Understanding Cancer, and Supportive Wellness Approaches, Lifestyle and Nutrition

  June 03, 2025 Xhavid Bajrami

Understanding Cancer, and Supportive Wellness Approaches, Lifestyle and Nutrition

Walking exercise for cardio

Introduction

Cancer is now one of the main causes of death worldwide, which makes cancer control a worldwide health priority. In 2010, there was a huge number of deaths, nearly 8 million, and research indicates that between one-third and one-half cancer cases may be prevented by only reducing the risk factors, including poor diet, smoking, and environmental toxins. Although many people say that cancers cannot be prevented, but early treatment and detection play an important role in improving survival rates and reducing mortality. Therefore, deciding which cancer prevention and treatment strategies should receive priority in worldwide health programs remains challenging. Nowadays, noncommunicable diseases NCDs such as cancer receive less than 3% of global health development funding, despite their growing international impact. Evidence from developing countries shows that early detection methods and prevention programs can be costly and also can reduce related deaths. Implementing those methods in low and middle-income countries can be difficult. Many of these countries face different challenges, including the healthcare infrastructure, low awareness about cancer, insufficient funding and shortages of trained doctors (Ilbawi and Anderson, 2015). Research indicates that 65% of worldwide cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, and 5% of international health resources for cancer are directed to these areas. Therefore, this balance shows a stronger and the need for more coordination in the worldwide response. Although a better method for cancer control should focus on these three key goals:

  • Preventing cancers that are avoidable by reducing risk strategies.
  • To treat cancers that can be cured when detected in the early stages.
  • Providing comfort care to improve quality of life when curative treatment and prevention are no longer possible.

Furthermore, the healthcare leaders and policy makers is essential to clearly understand the differences between early detection and prevention and how these strategies can work together within the healthcare system to reduce the global burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes (Ilbawi and Anderson, 2015).

The 42-Day Juice Fasting Protocol of the Breuss Treatment Method

The Breuss protocol is a dietary method that is discussed in alternative wellness literature and that is not recognised in clinical medicine as a cancer treatment. During the fasting period, the body receives nutrients from specially prepared herbal teas and vegetable juices rich in minerals and vitamins. The liquids are used as the main source of nutrition during the fasting period without solid foods. Supporters suggest that fasting may be linked with changes in metabolic processes. Individuals who completed the six-week program have reported a strong commitment to following the method. Some individuals describe the experience as part of a broader wellness practice and personal lifestyle change. From their perspective experience, it is viewed as an opportunity to reflect on dietary habits and adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours(Breuss, 1995).

Basic Treatment and guidance for the fasting method

The Breuss fasting method takes 42 days. During this time, solid foods are avoided. The diet consists only of herbal teas and specific juices. Water must also be consumed regularly during fasting to maintain hydration. It is highly recommended that the vegetable juice should be consumed in small amounts. The daily amount of vegetable juice should not exceed about 500ml, and that could be roughly two cups. Some individuals believe that drinking a smaller amount may provide better results. The juice must be prepared using organic vegetables.

The Traditional Methods Breuss Juice Mixture

The recommended vegetable juice is made primarily from root vegetables. A typical mixture includes:

  • beet root 300 g (9.6 oz.)
  • carrots 100 g (3.2 oz.)
  • celeriac (celery root) 100 g (3.2 oz.)
  • black radish juice 30 g (1.06 oz.)
  • 1 potato, the size of an egg

The vegetable juice is usually processed using a juicer machine. Supporters of this method make claims about dietary effects, although these claims are not supported by clinical evidence. During extended fasting periods, individuals may experience weight loss, and typically ranging from 5 to 15 kilograms, depending on different factors. Individual experiences during the process may vary.(Breuss, 1995). The best way to consume the juice is slowly by using a spoon. Allowing the juice to remain in the mouth for a few seconds before swallowing may assist the swallowing process.

Herbal Teas Used in the Fasting Program

During the fasting periods, a few herbal teas are traditionally recommended as part of the fasting program.

Sage Tea

Sage tea plays a crucial role in the program. For gargling, sage leaves are steeped in hot water for about ten minutes. For drinking the sage tea, the herb must be steeped for approximately three minutes. Usually, two or one teaspoons of sage are added to half a litre of boiling water.

Kidney Support Tea

This herbal tea is traditionally used in herbal practices. The ingredients include:

  • horsetail (Equisetum arvense) 15 g (0.53 oz)
  • stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) (Nettle is best collected in springtime) 10 g (0.35 oz)
  • knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) (also called bird grass) 8 g (0.28 oz)
  • St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) 6 g (0.21 oz)

The Kidney tea is consumed in small portions during the first three weeks of the treatment.

Example Daily Routine of the Fasting Method

  • Morning: Begin with a small amount of kidney tea.
  • Next, 30–60 minutes later: Drink warm sage tea combined with herbs such as St. John's wort, lemon balm, and peppermint.
  • After another 30–60 minutes: Take a small sip of the vegetable juice mixture, allowing it to mix with saliva before swallowing, as mentioned above, leave it in.

A small amount of juice may be taken throughout the morning, 10 to 15 times. Sage tea may be consumed cold or warm, depending on hunger, and sugar should not be added. Furthermore, it is recommended that a small portion of kidney tea be taken at midnight or in the evening, especially during the first week. Some people may experience difficulty with bowel movements during the fasting time because the body uses most of the nutrients from tea or juices. If you experience constipation, it is suggested to drink herbal tea such as chamomile or enemas for the treatment (Breuss, 1995).

Cardio-Oncology in Transition: From Cancer Patients to Survivors

Lately, increased attention has been given to the health effects of cancer patients due to the transition of individuals from cancer to long-term survivors. The evidence has provided strong information for anticancer therapies to raise cardiac risk. These researchers indicate that individuals treated for cancer face up to an eightfold increase in risk for cardiovascular disease compared to the general population, and they say this could happen even after 25 years of treatment. The main priority in this field to deepen the research in cardio-oncology among cancer patients. It is important to identify patients with specific risk factors that may contribute to treatment-related heart toxicity. It is also crucial for the early detection of cardiac damage. Although personal treatment methods are necessary for balancing the cancer therapy and possibly the risk of cardiovascular harm (Zambelli, Porta and Rosti, 2010). Cardiovascular side effects it has become notable risks, particularly with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as monoclonal antibodies including bevacizumab and trastuzumab, as well as drugs such as sorafenib, sunitinib and lapatinib. There is evidence that those treatments may carry a risk for cardiovascular disease. Although endothelial cells play an important role in maintaining and supporting cardiac function. Therefore, the evidence does not support oxidative stress as the cause of long-term cardiotoxicity. Research indicates the understanding of angiogenesis (Zambelli, Porta and Rosti, 2010).

The Science of Fasting: Disease Resistance, Boost Longevity, and Energy

People have been fasting for many years, and modern research has explored its effects on metabolism and cellular processes. Studies, especially in animals, suggest that fasting may influence stress response pathways and energy regulation in the body. Human research findings and developments are not conclusive. Fasting is also widely practised in different cultural and religious traditions around the world, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism(Beaglehole, Bonita and Magnusson, 2011).

Medical Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and this article is based on personal research and experience. It is for informational and educational purposes only. Please always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice before making any changes to your diet or wellness routine.

References:

Beaglehole, R., Bonita, R. and Magnusson, R. (2011) 'Global cancer prevention: An important pathway to global health and development', Public Health, 125(12), pp. 821–831. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2011.09.029.

Breuss, R. (1995) The Breuss Cancer Cure.

Ilbawi, A.M. and Anderson, B.O. (2015) 'Cancer in global health: How do prevention and early detection strategies relate?', Science Translational Medicine, 7(278). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.3008853.

Longo, V.D. and Mattson, M.P. (2014) 'Fasting: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications', Cell Metabolism, 19(2), pp. 181–192. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2013.12.008.

Zambelli, A., Porta, M.D. and Rosti, V. (2010) 'From cancer patients to cancer survivors: The issue of Cardioncology – A biological perspective', European Journal of Cancer, 46(4), pp. 697–702. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2009.12.011.