Article Navigation

Back To Main Page


 

More Articles

Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes


by: Michael Brooks

Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks

That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.

Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?

Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.

Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.






Latest Cancer News:



Cancer Connection: Survivor's guilt can be painful side effect of cancer


People going through cancer treatment at the same time often form their own peer group. They see each other in chemo, in radiation and in various support groups. The fortunate ones do well, but they often feel guilty when others in their cohort succumb to the disease. Cancer institute celebrates opening of expansion


LITTLE ROCK ? Forty cancer survivors shared the stage with dignitaries such as Gov. Mike Beebe and former U.S. Sen. David Pryor at a ceremony today marking the opening of a 12-story expansion to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Cancer Research UK launches new £18 million Biotherapeutics Development Unit


Cancer Research UK's Drug Development Office marks the launch of its Biotherapeutics Development Unit (BDU) today (Friday) with the manufacture of its first product - an antibody for treating a range of cancers. Cancer Vaccine: 4 Months of Life Worth $100K?


Prostate cancer vaccine, Provenge, adds 4 months to life, at a pricetag of 100K. The first-ever approved cancer vaccine, Provenge offers hope to men with advanced prostate cancer, but the high cost of this new treatment raises healthcare policy questions. Prostate cancer - Sipuleucel-T - Cancer - Cancer vaccine - Health CÁNCER (Julio 30)


CÁNCER: No olvides desarrollar tu trabajo con organización y perseverancia. Trata de hacer algo totalmente nuevo; tus amistades serán tus mejores aliadas. Breast Cancer's DNA Yields More Secrets


Title: Breast Cancer's DNA Yields More Secrets Category: Health News Created: 7/29/2010 2:10:00 PM Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2010 Cancer Group Says State Failing To Combat Disease


The American Cancer Society released a statement saying Tennessee is falling short on legislative efforts to fight the disease. Cancer patients in windpipe swap op


Doctors have successfully transplanted windpipes into two cancer patients in an innovative procedure that uses stem cells to allow a donated trachea to regenerate tissue and create an organ biologically close to the original. Related Stories Two killed in Los Angeles explosion Billy the Kid pardon considered Chelsea Clinton set to tie the knot Everglades added to UN danger list Wilders denied ... Cancer survivors show how to LiveStrong


 Oklahoma cancer patients and survivors will pitch for a future free of cancer at the annual LiveStrong Night with the Oklahoma City RedHawks. Turner Mason Swink, an Oklahoma City eighth-grader first diagnosed with cancer when he was only a year old, and 8-year-old Caitlin Schemmel, a third-grader from Colbert diagnosed with leukemia in December, will throw out the first pitch at the event ... Male Breast Cancer In Family Leads To High Perception Of Risk, Low Likelihood Of Genetic Counseling


People with a family history of male breast cancer perceive themselves to be at higher risk of developing the disease than do patients with a family history of female breast cancer; however those with male breast cancer in their families are less likely to know about or seek genetic testing than those with a family history of female breast cancer, according to a study led by researchers at the ... Showtime stays true to form with 'The Big C,' a cancer comedy - Dallas Morning News


News Image
Seattle Post Intelligencer

News Image
Showtime stays true to form with 'The Big C,' a cancer comedy
Dallas Morning News
"It's time for a cancer comedy," said Jane Lipsitz, executive producer. If a comedy about a mom with cancer isn't extreme or quirky enough for you, ...
Showtime's 'The Big C' combines cancer with comedyWashington Post (blog)
Laura Linney is Showtime's comedic cancer victimUSA Today
Laura Linney ponders living with 'The Big C'Los Angeles Times
Salt Lake Tribune -Forbes (blog) -Hollywood Life (blog)
all 243 news articles »
Supporting Breast Cancer and Having a Ropin' N Ridin' Good Time - KFBB NewsChannel 5


News Image
Private MD

News Image
Supporting Breast Cancer and Having a Ropin' N Ridin' Good Time
KFBB NewsChannel 5
By KFBB News Team Fair events are stretching beyond Great Falls tonight as over 150 women in Helena came together to support breast cancer and along the way ...
Fire trucks going pink for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiserTerre Haute Tribune Star
Project Pink - Boston Breakers Battle Breast CancerBostonist
Common Household Chemicals Linked to Breast CancerLive in the Now
Medscape -Patch -Daily News & Analysis
all 68 news articles »
Major Development Discovered for Prostate Cancer: Cell of Origin Identified - Gossip Jackal


News Image
Daily Mail

News Image
Doctors: Transplant advance in windpipe cancer - The Associated Press



News Image
Doctors: Transplant advance in windpipe cancer
The Associated Press
ROME ? Doctors have successfully transplanted windpipes into two cancer patients in an innovative procedure that uses stem cells to allow a donated trachea ...

and more »
Guerrero fights Casamayor for cancer-free wife - San Francisco Chronicle


News Image
Hollister Free Lance

News Image
Guerrero fights Casamayor for cancer-free wife
San Francisco Chronicle
He will be looking for his wife, Casey, who has been battling leukemia since November 2007 and is newly "cancer-free" after a successful bone marrow ...
Wife's cancer fight gives Guerrero new outlook on life, careerUSA Today

all 19 news articles »
Relay For Life ceremony to honor cancer survivors - Chronicle Times


News Image
Pinnacle News

News Image
Relay For Life ceremony to honor cancer survivors
Chronicle Times
A special Luminaria Ceremony to be held during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Cherokee County will remember those lost to cancer and honor ...
Report: Alabama lags in cancer prevention legislationBizjournals.com
American Cancer Society wants Michigan to step up its gameDetroit Free Press
Pink News Flash: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kicks off Aug. 17!TCPalm
Othello Outlook -Los Angeles Times -Stillwater Gazette
all 84 news articles »
Why Cancer Screening Campaigns Can Backfire - BusinessWeek



News Image
Why Cancer Screening Campaigns Can Backfire
BusinessWeek
FRIDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Health campaigns that highlight the problem of low screening rates for prostate cancer to promote such screenings seem ...
Motivating men to be tested for cancerUPI.com

all 8 news articles »
Celgene Corp. sees increase in revenue fueled by sales of Revlimid cancer drug - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com


News Image
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com

News Image
Celgene Corp. sees increase in revenue fueled by sales of Revlimid cancer drug
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
BUSINESS: The company makes powerful cancer medicines, including Revlimid, which is one of the leading treatments for multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. ...
Celgene 2Q net income rises on cancer drug salesBusinessWeek
Celgene earnings top expectations, shares riseReuters
Celgene 2Q Profit Up 8.8%; Again Boosts 2010 ViewWall Street Journal
TradersHuddle.com -RTT News
all 37 news articles »
'Hutch' names AIDS expert as its new leader - Seattle Times


News Image
Bizjournals.com

News Image
'Hutch' names AIDS expert as its new leader
Seattle Times
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has selected an AIDS expert as its new president. By Sandi Doughton Dr. Lawrence Corey will be the next president ...
Seattle cancer center picks new leaderSeattle Post Intelligencer
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Announces Selection of Its New ...PR Newswire (press release)
Lawrence Corey, infectious disease expert, new Hutchinson Center presidentSeattle Post Intelligencer
KPLU
all 28 news articles »
Applegate: Cancer motivated me - The Press Association


News Image
Monsters and Critics.com

News Image
Applegate: Cancer motivated me
The Press Association
Christina Applegate has said beating breast cancer motivated her to "make things happen". The actress underwent a double masectomy in July 2008 after being ...
Christina Applegate's Pregnancy After Cancer Treatment Isn't RiskyABC News
Christina Applegate concerned about how pet dog will react to babyAnimal Friends Pet Insurance
Christina Applegate's film 'legacy'The Press Association

all 111 news articles »

 



Home | Resource Links | Contact Us
Copyright © 2006 CancerAdvice.org