Asparagus cures cancer?!

January 24, 2013 By

Q: I think I heard the most ridiculous idea ever today. A lady said she read a story about a scientist who tested this: the cure for cancer is to take asparagus, fresh or canned, and puree it. Then take two tablespoons morning and night.

How can people be so naïve? Don’t they think if this were true it would have cured cancer a long time ago?

This lady doesn’t have cancer but has decided to start doing this to keep from getting it.

A: There are dozens, hundreds, even thousands of medical rumors that circulate, primarily around the internet. Heating food in plastic will cause cancer; reusing plastic water bottles will cause cancer; this or that drink will prevent heart disease, diabetes and cancer; pureed asparagus will cure cancer; drinking iced water with meals will cause fats to solidify in the stomach and cause cancer; and they go on and on.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

How safe is titanium oxide?

December 12, 2012 By

Q: Looking at the ingredient label of the vitamins I take (Centrum Silver and I Caps), I notice that titanium dioxide is included. I recently read that no long-term study has been done on this but that one study showed that it caused cancer in the esophagus.

I recently purchased Osteo Bi-Flex for arthritis, brought it home and after reading the label and finding that it, too, contained titanium dioxide, I returned it. What is your opinion of the use of products that contain this ingredient. Do you think it is safe to use? Where can I find vitamins that do not contain this product?
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: ,

Are chills related to cancer?

November 23, 2012 By

Q: In 2005 I had to have my big toe removed because of cancer. I am cancer-free now. My problem is that I am always cold. I go to the YMCA four to five times a week to work in the gym and walk in the water from 35 to 40 minutes at a time. My cancer doctor and local physician have no idea why I can’t get warm, so if you have any helpful hints, please advise me.

A: There are several reasons why a person can feel cold. The most common is exposure to low temperatures. Beyond that a compromised immune system such as from certain medications, medication side effects, weight loss, a low body fat percentage and more may be to blame. There are also chills to take into consideration. Chills are caused by the process of rapid muscle contraction and relaxation and most often occur because of exposure to cold or because of a medical condition that could produce a fever. This is different from feeling cold in that chills occur and resolve quickly whereas simply feeling cold can last for extended periods of time. Cancer treatment can cause weight loss which can cause both chills and a feeling of being cold. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Patient can’t accept Doc’s good news

March 15, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am uncertain how familiar you are with AIDS but I sure am hoping you can help. I’ve had HIV tests but they have all come back negative. From what I have been told and have read, one can still have AIDS that eventually turns into cancer. Can you tell me how this is diagnosed?

I have asked my physician about it and he had blood work drawn from me but he hasn’t said anything. I am certain that I have it and nobody will listen to me. I feel like I am losing my mind. There are things I need and want to do before I buy the farm. Please help!?! If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: ,

Just what is a sarcoma?

February 7, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: What is peripheral nerve sheath spindle cell sarcoma? Is it a cancer you get if you have had radiation therapy for a tumor? What is the treatment? What is the prognosis?

DEAR READER: Sarcomas are a less common form of cancer and come in two types: bone and soft tissue. There are various forms of benign (non-cancerous) bone and soft tissue tumors; however, when the term sarcoma is used, it is because the tumor is malignant (cancerous). Common sarcomas (also sometimes called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors) include neurofibrosarcomas, neurogenic sarcomas, and malignant schwannomas.

Spindle cell tumors and spindle cell sarcomas are named for the appearance of their cells under a microscope. They can be carcinaomas, sarcomas or sarcomatoids [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

The virtues of asparagus

July 29, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently read an article on the Internet regarding the healing powers of asparagus. It is supposed to really be a super cancer-killer. Have you heard anything about this, or is it more Internet hype? It seems to me that if it is all it is said to be, the AMA or FDA would be endorsing it, wouldn’t they?

DEAR READER: Asparagus contains a protein known as histone, believed to be active in controlling cell growth. This may be the connection to which you refer. It is high in folate and vitamins K and C, and may provide the digestive tract with unique health benefits. It is purported to fight depression, lower cholesterol, contain antifungal and antiviral qualities, prevent kidney stones and bladder and urinary tract infections, [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: ,

Cold water, warm water: It’s all the same

May 25, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have read that drinking the appropriate amount of water each day is good for my health. I also see a lot of information about how much water is enough. Now I get an email from a friend who forwarded a message that drinking cold water with a meal is bad for heath but drinking warm water with a meal is good for it.

Does it matter whether I drink cold or warm water with a meal? Does it matter whether I drink cold or warm water without a meal? Thank you.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , ,

Another Rare Cancer On The Rise

April 13, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Would you please write a column about Merkel cell carcinoma? I was diagnosed with this and understand the enormity of it. There is a lack of knowledge about it in medical circles as well as the general population. I feel people need to be made aware of Merkel cell, its symptoms, treatment and survival rates.
I find myself in the fight for my life all because no one recognized a small pencil lead sized imperfection on my face as a Merkel cell carcinoma. Please write a column and make everyone aware of this horrible condition. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , ,

Rare Cancer Misdiagnosed As Harmless Bowel Condition

April 9, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like to see you devote some space to a rare cancer called carcinoid cancer which is formed by neuroendocrine tumors. My husband was diagnosed with metastasizing carcinoid cancer in 2006.

The mascot for these patients is the zebra because the disease is often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and other bowel ailments. Because of the difficulty in getting a proper diagnosis, the motto is “If you think it’s a horse, think again”.

My husband’s case is unusual because his primary tumor was located around the descending aorta, not the liver, as is typical. The cancer has since spread to his lungs and bones. He is a valiant warrior and tries to live a normal life in spite of the devastating side effects. As far as we know there is no cure. Treatment is usually surgery to reduce the tumors or a drug called Sandostatin. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , ,

Radiation Therapy Can Cause Skin Damage

March 13, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have had several letters about cancer survivors and their experiences with side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. I would like to add mine.

In 2004 I had a 0.5 centimeter high grade ductal carcinoma-in-situ removed. Upon three recommendations, I underwent 35 radiation treatments. Toward the end of the treatments I began to experience skin problems, namely burning, that continued to get worse — especially on completion of the radiation. At times my face, arms and upper body were extremely red and burned.

Everyone I consulted (dermatologist, oncologist, allergist, and more) said that the radiation had nothing to do with it. At that point, I couldn’t even walk in the sun or drive in a car without my arms and face burning. Nausea also become a problem. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With:
Next Page»