Stress and Cancer
Few events are as stressful as a diagnosis of cancer. As the stress level increases, the outpouring of the adrenal cortex hormone (cortisol) also increases. Women with breast cancer who had abnormal cortisol rhythms survived an average of 3.2 years, while those with normal rhythms survived an average of 4.5 years (more than a year longer). The difference in survival times began to emerge about 1 year after the cortisol testing and continued for at least 6 additional years (Richter 2000).
Animal studies, mostly involving rats, demonstrated stress as a causal factor in cancer. The onset of cancer appears similarly allied in humans, with the immune system highly responsive to emotional pitfalls. It is well established that when the individual is emotionally challenged, cancer has a significant advantage (Levy et al. 1987).
Psychobiologist Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu, Ph.D., has been working for the past decade on stress, tumor development, and the activity of NK cells (Ben-Eliyahu et al. 2000). Considering all immune system cells, NK cells show the strongest activity in preventing metastasis and the strongest response to stress. Even short-term stress decreases NK cell activity in laboratory animals, significantly increasing the risk of certain types of cancer and metastasis. Gender plays a significant role in the NK cell response to stress, with men more adversely affected than women (Pehlivanoglu 2012). The stress of abdominal surgery promotes the growth of cancerous tumors in rats, a sequence thought orchestrated by NK cell suppression (Ben-Eliyahu et al. 1999).
High levels of neuropeptide-gamma are observed in the bloodstream of depressed individuals, an elevation synonymous with immune suppression (Ader et al. 1981; Scanlan et al. 2001). Macrophages (pathogen scavengers) have receptor sites that attract endorphins (mood enhancers with analgesic traits). With the right emotional programming, white blood cells swim through the bloodstream with determination; conversely, under stress, immune competence falters, and the immune attack becomes lethargic.
Breast cancer patients with the most anxiety had a weaker immune response and were less equipped to fight the disease. The following stress-associated situations and personality types are associated with breast cancer: (1) the use of denial or repression as a coping strategy, (2) an experience of separation or loss, (3) a history of stressful life experiences, (4) a tendency toward melancholy and hopelessness (this trait has, since antiquity, been associated with uterine and breast cancers), and (5) a personality type characterized by conflict avoidance. It is theorized that the genes that cause one to avoid conflict are the same genes that increase susceptibility to cancer (Goodkin et al. 1986; Darmon 1993).
Also, psychological stress induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 (Maes et al. 2000), which play a role in malignancies.
The effect of chronic stress on the immune system of 116 recently treated breast cancer patients found (reproducibly) that stress levels significantly predicted (1) lower NK cell activity, (2) diminished response of NK cells to interferon-gamma, and (3) decreased proliferation of lymphocytes, white blood cells considered the army of the immune system (Andersen et al. 1998). Oncologists often suggest stress management, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, guided imagery, or spirituality, to help bring about calm.
Because the cells responsible for cancer surveillance work best in an environment favoring confidence and calm, it is important that the message springing from our thoughts and transmitted to cells is commensurate with healing. Fright, pessimism, and melancholy send uncertain instructions and the cells respond with a feeble effort. The enduring message (fear or assurance, despair or hopefulness, laughter or tears) reflects our hour-to-hour psyche and sets the tone for health victories or failures. Expect little more from your body than the quality of your thoughts at this very moment: "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
http://www.lef.org/protocols/cancer/cancer_adjuvant_therapy_06.htm#stress
Summary
The drugs, hormones, and nutrients discussed in this protocol have documented mechanisms of action that may benefit the cancer patient. The objective of implementing an adjuvant regimen consisting of multiple agents is to increase the odds of achieving a long remission. Once a remission is achieved, preventing recurrence and secondary cancers becomes a lifetime commitment.
Few oncologists aggressively seek to prevent recurrence once the primary disease appears to have been eradicated. However, the regrettable facts are that colonies of cancer cells can remain dormant in the body for years or decades before reappearing as full-blown disease that is highly resistant to treatment. This has been documented in autopsy studies of people who died of diseases other than cancer but nonetheless showed significant residual metastatic tumors in their bodies.
Nutrient
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Preventive Dose
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Cancer Adjuvant Dose
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10 – 25 mg daily
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20 – 50 mg daily
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2 – 4 mg daily
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6 – 12 mg daily
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500 mg daily
|
2000 – 4000 mg daily
| |
180 – 450 mg daily
|
900 – 1800 mg daily
| |
500 mg daily
|
1000-2000 mg daily
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400 mg daily of a BCM-95® extract with food
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800-3600 mg daily of a BCM-95® extract with food
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100 mg daily with food
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200-400 mg daily with food
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400 mg, 3 times daily
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400 mg, 3 times daily
| |
2000 – 4000 mg daily of fish oil concentrate supplying 700 – 1400 mg EPA and 500 – 1000mg DHA with food
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4000 – 8000 mg daily of fish oil concentrate supplying up to 2800 mg EPA and 2000 mg DHA with food
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600 mg daily with food
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1200 – 4800 mg daily with food
| |
200 – 250 mg daily with food
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400 – 1000 mg daily with food
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GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
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300 mg daily with food
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700 – 900 mg daily with food
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100 mg daily
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300 mg daily
| |
300 – 350 mg daily of EGCG
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Up to 3000 mg daily of EGCG
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1 tbsp daily
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1 – 4 tbsp daily
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Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C)
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80 – 160 mg daily
|
200 – 600 mg daily
|
25 – 50 mg daily
|
75 – 125 mg daily
| |
Lipoic acid(Sodium R-lipoate)
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240 – 480 mg daily on an empty stomach
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600 – 1200 mg daily on an empty stomach
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10 mg daily with food
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15 – 45 mg daily with food
| |
300 mcg-3 mg before bed
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10 – 50 mg between 8 – 10pm
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100 mg daily of standardized to contain 4-7% ginsenosides
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200 – 600 mg daily of standardized to contain 4-7% ginsenosides
| |
80 – 120 mg daily of punicalagins
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280 – 375 mg daily of punicalagins
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1 – 2 pills daily on an empty stomach of a formula containing pancreatin, papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin
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2 – 10 pills, 3 times daily on an empty stomach of a formula containing pancreatin, papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin
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PSK (Coriolusversicolor)
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600 – 1200 mg daily of a 40% polysaccharide extract
|
3000 mg daily of a 40% polysaccharide extract
|
0.25-3 mg daily
|
1 – 3 mg daily
| |
500 mg daily
|
1000 – 3000 mg daily
| |
980 mg daily of standardized to contain 13.5% polysaccharides and 6% triterpenes
|
980 – 3000 mg daily of standardized to contain 13.5% polysaccharides and 6% triterpenes
| |
200 mcg daily with food
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200 – 600 mcg daily with food
| |
225 mg daily
|
225 – 450 mg daily
| |
400 – 800 mg daily (broccoli extract)
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400 – 1600 mg daily (broccoli extract)
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1000 – 3000 mg daily
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4 – 12 g daily
| |
2000 – 10 000 IU daily with food, based on individual blood testing. Optimal blood levels of vitamin D are 50 – 80 ng/ml.
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2000 – 10 000 IU daily with food, based on individual blood testing. Optimal blood levels of vitamin D are 50 – 80 ng/ml.
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In too many cases, a breast, melanoma, or other cancer reemerges that was supposed to have been cured. Scientists speculate that the body has natural anticancer control mechanisms that may diminish with age and exposure to physical and emotional stress factors. It is thus important for cancer patients to be vigilant in maintaining an inhospitable environment for cancer cells to propagate and protecting against age-associated immune dysfunction.
We have prepared the chart above to summarize recommendations on the basic dietary supplements and suggested doses for cancer prevention and adjuvant treatment. In addition to the agents listed here, a number of other potential adjuvant approaches are discussed in this protocol. For long-term control of cancer, some cancer patients attempt to incorporate as many of these adjuvant approaches as are tolerable and affordable. Others pick and choose which drugs, hormones, and supplements they want to consume over the long term.
Patients should read the other cancer protocols in this book, with special attention given to Cancer: Should Patients Take Dietary Supplements? and Cancer Treatment: The Critical Factors. If surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy is being considered, please refer to these specific protocols: Cancer Surgery, Cancer Radiation, and Cancer Chemotherapy.
Note: While it would be wholly inappropriate for the Life Extension Foundation to steer individuals in decisions of omission or commission regarding therapies, it would be equally improper to shun responsibility. Because we are challenged by a professional and moral commitment to assist in overcoming appalling statistics, we have discussed some controversial issues in this protocol. We look forward to new findings to better substantiate optimal therapeutic approaches.
Disclaimer and Safety Information
This information (and any accompanying material) is not intended to replace the attention or advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Anyone who wishes to embark on any dietary, drug, exercise, or other lifestyle change intended to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition should first consult with and seek clearance from a physician or other qualified health care professional. Pregnant women in particular should seek the advice of a physician before using any protocol listed on this website. The protocols described on this website are for adults only, unless otherwise specified. Product labels may contain important safety information and the most recent product information provided by the product manufacturers should be carefully reviewed prior to use to verify the dose, administration, and contraindications. National, state, and local laws may vary regarding the use and application of many of the treatments discussed. The reader assumes the risk of any injuries. The authors and publishers, their affiliates and assigns are not liable for any injury and/or damage to persons arising from this protocol and expressly disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information container herein.
The protocols raise many issues that are subject to change as new data emerge. None of our suggested protocol regimens can guarantee health benefits. The publisher has not performed independent verification of the data contained herein, and expressly disclaim responsibility for any error in literature.
