By Keith I. Block, MD Insomnia and other sleep disorders are quite common among people with cancer, occurring in about one out of every three cases on average.  In my clinical experience, most patients with advanced cancer have disorderly sleep, which can include difficulty entering into deep sleep, fitful sleep and nightmares, and serious trouble … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD In the first blog article of this three-part series on detoxification, I explained the concept of the total load, and the different types of toxins the body has to deal with.  In the second article, I explored how to take care of your body’s central detoxification organ, the liver.  Here … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD In the preceding blog entry, I explained the concept of the total load, and the different types of toxins the body has to deal with.  I also briefly introduced your body’s main detox systems, which are as follows: the liver and gall bladder the digestive tract the kidneys the lungs … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD Many of us have grown weary of the reality that pollutants have flooded our modern environment, with little sign of reprieve on the horizon.  U.S. industries annually release billions of pounds of toxic chemicals into the environment.  Modern agriculture, too, is a major source: By conservative estimates, about two billion … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD “Know thy enemy” is an ancient concept often invoked in times of war or competition.  The idea is simply that one must study one’s foe in order to win.  The same can be said for cancer, a disease that uses multiple methods to thrive.  When an enemy uses multiple means … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD Though many forms of exercise seem fairly mechanical in their execution, some are more grounded in the realm of awareness and mindfulness.  The latter include Tai Chi and Qigong (pronounced Chee-Gung), both of which are more generally referred to as meditation in motion.  This is because, although each type of … Continued

By Keith I. Block, MD Many people facing a diagnosis of cancer are looking for ways to release stress and tension.  Yoga and mindfulness training — that is, practices intended to cultivate present-moment awareness and relaxation — are two of the best-studied options in this regard.  But can such practices really help people with cancer?  … Continued

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”. Written by Bob Linden In the 20 months since I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, … Continued

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