A new research study published in Nutrition and Cancer concluded that the risk of breast cancer was significantly reduced in mice when their regular diet included walnuts. Using a mouse model one group was given a typical diet with the equivalent of 2 ounces of walnuts a day (for humans) to mothers from conception to weaning and then to the offspring thereafter. The other group received a typical diet without the walnuts. During the study period those whose diet included walnuts developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of those on the typical diet only. In addition, the numbers of tumors and sizes were significantly smaller.
The researchers said “These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programed to develop cancer at a high rate”. “We were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation.”

In a recent study publishes in the American Journal of Pathology researchers concluded that high levels of fat and cholesterol in the typical American diet is a risk factor in the growth and development of breast cancer. Using a mouse model with subjects and a controls predisposed to develop mammary tumors those fed a Western diet high in fat developed larger tumors that were faster growing and metastasized more easily than the mice eating a control diet. Although dietary fat and cholesterol have been shown to be a risk factor in tumor development and progression the results of diet-based studies in humans have been contradictory. Consequently; the researchers used animal models of human cancer to evaluate a link between cholesterol, diet and cancer.

All mice predisposed to breast tumors were placed on a diet containing 21.2 percent fat and 0.2 percent cholesterol that is reflective of a typical Western diet (subjects) or a diet of 4.5 percent fat and minimal cholesterol (control group). Tumors began to grow quickly in the research subjects and were double in number and 50 percent larger than those in the control group. There was also a trend toward an increased number of lung metastasis in the subjects. Biomarkers of tumor progression also confirmed more advanced cancer stage in the subjects compared to the controls.

More information is available at:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/213073.php

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On Saturday, July 18, I interviewed 5 cancer survivors pictured from left to right–Aurea McGarry, Linda Wilson, Regina Leeds, Les Thiele, and Lori Kuban .

Aurea is a 9 year Non Hodskins Lymphoma survivor who won the Mrs. U.S. Beauty of Georgia Contest in 2003 and the title of Most Inspirational Contestant. She is the creator, producer and host of the television show Live Your Legacy with Aurea McGarry. Earlier she worked on the soap opera Edge of Night. She discusses her experiences with cancer in her book I Won’t Survive, I’ll Thrive. More information is available at: www.liveyourlegacytv.com

Linda had a tumor of the kidney and used alternative interventions. She and her husband have owned a rare and used book business for 25 years. She has degrees in English Literature, and Respiratory Therapy, and a Masters in Theology. She is an ordained Episcopal Minister but currently works with the Catholic Apolistic Church. She writes when she has time and has a novel placed with an agent currently. She can be reached at: littlegidding@hughes.net

Regina is a 7 year survivor of third stage uterine cancer who used traditional and alternative interventions. She is a professional organizer and authored six books including the New York Times best seller One Year to an Organized Life. More information is available at www.reginaleeds.com

Les is a 3 time ovarian cancer survivor who used complementary interventions. She talks with cancer patients several times a week and is in the process of putting up a web site. She can be reached at: (617) 834-1597.

Lori is a brain tumor survivor who used traditional and alternative interventions. She has a baccalaureate and masters degree and is a research librarian. She is also a cancer and health care advocate who speaks and provides workshops for cancer survivors and professionals including being a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. She also gives radio and television interviews. More information is available at www.cancerologist.com

The interviews for this show follow.