The Cancer Suppressor Theory of Aging proposes that what we experience as aging is the consequence of mechanisms to suppress cancer which have evolved to counter the threat of malignancy by causing cells to replicate, go to sleep, or die.
Our immune system is constantly searching for abnormal cancerous cells, and when found, swiftly deploys its considerable resources like killer T cells to eradicate them. The problem, however, is that cancer cells can become notoriously difficult to identify and can often evade the immune system’s detection. As a result of this dynamic, some cancer cells proliferate unchecked and cause life-altering crises.
Cancer is an intimidating and life-threatening disease that can occur due to several causes. It can be caused by age, toxins, radiation, inflammation, oxidation, viruses, or trauma that damages a healthy cell’s DNA. This damaged DNA leads the cell to divide uncontrollably without dying, forming increasing mounds of cancer cells in vital organs, which squeezes out the essential tissues, and eventually, this is fatal.
Age, toxins, infections, stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and smoking are a few forces impairing our immune system. Measuring and maintaining a strong and vibrant immune system is one of our best options for dealing with and preventing cancer. In our increasingly toxic world, it is essential to recognize the body’s toxin levels and reduce exposure. An overload of toxins can accumulate without your knowledge, contributing to cancer. Understanding how much toxicity you are exposed to is vital for maintaining good long-term health.
As cells age, the cells are exposed to toxins, and the microenvironment of the cell worsens. The cells beginning to show damage are often “put to sleep,” that is, undergo senescence to slow down the progression to becoming cancerous. Eventually, some of these senescent cells change enough to become much-feared cancer.
Science previously assumed that these early cancers stayed limited within their immediate environment. We believed that these cancer cells would multiply and, eventually, would breach the tumor’s boundaries. At that time, cancer would travel through the bloodstream to form metastases at other sites in the body.
We now know that tumors distribute cancer cells into circulation from day one. The proliferation rate of this process, which would be limited in healthy cells, is unleashed due to an endless number of telomeres on the cancer cell’s DNA. Telomeres are the little tags at the end of the chromosomes, where when the DNA replicates, it uses one of these tags. When the chromosomes are out of telomeres, the cell dies.
Cancer is not only the second most deadly cause of death, but the rate of cancer is growing and will likely spike an astonishing 57% increase within two decades. Unless we act swiftly to curb this trend, cancer may eventually top the list as our leading source of mortality. The widespread presence of carcinogens in the air, food, and water further bolsters this point; these toxins have irrevocably polluted our environment with hazardous materials that contribute significantly to rising cases of cancer worldwide.
Early detection is the most successful approach to treating cancer. In its beginning stages, cancer cells have not had a chance to adapt to any methods that allow them to survive in your body’s environment. During this time, creating an environment free from toxicity and inflammation will often be enough for your body to fight off cancer.
There are numerous types of cancer, and once established, each type responds differently to treatment.
The most frequent cancers in men include:
The most frequent cancers in women are:
The highest mortality rate in women is lung cancer (18.4%), breast (17.5%), colon (10.6%), and pancreas (7.2%). In comparison, the highest mortality rates among men are for lung cancer (20.6%), prostate (14.5%), colon (10.6%), pancreas (7%), and liver (6.6%).
Longevity depends on preventing cancer. Therefore early detection and prompt cancer treatment must be a priority. To prevent cancer, medical and lifestyle approaches must be considered. Intake of processed foods and alcohol should be reduced or completely eliminated. Exercise regularly, engage in stress-relief activities such as yoga or mindfulness practices, get adequate sleep, and avoid smoking.
Simply put, detecting cancer in its earliest stages is the best way to treat it. Over half of all diagnosed cancer cases have no suggested screening test available. These cancers typically appear only after patients begin to display symptoms, and as a result, the illness is often far more advanced, which makes it hard to treat. In total, these non-screened types of cancers account for 70% of all deaths from cancer.
MDLifespan places a high value on early cancer detection methods. In addition to standard traditional cancer screening programs (skin exams, colonoscopies, PSA for men, and mammograms for women), our physicians utilize other early detection methods.
Detection methods that can identify cancer in its earliest stages include:
An innovative and exciting breakthrough in cancer detection is the Liquid Biopsy. This type of biopsy does not require tissue samples, instead utilizing a blood test to scan for cancer cells, markers, and DNA circulating in the blood. Currently, this testing has been proven effective at identifying early-stage cancers, offering an opportunity for more timely treatment plans and potentially better outcomes.
Our liquid biopsies are astoundingly successful, with us detecting cancer in its earliest stage over 85% of the time on a single screening. When patients undergo yearly checkups, this success rate approaches 100%.
One of the limitations with all liquid biopsies is determining the point of origin of the cancer. Under the microscope, cancer stem cells have few distinctive features which would identify the tissue in which the cancer arose. Our providers act as detectives using PET Scans to help determine the point of origin of the cancer. If cancer does not show up on the PET scan, it means that the cancer is still too small for diagnostic testing. If the cancer does show up on PET scan, our providers will work with you in finding the right oncologist to take on the case.
Full Body Scans detect the presence of cancer in asymptomatic patients only 2% of the time. For this reason, no medical society recommends Full Body Scans for patients as an early cancer detection tool, except in cases with a strong genetic predominance for cancer. However, if using scans that minimize radiation like MRIs, the only risk of consequence is the amount of money this procedure costs. To detect cancer without any harmful side effects, our full body scans for cancer are performed with either no, or exceptionally low radiation. Although some centers promote a full-body MRI scan, this method is inefficient because it requires a significant amount of time in the MRI scanner. Instead, a combination of MRI scans, ultrasound exams, and CT scans are more suitable as they require less time (and less radiation exposure) to complete and provide equally accurate results.
There are many advanced tests for detecting cancer that our providers keep in their toolboxes. Testing for cancer directly through blood and diagnostic testing can complement testing for toxins and an imbalanced cell microenvironment. Important to remember is that you, as a unique individual, may require more or fewer tests than others. Your provider will determine which test is recommended after an in-depth evaluation.
Our comprehensive methods of testing for Cancer are:
Over half of all cancer diagnoses are not connected to any screening tests available. Since these cancers typically become evident when a patient has already started displaying symptoms, the illness often progresses too far for treatment to be successful.
Early detection is critical to successfully treating many forms of cancer, yet most cancers remain undetected until they have advanced and are too often incurable. Along with cancer, early detection of aneurysms and organ abnormalities can be game changers.
Everyone has unique variations in their DNA, known as genetic variants. Specific genetic variants called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs, can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Our providers can recognize your potential vulnerability to particular illnesses by undergoing a genetic test and developing tailored treatments that will help you best avoid them.
Immune testing provides us with an inside look into our health, alerting us to potential risks or warning signs that we may not have been aware of. It is a simple yet powerful way to stay on top of our health and detect any issues before they become more serious.
Nutritional testing can help you identify which nutrients your body is lacking. Our digestive system becomes weaker as we age due to decreased stomach acid production, and pancreatic enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and hazardous microorganisms begin replacing those helpful for meeting nutrient needs.
Toxins are a significant threat to our health. Our environment contains toxins in food, air, and water. Our bodies are constantly exposed to these toxins, so we must know how much of each toxin we consume. As we age, our bodies cannot handle these toxins effectively, which can cause serious health problems.
Our physicians are not oncologists, but we collaborate with our clients to optimize their health against cancer. Our anti-cancer therapy recommendations focus on early detection and providing cells with an optimum microenvironment detrimental to cancer cells and their growth.
Our comprehensive methods for solving cancer issues are:
Detoxification is an essential but often misunderstood and misconstrued process. Despite popular belief associated with trendy "detox" drinks that promise quick results without lasting impact, the real power behind detox stems from making small lifestyle changes to help your body flush out unnecessary toxins for improved health and well-being over time.
You have everything you need inside you to create a healthy, robust, meaningful, and fulfilling life. Life coaching provides an individually designed social and emotional intelligence program with one-on-one support to partner with you on your journey.
Senescence is an aging process in which a cell permanently stops dividing yet does not die. This occurs when the cell experiences various stressors that lead to the accumulation of damaged DNA.
Toxins are a pervasive danger in our environment, far beyond the traditional scope of heavy metals. Discovering plastics, petroleum products, herbicides, pesticides, and traces of medications and other contaminants in significant quantities inside your body is common.
We value fact over opinion. Please refer to our FAQs for the most commonly asked questions. In addition, we have listed the medical references for the facts stated on the website.
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Test your genes to determine the cancers to which you may be susceptible. A clean lifestyle free of alcohol, processed sugar, drugs, and tobacco. A healthy diet rich in fiber and beneficial vitamins. A scheduled and followed regiment of sleep, exercise, and stress management techniques. A nutritional plan which includes supplements that combat inflammation and oxidation. You can do so many things to avoid cancer; you can start anytime with our providers.
Our physicians are not oncologists and do not treat cancer. But in conjunction with your oncologist, our providers will collaborate on developing a health and nutrition plan which incorporates making you as healthy and “anti” cancer as possible.
RGCC is the expert in developing and providing personalized cancer tests for doctors and patients. RGCC goes further than the Grain (Grail, not Grain) by testing the cancer cells for sensitivity to chemotherapy treatment and a large range of natural substances.
For those patients who get a liquid biopsy with cancer cells present, our providers will recommend further testing into the genetic makeup of the cancer cells. In addition, our providers will recommend a PET SCAN. A Pet Scan is a nuclear medicine radiologic exam that infuses radiation isotopes on sugar molecules to detect cancer cells. If the Pet Scan is positive, we will recommend you see a qualified oncologist.
In these cases, where no discernable cancer tissue is identified, and all other cancer screening methods are negative, our physicians will collaborate with you to develop a health plan that is the opposite of what cancer uses to survive. Your liquid biopsy should be repeated every 3-4 months to gauge the increase or decrease in circulating cancer cells.
Screening for cancers should start at an early age; scientists state that with liquid biopsies, we could begin as early as 18 years of age. Regular checkups should be performed annually. Being seen early by your doctor helps assess your risks for cancers, and further exams can be arranged if any risk is present.