Cancer: What causes cancer?
We don’t have a clear answer to that, but we might have a few clues.
In the book , Biology of Cancer, it depict the 6 major characteristics or hallmarks of cancer:
Cancer lacks self-sufficient growth signals (Research Article).
Cancer is insensitive to growth inhibitory signals.
Cancer is evasive to programmed cell death
Cancer has limitless replicative potential
Cancer sustains angiogenesis
Cancer possesses tissues invasion and metastasis
With the understanding of these characteristics and hallmarks, we can start asking the question:
“What causes can lead to cancer?”
If we look at cancer, it’s like an organism that has unlimited, unrestricted growth, and the power of taking over. Cancer cells also demonstrate the ability of elevated glucose uptake and lactic acid production using oxygen, which is called The Warburg effect. So, what feeds the cancer?
When our body encounters stress, physical or emotional, it is like micro injuries on the tissues. To repair the micro injuries, we need more glucose, oxygen and blood flow. This, in turn, feeds into the abnormal cell growth in our body.
Although we don’t have a cure to cancer yet, we can still maintain a lifestyle to prevent cancer growth.
One of the cancer hallmarks is increased glucose uptake, elevated glucose also means increased inflammation. Therefore, maintaining a healthy level of blood sugar is one of the keys to health.
There is evidence showing that elevated glucose can cause more damage in DNA, and increase genomic instability. The result of these hinder the cellular repair activity and lead to elevate the risk of cancer (Research Article).
To manage a healthy level of glucose, there are 2 rules that you can follow at home:
- Be picky about your food: I am not promoting picky eating, but I would like to encourage you to choose wisely. Choose your carb to be more complex instead of simple. Eat whole rainbow colored food instead of mono food. Be cautious about extra sugar in the processed food
- Exercise: exercise can be a good way for our body to use sugar more efficiently. Moreover, regular exercise can help our body to be more sensitive to insulin. Both aerobic and strength training have the effect of reducing biomarkers in breast cancer (Research Article). Hyperinsulinemia (too much circulating insulin) is also a cause of inflammation.
In the case of herb drug interactions, there are increasing numbers of research done by scientists and practitioners where we see the effectiveness of classic herbs San Qi (Panax notoginseng) used in breast cancer treatment in conjunction with conventional therapy Tamoxifen. The finding in the research shows saponin in San Qi enhances cellular necrosis activity of Tamoxifen safely (Research Article).
There are many researches showing the benefits of Chinese herbs for cancer treatment. However, to use herbal treatments safely and effectively, it is essential to consult a professional licensed TCM practitioner for a full and holistic evaluation of each case.
If you are interested in kick starting your health recovery journey, book your free consultation below!
