Report from Israel Solgar’s Second International Congress “Women’s Health”; Haifa, October 27, 1998

Prevention and Treatment of Cancer in Women. Richard Passwater, Ph.D.

The risk for breast, ovarian and cervical cancers is influenced by lifestyle, nutrition and genetics and it’s difficult to get clear results from clinical trials. A diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fiber and low in fats, as well as supplementation of antioxidants such as those found in olive oil, and DHA and EPA fatty acids all show a good results in the prevention and treatment. Twelve researchers have verified the positive value of vitamin C as well as a strong connection to vitamin E and selenium, especially in breast cancer. In 85% of the cases the reason for cancer was not genetic but was related to nutrition and life style

Forty grams of alcohol daily leads to a 67% increased risk for breast cancer. Of 600,000 smoking women, 20-30 cigarettes a day and over 40 a day increased the risk 32% and 75% repectively. Red meat in the daily diet means double the risk.

Selenium supplements reduced the risk from 90% to 10%, vitamin A by 30%, carotenoids by 20%, vitamin C by 30% and vitamin E by even more. Tamoxifen reduced risk for breast cancer by 50% but raised the risk for ovarian cancer by 240% and for lung cancer by 300%. Indole-3-carbinol found in the cruciferae family destroys carcinogens assisted by enzymatic activity.

In another lecture during the congress Dr Passwater discussed the skin. Beyond genetics which play a role as far as the skin is concerned it is recommended to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids a day, consume sulfur amino acids (cysteine, methionine and taurine) as well as Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Pycnogenol, vitamins C, E and A, selenium, soluble fibers that absorb toxins, probiotics and carotenoids. All the above are important for good building of collagen.

In an Israeli research done near the Dead Sea and in Eilat (places with plenty of sun) 30 mg of beta-carotene were shown to prevent the sun’s damage. In 1995 another research was conducted with a dose of 50 mg carotene which prevented sunburn. Vitamin E has shown protective abilities similar to SPF 4 sun-lotion. By adding selenium the protection level is raised and the time taken for post burn cure is lessened. In updated research from 1998, 160 women were given vitamins C and E for 18 months during which there was a 23% decrease in new wrinkle appearance. Pycnogenol has shown the ability to suppress the enzyme that injures the collagen in the skin.

Estrogens and Phyto-estrogens Irit Gilad, NT, PhD

Of recent interest is the development of hormone replacement therapy drugs with the intent of retaining the positive qualities of estrogen while at the same time avoiding proliferation of cells in the uterus and breast (cancer). They block estrogenic receptors but have a effect similar to estrogen (Reloxifen). The best Phyto-estrogens are extracted from soy (Genistain and diazin) and there are others from fruit and seeds. These Phyto-estrogens attach to estrogen receptors with an effect 1000 times weaker than endogenic estrogen. Their function is regulatory–in excess they will reduce estrogenic effect and in deficiency they will enhance it.

There are three groups of Phyto-estrogens: isoflavons, comstans and lignans. They are known to protect against cancer, cholesterol and prevent menopausal symptoms. It is recommended to consume a diet rich with Phyto-estrogens found in fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes and low in fats and red meat. It is also recommended that we supplement with Phyto-estrogens genistain, diazine and with antioxidants.

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