Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes Impact Cancer Genes

Mind-Body Lifestyle Changes Impact Cancer Genes

Epidemiological and prospective studies indicate that comprehensive lifestyle changes may modify the progression of prostate cancer (Ornish et al., 2008).

Materials and Methods
Study subjects
- 30 males (mean age of 62.3 years (range 49–80)) with prostate cancer. All had low-risk prostate cancer and had refused immediate surgery, hormone therapy or radiation. Instead, they participate in the lifestyle program including of periodic monitoring of tumors to track any growth.

Lifestyle intervention
- 3 month comprehensive lifestyle modification was prescribed
1. Dietary change
Vegan diet
Supplement: Soy, fish oil, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin C
2. Moderate exercise
Walk 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week
3. Stress management
Yoga-based stretching
Breathing
Meditation
Imagery
Progressive relaxation
4. Group support

Discussion

After 3 months, the researchers observe changes in gene expression that affected the tumors: genes that promoted the cancer were no longer active or were less active, and genes that helped fight the cancer were switched on. More people with all ages are able to change and adherence to the program. These findings suggest that never be too old to make changes that positively affect your health (Archer, 2008).

This lifestyle intervention is related to the lifestyle filter in the hour glass model (Gallahue & Ozmun, 2006) in article presented on 15th Oct ’08. Both the moderate exercise and stress management can possible be substituted by Taichi if done correctly to achieve the moderate exercise intensity and psychological benefits.

References

1. Archer, S. (2008, October). Mind-body lifestyle changes impact cancer genes. IDEA Fitness Journal.
2. Gallahue, D. L., & Ozmun, J. C. (2006). Understanding Motor Development (Infants, Children, Adolescents, Adults) (6th ed.): McGrawHill.
3. Ornish, D., Magbanua, M. J., Weidner, G., Weinberg, V., Kemp, C., Green, C., et al. (2008). Changes in prostate gene expression in men undergoing an intensive nutrition and lifestyle intervention. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 105(24), 8369-8374.