What do I need to know about Cancer Prevention

Cancer refers to a large number of diseases categorized by unregulated replication of cells. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Americans. We have known for more than a century that people who eat a diet consisting mostly of fruits and vegetables have a cancer rate much lower than those consuming few of these healthy foods. Only recently have we begun to understand the scientific basis of this protection, however. New techniques for measuring bio chemical events on a molecular level have allowed us to map out the many ways the components of fruits and vegetables inhibit cancer formation.

Even more exciting is the discovery that many of the chemicals found in edible plants can turn cancer cells into normal cells, meaning that food components may indeed be used to re verse cancer itself. In addition, these same plant chemicals can reduce the complications associated with the conventional cancer treatments and enhance, sometimes dramatically, the effectiveness of these treatments.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Self-care for cancer prevention can be approached in a number of ways— but it can be hard to know just where to start. To make it easier, our doctors recommend trying these simple steps first:
a) Get regular checkups
Many cancers can be prevented or discovered in the early stages with screening tests available through your healthcare provider

b) Go vegetarian
Eat more vegetables (especially tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables), fruits, whole grains, and legumes to help optimize body weight, immune function, hormone regulation, and to avoid

c) meat-related carcinogens, all of which may influence cancer risk Focus on fiber Eat foods rich in fiber, especially those made with whole grains, to help reduce the risk of several cancers Find healthy fats More meals containing olive oil or fish help protect against cancer, and avoiding fat from meat, dairy, and processed foods, may decrease cancer risk Avoid alcohol Use alcoholic beverages in moderation or not at all to reduce the risk of many cancers meat-related carcinogens, all of which may influence cancer risk

d) Focus on fiber Eat foods rich in fiber, especially those made with whole grains, to help reduce the risk of several cancers

e) Find healthy fats
More meals containing olive oil or fish help protect against cancer, and avoiding fat from meat, dairy, and processed foods, may decrease cancer risk

f) Avoid alcohol
Use alcoholic beverages in moderation or not at all to reduce the risk of many cancers