Life Over Cancer Blog

Defying the Odds -- Find Your Inner Strength

Bob Linden, a patient at the Block Center, has written a couple of wonderful blogs that uniquely capture his inspirational perspective. We are grateful to be able to share his latest addition to his series, "Defying the Odds".

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Written by Bob Linden

In the 20 months since I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, I've met and talked with a number of people in the cancer world...  Many people find it hard to believe that I'm sick, despite the fact that I've had 33 rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, and a colostomy for 13 months, lost 45 pounds and had a bout with shingles.  Many of you have had worse and I admire your strength and courage.  Because of the type of program I'm receiving at the Block Center for Integrative Treatment, my quality of life has been remarkable and I'm living life to the fullest.  Now, I've been described as an independent, strong, focused, and determined, intense and at times a cantankerous human being.  I think I can honestly say that I've never met a challenge that I could not overcome.  Many people say that my fight with cancer is just a natural instinct for me and my success is just because I am the way I am.  I totally disagree with that theory.  I feel that everyone has the ability to find an inner strength that can see them through even the worst situation.  I can prove that we are not all born with this and that the child is not necessarily the father of the man.

Can Measuring Your Body’s Inflammation Level Have Prognostic Value?

By Keith I. Block, MD

Chronic inflammation is well established as a factor that spurs on the development and progression of cancer.  For example, having ulcerative colitis more than doubles your risk of colon cancer, and patients with various chronic infections can develop very aggressive carcinomas and sarcomas.  About one in every four cases of cancer has been linked with chronic inflammation of either infectious or non-infectious causes, according to an excellent review of this topic in the 1 December 2007 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.  And if you include the more common situation of low-level chronic inflammation, the percentage is undoubtedly much higher.

Equally compelling is the potential impact of chronic inflammation after a diagnosis of cancer.  For example, if there is a high-grade inflammation in the area of a prostate tumor, then surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) results in significantly more recurrences when compared to patients with low-grade inflammation.  Surgery is a biologically stressful event that generates both inflammation and growth factors.  It is thought that cancer survivors with chronic inflammation may have a heightened risk of recurrence due to the growth-stimulating effects of inflammatory chemicals -- those generated either by the surgery or by the cancer cells themselves.

One of the ways oncologists have come to appreciate the role of inflammation in cancer is by measuring a protein in the blood called C-reactive protein, or CRP. 

Using Supplements Incorrectly Can Sabotage Your Treatment Program

By Keith I. Block, MD

For many years now, my colleagues and I have studied the complex interactions between supplements and cancer, and supplements and conventional treatments.  Some of these interactions are therapeutically beneficial — as I discussed in my two preceding blog articles — while others can be unfavorable, interfering with treatment and/or resulting in adverse side effects.  Without a clear understanding of these diverse interactions, you may be inadvertently undermining your entire treatment program.

Dropping Acid (in our diets)

By Ashley Huser, RD, LDN, Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment

The Concern:

As a Registered Dietitian working in an integrative oncology setting, I often hear patients sharing concerns that acidic foods may increase cancer risk or decrease the chance of successfully beating cancer.

This theory has been spurred on by many different Internet sources suggesting cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment.  From my experience, this may lead patients to severely restricting their diets (and eliminating fantastic phyto-nutrient packed foods, such as lemons, oranges, and tomatoes!)

But before you kick the citrus and vinegars, let’s discuss the whole story.

How Supplements Can Help Protect Against the Toxic Side Effects of Chemotherapy

By Keith I. Block, MD

In the preceding blog I delved into some of the ways nutritional and herbal supplements can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  I will now explore ways in which specific supplements can also help reduce the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.

Supplements and Conventional Cancer Treatment: An Exploration of Potential Synergies

By Keith I. Block, MD

For over 20 years, my research staff and I have been investigating the potential therapeutic relevance of using herbs and supplements in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  In addition, my 30+ years of clinical experience – as well as the relevant, available data – have led me to believe that an individualized supplement regimen can be of significant value to cancer patients when used as a part of a comprehensive, integrative treatment regimen (I review a number of these applications in Life Over Cancer).  This blog will take a look at a few of these applications.