Tag Archives: cancer treatment centers

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Safe Fish Consumption Report

Posted on by

Something Fishy:  Latest Report on Safe Fish Consumption
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

Fish is a protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known to reduce inflammation. However the safety of your fish has of late been called into question. The latest report by Food & Water Watch indicates that “less than 2% of the 860,000 imported seafood shipments were visually inspected and less than 1% were actually tested for contaminants.”  Below you will find a list of the top offenders and some healthy alternatives to keep your consumption of fish safe.

THE UNSAFE FISH LIST with SAFE ALTERNATIVES

•     Imported & Farm-Raised Catfish, also known as Basa and Swam is usually imported from Vietnam.  They do not regulate or monitor closely the use of  antibiotics and other chemicals.
If you love catfish, try Pollock. This fish is similar in taste and is also low in mercury.      Look for this mild-flavored fish imported from the US, Canada and Norway.  These     places all have eco-friendly harvesting for safer consumption.
•    Eel (aka Unagi) is pen-farmed in China. The use of toxic nitrofuran, and othere drugs and pesticides are used to keep disease away in the pens.  Eel is extremely high in mercury and cancer-causing PCBs.
If you fancy eel, experiment with squid.  This fish has a comparable flavor and it is     clean of contamination.
•    Atlantic Flatfish which includes Sole, Flounder and Halibut – are high in toxins, have been overfished over time and has been attributed to the breakdown of Atlantic Ocean ecosystem.
If you enjoy any of these fish, check out Pacific Halibut which is considered to be an     eco-friendly choice.
•     Imported & Farm-Raised Shrimp – one of the most polluted types of seafood sold.  Chemical residues, antibiotics and other contaminants have been found in farmed shrimp.
MSC-certified wild-caught Pacific shrimp from Oregon is the safest shrimp for     consumption.  According to The Healing Gourmet,70 percent of domestic shrimp comes     from the Gulf of Mexico. The recent oil spill this raises concern for the health of these shrimp stocks. Even though you are playing it safe by staying away from farm raised shrimp, the location is still an important aspect to consider.
•    Farmed Atlantic Salmon has many chemical contaminants ranging from pesticides and antibiotics to PCBs.  These farmed fish are fed in overcrowded, disease- ridden pens.  They are considered to be genetically engineered and unsafe due to the high levels of carcinogens they contain.
For a safer alternative, choose wild Alaskan Salmon only. In the near future, you may     see a label on Farmed Atlantic Salmon- if the FDA approves the change.
•     Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is considered to contain the “highest levels of mercury and have reached near-extinction levels,” according to NY Times. According to the Healing Gourmet, “Oceana – a non-profit ocean protection group – collected 1,215 samples from seafood vendors from 2010 to 2012. They found that 59% of tuna is not just mislabeled but it is almost entirely comprised of escolar – a fish once banned by the FDA.”

A safer alternative would be Atlantic mackerel and sardines.  These fish do not contain problematic ingredients and are low in mercury.

For more information refer to www.healinggourmet.com

Comments >

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Whole Grains

Posted on by

Whole Grains: What’s in a Name?
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

The grocery store aisle for grains seems to be growing in amount and variety that is offered! How do you make sense of the new options and their health benefits?  The term ‘whole grain’ means the integrity of the grain is still intact.  In other words, it has not been broken to its individual parts. There are three parts to a grain:  germ, bran and endosperm.  Often, when you see a label that reads “refined grain” it means the germ and bran has been removed, leaving behind only the endosperm, which is mainly made up of starch.  Unfortunately, when you consume refined grains, you are losing the nutritional benefits which reside in the germ and bran.   Whole grains are a wonderful way to keep your blood glucose levels even, making you feel fuller over a longer period of time.

Whole grains are full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, a compound that protect cell function.  Additionally, AICR studies point to specific substances in whole grains that have been linked to lower cancer risk, including antioxidants, phenols, lignans and saponins.  The Mediterranean Diet recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.  Furthermore, AICR states this diet, “can help with weight maintenance and, in turn, may decrease your risk of developing cancer.”

Below are some examples of whole grains:

•    wheat breads, rolls, pasta
•    cereals; whole grain oat cereals such as oatmeal
•    popcorn
•    wild rice
•    brown rice
•    kasha (roasted buckwheat)
•    tabouleh (bulghur wheat)

For more information please refer to:

http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/foodsthatfightcancer_whole_grains.html

Comments >

Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Creating A Backyard Garden

Posted on by

Creating a Homemade Garden:  Start with Healthy Soil
Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
Raquel Rivera, SA

Our strongest encouragement for cancer patients post-diagnosis is to focus on making more conscious decisions that lead to a healthier lifestyle.  There are many ways to do this! They include making healthier food choices, enhancing physical activity, and engaging in mindfulness and relaxation. Many patients search for a novel activity to include in their routine.  Favorite pastimes often bring a peaceful state of relaxation and uplift your overall mood.  Gardening is a fantastic way to get physical activity, grow your own healthy foods and herbs, and increase mindfulness.

One of the fundamental recommendations for those of us starting our own garden is to use health soil: healthy soil leads to healthy crops.    Soil is an intricate system of minerals, air, water and organic matter.  Within the complexity of the soil, there is an entire ecological system designed to achieve one goal- generating a harvest.  The quality of the soil is affected by the climate, the environment and the things you do to manipulate the soil.

Here are a few things you can do to enhance the quality of your soil:  tillage, crop rotation, and cover crops.  Below is a brief description of each:

•    Tillage- Plowing to turnover deeper layers of the soils; mix up and blend organic substances and also prevent weeds from growing

•    Crop Rotation- Alternate your crops to avoid pests and disease; replace nutrients that crop may have used up

•    Cover Crops- Covering crops will absorb nutrients back into the ground soil in between seasons which builds organic matter, prevents weeds from growing and lessens erosion

Before you know it, you will be making your own teas, spicing up foods with homemade herbs, and serving up homegrown vegetables and fruits.  Enjoy! Be well.

For more information refer to Food and Nutrition, Issue March/April 2013, www.aicr.org

Comments >

SFRO Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients; Fish Oil vs Krill Oil

Posted on by

CAM in the Spotlight- Fish Oil versus Krill Oil
by Corrie Trottier, MS, RD

It is becoming apparent that inflammation over an extended period of time is the cause of serious illnesses such as heart disease, various cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids plays a role in reduction of inflammation and can help your body to achieve optimum health.

Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant pigments. Both krill oil and fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA). However, fish oil contains fatty acids in triglyceride form, whereas krill oil contains them in phospholipid form. Due to krill oil’s chemical structure it is better absorbed into the body than fish oil. In addition, krill oil contains higher levels of DHA and EPA, and does not have a fishy after taste.

A study out of Canada titled “Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Clinical Course of Hyperlipidemia,” assessed the effects of krill oil on total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In totality, the study lasted for 6 months and consisted of 120 people. The results showed that 1-3g per day of Krill oil was effective in the reduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL when compared to both fish oil and the placebo. In addition, krill oil was shown to be effective in reducing glucose.
Although krill oil is a notable supplement, the downside is that these sea creatures are declining in population. Remember, you can always get your omega-3s from eating fish such as sardines, Alaskan sockeye salmon, or herring.

References:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400239/Consider-Krill-Oil.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/501879-mega-red-krill-oil-vs-omega-3-fish-oil/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15656713

Comments >

World Cancer Day Information from American Cancer Society

Posted on by

Thanks to American Cancer Society for this great article and for all the efforts they are putting together to make Feb 4, 2013 a very special day!

Please share it!

World Cancer Day 2013
www.cancer.org
February 4th is World Cancer Day, a time when organizations and individuals around the world send a message: Ending cancer should be a global health priority.
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin
www.cancer.org
Dedicated to helping persons who face cancer. Supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education. Contact us anytime day or night 1-800-227-234.

Comments >

SFRO: From Our Cancer Patients to You

Posted on by

Patient to Patient
by Cindy Collins, PhD, Rd

This is first in a series of articles which depict the cancer patient’s experience from their point of view. Our patients wish to share their experience in order to assist, inspire and inform fellow cancer patients, their families and blog readers. It is their hope to help guide fellow cancer patients through the treatment and survivor phase.

Read here about BT, a cancer survivor:

BT is a 54 year old woman who has recently completed treatment for cancer of the parotid gland (salivary gland). Two years ago she ‘left the cold’ of Pittsburgh for the warmth of Florida. Prior to her move she had felt a lump on her own and was given antibiotics by her doctor. She was told that after the antibiotics the lump would go away. It never did; it never grew and it did not hurt. Because it did not feel attached it was assumed it was a cyst.

Once BT arrived in Florida and saw a primary care doctor, she was told that she needed to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT). Three weeks later she had surgical removal of the lump. Now without a job and health insurance BT awaited the report on the pathology. She remembers being told her cancer was ‘rarer than a hen’s tooth.’ Have you been to Italy? her doctor asked her. When she replied no, he responded, Well your tumor is there! It had been sent off for special pathology tests.
BT underwent 5 weeks of radiation. She became accustomed to the mask and her fears of wearing it and making it through the treatment, as short as each session was. She recalls finding the cream she needed in the Dollar Store due to difficulty with finances. She used the Magic Mouthwash. She overcame her loss of taste and ate according to the appeal of food texture rather than taste.
Because she did not have medical insurance, BT used the government provided Dentist. With that she was able to have the necessary teeth pulled; however she was surprised to learn that dentures would not be provided. BT mentioned to her radiation therapist her dilemma regarding her teeth. She was young and had hoped to go back to work. How would she do this without teeth? Who would hire her?
After much searching for several weeks by BT and the dietitian, she was turned down by dental schools, affordable dental practices and other facilities that looked like good options. A local dentist who was attending a cancer support group was contacted. Word had spread from the dietitian to cancer survivors that a dentist willing to do the work free of charge was needed.
BT was shocked when she received the phone call regarding her new dentist! He insisted on implants which would be the better choice. He also insisted that he provide a lifetime of dental care to BT, also free of charge.

BT was diagnosed with a second cancer, cervical cancer, while she was in search of a dentist post-radiation for her parotid cancer. This second cancer was treated with surgery.

BT states that she lives “very differently” now that she is a survivor. The help she received from her health care professionals, and then subsequently her new dentist has renewed her hope and her faith in people. She has a new sense of the need to care for herself. She has hung her radiation mask on the wall in her home; she uses it as a reminder of her ability to overcome the cancer. At no time did she falter in her hope for survival BT states, due to the confidence she had in her doctors.
BT states that the two most important qualities that helped guide her through her treatment into survival are her perseverance and her trust in her doctors, coupled with a leap of faith. She had been told her lump would go away. She persisted in getting care. If she were asked would she want to forget this ever happened to her? BT responds, no, she has met so many people and realized once again how much goodness is there for us to share. BT remembers being angry only once – over the fact that she could not sell her platelets to earn money for her dentures. She cried only when diagnosed with the second cancer. BT explains her need for new teeth: I never thought I was a vain person, but I didn’t realize what that would feel like to have no teeth. When asked what the most encouraging thing had been during her treatment and recovery, BT just looked up and flashed a big smile! We laughed.
BT has signed up for several classes at the Survivor Clinic. Always keep a positive attitude, she said.

For this and more cancer survivor and patients stories follow our blog. South Florida Radiation Oncology offers many cutting edge treatments for cancer, so you can get back to living your life!
For more details about our Survivorship Clinic and support groups, go to our Resources page, at http://www.sfroll.com/resources.

News for Cancer Patients: Study Examines Link Between Breast Cancer and Diabetes

Posted on by

Study Examines Link Between Breast Cancer and Diabetes
Date:12/13/2012 [RSS & Subscription]

THURSDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) — Postmenopausal breast cancer survivors are at increased risk for developing diabetes and should be screened for the disease more closely, a new study suggests.

Researchers analyzed data from 1996 to 2008 from the province of Ontario, Canada, to determine the incidence of diabetes among nearly 25,000 breast cancer survivors aged 55 or older and nearly 125,000 age-matched women without breast cancer.

During a median follow-up of more than five years, nearly 10 percent of all the women in the study developed diabetes. Compared to those who had not had breast cancer, the risk of diabetes among breast cancer survivors was 7 percent higher two years after cancer diagnosis and 21 percent higher 10 years after cancer diagnosis, the investigators found.

The risk of diabetes, however, decreased over time among breast cancer survivors who had undergone chemotherapy. Their risk compared to women without breast cancer was 24 percent higher in the first two years after cancer diagnosis and 8 percent higher 10 years after cancer diagnosis, according to the study, which was published Dec. 12 in the journal Diabetologia.

“It is possible that chemotherapy treatment may bring out diabetes earlier in susceptible women,” study author Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe, of Women’s College Hospital and Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto, said in a journal news release. “Increased weight gain has been noted [after receiving] chemotherapy for breast cancer, which may be a factor in the increased risk of diabetes in women receiving treatment.”

“Estrogen suppression as a result of chemotherapy may also promote diabetes,” Lipscombe added. “However, this may have been less of a factor in this study where most women were already postmenopausal.”

The study authors suggested that there may be other factors involved for women who received chemotherapy, including glucocorticoid drugs, which are used to treat nausea in patients receiving chemo and are known to cause spikes in blood sugar. In addition, breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are monitored more closely and thus are more likely to have diabetes detected, they noted.

The researchers said it is unclear why diabetes risk increased over time among breast cancer survivors who did not receive chemotherapy.

“There is, however, evidence of an association between diabetes and cancer, which may be due to risk factors common to both conditions,” Lipscombe said. “One such risk factor is insulin resistance, which predisposes to both diabetes and many types of cancer — initially insulin resistance is associated with high insulin levels and there is evidence that high circulating insulin may increase the risk of cancer.”

“However, diabetes only occurs many years later when insulin levels start to decline,” she said. “Therefore, it is possible that cancer risk occurs much earlier than diabetes in insulin-resistant individuals, when insulin levels are high.”

Overall, the “findings support a need for closer monitoring of diabetes among breast cancer survivors,” Lipscombe concluded.

Although the study found an association between diabetes and breast cancer, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

More information

The American Cancer Society outlines what happens after breast cancer treatment.

– Robert Preidt

SOURCE: Diabetologia, news release, Dec. 12, 2012

Healthy Food Choices; controlling our moods

Posted on by

How Food Affects Mood:  Research Revealed

By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for developing depression is directly linked to the average American diet. Current research has enhanced our understanding of the link between mood and food. The ideal goal would be to affect our moods in a positive way through the control of our dietary intake. Another very beneficial result of controlling our diets is to optimize our brain function with consumption of certain nutrients or combinations of nutrients.
Healthy food choices just might provide a piece to the puzzle when it comes to mood.  A study published in the 2010 British Journal of Psychiatry, concluded that a dietary pattern consisting of vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and whole grains was associated with lower odds for depression when compared to the typical American diet of processed or fried foods, refined grains and sugary products.
In 2004, a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, scientists determined that depression is strongly associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of levels of inflammation in the body that is also linked to promotion of recurring disease. This suggests that we should consume foods which contain which are nutrient dense, specifically with foods that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. These include nuts like almond and walnuts, fish oils and turmeric to name a few.
These findings and others suggest that foods may have the potential to aid in the enhancement of mood. And, don’t throw out the carbohydrates altogether. Complex carbohydrates may play a role here too. When the body receives a balance of fruits, vegetables and lean protein it has a better energy source to carry out important biological functions more effectively.  When consuming carbohydrates, there is an increase in the blood glucose level, which opens biological pathways for amino acids (proteins) to reach the brain to send out the euphoric feeling sent out by the brain neurotransmitter, serotonin.  Drew Ramsey, M.D., co-author of The Happiness Diet believes, “A well-nourished brain will usually take care of itself,” thus demonstrating the importance of good nutrition patterns.

For some examples of good food choices and more information on this topic please refer to:  http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=12988&Section=Nutrition&utm_source=DailyHealthBulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Nutrition&utm_content=Body+ContinueReading&utm_campaign=DHB_120412

The Effect of Noise Increases Stress Levels

Posted on by

Quiet Please!
It turns out even the noise around us can increase our experience of stress! Scientists have performed several studies over the past decade to determine the influence of noise pollution on the population. They have studies specifically the power noise can have over cognitive skill and stress levels.  The established data indicates that those persons living near an airport, highway or train experienced problems with performance in a learning environment.  In addition, noise was found to have adverse effects on healing in hospital patients. The patients studied began to suffer from high blood pressure, increased heart rates and disrupted sleep cycles.  The World Health Organization sets a recommended noise limitation in rooms of a maximum of 35 decibels.  Some hospitals are beginning to redesign the buildings with furniture or acoustics to absorb the sound better.  The reality is most people are surrounded by noise pollution and can be susceptible to its consequences without even realizing it!

For more information on this topic refer to Monitor on Psychology, July/August 2011.

A Cancer Diagnosis; be kind to yourself.

Posted on by
By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
For centuries, the golden rule has been in use. We associate its use with someone who displays good principles and morals. Researchers are also gathering data that illustrates how equally important it is to treat ourselves with care and unconditional love. When is the last time you took care of yourself the way you cater to your boss, peers, or even family? In general, many of us tend to view the world as a place of give and take. Especially for those who receive a diagnosis, the reality under all of the daily pressures of work, home life and financial stresses, is that we must also engage in a fight for survival. Sometimes, while trying to manage a fragile balance for survival while still maintaining our quality of life we can experience feelings of resentment and frustration.

Ultimately, this is your time to reflect. How do you use the golden rule? A diagnosis can be an opportunity for some consideration, kindheartedness and benevolence toward your self. From that love and understanding, everything else will follow. Many psychologists suggest this new way of viewing things can guide you closer to others through experience and acceptance. They encourage you to nurture yourself and watch everything around you blossom. Pamper yourself, enjoy and share those feeling of serenity and joy!
For more information on self-confidence you can refer to the Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, July/August 2011. Please refer to our RESOURCES page at www.sfrollc.com, for our new class guide and support group offerings.

Please sign up for quarterly newsletter on the sfrollc.com home page.
About Cindy Collins:  Cindy is a dietician and health psychologist. She coordinates the support groups at SFRO and blends nutrition science and psychology within her patient interactions. She teaches Progressive Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation. The support groups at SFRO are designed to instill hope and assist cancer patients with coping styles and to enhance quality of life at all stages of cancer development.