PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE with Carla Wrenn

In this episode, Carla explores the importance of supporting bone density during and after cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. These treatments can impact bone health by disrupting bone remodelling processes, leading to an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Maintaining optimal bone density is essential for overall health and quality of life, especially for cancer patients and survivors. Carla covers key strategies and resources to help protect and enhance bone health.Key Strategies for Bone Density Support1. Calcium-Rich Foods - Ensuring sufficient calcium intake is crucial. While dairy is a well-known source, there are many non-dairy options: Soy products: such as milk, tofu, and lecithinLeafy greens: like spinach, cabbage, and bok choyNuts and seeds: including almonds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seedsFish: such as salmon, sardines, and anchoviesOther sources: figs, eggs, cinnamon, and oregano2. Exercise Physiology for Bone Health - Weight-bearing and resistance exercises are essential for maintaining bone density. An exercise physiologist, especially one trained in oncology or osteoporosis, can tailor a safe, effective exercise regimen to individual needs and capabilities.3. Supplements for Bone Health - Supplementation can be helpful when dietary intake alone is insufficient:A personalised naturopathic supplement providing calcium, boron, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and additional cofactors for bone density support.Research evident Bone Probiotics: Probiotics that promote gut health, which has been linked to bone health, and help support bone mineralization.Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization; personalized dosages based on individual blood levels are ideal.4. OsteoStrong Clinics - OsteoStrong offers a unique approach to bone health with osteogenic loading sessions, which use short, controlled bursts of pressure to stimulate bone growth. This can be a valuable addition to other bone-strengthening strategies. https://osteostrong.com.auClosing Thoughts - Carla emphasises the importance of working with a comprehensive healthcare team, including PROSPER Cancer Care Practitioners, oncologists and exercise physiologists, to develop a tailored plan for supporting bone density. Maintaining bone health is a key component of cancer survivorship and long-term wellness.Next Episode Preview: Carla discusses natural ways to nurture yourself during radiation therapy.Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

In this episode, Carla explores the ground breaking connection between the microbiome and cancer, emphasising its critical role in cancer development, progression, and treatment responses. Drawing from Hanahan and Weinberg's Hallmarks of Cancer, she highlights the ways in which microbiome research is reshaping our understanding of oncology.Key Points:Microbiome’s Influence on Cancer:Modulating the Microbiome for Better OutcomesNotable Research DiscussedPatient-Centred ApproachCarla emphasizes the incredible potential of leveraging microbiome science to improve cancer care, advocating for research-driven, individualised strategies.Next Episode Preview: Carla dives into strategies for maintaining bone density during and after cancer treatment.References:Hanahan, D. Hallmarks of cancer: new dimensions Cancer Discov. 12 ,31-36 (2022)Fulbright LE, Ellermann M, Arthur JC. The microbiome and the hallmarks of cancer. PLoS Pathog. 2017 Sep 21;13(9):e1006480. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006480. PMID: 28934351; PMCID: PMC5608396.Łaniewski P, Ilhan ZE, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. The microbiome and gynaecological cancer development, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Urol. 2020 Apr;17(4):232-250. doi: 10.1038/s41585-020-0286-z. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32071434; PMCID: PMC9977514.Andolfi C, Bloodworth JC, Papachristos A, Sweis RF. The Urinary Microbiome and Bladder Cancer: Susceptibility and Immune Responsiveness. Bladder Cancer. 2020 Sep 21;6(3):225-235. doi: 10.3233/BLC-200277. PMID: 33195783; PMCID: PMC7605348Dadgar N, Edlukudige Keshava V, Raj MS, Wagner PL. The Influence of the Microbiome on Immunotherapy for Gastroesophageal Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Sep 5;15(18):4426. doi: 10.3390/cancers15184426. PMID: 37760397; PMCID: PMC10526145.Viswanathan S, Parida S, Lingipilli BT, Krishnan R, Podipireddy DR, Muniraj N. Role of Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer and Drug Resistance. Pathogens. 2023 Mar 16;12(3):468. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12030468. PMID: 36986390; PMCID: PMC10058520Bernardo G, Le Noci V, Di Modica M, Montanari E, Triulzi T, Pupa SM, Tagliabue E, Sommariva M, Sfondrini L. The Emerging Role of the Microbiota in Breast Cancer Progression. Cells. 2023 Jul 27;12(15):1945. doi: 10.3390/cells12151945. PMID: 37566024; PMCID: PMC10417285.Parida S., Sharma D. The Microbiome-Estrogen Connection and Breast Cancer Risk. Cells. 2019;8:1642. doi: 10.3390/cells8121642Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

In this episode, Carla delves into the essential members of a supportive cancer care team, emphasizing a holistic approach where the patient is central, supported closely by both an oncologist and naturopath and surrounded by a diverse range of professionals. Integrative oncology focuses on tending to all aspects of a patient's mental, emotional and physical health. Carla highlights her top care team referrals and explains their valuable contributions to patient wellbeing:1. Psycho-Oncology Support – Psychotherapists, counsellors, or psychologists specialising in psycho-oncology help patients process the psychological impact of cancer, coping strategies and effective communication with loved ones and providers.2. Exercise Physiologists – Programs like "Living with Cancer" guide patients in safe, beneficial physical activities to support overall health and resilience during treatment.3. Lymphedema Specialists – Vital for managing and preventing lymphedema, these specialists help maintain quality of life for patients undergoing certain types of cancer treatments.4. McGrath Nurses – Providing in-depth support for breast cancer patients, these nurses offer guidance, care and resources, enhancing patient experience and confidence.5. Carer Support – Dedicated resources, like Canteen and experts such as Rebecca Warren, provide invaluable support to caregivers, ensuring they have the resources and emotional support needed.6. Gather My Crew – A community-driven resource that helps organize support from family, friends and the broader community to address practical needs for those with cancer.7. Spiritual Support – Reiki, kinesiology, trauma support or religious guidance can offer comfort and help patients navigate existential questions, fostering a sense of peace and connection.8. Mind-Body Practices – Programs like the Gupta Program for brain retraining are evidence-based practices supporting mental and physical health in chronic conditions, including cancer.9. Hobbies and Personal Development – Patients are encouraged to spend time on hobbies and passions, as time spent doing things they love enhances their sense of fulfilment.10. Legacy and Purpose – Considering one's legacy, how they wish to be remembered, what they contribute to the world and their "why", helps patients find purpose and meaning, guiding them through their journey.Carla encourages listeners to reflect on who they want on their own care team to best support their journey. Next Episode Preview: Carla will explore the fascinating connection between cancer and the microbiome and all this can bring to your health, cancer treatment and, testing and therapeutic opportunities. Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.