Cancer

A Chinese Electrochemical Treatment

For a few decades now, doctors in China have treated some types of cancer with a process called electrochemical treatment (ECT). Now, the treatment is being tested in the US, thanks to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health.

The City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, received a small grant to conduct a pilot study of the technique using rats and mice as subjects. Dr. Chung-Kwang Chou and his researchers inserted electrodes into the animals tumors and sent a tiny electrical charge (around 10 volts) through the electrodes for 30 minutes to several hours. The study showed that, depending on the placement of the electrodes and the dosage of electrical current, ECT was effective in reducing the size of the tumors.

Minimize Nausea from Chemotherapy Treatments

It is not yet standard protocol at the country's major cancer treatment centers, and it may never be, but many patients who undergo chemotherapy may be helped in overcoming subsequent nausea by drinking caraway tea. Herbalists, pointing to anecdotal evidence, say that caraway has long been considered a digestive tonic. It may also help soothe the stomachs of cancer patients by relieving intestinal spasms.

Caraway leaves can easily be found at herbal stores, or look for caraway tea at well­stocked tea shops.

Cancer Prevention

Cooking with Care

There are many foods that may help prevent cancer. Also following certain rules when cooking may guard against the disease. Studies show that grilling meats, fowl or fish over hot charcoal will release chemicals that may increase your risk for cancer. Plus, fat dripping onto charcoal produces carcinogenladen smoke.

It is not necessary to avoid grilling altogether. Instead, use hard woods, which burn at lower temperatures, in your grill; opt for low-fat meats; and put a sheet of aluminum foil underneath your food to catch drippings before they drop onto the coals.

Tea for Cancer-Free Cells

Next to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, put tarragon tea, rich in caffeic acid, on the list of possible cancer fighters. In addition to spicing up dishes with the fresh or dried herb, drink a few cups of tarragon tea every day. Steep the herb in a cup of hot water and strain before sipping.

Broccoli Sprouts Come of Age

Given the impressive research that surfaced in the late 1990s showing that broccoli sprouts contain vast amounts of anticancer chemicals, it might be time to rethink at least some of your menus. The sprout-growing industry will have to catch up with demand, but this much is clear: Studies done at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center show that broccoli sprouts have at least 30 times the concentration of the anticancer substances found in mature broccoli. A handful of the sprouts on a sandwich each day, or in a salad, will be beneficial to the detoxifying systems in your body. Some resourceful people are growing their own broccoli sprouts.

Combating Colon Cancer

We know now that eating low-fat, healthful meals lowers overall cancer risk, but can we go further to specify which foods will protect which vulnerable body parts? Yes, to a degree, nutritionists say. One example: For people who have a family history of colon cancer, or those who are trying to prevent a recurrence, try combining soy foods with turmeric, a spice that is gaining in popularity in the US. While soy foods have been linked to lower rates of colon, breast and prostate cancers, turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin. That nutrient, which prevents cellular damage, has been linked to lower rates of colon cancer. A casserole or stir-fry containing both soy and turmeric could provide a one-two punch.

Calcium for More than Strong Bones

The anticancer properties of calcium have been building excitement in research circles since the late 1980s. Now, gastroenterologists and others recommend that patients who have colon polyps or other increased risk factors for colon cancer should consider taking more calcium. Whether taken in the form of milk products, dark green leafy vegetables, sardines, salmon or supplements, calcium appears to reduce the development of substances in the colon that can lead to the formation of polyps or cancerous growths. Dietitians recommend 1,000 to 1,200 mg a day of calcium.