In 2010, approximately 43,140 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Pancreatic cancer often has a poor survival rate, even when diagnosed early. Scientists continually strive to find new treatments for pancreatic and other forms of cancer each year. Many studies are under way to test the use of turmeric, one of the main ingredients in curry, and its active ingredient, curcumin, on a number of types of cancer. Always consult your oncologist before using turmeric or any other herbal supplement.
Turmeric
Turmeric grows in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and is a relative of ginger. Light yellow trumpet-shaped flowers characterize this perennial plant, and it has a bitter taste. For over 4,000 years, herbalists have used turmeric to treat stomach troubles, bacterial and viral infections and many other ailments. Researchers are studying the use of turmeric to treat ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, uveitis, diabetes and indigestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas lies behind the stomach and secretes enzymes that help digestion and insulin to help metabolize sugars. Pancreatic cancer often spreads rapidly and is usually undetectable early in the disease process. Signs do not often appear until the cancer has advanced to a point where surgery is no longer possible. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer often include upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice, weight loss, depression, blood clots and loss of appetite. Treatment for pancreatic cancer often includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy.
How It May Help
The American Cancer Society says that researchers are exploring the use of turmeric to slow and prevent certain types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, mouth, stomach, skin and breast. One theory regarding how turmeric works purports that curcumin, the active chemical in turmeric, may interfere with the blood supply to cancerous tumors causing them to shrink or die. It may also help prevent certain cancers due to antioxidants in the turmeric that protect from cellular damage. According to the American Cancer Society, one research study showed that curcumin repressed the development in cancer-causing enzymes in rats. Researchers have many clinical trials testing turmeric for several forms of cancer. A handful of clinical trials are under way testing the use of turmeric specifically on pancreatic cancer. More research is needed before the scientific community can form any conclusive results. Always consult your oncologist before using turmeric to treat your pancreatic cancer.
Warnings
Turmeric does not have any reported side effects but may interact with some medications. Taking turmeric with anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin, may cause excessive bleeding or bruising. Using turmeric may interfere with medications that reduce stomach acid, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, cimetidine, ranitidine and esomepraozole.
