We know that pancreatic cancer is so dangerous because symptoms do not usually occur until advanced stages. But what if we knew the steps that lead to the formation of precancerous lesions at the molecular level? Maybe cancer could be identified earlier. Better yet, maybe the development of the lesions could be stopped.
Continue reading “New Research at Mayo Clinic Describes Molecular Steps Leading to Pancreatic Cancer”
Category: Pancreatic Cancer Health Studies
Is There a Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Good Oral Health?
According to a recent study by researchers at Brown University, Forsyth Institute and HarvardUniversity, the health of your mouth could potentially be linked with pancreatic cancer.
The study proved that the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis is linked with nearly doubling the risk of getting pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer. The study included using the health history of more than 405 people with pancreatic cancer and 416 people without pancreatic cancer. Blood samples were drawn from each person and researchers measured the antibodies from 25 different kinds of bacteria.
Research showed a strong link between increased amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, leading them to believe that cancer was not causing the high antibody levels. The high amount of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis were present for years before the patient developed pancreatic cancer, showing a direct link between poor oral health and pancreatic cancer.
In addition to finding the link between high amounts of antibodies against Porphyromonas gingivalis and pancreatic cancer, researchers also found that there was a 45 percent reduced risk of developing pancreatic cancer if participants had high antibody levels against harmful oral bacteria.
Oral Health Tips
1. Brush your teeth twice a day
2. Practice good technique – Hold your toothbrush at an angle so the toothbrush is pointed towards the area where your tooth meets your gum.
3. Don’t skimp on flossing – Make sure you use at least 18 inches of floss and take it one tooth at a time when flossing.
1 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, BrownUniversity, Box G-S121-2, Providence, RI02912, USA and2.
2 Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, ImperialCollege, LondonW2 1PG, UK
Healthy Nut Recipe
Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School1 determined that eating a one-ounce serving of nuts at least twice a week decreases your chance of developing pancreatic pseudocysts and cancerous cysts. Decrease your chances of developing pancreatic cancer with this easy, delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
1. 2 cups puffed brown rice cereal
2. 1 cup dried apricots, cut in quarters
3. 1 cup dried tart cherries
4. 1.5 cups roasted almonds
5. 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
6. 2 T unsalted butter
7. 2 T packed brown sugar
8. 1/2 cup honey
9. Sea salt or kosher salt
Directions:
1. Line an 8″x8″ pan with foil and lightly butter
2. In a large bowl, combine puffed brown rice cereal, dried fruits, almonds and chocolate.
3. In a small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and honey over medium heat until butter melts. Pour over cereal mixture and stir until completely coated.
4. Spread into prepared 8″x8″ pan and press firmly down. Sprinkle sea salt on top of bars. Chill for about one hour.
RECIPE SOURCE: WHITEONRICECOUPLE.COM.
Does Soda Consumption Increase Your Chance of Pancreatic Cancer?
According to a recent report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, there is a direct link between the amount of soda individuals drink and their chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “The high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, which we think contributes to pancreatic cancer cell growth,” said Mark Pereira, senior author of the report on pancreatic cancer and soda intake.
The study, which took place throughout a 14 year period, included following more than 60,000 men and women. Throughout that time, there were 140 reported cases of pancreatic cancer. The individuals who consumed more than two soft drinks per week increased their chance of getting pancreatic cancer by 87 percent.
Healthy Alternatives to Soda
Do you reach for a soda when you’re thirsty? There are healthy options available if you enjoy the sweet, carbonated taste of a soft drink.
1. Flavored Waters
Adding a few slices of your favorite fruit can give your water the extra flavor your drink needs without adding calories or other negative health risks associated with soda.
2. Juice
Though there was a link between soda intake and an increased chance of pancreatic cancer, there was no link to pancreatic cancer and juice. Juice can be refreshing, low in sugar and healthy!
3. Green Tea
Not only does green tea taste great, there are also many health benefits to drinking green tea. Some health benefits include reducing the risk of several types of cancer, reducing hypertension and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Believe you may have an increased chance of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Find out early with Cellvizio Targeted Biopsy.
Noel T. Mueller, Andrew Odegaard, Kristin Anderson, Jian-Min Yuan, Myron Gross, Woon-Puay Koh, and Mark A. Pereira. Soft Drink and Juice Consumption and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: The Singapore Chinese Health Study. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2010; 19 (2): 447 DOI:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-09-0862