There are many speculations about the causes of cancer, but no one honestly knows how or why cancer starts growing in our bodies. There are several models of carcinogenesis, i.e. the pathway that leads to cancer. Two of the most cited include: the idea that cancer is a disease of damaged DNA and the idea that certain events at the cellular level lead to the growth of a malignant tumor. Both models illustrate the complexity of cancer growth and emphasize that it can take decades to occur. According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of all cancers are preventable. This is an excellent statistic!
Here are a few thoughts on how to prevent cancer:
- Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking has been established as a cause of cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, cervix and also acute myelogenous leukemia. Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer worldwide. This includes second hand smoke exposure.
- Curb alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol increased the risk for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectum, and breast. Cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Get moving. There is a link between overweight and obesity and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colorectum, breast, endometrium, and kidney. People who are more physically active have a lower risk of certain cancers.
- Eat the rainbow. Diets high in fruits and non-starchy vegetables may have a protective effect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, colorectum, and lung. Life-long dietary patterns are important in either inducing OR preventing cancer – be aware of what you are eating.
- Visit your doctor. Infectious agents such as HPV, Hepatitis B and C, Helicobacter pylori, and Epstein-Barr virus are associated with cervical cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and Burkitt lymphoma, respectively. Pay attention to your body and the symptoms it’s presenting to you, early detection is one of the best preventions.
Currently there is much evidence to support vitamin and mineral supplements for cancer prevention, research into anti-cancer properties of vitamins and minerals is always providing new and updated information. Be sure your physician is up to date on the current research.
It seems that overall health and wellness contribute the most to preventing cancer. In other words, the healthier you are, the less likely cancer will develop. Consider adding homeopathy, a safe and natural way to stimulate your body’s ability to heal itself, to your wellness plan.
