Can I reduce my risk of getting cancer?

The new breast cancer project is a noble idea. Instead of focusing on cancer after it happens, scientists are finally starting to wonder if there might be something we can do to prevent it. Naturopaths have been trying for the last century to get us to focus on causes instead of afterthought.

Maybe the China Study has had something to do with this shift in focus. T. Colin Campbell conducted a major nutritional study in China that conclusively links diet and lifestyle with risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The China Study is a fascinating read.

It seems that the less fiber we eat and the more animal protein we enjoy, the higher our risk for the three major diseases that plague this country-cancer, vascular disease, and diabetes (Heart disease and stroke are both vascular diseases). The more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes we eat the lower our risk for these diseases.

Now that scientists can unravel our genes, they have discovered some fascinating stuff. Diet and lifestyle can actually turn genes on or off. They call this our genome, and it is something we actually have some power over. Our P-53 gene is a primary anti-cancer gene present in every cell. It is in charge of checking for damaged genes in the cell and repairing them. If we don't supply it with the right nutrients, adequate oxygenation, and hydration, it eventually turns off. When that happens cancer takes off. Cancer is made of damaged cells that don't have anything to turn them off.

So start including more plant based foods in your diet, drink two quarts of water everyday, and get moving. Also learn to relax. It's easier to prevent cancer than it is to cure it.