Progress has been made recently in the search for a treatment to cure colon cancer. On October 6, 2006, The Journal of Biological Chemistry published a study about this and the results were astounding. They found out a particular molecule that is most probably one of the major cause of colon cancer worldwide. This particular molecule is termed as the C-Terminal Binding Protein or (CTBP). The C-Terminal Binding Protein is found in 85% of those diagnosed with colon cancer, this figure is astonishing and it proves beyond doubt that controlling this particular molecule is the answer to most of the cases in colon cancer in humans. By immobilizing this particular molecule, doctors can stop the mutation that this molecule will brought about in the human gene called adenomatous polyposis coli, by doing this, doctors would prevent their patients from having colon cancer as this mutation is actually the first and foremost step in the development of colon cancer. The scenario we can see in a human that has healthy cells, the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in humans would actually stop the spread of the C-Terminal Binding Protein by destroying it, therefore controlling the amount of this particular molecule in the body, the problem arises when the adenomatous polyposis coli gene has already mutated because it would no longer be able to control the amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein in the body. If this mutation isn’t stopped, the human intestine would not be able to function normally. One of the results that come from C-Terminal Binding Protein is that it stops the normal procedure in the body that turns the Vitamin A it accumulated that later change into retinoic acid. If the Vitamin A isn’t changed into retinoic acid as is the normal procedure, the body would not be able to manufacture normal cells because retinoic acid is actually the ones responsible for the determination of what kinds of cells the body should form and how long these cells will remain in the body. If the body had retained an unnecessary amount of C-Terminal Binding Protein, it could be dangerous as this could lead to colon cancer. The reason for this is because the body would not be able to produce adequate amount of retinoic acid that it really needs. So when in the mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli the culprit, the C-Terminal Binding Protein is removed, the result would be the restoration of the normal function in the intestines because the level of manufacturing the retinoic acid that is of utmost importance was made to be back to normal. But the downside to this otherwise beneficial breakthrough is that the C-Terminal Binding Protein is an unfamiliar agent to stop or remove from the body. Researchers are now studying some drugs that can help the body in stopping the actions of the C-Terminal Binding Protein before it poses a greater threat to the human body. Understanding the importance of retinoic acid and its role in preventing the mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene in the human body is important. By understanding the functions of our body better we will be able to protect ourselves against colon cancer and also safeguard our over all health. This particular study is really an essential break through because right now cancer in the colon is one of the cancers that really kills people especially in the United States. This type of cancer is also one of the common types found in the Western World. Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
My experiences with cancer patients do not support the perception that chemotherapy guarantees survival from colon cancer — that is to say, without it patients die. I have seen too many cases of chemo-failures to believe that.
I must add, though, that I am not against chemotherapy per se. When I started CA Care, I insisted that patients go for chemotherapy if asked by his/her doctor. But unfortunately with time, I gathered more wisdom. I now refrain from participating in patients’ chemo-decision. I must say, however, that I am not agreeable to the “indiscriminate” use of chemotherapy. Even more so, if the cards have not been laid out clearly on the table. Unfortunately in some cases, patients are being misled. A clear example is the story below.
Jack (not real name) was a 32-year old male. In April 2002, he suffered abdominal pains. A CT scan on 26 April 2002, indicated cancer of the sigmoid colon with numerous metastases in his liver. He was asked to undergo a surgery and chemotherapy. He was told by his doctor that his chances were 40:60 (what does that mean?)
Jack did not want to do chemotherapy, as suggested by the doctor in Penang. So, he went to Singapore in search for a “better cure.” There in Singapore, an oncologist said this to him: “Since you do not want to do chemo, that is alright. I would only use some chemicals to WASH your liver.” Jack readily agreed. So in July 2002, the Singapore oncologist started this “washing-his-liver procedure” on him. The “procedure” was repeated five times. On 1 October 2002, it was the end of the “washing.” While at home, Jack felt giddy and was unable to eat. He slipped into a coma and had to be rushed to a private hospital in Penang. Emergency procedures were provided and he survived and was hospitalized for about a week. His condition was not good. He could not sit up, the veins in his back were blue-black in colour, his back ached and he was put on morphine. His stomach was bloated and both his legs swelled. He could only breathe through his mouth. He died soon afterwards.
How could the oncologist tell this young man that he is only “washing his liver” in spite of the fact that he had made it clear that he did NOT agree to undergo chemotherapy. He died even before his treatment was completed. Gavin Phillips (http://www.cancerinform.org/docs.html) wrote: “Some people think that higher ethical and moral standards are automatically bestowed upon people along with advanced degrees, such as a MD or Ph.D. I wish it was true, but it is not. Doctors are just as likely to lie or cheat for personal gains as anybody else is. It doesn’t matter how many Harvard degrees a person has if they are willing to sacrifice their morals and professional ethics for money or career advancement”
According to the editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine (Older age — not a barrier to cancer treatment. Vol: 345: 1128-1129. October 2001), more than half of all new cancers in the US occur in patients 65 years of age or older. Similarly about two thirds to three fourth of colorectal cancer cases occur in this elderly age group and three fourths of them die of the disease. In another report, published in the same journal (Vol: 345: 1091-1097), entitled: “A pooled analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy for resected colon cancer in elderly patients” Dr. Daniel Sargent and colleagues analysed data from 3,351 patients and compared the performance of patients in four different age groups. They concluded that:
1. “Selected elderly patients with colon cancer can receive the same benefit” from chemotherapy as their younger counterparts.
2. The five-year overall survival was 71% for those who received chemotherapy, and 64% for those who did not receive chemotherapy.
3. The toxic effects of the therapy were nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis and leucopenia (i.e., lowering of white blood cells). The toxic effects in those above 75 years old were not increased compared to other age groups.
Question: The difference of benefits between chemotherapy (5-FU + leucovorin or 5-FU + levamisole) and no chemotherapy was 7%. This benefit of increased survival comes with toxic side effects. While the younger patients might be able to tolerate the side effects, I wonder if the elderly would want to go through such “sufferings.” To the oncologists and researchers, the results were “statistically significant,” but from the viewpoint of patients, I wonder if it worth it?
Theodore, J. I. & Lamont, E.B (in: Effectiveness of adjuvant fluorouracil in clinical practice: A population-based cohort study of elderly patients with stage III colon cancer. J. of Clinical Oncology. October 2002. Vol: 20: 3992-3998) wrote:
“At five years, 52.7% of the elderly, stage III colon patients treated with adjuvant 5-FU were alive compared to only 40.7% of those untreated patients.”
Questions: If you are old and had a surgery for your Stage 3 colon, but decided not to go for chemotherapy — would you die soon after that? The answer is NO. The data of this research shows that you can still be alive after five years even if you do not undergo chemotherapy. Think about this carefully: for every 100 elderly patients who are subjected to chemotherapy, only 12 of them will benefit from the treatment. This means that 88 elderly patients have to endure the side effects of chemotherapy and they do not benefit from the treatment.
Yang, T.S. and colleagues (in: Phase II study of a weekly 8-hour 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin infusion for patients with advanced colorectal cancer: dose adjusted according to its toxicity. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2001. Vol:31: 610-615) studied 26 patients with unresectable, metastastatic or local recurrence colorectal cancer. Patients were treated with 5-FU + leucovorin. The results of their result were:
1. The study commenced in June 1998, but by December 2000, i.e., one and half years later, only 3 patients were alive, meaning 23 of the 26 patients or 88% were dead. They survived for 1.5 to 28.3 months (median survival = 12.1 months).
2. The overall survival rate was 53.8% after 1 year, and 11.5% after 2 years.
3. The most frequent side effects noted were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mucositis.
4. Hand-foot syndrome occurred in 11.5% of patients.
5. Fatigue or asthenia occurred in 57.7% of patients.
6. The study was terminated because the anticipated response rate was not achievable as expected.
Questions: Do the results of this study done in Taipei, Taiwan, not reflect the agonizing experiences of most cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy? Are we made to believe that chemotherapy is good for colorectal cancer when 88% were dead 1.5 years after undergoing chemotherapy?
I often tell this to cancer patients: How much longer you live is not important. How you live while alive is the crux of the issue. What is the point of being alive when you have to spend most of your time going in and out of the hospital or enduring the side effects of the treatment?
After surgery, microscopic cancer cells are still left behind in the body. As an “insurance policy” patients are told by their oncologists to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy (or both). The idea is to kill whatever cancer cells are left behind. But how effective is this? How valid is the assumption that chemotherapy can just do that?
I invite you to read the following research papers and give them some serious thought. Form your own opinion as to what you would want to do in the event that you suffer from early stage (Stage 2) colorectal cancer.
Scholefield J.H. in an article: “Challenges in colorectal cancer.” (Book review. New England J of Medicine. September 2000. Vol: 343:893.) wrote:
“Colorectal cancer presents some of the most challenging problems for basic scientists, clinical investigators and practitioners. Surgery remains the centre of attention.”
Question: All these years, why is the treatment of colorectal “most challenging?” Has the treatment protocol for colorectal cancer not been worked out yet?
Moertel, C. G. (in Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. New England J. of Medicine. April 1994. Vol: 330: 1136-1142) wrote:
“Radiation therapy plays only a palliative role. In the past, chemotherapy resulted in only infrequent and usually transient shrinkage of the tumour. Its use is scarcely justified in view of the discomforts and costs of the treatment. However, now there have been some advances.”
Question: The author is a renowned oncologist from the famous Mayo Clinic. It is most amazing to note that “in the past chemotherapy resulted only in temporary tumour shrinkage.” Even shrinkage is infrequently achieved. But then, we were made to believe that chemotherapy was necessary. Was it a mistake then? Was undergoing chemotherapy in the past unjustifiable? What about the present? Is it going to be another mistake down the road? The author is implying that perhaps now, it is okay — we are seeing some advances? Chemotherapy, even today is not a pleasant experience while some patients said they suffered badly. Besides, it still cost a lot of money. Has the present situation change?
Buyse M & Piedbois P. (in: Should Duke’s B patients receive adjuvant therapy? A statistical perspective. Semin. Oncol. 2001.(Suppl. 1): 20-24) wrote:
“The benefit of adjuvant therapy, e.g., 5-FU + leucovorin, is a matter of debate for patients with Duke’s B colon cancer. Five separate trials failed to show a significant benefit of adjuvant 5-FU + leucovorin compared with surgery alone.”
Benson, A. B., et al. (in: American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations on adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer. J. of Clinical Oncology, August 2004. Vol: 22: 3408-3419) wrote:
“Direct evidence from randomized controlled trials does not support the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage II colon cancer. Therefore the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for medically fit patients with stage II colon cancer is not recommended.”
Figueredo A. et al. (in: Adjuvant therapy for stage II colon cancer: A systematic review from the Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-based Gastrointestinal Cancer Disease Site Group. J. of Clinical Oncology, August 2004. Vol: 16: 3395-3407) wrote:
“The benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy are small and not necessarily associated with improved overall survival. Patients should be made aware of these results.”
With the above research results would cancer patients take a pause and think seriously enough before they “follow” what their oncologists may want them to do?
In this part of the world I am living in, colorectal cancer patients are often told that they must undergo chemotherapy (sometimes even radiotherapy) after their surgery, otherwise they would die. That is the perception being “cultivated” here. However, after reading medical literature on this issue, it came as a shock to know that one does not necessarily have to die if one does not undergo chemotherapy. The perception I had then was without chemotherapy, colon cancer patients would die — if not all of them, at least a great majority of them. But research data does not support that perception. Let me highlight two research papers for your reading.
Dr. Charles Moertel and colleagues of the famed Mayo Clinic, advocated the use of 5-FU + levamisole for colorectal patients. They showed that this concoction is more effective than using 5-FU alone. Based on the data of 929 patients with Stage 3 colon cancer, they presented their report in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 1 March 1995, Volume 122: 321-326 ( Fluorouracil plus Levamisole as Effective Adjuvant Therapy after Resection of Stage III Colon Carcinoma: A Final Report) as follows:
1. Out of the 315 patients who did not receive chemotherapy 177 of them, i.e. 56 %, suffered recurrence.
2. Out of the 304 patients who received chemotherapy, only 119 or 39 %, suffered recurrence.
3. Out of the 315 patients who did not receive chemotherapy 168 of them, i.e. 53.3 %, died.
4. Out of the 304 patients who received chemotherapy 121 or 39.8 %, died.
5. The side effects of fluorouracil plus levamisole were: nausea, infrequent vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhea, dermatitis, fatigue, occasional mild alopecia and neurotoxicity.
6. Approximately half of the patients had hematologic depression that was usually limited to mild leukopenia.
7. Forty percent of patients had abnormal liver function test results during the course of the therapy. Their toxicity were reflected in elevated alkaline phosphatase levels (which peaked approximately 7 months after onset of therapy), elevated aminotransferase (AST) levels, and elevated serum bilirubin besides causing fatty liver.
From the above data it is clear that chemotherapy reduced recurrence by 17 % and reduced death by 13.5 % but not without side effects which are often brushed off as insignificant.
Similarly Wolmark et al. (Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy or BCG for colon cancer: results from NSABP protocol C-01. J. National Cancer Inst. 1988. Vol: 80:30-36), showed that a mixture of 5-FU + semustine + vincristine also did a good job. Let us look at the data presented below:
A total of 1,166 patients who had undergone surgery for Duke’s B and C colon cancer were divided into 3 groups and given the specified treatments. The results of the study were as follows:
1. 59% of those who underwent surgery only (as control group) survived after 5 years.
2. 67% of those who received 5-FU + semutine + vincristine survived after 5 years.
The results demonstrate that the use of 5-FU + semustine + vincristine after surgery for Duke’s B and C colon cancer provided higher rates of 5-year survival. Leukemia has been observed in 3 of 479 patients who had received semustine.
Take note that the REAL benefit of chemotherapy in this study can be seen in 8 % of patients only. Also after 5 years, 59% of patients were still alive even without chemotherapy. The question we may want to ask is: “what if they had undergone chemotherapy?” I expect almost all or a great majority of them to be alive at the end of five years. No, the data shows only 67% of them survived. This is another shocking truth — even if one were to undergo chemotherapy, research shows that 33% of patients still die from colon cancer.
One doctor told his patient that taking herbs and getting well is a matter of luck. Now, what about chemotherapy? Chemo-patients probably need just as much luck?
The difference of five-year survival between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy group is only 8% or 13.5 % (based on work in Mayo Clinic). Chemotherapy is proven to be beneficial by only a slim margin. Indeed, from the academic point of view, the result is statistically significant. This would please the statisticians and the scientists, but I am not sure if it pleases cancer patients at all. I believe this is not what patients (especially those in the poor developing country) are looking for. They are seeking for a REAL cure (not a MEDISAL CURE either!). If this is not possible, at least they expect a much greater chance of achieving it. I wonder if 8 % or 13.5 % benefit is good enough?
Chemotherapy causes severe side effects in most patients. It is not like an “ant-bite” as one oncologist would tell some patients. With only 8 % or 13.5 % difference, is it worth the gamble?
One question comes to mind: Can this slim margin of 8 % or 13.5 % not be achieved by some other non-invasive or non-toxic means? For example, does it ever occur to people that by just a change of diet or taking of herbs, perhaps we can also increase our chances of healing colorectal cancer and the result could be better than chemotherapy? In my future articles I shall present various case studies to show that indeed this hypothesis is valid and has merit — herbs and change of diet and lifestyle can prolong meaningful survival better than chemotherapy!
Sometime in June 1992: Ben was diagnosed with colon cancer. He underwent an operation to remove the cancerous portion of his colon. With the threats of cancer put aside, Ben’s life was back to normal. He obtained a job in a factory. For three years, he worked very hard. Life was both a physical and mental stress.
In July 1995, Ben lost his appetite and then had severe pains in his abdomen. A CT scan showed the cancer had spread to his liver. His earlier operation did not cure his cancer. He had to undergo chemotherapy.
Ben wrote about his experience below.
My Death Sentence
“I was informed by the doctor of the very bad news — CANCER of the liver at an advanced stage. There would be no medicine for me. I was advised to prepare my will as soon as possible. I was stunned for a moment. My wife, Cindy and I broke down. I thought, “I am going to die”. Confused and sad I felt helpless. I refused to eat and talk. When relatives and friends came to see me, I broke down. What about my daughter in Australia? She was preparing for her final year examination. Should I inform her? I could not decide. I simply cried and cried.”
Chemotherapy
“After my first chemotherapy that evening, I thought I was dying. I suffered nausea, weakness, loss of appetite and was in a confused stage. Just imagine, five more chemotherapy sessions to go.”
“After my second chemotherapy, I reluctantly went for the third. A young doctor assigned to me did his job in about 20 minutes. It nearly killed me. Normally, it takes about three hours. I felt tightness around my chest and that night I felt as if my chest was going to burst. Psychologically I was badly affected. When I thought of my fourth chemotherapy, fear and depression affected me. I suffered loss of appetite, restlessness and there was the phobia of going to the hospital. What is going to happen this time? My doctor assured me he will get another doctor with more experience to do the job. Still feeling frightened, I managed to finish the whole six courses of chemotherapy sessions. Praise God! He helped me to be positive.”
Herbs
20 July 1995: “I started taking the rodent tuber extract at night. My appetite improved the next day. I managed to finish a big bowl of porridge. After four days, the intake of the rodent tuber was increased to twice daily. My appetite continued to improve. Bowel movements were regular. A herbal Mixture A was introduced to me to be taken together with the rodent tuber extract. Physically I felt a bit stronger.”
25 August 1995: “I took Mixture B (liver powder) together with Mixture A and the rodent tuber extract. The appetite improved tremendously. I was stronger physically after a few days. There was great improvement for the next few weeks. My appetite was good. I was able to sleep and my bowel movements were regular.”
Path to Recovery
27 September 1995: “An ultrasound showed that the necrotic cells are dying off. The doctor encouraged me to continue taking the rodent tuber extract and the Mixtures A and B. I am still taking them. I lost a little bit of hair. I experienced PAIN many times, in the hospital and at home. The pain came without any warning. Each time I was in pain, I could not walk, sit or sleep. Pain killers were of little help. The doctor told me to try to bear the pain. Too many pain killers would affect the kidneys. Sometimes the pain was unbearable. I nearly gave up a few times. The doctor told me he had done his best and encouraged me to keep on praying to God to heal me.”
March 1996: “I am glad that I can participate in the CA Care Group and shared my experiences with those who were present. I know their sufferings very well. I encouraged them to think positively and not give up.”
My health
“My hair had grown more bushy, black and shiny. Even the gray ones have disappeared! The veins in my arm, once hardened and dead as a result of chemotherapy, are now becoming alive again. The skin pigmentation caused by the chemotherapy has now disappeared. I have nice, clean skin! Praise and thank the Lord!”
Ben had lived! He outlived his doctor’s doom prediction. His daughter returned home after graduation. He celebrated Christmas 1995 and continued living a strong and healthy life. For Ben, the fight against cancer was not over as yet. He had to continue to eat rightly and lead a happy, stress-free life.
In the early morning of 29 October 1996, Ben passed away. The doctors gave Ben two months to live after his liver diagnosis. But Ben got to live a happy life for a year, three months and eighteen days. It is not the length of time that mattered. What is more important is the quality of life Ben had. Ben lived a full happy life. He did not take life for granted. He anticipated and made preparations for his departure. He enjoyed whatever time he had with Cindy, having daily picnics and enjoying Penang’s natural spots under those shady trees. Ben even designed his own grave! He taught Cindy how to manage the chores of daily life without him like paying utility bills, taking care of the car, etc. When he departed, it was neither a sudden good-bye nor a slow painful death. Perhaps on this point alone, we take consolation that many people who were on the herbs died without much pain and their death came easily and peacefully.
Extracted from the author’s book: Cancer Yet They Live!
After years battling with cancer, Yap was declared cancer-free on 5 August 1994. I had the privilege to meet with Yap on 18 March 1999. You can view our conversation in the video section of our website: www.cacare.com. The following are excerpts of what Yap said.
I had three cancer attacks. One was in the colon, 15 years ago. The second one was at the rectum 10 years after my first. As a result I had to wear a colostomy bag throughout my life. And then came the third cancer attack — behind the prostate gland. Immediately after my second chemotherapy, the cancer came back again. The doctor told me he could not do anything; he could not give me radiotherapy because the cancer was just behind the prostate gland. Also, after three operations he could not operate on me again. He could only give me chemotherapy.
I wondered and ask the doctor, “I have just finished my chemotherapy and you are asking me to take another dosage of chemotherapy. It means that the cancer cells could not be bothered with the chemotherapy?” The doctor agreed. So I went back home refusing, of course, to take the chemotherapy.
I was contemplating how to die with dignity. Cancer patients always die miserably, in pain all over the body. Also, sometimes even morphine cannot reduce the pain. In my case, I know that chemotherapy did not help especially after my second attack.
Question: You have been battling with cancer for so many years. What did your doctor say? Do you have any other avenues?
I almost gave up hope. My doctor could only give me chemotherapy again which he agreed would not have any effect on me. Knowing this, I turned to the rodent tuber, initially, not because I believe in it. In fact, my first impression was it was very repulsive. Fortunately, my wife believes in it and she would cling to any straw. I became even more sceptical after learning that it is only a plant. This friend of mine who gave me the rodent tuber, had lung cancer himself. His doctor found him to be inoperable because the cancer had spread to every part of the lung. So, they stitched him back without doing anything. He was supposed to have died after four months. He did not die.
Instead he was recommending the rodent tuber to me. He gave me the rodent tuber himself, and my wife believed in it. Since there is nothing to lose, I just drank the juice. It was not tasty. When I took the rodent tuber, somehow the cancer pain I had disappeared almost immediately. I was thinking if I were to take it everyday, I could die with dignity.
I took the rodent tuber quite reluctantly in the beginning … until two weeks later — I realized it had some scientific basis. I decided I had nothing to lose except to try. I went back to my doctor and ask for chemotherapy and together took the rodent tuber — this is more as a revenge trying to kill the cancer cells before I was killed by them! And after that somehow, the cancer never appeared again.
In the beginning, I took the rodent tuber juice three times at 50 grams per day. Then, I could not even lift the “pounder”. At that time, I was half my present size. My weight was about 90 pounds. Now, I am 155 pounds. I always insist and I always tell everybody: what have we got to lose?
Question: People are sceptical about this. When you take the rodent tuber, it may interfere with the chemotherapy. You said that you were taking rodent tuber at the same time you were on chemotherapy. Did that interfere with your treatment?
I took both together. At that time I could not be bothered whether it would interfere with the chemotherapy or not. Chemotherapy alone was not effective. What else could I do to keep myself alive?
Question: When you finished with the chemotherapy, did you continue with the rodent tuber?
Oh, yes. From medical perspectives — after the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy — there is practically nothing else for the cancer patient. If the cancer still exists, that means we are waiting to die.
At least now, we have this rodent tuber which is relatively not so poisonous. I have been taking this for two to three years. I took the juice three times a day for a few months. After that I reduced it to twice a day — .taking it very religiously for eight and half months. Then I went for a medical check-up and fortunately, the cancer had disappeared.
The doctor was obviously very pleased about it. I went to Australia for another medical examination –reconfirmation — and the doctor in Australia confirmed that I was free of cancer.
After one and a half years of close combat, I was declared cancer-free on 5 August 1994. Everything was worth it. I share my victory with you.
Cancer is normally regarded not only as a disease but also as a death sentence. How can we cling on any hope when everything seems hopeless? Many people, when faced with such an agonizing experience, usually give up. They find it pointless to continue living. A quick death is more merciful. I refused to accept defeat. Life was too precious to be destroyed by the enemy within. I had
Colorectal cancer is a disease due to the cancerous growth found in the large bowel, the end portion of the digestive tract which holds the undigested food that is waiting to be eliminated. The colon is about 5 to 6 feet long and 2.5 inches in diameter. The rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches of the colon which ends at the anus. Cancer involving the upper part of the digestive tract or the small bowel (intestine) is rare. But cancer of the large bowel is very common. Colorectal cancer is said to be the fourth most common cancer worldwide. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from cancer in the US. According to the American Cancer Society’s publication — Cancer Facts & Figures 2006 — in 2006, approximately 148,610 new cases (72,800 men and 75,810 women) of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the US. And an estimated 37% or 55,170 people (27,870 men and 27,300 women) will die from it. Colorectal cancer is predominantly a disease of people 50 years and older. Less than 6% of this cancer occurs in those below 50 years old. However, the incidence of colorectal cancer increases after age 50 and continues to increase until age 75. Diet Dietary factors are considered to be responsible for 80% to 90% of all cases of colorectal cancer. 1. Colorectal cancer is common in population with high intake of meat products and relatively low level of dietary fibre. 2. Diet high in animal fat is associated with increased rate of colorectal cancer. 3. Diet high in vegetable and cereal fibers decreased colorectal cancer rate. It is suggested that large quantities of vegetables and cereal fibers increase stool bulk, bacterial fermentation and hasten large bowel transit rate. Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer This cancer is often called the silent killer. In most people the cancer does not show any obvious symptoms at its early stage. One early symptom, in some patients, is bleeding. The tumour may bleed on and off giving out a small amount of blood. Sometimes, such bleeding is hardly noticeable. It is when the disease has progressed and becomes advanced that symptoms develop, such as: 1. Changes in bowel habits. This can manifest in constipation, diarrhoea, bowel incontinence, and feeling of unfinished bowel movement. 2. Production of narrower stools than normal. 3. Presence of blood in stools. Take note, however, that not all bleeding is due to cancer. Other problems such as hemorrhoids (piles), ulcers, ulcerative colitis, etc. can also produce blood in stools. 4. Anemia. This is the shortage of red blood cells. 5. Abdominal discomforts. This may be manifested in feelings of discomforts, bloatedness, fullnes, cramps or pains in the abdomen. 6. Weight loss. 7. Fatigue or feeling of extreme tiredness. 8. Vomiting. Staging of Colorectal Cancer Stage 0 (or carcinoma in situ): Tumour is in innermost lining of colon wall. Stage I (Dukes A): Tumour in innermost lining, second and third layers of colon wall. Stage II (Dukes B): Tumour grows through colon wall. Stage III (Dukes C): Tumour grows out and spreads to lymph nodes. Stage IV (Dukes D): Tumour has spread to other parts of the body. Recurrent Cancer: The cancer has come back after being treated. Prognosis The prognosis of the disease is poor if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This is considered as Stage 4. The five-year survival is only 5%. However, if the cancer is at its early stage, e.g., Stage 1 and 2, the five-year survival is 90% and 85% respectively. Therefore, the stage at diagnosis greatly impacts survival rates of colorectal cancer.
Poh is a 54-year old female. She had a 14 cm tumour in her distal sigmoid colon. She underwent surgery. The cancer was staged as Duke’s C. About two weeks after surgery, Poh underwent twenty-five times of radiation treatment and at the same time took the oral chemo-drug, Xeloda. Within a week after being on Xeloda, Poh became uncomfortable, her heart beat rapidly and she had difficulty breathing. The doctor stopped her Xeloda and replaced it with UFT. Before Poh could even finish a course of UFT, her legs started to weaken and her entire person lost strength. She could not walk and had to be confined to the wheelchair.
MRI of her brain did not show any evidence of metastasis. There were, however, disc bulges at C5/C6, L3/L4, L4/L5 and L5/S1. This was diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis.
Poh’s husband and son came to seek our help on 4 November 2005. Tears welled up in his eyes as he related his wife’s story. He said: “After the surgery, my wife was alright. She was normal — could walk around perfectly, could eat and do the normal chores in the house. It was only after she started radiotherapy and took the oral chemo-drugs that her condition deteriorated. This happened within about two months after the surgery. Everybody I asked told me to do all these.”
Poh was indeed in bad shape. She was put on morphine and had to lie in bed unable to move by herself. If she gets up, she will feel breathless. At one time, she had to be admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for twelve days. The family spent about RM 50,000 for her treatment. With anger and frustration her husband said: “I spent money is okay, but how could she end up like this?”
Poh was then a living vegetable.
After one week on the herbs, Poh was able to wake up from her bed and walked ten steps with the help of her husband! Her daughter said she was thrilled when she was able to stand up. Her case was not be hopeless after all. On 3 February 2006, i.e., three months on the herbs, Poh was able to walk into our centre! As of this writing (a year after being on herbs) Poh is doing fine. She leads a normal, pain-free life.
It was one late evening in mid-July 2005, that our friend, Chai and his wife came to our house. Chai’s 82-year-old mother-in-law (let us refer to her as SK), came down with colon cancer. She lost weight, was anaemic and could hardly walk. She was admitted into a hospital for investigation. The gastroenterologist performed a colonoscopy and found a large mass at the hepatic flexure. It obstructed the passage of the colonoscope. The biopsy report of 16 July 2005, indicated infiltrating, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The doctor wanted to operate on her immediately but the family (Chai and his wife) hesitated. They came to seek our opinion.
To most people, common sense dictates that there is no other option except to go for surgery. But Chai and his wife were very hesitant to put their mother through surgery. They asked: “What if she did not undergo surgery?” My answer then was: “Well, the stools will be blocked and accumulate within the colon. With time the intestine may just burst.” They then asked: “Can your herbs do something.” My answer: “I just don’t know. I cannot see how the herbs can ever clear the blockage at all.” After a lengthy discussion, we came to a compromise. I would prescribe SK Capsule A, GI 1 and GI 2 teas. SK would take them for at most a week or two. If there was NO improvement then a surgery had to be done without further delay. At the same time, SK must immediately switch to a proper, healthy diet.
Chai and his wife went home and followed my advice. They indeed took a calculated risk. Two weeks on the herbs, the health of SK was back to normal. She regained her strength and her bowel movement was good, with well formed stools. She could help with cooking and drying the family’s clothes, etc. In short, she became well and was able to lead a normal life.
After two months, Chai brought his mother-in-law to meet us. She was a sweet 82-year-old grandmother and was so full of life. On 22 October 2005, SK came to our centre again for the second time. She told me: “I am so full of strength now. I can jump and dance. The last time I saw you, my skin was flabby. Now you see, I have put on a bit of weight and my arm is rounder.” In October 2006, we got to meet SK again. She was well and still remained a nice, jovial lady. This was a year and three months after her colon was found blocked by cancerous tumour. She took herbs instead of undergoing an emergency surgery.
Granted, the cancer may still be there, but at least as of now, SK is leading a happy, pain-free life. She is getting used to her diet and does not grumble even though she does not take meat, milk, egg, etc., anymore. In spite of the fruits and vegetables diet that she is on, she had put on weight and had regained her health to the fullest.
Indeed, this healing miracle has taught me a lesson. I cannot in my mind explain what had happened but I don’t need an answer either. I do not want to try to explain God’s miracle in human terms. When I talked to SK, I just reminded her that it is all God’s mercy and grace. I have no other explanation than this. The impossible as seen by man and his science, is made possible by God’s grace.
One evening, I had a chat with Chai. I wondered why he and his wife were so against going for surgery. This is the reason. Not long ago, Chai’s mother had cancer of the larynx. Since there are so many siblings in the family, Chai could not make any decision by himself as regards to his own mother’s treatment. His brothers decided that medical treatment was what she needed. She underwent an immediate surgery, followed by radiotherapy. She suffered severe pains after the operation. The radiation treatment made her throat dry and sore. She could hardly eat and was on meager soft diet most of the time. The many sessions of radiotherapy weakened her and she could hardly walk by herself. Chai had to carry her up and down the stairs. Chai told me: “I could still remember the agony on my mother’s face and the sufferings that she had to go through. It was a nightmarish experience for me.” One and half years later, she died without any recovery. The family spent about RM 70,000 (about US$ 20,000) on all the medical bills.