Esophageal (throat) cancer attacks the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. The American Cancer Fund says, “It is the most rapidly increasing type of cancer in the United States.” Treatment for esophageal cancer includes the usual battery of remedies – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation – but the survival rate is still very low. Only about five percent of people with esophageal cancer survive for five years.
Turmeric Contains Cancer-fighting Chemical
Researchers in Ireland and Poland have published a study in the British Journal of Cancer (October 6, 2009) that says a chemical found in turmeric kills the esophageal cancer cells.
In the study’s abstract, the authors say “Esophageal cancer incidence is increasing and survival rates remain extremely poor. Natural agents with potential for chemoprevention include the phytochemical curcumin (diferuloylmethane). We have examined the effects of curcumin on a panel of esophageal cancer cell lines.”
Curcumin is found in turmeric, the spice that gives curry its characteristic yellow colour. The chemical is also being tested as a treatment for arthritis and even dementia.
Causes of Esophageal Cancer
The usual culprits are to blame for the onset of esophageal cancer. According to the American Cancer Fund, “By far, tobacco and alcohol use are the strongest risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for more than 90 percent of such cases.”
The other form of esophageal cancer, adenocarcinoma, has more complex causes. However, obesity and gastroesophageal reflex, in which stomach acid backs up into the throat, are commonly associated with the disease.
CBC News reports (October 28, 2009) that, “Cancers of the esophagus kill more than 500,000 people across the world each year… It’s estimated there will be 1,600 new cases of the disease in Canada this year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.”
Natural Remedy for Esophageal Cancer
Researcher Dr. Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin began killing cancer cells within 24 hours. And, reports BBC News (October 28, 2009), “The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
“Dr. McKenna said: 'Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value.’ ”
Recipe for Cancer Health
In the United Kingdom, a former chef has developed a recipe that makes the most of the cancer-fighting properties of curry.
Writing in The Telegraph (29 October, 2009), Andrew Hough reports that Gurpareet Bains has developed what he claims to be the world’s healthiest meal – a curry. “Each serving contains the nutritional equivalent of 49 helpings of spinach, 23 bunches of grapes, or nine portions of broccoli.
"Experts say it is up to 20 times more nutritious than any specially-formulated 'healthy' meal.”
Bains is quoted as saying, “…the curry I have created is brimming with health-beneficial ingredients that could, if eaten regularly, deal a devastating blow to many diseases.”
Rupert Taylor - Rupert Taylor is the editor of a magazine that provides background to current events.
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