A strong skeleton is less likely to be penetrated by metastasizing cancer cells, so a fortified glass of milk might be the way to block cancer’s spread, according to researchers at the ANZAC Research Institute in Concord, Australia.

Using a mouse model of breast cancer metastasis, the researchers found that a calcium deficiency may increase the tendency of advanced breast cancer to target bone. Dietary calcium, they reason, might help prevent the spread of breast cancer to bone and serve as an adjuvant treatment during therapy.

According to the researchers, about 70 percent of patients who develop advanced breast cancer will have secondary tumors in the bone. The spread of cancer to bones leads to cellular processes that physically break down existing bone, leading to further pain and illness. In fact, the breakdown of bone and subsequent bone re-growth forms what senior author Colin R. Dunstan, Ph.D., terms a “vicious cycle” that turns bone into an environment conducive to cancer growth. Read more.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Calcium Deficiency May Be Linked to Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone

Elizabeth Edwards and her husband, former North Carolina (D) Senator John Edwards, who’s seeking the Democratic nomination in the 2008 Presidential race, are maintaining positive attitudes.

Unfortunately, metastatic breast cancer has fairly low survival rates, with 5-year survival around 13%. Elizabeth Edwards will probably be undergoing treatment to stop or at least slow the growth of the cancer, but John Edwards has stated that he knows that his wife’s cancer “will not be cured now.”

However, women often live far longer than doctors believe they may. Cancer is unpredictable at best, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.

And in the meantime, start working on developing that habit of monthly breast self-exams. The earlier you catch breast cancer, the higher the rate of cure.

(source)

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Elizabeth Edwards’ Breast Cancer Is Back…