CANCER 

As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.

The following topics will guide us

1. Foods as a cause of cancer
2. Foods in the prevention of Cancer
3. Foods in the treatment of cancer
4. List of specific foods that help prevent cancer
5. Foods that promote cancer
6. Diet for preventing each type of cancer
- cancer of the mouth
-brain cancer
-cancer of throat
-cancer of the esophagus
-stomach cancer
-liver cancer
-lung cancer
-breast cancer
-colon cancer
Etc

 Terminologies:
Cancer- an uncontrolled duplication of cells causing a malignant tumor.
It invades surrounding tissues and may entail metastasis(other tumours of the same type appearing far from the original site) and its natural evolution can lead to death

 Carcinogen-food, substance or other agent that fosters the development of cancer.
The most common carcinogens are tobacco smoke, certain food additives such as nitrites,the substances that form during the cooking of meat, chemical contaminants such as pesticides, some viruses and mold and radiation

 Mutagens- substances that produce mutations or changes in the genetic codeIe DNA. Many of these mutations cause cells to become cancerous, thus mutagens are also carcinogens
Finally Anticarcinogens or cancer protection is foods or substances that neutralize the action of carcinogens and slows or prevents the development of cancer.
Virtually all Anticarcinogens are plant based

Foods as a cause of Cancer:
Factors that cause cancer are;
35% Diet
30% Tobacco
6% Genetic
5% Viral causes
4% Work environment
3%Alcohol
3%Environmental pollution
3%Solar radiation
11% Other
You notice DIET is today's primary cancer causing factor.
We are Eating too much animal based foods which foster cancer, in proportion to plant based foods, which protect against Cancer.
To REDUCE cancer risk, AVOID:
-cured meats(sausages, cured ham, bacon etc) grilled meats and very well done/ over cooked or fried meats
-Excess calories from proteins or fat sources especially animal sources such as meats, whole milk, eggs
-Smoked, pickled, salted or highly spiced foods
-Alcoholic beverages,coffee and tobacco: when combined, they potentate their carcinogenic effect

  2. Foods in the PREVENTION of Cancer
Food that are suitable for humans in aiding in the protection of cancer instead of fostering it are precisely the effects of Fruits, Nuts, Whole grains, Legumes and Vegetable

It requires the increase of;
-Provitamins A, vitamins C and E
-Fibre/Roughage
-Phytochemical elements ie flavonoids, isoflavones, caretonoids....beneficial plant chemicals
All these have been experimented and shown to be Anticarcinogens
They are found exclusively in plant based foods

 ‎3. Foods in the TREATMENT of Cancer
Above ALL foods play a vital role in Cancer prevention. However, even when cancer has been diagnosed, diet continues to be vitally important.

All the anticarcinogenic foods described below, particularly fruit treatments, salads and fresh juices are additional treatment resources that shouldn't be ignored.

There is evidence of their effectiveness in slowing the development of malignant cells demonstrating that their use as a therapeutic tool is well founded.

 4. List of specific foods that help prevent cancer
a) Fruit
Together with veggies, is the most effective anticarcinogenic food.
Scientific research shows a diet abundant in fruits prevents most cancers
All fresh fruits are rich in - Antioxidant vitamins ACE and phtochemicals which are capable of neutralizing carcinogenic substances entering the body
So take in as much as you can of
-Citrus such as lemon, oranges and grapefruit
Their anticarcinogenic capacity is due to the combined effect of Vitamin C, flavonoids, limonoids and pectin
-Plums and apples these protect against Colon cancer
-Pineapples prevent stomach cancers
-grapes the resveratrol they contain, particularly in the skin is anticarcinogenic
-Blackberries and other aggregate fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and currants are rich in anthocynanins, powerful antioxidants that neutrilize the carcinogenic effect of free radicals
-Guava, Kiwis are great due to their high Vitamin C content

  b) Olive oil
Studies conducted reveal, that when it is substituted for other dietary fats we use, olive oil consumption reduces breast cancer risk.
It's anticarcinogenic effect is due to its richness in antioxidants and mono unsaturated fatty acids among others

 c) Wholegrains
The fibre in whole grains accelerates movement through the bowel.
It also retains and removes carcinogenic substances that may be in the digestive tact, excreting them with the faeces.

Fibre in grains and whole-grain bread prevents stomach and colon cancer by reducing the time that this harmful substances are in contact with the mucosa of the digestive tract.
By preventing absorption of carcinogens, fibre protects against other cancers such as pancreatic and breast cancers.
Grains also contain phytates, which as Anticarcinogens, although they also reduce iron and zinc absorption and therefore a multi mineral supplement to add onto the diet is recommended.
- Rye this is the most effective grain in prevention of colon cancer
-Wheat germ because of its antioxidant action halts the processes of cell degeneration and protects against cancer
-Wheatgrass a sprouted version of the wheat grain is rich in antioxidants and is a potent anticarcinogen

 d) Vegetables
All veggies protect against cancer to a greater or lesser degree.
Their richness in Provitamin A, Vitamin C and antioxidant phytochemicals explain their effect; below are some of the most effective;
- Red beets ie beet roots are high in Anticarcinogens
- Carrots their high concentration of beta carotene ie Provitamin A, other carotenoids and fibre explains its proven anticarcinogenic effect
-Botanical family Solanaceae
The veggies of this family protect against cancer particularly tomatoes contain lycopene very effective in preventing prostate cancers, sweet peppers yellow, green, red, Eggplants
This is due to their richness in beta carotene carotenoids and vitamin c all potent antioxidants
- Botanical family Liliaceae
All the veggies of this family particularly onions and garlic contain flavonoids and sulfur acted essences that protect against cancer because they neutralize carcinogenic substances and inhibit or stop the development of tumor cells.
- Crucifers
The plants of this family contain a variet of sulfur acted phytochemicals whose anticarcinogenic effect has been demonstrated in labs. Their effects persists even after cooking. This include Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Radishes.

 e)Yoghurt
In contrast to milk, whose consumption is related to a variety of cancers, yoghurt protects against this disease particularly Breast cancer
It contains active bacterial cultures and lactic acid partially explain this protective effect.
Probiotics are Anticarcinogens and are available through natural yoghurt and pils with strains of good bacteria cultures

 f) Legumes
They protect because of their richness in fibre and phytochemicals such as phytic acid and phytates

- Soy and it's derivatives
This include tofu soy meat and soy milk provide a variety of anticarcinogenic phytochemicals. Most effective is Isoflavones, genistein and daidzein. These are veggie hormones phytoestrogens hat avoid the undesirable effects of estrogen, such as its tendency to promote cancer, particularly breast and prostate.

‎5. Foods that promote cancer
a) Meat
Numerous studies both experimental and statistical have revealed that meat consumption is a significant risk factor in most types of cancer (brain, lung, stomach, kidney, urinary bladder, uterus, ovarian and prostate, breast among others)
Meats particularly detrimental are redmeats ( beef, lamb, goat, pork) their animal fat has been associated with many cancers
Salted/cured meats such as bacon, ham and sausages etc contain nitrosamines which is carcinogenic
Meat cooked well done or grilled on a barbecue or fried cause the formation of heterocyclic amines, aromatic hydrocarbons and benzopyrene which are carcinogens
Hormones used to fatten livestock, when they are present in meat in elevated amounts can be carcinogenic
So eliminate meat from your diet gradually to get off risk of cancers


b) Alcoholic beverages
They promote cancer even when considered to have medicinal value such as wine and beer
These do not require large doses to induce cancer.
This effect is present even with moderate consumption.
Breast cancer risk is increased with an intake of 1 glass a day by 250%
There is proven relationship between overall consumption of alcoholic beverages and cancers of the mouth, throat, breast, lung, liver, pancrease, colon, and urinary bladder

 c) Refined products
When white bread, rolls and other refined products are used in place of whole grains in the diet, there is a corresponding relation to the formation of cancer.
This is y;
- first it lacks fibre
-excess sugar content
-transfatty acids this type of fatty acidosis common in refined industrial baked goods
Fried foods and margarine also contain trans fatty acids
In addition to raising cholesterol levels and promoting heart attack and cardiovascular diseases, they are related to cancers of the breast and skin

 d) Sugar
Some studies have related excess white sugar use with the following types of cancer;
Colon, stomach and cervical
Brown sugar or maple syrup are not as harmful since they contain some minerals and vitamins that refine white sugar lacks
Fructose protects against prostate cancer

 e) Coffee
Coffee consumption has been associated with of the urinary bladder and disease of the breast which can be pre-cancerous
This effect is not due to the caffeine but rather the components of its essence.

 f) Milk
According to various studies excess whole milk consumption is associated with the appearance of some cancers like breast, lung, ovarian, prostate and urinary bladder
Possible explanation is that milk can transmit bovine leukemia virus which is carcinogenic

 g)Eggs
There is evidence that excess consumption of more than 3 eggs a week is associated with cancer of stomach, breast, lung, pancrease, colon, ovaries
Explanation is;
-Cholesterol eggs elevate cholesterol and may promote cancer
-Saturated fat this is predominant fat in eggs which is a factor in cancer development
-Viruses hence the contamination with leukemia type viruses which pass to eggs and cause a variety of cancers
Eggs should be well cooked to prevent infections from salmonella bacteria

 h) Shellfish/ fish
Due to the nature of shellfish living at the bottom of the sea or water bodies, they may contain carcinogenic substances such as lead and mercury dumped into the sea
For other Fish avoid the salted or cured variety as they contain nitrosamines which are carcinogenic

 6. Finally Diets for preventing certain types of cancers
a) Cervical cancer
Increase
Fruits
Veggies especially those high n carotenes such as carrots beet roots
Vitamin C
Folates is B vitamins
Antioxidants Vitamins A,C,E
I advise onto your diet to get a supplement called A Beta Care contains a variety of antioxidants mentioned it retails at 2,800/-
Reduce
Meat
Animal fat
Sugar

b) Ovarian cancer
Increase
Vegetables particularly carrots and beets
Crucifer outs veggies
Whole grain bread and pasta
Fish
A Beta Care
Reduce
Meats
Whole milk
Saturated fats
Eggs
Butter

) Prostate Cancer
Increase
Fruits
Vegetables
Lots of tomatoes
Wholegrains cereals, breads and pasta
Legumes - soy
Garlic and onions
Beta carotene
A Beta Care
Pro 6 retails for 3,000/-
Reduce or eliminate
Red meat and cured/salted/smoked meats n fish
Eggs
Animal fats
Margarine
Cholesterol bad ones which are HDLP

d) Colon cancer
Increase
Fibre
Fruit
Veggie carrots spinach wheatgrass and beets especially
Whole grain breads and pasta
Fermented dairy products yoghurt
Calcium as a food supplement retails 2,400
Reduce or Eliminate
Reduce meats ( beef, pork, lamb)
Well done meat
Processed or cured meats
Liver and other variety meats
Eggs particularly for women
Fats and high calorie foods especially animal based
Cured high-fat cheese
Sugar such as is added in coffee or tea
Alcoholic beverages

   e) Breast Cancer
Increase
Soy, tofu, soy milk
Fruits
Vegetables ESP spinach, wheatgrass, carrots, broccoli
Olive oil
Garlic/ onions
Yoghurt
Fibre
Vit ACE
Beta carotenes
A Beta Care
Arctic Sea has olive oil 2,900
Reduce orEliminate
Red meat ( fish and skinless chicken are not detrimental)
Processed pork sausages, bacon, ham
Eggs
Fat animal sources
High fat cheese
Trans fatty acids found in margarine and commercial baked products
Alcoholic beverages even in low doses
Chocolate and pastries

 f) stomach cancer
Increase
Fruits particularly citrus and pineapple
Vegetables
Garlic and onion
Whole grain bread
Vegetable oil
Whole grain pasta and rice
Wheatgrass
Arctic sea
Aloe Vera
Reduce or eliminate
Red meat ESP well done
Cured meats and sausages ESP homemade
Beer
Salt cured foods
Eggs
Rolls and pastries
Sugar
Saturated fats

 g) Lung Cancer
Increase
Fruits and vegetables
Wheatgrass
A Beta Care
Arctic Sea with olive oil
Reduce or Eliminate
Cured meats sausage bacon
Beef
Whole milk and diary products
Eggs
Refined baked products

 h) Brain Cancers
Increase
vitamin E
A beta Care
Arctic Sea
Wheatgrass
Reduce or eliminate
Hot dogs intake by pregnant women can increase risk of cancer to unborn
Hamburgers
Cured or roasted meats
Processed pork products such as boiled ham and bacon
Fried foods
 
I) Liver Cancer
Increase
Vegetables
Vitamin ACE
A Beta Care
Wheatgrass
Reduce or eliminate
Pork
Wine
Moldy foods or those with aflatoxin residue
Alcoholic beverages
Beers

Rotavirus disease

• Rota virus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in children worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than 450,000 children each year, 85 percent of whom live in developing countries.
• Rota virus accounts for 37 percent of global child deaths attributable to diarrhea and 5 percent of all deaths in children younger than age five.
• Rota virus is found in all countries. Regardless of hygiene practices or access to clean water, nearly every child in the world will be infected with rota virus before age five.
• In young children, rotavirus disease is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and severe dehydration. In fatal cases, death is caused by severe dehydration due to rota virus infection.
• Rota virus disease cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs. Re hydration therapy is an important part of treating dehydration due to diarrheal diseases, including rota virus. Vaccination offers the best hope for preventing severe rota virus illness, particularly in settings where access to medical care is limited.

Rota virus vaccines

• There are two currently licensed vaccines against rota virus: Merck’s RotaTeq® and GlaxoSmithKline’s Rotarix®. Studies of these vaccines have demonstrated their safety and efficacy among children in every region of the world. Safety and efficacy trials in Africa and Asia found that the vaccines dramatically reduced severe disease among infants in developing countries, where the majority of rota virus deaths occur. Results from these trials are essential to national governments as they make informed decisions about introducing rota virus vaccines into the public sector.
• In 2009, the World Health Organization recommended that rota virus vaccines be included in every country’s immunization program.
• Where they have been introduced, rota virus vaccines are making a major impact—slashing hospitalizations due to rota virus, while also reducing hospitalizations for diarrhea of any cause. Rota virus is less prevalent among unvaccinated children, as well, suggesting herd immunity as an indirect result of rota virus vaccine introduction.
• While current manufacturers play an important role in meeting the global demand for the existing vaccines, additional vaccine options and manufacturers are critical to ensuring a sustainable, affordable supply. Several manufacturers are developing rota virus vaccines, including many from developing countries.
•   Rota virusvaccines are an important part of an integrated prevention and treatment strategy to control diarrheal disease. Other elements of this strategy include low-osmolarity oral re hydration solution; zinc supplementation, exclusive breastfeeding, proper nutrition, and safe water.

Related diseases

Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children in developing countries and the most common cause of childhood deaths in Africa. In addition to rota virus, there are many pathogens that contribute to morbidity and mortality from diarrheal disease, including Shigella and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the leading bacterial causes.

Where in Tanzania can we get Rotavirus vaccine?

In Tanzania, local government hospitals do not have this vaccine as it is termed as "EXPENSIVE". Hence the only hospitals that give this vaccine are private hospitals which according to sources are only two namely The Trauma Center and Premier Care Clinic located in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. However, these are the only private hospitals that provide this vaccine.


What is the Cost of the Vaccine?


At The Trauma Centre the vaccine is USD 75 and at Premier Care clinic it is TZS 120,000.

AWARENESS

The Rota virus Vaccine can only be given to a baby between 0-4months. Above this age bracket a child cannot be vaccinated. A professional doctor source says this is because Rota virus in children of the age bracket 0-4months is more severe than in older children. Though parents are advised to keep the children hydrated by either giving them lots of fluids n juice and ORS (Oral Re hydration Salts) come in handy when a child is infected by Rota virus. ORS consists of a solution of salts and sugars that is taken by mouth.

Mamaz lets be on the front line to make sure that our children get the best in so doing we will save our children's lives. No matter how expensive these vaccines are our children are priceless n they are the leaders of tomorrow so lets do our best to save their lives by vaccinating them!!