Cancer Companion Guide

Colorectal cancer — once considered a disease of older adults — is now the number one cause of cancer-related death in Americans under age 50 , according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This alarming shift marks a major public-health milestone and highlights the urgent need for better awareness, early screening, and research into causes.  A Dramatic Shift in Cancer Mortality Trends Until recently, cancers like lung, breast, and leukemia were the top killers for people under 50. But a new analysis of U.S. cancer mortality data from 1990 through 2023 shows that colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has increased by about 1.1% per year , even as deaths from most major cancers have declined. By 2023, colorectal cancer had risen from the fifth leading cause of cancer death in younger adults to the first . ( American Hospital Association ) Key Trend Drivers Decreases in death rates for other cancers (lung, breast, leukemia, brain). ...

Abstract Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with incidence rates projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. While advances in treatment have modestly improved survival, prevention through modifiable risk factors remains underemphasized. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of diet, lifestyle, and dietary supplements in cancer prevention, drawing on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and major guideline recommendations. The I-PREVENT CANCER protocol is introduced as a practical, evidence-based framework for reducing cancer risk. Introduction Despite trillions spent on cancer research , cancer still kills around 10 million people a year and is a leading cause of death globally. The incidence of common cancers such as breast, lung, and colon cancer is expected to increase by over 75% between 2022 and 2050.  While treatment advances offer incremental improvements in survival, prevention strategies—particularly those related to diet and l...

Key message: Lifestyle interventions do not replace immunotherapy — but they can meaningfully influence who responds, how well, and how long responses last by shaping metabolism, inflammation, and immune fitness. Why Lifestyle Matters in the Era of Immunotherapy Immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) have transformed cancer care, yet: Only 20–40% of patients achieve durable responses Many experience immune-related adverse events Metabolic and inflammatory status strongly influence outcomes Lifestyle factors act upstream of the immune system, affecting T-cell energetics, cytokine balance, gut microbiota, and systemic inflammation — all critical to immunotherapy success. Metabolic Health: The Primary Modifier of Immune Response Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia Poor glycemic control is associated with: Impaired T-cell activation Increased regulatory T-cell dominance Reduced response rates to checkpoint inhibitors Conversely, improved insulin sensitivity supports: CD8+ T-...

Diet and lifestyle matter for risk reduction and treatment resilience , but they are not standalone cancer therapies. Modern evidence points to metabolism, inflammation, and immune function as the real intermediaries between lifestyle and cancer outcomes. Since this article was first published in 2025, cancer research has moved decisively beyond simplistic claims like “food cures cancer” or “lifestyle alone prevents malignancy.” Large cohort studies, metabolic research, and clinical oncology data now paint a more nuanced picture: Diet influences metabolic signaling , not tumors directly Lifestyle changes lower cancer incidence risk , but rarely eliminate it Outcomes improve most when lifestyle is combined with evidence-based therapy This update reflects current consensus while addressing persistent myths. AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 / 2024 Diet and Cancer: Association vs Causation What Diet Can Do Strong evidence shows that diet affects: Obesity and insulin resistance Chronic...

Introduction Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers, with complex nutritional and treatment needs. While  surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies remain the standard of care , research increasingly explores  supplemental, metabolic, and repurposed-drug strategies  to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and modulate tumor metabolism. This guide combines  evidence-based supplements, selenium research, metabolic therapy approaches, and the Bigelsen protocol  for an up-to-date, integrative perspective. 1. Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is common in pancreatic cancer, leading to poor digestion, malnutrition, and weight loss. Key Points: PERT helps digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates . Crucial after surgeries like the Whipple procedure . Prescription options (Creon, Pancreaze) are recommended; over-the-counter enzymes vary in potency. Dosing should be guided by a healthcare professio...