In June, 2013, Dr. Block participated in “The Halifax Project,” an initiative of Getting to Know Cancer (www.gettingtoknowcancer.org). As part of the scientific advisory board that included 177 cancer researchers from prominent research institutions in 31 countries, Dr. Block’s group was tasked with investigating the problems of treatment resistance and disease relapse in cancer. Dr. … Continued
On October 16, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), a highly regarded non-profit organization dedicated to preventing cancer, released a comprehensive update of research on lifestyle for breast cancer survivors. This update reviewed epidemiological studies that examined links between diet, physical activity and breast cancer survival. It was an update of a 2007 report that … Continued
Can timing breast cancer surgery to a woman’s menstrual cycle impact her long-term outcome? This is a question that we’ve explored previously on this blog. There has been research suggesting that the optimal timing of breast cancer surgery as it relates to the phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle may reduce her risk of recurrence. … Continued
An increasing number of women with cancer affecting one breast (unilateral) are now opting for the removal of both breasts (bilateral mastectomy), as opposed to a lumpectomy and radiation to remove the tumor. A third surgical option that some women choose to undergo is a unilateral mastectomy. Radiation is not needed after a unilateral mastectomy. … Continued
Many studies have been conducted on the relationship between alcoholic drinks and cancer. Digestive system cancers – including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and possibly colon and rectal cancer – are known to be strongly related to alcohol use. Evidence on the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer has been accumulating, but hasn’t … Continued
As our last article explained, the recent Tulane University study on low-carb versus low-fat diets found an advantage in weight loss for the low-carb group. But let’s take a look at this study from a more long-term viewpoint. It’s one thing to eat a low-carb diet for a year and lose weight. But what happens … Continued
In our previous article, we took a look at the recent Tulane low-carb versus low-fat diet study. We can get some perspective on this diet by looking at the analysis from Canada that was published in the same week. This study examined 48 randomized trials of the “name-brand” diet programs. Interestingly, 20 of these trials … Continued
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 … Continued
Two studies comparing low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets were published earlier this month. One, released to great acclaim (and an adulatory New York Times editorial) was a randomized trial comparing a low-carb and a (supposed) low-fat diet, completed in New Orleans by Tulane University. The other was an analysis of 48 randomized trials comparing named diet … Continued
By Dr. Penny Block, PhD All of us are uncomfortable with uncertainty. And cancer can feel like an ultimate, immense, even overwhelming uncertainty. As patients, we look to doctors as medical experts, and often seek definitive information in the midst of this uncertainty. Given these expectations, doctors may be even more uncomfortable with uncertainty and … Continued