Phone: 604-949-0077 
September, 2010
By Dr. Sharon Gurm, ND (Naturopathic Physician)
Cancer has now surpassed cardiovascular disease as the number one cause of death in Canada. Many of you reading this article have had personal experience with cancer – either you yourself have been diagnosed or have a friend or family member who has been afflicted with cancer. As September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this newsletter and this article in particular, is dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian and breast cancer. You will find, however, that the subjects discussed in this article are not limited to ovarian and breast cancer, but are applicable to all types of cancer in general.
Although billions of dollars annually are poured into cancer research, we are far from winning the war on this devastating disease. The focus of cancer research has largely been and continues to be on that of conventional therapies (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation). However, research on cancer prevention and integrative cancer therapies, although it exists and is becoming more prevalent than it ever was, pales in comparison when one considers where funding for research is allocated. The truth is that cancer is a battle won far before the disease is prevalent and diagnosable in a patient and we have the research and evidence to prove that factors such as diet, along with environmental and lifestyle influences play a major role in determining an individual’s risk of cancer, as well as the rate and duration of survival in those who have cancer.
Complimentary cancer therapies, such as those administered by naturopathic physicians who specialize in oncology (cancer care), are being utilized more and more by North Americans in the fight of their life. Used alone or in conjunction with conventional therapies, evidence-based complimentary therapies for cancer treatment have been demonstrated to increase survival time, reduce adverse effects of conventional therapies (such as chemotherapy and radiation), enhance effectiveness of conventional therapies, improve quality and duration of life, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve overall outcomes. Collectively, the marriage of conventional and complimentary therapies is known as “integrative medicine” and in the case of cancer treatment, “integrative oncology”. Although there are numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of some highly effective integrative therapies (to name a few: melatonin, vitamin D, curcumin, green tea, oxygen/ozone therapies, intravenous vitamin C, mistletoe – alone and in conjunction with conventional therapies), there is a need for greater emphasis on integrative oncology research. Funding is the rate limiting step – natural substances cannot be “patented” and no large pharmaceutical company is going to run to fund studies and research where billions of dollars in profit are not part of the equation.
The movement towards integrative oncology is quickly gaining momentum. There are several successful integrative cancer centres in the US and internationally, dedicated to providing evidence base clinical and scientific research to support the use of conventional and complimentary treatments in a collaborative and synergistic way. Here in Canada, the department of research and clinical epidemiology at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto has recently secured funding for a feasibility study to develop an integrative and environmental oncology research centre in Ottawa. OncANP (The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians) was developed in 2004 and is dedicated to advancing the philosophy, science and practice of naturopathic oncology. Inspire Health is an integrative cancer centre in Vancouver consisting of medical doctors and various complimentary health care practitioners that utilize natural treatments in conjunction with conventional therapies to successfully increase survival and decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. It is my hope and that of others in my profession that such associations, treatment and research centers will bridge the gap between conventional and naturopathic oncology and lead to a much needed paradigm shift in medicine – especially in the delivery of cancer care in Canada.
At Port Moody Naturopathic Health & Wellness, we are dedicated to providing the best in integrative oncology for our patients. We believe in treating the person (mind body and spirit), not just the disease. We believe a successful treatment plan for cancer usually involves a combination of conventional and naturopathic therapies (although some cancers may even be best treated with naturopathic therapies alone since some cancers are non-responsive to chemotherapy and radiation). We believe in guiding and empowering our patients along their journey and assist them in making an informed decision about their health care while simultaneously supporting whatever path they choose for their treatment. We believe that the war on cancer can be won and we believe, first and foremost, in prevention as our first line of treatment.
So What Causes Cancer?
The first step in understanding the cause of cancer is to understand how our body prevents cancer from occurring in the first place. We all produce cancer cells (cells that are abnormal), but our immune system is responsible for identifying and destroying these aberrant cells. When the immune system fails, the abnormal cells continue to divide creating a tumor that can invade the tissue or organ of its origin and may eventually spread to other sites.
There are several factors that lead to a dysfunctional immune system. Nutrients such as vitamin C and D are vital to healthy immune function. Deficiency in these key nutrients, along with several other “antioxidants” (substances that help prevent cellular damage and are anticancer in nature), will chronically weaken the immune system and hinder DNA repair mechanisms of the cell. Chronic infections, such as viruses, fungi, parasites and other microbes can weaken the immune system overtime, making it less effective in its ability to identify and destroy cancer cells. In fact, it is not uncommon to find these chronic persistent infections in cancer patients – I have yet to treat a patient with cancer who does not have at least one or more chronic infection (Note: these infections are not generally found on standard routine blood tests as they are ineffective in detecting most types of infections. We use darkfield microscopy/live blood analysis* and other specialized methods of detection in our clinic to diagnose chronic infections).
Pathogenic microbes (or “bugs”) thrive in an acidic environment, as does cancer. The cancer cells will actually develop ways to continually create this acidic environment (terrain) around them in order to survive and grow. If the internal environment, or terrain, is conducive to the growth and devlopment of cancer, then there is a greater chance that cancer will develop. So what contributes to an acidic environment before cancer develops? Poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, environmental factors (chemical toxins and heavy metals), stress, hormone imbalances and poor lifestyle choices are at the root of what creates a cancer friendly (acidic) terrain. Inevitably, all of this leads to significant nutrient deficiencies, namely antioxidants (key cancer-fighting nutrients), propelling the vicious cycle. Read on to learn more.
The Role of Diet In Cancer Prevention & Treatment
We know that individuals who consume a diet low in sugar, processed foods, caffeine, meats and saturated fats, yet high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and wild fish, coupled with daily exercise have a 40 percent reduction in their risk of developing cancer. Taken one step further, to help alkalinize an acidic environment, a diet consisting of 75 percent fresh organic vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and little fruit is what I recommend for cancer treatment. Juicing is a great way to get the alkaline and anticancer benefit of vegetables. Meats are highly acidic and contain unwanted antibiotics, hormones and toxins, which are especially harmful to those who are fighting cancer. Foods should be organic and non-GMO (non-genetically modified).
Green tea is especially high in polyphenols, a potent type of antioxidant (nutrients that combat internal and external compounds causing cellular damage), and several studies have shown that drinking green tea has anticancer benefits. Pure, organic Japanese matcha green tea is the best quality and I routinely recommend this to my cancer patients.
Herbs and spices such as tumeric, rosemary and oregano are also beneficial in cancer prevention and treatment, primarily due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), such as those found in olive oil, hemp seed oil and cold water fish have significant anticancer properties (especially omega-3 from fish). When cooking, use coconut oil or grapeseed oil as these are healthy fats that are stable at high heats.
Pomegranates contain anti-aromatase phytochemicals (plant chemicals with known health benefits) and is rich in ellagic acid – both compounds are associated with anticancer properties (note: aromatase is an enzyme in the body that is often elevated in certain cancers and supports cancer growth, particularly prostate and breast cancer). A recent study at the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope (California) evaluated whether phytochemicals in pomegranates can suppress aromatase and ultimately inhibit cancer growth. Researchers found that those compounds found in pomegranates have the potential to prevent estrogen-responsive breast cancers.
There are several “anti-cancer foods” that have been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer and enhance treatment and survival outcomes in those who have cancer. An excellent resource and reference is the book “Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life”, by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD.
Nutrients & Cancer Treatment
There is a tremendous body of evidence supporting the use of certain nutrients (especially those with significant antioxidant properties) in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Depending on the type of cancer and the purpose of the treatment, certain nutrients will confer more benefit than others. Dosage will vary depending on whether the nutrients are being used for prevention, for treatment or for maintenance.
The positive role of vitamin D in cancer prevention is undisputed. In the Nurses’ Health Study (2002), a higher dietary intake or total intake of vitamin D (including supplementation) was significantly associated with a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Individuals with cancer are most often deficient in vitamin D and “megadose” supplementation (i.e. between 6,000-20,000 IU daily) is often used as part of a complete treatment plan. A simple blood test will determine the degree of vitamin D deficiency*. Vitamin D is inexpensive and easy to administer orally (usually in drop or capsule form). In my opinion, everyone should have their vitamin D levels tested at least 1x/year, ideally 2x/year to identify potential insufficiency. For more information, refer to my article on vitamin D in the e-newsletter archives, Winter 2009 (also available on the Health Action Network Society website: http://www.hans.org).
Melatonin has long been known to have significant anti-cancer properties as a potent antioxidant. Individuals with certain cancers (such as breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, colon and other cancers) routinely demonstrate deficient melatonin levels. Doses between 2-20mg/day are often part of a cancer treatment plan. Anti-inflammatory nutrients such as high-quality omega-3 fish oils are also a mainstay of naturopathic treatments in oncology.
More advanced therapies, well supported in their effectiveness in naturopathic oncology (alone or in conjunction with conventional treatments), include oxygen therapies such as ozone and hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous vitamin C, mistletoe therapy and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. These therapies have shown great promise in the treatment of many cancers. Of these, intravenous vitamin C is the most well researched and highly supported evidence-based therapy in integrative cancer care.
The Importance of Supervised Detoxification
As mentioned earlier in this article, prevention is really the key to winning the war on cancer. Consistent and proper detoxification should be a key component of any disease treatment or health maintenance plan and is vital in preventing recurrence of cancer in those who have been previously diagnosed. A proper detoxification plan does not consist of purchasing an over-the-counter “detox kit” from your local health food store. To be effective, a physician-directed detoxification program should be specific to your individual needs.
It is important to begin with a proper assessment that includes identifying what type of toxicity we are attempting to rid in the body, the severity of toxic load and where it is concentrated in the body (i.e. colon, liver, lymphatics, etc.) A comprehensive health history to identify known previous and current toxic exposures (i.e. heavy metals, occupational exposures, dietary exposures, lifestyle habits such as smoking, medication use, etc.) is the first step. Secondly, a thorough assessment using appropriate diagnostic evaluation methods (i.e. specialized urine and blood tests*) help us to determine the best type of detoxification methods for the individual. For example, a history of heavy metal exposure from smoking and/or mercury fillings or other sources requires a particular type of detoxification treatment also known as Chelation Therapy. Other methods of detoxification include colon hydrotherapy and infrared sauna therapy. As previously discussed, chemical toxins and heavy metals are highly acidic in nature and contribute to the acidic terrain that promotes cancer development and growth.
Hormone Balance & Cancer
The body has “cancer-protective genes” (also known as “tumor suppressor genes”) which help prevent cancer cells from replicating and dividing uncontrollably. These genes can be suppressed or “turned off” by several factors – all of which have been mentioned in this article thus far: poor diet, poor stress management, chemical and heavy metal toxicity and also by the aging process itself. In addition, hormone imbalances in the body can also negatively affect the proper function of cancer-protective genes. Evaluating and balancing the hormone levels in the body should be a key component of cancer prevention and treatment. While synthetic hormones such as Premarin, Provera or Prempro have been demonstrated to increase the risk of hormone-dependent cancers in women (The Women’s Health Initiative, 2002), bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has been shown to be cancer protective.
One out of every 8 women will develop breast cancer. Scientific studies suggest that bioidentical progesterone and estriol offer protection against breast cancer (contrary, synthetic hormones have been partly responsible for the dramatic rise in breast cancer rates). The protective effect of BHRT is believed to be due to its action on gene expression – preventing the genetic switches that enable cells to propagate out of control (i.e. keeping the tumor-suppressor genes in check). The same is true for men with prostate cancer.
Screening & Risk Assessment For Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Most hormone-dependent cancers (prostate, ovarian, breast) are “estrogen-driven”. Proper evaluation of risk assessment for these cancers is a useful clinical tool in treatment as well as prevention of hormone-dependant cancers. Tests such as salivary hormone testing* and urinary hormone testing* are among the most useful evaluation tools. The urine test can evaluate the levels of “bad” estrogen (16-hydroxy) compared to the level of “good” estrogen (2-hydroxy). The lower the ratio of 2:16 hydroxy estrogens, the higher the risk of developing cancer. Managing the estrogen metabolism (good vs bad estrogen levels in the body) should be part of the first-line of preventative therapeutics aimed at reducing the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer. Daughters of women diagnosed with breast cancer should be screened using these risk assessment methods sooner than later – even in their early teens. The sooner the intervention, the better the outcome for risk reduction and overall health.
“Xenobiotics” or substances that mimic estrogen in the body are a major factor in the production of “bad” estrogen in the body. Xenobiotics are chemicals found in pesticides, herbicides, plastics (i.e. bisphenol-A, dioxins, phthalates) and other sources ubiquitous in our environment. Certain phytonutrients, like IC3 and DIM (found in the brassica family of cruciferous vegetables) and non-GMO soy can help “shunt” the metabolism of estrogen to healthier ratios.
Currently, there is no standard routine screening for ovarian cancer in mainstream medicine. Tests that may detect ovarian cancer include: routine pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasound (a procedure used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and bladder, and CA-125 assay which measures the level of CA-125 in the blood (a substance released by cells into the bloodstream and increased levels can sometimes be a sign of certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer). Salivary hormone and urinary estrogen metabolism assessments are also applicable to ovarian cancer screening and risk assessment.
Mammography is the standard in mainstream medicine for detection of breast cancer. However, growing concern over radiation exposure from mammography (in turn, increasing one’s cancer risk) is prompting women to look at other methods of screening and evaluation. The gold standard for screening is MRI (even better if coupled with ultrasound). Since breast MRI is not covered under the medical services plan (MSP), the cost is a huge deterrent for women. Thermography (not covered by MSP) is a method of evaluating breast tissue using infrared technology to identify areas of the breast tissue that are highly thermogenic or heat-producing. Although thermography can be a useful tool in evaluation, it is not an effective diagnostic test. In my opinion, thermography, coupled with other tests utilized by some naturopathic physicians (such as darkfield microscopy/blood analysis*, Autonomic Response Testing*, salivary and/or urinary estrogen testing*) can be a useful tool for screening and prevention. If any findings using these examination tools were suspicious, follow-up with a mammogram and/or ultrasound and/or MRI would be warranted.
The take-home message: there is no one test alone that will effectively and accurately assess cancer risk, cancer progression and/or regression and/or recurrence. A combination of various evaluation methods will provide a more complete clinical picture. The sooner in life the risk assessment is begun, the sooner appropriate treatment intervention can begin and the better the overall health outcome.
The Mind-Body Connection & Cancer
Anyone who has battled or is battling cancer will understand that mind-body awareness and the power of the psyche are crucial in the fight against cancer. One of the most powerful treatments in cancer is a positive outlook and will to live. There is no denying that stress contributes to disease. To successfully overcome chronic disease such as cancer, one must not only seek to reduce and effectively manage stress, but also address the imbalances within the spirit. This involves dealing with unresolved mental-emotional conflicts, often requiring the assistance of an appropriate counsellor, spiritual guide or health care practitioner. Having a good support network (friends and family), practicing deep breathing exercises and exercise in general, will help reduce overall stress levels and, through increased oxygen and circulation, confer other anticancer benefits as well. Mindful meditation, prayer and positive affirmations are ways to create a positive and peaceful internal environment, nurture the soul and strengthen the spirit. A strong spirit and clear mind will undoubtedly influence the physical and biochemical processes occurring within the body – even at a cellular level. In my opinion, there is no drug, nutrient or supplement that can equate the power of the mind and spirit in battling chronic disease.
Taken as a whole, cancer is a complex and multi-dimensional disease. Effective treatment therefore, has to be equally as involved and multi-dimensional in its approach. While conventional therapies in cancer treatment have been the mainstay of our health care approach in oncology, drug therapy, radiation and surgery alone are no longer the answer. An exciting paradigm shift in medicine is beginning to emerge and it consists of an innovative, integrative approach to preventing and treating cancer, reducing the risk of recurrence and enhancing quality of life. As an innovative and comprehensive health care center, Port Moody Naturopathic Health & Wellness strives to advance the field of integrative oncology and we endeavor to make every effort to continually educate the public to bring increased awareness and empowerment about cancer prevention and treatment.
*These tests are available at our clinic
Dr. Sharon Gurm, ND is a board-certified Naturopathic Physician and founder of Port Moody Naturopathic Health & Wellness. She has a special interest in naturopathic oncology and is a member several associations including: OncANP (Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians), the Bioidentical Hormone Society and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Gurm is board-certified in oxidative (ozone) medicine, chelation therapy, prolotherapy and acupuncture. To book an appointment with Dr. Gurm, call (604) 949-0077.
