One of the most important strategies for treating women with estrogen-positive breast cancer is to block the action of estrogen. In estrogen positive (ER+) breast cancers, the natural estrogen in the body attaches to the estrogen receptors on cancer cells and stimulates them to divide, which makes breast tumors grow. Once the initial treatment of breast cancer is completed, (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), it is usually recommended that patients with ER+ tumors undergo long-term treatment with drugs like tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen activity, and aromatase inhibitors – Aromasin, Arimidex and Femara – which block the synthesis of estrogen in fat tissue... Continue reading

Serves 6 Ingredients: 4 scallions 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 1/4 cup wild rice or wild rice blend (any seasoning packet discarded) 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 orange, diced, zest optional Instructions: STEP 1 Thinly slice scallions, separating white and green parts. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add scallion whites and cook, stirring often, until soft, 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add wild rice and cook according to package instructions. Boiling wild rice can take 50-60... Continue reading

Serves 12 Ingredients: 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1 tbsp. baking powder 1 ¼ tsp. kosher salt 1 cup soy milk 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 tbsp. maple syrup 2 tbsp. finely chopped and seeded jalapeno pepper ¼ cup sweet corn, organic Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt until combined; set aside. 3. In another bowl, whisk together soy milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, sugar and jalapeno. Make a well... Continue reading

Qigong is a traditional Chinese exercise modality. It aligns breathing, mental focus (or awareness) and movement for purposes of exercise, meditation and balancing of the “qi,” or life energy, in healing. It emphasizes and cultivates a calm and relaxing state of mind. At the Block Center, qigong exercises are often integrated into the physical activity component of our patients’ individualized treatment plans. A study recently published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship compared qigong with stretching classes in the framework of a randomized, controlled trial. The main goal of the study was to evaluate whether qigong helps with fatigue –... Continue reading

When is an antioxidant not an antioxidant? This curious question was explored in a scientific poster that Dr. Block presented at the 10th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO), held October 20-22 of this year. The answer to the question was suggested in the title of the poster, “Antioxidants as pro-oxidants in cancer cells.” What, you might ask, is a pro-oxidant? As the name suggests, it’s the opposite of an antioxidant! Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, while pro-oxidants stimulate and produce free radicals, or, in scientific jargon, reactive oxygen species (ROS). Why are we interested in producing free... Continue reading

A hearty pilaf for fall makes great leftovers for lunch when you're on the go! Ingredients: 2 tsp canola oil (organic) 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced 1 ½ cups pearled barley 2-inch piece of fresh orange peel 1 whole cinnamon stick 3 cups vegetable stock or broth 2 cups cooked white or navy beans (or 1 15-ounce can, drained) ¼ cup finely chopped dill Instructions: Heat oil in a large saucepan and add onion, celery, and carrot when hot. Sauté over medium heat for 7-8 minutes. Add water... Continue reading

What cancer-related uses of fish oil have the best scientific evidence behind them? Dr. Block presented on this topic at the 10th International Society for Integrative Oncology in Vancouver, British Columbia on Sunday, October 20. Laboratory studies of fish oil show that it has many effects on cancer, from modifying blood viscosity to modulating treatment resistance. It has beneficial effects on the important processes of apoptosis and angiogenesis. EPA and DHA, the major omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, diminish inflammation, a critical driver of many cancer processes. Besides lab studies, several important recent observational and clinical studies have shown... Continue reading

By Dr. Keith Block Evidence-based medicine is an important precept throughout healthcare today. Evidence-based medicine relies on the best scientific evidence available at any particular time to help clinicians make decision in caring for patients, although it should never replace clinical judgment. In using evidence-based medicine, we look at randomized trials, laboratory results and systematic literature reviews to decide which medications and lab tests to use – or not to use. A 2013 article that appeared in the Townsend Report – “Estrogen Metabolite Ratios: Time For Us To Let Go,” written by Jacob Schor – alerted us to a change... Continue reading

Resveratrol is a phytochemical found in high levels in grape skins. Not only is resveratrol an antioxidant, it has some cancer preventive properties as well. In addition, there’s increasing interest in its potential use in cancer treatment. Since it’s an antioxidant, and since many chemotherapies as well as radiation act by producing free radicals that can damage cellular DNA, researchers and clinicians have been cautious about combining resveratrol with conventional treatment. Dr. Block and his research team have reviewed the clinical literature on antioxidants and chemotherapy and feel this concern is misplaced. Randomized clinical trials in which antioxidants were given... Continue reading

Cookies are treats that can be enjoyed, but remember: 1 serving is 1 cookie! Ingredients: ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce ¼ cup almond butter ½ cup maple syrup 1 Tbsp ground flaxseeds 2 tsp pure, organic vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups oat flour (can use any type of gluten-free flour you desire) ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ cup rolled oats ½ cup finely chopped walnuts ⅓ cup raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserves (be sure there is no sugar added!) Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly spray with oil).... Continue reading

Yes! You can have pizza — just be sure it has whole wheat and no dairy. What a great vehicle for veggies! Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 package active dry yeast ¾ tsp salt 1 cup hot water (hot to touch) 1 Tbsp canola oil 2 tsp agave nectar Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. In large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, yeast and salt. Blend in water, oil and agave. Stir by hand vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed (~about 3 minutes). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for ~10-15... Continue reading

Recently the Sunday Evening Post published Life Over Cancer follower David Sumner's personal breast cancer story. In it, Sumner points out a key hole in October's Breast Cancer Awareness efforts: most people are still unaware that men can, and do, get breast cancer. Among the risk factors for men: Age: As is the case for women, a man’s chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer increase with age. On average, men are 68 years old when they’re diagnosed with breast cancer. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase a man’s risk of breast cancer. Family history: A man’s risk of... Continue reading

The Block Center will be giving four presentations at the upcoming Society for Integrative Oncology’s (SIO) 10th Annual Conference, October 20-22, in Vancouver, BC. The mission of the Society is to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Dr. Block has been a member of the Society since its first year of existence, has served on its Board, is a member of its Clinical Practice Committee, and was the Chair of the Scientific Program at its 8th Annual Conference, held in Cleveland in 2011. He regularly gives presentations and poster sessions at Society... Continue reading

Serves 8 Ingredients: 8 cups apple juice 1 orange, quartered ¼ tsp allspice ¼ tsp cinnamon 3-4 cinnamon sticks 1 tbsp agave, maple syrup or brown rice syrup (optional) Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Heat to a boil; reduce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com. Continue reading

This week, a study made the news suggesting there’s a substantial benefit to breast cancer patients who take multivitamin-multi-mineral supplements. This study definitely warrants a closer look. Dr. Sylvia Wassertheil-Smoller of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University in New York, together with her colleagues, analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials and observational study on the use of supplements as it relates to mortality due to breast cancer. The WHI trials included 7,728 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer during the course of the studies, and were followed for an average of 7 years after... Continue reading

Serves 4 Ingredients: 3 oz. extra-virgin olive oil 2 yellow onions, peeled, quartered and sliced thin 2 oz. hot mustard 8 vegan brats, diced or sliced 1-15 oz. jar Sauerkraut 2 tbsp. caraway seeds Instructions: Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the sliced onions. Halfway through add the sauerkraut, caraway seeds and vegan brats. Sauté over low heat until onions are browned, softened and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the hot mustard. For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com. Continue reading

We are often asked if there are specific foods that can boost cancer survival. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d address this question as it relates to breast cancer. Existing research doesn’t support the notion that specific foods that can increase survival. However, there is considerable evidence that dietary patterns can make a significant difference for women fighting breast cancer. Let’s take a look at some of these dietary patterns. Dietary Fat Intake In the Women’s Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS), R.T. Chlebowski and colleagues demonstrated that when women reduced their fat intake to 20% or less, they reduced... Continue reading

Roasted Apples with Red Onion and Thyme Serves 4 Ingredients: 4 honeycrisp or Fuji apples, cored and sliced into wedges 2 red onions, sliced into wedges 6 fresh thyme sprigs 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp black pepper Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. In large bowl, toss all ingredients together. 3. Spread out into large, shallow baking dish. Roast until tender and golden brown, about 35-40 minutes. For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com. Continue reading

Pressed Crust ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats ½- ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1 Tablespoon brown rice syrup ¼ - 1/3 cup high heat canola oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a 9-inch pie plate. Combine all ingredients with a pastry blender or 2 forks in a large bowl until crumbly; press evenly into prepared pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Cool to room temperature before filling. Chocolate Base ½-1/3 package non-dairy malt-sweetened chocolate chips ¼ cup extra firm silken tofu 3 – 4 Tablespoons... Continue reading

Cruciferous Vegetables: These include broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, mustard greens. They contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (antioxidants) and helps to covert unhealthy estrogens into healthy ones. No other group of foods currently has more scientific support suggesting it can help prevent breast cancer. For example, a study in China found cruciferous vegetable consumption was linked to better survival in breast cancer patients. Crucifers also help in the prevention of other cancers. Cherries: Contain perillyl alcohol, a powerful inhibitor of many kinds of cancer. Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are potent natural anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. One large study demonstrated... Continue reading

Chia "Pudding" Serves 2-3 Ingredients: 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk) 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla bean Instructions: In a sealed jar/container combine all the other ingredients and shake every so often to prevent clumping of the seeds. (Optional) chill in fridge while seeds swell. Top “pudding” with any choice of fruit and/or granola. Options: Can use cinnamon or cocoa in place of vanilla bean. Continue reading

Many cancer patients report suffering from significant fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue is not simply feeling tired. It lasts longer than ordinary fatigue, is more debilitating, and sleep does not relieve it. It can affect all aspects of a patient’s life, and leave patients physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. There have been many studies of fatigue in the past, and guidelines have been developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network to help manage the fatigue. Though perhaps not as comprehensive as we’d like to see, they do contain some useful strategies that patients can adopt to help cope with their fatigue. In... Continue reading

Apple Cinnamon Tofu Eggless Frittata Serves 4-6 Ingredients: 1 Block Silken Tofu with Water (do NOT drain) ⅔ C. Date Paste (or other sweetener) ½ C. Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (or Wheat Flour) 2 Tbs. Melted Coconut Oil, plus additional for greasing the pan 1½ Tsp. Baking Powder 2 C. Chopped Apple (you can peel the apple if you like) ¼ C. Ground Flaxseeds (or Wheat Germ) ¼ C. Hemp Seeds (or use additional Ground Flaxseeds or Wheat Germ) Cinnamon for Sprinkling Instructions: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 10 inch pie pan or casserole dish and... Continue reading

Gluten Free Vegan Blueberry Muffin Serves 4-6 Ingredients: Whisk together in a mixing bowl: 1 1/4 cups GF pastry flour 1/2 cup GF buckwheat, GF certified oat flour, or millet flour 1/2 cup tapioca starch ¾ cup brown rice syrup 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons xanthan gum 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon allspice Add in and combine: 1/2 cup organic applesauce, unsweetened 1/2 warm vanilla rice milk, or soy 1/3 cup organic coconut oil or Spectrum Organic Shortening 2 teaspoons bourbon vanilla extract, or pure vanilla extract Energ-G... Continue reading

French Tofu Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu ½ Tbsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp brown rice syrup, agave, or maple syrup (can do stevia) ¼ Tbsp grapeseed oil or coconut oil Instructions: Drain water from tofu. Gently squeeze out additional water from tofu. Slice block into 5-6 equal slices. Mix together the cinnamon and brown rice syrup to coat each slice of tofu evenly. Heat oil in pan. Sauté tofu until lightly browned on each side. Serve hot, just like French Toast! For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com. Continue reading