Endometrial Cancer
The most common form of uterine cancer affects the lining
of the uterus, the endometrium. Endometrial cancer
usually strikes after menopause, and its primary warning sign
is bleeding (before menopause, bleeding not related to the
menstrual period). It can also cause pelvic pain and pain
during intercourse.
The growth of endometrial cancer is stimulated by
estrogen. Throughout a woman's reproductive life, the
lining of the uterus grows and shrinks in response to rising
and falling estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle.
After menopause, most of the estrogen produced in a
woman's body is produced by fat tissue. High-fat diets
encourage the development of fat tissue and the
production of excess estrogen.
Endometrial cancer is diagnosed by examining a piece
of endometrium, which is usually removed via a biopsy.
The first line of conventional treatment is surgery, usually
to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, and
ovaries. If the
cancer has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may
be used. The doctor may also use hormonal therapy, in
which a form of progesterone, another female hormone, is
used to counteract the effects of estrogen.
Some herbal therapies for endometrial cancer
counteract estrogen and support the immune system. Others
supplement conventional treatments. Always use herbal
medicine as part of a medically directed overall treatment
plan for endometrial cancer.
Supplements and herbs
- Alfalfa tablets. Take as directed on the label.
Good source of vitamin K and needed
minerals, including
iron.
- Astragalus tincture. Take 1-1/2 tsp (4-6 ml) in 1/4 cup water 3 times daily.
Slows spread of cancer; activates T and NK cells.
Do not use astragalus if you have a fever or a skin infection.
- Cat's claw tincture. Take the dose recommended on the
label in 1/2 cup water with 1 tsp lemon juice.
Raises T-cell counts.
Do not use cat's claw if you have to take insulin for diabetes. Do not use it if you are
pregnant or nursing.
- Chamomile -
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) tea bag,
prepared with 1 cup water. Take 1 cup 2-3 times daily.
Contains chemicals that prevent cancer cells from anchoring to new sites.
- Garlic enteric-coated tablets. Take at least 900 mg a day.
Retards angiogenesis and metastasis.
Garlic counteracts the effects of bifidus and lactobacillus cultures taken as digestive aids.
Consult a doctor before using garlic on a regular basis if you are on an anticoagulant medication
such as warfarin (Coumadin). Discuss the use of garlic with your doctor before having any
type of surgery.
- Green tea - tea bag, prepared with 1 cup water. Take 1 cup 3 times daily.
To avoid dilution, do not use within 1 hour of taking other medications.
Contains polyphenols, which block estrogen from tumors.
- Polysaccharide kureha (PSK) tablets. Take 6,000 mg daily.
Shown to increase 3- and 5-year survival rates.
- Soy isoflavone concentrate tablets. Take about 3,000 mg once daily.
Contains genistein, which inhibits growth of estrogen-dependent
cancers.
HERBS TO AVOID - Individuals who have endometrial cancer should avoid
the following herbs: cordyceps,
dan shen,
fennel seed,
licorice,
peony.
What else you can do
- Pay attention to diet. Proper nutritional requirements
for cervical and endometrial cancer are very
similar.
- If you are receiving treatment for advanced
endometrial cancer, take thymic-factor supplements before and
during chemotherapy. German research indicates that
thymic factors "greatly reduce" the depletion of immune
cells during chemotherapy for later-stage cancers of the uterus.
- Walk regularly. One study found that a moderate
amount of brisk walking (a minimum of one mile a day, six
days a week) reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. It is
not necessary to go for long distances, since the beneficial
effect of walking does not increase beyond a mile a day.
- Use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle, or a hot bath to
help relieve pain.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, animal fats, butter, dairy
products, fried foods, foods that contain additives, all hardened
fats, red meats, poultry (except organically raised and
skinless chicken or turkey), refined and processed foods, salt,
shellfish, and sugar.
- Supporting the immune system is an important part of
fighting endometrial cancer. Immune Support from
Raintree Marketing is a combination of South American herbs,
including cat's claw, chuchuhuasi, macela, and mullaca,
that is especially useful for treating immune deficiencies
associated with this disorder.
- Diets rich in soy products are associated with lower
rates of various types of cancer, including endometrial
cancer. Soy foods include miso and tofu.
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