Does Cancer Have a Weakness called "Metabolic Abnormality"? Latest Science Reveals How to Fight Cancer with Diet and Lifestyle

A Surprising Relationship Between Cancer and Metabolism Advocated 100 Years Ago

A number of studies have been published in recent years suggesting that cancer may have a weakness called "abnormal metabolism.

The origin of this theory dates back to the 1920s, when German scientist Otto Warburg proposed the idea that cancer cells have an abnormal metabolism.

Normal cells use both oxygen and glucose as energy sources, but cancer cells tend to use glucose exclusively as an energy source, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen.

This characteristic is also used in the early detection of cancer by positron emission tomography (PET) scans, which detect cancer cells (which consume a lot of glucose) by visualizing the amount of glucose consumed by the cells.

Is glucose restriction effective? Relationship between metabolic syndrome and cancer

So, can restricting carbohydrates drive cancer cells to starvation?

At this time, no scientist is recommending that extreme sugar restriction. However, several studies have linked excessive sugar intake, including sugary beverages and refined carbohydrates, to an increased risk of cancer.

On the other hand, studies have shown that diabetics who take metformin, a drug that lowers blood sugar levels, are less likely to develop cancer than those who do not take the drug.

Metabolic Syndrome: A Vicious Cycle that Promotes Cancer Cell Growth

Normal cells are able to control their growth in response to hormonal signals. However, cancer cells escape this control system due to metabolic abnormalities.

Two hormones, leptin and adiponectin, which are secreted by adipose tissue, can play a role in turning normal cells into cancer cells if they are out of balance.

Low levels of adiponectin and high levels of leptin have been associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

This hormonal imbalance "is associated with increased cancer risk through insulin resistance and inflammation, two major factors in cancer." (Reference article: "'Skinny Drug' Also Reduces Inflammation, Uncovers Surprising Effect, Sheds Light on Broader Applications")

Genes and metabolism: chicken first or egg first?

However, whether genetic changes cause abnormal metabolism in cancer or, conversely, whether abnormal metabolism causes genetic changes, has not yet been fully elucidated.

When metabolic syndrome causes genetic changes, it creates a predisposition to cancer," explains Dr. Suresh T. Chari, a gastroenterologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. But the cancer itself also causes a number of metabolic abnormalities that may lead to its own survival, possibly years before it is diagnosed."

New Hope for Cancer Treatment: A Metabolism-Focused Approach

According to Chari, the link between cancer and metabolic abnormalities hides a clue to treatment.

Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, lipid levels in the blood, and "C-reactive protein," an indicator of inflammation, may aid in the early detection of cancer, which is often overlooked.

And because cancer and metabolic abnormalities are closely related, therapies that combat metabolic abnormalities could also be used to control all types of cancer.

Early Detection and Prevention: What Diet and Lifestyle Can Do

Our understanding of cancer and metabolism is ever-evolving, and it is hoped that monitoring blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and other parameters and correcting metabolic dysfunctions may lead to early detection and complete prevention of cancer.

However, there is skepticism about how much diet and lifestyle modifications can contribute to cancer prevention.

Some argue that "these factors, which can be improved, carry only a small risk, so we should not burden patients with information [about their association with cancer].

However, researchers stress the importance of providing information so that patients themselves can take action to prevent or control the progression of their disease.

In fact, a study by Shah and colleagues showed that sweetened beverages increase the risk of multiple myeloma, while whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduce the risk.