Beta Glucan

Beat Skin Cancer: How Beta Glucan Can Help Protect You

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells that is often developed on skin that has been exposed to the sun. It stems from various causes, with ultraviolet (UV) exposure being a prime factor. When UV rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds penetrate the skin, they can damage cell DNA, leading to abnormal growths. However, this form of cancer can also occur on skin that is not exposed to sunlight often. (1) (2)

Article Highlights

Skin Cancer Types

Cancer of the skin is the most common form of human cancer. (3) There are three major types of cancer of the skin:

  • Melanoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Despite being malignant (very virulent or infectious), basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas cause the majority of skin cancer.

If detected and treated early, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. (3)

Common Causes of Skin Cancer

The development of skin cancers is closely linked to excessive UV radiation exposure. UV light damages DNA, which leads to mutations and makes it harder for the body's immune system to find and kill dangerous cells. (2)

However, factors such as fair skin that burns easily, a history of sunburns, especially in early life, and certain inherited conditions also play significant roles.

To fend off skin cancer, it's vital to avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, lather on sunscreen and wear clothes that shield your body from the sun's harsh rays, as well as check your skin for any strange changes in form, shape or color.

Recognizing Symptoms Early

Detecting signs of skin cancer early on may significantly improve treatment outcomes. Pay close attention to your skin on a daily basis.

Look out for new growths or sores that do not heal; changes in existing moles such as size, color, or shape; and any unusual lesions that itch or bleed persistently.

If you notice any suspicious changes on your skin, contact your doctor, healthcare professional or dermatologist immediately.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Indications of skin cancer may be different for different people, but key symptoms include: (4) (5) (6)

  • Suspicious changes on your skin
  • Red patches on your skin
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Ulcers or lumps
  • Changes to a freckle or mole
  • Shiny bump or nodule

Comprehensive Treatments for Skin Cancer

Addressing skin cancer requires a strong strategy, mixing surgery and other treatments to effectively combat the condition. Treatment will differ for patients with actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Fighting skin cancer involves using a unique mix of medications and therapies that have been tailored to the type of cancer and its stage of development.

The following types of treatments are used: (7)

  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Chemical peel
  • Immunotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Surgery

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options

In fighting skin cancer, the initial step frequently involves doctors excising malignant cells through surgery.

Using this technique is essential to addressing diverse forms of skin cancer.

Surgery may include one of the following procedures: (8)

Simply excision

The tumor and surrounding normal tissue are removed from the skin.

Shave excision

A tiny blade removes the abnormal skin.

Mohs micrographic surgery

Thin skin layers are surgically removed in order to get rid of the growth. Layers and edges of the growth are studied under a microscope to identify cancer cells. Skin layers are removed until no more cancer cells are present.

Laser surgery

Laser surgery cuts tissue with a narrow beam of intense light, or a laser. This then cuts through the tissue like a knife. This is a bloodless cut in the tissue to remove a surface lesion, such as a tumor.

Harnessing the power of immunotherapy, patients now wield their immune systems as potent weapons in the battle against skin cancer, marking a transformative shift in oncological care.

Beta Glucans Role in Skin Health and Cancer Therapy

Unveiling the natural roots of beta glucan, this potent polysaccharide found in yeast (bakers yeast), fungi, bacteria, and cereal grains, stands as a cornerstone for bolstering health.

Origins, Sources and Benefits

Beta glucans have carved their niche as a formidable force against various ailments due to their origins in the cell walls of baker's yeast or cereals like oats and barley.

The medicinal use of mushrooms containing glucan dates back thousands of years, with traditional medicine acknowledging their healing properties. (9)

Sources of Glucan:

  • Bakers yeast
  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Maize
  • Mushrooms
  • Sorghum
  • Wheat
  • Seaweed

Benefits of Refined Beta Glucan:

  • Enhancing immune cells
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Lowering inflammatory disorders
  • Raising blood cell counts
  • Improving overall health

In addition to oral glucan supplementation that enhances our immune cells, these natural compounds exhibit strong anti-melanoma effects by targeting tumor cells directly.

Dive deeper: Beta Glucan for Bladder Cancer: Benefits and Science

However, it is important to remember that despite the fact that numerous types of food contain glucan, our body has only a very limited ability to absorb glucan directly from food. As glucan serves to improve rigidity inside the cells, it is rather difficult to isolate it (or break it down) during its relatively short stay in our digestive tract. Therefore, supplementation is a much better choice.

Beta Glucan In Skin Cancer Treatment

Taking cente stage in cancer therapy, beta glucans shine particularly bright.

  • Quick healing of white blood cells
  • Minimal adverse effects
  • Enhanced quality of life and control of side effects
  • Suppression of tumors

In further pursuit of answers, Dr Vetvicka and Dr Jana Vetvickova they embarked on a science study to try to focus on the possible effects of insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan on the growth of melanoma cells.

The full medical study can be read here.

But it can be summarized as below:

A certain type of yeast sugar called β-glucan was used in this study to see if it could help mice with skin cancer.

When used with other cancer medicines, this sugar can help the immune cells of the mice get stronger, which shrinks the tumors and makes the mice live longer. The research shows that this β-glucan might be able to help treat cancer.

Top 8 Outcomes of Dr Vetvicka and Dr Jana Vetvickova's study:
  • β-Glucan reduces tumor size: supplementation significantly decreased the weight of tumors in mice.
  • Improved survival rates: Mice treated with β-glucan showed higher survival rates compared to those who weren't.
  • Lowers lung colonies: It notably reduced the number of lung colonies, indicating less spread of cancer.
  • Boosts immune response: β-Glucan activates natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for the body's defense against tumors.
  • Enhances effects of chemotherapy: When combined with chemotherapy drugs, β-glucan increased their effectiveness in inhibiting melanoma cell growth.
  • Protects blood cells: The treatment protects against damage to blood cells often caused by cancer.
  • No toxic effects on blood cells: Unlike common chemotherapies, β-glucan did not harm blood cells, showing a potential protective effect on the immune system.
  • Can be used with other treatments: β-Glucan showed potential as an adjuvant, meaning it could be used alongside other cancer treatments to improve their effectiveness.

Using Beta Glucan in Skin Cancer Treatment

Leveraging the power of both beta glucan replenishment cream, and beta glucan supplements, individuals can fortify their skincare routine against environmental aggressors.

Leveraging the power of both beta glucan replenishment cream, and beta glucan supplements, individuals can fortify their skincare routine against environmental aggressors.

Not only does it bolster the skin's defenses, but it has also been observed to alleviate the adverse reactions on the epidermis from ongoing chemotherapy regimens.

Conclusion

Beta glucan skin cancer therapy shines as a beacon of hope. This natural ally, hailing from cell walls, packs a punch against tumors and bolsters immunity.

Remember the science. It tells us beta glucan not only halts tumor growth but also amps up survival rates. That's huge.

Think about integration. Combining it with your current cancer fight could make all the difference. It’s about using every tool in the toolbox.

And don't forget its versatility - whether you swallow it or slather it on, beta glucan is fighting for you.

So, as we tie up our discussion, let's not lose momentum and keep propelling ourselves ahead. As we delve deeper into its study and use, it's thrilling to think about the countless individuals this mighty enhancer could potentially rescue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does beta-glucan do for cancer?

Beta-glucan boosts the immune system, helping it recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.

What are the negative effects of beta-glucan?

For some people, it can trigger allergies or interact with medications. Always check with a doctor first.

Is beta-glucan safe for skin?

Absolutely. It's known to hydrate, heal, and protect skin without harsh side effects.

What is the best beta-glucan for cancer?

The most potent forms come from medicinal mushrooms and baker's yeast. Research your source carefully.

References

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10559482/#:~:text=Ultraviolet%20radiation%20is%20the%20predominant,B%2C%20and%20UV%2DC
  3. https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/skin-cancer
  4. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/symptoms
  5. https://www.moffitt.org/cancers/skin-cancer-nonmelanoma/signs-symptoms
  6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354187
  7. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq#_59
  8. https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq#_59
  9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8065548
  10. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=VACLAV+VETVICKA+
  11. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=VACLAV+VETVICKA+