The progression from a malignant cell to precancerous lesions can take many years.  This process involves multiple stages of genetic and epigenetic changes before a cell becomes precancerous.

 

Inflammation is one of the hallmarks of cancer that has a role in the progression of precancerous changes.  Inflammation can alter the tissue environment, facilitating cancer growth. It is a common mechanism underlying tumor formation in several types of cancer. 

 

MADP, we refer to this complex environment as the ‘inflammatory cancer cloud’.  

 

Chronic inflammation can damage cells and tissues.  The persistent inflammatory environment can lead to DNA damage, promote cell proliferation, and inhibit the body’s natural mechanisms for eliminating potentially cancerous cells, which contribute to an elevated risk.

 

With over 70% of the immune system residing in the gut, our gut microorganisms have an important role in controlling inflammation ~ either preventing or promoting.  They are continuously interacting and communicating with cells in our immune system essentially functioning as a ‘command center’ influencing inflammatory responses.

 

The gut microbiome influences our overall health, acting as either our ‘friend’ or our ‘foe.’ When the gut microbiome is unhealthy and damaged, it can lead to dysbiosis and increase intestinal permeability, often referred to as ‘leaky gut.’ This allows substances to enter the bloodstream, creating a cascade of inflammation throughout the body.

 

On the other hand, when the gut microbiome is healthy and balanced with a diverse array of microorganisms, it plays an important role in preventing inflammation. This is achieved by producing beneficial metabolites known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites, along with other microbial byproducts, possess anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to activating our body’s natural defenses against cancer.

 

Diet, lifestyle, environment, and the microbiome can have a pivotal role in cancer.  A healthy gut microbiome, fueled by a healthy nutrient-rich diet, has the ability to:

 

• • • • protect our cells from damage to DNA.

      • deactivate harmful chemicals called carcinogens.

      • reduce harmful inflammation in the body.

      • absorb potential cancer treatments.

      • create compounds that suppress tumor growth.

      • trigger immune responses to combat cancer.

 

“There is a direct correlation between one’s diet, the composition of the gut microbiome, and the absorption of cancer immunotherapy. The increased diversity of the gut microbiota has a profound impact on survival outcomes of cancer patients than those with lower diversity.”