Cancer - Facts and Herbal Treatments

Cancer Facts and Herbal Treatments

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. several measures have been put in place to help create awareness of cancer to promote early detection, which reduces risk and easily get treatment, World Cancer Day is an international day marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment

what is Cancer

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
Normally, human cells grow and multiply through a process called cell division to form new cells as the body needs them.
When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.
Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t.
These abnormal cells may form tumours, which are lumps of tissue.
Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or not cancerous (benign).
Cancerous tumours spread into nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumours (a process called metastasis

Differences Between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells:

- Cancer cells differ from normal cells in several ways:
  - They grow in the absence of signals telling them to grow, unlike normal cells.
  - They ignore signals that normally tell cells to stop dividing or to die (a process known as apoptosis).
  - They invade nearby areas and spread to other areas of the body.
  - They tell blood vessels to grow toward tumours, supplying them with oxygen and nutrients.
  - They hide from the immune system and trick it into helping cancer cells survive.
  - They accumulate multiple changes in their chromosomes.
  - They rely on different kinds of nutrients than normal cells.

Types of cancers

Cancer can be classified into several main types based on where it originates in the body and the type of cells it affects. Here are some of the common types of cancer:

Carcinomas: These are the most common types of cancer and begin in the skin or tissues that line or cover internal organs. Subtypes include:
- Adenocarcinoma: Starts in mucus-secreting glands.
- Basal cell carcinoma: Begins in the basal cells of the skin.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Starts in the flat cells that form the surface of the skin.
- Transitional cell carcinoma: Begins in the lining of the bladder and other urinary organs.
Sarcomas: These begin in the connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
Leukemias: These are cancers of the blood cells and start in the bone marrow where blood is produced.
Lymphomas: These begin in the lymphatic system which is part of the immune system.
Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers: Known as central nervous system cancers, these start in the cells of the brain or spinal cord.
Myeloma: This type of cancer starts in the plasma cells of the bone marrow.

Each type of cancer has its own set of characteristics and treatment options. For more detailed information about specific cancer types, you can refer to resources provided by cancer organizations such as the National Cancer Institute

Symptoms of Cancer

The symptoms of cancer can vary widely and depend on the type of cancer, where it is located, and how much it has affected the body’s organs and tissues. Here are some general signs and symptoms that may be associated with cancer:

Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest.
Weight Changes: Unexplained weight loss or gain of 10 pounds or more.
Eating Problems: Such as not feeling hungry, trouble swallowing, belly pain, or nausea and vomiting.
Swelling or Lumps: Anywhere in the body, including thickening or a lump in the breast or other parts of the body.
Pain: Especially new or with no known reason, that doesn’t go away or gets worse.
Skin Changes: Such as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, a sore that does not heal, or a yellowish colour to the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Cough or Hoarseness: That does not go away.
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: For no known reason.
Change in Bowel Habits: Such as constipation or diarrhoea that doesn’t go away or a change in how your stools look.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer. If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan

Causes of Cancer

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Let’s explore the causes of cancer:

Genetic Mutations:
- The primary cause of cancer is mutations or changes in the DNA within our cells.
- These mutations can be inherited or occur after birth due to environmental factors.
- Genetic mutations disrupt the normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell division.
Environmental Factors:
- Carcinogens: External factors known as carcinogens can contribute to cancer development. These include:
  - Physical Carcinogens: Such as radiation (e.g., X-rays) and ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
  - Chemical Carcinogens: Examples include cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, and contaminated food and water.
  - Biological Carcinogens: Certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites can increase cancer risk.
Lifestyle Choices:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption significantly increase the risk of various cancers.
- Alcohol Consumption: High alcohol intake is associated with an elevated cancer risk.
- Diet: An unhealthy diet, including excessive red and processed meat, sugary drinks, and low fruit and vegetable consumption, can contribute to cancer.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise is linked to higher cancer risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing certain cancers.
Age and Duration of Exposure:
- Cancer risk generally increases with age.
- Cumulative exposure to carcinogens over a lifetime contributes to cancer development.
Viral and Bacterial Infections:
- Some infections are linked to specific cancers:
  - Human papillomavirus (HPV): Associated with cervical cancer.
  - Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses: Linked to liver cancer.
  - Epstein–Barr virus (EBV): Associated with lymphomas.
  - Human T-lymphotropic virus: Linked to adult T-cell leukemia.
  - Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV): Associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma.
  - Merkel cell polyomavirus: Linked to Merkel cell carcinoma.
  - Helicobacter pylori: Associated with stomach cancer.

Remember that early detection, lifestyle modifications, and avoiding exposure to carcinogens are essential for cancer prevention. Regular screenings and awareness play a crucial role in managing cancer risk.

What are the traditional Herbal treatments for Cancer

This is a link to all plants containing AntiCancer properties and ways to use them

Traditional herbal treatments for cancer often involve the use of plants and natural substances with purported anti-cancer properties. While these treatments are not a substitute for conventional cancer therapy, they may offer supportive care and help alleviate symptoms. Here are some herbs that have been traditionally used to fight cancer:

Astragalus (Huang Qi): Known to boost the immune system and stimulate the body’s natural production of interferon, which helps the immune system identify rogue cells.
Berberis Family (e.g., Podophyllum peltatum): Contains berberine, which has shown action against cancer and is used with ovarian cancer.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Has anti-neoplastic activity and is used in an anti-cancer poultice called Black Salve for breast and skin cancers.
Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus): Contains ruscogenins with tumour-shrinking and anti-estrogenic abilities, particularly used in breast cancer treatment.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tormentosa): An adaptogen and immuno-stimulant that can reduce tumour size and help reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy.
Chaparral (Larrea mexicana): Boosts the immune system, stops metastases, and reduces tumour size, especially interesting with breast cancer.
Curcumin (Turmeric): Contains anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity and can attack cancer stem cells, shrink cancer tumours, and inhibit blood supply growth to tumours.

Herbal Plants for Cancer

CANCER BUSH (Sutherlandia frutescens)

Scorpion Tail Breast Cancer Treatment

Ethiopian Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)

Jiaogulan Plant (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

It’s important to note that while these herbs are traditionally used for their health benefits, their effectiveness and safety may not be fully established through clinical trials. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before using any herbal remedies, especially when dealing with a serious condition like cancer.

Some organizations and resources on Cancer

Here are some notable organizations and resources related to cancer:

World Health Organization (WHO):
- The WHO provides comprehensive information on cancer, including facts, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
- Learn more
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
- IARC is the specialized cancer agency of the WHO.
- It conducts research on cancer causes, prevention, and control.
- Learn more
National Cancer Institute (NCI):
- NCI is the United States’ trusted source for cancer information.
- It offers resources on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Visit NCI
Leading Charities and Organizations:
- Several organizations actively support cancer research and patient care:
  - LIVESTRONG Foundation: Advocates for cancer survivors and provides support.
  - American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): Focuses on cancer prevention through diet and lifestyle.
  - American Cancer Society (ACS): Offers information, support, and advocacy.
  - Cancer Research Institute (CRI): Advances immunotherapy research.
- Each organization has a unique mission and values.
- Learn more