April is National Cancer Control Month.. A somber reminder that the disease in its myriad forms remains the second leading cause of mortality in the US.
In this season of renewal, volunteer organizations solicit donations for cancer research in exchange for geraniums or daffodils -"blooms of hope" to fund research towards tangible cures.
In the spirit of the season, such efforts are a clarion call to healthy individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles-increase physical activity, achieve optimal weight, improve nutrition, avoid tobacco use, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Over the years, research has validated the healthful role of several phytonutrients and trace nutrients in the prevention of cancer. Carcinogens, a term used to describe cancer-causing agents, belong to a diversified group of chemicals of dietary or environmental origin. Carcinogens can either initiate tumors, promote tumors or initiate as well as promote tumor development. Phytonutrients such as curcuminoids from turmeric have been found inhibit cancer development in various in vitro and animal models as well as in limited human studies. Promising results from clinical studies on colorectal cancer, bladder cancer and oral leukoplakia suggest that curcuminoids are potentially useful in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer.
As a pioneer in introducing several phytonutrients and nutritional fine chemicals to global markets, Sabinsa Corporation actively sponsors research on the health benefits of nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Clinical studies with curcuminoids, selenomethionine and other healthful nutrients are currently underway.
For example, Selenium SeLECT â , Sabinsa's branded L-Selenomethionine, is being used in SELECT (The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial) This trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, is the largest ever prostate cancer prevention clinical trial, with 32,000 subjects. The trial seeks to study the health benefits of Selenium (as Selenomethionine) and vitamin E, in preventing prostate cancer, the second most common form of cancer in men.
Contact Sabinsa Corporation for information on nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals that potentially support healthy lifestyle and dietary interventions in the prevention of cancer.