According to cancer specialist Dr. Süalp Tansan, the most dangerous cancer is melanoma, caused by sunlight. Tansan states that tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun, and recommends a sun protection factor of at least 30.
In yesterday's published part of our interview with Cancer Specialist Dr. Süalp Tansan, we summarized the research and innovations in cancer studies worldwide. After Tansan's statement yesterday that "Smokers should absolutely not take vitamins," the newspaper's phones were overwhelmed. I called Tansan again, and we discussed the relationship between smoking and vitamins once more. We also discussed common misconceptions, alternative medicine suggestions, and the importance of natural foods in terms of health.
* There's another topic we left unfinished yesterday: the issue of stem cells. For example, in recent years, it's been said that preserving the umbilical cord of newborns is important. Is preserving the umbilical cord important for cancer research?
-Stem cells This practice was very popular in America 10 years ago. In fact, we were the first to use stem cells in breast cancer at Boston University. But then we realized that stem cell therapy isn't very beneficial except for certain diseases. It's only important for blood diseases, blood and lymph cancers. If your child develops this disease in the future, umbilical cord blood might be useful for saving them, but how it's stored is also important. It's a bit difficult in Türkiye. Also, it's unknown how long it can be stored. Considering that the chance of a person developing blood cancer is less than one percent, it shouldn't be perceived as a huge preventative measure against cancer.
THE SKIN IS AGING PREMATURELY.
* Does deodorant cause breast cancer, as some claim?
-Honestly, we read a lot of news like this every day, but the certainty isn't clear. There's no scientific research proving that deodorant causes cancer, and I have to say that. It's a nonsensical belief.
* Which is more harmful: the sun or a tanning bed?
-This issue is being studied in detail by Australian scientists. Studies have shown that the ultraviolet A radiation emitted by tanning beds – which they claimed was less harmful – has the same effects as sunlight. So what does this mean? It means that the skin ages prematurely, and the risk of all types of skin cancer increases.
THE MOST DANGEROUS CANCER
* So both are very dangerous…
-Absolutely. It ages the skin so quickly that you'd be surprised. Melanoma is one of the most harmful and dangerous types of cancer in the world. It's related to moles on the body. Sunlight, in particular, has a direct effect.
So we won't be able to sunbathe?
-There's no longer any scientific debate on this issue. Furthermore, the effects of the sun and tanning beds on the Australian population are very clearly documented. Tanning beds are at least as harmful as the sun. As for the sun, unfortunately, the ozone layer is no longer what it used to be. I believe that almost everyone, without exception, should protect themselves with oils containing sun protection factors.
* Does everyone need a different sun protection factor depending on their skin type, or is it necessary to maintain a certain SPF level?
-Of course, it depends on skin type. The lighter the skin, the higher the sun protection factor should be. But I still recommend a minimum of SPF 30. There aren't many detailed scientific studies on this subject.
THE PAIN AFTER 20 YEARS
* Minimum SPF 30? So we won't be able to get a tan anymore...
-Honestly, when you get sunburned, all your skin's genetic material can be damaged compared to 20 years ago. And the consequences won't be immediate; they'll appear 20 years later.
What about cocoa and carrot oils?
-Contrary to popular belief, these do not reduce the effects of the sun. Of course, they are dangerous if they don't contain a sun protection factor. Using protective blocks is essential. I repeat, the sun is not the sun it used to be.
Vitamins A and C are especially forbidden for smokers.
Tansan warns smokers, stating that there is an explosion of lung cancer in Türkiye. According to Dr. Süalp Tansan, obtaining vitamins naturally from fruits and vegetables is of great importance.
* In yesterday's part of the interview, you said that smokers shouldn't take vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. I've received an incredible number of phone calls about this. Callers say, "But our doctor specifically prescribes vitamin C supplements.".
-That's completely wrong. I specialize in lung cancer after breast cancer. There's a lung cancer epidemic in Türkiye. I'll say it again, it's extremely harmful for smokers to take vitamins. Vitamin C is especially harmful. The effects of certain components combined with the effects of smoking have already been proven by a large study. And it's not just vitamin C. Using vitamins containing beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in pill form is extremely dangerous. The results of a large study conducted in Finland are very striking. Smokers who use multivitamins, especially vitamins C and A, have a 20% higher risk of developing lung cancer. This rate is very serious. As I said yesterday, vitamins sold in America have a warning on them: "Do not take if you smoke.".
WE MUST QUIT SMOKING.
So what will smokers do? How can they protect themselves from the effects of smoking?
-They need to quit smoking. This needs to become a state policy. Also, trying to get the necessary vitamins from natural foods is important not only for smokers but for everyone. It can be preventative against breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers. I don't recommend vitamins in pill form.
One tomato a day is a perfect remedy for prostate cancer.
Dr. Süalp Tansan lists natural products that have a cancer-preventing effect: apples, nettle tea, well-preserved nuts, and natural olive oil.
Is it true that some natural foods have a healing effect on cancer?
-Absolutely. For example, in men, eating one hormone-free, natural tomato a day significantly reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
What about women?
-I recommend natural olive oil for both women and men. Olive oil, especially in women, reduces the risk of breast cancer. Of course, we're not saying you should drink olive oil by the spoonful, because too much means calories and therefore weight gain, which is harmful. You need to consume olive oil in moderation. It's especially important to eat olive oil instead of butter at breakfast. Using olive oil instead of margarine in cooking is also very important.
COOKIES
COOKIES CAN BE DANGEROUS.
What about the fruits?
-All types of apples have a protective effect against cancer. Similarly, grapes also have significant health benefits.
What about hazelnuts?
-I can't specifically say hazelnuts, but nuts are beneficial too. They should be natural and not stored in unhealthy conditions. Nuts stored for a long time can be harmful; a substance they contain can cause liver cancer. Therefore, nuts should be stored in very hygienic conditions and consumed without delay.
What about green tea?
-I don't particularly think green tea prevents cancer. If you absolutely have to drink something, I'd recommend nettle tea. Boiling and drinking nettle tea will be beneficial, and it's also important from a psychological perspective. There are no scientific studies, but many people, my patients, say they feel better when they drink nettle tea. And it has no harmful effects.
SHARK CARTILAGE
What are your thoughts on alternative medicine methods?
-None of these are beneficial, they're unproven. For example, shark cartilage. They eventually did research and proved it has no benefit. Also, Beres drops are known to be important, but they don't work either. These are all misinformation. They're all a financial burden on people. I recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. It prevents weight gain, reduces cancer risk, and benefits the heart. For all types of cancer, and especially lung cancer, there are two things we can do: one, don't smoke, and two, pay attention to our diet. That shouldn't be too difficult.
