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Lifestyle after cancer

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hi All,

In his report on the recent CML Advocates conference David highlighted the second edition of the book by Professor Robert Thomas titled "Lifestyle after Cancer" .This is a topic that I have become interested in because as well as having survived CML for over 13 years as an older male one has to monitor changes in the prostate and ideally take preventative action or engage early treatments if this is advised/warranted.My urologist advised me in the interim to consider changes in lifestyle and especially diet in order to counter any possible future changes in the  prostate and other urological conditions.

I have found some publications some of which have appeared in respectable medical journals regarding the role of NP s (natural products) as adjunct therapy /combination treatment for conditions such as prostate cancer and CML.There is a whole list of NPs comprising of alkaloids,flavanoids, terpenoids, polyketides,  lignans, saponins and peptides.One flavenoid that has been the subject of experiment by researchers is Quercetin which is listed as a food supplement.The results for use as combination therapy for prostate cancer are quite promising and too a lesser extent for those on tkis as treatment for CML-however it seems that this supplement will do little to affect the basic bcr/abl score but:

I quote "Many NPs inhibit CML cell proliferation and induce cell death through apoptosis and suppress tumor growth and can reverse MDR  (multi -drug resistance) "

Most NPs are plant based and my readings so far suggest that one avoids animal fats and processed foods and especially red meat (advice from urologist) and to avoid sugar;the argument is that some foods feed the growth of new mutations and do little to encourage cell death.There have been threads on here that have referred to branched chain animo acids and the part played in new mutations and the role of circumin as adjunct therapy;in addition there has been discussion as to whether imatinib exposure contributes to the development of prostate issues and the possible  higher prevalence of prior prostate cancer in CML patients .

When I discussed my latest lifestyle plans with my practice nurse at my GP surgery I was told do if you wish even if it is a bit faddish it might make you feel good-this was not the response I expected.I would like the medical world to provide us with more help and advice on nutritional issues .

The second edition of the book is not listed on Amazon (only the first edition second hand) but if one googles"Lifestyle after Cancer Robert Thomas" one will find the site of Health Education Publications who will supply it in UK and also internationally as well.

Again thanks David for your report and alert.

Regards

John

Hi John,

Though I posted the conference report, it was actually Nigel Deekes who went this year. With my twins now home and keeping us pretty busy I wasn't able to go this year. Usually both Nigel and I attend.

David.