Fighting Cancer with Vitamins and Antioxidants by Kedar N. Prasad Ph.D

Author:Kedar N. Prasad, Ph.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Health/Wellness
ISBN: 9781594778070
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company
Published: 2011-10-20T16:00:00+00:00

Although higher levels of alcohol consumption are associated with increased risk of some forms of cancer, moderate alcohol consumption (two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women) may decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. The benefits of moderate alcohol consumption in heart disease and stroke outweigh the risk of cancer. Therefore, we would suggest that the diet and lifestyle modifications along with micronutrient supplementation recommended in this book for cancer prevention may also reduce alcohol-induced cancer risk, and at the same time may further enhance the beneficial effects of moderate alcohol consumption in protecting against heart disease. All individuals should, of course, avoid excessive use of alcohol and should consult their doctors and health professionals before adopting our recommendations.

Coffee and Caffeine

Epidemiologic studies on the association between coffee or caffeine consumption and the risk of cancer have produced inconsistent results (Ganmaa et al. 2008; Ishitani et al. 2008; Tavani et al. 2001; Song et al. 2008; Lueth et al. 2008; Tworoger et al. 2008; Kurahashi et al. 2008; Larsson and Wolk 2007; Tang et al. 2009). For example, some studies showed no association between coffee or caffeine consumption and the risk of renal carcinoma (kidney cancer). There was no significant association between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea consumption and the risk of breast cancer. Interestingly, consumption of caffeine-containing beverages was associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In another study no association between caffeine consumption and the risk of breast cancer was found; however, in women carrying a mutated breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1), which is a risk factor for breast cancer, coffee consumption reduced the risk of breast cancer. Overall there was no association between coffee consumption and the risk of ovarian cancer; however, heavy consumption (five cups or more per day) was associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, another study reported that caffeine consumption increased the risk of ovarian cancer in women on hormone supplements.

Although coffee and caffeine consumption were associated with increased risk of bladder cancer, they were associated with reduced risk of liver cancer. A review of previously published data on coffee consumption and lung cancer revealed that increased consumption of coffee was associated with enhanced risk of lung cancer. Excessive consumption of coffee was associated with increased risk of bladder, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. From these studies it is difficult to draw any specific conclusion about the impact of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or caffeine consumption on the risk of cancer.

In the laboratory, excessive amounts of caffeine can reduce the ability of cells to repair genetic damage produced spontaneously or by agents such as radiation and chemicals (Puck et al. 1993). Normal human lymphocytes growing in Petri dishes and exposed to low doses of gamma rays (20 mSv) did not shown any detectable levels of mutations. When these lymphocytes were treated with high concentrations of caffeine immediately after irradiation, however, mutations were evident. This study clearly shows that excessive amounts of caffeine can interfere with the repair of radiation-induced genetic damage.

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