Revolutionary new discoveries at Harvard and Northwestern University offer promising hope of predicting cancer years before it develops. The new research, published on EBiomedicine, has the potential to change the field of oncology, and have a positive effect on the prognosis outcome for healthy people who will ultimately develop cancer.
The pioneering study centered on the evolution of telomeres over a time-period of 13 years -- telomeres protect genetic data, by keeping chromosome ends from fraying, and are often described as being similar to the plastic tips on shoelaces. Researchers measured telomeres in 792 participants. -- of those, 135 later developed various cancers, including skin, lung, prostrate and leukemia. In those patients, scientists had initially found the telomeres aged more rapidly and lost length before they developed cancer, noting the remarkable characteristics of telomeres that appeared to be 15 years older than those measured in the participants who were not developing cancer. They also discovered another fascinating marker the advancement of length shortening stopped 3 to 4 years before the cancer diagnosis.
Scientists previously believed the cancer cells divided and grew rapidly, and would cause the cell to continue to shorten until it self-destructed. If they can identify the mechanism for how the cancer takes over the cell, they hope to manipulate the cancer cells to self-destruct without causing damage to the healthy cells around it.
The miraculous discovery may be a double edge sword, however, as Matt Sanders, who handles protection insurance products for GoCompare explains, If this test showed 100% probability over a certain number of years then it could affect premiums. It would be the equivalent of living in a high theft area for someone looking for home insurance. Premiums could rise to a point where some people would simple be priced out. However, if it was shown that diagnosing earlier could prevent cancer then that could bring premiums down."
On the upside, the knowledge that they are at risk could allow people to become proactive and reduce their risk of developing cancer. Bob MacIntosh, a representative for Reishi Force, agrees, saying:
The cells in our body are constantly regenerating and they require the support of healthy building blocks at every stage in order to avoid damage that can lead to disease. This research is an amazing breakthrough for people who are seemingly healthy, yet unknowingly have cancer cells developing in their body. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends combining three lifestyle practices to reduce the risk of developing cancer physical activity for 30 minutes every day, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life, and eating a healthy diet consisting mostly of plant foods, with little red meat, as well as avoiding processed meat. It can be difficult to consume the nutritional requirements needed to stay healthy, so supplementing your diet naturally is a good way to ensure optimum health, as well."
Those interested in learning more should visit http://reishiforce.com/uncategorized/cancer-predictor-markers.
