Cancer-prevention in one sense is not possible because most of us already have microscopic cancer cells in our bodies. The maddening thing about cancer has always been that it is an advanced disease by the time it is discovered. This is because cancer begins at the cellular level and at that point is virtually undetectable. Preventing cancer is about providing our body the tools needed to kill the microscopic cancer cells or block their growth before they have a chance to grow.
Cells are constantly faced with the decision of whether to multiply (through cell division), or die. A small number of genes regulate the growth of cells. Some of these genes encourage cell growth and some prevent it. Many of the agents known to cause cancer (chemicals, viruses, and radiation) exert their effects by inducing changes in these genes that can trigger uncontrolled cell growth or cancer.
Healthy cells are able to identify and repair defective DNA segments that arise in the normal course of a cell's life. When this occurs, it will stop dividing until the damage has been repaired. If the damage can’t be repaired, the cell may activate a suicide program called apoptosis, or programmed cell death. If the attempt on its own life fails, the chances that mutations in the cell’s DNA increase. The increase in mutations in the cell’s DNA can lead to unregulated cell growth and the development of cancer.
Our diet can either prevent cancer or cause cancer.Typically, the American diet is a cancer promoting diet, which is:
The modern American diet is full of Omega 6 fatty acids (such as those found in corn, safflower, peanut, and canola oils) but low in Omega 3 fatty acids. Increasing Omega 3 intake can improve blood flow, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, improve brain function, reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and assist in cancer-prevention.
Meat consumption has been linked to cancer. One of the most common diseases of cattle is cancer, primarily lymphoma and leukemia. Studies have shown that these two forms of cancer are caused by viruses. While cooking may destroy the organisms, eating rare beef is risky. There is no solid scientific proof that these viruses cause cancer in humans but there is compelling circumstantial evidence. The common recommendation for cancer-prevention is to eat no more than six ounces of meat with each meal.
Avoid processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs, and bacon because they contain nitrates and nitrites, which are converted to a powerful cancer causing substances in the stomach called nitrosamines. Fortunately, vitamin C inhibits the formation of these nitrosamines.
Sugar is a very toxic substance. High sugar consumption is known to suppress the immune system increasing the likelihood of bacterial infections, chronic viral sickness, and even cancer. It is known that sugar is a major fuel for cancer. High sugar consumption can also stress the pancreas. If the pancreas is continually stressed over a long period of time, it may stop producing insulin resulting in diabetes. Stop eating added sugar and starve cancer.
Cancer-prevention begins and ends with a healthy lifestyle including a change in eating habits. We have known for a long time that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables and other plant foods are less likely to get cancer. Fruits and vegetables are a significant foundation for an anticancer diet. The anticancer diet is also lower in animal and processed fats but should include omega 3 fats.
In the end it's not the years in your life that count but the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln
References and suggested reading:
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