What is Cancer?

Cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth and replication. A healthy immune system identifies and destroys abnormal cells. Tumours form when the abnormal cells multiply into a mass of tissue. Doctors classify harmless abnormal cells as benign or noncancerous. 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.

What Are Symptoms & Warning Signs of Cancer?

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.

What Causes Cancerous Cells to Form?

Damaged cellular genetic material, usually from free radicals, the ultimate cause of cancer because DNA is responsible for regulating cell growth. Many factors can damage DNA. Poor diet, obesity, inactivity, smking, alcohol, genetics, viruses, reporductive factors, and carcinogens may contribute to 65% of cancer deaths.

Prevention Tips

Natural cancer prevention focuses on several foundational health strategies. 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.

Healthy lifestyle habits may lower cancer risk. These include regular screenings, exercise, deep breathing, quality sleep, healthy weight, smoking cessation, limited alcohol, internal cleansing, and reduced chemical and sun exposure.

Water should be fluoride-free and de-chlorinated for drinking, washing food, and bathing. Avoid x-rays, microwaves and electronic equipment, which are all sources of low-level radiation. Don't use personal hygiene products ridden with chemicals, 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 than we now know. Studies have shown that genetic factors are only a minor contribution to the development of breast, prostate and colon cancers.

Environmental toxins and genetics influence cancer risk. However, diet and lifestyle remain important, modifiable factors. Red meat consumption has been linked to colon and breast cancer. Broiling, frying, or grilling red meat produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellularr 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.

Lifestyle & Diet Tips For Healthy Cell Growth

Diets high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans and lentils can still fall short of the recommended daily fibre 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 diseases, including cancers.

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 may fight mutated cells. 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.

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.

In terms of treatment, there are simply no supplements on the market that have the research behind them to claim "cure". Some supplements may help reduce chemotherapy and radiation side effects. Antioxidants and mushroom extracts may support immune function and help protect against free radical damage.