Early Detection is NOT the Same as Prevention

The State of Maryland recently convened a team of researchers, patients and doctors to develop an anti-cancer plan they call the Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan.  Control? Interesting word, but not one I want to hear from government.  http://trap.it/TWQBWX.  However, the plan has some merit.   Ann Taylor, vice president of support services at Atlantic General Hospital, explains that “The state plan is superior to one released in 2004 because it focuses on individual ownership of health with emphasis on nutrition and continued screenings for cancer.”  I like this.  I also liked what Frances Phillips, Deputy Director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, had to say: “We know now that so much cancer is preventable or survivable with early detection and good treatment. There are also chapters on pain management and support for families burdened with cancer. It’s important we keep in mind that cancer is a disease that affects virtually every Maryland family.”

 However, what I didn’t like is that they confuse readers by suggesting that prevention is the same thing as detection. “Prevention methods include blood tests for colon cancer and mammograms to check for breast cancer. Other methods for cancer screening include PET scans, MRI scans and CT scans, which can be expensive since they use advanced equipment.”  Sorry, Mr. Phillips, but while screening is great, it does not prevent most cancers (the exception being colonoscopy [before polyps become cancerous]and paps and maybe a few others).  Screening does not prevent breast cancer.  One could argue that screening sometimes discovers the pre-cancerous LCIS, but for all the women whose screening did not detect anything less than cancer, one needs to be careful.  One does not have to have LCIS to develop cancer, and is involved in very few cases.

 I have heard so many women say, “But how could this have happened, I get a mammogram every year!”  Too many women are led to believe that screening is preventive.  Not true; screening allows for early detection.  The jury is still out whether or not early detection saves lives, but for sure it saves quality of life (i.e. less horrific and toxic treatment).    Ms Taylor goes on to say “Our focus is to prevent recurrence in patients who have had cancer. We work with programs to fit patients into breast and cervical, colonoscopy screening.”  Screening does not prevent recurrence, it detects it so it can be treated or managed.

So, my feeling is that while I applaud the State of Maryland for taking action, they need to understand the facts and not delude people into thinking that by undergoing screening, they will reduce risk.  They need to beef up efforts to educate people on real preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, moderate exercise, a healthy diet, giving up smoking, reducing inflammation, avoiding environmental toxins and reducing stress.

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com

********************************************************************

Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. and a breast cancer survivor.  She empowers women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and she educates about how to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life.

The Dark Side of Peanuts and Dairy

Peanut butter is a staple in many children’s diets.  Peanuts (which, by the way are a legume, not a nut) are hign in protein, so why not eat them?  Peanuts, and expecially peanut butter are often contaminated by a fungus-produced toxin known as Aflatoxin (AF).  Aflatoxins often occur in crops in the field prior to harvest, but after harvest contamination can occur if crop drying is delayed and crops are stored in moist conditions.  Aflatoxins are found occasionally in milk, cheese, corn, peanuts, cottonseed, nuts, almonds, figs, spices as well as in feeds for animals (the reason AF is found in dairy and meat products).  However, the commodities with the highest risk of AF contamination are corn, peanuts and cottonseed.  Peanut butter is often contaminated with levels of AF as much as 300 times the amount judged to be acceptable in U.S. food, while whole peanuts were much less contaminated.  This disparity between peanut butter and whole peanuts originates at the peanut factory.  The best peanuts, which fill “cocktail” jars, are hand selected from a moving conveyor belt, leaving the worst, moldiest nuts to be delivered to the end of the belt to make peanut butter.  The visual here makes me never want to even look at peanut butter again.  So besides the unappealing idea of eating moldy peanuts, what’s the real issue?  AF’s have shown to cause liver cancer in rats, and are thought by many to be the most potent

chemical carcinogen ever discovered.  So where’s the FDA?  The FDA allows AF’s at low levels in nuts, seeds and legumes because they are considered “unavoidable contaminants.”  The FDA believes occasionally eating small amounts of aflatoxin poses little risk over a lifetime, and that it is not practical to attempt to remove it from food products.   The problem here is the word “occasional.” 

Who is most susceptible to AF contamination and its cancer-producing effects?  Children are major consumers of peanut butter.  (I will add that I practically survived on peanut butter for much of my early adulthood, and certainly suspect that was part of my demise.) Children are also major consumers of dairy products, and a well-known study called The China Study produced compelling evidence that casein, the protein in cow’s milk, helps promote and nurture tumor development.  The study produced significant evidence that a high-animal protein diet combined with even a small amount of aflatoxin resulted in very high rates of liver cancer in adults as well as children.  They also found that in those people who consumed considerable AF’s and very little animal protein, cancer rates were very low.  Adjusting the amount of dietary casein we consume has the power to turn on and off cancer growth. 

What does this mean?  It means that while we should still be concerned with AF’s, we need to reduce our animal protein consumption.  They found that casein, and very likely all animal proteins, may be the most relevant cancer-causing substance that we consume. 

To help minimize your exposure to aflatoxin, the FDA recommends purchasing only major brands of nuts and nut butters and to discard any shelled nuts that look discolored or moldy. Some medical research has indicated that a diet including vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, celery and parsley may reduce the carcinogenic effects of aflatoxin, and a study by the Johns Hopkins University also suggests that foods high in chlorophyll can be helpful.  Green vegetables - asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green cabbage, celery, collard greens, green beans, green peas, kale, leeks, green olives, parsley, romaine lettuce, sea vegetables, spinach, swiss chard, and turnip greens are concentrated sources of chlorophyll.   Need another reason to toss the peanuts?  Peanuts are an inflammatory food, which means consumption increases inflammation in the body.  Inflammation is known to provide a cancer promoting environment in the body. To reduce your animal protein consumption consider almond, rice or hemp milk instead of cow’s milk, and switch to a mostly whole foods, plant-based diet.  Plant protein does not promote cancer growth, even at high levels of intake.  Once again we are reminded that we can minimize our risk of contracting deadly diseases just by eating the right food, and more and more studies show that a plant-based diet may simply be the best diet out there.  While I realize this may be a hard sell for your children, likely a few gradual changes will go unnoticed.

 Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

  Elyn Jacobs is President of Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. and a breast cancer survivor.  She helps women diagnosed with cancer to navigate the process of treatment and care, and she educates about how to prevent recurrence and new cancers.  She is passionate about helping others get past their cancer and into a cancer-free life.

Resources:  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC64728/

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/impacts/aflatoxin/index.cfm

http://www.thechinastudy.com/

Tired, Fatigued? You may be Low on Potassium

Potassium is a mineral element needed by all plants and animals to live and thrive.  It is essential for the normal function of all tissues and cells in the body.  The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences has set Adequate Intake of potassium at 4.7 grams per day for most adults. Potassium is contained in all foods, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Animal sources, such as fish and meat, also contain potassium, but the plant-based material is easier to absorb, and too much protein isn’t part of any healthy diet.  In fact, a carnivorous diet will be detrimental to your health, causing a rise in acid levels and depleting potassium levels. You will know that you are deficient in potassium if you find yourself experiencing an overall weakness and seem to be constantly fatigued. You're also likely to have trouble concentrating on your daily tasks, and may have difficulty with muscular coordination. Potassium deficiency can lead to high blood pressure problems, hypertension, strokes, and heart irregularities, and maybe even cancer. So, if you are lacking energy or suspect something of the sort, please see your doctor.

Cancer?

Some alternative medical practitioners maintain that low levels of potassium in the body may be linked to cancer.  The theory is that a diet high in sodium and low in potassium promotes tumor growth by changing the normal pH and water balance in human cells.  Further, in the 1930s, Max Gerson began developing a controversial dietary treatment for cancer known as the Gerson Diet Therapy.  The cornerstone of his diet was the use of potassium supplements and low sodium intake. He claimed the diet could restore proper balance of salt and water within human cells and help stop tumor growth. While this may be a valid theory, I don’t recommend potassium supplements unless directed by your doctor.   An excess of potassium is equally likely to spell trouble, so unless your doctor believes supplements are necessary, you would be better off just reaching for another cantaloupe slice, another banana, a handful more of strawberries, and adding a pinch of turmeric to many of your cooked meals.

Some studies have found that in a number of countries where there are high-potassium diets, cancer rates are lower. In areas where there are low-potassium diets, these studies showed the cancer rates are higher. These types of studies, however, cannot prove a direct connection, because there are other factors involved. The main sources of potassium in foods are fruits and vegetables. This may mean that people with a diet high in potassium are at lower risk for cancer because of other compounds in these foods. Since fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins, phytochemicals, and other antioxidants, it may be that compounds besides potassium account for their helpful effects. In cases such as this, I don’t require data-based evidence; sometimes you just have to go with common sense.  A diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains is a common sense diet for all.

Elyn Jacobs

elyn@elynjacobs.com

Resources for information and food sources of Potassium:

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/appendixb.htm

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=90

Living Without Cancer

All women are at risk for breast cancer. If you have not had breast cancer, you want to stay clear of it, and if you have had it, you never want to get it again. Living without cancer starts with understanding cancer. Is getting cancer a simple case of bad genes and bad luck? Is it just a few renegade cells mutating and replicating at random? Increasingly, research suggests otherwise. The development of cancer is an indication that the body lacks the support necessary to destroy cancer cells. If we focus on the underlying conditions that may have contributed to the disease, we can likely prevent recurrence or new cancers.

Cancer is the result of damaged DNA. Cells transform into cancer cells daily (carcinogenesis), however, a normal, healthy body detects and removes these cancerous cells before they become tumors. However, sometimes this orderly process is interrupted. Scientists have learned that cancer is caused by changes in genes that normally control the growth and death of cells. Genes in cells can mutate as a result of being hit by radiation or because of damage caused by some toxin or even a deficiency of essential nutrients. Certain genes can promote the growth of cancer and certain genes can inhibit the growth of cancer and the activity of these genes can be turned on by these physiological factors. Unfortunately, there are many triggers in our environment that can either promote or suppress the actions of certain genes within cells. For example, you might have a tumor-suppressing gene built into your DNA that gets switched off by repeated exposure to pesticides, opening a gate for abnormal cell growth. How we live—what we eat, how active we are, how much alcohol we consume—impacts us at the cellular level.

Cancer is not primarily an inherited disease. Some people carry a mutated gene, but this does not mean they will automatically get cancer, it just means that the risk of getting cancer is increased. Cancer does involve the genes in cells, but that does not mean that cancer is always genetically inherited. Much is written about certain people being predisposed to cancer because of their family history. Many families who do not share the BRCA genes have a familial connection to cancer…meaning cancer seems to “run in their family.” However, when cancer does appear to run in families, it is more likely that there are other factors, such as diet, lifestyle, exposure to environmental toxins, and so forth, that those family members have in common which are contributing to the development of cancer.

If you have read my article It Is the Weak Tree That Comes down in a Hurricane, you will remember the need to fortify your tree. A moist tree does not burn in a fire, and a strong tree (your health and immune system) can help support your cells and prevent tumor growth. Most medical experts agree that, in fact, we all probably have cancer cells developing in each of us all the time, but our bodies are able to dispose of them before they rage out of control. Nature has provided the human body with the tools needed to prevent and fight cancer, it is known as the immune system and it needs your support to get the job done. If a healthy body can normally defend itself quite well against the development of cancer, why not do everything you can to keep that body healthy?

While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, one of the biggest myths about breast cancer is that we have no control over it. Certain lifestyle and environmental factors can change some normal genes into genes that allow the growth of cancer, while others can improve your odds for living cancer free. According to the American Cancer Society, about one third of the 550,000 American cancer deaths each year are linked to obesity, poor diet and inactivity which makes lifestyle one of the biggest contributors to cancer risk, and that’s something over which you have control. Significant risk reduction is an achievable goal. Living with cancer is difficult, living without it is grand.

Now that we understand that cancer is not some random act, what can we do to minimize our risk? Avoid the villains and embrace the soldiers.
Diet---Diet should be an important part of your anticancer strategy. The cellular level is where cancer begins and where nutrition exerts its effect. The right foods will help you prevent it, or if already diagnosed, will help you recover, protect your body during treatment, and help you avoid recurrence. The Mediterranean diet is recommended as it is rich in fish, olive oil, whole grains, vegetables, nuts and legumes. A high fiber, low fat diet lessens the likelihood that cancer cells will multiply or spread by reducing the amount of estrogen circulating in the blood. A healthy diet will support your immune system, crucial in fighting cancer. Recent science has recognized the critical role antioxidants and the immune system play in cancer prevention and in their ability to destroy cancers already present. The immune system, and specifically NK cells (natural killer cells), are able to attack and kill a wide variety of cells and patrol the circulatory system and organs of the body on an antigen seek-and-destroy mission, so keeping these super-soldiers in optimal fighting condition is necessary to beat cancer. Antioxidants protect cells and tissues and remove the free radicals created by exposure to radiation, chemicals, inflammation, etc. Scientists recognize the overwhelming importance of adequate nutrition to keep these systems running at peak efficiency in order to free your body of cancer. A lack of minerals and vitamins will decrease the activity of these soldiers and compromise the immune system. Please include a wide variety of anti-cancer foods as each nutrient plays its own role in the prevention of cancer.

To boost your immunity, consume foods rich in beta carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin) and vitamin C (citrus, bell peppers, broccoli) and Vitamin E (almonds are a great choice as they also help regulate blood sugar). Zinc is also helpful, so eat wheat germ and chickpeas. Avoid processed food, (including grains, sugars and meats), high fat meats and dairy, Trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Limit alcohol. Whenever possible, consider organic, especially for beef, chicken and certain fruits and vegetables known to be highly tainted with toxins (please visit www.foodnews.org for information regarding “the dirty dozen and clean 15”). For more information on foods to add to your diet, please read my article Eating to Cheat Cancer.

Exercise-- Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Experts think the effects of exercise on the body's hormone levels, immune function and body weight may play an important role. Obesity increases the body’s insulin levels and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) that have a growth promoting effect on cells, especially on cancerous cells. Being overweight also boosts the body’s estrogen levels, which research shows stimulates cell growth of estrogen sensitive breast cancer, and exercise helps to reduce excess estrogen from the body. Cancer thrives on fat as fat cells may inhibit the removal of potentially cancerous cells from the body. Further, recent studies have proven that overweight and obese women have higher levels of inflammation, which provides a cancer promoting environment in the body. Try to exercise for at least 30-45 minutes a day. Any exercise is better than none, but a brisk walk or run will give you more protection.

Green tea-- Green tea contains EGCG, an antioxidant that greatly decreases the advancement of breast cancer cells by hindering the growth of blood vessels in tumors and by preventing cancer cells from multiplying and migrating to other parts of the body. The catechins in green tea, and specifically EGCG, fix cell damage and halt free-radical damage. What’s more, green tea also has the advantage of increasing thermogenesis, a process which helps you burn fat and calories and therefore may help with weight management.

A few studies suggest that white tea is even better than green tea at preventing damage to cells that could lead to cancer. The key to reaping the potential health benefits of tea is consistency. Consumed regularly over many years, white and green teas can offer substantial protection against cancer. Combined with a mostly plant–based diet, the catechins in tea could have an even greater effect as all the plant chemicals work together. Consider drinking 2-3 cups a day, spaced out during the day for maximum protection.

Please…no milk in your tea and add hot, not boiling water as boiling water compromises the catechins. Brewed is best as bottled teas typically contain far fewer catechins.

Water— Water is a basic need for cellular health. Cells both contain and are surrounded by water. Water is needed to regulate all our bodily functions, including the ability of the kidneys to expel toxins from the body. In dehydration, cell membranes become less permeable, hampering the flow of hormones and nutrients into the cell and preventing waste products such as oxidants that cause cellular damage from exiting. Dehydration in cells is known to cause inflammation, and while not all inflammations cause cancer, it is a contributing factor, and in many cases, inflammation causes an already established cancer to grow and spread. The body's response to dehydration, when left unchecked, contributes to many other problems, including DNA damage, reduced efficiency of the DNA repair system, immune suppression, and irregular protein production in cells, which encourages cancer cell formation. Tap or bottled? This is a difficult question. Tap is loaded with toxic chlorine, fluoride and various other contaminants, and bottled is infused with BPA and is not guaranteed to be toxin-free. Water from a reputable spring is a great option, but not terribly available and while distilled is a great option, it usually comes in plastic bottles. However, it is imperative to stay hydrated. Therefore, my advice is to do your best, average out the perils and if juicing is part of your regime, you can safely reduce your water consumption.

Adequate sleep—Studies in Japan, England and the USA show that the risk of breast cancer increases by 60% for women who do not get a minimum of six hours sleep a night. Sleep deprivation adversely affects the white blood cell count in humans as well as the body’s ability to fight infections. Further, it is thought that the hormone melatonin plays a strong role in preventing tumors from developing as it can suppress estrogen, too much of which is known to promote the growth of breast cancers and is a contributing factor in 80% of all breast cancers. While you’re sleeping, you have less circulating estrogens, and the growth of breast cancer cells slows down. However, light interferes with melatonin release (since melatonin is secreted in response to a lack of light), allowing estrogen levels to rise, so it is important to avoid using night lights or any other light sources at night.

Reduce stress—Chronic, prolonged stress impairs the immune system. It causes the immune system to cease and desist in the task of tumor surveillance. Further, chronic stress leads to depression, which also suppresses the immune system. Stress cannot always be eliminated, but you can take steps to offset it or change the way you deal with it.
Avoid sugar—Sugar fuels cancer growth and triggers inflammation. Sugar, and the resulting increase of glucose in your body, devastates your immune system by turning off our natural killer cells, the cells that fight cancer. Glucose plays a major role in encouraging the growth and metastasis of cancer.

Avoid HCA’s— High heat reacts with the protein in red meat, poultry and fish to create chemicals (HCA’s) linked to cancer, especially of the colon and breast. When meat is grilled or fried, heterocyclic amines (HCA’S) form on the surface of the meat. However, marinating meats prior to grilling can help offset the creation of HCA’S, and rosemary can inhibit the formation of HCA’s significantly, so add chopped rosemary to your marinade. It is also helpful to remove excess fat from meats as well as poultry skins.

Eliminate toxins in the home--- Frequent use of common chemical cleaners may increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by as much as 50%. Commercial cleaners contain hormone disrupting chemicals that can increase estrogen levels. Use toxin free, natural cleaning products whenever possible. Avoid pesticides as women with high pesticide levels in their breast tissue have greater incidents of cancer. Avoid cosmetics that contain formaldehyde, parabens and phthalates (preservatives) which can impair your body’s cancer-fighting system. Mineral oil or liquid petroleum is a by-product in the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum based products and is known to increase the risk of cancer.

Limit radiation exposure—Radiation therapy to the chest raises breast cancer risk, beginning ten years after treatment and lasting forever. Avoid CT scans as they have been linked to the progression of cancer and are often performed needlessly. (Hospital ER’s often perform them routinely, perhaps for liability purposes, but question the necessity and refuse the test if not absolutely necessary)

Don’t smoke – Six million people quit smoking every year—by dying. Be proactive, don’t smoke.

Red wine-- Resveratrol, a compound in red grapes and red wine, stops the development of abnormal cells that can result in breast cancer. However, Alcohol consumption is linked to higher rates of breast cancer, so enjoy, but limit consumption.

Avoid artificial sweeteners—There is significant research linking artificial sweeteners and cancer. Consider stevia as a substitute.

Cancer may be curable someday, but why wait and take the risk. Today, cancer is largely avoidable. Lifestyle changes and nutritional support can help stop cancer at the cellular level, before trouble begins. I hope you will consider the above lifestyle changes and stop cancer before it starts.

A note for those facing cancer treatments: a change in lifestyle, including improved nutrition, may enhance traditional cancer therapy, and provide powerful support to protect the body during cancer treatments. Traditional cancer treatments can be extremely harmful to the body and can result in long-term repercussions. I believe that nutritional support and supplements can help offset the damage. Nutritional therapy helps your immune system to perform its job better while it supports your healthy cells and protects your body during the stress of cancer treatment. When nutritional therapy is added to your traditional cancer treatment plan, it can increase your chance of cure as well as the quality of life. However, a few words of caution. Do not take large doses of any vitamin, food supplement or herb without the knowledge of your oncologist as some of them can negate the effects of some treatments. In my next article I will further explain nutritional therapy and discuss specific foods supportive of the body during treatment.

To view my other articles, please visit http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/.

Elyn C. Jacobs
elyn@elynjacobs.com

EATING TO CHEAT CANCER

More than one third of Americans will develop cancer, but nearly two thirds will not. Research indicates that while we all carry cancer cells in us, most of have sufficient natural defenses to prevent these cells from becoming cancer. These defenses include our immune system, the ability of the body to control inflammation, and the nutrients in foods that reduce the growth of blood vessels needed by tumors to survive (angiogenesis) and support white blood cells known as natural killer cells (NK cells) which encourage cell death (apoptosis).
The cellular level is where cancer begins and where nutrition exerts its biggest effect. Fruits and vegetables contain not only vitamins and minerals, but also contain photochemical compounds that play key roles in the body. Phytochemicals aim to stop tumors at the harmless stage before they can develop into cancer. Therefore, a diet based on the regular intake of foods containing high levels of these compounds is a powerful weapon in the war against cancer. The daily consumption of anticancer nutrients is important as disabling cancer cells is a continuous job. Since we are constantly at risk for developing cancer, then we need a steady intake of nutrients to stop tumors at the harmless stage before they develop into cancer. Listed below are foods I recommend you have in your diet. No one food is a magic bullet, so try to incorporate a variety of these foods into your daily diet. The anticancer diet is quite simply a healthy diet that will help you to avoid not only cancer, but other life threatening and challenging diseases as well, and could put you in the healthy two-thirds.


Apples—Yes, there is much truth to the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. The apple’s high antioxidant count makes it a powerful cancer fighter and can significantly reduce the risk of developing several forms of cancer. The Flavonoid quercetin may prevent prostate cancer by blocking androgens, a hormone linked to prostate cancer. Apples slow the growth of breast cancer tumors and reduce the risk of colon cancer and liver cancer.

Artichokes—Artichokes contain high levels of antioxidants, specifically silymarin, known to protect against skin cancer.

Beans--Phytochemicals in beans have been shown to slow the growth of tumors and the fiber protects against some cancers.
Berries and Stone Fruits-- Blueberries are a delicious part of any anticancer diet, containing significant antioxidants. They are rich in phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which combat free-radical damage in the body and protect against cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis (cancer cell death). Raspberries and strawberries are antiviral and anticancer and promote apoptosis. Berries also stimulate the elimination of carcinogenic substances. Peaches, plums, cherries and nectarines contain phytochemicals such as polyphenols, annthocyanins, catechins, and flavonoids. These are all known to keep the immune system strong and protect against cancer.

Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, radishes)—Vegetables in this family have an amazing ability to suppress the development of cancer cells Cruciferous vegetables (and their ability to produce sulforaphane) slow the development of cancer by detoxifying carcinogenic substances. They help prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumors; they promote the suicide of cancer cells (apoptosis) and starve tumors of their blood supply (angiogenesis). Each member of this family has a unique set of abilities, so eat a variety. For example, collard greens are very high in lutein, which has been associated with a decreased risk of developing breast, lung, ovarian and colon cancers. Spinach, kale and mustard greens also contain significant amounts of lutein. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are exceptional sources of anticancer compounds.

Citrus Fruits—Oranges and other citrus fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. They also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver.

Dark Chocolate (cacao)—Dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa) contains a number of antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and many polyphenols. These molecules slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis.

Flaxseed—Although flax is mentioned in the Omega-3 section, it warrants its own section. Flaxseed is an excellent source of ALA (alpha linolenic acid); it contains immune-enhancing lignans, promotes tumor regression (inhibits tumor growth), apoptosis, and detoxification.

Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Shallots and Chives. The sulfur compounds in this group known as the Allium family slows the development of cancer by protecting against cancer cell growth and by offering protection from damage caused by carcinogenic substances. They promote cell death in colon, breast, lung and prostate cancer, as well as in leukemia.

Ginger—Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. It also helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels.

Green tea—Green tea is an exceptional source of anticancer compounds. It contains large amounts of catechins (flavanols), the heavyweights responsible for green teas’ anticancer activity, and of these catechins, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the key. The effects of EGCG are significant as studies have shown that it prevents the development of many tumors triggered by carcinogens and seems to be the leader in ability to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumor growth and metastases (angiogenesis). White tea is now coming into the spotlight and could, in fact, have the strongest anti-cancer potential of all teas (more about this later).

Herbs and spices—Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce their speed by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighboring tissues. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and can inhibit the formation of HCAS, the carcinogenic compounds that form when you cook protein, by 75% (so use chopped rosemary in your marinade). Parsley and celery contain an anti-inflammatory that promotes apoptosis and blocks angiogenesis.

Mushrooms—Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabella, oyster and yes, plain old button mushrooms support the immune system. Button mushrooms may also curb estrogen production, which is helpful in avoiding hormonal cancers such as breast cancer.

Nuts—Eating walnuts daily may help prevent breast cancer and thwart tumor growth because of their high levels of antioxidants, omega 3’s and phytosterols. Pecans and walnuts contain ellagic acid, which triggers apoptosis. Almonds also have cancer-fighting potential. Pistachios are high in antioxidants. Peanuts are a legume, not a nut, and should be avoided as they are often contaminated with aflatoxins, which are considered carcinogenic. While nuts have many redeeming qualities, they are high in fats and omega 6’s (more about this another time) so eat them sparingly.

Omega 3’s—Found in some fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and some vegetables—more and more studies suggest that omega 3’s play a key role in cancer prevention. Omega 3’s reduce cancer cell growth in tumors and help reduce the spread of tumors (metastases).

Pomegranates—Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants; the juice helps protect against skin, prostate, colon and breast cancers

Red grapes and wine—Resveratrol, a compound in red grapes and red wine, stops the development of abnormal cells that can result in breast cancer

Selenium rich foods.--Mixed nuts, seafood and whole grain wheat flour. Selenium is an element found in soil, and is most abundant in foods grown in organic conditions. Selenium stimulates immune cells and particularly natural killer cells (frequently referred to as NK cells) however, be aware that while selenium is protective in proper doses, too much can be toxic. Brazil nuts contain high levels of selenium, so eat just one or two a few times a week.

Spices--Mint, thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, ginger, cinnamon, oregano, tarragon are all powerful cancer fighters, fresh or dried, so eat a wide variety daily.

Turmeric and Curry. –Curcumin, the ingredient in turmeric used to make curries, can kill cancer cells by inhibiting the enzymes that cause inflammation in the body; it is the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory known. Curcumin induces cell suicide (apoptosis) in breast cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels in the body. Antiangiogenic agents literally starve the tumor of its blood supply.

Vegetables and fruits rich in Carotenoids —Carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots and beets contain vitamin A and Lycopene (a carotenoid), which inhibit the growth cells associated with many cancers. Picture lycopene surfing your body on a seek and destroy mission, mopping up free radicals (those unstable molecules that damage cells, cell membranes, and DNA). Carrots also help protect your skin from the solar damage that leads to skin cancer.


Elyn Jacobs
elyn@elynjacobs.com

AVOIDING CANCER, ONE VEGETABLE AT A TIME

The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives and that one third of all cancer deaths are related to dietary factors. Picture yourself at lunch with seven girlfriends; chances are that one of you will be affected. There is nothing simple about defeating cancer, but there are many simple ways to help avoid getting it in the first place. Physicians often do not have the time to educate patients sufficiently, so it is up to us as individuals to educate ourselves and adopt lifestyles consistent with cancer prevention. We are willing to spend considerable money and time to rid ourselves of a tumor, but we spend little to educate ourselves about ways of avoiding disease in the first place. Some dismiss cancer risks by thinking “this will never happen to me”, while others are reluctant to lifestyle changes seen as difficult to make. It’s your life and you should stop cancer before it stops you. The best defense against breast cancer is a good offense.
Food, glorious food, is the key to a strong defense. One of the biggest problems with the modern American diet today is that it typically involves a huge deficiency of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our diet has unfortunately developed around speed, ease and the profitability of the foods being sold; we have become a grab-and-go society. We want cheaper food. We want convenience. We do not want to shop daily, so we want foods with long shelf lives, leading to our consuming preservatives instead of fresh produce abundant with nutrients. Eating is not an act devoid of consequences; it is without a doubt the simplest, most basic and natural way to actively arm oneself against a demon as formidable as cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other important foods is essential to preventing cancer. Our nutritional status either weakens us, making us susceptible to the development of cancer, or strengthens our bodies’ defense mechanisms, enhancing our ability to prevent renegade cells from becoming tumors.
To learn more about the anticancer diet and its ability to prevent cancer, please read my blog “Eating to Cheat Cancer”

Elyn Jacobs
elyn@elynjacobs.com