SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 4
Popular “Wonder Drugs” May Cause Cancer
The
New
York
Time
s
haile
d
them
as
“won
der
drug
s.”
Doct
ors
use
them as the first line of defense against heart attack, stroke, inflammation and whatever else
they can make sound dreadful and scary. Despite the spin, cholesterol lowering drugs (fibrates
and statins) are proving to be not so wonderful. As outlined in the book, Over-The-Counter
Natural Cures, by Shane Ellison, MS continuing research showed how these blockbusters failed
to prevent heart attack and stroke to any clinical significance. But that’s not the worst part.
There’s seems to be a “little” problem with cancer.
“My husband died last August 2005 of advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). He
tested negative for hepatitis and cirrhosis as the common causes of liver cancer. Nothing ever
was said about the lovastatin (mevacor) that he was on since 2003 when he had a mild heart
attack. A friend (non-M.D.)mentioned the statin probably caused the cancer.”
In their study published in
the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA), Thomas B. Newman, M.D., MPH, and co-workers show that all
cholesterol-lowering drugs, both the early drugs known as fibrates (clofibrate, gemfibrozil) and
the newer drugs known as statins (Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor), cause cancer in rodents at the
equivalent doses used by man.
Interestingly, these facts are not reflected in the highly coveted Physicians Desk Reference
(PDR) or by the pharmaceutically-compliant media. For instance, the PDR shows that cancer is a
side effect for fibric acid derivates and statins only when as much as ten times the
recommended human dose is used.
Dr. Gloria Troendle, deputy director for the Division of Metabolism and Endocrine Drug
Products for the FDA, noted that the cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil belonged to a class
of drugs that has repeatedly been shown to increase death rates among users. Moreover, Dr.
Troendle stated that she does not believe the FDA has ever approved a drug for long-term use
that was as cancer causing at human doses as gemfibrozil.
Others shared these same concerns about gemfibrozil. In comments to the FDA, Elizabeth
Barbehenn, Ph.D., concluded: “fibrates must be considered as potential human carcinogens and
their carcinogenic potential should be part of the risk benefit equation for evaluating
gemfibrozil.”
Ignorin
g these
facts
and
despite
having
a
majorit
y vote
among
their
advisor
y
commi
ttee
against
approv
al, the
pharmaceutically- campaigned FDA-approved these drugs anyway! Specifically, when asked to
vote whether or not the cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil should be approved for
prevention of heart disease, only 3 out of 9 voted in favor of approval. Unfortunately, these
votes are only “advisory” and – against the better judgment of the committee – the FDA
decided to approve gemfibrozil for human consumption.
Of course, the extrapolation of evidence of cancer from rodent to human is very uncertain. And
this is the argument of those who favor using cholesterol-lowering drugs. More likely, such an
extrapolation would only hold true if human studies also showed an increase in cancer rates. In
fact, that is what scientists are seeing.
Sheperd and colleagues for PROSPER noted in the Lancet that “…new cancer diagnoses were
more frequent on pravastatin *Pravachol+ than on placebo *those not taking the drug+.” Similar
findings were made in the CARE (Cholesterol And Recurrent Events) trial. Evidence from the
trial showed a significant increase (a 1500% relative risk increase) in breast cancer among
women taking Pravachol (a cholesterol-lowering drug made by Bristol-Myer Squib).
One mechanism by which cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause cancer has been identified.
Published in Nature Medicine, Dr. Michael Simons of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in
Boston shows that statin drugs mimic a substance known as vascular endothelial growth factors
(VEGF). The biochemical VEGF promotes the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as
angiogenesis. While angiogenesis may help the growth of arteries, the benefit is quickly
negated by the potential for growth of cancer.
The British
Journal of Cancer reports that VEGF plays an important role in the spread of colorectal cancer.
Further, for those who already have tumors, VEGF and compounds that mimic VEGF
significantly diminish that person’s survival time.
The fact that cholesterol-lowering drugs can potentially cause cancer at doses commonly used
by humans will never be accepted as mainstream knowledge. Drug company-funded studies for
cholesterol-lowering drugs are conveniently short in nature, typically five years or less. It takes
decades for cancer to develop. Actually, even heavy smoking will not cause lung cancer within
five years. Yet it is a well-known fact that smoking leads to lung cancer. Therefore, as long as
statin drug trials last only five years, the fact that these “wonder drugs” aren't wonder drugs
will continue to fly below the radar.
By now, most people are starting to see the big picture – wonder drugs aren't that wonderful.
Stop fearing your cholesterol levels and starting taking charge of your own health.

More Related Content

Similar to Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer

nexavar, sorafenib
nexavar, sorafenibnexavar, sorafenib
nexavar, sorafenib
year3zephyr
 
Blood Health for carlo web res
Blood Health for carlo web resBlood Health for carlo web res
Blood Health for carlo web res
Carlo Ammendolia
 
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a differenceStage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
Envita
 

Similar to Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer (20)

nexavar, sorafenib
nexavar, sorafenibnexavar, sorafenib
nexavar, sorafenib
 
New Approved Cancer Drugs Failing Miserably
New Approved Cancer Drugs Failing MiserablyNew Approved Cancer Drugs Failing Miserably
New Approved Cancer Drugs Failing Miserably
 
Cancer Revolution: Natural Treatments
Cancer Revolution: Natural TreatmentsCancer Revolution: Natural Treatments
Cancer Revolution: Natural Treatments
 
Angina com slideshare
Angina com slideshareAngina com slideshare
Angina com slideshare
 
Cancer
Cancer Cancer
Cancer
 
Thesisss.docx
Thesisss.docxThesisss.docx
Thesisss.docx
 
The risks of anti-aging medicine
The risks of anti-aging medicineThe risks of anti-aging medicine
The risks of anti-aging medicine
 
Blood Health for carlo web res
Blood Health for carlo web resBlood Health for carlo web res
Blood Health for carlo web res
 
Breast Cancer Essay
Breast Cancer EssayBreast Cancer Essay
Breast Cancer Essay
 
Evaluating Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Evaluating Surgery for Prostate CancerEvaluating Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Evaluating Surgery for Prostate Cancer
 
Health newsletter
Health newsletterHealth newsletter
Health newsletter
 
Recover from cancer diagnosis
Recover from cancer diagnosisRecover from cancer diagnosis
Recover from cancer diagnosis
 
Can You Trust What You Read In (Scientific and News)papers?
Can You Trust What You Read In (Scientific and News)papers?Can You Trust What You Read In (Scientific and News)papers?
Can You Trust What You Read In (Scientific and News)papers?
 
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a differenceStage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
Stage 4 cancer strategies that truly make a difference
 
Homocysteine
Homocysteine Homocysteine
Homocysteine
 
Anti cancer thesis
Anti cancer thesisAnti cancer thesis
Anti cancer thesis
 
Yaz lawsuit
Yaz lawsuitYaz lawsuit
Yaz lawsuit
 
Cancer fighting foods
Cancer fighting foodsCancer fighting foods
Cancer fighting foods
 
Cancer powerpoint bw
Cancer powerpoint bwCancer powerpoint bw
Cancer powerpoint bw
 
Tips on how to preven prostate cancer(1)
Tips on how to preven prostate cancer(1)Tips on how to preven prostate cancer(1)
Tips on how to preven prostate cancer(1)
 

More from World Truth

Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancerPopular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
World Truth
 
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animalsIndia first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
World Truth
 

More from World Truth (20)

Dea has more extensive domestic phone surveillance op than nsa
Dea has more extensive domestic phone surveillance op than nsaDea has more extensive domestic phone surveillance op than nsa
Dea has more extensive domestic phone surveillance op than nsa
 
Israel claims joint us missile launch in mediterranean for ‘target practice’
Israel claims joint us missile launch in mediterranean for ‘target practice’Israel claims joint us missile launch in mediterranean for ‘target practice’
Israel claims joint us missile launch in mediterranean for ‘target practice’
 
Syrian Electronic Army takes Down New York Times Website, claims Twitter’s Do...
Syrian Electronic Army takes Down New York Times Website, claims Twitter’s Do...Syrian Electronic Army takes Down New York Times Website, claims Twitter’s Do...
Syrian Electronic Army takes Down New York Times Website, claims Twitter’s Do...
 
Us readies possible missile strike against syria
Us readies possible missile strike against syriaUs readies possible missile strike against syria
Us readies possible missile strike against syria
 
Uk ordered guardian to destroy hard drives in effort to stop snowden revelations
Uk ordered guardian to destroy hard drives in effort to stop snowden revelationsUk ordered guardian to destroy hard drives in effort to stop snowden revelations
Uk ordered guardian to destroy hard drives in effort to stop snowden revelations
 
Google: gmail users ‘have no legitimate expectation of privacy
Google: gmail users ‘have no legitimate expectation of privacyGoogle: gmail users ‘have no legitimate expectation of privacy
Google: gmail users ‘have no legitimate expectation of privacy
 
Pennsylvanians ask feds to help disarm intimidating small town militia
Pennsylvanians ask feds to help disarm intimidating small town militiaPennsylvanians ask feds to help disarm intimidating small town militia
Pennsylvanians ask feds to help disarm intimidating small town militia
 
House rejects nsa spying restrictions after white house outcry
House rejects nsa spying restrictions after white house outcryHouse rejects nsa spying restrictions after white house outcry
House rejects nsa spying restrictions after white house outcry
 
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancerPopular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
 
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancerPopular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer
 
What the mainstream is not telling you about trayvon martin and george zimmerman
What the mainstream is not telling you about trayvon martin and george zimmermanWhat the mainstream is not telling you about trayvon martin and george zimmerman
What the mainstream is not telling you about trayvon martin and george zimmerman
 
What’s the worst meal in the u.s.?
What’s the worst meal in the u.s.?What’s the worst meal in the u.s.?
What’s the worst meal in the u.s.?
 
37 million bees found dead in elmwood canada
37 million bees found dead in elmwood canada37 million bees found dead in elmwood canada
37 million bees found dead in elmwood canada
 
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animalsIndia first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
India first south asian country to ban cosmetics testing on animals
 
Terror in moscow
Terror in moscowTerror in moscow
Terror in moscow
 
Fizzy drinks can cause people to faint or suffer an irregular heartbeat
Fizzy drinks can cause people to faint or suffer an irregular heartbeatFizzy drinks can cause people to faint or suffer an irregular heartbeat
Fizzy drinks can cause people to faint or suffer an irregular heartbeat
 
U.k. puts red labels to warn of unhealthy food logos to appear on items consi...
U.k. puts red labels to warn of unhealthy food logos to appear on items consi...U.k. puts red labels to warn of unhealthy food logos to appear on items consi...
U.k. puts red labels to warn of unhealthy food logos to appear on items consi...
 
Your tap water is probably laced with antidepressants
Your tap water is probably laced with antidepressantsYour tap water is probably laced with antidepressants
Your tap water is probably laced with antidepressants
 
Alarming new study of monsanto feed on pigs
Alarming new study of monsanto feed on pigsAlarming new study of monsanto feed on pigs
Alarming new study of monsanto feed on pigs
 
Homeschooling enrollment skyrocketing as parents seek to protect children fro...
Homeschooling enrollment skyrocketing as parents seek to protect children fro...Homeschooling enrollment skyrocketing as parents seek to protect children fro...
Homeschooling enrollment skyrocketing as parents seek to protect children fro...
 

Recently uploaded

🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
Call Girls In Delhi Whatsup 9873940964 Enjoy Unlimited Pleasure
 
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
chetankumar9855
 
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
mahaiklolahd
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kakinada Just Call 9907093804 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Pondicherry Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Pondicherry Escort Servi...
Pondicherry Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Pondicherry Escort Servi...Pondicherry Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Pondicherry Escort Servi...
Pondicherry Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Pondicherry Escort Servi...
 
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...Top Rated  Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
Top Rated Hyderabad Call Girls Chintal ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine Se...
 
Jogeshwari ! Call Girls Service Mumbai - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 90042684...
Jogeshwari ! Call Girls Service Mumbai - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 90042684...Jogeshwari ! Call Girls Service Mumbai - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 90042684...
Jogeshwari ! Call Girls Service Mumbai - 450+ Call Girl Cash Payment 90042684...
 
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
🌹Attapur⬅️ Vip Call Girls Hyderabad 📱9352852248 Book Well Trand Call Girls In...
 
Best Rate (Guwahati ) Call Girls Guwahati ⟟ 8617370543 ⟟ High Class Call Girl...
Best Rate (Guwahati ) Call Girls Guwahati ⟟ 8617370543 ⟟ High Class Call Girl...Best Rate (Guwahati ) Call Girls Guwahati ⟟ 8617370543 ⟟ High Class Call Girl...
Best Rate (Guwahati ) Call Girls Guwahati ⟟ 8617370543 ⟟ High Class Call Girl...
 
Call Girls Kurnool Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kurnool Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Kurnool Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Kurnool Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Call Girls Tirupati Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Tirupati Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Tirupati Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Tirupati Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
Call Girls Visakhapatnam Just Call 8250077686 Top Class Call Girl Service Ava...
 
Call Girls in Delhi Triveni Complex Escort Service(🔝))/WhatsApp 97111⇛47426
Call Girls in Delhi Triveni Complex Escort Service(🔝))/WhatsApp 97111⇛47426Call Girls in Delhi Triveni Complex Escort Service(🔝))/WhatsApp 97111⇛47426
Call Girls in Delhi Triveni Complex Escort Service(🔝))/WhatsApp 97111⇛47426
 
Night 7k to 12k Navi Mumbai Call Girl Photo 👉 BOOK NOW 9833363713 👈 ♀️ night ...
Night 7k to 12k Navi Mumbai Call Girl Photo 👉 BOOK NOW 9833363713 👈 ♀️ night ...Night 7k to 12k Navi Mumbai Call Girl Photo 👉 BOOK NOW 9833363713 👈 ♀️ night ...
Night 7k to 12k Navi Mumbai Call Girl Photo 👉 BOOK NOW 9833363713 👈 ♀️ night ...
 
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Mg Road ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Mg Road ⟟   9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Mg Road ⟟   9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
Top Rated Bangalore Call Girls Mg Road ⟟ 9332606886 ⟟ Call Me For Genuine S...
 
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
Premium Call Girls In Jaipur {8445551418} ❤️VVIP SEEMA Call Girl in Jaipur Ra...
 
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
Call Girl In Pune 👉 Just CALL ME: 9352988975 💋 Call Out Call Both With High p...
 
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service AvailableTrichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
Trichy Call Girls Book Now 9630942363 Top Class Trichy Escort Service Available
 
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on WhatsappMost Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
Most Beautiful Call Girl in Bangalore Contact on Whatsapp
 
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
Call Girls Service Jaipur {9521753030} ❤️VVIP RIDDHI Call Girl in Jaipur Raja...
 
💕SONAM KUMAR💕Premium Call Girls Jaipur ↘️9257276172 ↙️One Night Stand With Lo...
💕SONAM KUMAR💕Premium Call Girls Jaipur ↘️9257276172 ↙️One Night Stand With Lo...💕SONAM KUMAR💕Premium Call Girls Jaipur ↘️9257276172 ↙️One Night Stand With Lo...
💕SONAM KUMAR💕Premium Call Girls Jaipur ↘️9257276172 ↙️One Night Stand With Lo...
 
Call Girls Shimla Just Call 8617370543 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Shimla Just Call 8617370543 Top Class Call Girl Service AvailableCall Girls Shimla Just Call 8617370543 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
Call Girls Shimla Just Call 8617370543 Top Class Call Girl Service Available
 
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls  * UPA...
Call Girl in Indore 8827247818 {LowPrice} ❤️ (ahana) Indore Call Girls * UPA...
 

Popular “wonder drugs” may cause cancer

  • 1. Popular “Wonder Drugs” May Cause Cancer The New York Time s haile d them as “won der drug s.” Doct ors use them as the first line of defense against heart attack, stroke, inflammation and whatever else they can make sound dreadful and scary. Despite the spin, cholesterol lowering drugs (fibrates and statins) are proving to be not so wonderful. As outlined in the book, Over-The-Counter Natural Cures, by Shane Ellison, MS continuing research showed how these blockbusters failed to prevent heart attack and stroke to any clinical significance. But that’s not the worst part. There’s seems to be a “little” problem with cancer. “My husband died last August 2005 of advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). He tested negative for hepatitis and cirrhosis as the common causes of liver cancer. Nothing ever was said about the lovastatin (mevacor) that he was on since 2003 when he had a mild heart attack. A friend (non-M.D.)mentioned the statin probably caused the cancer.” In their study published in the Journal of the American
  • 2. Medical Association (JAMA), Thomas B. Newman, M.D., MPH, and co-workers show that all cholesterol-lowering drugs, both the early drugs known as fibrates (clofibrate, gemfibrozil) and the newer drugs known as statins (Lipitor, Pravachol, Zocor), cause cancer in rodents at the equivalent doses used by man. Interestingly, these facts are not reflected in the highly coveted Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) or by the pharmaceutically-compliant media. For instance, the PDR shows that cancer is a side effect for fibric acid derivates and statins only when as much as ten times the recommended human dose is used. Dr. Gloria Troendle, deputy director for the Division of Metabolism and Endocrine Drug Products for the FDA, noted that the cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil belonged to a class of drugs that has repeatedly been shown to increase death rates among users. Moreover, Dr. Troendle stated that she does not believe the FDA has ever approved a drug for long-term use that was as cancer causing at human doses as gemfibrozil. Others shared these same concerns about gemfibrozil. In comments to the FDA, Elizabeth Barbehenn, Ph.D., concluded: “fibrates must be considered as potential human carcinogens and their carcinogenic potential should be part of the risk benefit equation for evaluating gemfibrozil.” Ignorin g these facts and despite having a majorit y vote among their advisor y commi ttee against approv al, the pharmaceutically- campaigned FDA-approved these drugs anyway! Specifically, when asked to vote whether or not the cholesterol-lowering drug gemfibrozil should be approved for prevention of heart disease, only 3 out of 9 voted in favor of approval. Unfortunately, these
  • 3. votes are only “advisory” and – against the better judgment of the committee – the FDA decided to approve gemfibrozil for human consumption. Of course, the extrapolation of evidence of cancer from rodent to human is very uncertain. And this is the argument of those who favor using cholesterol-lowering drugs. More likely, such an extrapolation would only hold true if human studies also showed an increase in cancer rates. In fact, that is what scientists are seeing. Sheperd and colleagues for PROSPER noted in the Lancet that “…new cancer diagnoses were more frequent on pravastatin *Pravachol+ than on placebo *those not taking the drug+.” Similar findings were made in the CARE (Cholesterol And Recurrent Events) trial. Evidence from the trial showed a significant increase (a 1500% relative risk increase) in breast cancer among women taking Pravachol (a cholesterol-lowering drug made by Bristol-Myer Squib). One mechanism by which cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause cancer has been identified. Published in Nature Medicine, Dr. Michael Simons of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston shows that statin drugs mimic a substance known as vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). The biochemical VEGF promotes the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. While angiogenesis may help the growth of arteries, the benefit is quickly negated by the potential for growth of cancer. The British Journal of Cancer reports that VEGF plays an important role in the spread of colorectal cancer. Further, for those who already have tumors, VEGF and compounds that mimic VEGF significantly diminish that person’s survival time. The fact that cholesterol-lowering drugs can potentially cause cancer at doses commonly used by humans will never be accepted as mainstream knowledge. Drug company-funded studies for cholesterol-lowering drugs are conveniently short in nature, typically five years or less. It takes
  • 4. decades for cancer to develop. Actually, even heavy smoking will not cause lung cancer within five years. Yet it is a well-known fact that smoking leads to lung cancer. Therefore, as long as statin drug trials last only five years, the fact that these “wonder drugs” aren't wonder drugs will continue to fly below the radar. By now, most people are starting to see the big picture – wonder drugs aren't that wonderful. Stop fearing your cholesterol levels and starting taking charge of your own health.