Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and probably the most feared. Like most Western cultures, America is plagued by a high number of new cancer cases and deaths each year, an estimated 1.65 million new cases and 589,000 deaths are predicted for 2015 in the United States.1
Most cancer doesn't have to occur though. Lifestyle factors play a huge role in cancer risk. Alcohol, smoking, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, stress, infections, obesity, physical inactivity, and diet are responsible for 90%-95% of all cancers, while only 5%-10% are due to genetic defects.2 This is good news though because it empowers us as individuals to control our own destiny in regards to cancer risk.
You can cut your risk of cancer by 65%-85% by doing just three things—avoiding smoking, maintaining a normal body weight, and adopting a healthy diet.2 The diet best able to prevent cancer and obesity is a whole foods, plant-based diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts/seeds. The avoidance of all meat, dairy, eggs, and processed food is also crucial in preventing cancer.3-5
To learn more about cancer, check out the articles below. They contain information and resources on both lifestyle and conventional medicine to help you understand various options in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Preventing and Treating Breast and Prostate Cancer - Food vs Medicine
Breast Cancer Survivors Benefit From Healthy Lifestyles
The Lean Meat “Health Advice” is a Big, Fat Lie and It’s Keeping America Sick
9 Cancers That are Increased by Drinking Alcohol (Even in Moderation)
The Business of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (And How To Prevent Breast Cancer In The First Place)
Milk - It Does A Body Bad, Really Bad!
Cancer Answers - Treatment Options For Fighting Cancer
Breast Cancer Survival
A New Approach to Fighting Cancer
References:
1 Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2015. CA Cancer J Clin. 2015 Jan-Feb;65(1):5-29.
2 Anand P, Kunnumakara AB, Sundaram C, et al. Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes. Pharmaceutical Research. 2008;25(9):2097-2116.
3 Aune D, De Stefani E, Ronco AL, et al. Egg consumption and the risk of cancer: a multisite case-control study in Uruguay. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2009;10(5):869-76.
4 Aune D, De Stefani E, Ronco A, et al. Meat consumption and cancer risk: a case-control study in Uruguay. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2009 Jul-Sep;10(3):429-36.
5 van der Pols JC, Bain C, Gunnell D, et al. Childhood dairy intake and adult cancer risk: 65-y follow-up of the Boyd Orr cohort. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;86(6):1722-9.