Discussing the decision NOT to recommend vit D screening nationwide.

(prompting some thoughts on FREE LUNCH)

"The benefits of vitamin D, at least to bone, are clear. Beyond debating the numeric definition of vitamin D deficiency and seeking additional potential benefits of vitamin D sufficiency, future research should address how to promote moderate exposure to the sun and healthful eating habits and increase compliance with vitamin D supplementation. Before considering ordering a 25-hydroxyvitamin D test, clinicians should ask themselves why a patient may have vitamin D deficiency in the first place and take the opportunity to promote a healthful lifestyle. Clinicians also should assess whether the patient will be compliant with vitamin D supplementation and how to increase that compliance. Without changes in lifestyle or compliance with long-term supplementation, a short duration of vitamin D "sufficiency" maintained by high doses of vitamin D does not warrant screening for vitamin D deficiency in most patients."

   (MY emphasis above)

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/826926?nlid=62344_1521&src=wnl_edit_medp_wir&uac=63542CG&spon=17

Many doctors lack time to read studies  -  probably getting their news from titles of studies or headlines, which we know don't often correspond to content.  With less knowledge they generally follow the 'instructions' of the companies they have known - remember most of the doctors in practice today went to medical school at the time (stopped only recently).  Here are some articles on that CONFLICT of INTEREST.

http://www.politicsofmedicines.org/articles/learning-how-not-to-do-the-pharmaceutical-industry-tango-raising-student-awareness-of-ethical-conflicts-of-interest and http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/28/2/540.full

Additionally current screening is about disease DISCOVERY even though it is often referred to as 'Prevention'.  Taking vit D3 on a national scale , would be TRUE prevention and that is not in step with the goals of our consumerism-oriented society.  To be fair, any new concept takes an extremely long time to enter our medical system so this one will be kicked around for perhaps another TWENTY years before it is well understood.  Still many studies have shown those diagnosed with cancer have low levels of vit D3.  It is not yet clear if this is a cause.  Buy many of us who follow an Integrative health program - using (mostly) Organic food, being physically active, reducing stress (learning to deal with it better), detoxing, and taking dietary supplements, generally will add vit D3 if needed.  I certainly did.

To protect yourself, get tested by your primary care doc for vit D3 levels.  Build yourself back up and STAY with it.  Keep it at an excellent level for your health.  Do get a bit of sun everyday - 15 minutes for those in the North and 5 minutes for Southerners.

First do no harms – Integrating complementary therapies into cancer care

For years advocates and patients have been concerned over the short and long-term adverse effects caused by conventional treatment. Even in this era of consecutive chemotherapies designed to reduce toxicities, we are still experiencing them. Using a muga scan to examine the heart before certain treatments works to discover who already has heart weakness ,but speaks not at all to those who will develop it. Similarly with neuropathy, once developed, it is extremely damaging and not under control. We suggest the use of certain natural supplements which in a variety of studies seem to enhance chemo treatments and may reduce the risks of many of the adverse effects suffered by the human being behind the cancer. This is of grave concern to our advocacy organization. Examples abound of substances that are GRAS. A study on fish oil (Omega-3) in mice indicated it was synergistic with doxorubicin and slowed tumor growth without increasing toxicity. A variety of studies point to its value in cachexia, and some believe it shows promise as an anti angiogenic agent. Curcumin has been shown to affect 9 pathways in the body – it is able to induce glutathione S-transferase activity. When combined with piperine (black pepper) its value is mightily enhanced. It may work equally well in ER+ or ER- breast cancer cells. It has demonstrated an ability to inhibit the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), and curcumin preferentially arrests cancer cells in the G2/S phase of the cell cycle. A study in mice demonstrated that turmeric/curcumin may protect cancer patients from the burns and blisters suffered as adverse effects of radiation therapy. This same paper, presented in 2002 suggested that the benefit of RTx is enhanced as well. Topically applied tea may reduce radiation burns per a study from UCLA reported in 2006. L-theanine, an amino acid, has been shown to enhance doxirubicin's cancer killing effects, while protecting normal cells. Many studies indicate bnefit from the addition of vit D – this is being studied in several labs now. One study indicated enhancement of paclitaxel through the addition of vit D analogues. The vitamin D3 analog, ILX-23-7553, enhances the response to Adriamycin and irradiation in MCF-7 breast tumor cells. Also in vitro, both tumorigenicity and metastatic ability decreased after addition of N-acetylcysteine or selenium (from a 2001 study). Quercetin, a flavinoid molecule, has in vitro and some preliminary animal and human data indicate it inhibits tumor growth, as well as having little toxicity (2000). Quercetin has been used to enhance hyperthermia as well. B12 among other B vitamins has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth in MC7 cells. A 2002 study showed (in rats) that supplementation of a niacin-adequate, high quality diet with pharmacologic levels of nicotinic acid or nicotinamide increases NAD+ and poly(ADP-ribose) levels in bone marrow and may be protective against DNA damage. CoQ10 is finally being studied as cardio-protective in a human trial right now. Alpha lipoic acid and glutathione have been indicated as helpful for prevention/reduction of neuropathy. These and many other natural substances, mostly GRAS, call out for more study and inclusion in our treatment protocols. They are likely not toxic and in a system where drugs of great toxicity are routinely given, it just makes sense.

Fish oil http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/30fisoilconi.html
Curcumin http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/cursupefonhu.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/turforbreasc.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/turinmicenrt.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/teaexreraskd.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/theanenchemu.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/comefofvitd3.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/vitdanenrest.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/nacandselust.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/coq10.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/querhypprosc.html
http://s406515300.onlinehome.us/pharinofniac.html

Integrative Oncology from the Patient Advocate Perspective

As a 20+ year survivor I sought to find, then offer, information on natural cancer strategies.  At first I needed them for my own cancer protocol, then to help others.

Integrative Oncology refers to the simple, natural and non-toxic approaches that can reduce toxicity, possibly enhance the efficacy of conventional treatment, and create feelings of well-being and control in people dealing with cancer.

Many studies, some from long ago, have pointed to the strong patient interest in Integrative Oncology (formerly known as CAM).  Yet the professional oncology community’s knowledge has failed to keep up.

Trained to seek Level 1 studies, they have failed to note the preponderance of all the other evidence available supporting natural approaches. Due to cost, most natural products/substances are not reviewed at Level 1 and probably will never be.

We’ve created a simple program we call 3 Steps 4 Health which offers anyone in cancer treatment a guide to improved health.  We will present the research that backs up these simple ideas that can be incorporated into anyone’s protocol.

We also have a Handout to Reduce Toxicities (also a Pediatric version) that is evidence-based to help with those adverse effects that plague modern cancer patients.  So many suffer from neuropathy – there are quite a few methods to protect or treat this with complementary therapies that can be integrated into conventional treatment.  ASCO has pointed to the value of Yoga, of Ginger and more natural approaches but oncology professionals have been slow to adopt or recommend.

Ann E. Fonfa, Annie Appleseed Project, Delray Beach, FL USA

Obstacles to CAM for minority communities to healthy foods and supplements

Obstacles and solutions for minority communities to healthy foods and supplements, gyms and healthy care products. Princetta Scott and Ann Fonfa, The Annie Appleseed Project, Delray Beach, FL

There are a variety of obstacles that make it difficult for people living in minority communities to adopt healthier lifestyles despite their desire to do so.  These include few health food stores or shops that carry fresh produce or supplements.  Very little access to gyms, few ‘safe’ places to run in the streets or parks to play outdoors in.

Some minority neighborhoods have been shown to have more fast food restaurants and bars than any other type of food establishment.  Prices for fresh produce may be higher in these communities.

Some solutions include joining a walking or running group (be the organizer if this does not exist in your area yet). Joining or creating a food coop, reaching out to local/organic farmers to suggest a market day.  Visit with local nonprofits to suggest they fund or run these projects.

Ask local stores to host a food market or coop.

(photo shows the authors in Lisbon, Portugal with a poster)

10th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology

I traveled to Vancouver this month to participate in and speak at the 10th annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
READ MORE

AARP Bulletin - April 2010

http://pubs.aarp.org/aarpbulletin/201004_CA?pg=12#pg12

Ann had a lumpectomy in Jan 1993, a second one in Feb 1995, a third in July 1995, then a left mastectomy in August/Sept 1995.  She mistakenly allowed a right mastectomy in May 1996 due to being advised that breast also had cancer - it did NOT.  Ann credits working with a NYC-based Chinese herbalist to resolve 7 years of recurrent breast cancer.  She is MRI-proven (Sept 2001) free of cancer.

Add to Your Knowledge by Ann Fonfa MedPageToday

Add Your Knowledge posts written by Ann Fonfa, advocate

Evidence 'Equivocal' for Antioxidants in Cancer Treatment - Jun 21,2008

As a patient advocate, I deplore the fact that a full 15 years after my own diagnosis, we still do not have usable information (in the view of these authors) to definitely say if it is okay to combine antioxidants with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

This is SO unfair to people with cancer. On the other hand, there is no meaningful evidence showing danger, just guesswork. Is that enough to tell patients to avoid commplementary use of vitamins, acupuncture, homeopathy, or the like during therapy that is KNOWN to be harmful to patients - that is conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

There is plenty of level 2 and 3 evidence as to the value of fresh and organic produce, avoiding JUNK food (soda, fried foods, white flours, etc.) that people can read and react to. We wish they would - read it that is. We support the idea of combining healthy lifestyle/nutrition/exercise/relaxtion/detoxification and the use of supplements.

We also want to point out that vitamin E succinate is considered the appropriate antioxidant with radiation therapy not d-alpha tocopherol. Avoid N-acetyl cisteine at this time. There are studies on this.

Ann Fonfa President www.annieappleseedproject.org

MedPageToday.com