In this episode, Carla introduces essential pathology tests that help her patients understand their health status and wellbeing, with a focus on those affected by cancer. These tests provide insight into various body systems and offer a powerful approach for patients to engage in their care. Each test has unique purposes, from tracking immune function to detecting inflammation or nutrient deficiencies and can be valuable even for those without cancer.

Here are the key tests Carla recommends:

1. Full Blood Examination (FBE) – Provides a snapshot of blood health, showing red and white cell counts, and platelets, which help assess immune function, anaemia and blood-related cancers like leukaemia.

2. General Biochemistry Panel – Examines kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and detox pathways, offering insight into nutrition and how well the body is functioning overall.

3. Vitamin D – Low vitamin D is linked to poor prognosis in cancer patients, making this test essential for those undergoing treatment.

4. HbA1c – Measures average blood glucose over 2-3 months and helps understand blood sugar management, which can influence cancer progression.

5. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – Detects inflammation in the body, which can be a sign of immune disorders or blood cancers.

6. ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) – Checks for antibodies that mistakenly attack healthy cells, relevant in immune system function and some cancer types.

7. Cancer Markers – Specific markers like PSA, CEA, CA125, CA15.3, and CA 19.9 can indicate cancer activity, providing early detection or monitoring during treatment.

8. Iron Studies – Iron and ferritin levels reveal more than anaemia; they’re key in oxygen distribution, energy, and overall vitality.

9. B12 Levels – Essential for energy, red blood cell formation, and detoxification, especially important for cancer patients.

10. FitGenes Health & Wellbeing Report – Offers a personalized genetic profile to help tailor diet, exercise and lifestyle choices based on individual DNA, supporting overall health and resilience.

Additional Tests Discussed:

- Hormone Profiles (DUTCH Test) – For complex hormone assessments through dried urine samples.

- Microbiome Testing – Reveals the relationship between microbiome health and cancer, affecting areas like vaginal, urinary, oral, gastrointestinal and even tumour microbiomes.

- RGCC Onconomics Plus – Provides personalized data on effective drugs and natural substances against cancer cells, guiding tailored treatment options.

Next Episode Preview: Carla explains how these tests provide vital information and empower patients to take an active role in their care. Join us in the next episode, where Carla will explore pathology of interest in more depth, helping listeners understand the power of tracking their own health.

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

In this episode of PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE, Carla emphasises the importance of information and the patient's story in cancer care. Drawing inspiration from Professor Kerryn Phelps' book, "The Cancer Recovery Guide," Carla encourages patients to create a BIG folder containing all their medical records, histopathology, care team details, current and past treatment schedules, diets and lots of other metrics from the diagnosis and throughout their cancer experience.

Carla discusses the significance of having organised information readily available, including blood tests. She explains how a neat spreadsheet of blood test results can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status, allowing for more focused discussions during consultations. By tracking trends in biochemistry, such as liver function, kidney function, white cell count, inflammation and blood glucose levels, Carla can better understand priorities and make informed treatment suggestions.

Listeners are encouraged to create their own BIG folder and Carla provides guidance on the type of information to include. Additionally, she teases the next episode, where she'll delve into the Pathology of Interest and the power of understanding one's own pathology, whether or not they have cancer.

Next Episode Preview: Join Carla in the next episode as she explores the Pathology of Interest and discusses the power of understanding one's own pathology, regardless of whether they have cancer.

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.

In this episode of PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE, Carla focuses on the challenges patients face when dealing with life changes associated with a cancer diagnosis, both in the short and long term. She introduces the concept of lifestyle medicine, an extensively researched approach aimed at improving quality of life for cancer patients.

Lifestyle medicine encompasses various areas including sleep, movement and exercise, diet and nutrition, stress management, personal development, social and spiritual connection. Carla highlights the work of Dr. Lise Alchuler in this field, emphasizing the profound impact these lifestyle factors have on patients' cancer experiences and quality of life. She discusses how factors such as movement, nutrition, sleep and stress management can influence cancer outcomes.

Throughout the episode, Carla emphasises the importance of tailoring lifestyle interventions to each individual's preferences and needs, acknowledging that what works for one person may not work for another. She encourages listeners to consider their own preferences and habits when implementing lifestyle changes.

Key Points:

• Lifestyle medicine is a research-backed approach aimed at improving quality of life for all people, including those with cancer.
• Various lifestyle factors, including sleep, movement, diet, stress management, and social connection, can impact cancer outcomes and overall wellbeing.
• Tailoring lifestyle interventions to individual preferences and needs is crucial for success.
• The importance of optimism and positive thinking in dealing with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Next Episode Preview: Join Carla in the next episode as she explores the concept of having your own "BIG Folder"…

Find PROSPER Natural Cancer CARE on Instagram @prosper.cancer.care or visit www.prospercancercare.co.

For more information or to get in touch, connect with Carla on Instagram @carlawrenn or visit www.carlawrenn.com.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended to be informational only and represents the opinion of the participants, but not necessarily their workplace. It is not intended to be used as medical advice and does not take the place of advice from a qualified health care practitioner in a clinical setting. Please check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking upon any of the treatments or lifestyle changes discussed.