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31st Annual National Cancer Survivors Day – Sunday 03 June 2018

2018/06/19 17:30:44

 31st Annual National Cancer Survivors Day – Sunday 03 June 2018



Is there a greater role for essential nutrients in cancer management and prevention?

The first Sunday of June each year is marked by National Cancer Survivors Day.  As cancer survivors, their families and their communities hold hands around the world, thought must be given to what more can be done to contain the disease and to improve the quality of life of those affected by cancer.

The 3rd June 2018 is a day for cancer survivors to celebrate personal milestones, recognise those who have supported them and give inspiration to those who have been recently diagnosed.   In South Africa one out of four people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime through diagnosis of family, friends, colleagues or self. 1

The ongoing search for effective anticancer agents is imperative.  For example, in recent years, researchers have been exploring the role of trace elements such as zinc, which it is postulated, plays a role in cancer treatment. 2 Dietary deficiencies of zinc can have an effect on DNA that increases the risk of cancer development. 3  It has also been shown that zinc is depleted in virtually all cases of liver cancer, leading to a link between zinc and cancer treatment. 4 There is further evidence that an imbalance of zinc and copper can be seen in a number of cancers, especially head and neck cancer. 5

In addition to this evidence regarding the role of zinc depletion in cancer, zinc also plays a role in the treatment of cancer.  According to research, there is a high incidence of zinc deficiency in patients treated with opioids for cancer-related chronic pain.  Concern relating to such supplementation should be allayed by the reported low toxicity of orally-administered zinc. 6

A relatively new range of supplements marketed by the OTC division of Adcock Ingram includes a presentation especially formulated to assist in the maintenance of the essential nutrients that may be depleted as a result of cancer and the treatment thereof.  CHEMO-GAP contains zinc, magnesium and vitamin D3, all of which have been shown to be deficient in cancer treatment.7

Magnesium plays a crucial role in many cell functions and seems to play a role in cancer treatment.  Deficiency of magnesium in the blood has been found in studies of patients on chemotherapy. 8 Likewise vitamin D deficiency has been linked with the incidence and mortality of many types of cancer. 9

CHEMO-GAP is formulated to offer a convenient once daily dosage and each capsule contains zinc 15mg, magnesium 60mg and vitamin D3 800 international units (IU).

All the products in the GAP range are supported by clinical data and have been formulated to offer a convenient single daily dosage. 


Further information on the GAP range is available at: www.adcockgap.co.za


CHEMO-GAP: Each capsule contains zinc 15mg; magnesium 60mg and vitamin D3 800IU.

For full prescribing information refer to the package insert.

Adcock Ingram Limited. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa.

Tel. +27 11 635 0000     www.adcock.com     201805281082205


Notes to the Editor

About the GAP range:

The Adcock Ingram Over the Counter (OTC) division launched a comprehensive range of 10 health supplements during 2017, each specifically formulated to assist in the maintenance of the essential nutrients that may be depleted as a result of chronic (long-term) diseases and the treatment thereof. 

Vitamins and minerals are a diverse group of substances that play an important role in patient well-being.  Compared to proteins, carbohydrates and fats, the body needs very small amounts of these nutrients to function efficiently. 10

About the Adcock Ingram OTC division: 

The OTC division competes in the self-medication pharmacy and FMCG sectors of the market, with a complement of 88 premium and economy brands.   Well-known brands include Citro-Soda, Corenza Para-C and Allergex Non-Drowsy.  The portfolio includes pain, cough and cold, allergy, digestive well-being medication and energy supplements.

References:

1. South African Government Newsroom: International Survivors Day 2017, [cited 2018 May 27]. Available from: https://www.gov.za/speeches/international-cancer-survivors-day-2017-15-nov-2016-1024
2. Costello LC, Franklin RB. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2012 January; 12(1): 121-128
3. CHEMO-GAP approved package insert, 2017.
4. Costello LC, Franklin RB.  Cancer Biology & Therapy. 15:4, 353-360; April 2014
5. Ressnerova A, Raudenska M et al. Curr Medical Chemistry Vol 23, Iss 13, 2016
6. Ciubotariu D, Ghiciuc CM, Lupusoru CE. Zinc involvement in opioid addiction and analgesia – should zinc supplementation be recommended for opioid treated persons? Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy, 2015.
7. CHEMO-GAP approved package insert, 2017.
8. Wolf FI, Cittadini AR and Maier JAM. Complications of treatment. Magnesiun and tumors: Ally or foe? Cancer Treat Review 2009;(35):378-383.
9. Chiang KC, Chen TC. The anti-cancer actions of vitamin D. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2013 Jan;13(1):126-139. 

Eat for life: The Food and Nutrition Board’s Guide to Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Disease. [cited 2018 May 26]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235010/.

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