INTERMITTENT FASTING AND CANCER

One of the reasons I began intermittent fasting (IF) in February 2012 was evidence that fasting had some effect on cancer cells. It was the reference to prostate cancer cells being susceptible to fasting that provoked my initial interest!

The evidence suggested that, whilst fasting, the body’s cells go into repair mode – but invasive cells (cancers, tumours) are neglected and become easier to treat.

Since then evidence continues to accumulate that this is so – but in my experience, the research is disparate and scattered.

I wanted to bring any research that I have come across into one place; to which I can refer any friends and relatives who may know someone with cancer – unfortunately all too common an occurrence latterly, it seems to me.

These articles are all available by searching online, of course. However, the purpose of this post, apart from bringing much research all together, is also to link to forums which will give support to anyone deciding to fast, and will also advise on the different fasting regimes – of which there are several.

Fasting and cancer treatment in humans: A case series report.

The Place of Fasting in the Treatment of Malignancy

Fasting might boost chemo's cancer-boosting properties.

Fasting Enhances the Response of Glioma to Chemo- and Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy and fasting to treat cancer.
Personal testimonies and experiences in the comments section.


Would fasting during chemotherapy improve treatment effectiveness?

Another blogger's research into fasting and cancer.

Info about Intermittent Fasting

The best resource I am aware of concerning Intermittent Fasting – and one of the most supportive is this forum 

https://www.fastday.com/

It has many members actively searching for the science behind Intermittent Fasting and posting the results here

https://forum.fastday.com/the-5-2-lab-f10/

There is a lot of science and research on the forum  - putting ‘Fasting and cancer’ in the search box brings up 250+ results.

Another supportive forum is on the Mumsnet website. The first thread was begun the day after the Horizon programme which brought Intermittent Fasting to the attention of the British public. The latest thread is Nr 69.

Also on the site is a research thread full of Tips on intermittent fasting and Links to much research – well worth looking through.

Monday 21st April 2014
Dr Miriam Stoppard, in her health column in the Daily Mirror had this to say about Intermittent Fasting (I've tried to find this online, but it doesn't appear to be there yet):
"I'm keen on Intermittent Fasting. It's very efficient and doesn't only help you to lose weight, it also prolongs your life.
"It works by increasing your sensitivity to insulin - a very good thing - so it controls your appetite and gets rid of cravings.
"It protects you from heart disease and diabetes, too, and should you need chemo for a malignancy (heaven forbid) it makes your tumour more sensitive to the treatment programme. 
"All in all, a good thing."

(My italics)

 I shall add to this post as and when I come across other research on the subject.