Research has already shown for years that inflammation is associated with cancer. Yes, inflammation in your body. This is different from acute inflammation that develops when you experience a cut or bruise. Compared to those temporary wounds and the body's response, chronic inflammation accumulates over time with persistence. The good news is that healthy habits reduce and even reverse chronic inflammation. You can test your inflammation levels and incorporate optimal lifestyle approaches.
A new study provides informative data about the negative effects of inflammation in women with breast cancer. Researchers in Denmark evaluated over 2,900 breast cancer patients testing C-reactive protein (CRP), a measurement for inflammation. CRP is a protein produced by the liver and found in the blood that rises in response to inflammation. The Denmark study results indicate that elevated levels of CRP are predictive of a poorer prognosis for women with breast cancer. The five-year survival in breast cancer patients decreased from 90% for low CRP to 74% for high levels of CRP.
Other studies indicate that elevated CRP is associated with poorer outcomes in people with other types of cancer. Research also suggests that inflammation decreases quality of life, impairs immune functions, plays a central role in cancer cachexia, and lower toleration of some anti-cancer therapies.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) even published their analysis about the link between inflammation and cancer. NCI's Inflammation and Cancer Think Tank states, "Interestingly, inflammation functions at all three stages of tumor development: initiation, progression, and metastasis... Chronic inflammation appears to contribute to tumor progression by establishing a milieu conducive to development of different cancers."
Unfortunately, many cancer care providers are not aware of this link and incorporate it into their patient care. As cancer patients become more informed and proactive, this acquired knowledge helps them contribute to improving their own health.
CRP can be measured in a blood test. Regular labs offer a test of high sensitivity CRP. Some integrative cancer care providers say a CRP below 1 is a good score. Some providers recommend testing CRP every three to six months depending on the type of cancer and other health conditions. Also know that along with CRP, other blood tests collect findings about inflammation in the body. Consider a consultation with an integrative cancer care provider for information.
People with high levels of CRP need to incorporate lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation in their body. This includes reducing inflammatory offenders and incorporating anti-inflammatory strategies. Even people with low inflammation levels benefit from learning this information to support their ongoing health and healing. To educate yourself about inflammatory offenders, natural anti-inflammatory strategies, and specific foods and supplements, visit our Inflammation and Cancer section.
Measuring your inflammation through CRP also helps shows how the body is one whole integrated system. No separation and only the whole. |