Cancer symptoms: Top 14 early signs to look out for
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, accounting for around a quarter of fatalities every year.
Treatments for the disease and survival will depend on factors such as where the cancer is, how early it was caught and how severe it is.
While there is no known cure yet, scientists globally have been researching potential cures or preventatives for years.
And now, a new study has found that a certain root vegetable, used in cooking as a spice, could help protect against cancer.
Researchers from Japan’s Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that Kencur – a type of ginger from southeast Asia – has anti-cancer properties.
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As part of their research, the team demonstrated that Kencur extract and its main active component, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EMC), significantly suppressed cancer cell growth.
Previous studies on EMC had also indicated its anti-cancer potential due to the fact it reduces the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), associated with cancer cell proliferation.
However, the exact mechanism of how this worked had remained unclear until now.
Study lead, Professor Akiko Kojima, explained: “The results of this study confirm the anti-cancer effects of Kencur extract and its main active ingredient, EMC.
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“It is highly expected that TFAM will become a new marker for anti-cancer effects in the future as research advances in related fields.”
Also known as aromatic ginger, Kencur is widely used in an Indonesian drink called jamu.
It is also used in Chinese cooking and medicine, and is thought to have anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and appetite-suppressing properties.
Kencur is not available to buy in mainstream supermarkets in the UK, however, can be found in some Asian grocery stores and online.
The study, published in Heliyon journal, concluded: “In summary, this study revealed that EMC is the active compound responsible for the anti-cancer activity of KGE and inhibits the G1/S phase transition of EATC by regulating the expression of cell cycle regulators.
“Furthermore, EMC suppressed the expression of TFAM, which plays an oncogenic role by decreasing the transcriptional activity of c-Myc; a decrease in TFAM inhibits cell growth by regulating the expression of these cell cycle regulators.
“This study also provides novel insights into the association between the anti-cancer effects of natural compounds and TFAM, indicating that TFAM might be a potential therapeutic target.”
But the researchers warn that further testing is needed to establish its effect on cancer patients.
“However, further studies, including clinical trials, are needed to establish whether KGE and EMC exert anti-cancer effects in patients with breast cancer,” it added.
Symptoms of cancer will depend on what form of the disease you have.
However, there are some signs that are applicable to many types of cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, some general tell-tale signs of cancer include:
- Very heavy night sweats or fever
- Fatigue
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Unexplained pain or ache
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual lump or swelling.
If you experience symptoms you should speak to your GP.
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