been inactivated [Link], all her tumor cells — even if from multiple sites — have the same X chromosome inactivated.
Cancers begin as a primary tumor. Most (maybe all) solid tumors shed cells into the lymph and blood. Most of these lack the potential to develop into tumors. However, some of the shed cells are able to take up residence and establish secondary tumors — metastases — in other locations of the body. These metastases, not the primary tumor, are what usually kills the patient.
Cancer cells are usually less differentiated than the normal cells of the tissue where they arose. Many people feel that this reflects a process of dedifferentiation, but I doubt it. Rather, evidence is accumulating that cancers arise in precursor cells — stem cells or “progenitor cells” — of the tissue: cells that are dividing by mitosis producing daughter cells that are not yet fully differentiated (see below).
Cancer is a Genetic Disease
Cancer cells contain many mutated genes, in some cases over 100. Most of these are “passenger” mutations probably having no effect on the malignant process. They are just as likely to be found in healthy cells. However tumor cells also contain a small number (2–8) of mutant genes that are found so frequently in tumors that they are probably responsible for the malignancy. These are called “driver” mutations.
Over 100 driver mutations have been identified. These fall into several categories.
Mutations in genes that are involved in cell survival; that is,
genes that promote mitosis.The mutated or over-expressed products of these genes, called oncogenes, drive the malignant process stimulating mitosis even though normal growth signals are absent.Example: EGFR, the gene encoding the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) (EGFR is also known as HER1.)Oncogenes act as dominants; that is, only one of the pair need be over-expressed or mutated to predispose the cell to cancer.
genes that inhibit the normal death of damaged cells by apoptosis. Mutations in these enable the cell to ignore signals telling it that it is irreparably damaged and should commit suicide.
Mutations in genes that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the cell’s genome, e.g., DNA repair genes.Example: the p53 gene product normally senses DNA damage and either halts the cell cycle until it can be repaired or, if the damage is too massive, triggers apoptosis.The normal unmutated version of p53 inhibits malignant transformation and thus is an example of a tumor suppressor gene.Tumor suppressor genes are recessive; that is, either both copies must be mutated for their function to be lost or — more commonly — the healthy copy of the gene has been lost [More].
Mutations in genes that regulate cell fate; that is, the pathway of differentiation down which a cell travels. Differentiated cells have usually exited the cell cycle and begin to perform their function until they die. Mutated genes that interrupt differentiation and promote continued cell division can increase the risk of tumor formation.Examples of such genes are NOTCH and Hedgehog (HH) as well as genes that make epigenetic modifications in chromatin, e.g., by methylating histones or DNA.
Mutations in genes that stimulate angiogenesis. Tumors, like any tissue, need a blood supply to bring food and oxygen and to take away wastes. So as it grows, a developing cancer must be able to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels into itself. This is done by the release of angiogenesis stimulants, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the product of the tumor suppressor gene VHL.
Progression of Cancer:
What probably happens is:
A single cell — perhaps an adult stem cell or progenitor cell — in a tissue suffers a mutation (red line) in a gene involved in the cell cycle, e.g., an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene.
This results in giving that cell a slight growth advantage over other dividing cells in the tissue.
As that cell develops into a clone, some if its descendants suffer another mutation (red line) in another cell-cycle gene.
This further deregulates the cell cycle of that cell and its descendants.
As the rate of mitosis in that clone increases, the chances of further DNA damage increases.
Eventually, so many mutations have occurred that the growth of that clone becomes completely unregulated.
The result: full-blown cancer. (Genetic analysis reveals an average of 63 mutations in pancreatic cancers; almost as many in one type of adult brain cancer, but only 11 somatic mutations in a case of brain cancer in a child.)
Sequencing samples from several areas in a primary tumor, as well as from some of its metastases, reveals a different collection of mutations from sample to sample. This finding is reinforced by the sequencing of the genome of individual cells from a single tumor each of which shows a unique pattern of shared and unique mutations. (The ability to sequence the genome of a single cell reveals that even normal cells in an adult have accumulated a suite of somatic mutations that differs from cell to cell. However, the rate of somatic mutations in these normal cells is only a fourth of that in cancer cells.)
So even though all the malignant cells in a cancer are descended from a single original cell — and thus are members of a single clone — they are no longer genetically-identical. As the tumor develops, its various cells develop a variety of additional mutations, and these give rise to “subclones” of varying degrees of malignancy with varying
propensity to metastasize;
susceptibility to treatment by anticancer drugs;
propensity to relapse after apparently-successful therapy.
These findings should stimulate a reexamination of the use of chemotherapy.
While chemotherapy may wipe out dominant subclones in a tumor, there is evidence that is also exerts a selective pressure for the expansion of more malignant, previously-minor, subclones.
Most chemotherapeutic agents damage DNA [Link] so while killing off some cells, they will raise the mutation rate in any surviving cells perhaps encouraging the outgrowth of even more malignant subclones.
Evidence: In a group of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, those receiving chemotherapy survived for shorter periods than those that did not.
Stem cells are cells that divide by mitosis to form either
two stem cells, thus increasing the size of the stem cell “pool”, or
one daughter that goes on to differentiate, and one daughter that retains its stem-cell properties.
There is growing evidence that most of the cells in leukemias, breast, brain, skin, ovarian, and colon cancers are not able to proliferate out-of-control (and to metastasize). Only those members of the clone that retain their stem-cell-like properties (~2.5% of the cells in a tumor of the colon) can do so.
There is a certain logic to this. Most terminally-differentiated cells have limited potential to divide by mitosis and, seldom passing through S phase of the cell cycle, are limited in their ability to accumulate the new mutations that predispose to becoming cancerous. Furthermore, they often have short life spans — being eliminated by apoptosis (e.g., lymphocytes) or being shed from the tissue (e.g., epithelial cells of the colon). The adult stem cell pool, in contrast, is long-lived, and its members have many opportunities to acquire new mutations as they produce differentiating daughters as well as daughters that maintain the stem cell pool.
begins with the development of polyps in the epithelium of the colon. Polyps are benign growths.
As time passes, the polyps may get bigger.
At some point, nests of malignant cells may appear within the polyps
If the polyp is not removed, some of these malignant cells will escape from the primary tumor and metastasize throughout the body.
Examination of the cells at the earliest, polyp, stage, reveals that they contain one or two mutations associated with cancer. Frequently these include
One of the functions of the APC gene product is to destroy the transcription factor β-catenin thus preventing it from turning on genes that cause the cell to divide [Link]. With no, or a defective, APC protein, the normal brakes on cell division are lifted.
Another function of the APC protein is to help attach the microtubules of the mitotic spindle to the kinetochores of the chromosomes. With no, or a defective, APC product available, chromosomes are lost from the spindle producing aneuploid progeny.
deletion and/or mutation of the tumor suppressor gene p53
Note that each of the mutations shown probably occurs in one cell of the type affected. This cell then develops into the next stage of the progression. The mutations do not necessarily occur in the order shown, although they often do.
The cells in the later stages of the disease show a wide variety of additional mutations including point mutations, deletions, translocations, and duplications. A handful (2–8) of these are “driver” mutations playing significant roles in the malignancy. The others are probably “passenger” mutations that play no role in the process.
It is becoming clear that this is what one should expect. What distinguishes one cancer from another is not the tissue of origin, but the particular accumulation of mutations that drive its growth. Once these are identified, it will eventually be possible to choose chemotherapeutic agents that target the particular pathways in a given cancer — personalized therapy. [Link to an example.]
Cancers become more common as one gets older.
The graph shows the death rate from cancer in the United States as a function of age. The graph can best be explained by the need for an accumulation of several “hits” to genes that control the cell cycle before a cell can become cancerous.
Sequencing of the genomes of a sample of single cells from different parts (including metastases) of a tumor in a single patient reveals in each a suite of mutations some of which are found in all samples, others in some, others in only a single sample. The gene or genes found in all samples represent those that began the malignant process. Estimating the mutation rate in these clones and subclones indicates that these tumors actually got their start 20–30 years before.
The graph also explains why cancer has become such a common cause of death during the twentieth century. It probably has very little to do with exposure to the chemicals of modern living and everything to do with the increased longevity that has been such a remarkable feature of the 20th century. A population whose members increasingly survive accidents and infectious disease is a population increasingly condemned to death from such “organic” diseases as cancer.
Causes of Cancer
Cancers are caused by
anything that damages DNA; that is anything that is mutagenic
radiation that can penetrate to the nucleus and interact with DNA
anything that stimulates the rate of mitosis. This is because a cell is most susceptible to mutations when it is replicating its DNA during the S phase of the cell cycle.
certain hormones (e.g., hormones that stimulate mitosis in tissues like the breast and the prostate gland)
chronic tissue injury (which increases mitosis in the stem cells needed to repair the damage)
certain other chemicals; some the products of technology [example]
certain viruses
(Considering that from conception to death, an estimated 1016 mitotic cell divisions occur in humans, it is remarkable that cancer is not more common than it is!)
Viruses and Cancer
Many viruses have been studied that reliably cause cancer when laboratory animals are infected with them. What about humans? The evidence obviously is indirect but some likely culprits are:
two papilloma viruses that can cause cancer of the cervix and other regions of the genitals (male as well as female).
the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, which infect the liver and are closely associated with liver cancer (probably because of the chronic inflammation they produce)
two human T-cell lymphotropic viruses, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 [Link]
But note! Clearly viral infection only contributes to the development of cancer.
Many people are infected by these viruses and do not develop cancer.
When cancers do arise in infected people, they still follow our rule of clonality. Many cells have been infected, but only one (usually) develops into a tumor.
So again it appears that only if an infected cell is unlucky enough to suffer several other types of damage will it develop into a tumor.
Nevertheless, widespread vaccination against these viruses should not only prevent disease but lower the incidence of the cancers associated with them.
A vaccine against hepatitis B is available as are
two vaccines (Gardasil® and Cervarix®) against the most dangerous papilloma viruses.
Develop replicative immortality; i.e., avoid the normal process of cell senescence. Link to a discussion.
Induce angiogenesis; that is, promote the development of a blood supply. Link to a discussion.
Invasion and metastasis — the ability of tumor cells to invade underlying tissue and then to be carried to other parts of the body where secondary tumors develop (metastasis). During this process, the normal adhesion of cells to each other and to the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) are disrupted.
Genomic instability. Cancer cells develop chromosomal aberrations and many (hundreds) of mutations. Most of the latter are “passenger” mutations, but as many as 10 may be “drivers” of the cancerous transformation.
Inflammation. Tumors are invaded by cells of the immune system, which promote inflammation. One effect of inflammation is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These damage DNA and other molecules.
Changed energy metabolism. Even if well-supplied with oxygen, cancer cells get most of their ATP from glycolysis not cellular respiration.
Evade the immune system. This is described in the page Immune Surveillance. Efforts to manipulate the immune system to combat cancer are described in the page Cancer Immunotherapy.
· We are each powerful, mysterious, complex, multidimensional beings, no matter how frail and dysfunctional the body may be.
· There is a oneness of body, mind and spirit.· Events originate from within. We create our lives. This power is never taken away, though it may be given away temporarily or even permanently.
· Healing has to do with taking full and complete responsibility for all of one’s creations.
· Techniques, methods, and therapies may facilitate healing. However, ultimately, life heals or love heals, not a pill or operation.
· These, however, are needed today if we cannot heal on other levels to the point where medicines, herbs, vitamins and other props or aids are not required. So do not abandon healing modalities such as nutritional balancing sciences.
· Healers, doctors, and therapists are facilitators only.
· Desire, intention, allowing and surrender play critical roles in healing.
· Forgiveness of self and others are important aspects of the healing process.
· Discipline, derived from same root as ‘disciple’, is an important aspect of healing.
By Ayot Adhiambo
co.
