Dr. Sears,
Q: My friend and physical therapist has been diagnosed with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer, and it is confirmed that it has spread to his bone. He has been given about four years to live.
He is a doctor and open to nutrition ideas. I want to quickly introduce him to key concepts of your anti-inflammation diet and how it may help him. I can point him to your book, of course, but as he is a doctor, he will require some evidence-based data showing him how it may help. I have seen you lecture in the past, and you mention numerous Harvard studies. Can you point me (and others reading this) to a few key research studies that will help convince my dear friend (and others) to start on a regimen of fish oil right away.
Thank you for any help, David
Dear David,
A: All cancers are driven by inflammation. The omega-3 fatty acids are the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents you can use on a long-term basis without side-effects. I would strongly recommend that he read every relevant reference in the Appendix of The Anti-Inflammation Zone” or at least do a Pub Med search on clinical trials with omega-3 fatty acids (about 8,000). Just point out to him that the only proven ways to reduce the spread of cancer in animal studies are calorie restriction (i.e., the Zone Diet) and high-dose fish oil.