You Can Prevent Cancer
Heres how to beat the odds
November/December 2003
By Laurel Vukovic
The National Cancer Institute estimates that one in two men and one in three women in the United States will develop cancer.
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For decades, modern medicine has held out hope for a cancer cure. But cancer has proven a complicated, elusive foe and finding a magic bullet that will eradicate it is unlikely anytime soon. Scientists agree that our genes predispose us to various health conditions throughout our lifetime — including cancer. The good news is that the choices we make on a daily basis — including the foods we eat, the toxins we’re exposed to, how much exercise we get and how we handle stress — appear to be the strongest predictors of whether or not we will develop cancer.
A Blueprint Gone Bad
To create a lifestyle that will help protect you from developing cancer, it’s important to know how cancer arises. Fact: Our bodies generate cancerous cells throughout our lives. When you consider that millions of cells are being replaced every second, it’s not surprising that glitches sometimes occur, resulting in the formation of malignant cells. Environmental toxins, radiation, viruses and other physical irritants are some of the factors that can alter DNA molecules within a cell (DNA is like a cellular blueprint that tells each cell how to reproduce).
These altered cells don’t abide by normal cell rules. They reproduce more rapidly than the cells from which they originated, and they bear little resemblance to the original cells. Unlike normal cells, they invade neighboring tissues and spread to other areas of the body. As they multiply, they form tumors, destroying healthy tissue in the process and interfering with organ function.
Fortunately, every cell mutation doesn’t result in cancer because the immune system searches out and eradicates cells that have gone astray. Specialized white blood cells are constantly on patrol, looking for cancerous cells. When they find an abnormal cell, they engulf and destroy it before it can reproduce. In addition, any cell that begins to multiply out of control is programmed to commit suicide, a process called apoptosis. Cancer arises when the immune system has become overwhelmed. Therefore, the best way to prevent cancer is to take specific steps to keep your immune system functioning optimally and to avoid the environmental and dietary stressors that can trigger cell mutations.
Many positive choices within your control can create a lifestyle that will strengthen your immune system and enhance your daily life.
• Avoid environmental toxins. Every exposure to toxins increases the possibility of malignant cellular changes. Buy organic foods, use filtered water and avoid using toxic chemicals in your home and garden. Don’t use tobacco in any form and stay away from secondhand smoke.
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