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 … Continued

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 … Continued

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 … Continued

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.

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 … Continued

An exploration of some of the ways vitamin D may support the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer and other cancers By Keith I. Block, MD Some of you may have noticed that this posting was briefly removed from ourblog this morning.  We realized we’d made an error in the way we described the Vitamin … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD Last week’s blog discussed how two randomized controlled trials involving smokers helped fuel a years-old misperception that beta carotene is harmful to all cancer patients.  As I noted in that posting, this erroneous assumption generally paints all antioxidants with the same “don’t-use” brush, understandably prompting great concern among cancer patients. … Continued

Written by Keith I Block, MD Most of you are likely familiar with the concept of antioxidants.  Essentially, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals—those highly unstable and reactive molecules that are generated by many factors, including everyday metabolism and immune system activity against bacteria and viruses, as well as by exercise, dietary fats, pollutants, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, … Continued

One of the most common sources of distress after a diagnosis of cancer is being told that you have a “X” number of months or years to live.  This is often presented in the form of a risk-based percentage, such as “a 30% chance of surviving one year.”  For anyone on the receiving end of … Continued

March has been a very busy month for Life Over Cancer and The Block Center. We’ve moved and are settling into our new space: 5230 Old Orchard Road Skokie, IL 60077 We sincerely apologize for the long silence between blog postings and appreciate your patience.  We plan to get back on a consistent blogging schedule … Continued