OCTROBER 15, 2026 CANCER AND VIRUSES

Most of the more than 2 million cases of infection-associated cancer were attributable to Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis B and C.

An estimated 2.3 cancer cases worldwide—or one in eight—are attributable to infections, according to study results published in The Lancet Oncology. Fortunately, infection-related malignancies are largely preventable through vaccination and treatment of underlying diseases.

“This recent Lancet data is a profound reminder that a significant portion of our global cancer burden is fundamentally preventable,” David Greenberg, MD, of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, said in a news release. “We have historically siloed infectious diseases and oncology, but they are deeply intertwined. By shifting our focus toward aggressive infection control, we can literally vaccinate and treat our way out of millions of future cancer diagnoses.”

Harriet Rumgay, PhD, of the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, and colleagues used data from the Global Cancer Observatory’s Cancer Today database (GLOBOCAN) to estimate the number, proportion and incidence of cancers attributable to 12 infections classified as carcinogenic. 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted pathogen, is the leading viral cause of cancer. It can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital cancers and mouth and throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. HPV is preventable with a vaccine, which works best when given to adolescents before they become sexually active.

• Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause liver scarring, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine and can be treated with antiviral medications, but they usually do not lead to a cure. In contrast, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but more than 90% of patients can be cured with direct-acting antivirals taken for two or three months.

• Helicobacter pylori is the most common bacterial cause of cancer. It causes gastric ulcers and can trigger stomach cancer, a rare type of lymphoma and possibly colorectal cancer. H. pylori, which is transmitted via saliva and contaminated food or water, is more common in lower-income countries, and most people are infected during childhood. It can be treated with antibiotics and medications that reduce stomach acid.

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that causes mononucleosis. It persists in the body and can trigger nasopharyngeal cancer, certain types of lymphoma and stomach cancer. More than 90% of adults have evidence of EBV infection, which usually occurs during childhood. There is no vaccine or approved antiviral treatment.

• HIV is classified as a carcinogenic virus. People with advanced HIV disease can develop AIDS-defining cancers, such as Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but even people on antiretroviral treatment with well controlled HIV are at higher risk for multiple malignancies.

• Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8) is another common herpesvirus. It usually does not lead to illness in healthy people, but it can cause tumors of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs in people with compromised immunity.

• The other infectious agents included in the analysis are human T-cell lymphotropic virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus, Schistosoma haematobium (a parasitic worm that can cause bladder cancer) and two parasitic liver flukes, Opisthorchis viverrine and Clonorchis sinensis, that can cause liver and bile duct cancer.

The study found that an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases were attributable to infections globally in 2024, equivalent to 12% of all cancer cases. Of these, the largest number (760,000 cases, or 4%) were caused by H. pylori, followed by HPV (750,000 cases, or 4%), HBV (360,000 cases, or 2%), EBV (260,000 cases, or 1%) and HCV (160,000 cases).

More than three quarters of infection-attributable cancers occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Eastern Asian had the largest burden, with 990,000 cases (42% of the global total). Rates were also higher than the global average in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

“Our findings highlight the importance of infection control to achieve cancer prevention,” the study authors concluded. “Scientifically proven, but often underused, approaches include HPV and HBV vaccination; testing and treatment of HIV, H pylori, HBV and HCV; safe injection practices; access to condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] to prevent HIV transmission; and screening of precancerous lesions for HPV-driven cervical and anal cancer. Our findings also inform the investment cases for research and development for new prevention tools, most notably for EBV.”

Re posted from Cancer Health October 1, 2026

SETPEMBER 22, 2026 PROPOLIS

What is propolis? It is made by honeybees It is a kind of balsam collected by bees from the buds and leaves of various tress and plants. The bees mix this balsam with substances from pollen and enzymes. The enzymes are secreted from glands of the bees situated in the neck.

What do bees do with propolis ? It is added to the wax comb; The whole bees hibve in enveloped in propolis for protection and storage It is also used to coat where the queen will lay egs in the cells. The cells are the hexagon shaped structures ( in the comb )

Propolis is selective in the way it attacks certain bacteria as well as funguses and even other viruses. There are rare allergies to propolis I have never seen an allergy to it. No harmful side effects I give it to many of my patients during the winter months to protect them from the various viruses they encounter. I also believe that propolis enhances other conventional drugs. Since only one on 2000 show allergic response, it can be used safely for all individuals. Propolis protects the hive from infection as it protects the human individual.

As a beekeeper of 17 years plus, I call propolis what all beekeepers call propolis- “ BEE GLUE “It is the repair glue that holds the hive together- It is tough. It has been used for thousands of years as a protection against disease. You can take propolis internally or externally. It is safe present in large quantities in the propolis are flavonoids. It is concentrated in propolis. It is also effective against radiation in addition to its activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses.

There are many good books on propolis. Start reading about it and start taking it

Until tomorrow

SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 TREATMENTS FOR PANCREATIC CARCINOMA

I utilize a different approach when seeing a patient with cancer. I use every discipline of medicine, both conventional and integrative approaches. This involves herbs, acupuncture, massage, intravenous support, and supplements

One supplement, L glutamine is used for supporting a ‘ leaky gut ‘ in most patients.

A 2026 Phase 1 clinical trial published in Nature Cancer found promising results when oral L-glutamine was added to standard first-line treatment for people with previously untreated advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Researchers led by Jun Gong and colleagues tested L-glutamine alongside gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel. The combination appeared safe and was associated with better survival and tumor responses compared with historical benchmarks for standard treatment.

Researchers suggest L-glutamine may enhance treatment through several mechanisms, including changes in cancer metabolism, gut microbial function, inflammation and intestinal barrier health. The survival outcomes were notably better than historical expectations, but the study was an open-label, single-arm Phase 1 trial, meaning there was no randomized control group receiving the same treatment without L-glutamine. Therefore, larger randomized trials are needed to determine how much of the survival improvement was specifically caused by L-glutamine.

Until tomorrow…

AUGUST 3, 2026 WHO EATS CABBAGE

YOIU MIGHT EAT KALE OR SPINACH AS A GREAT SOURCE OF VITAMINS !. HAVE YOU EVERY EATEN CABBAGE AND THOUGHT WHAT A GREAT VEGETABLE ? PROBABLY NOT. cabbage, the often-overlooked vegetable that’s a veritable treasure trove of nutrients and health benefits. From being a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals to offering a range of medicinal properties.

. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, it’s rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for skin health and immune function, and Vitamin B6, which plays a key role in brain development and function

It also contains calcium, potassium and magnesium which are essential for total body health. Cabbage is rich in a variety of antioxidants, including glucosinolates, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds. In addition to fighting disease and inflammation cabbage is excellent for digestion. High in both soluble and insoluble fiber, it aids in the digestive process by adding bulk to stools and promoting regular bowel movements. I have used in patients with high cholesterol levels. It contains nutrients that can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol that can lead to arterial plaque buildup. The fiber in cabbage binds to bile acids in the digestive system, helping to remove them from the body.

So I want you to try cabbage in your diet. Raw or cooked- you will find it beneficial for prevention of diseases.

JULY 28, 2026 WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CANCER AND CHRONIC DISEASE

Why is there so much cancer today as well as an increase in chronic disease ? I think we can answer that and say foods, mycotoxins and pesticides. Glyphosate is a powerful weed killer introduced in the 1970s by agrochemical giant Monsanto, which is now owned by Bayer. This widely used herbicide kills plants by blocking an essential enzyme required for plant growth. Despite sharing a similar chemical structure with dangerous nerve agents, which are also organophosphate pesticides, glyphosate was marketed as safe under the brand name Roundup.

Today, glyphosate use in agriculture is widespread because farmers report significant benefits, such as simplified weed management and increased crop yields. But these benefits come at the cost of human health, with studies linking glyphosate exposure to serious issues such as cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption, and more. Unfortunately, many staples of the modern diet are treated with glyphosate, endangering consumers' health without their knowledge.

Research on glyphosate has since uncovered links to several other health issues

1. Central nervous system - links to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease

2. 2. Hormone disruption - leading to certain male and female cancers

3. Gut microbiome - leading to inflammatory bowel diseases

4. Liver and kidneys- leading to chronic liver disease and hepatomas

5. 5. developmental- leading to development delays and childhood leukemias

   The good news is you can be tested for exposure to glyphosates and mycotoxins. There are treatments available. You must seek out the right health care practitioners. We do testing in our NYC and CT offices. Be proactive

JULY 27, 2026 MELISSA OFFICINALIS

I am a mint lover. I actually am a lover of all plants that are in the Mint Family This family includes some of the most popular and aromatic herbs, such as peppermint, spearmint, and basil, as well as lesser-known varieties like lemon balm and oregano. With its vast diversity, the Mint Family is found in almost every continent

When you think about it — there are many culinary herbs in this family It includes the most widely used culinary herbs, such as, Origanum (Oregano), Hyssopus (Hyssop), Lavandula (Lavender), Mentha (Mint) and Thymus (Thyme).

If you think you are looking at Mint or Spearmint— rub the leaves and smell your fingers. If it smells like Lemon - you are looking at Lemon Balm ( Melissa officinalis) Have a cup of Lemon Balm tea tonight . It it used to calm yourself and even help you sleep, It even has a cardiovascular benefit. This sweet-lemon scented herb is actively scrubbing cholesterol from your bloodstream.

A 2024 analysis of clinical trials revealed that people taking lemon balm experienced significant drops in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and dangerous LDL cholesterol.

Don’t over use Lemon Balm if you have thyroid disease or take a thyroid medication or supplement. I use Lemon Balm to slow down a hyperactive thyroid ( Hyperthyroidism) For some reason some think Lily of Valley is a Mint Family Herb Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is not in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Until tomorrow…

JULY 22, 2026 d DO YOU EAT GREENS

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich phytochemical belonging to the isothiocyanate group of organosulfur compounds, primarily found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, bok choy, collards, mustard greens, and watercress I certainly eat greens three times a week. Broccoli sprouts contain the highest concentration of glucoraphanin, often 20–50 times more than mature broccoli. Glucoraphanin is the inactive form

There are over 3,600 studies in PubMed, including almost 1,549 of them pertaining to cancer regardng the health benefits of sulforaphane I belive sulforaphane is one of the most important, all-around beneficial nutrients in existence So why isn’t oncologists talking about this anti cancer supplement. In my practice I do recommend the use of it when assistng/ supporting patients with cancer

It has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification properties. It neutralizes toxins and free radicals, reduces inflammation and supports DNA protection.

Be informed about this supplement

Until tomoroww

JULY 21, 2026 KING OF HERBS FOR STRESS

WE live in very uncertyain times. The world is stressful Our lives are stressful If there is one herb that everyone should take - it is Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant with a long pedigree in Ayurveda, where it’s considered the “King of Herbs.” Many people swear by its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep

Botanically, Ashwagandha is an herb made from the Withania somnifera (meaning “sleep-inducing”) plant, with thousands of years of use in Ayurveda. It’s in the Solanaceae or nightshade family The leaves, fruit, and seeds of ashwagandha are all edible and used for medicinal purposes This plant contains important plant compounds like alkaloids, phytochemicals, saponins, and antioxidants. The plant also increases the best antioxidant we have in our bodies called Glutathione.

It belongs to a family of herbs called Adaptogens. David Winston, Master herbalist wrote a book called Adaptogens which I still refer to for information. I use this herb in many conditions. It can also help improve energy levels, boost concentration, and reduce inflammation.

There are clinical trials involving this herb and sleep which were published In 2024, “Ashwagandha extract with 35 % withanolide glycosides (Shoden) at 60 mg and 120 mg was significantly effective in reduced morning serum cortisol and increasing total testosterone.” We all need more cortisol in the morning and less at bedtime. You should have your salivary or urinary cortisol levels measured by a certified practitioners We all need to exercise more. This herb can improve that also. They found that ashwagandha can improve muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in both men and women, while at the same time reducing fatigue.

Consult with your health care practitioner about using this herb. There are few contraindications. If you take any thyroid supplement or medication, consult your doctor

Until tomorrow…