Life Over Cancer Blog

Inflammation and Cancer

Written by Dr. Keith I. Block, MD

Evidence of the ability of inflammation to both initiate and fuel cancer has been accumulating since at least the 1980s.  In fact, any chronic inflammatory disease – such as arthritis, bronchitis, fasciitis, colitis, and asthma – can increase the risk of cancer.  For example, according to a 2000 study, approximately one in every ten patients with ulcerative colitis will eventually develop colorectal cancer.  By another estimate, chronic inflammation may precede at least one-third of all cancers.  However, it isn’t just the risk of cancer that is a concern when chronic inflammation is present. 

More Recipes to Complement the Chili Challenge

To complement the Chili Challenge (see our previous post), here are some more delicious recipes from the dietitians at the Block Center - enjoy!

• Hoppin’ John Soup
• ‘Messa’ Collards
• Cowgirl Cocoa Kickers
• Southwestern-Style Coleslaw
• Vegan Agave Cornbread Muffins

The Chili Challenge!

Last month, the dietitians at the Block Center challenged themselves to come up with creative chili recipes.  Here are some of the favorites they cooked - enjoy!  (See our next post this afternoon for more delicious dishes to complement your Chili.)

• Painted Desert Chili
• Crockpot-or-Not Chili
• Put the Tex in Your Mex Chili

How Diet Affects Cancer

Written by Dr. Keith I. Block, MD

Diet affects cancer both directly and indirectly.  Nutrients directly impact the mechanisms by which cancer cells grow and spread.  They indirectly help control the cancer by changing the surrounding biochemical conditions that either encourage or discourage the progression of malignant disease.  The bottom line is that what you eat can spell the difference between conquering your disease and having it rage out of control.

Here are some examples of findings from recent studies that support the importance of diet in fighting cancer:

And the winner of our January drawing is...

...Nancy Opgaard.  Congratulations!

We will contact you shortly to send you your signed copy of Dr. Block's book, Life Over Cancer.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and comments.  We'll hold another drawing for everyone who comments in February.  Until then, lets keep the conversation going!

Preventing a Recurrence of Cancer

Written by Dr. Keith I. Block, MD
Originally posted by Dr. Block on The Huffington Post, August 4th, 2010.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 12 million cancer survivors in the US today.  And that number is expected to grow, as the population ages, treatments improve, and tests find the disease earlier.

Cancer survivors face a myriad of health challenges, not to mention the daunting fear the cancer will return.  However, once a patient is deemed “in remission,” they are typically disconnected from care – as well as any attending support – and told to come back in three to six months where diagnostic scans or blood tests will determine if the cancer has returned.  I suggest a far more pro-active, empowered approach:

Emergency Eats

Written by Jacki Glew, MS, RD, LDN - Clinical Nutrition Manager for the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment

Here in Chicago, we're about to get hit by a blizzard.  I have been asked by several people, “What can I eat in an emergency?"  "What can I keep on hand?"  But most importantly, "What can I eat if I have no electricity???”  Here is a list I put together with shelf-stable items that you can eat even if there is no heat or hot water available: