Cancer Treatment

How Does Your Health Affect Your Response to Cancer Treatment?

April 4th, 2008 by Harvey Gilbert, MD

Older adults and elderly individuals comprise more than 50% of cancer patients in the U.S. and as a group, are the most common recipients of chemotherapy. A large segment of American adults are already sixty-five years or older, and their life expectancy is at least fifteen years more. Ideally, they will remain functionally independent during this time. By comparison, a seventy-five year-old has an average life expectancy of ten years, while an eighty-five-year-old has an average life expectancy of...Read the rest of this article »

Mouth Care for Cancer Patients

January 18th, 2008 by Supportive Care

Daily oral and dental care is essential for all of us, and especially when the mouth area is affected by therapy. Chemotherapy for tumors in any part of the body can affect the mouth, (whereas radiation therapy affects the mouth only when applied directly). Brushing and Flossing Natural teeth should be brushed daily (and preferably after each meal, large or small) with a soft-bristle toothbrush. A small amount of toothpaste is useful when brushing; excessive amounts do not make up...Read the rest of this article »

Is Obesity Linked to Cancer?

October 31st, 2007 by Harvey Gilbert, MD

Obesity has been shown to interfere with immunity, and scientific studies on mice show that it also stimulates inflammation in the body. The animals showed marked inflammation and inflammation-fighting blood cells, which were less effective in killing cancer cells. Obesity probably increases cancer risk in some people by altering their immune system. While it is not known if losing the weight can reverse these changes, reduced inflammation is a preventative measure in combating disease. In the United States and Europe,...Read the rest of this article »

How Ethnicity & Gender Affect Cancer Incidence & Mortality Rates

September 6th, 2007 by Harvey Gilbert, MD

Recent research into the incidence and mortality rates for some of the most common cancers within several ethnic groups in California reveals marked differences within the ethnic groups. Although some of the factors affecting the differences within the groups might be genetic, certain cancers seem strongly correlated to lifestyle factors. Examples include the role that diet plays in prostate and stomach cancer; smoking in lung cancer; and screening for early detection in prostate, cervix, colorectal and breast cancer. In addition,...Read the rest of this article »

The Nutrient That Can Help You Lose Weight, Lower Cholesterol and Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer

August 7th, 2007 by Christine Salazar, RD

What Is Dietary Fiber? Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber. Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber. In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. Such fibers...Read the rest of this article »