SKIN CANCER! Definitions: Basal cell cancer (bcc) originates from the lowest layer of the epidermis (skin) and is the most common but least dangerous skin cancer. Squamous cell cancer (scc) originates from the middle layer and is less common but more likely to spread. Melanoma, which originates in the pigment-producing cells is the least common but most aggressive. It is also the most likely to spread and, if untreated, become fatal. Recently I experimented with a small but worrying mark on the side of my nose that I thought was either a bcc or an scc. I put some *salve on it that is illegal to sell. The results were fairly dramatic with a large scab forming after a few days of looking like I had run into a brick wall at fast speed. However, the process started me thinking about skin cancer and the fear we all have about this nasty infliction on our bodies, our collective fear, as Australians, about melanomas and also our fears of going out in the sun, something I have always loved and felt beneficial. My experiment, though an intense experience, was far better in my mind than having surgery or burning. Surgery may not remove all the cancerous cells and can be painful with slow healing, scarring often occurs, and there are health risks with radiation therapy. After I worked my way through the fear, I decided to do some more research to get to the truth behind skin cancers, how we can avoid them and how we can stop melanomas forming. I wish to share these important facts with you: Lack of sunlight increases your risk of melanoma skin cancer. This mind-boggling fact is true. We need Vitamin D from the sun to help protect our skin from skin cancer. Our organs convert the Vit. D to calcitriol, the hormonal or activated form of Vit. D. This hormone then repairs damage from the sun, including cancer cells and tumours. It also reduces the spread and reproduction of cancer cells. 30 % of cancer deaths could be prevented annually with higher levels of Vit. D according to Dr. William Grant, Ph.D., Vit. D expert and internationally recognised research scientist. Studies also confirm that appropriate sun exposure helps prevent skin cancer and that melanoma occurrence has been found to decrease with greater sun exposure and increase by the use of sunscreens. One study, published in the European Journal of Cancer, found that melanoma patients who had higher levels of sun exposure were less likely to die and also had less aggressive tumours. Melanomas are more common in indoor workers than outdoor workers and more common on regions of the body that are not exposed to the sun. The key to effectively using the sun for skin cancer protection is to find a healthy balance between getting enough natural sunlight, while at the same time protecting your skin from overexposure. Most sources agree that as soon as the skin starts to turn pink, usually after about 20 mins, then it is time to cover up or go inside. Twenty minutes is an ideal time to produce Vit D and we should aim to get this amount 3-4 times a week on as much of the body that we can. If sun is not possible, then supplementing with Vit D is the next best thing. In winter, it is preferable to get some sun every day for longer periods. Most sunscreens block the wrong UV rays. There are two types of UV rays – UVA which is skin damaging and UVB which is Vit D. producing. Most sunscreens protect you from UVB and not adequately from UVA! You can help protect you skin from cancer by eating a diet high in fresh, raw, organic foods that contain high amounts of antioxidants. Think bright colour to help you include all the most beneficial foods. Sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, collard greens and most yellow/orange veggies like pumpkin, carrots and paw paw are high in beta-carotene and extremely beneficial. Tomatoes, watermelon, papaya and pink guava can help because of their Lycopenes; spinach, kale, peas, brussel sprouts, zucchini, pistachios, broccoli and egg yolks which are high in Lutein can also help protect your skin from cancer and those lovely Phenols which are high in organic green and black tea, rosemary, thyme, oregano and garlic are extremely important also. Of course the Omega 3’s and 6’s need to be in good balance so don’t forget your organic flaxseed oil and hemp oil. Make sure your vegies are organic as the nutrient content will be much higher. There are many superfoods that contain substances called proanthocyanadins, which are free radical scavengers and therefore protective against all cancers, including skin. They boost immunity and support the collagen content of the skin and other organs. These are high in grapes and grapeseeds, acai berries, goji berries, apples (Granny Smiths and Red Delicious being the highest), green and black tea, organic cocoa beans and maritime pine bark. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid that is extracted from marine algae, has been shown to protect your skin from sun damage. The algae produce this substance to protect it from radiation when the tide goes out and it is exposed to the sun. Studies have found that taking 4 mg a day will increase the amount of time you can stay in the sun before redness occurs. It is also beneficial for dryness, sunspots and general aging of the skin. There are only two main sources of astaxanthin—the micro algae that produce it, and the sea creatures that consume the algae (such as wild salmon, shellfish, and krill). Astaxanthin is a potent UVB absorber and reduces DNA damage. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and sunburn is inflammation! Meanwhile, the wound on my nose is looking good. After the scab fell off, I applied Healing Herbs Skin Cream and Rosehip Oil to avoid any scarring. I’m happily spending short periods of time in the sun, without fear, and increasing the anti-oxidants in my diet. I feel in control of my health again as knowledge is power. * For more information on the ‘salve’ I mentioned, check out the DVD One Answer To Cancer. Suzanne Staples, ND, DBM
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 07:12:59 +0000
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