Cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth and replication. In a healthy system these abnormal cells are destroyed by the immune system. Tumours form when the abnormal cell multiplies into a mass of tissue. If the cells do not pose a threat to health they are called benign or non-cancerous. Malignant or cancerous tumours pose a threat to the body. They can damage surrounding tissues, move to other areas of the body and will grow back if removed.

Cancer can occur in any body tissue. Each type of cancer will have unique symptoms, growth rate and prognosis.

The seven general early warning signs of cancer make up the acronym "CAUTION". Change in bowel or bladder habits. A sore that does not heal. Unusual bleeding or discharge. Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. Obvious changes in a wart or mole. Nagging cough or hoarseness.

Damaged cellular genetic material, usually from free radicals, the ultimate cause of cancer because DNA is responsible for regulating cell growth. DNA can be damaged by many different factors . Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol use, genetics, viruses, reproductive factors and carcinogen exposure are postulated to be responsible for 65 percent of cancer deaths.

Prevention and treatment of cancer with natural therapies has basic tenets, some of which are described here. There are specific treatment protocols for each type of cancer and for the side effects of conventional cancer therapies. Consult a health care professional for more information.

Lifestyle changes that have been shown to decrease cancer risk include preventative medical screening tests, regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, adequate sleep, regular internal cleansing, maintaining proper weight, stopping smoking and alcohol use and decreasing exposure to harmful chemicals and the sun.

Water should be fluoride free and de-chlorinated for drinking, washing foods and bathing. Avoid x-rays, microwaves and electronic equipment, which are all sources of low-level radiation. Avoid chemicals in personal hygiene products, cleaning compounds and weed control products. Avoid iron supplements unless prescribed by a health professional.

The factors that can contribute to an individual developing cancer are numerous and sometimes very poorly understood. Genetics were once thought to play a much more important role then we now know. Studies have shown that genetic factors are only a minor contribution in the development of breast, prostate and colon cancers.

Environmental toxins and genetics play a role in cancer development, however more easily controlled variables, diet and lifestyle, can be utilized to avoid and prevent cancer. The consumption of red meat has been linked to colon cancer and breast cancer. When red meat is broiled, fried or grilled it releases chemicals called advanced glycation end products (AGE`s) that cause inflammation, cell stress and oxidative damage. Charred meats are even more toxic to the body. Marinating red meats for at least 2 hours prior to grilling could reduce this chemical release and make them safer to eat. Another cancer prevention linked to diet is to increase fibre intake. This is especially helpful for prostate and colon cancer in men and breast cancer in women. By improving the pH levels in the colon, you can create a healthy environment for the development of immune cells (GALT) and decrease transit time. These changes will help to prevent cancer and toxins throughout the entire body.

Diets high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans and lentils can still fall short of the recommended fibre daily intake. It may be helpful to introduce a fibre supplement if you feel your diet is falling short. Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, onion and carrots, as well as herbs like ginger, cayenne, rosemary, oregano and curcumin (tumeric) have abundant cancer fighting potential. Obesity in general increases the risk of breast, endometrial, cervical, ovarian and gallbladder cancers in women, while also increasing the risk of colon and prostate cancers in men. Weight loss may be essential to reduce your risk of these types of cancer. Stress is also said to be a significant contributing factor. Practice stress reduction techniques that resonate with you, whether it be yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or massage. They can strengthen your body's defences against various disease, including cancers.

Stress puts a burden on the immune system and taxes the body’s resources, making it more susceptible to cancer. Use whatever stress-busting methods work for you to decrease your stress level. Strong support from family friends and support groups has been shown to increase longevity in those suffering from cancer.

Increase the following things in your diet, filtered water, raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, soy, and wild, ocean going fish. Seven to ten daily servings of fruit and vegetables can reduce cancer risk by about 30 percent. Onions and garlic enhance the immune system and fight cancer. Consume them whenever possible or use supplementation. Limit the consumption of animal products, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, salt, bleached flour products and sugar, tobacco and drugs.

In terms of treatment, there are simply no supplements on the market that have the research behind them to claim "cure". That being said, there are a number of supplements that can help to lessen side effects and support the body through the damaging effects of traditional therapies, like chemotherapy and/or radiation. Supplements high in antioxidants and many mushroom extracts have been shown to be particularly useful in preventing free radical and supporting the body's immune system in its cancer fighting abilities respectively.