Sage Cancer Care

One of the hallmarks of solid tumors/cancers is a low oxygen cellular environment, scientifically called hypoxia. (Hypo = low, oxia = oxygen) Hypoxia typically causes cell death, such as in the case of a stroke or pulmonary embolism, but cancer cells have adapted to survive and thrive in these situations. Some of the concerning effects of hypoxia in relation to cancer include:
* Angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels to bring nutrients to the tumor
* Alterations in metabolism – increase in glucose utilization and upregulation of genes involved in cell survival
* Increase genetic instability – activate invasive growth and preserve the undifferentiated cell state
* Resistance to chemotherapy and radiation
* Promotes metastasis

Because of these concerns, oxygenation therapy can play a helpful role in overcoming a hypoxic cellular environment. One such therapy is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which is the administration of 100% oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. HBOT treatments increase the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood, therefore increasing oxygen delivery to the tumor environment and reducing hypoxia. These therapies are commonly used to treat traumatic brain injury patients and are continuing to gain popularity as an adjunctive cancer therapy. Some of the benefits it may provide include:
* Triggering of cellular pathways related to cell death
* Inhibition of cellular division
* Antiangiogenic effect (prevention of the formation of new blood vessels)
* Improved response to chemotherapy (data is preliminary)
* Improved response to radiation
* Improved healing post-radiation
* Recovery from brain damage
* Synergy with other natural therapies

HBOT is very safe and complications are extremely rare. There are several chemotherapies that may be contraindicated or at least need to be used with caution when combined with HBOT due to increased toxicity, including doxorubicin, bleomycin, disulfiram, cisplatin, and mafenide acetate. Additionally, proceed with caution or do not do HBOT if you have COPD or other lung condition. Other oxygen promoting activities and therapies include deep breathing, exercise, and yoga.

DOI 10.1007/s11523-012-0233-x

Our resident will be hosting a webinar with Pink Lemonade Project on Nutrition Basics for Breast Cancer and Beyond this Thursday evening! Check it out!

Hi everyone!! This Thursday at 7pm the Pink Lemonade Project will be having me speak on Nutrition Basics for Breast Cancer and Beyond right from the comfort of my living room! This webinar is open to the public, please come check it out! And check out www.pinklemonadeproject.org to see how they are supporting breast cancer patients and survivors int he Portland Metro area! Message me if you have any questions.

To participate follow: HTTPS://ZOOM.US/J/986744602

Marisa Soski ND, MScN from Sage Cancer Care will be discussing nutrition recommendations for breast cancer and beyond! She will touch on general nutrition guidelines, appropriate nutrient intake, meal and snack prepping tips, discussion of popular anti-cancer diets, and a quick and easy shopping guide.

You can join the discussion from your computer, tablet or smart phone.

“In every walk in with nature one receives far more than he seeks” - John Muir
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I’m sure that you’ve heard that getting out into nature is good for you, but maybe you don’t know why? There are many, many reasons including lowering blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reducing nervous system arousal, enhanced immune system function, increased self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and improved mood. The research on this topic is continuing to grow everyday as researchers around the world discover more and more ways being in nature changes our physiology. The Japanese coined the term “Forest Bathing”, which is defined as making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest, and are at the forefront of research into this topic.
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So how does this play a role in cancer care/healing? Researchers in Japan found that spending time in nature increased levels important components of the immune system, Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells help find and eliminate cancer cells in the body and are key to a properly functioning immune system! Therefore, spending time in nature can help your body fight cancer! How cool is that?!
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This doesn’t mean you have to drive to your closest forest (which may not be close at all) to gleam these benefits. These positive effects also happen when you spend time in any green space, including parks or simply sitting underneath a tree.
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DOI: 10.1177/03946320070200S202
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