By Tanveer Maqbool

This cancer originates in immature nerve cells and is the most common cancer among children and infants with an estimated 650 new cases annually in the United States only. This is a neuroendocrine tumor that arises from neural crest element of the SNS (sympathetic nervous system). Most often it occurs in one of the adrenal glands but can also develop in the nerve tissues of neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.

Symptoms of neuroblastoma

This cancer has vague symptoms in its initial stage that makes the diagnosing task really difficult. At later stages it has these signs:

* Loss of appetite
* Joint pain
* Fatigue, weakness
* Swollen tummy and constipation due to the presence of a tumor, if it affects abdominal region
* Breathing problems due to tumor in chest nerves
* Tumor in bone around the eyes can cause noticeable swelling and bruising
* Pallor from anemia can be caused due to infiltration of the bone
* Inability to walk, stand or crawl because of the presence of tumor on spinal cord
* Pain in legs and hips or limping due to bone lesions in that area

Rare symptoms are:

* Ataxia ( in 1.3 percent of the cases)
* Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (1.3 percent of cases)
* Treatment-resistant diarrhea (4 percent)
* Homer's syndrome (2.4 percent)
* Hypertension(1.3 percent of the cases)
* Transverse myelopathy (tumor spinal cord compression) that occurs in 5 percent of the total neuroblastoma cases.

What are the causes of neuroblastoma?

It is really important to be well-informed about the major causes of this cancer of the nervous system. It is not clearly understood why it affects a person. It can be caused due to various factors such as:

* Genetic history
* Exposure to chemicals in some industries
* Excessive alcohol intake
* Smoking
* Drug and some medications taken by the mother during pregnancy
* Infection
* Hormones
* Fertility drugs
* Hair dyes
* Atopy

How is neuroblastomy diagnosed?

Several techniques are used to detect this cancer. These are:

* Imaging
* Biochemistry
* Screening
* Imaging

Neuroblastoma is diagnosed with the mIBG scan (meta-idobenzylguanidine) that is carried out in 90 to 95 percent of all neuroblastoma patients. mIBG is done on sympathetic neurons which reveals the presence of tumor there.

Biochemistry

There is an increased level of catecholamine or their metabolites in the blood or the urine in 90 percent of the patients affected by neuroblastomy. So it is a strong indication of the presence of this cancer. Dopamine, VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) and HVA (homovanillic acid) are included in catecholamine and their metabolites.

Screening

Healthy infants with no symptoms of neuroblastomy are given a screening test at three weeks, six months and one year in many developed and health conscious countries since 1980. But recently it was not practiced in some parts of the world due to zero reduction in the deaths caused by neuroblastoma. Among the infants, it made diagnosis that would have gone without treatment of any sort. But the children were operated on with surgery or chemotherapy unnecessarily.

How to treat neuroblastomy?

At beginning, when the tumor is not widely spread, this cancer is quire curable with long-term positive results and a high survival rate. These are the options to treat this disease:

* Chemotherapy
* Radiation therapy
* Differentiation agent isotretinoin (also known as 13- cis-retinoic acid)
* Stem cell transplant
* Immunotherapy
* Anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody therapy

The combination of all these is termed as multi model therapy. The cancer treatment depends upon the age of the child, the severity level of the cancer, genetic factors and microscopic appearance.

By Anabel BL Fisher

Radiation side effects are often the result of what we call radiation therapy or simply radiotherapy. It is the use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer or control the spread of cancer cells. Combined with surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy, radiotherapy becomes more effective. In some way, most common cancer types can be treated with radiotherapy.

The therapy works by damaging the cancerous cells' DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid caused by photon. Due to cell mechanism of repairing damaged DNA with a single-strand, then double-stranded breaks are being undertaken to cause the death of cells. This technique, long time since, has been proven.

The treatment or therapy is painless and some results to minimal or no radiation side effects. However, this refers to low doses only. Inducing high doses may produce side effects depending on the patient's response. While some are predictable and others are expected negative effects, these are always limited to the patient's body area which is undergoing the treatment.

In the modern times, the main goal is to only experience very little such effects. Some reported bad effects include skin irritation and fatigue. For the skin irritation, it might look like a mild sun burn. On the other hand, the fatigue is usually felt in the middle of the treatment which can last for weeks or until the treatment end.

The above mentioned are just mild. There are acute side effects of radiation which can damage the human body. Severe skin breakdown may happen. Also, ulceration in the mouth and throat maybe felt by the patient and this can affect swallowing and eating.

Infertility is another one. Remember that the ovaries and testicles are parts of the reproductive system that is very sensitive to radiation.

Unlike other therapy treatment that gradually lessens until totally removed and healed after the treatment sessions, radiation therapy has late sub effects. Though limited to the area that has been treated, these effects occur because of the damaged blood vessels and other connective tissues. Loss of hair occur, dryness is felt, heart disease risk, and other cumulative sub effects.

Let us take prostate cancer for instance. New technologies emerge and this means that it can be dealt with more effectively and efficiently than in the previous times. More men are developing the illness and are experiencing the problems. However, with the treatment comes some unwanted effects and it can be daunting to patients who has to undergo the therapy because it brings more problems than expected.

Impotence is one of the most frustrating effects. The sexual drive might still be there but there will be difficulty in erection or the person might not be able to maintain it. Incontinence is another embarrassing bad effect. The extent of damage could vary on the incontinence problems.

Radiation side effects should always be given proper consideration and immediate action before any undertaking is done. It is because we can never bring back all the loss once the therapy has started to damage areas of the body as well as its functions and performance.

By Helena Reimer

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the western world. It tends to rob the lives not only of the elderly, but the young people as well. Chemotherapy and radiation are common treatments, however, the side effects can be devastating for the individual and therefore, many are turning to alternative therapies.

Reishi mushroom is one of the remedies in alternative therapy that can help fight cancer. In addition, the medicinal mushroom is available in a supplement form, which can be taken in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments to lessen the side effects.

Prevents Further Spreading

Cancer begins with a small tumor, which then grows as it gains more strength. Reishi has been shown to effectively halt the cells from duplication, and thereby stop the spreading of the cancer into other parts of the body. Research has shown that Reishi can cause the cancer cells to commit suicide in prostate and lung cancers.

Builds Up The Immune System

Reishi mushrooms have shown to be very effective in building up the immune system, which in turn can help in fighting cancer. The immune system is often weakened by an overload of toxins and other harmful substances. Reishi contains powerful antioxidants that are effective in removing those substances, so that the immune system can make a full recovery, and thereby stop the spreading of cancer.

Reduces Symptoms of Conventional Treatments

Cancer patients receiving conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation in most cases suffer from side effects such as hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and infections. When Reishi is taken in combination with the conventional treatments, however, the negative side effects can be reduced. It can also help to reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for the patients.

Reishi has been shown to be effective against liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate and lung cancers. However, it is a strong herbal remedy which can have mild side effects when taken regularly for more than three months. Therefore, after three months, it should be stopped for a month before continuing to take it again in order to avoid the side effects. The side effects include an upset stomach, dizzy spells, dryness in the mouth and throat, as well as itching.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should speak to their doctor before taking Reishi. Those who are allergic to mushrooms, are also advised not to take Reishi, unless otherwise instructed by a physician.

By John Hayes Jr

Cancer brings many challenges into the lives of your patients...

Treatment options...

Disruption of normal activities...

Fear, anxiety and depression...

When treating your cancer and post chemotherapy peripheral neuropathy patients, it's easy to become focused on just the disease itself and the symptoms. But don't overlook their emotional and psychological issues. These can be as debilitating as the disease itself and seriously affect treatment outcomes if not addressed.

Depression caused by chronic pain and frustration can derail an otherwise successful course of treatment.

When treating your cancer patients, strive to become a one stop shop for addressing not only their post chemotherapy peripheral neuropathy and other physical side effects from treatment, but also a great resource for supportive services and information that can provide a tremendous benefit to your cancer patients.

Help them address some of the serious obstacles to successful treatment that most health care professionals don't think about.

Patient Information Resources1

Make your office the one place your cancer patients know they can go to for current patient information and education about cancer treatment options, specific types of cancer, long and short term side effects of their chosen course of treatment. When preparing your patient information materials, include education on cancer diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, treatment side effects from chemotherapy or radiation and questions they should ask their doctors. Provide them with a list of local resources that are available to assist them with the challenges they face as a cancer patient.

Support for Lifestyle Changes

A cancer diagnosis can mean serious lifestyle changes for your cancer patients. Smokers will probably have to quit smoking; athletes will have to curtail some of their physical activity; patients who live alone may have to stay with family members while undergoing treatment. All of these changes can lead to serious emotional issues. Provide counseling to your cancer and post chemotherapy neuropathy patients on dealing with these lifestyle changes proactively. Provide tips on what they should expect and the best ways to handle these short term challenges.

Don't Be Afraid to Talk About Money

For cancer patients with no insurance or even less than adequate insurance, a cancer diagnosis can be especially devastating. They may forego necessary prescriptions or even skip appointments. When trying to pay for their cancer treatment, they may find it difficult to even pay for the most basic necessities of life. Become familiar with programs in your area that can assist your cancer patients with paying for medications, providing home health assistance, or even services that can help them with transportation to and from their health care providers.

Any assistance will help. Fighting cancer is hard enough without the added worry of financial issues. Just knowing that there are resources available to help might ward off the serious depression that can make recovery that much more difficult.

Keeping Track of Medical Information2

When a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or other treatment for cancer, they have mountains of information to keep track of. They need to monitor when to take their medication, how to take it, keep up with medical appointments, monitor their symptoms, and make note of any and all side effects their experience. They need to keep a written record of everything. Provide them with a record book or specific forms to make it easier for them to write everything down and keep it in one place. It will not only make it easier for your cancer patient to manage their medical information, it will make it much easier for you just having all their notes together in one place.

By providing all these additional support services to your cancer and post chemotherapy peripheral neuropathy patients, your practice will become their go to health care provider for information and support. Two things that they desperately need and will greatly appreciate.

When you are ready to provide these services, let them know you're there to help them.
For more tips on growing a successful chiropractic, physical therapy or pain management practice, log on to http://perfectpracticeweb.com to download a FREE E-Book Copy of my 5 star Amazon "Living and Practicing by Design".

By RP Bhalla

If an immediate breakthrough is not made to check environmental pollution, toxicity will remain one of our main concerns in this century. There are several factors contributing to the development of toxins in the human body such as stronger chemicals, water, air pollution, and radiation.

The proper way of eliminating these toxins is very important to the health of a person. Although the body can handle certain amount of toxins, it is always necessary to think of reduction or elimination in case excess toxin production and food intake occurs. Of course, in the end you will be benefited with a well-working and stronger immune system to prevent diseases from attacking you. You will live a much healthier and satisfying life.

Many people are ingesting new chemicals, using all kinds of drugs, eating more sugar as well as refined foods. And abusing themselves with various sedatives and stimulants leading to an increased incidence of acquiring diseases as well.

This has now become the No.1 Cause for Cancer, around the world.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die.

Here you will learn why most conventional cancer treatments fail and always will. The medical industry spends billions of dollars every year yet the solution is nowhere in sight. And conventional cancer therapy offers no detoxification treatments.

There are virtually hundreds of natural, non-toxic therapies that have benefited thousands of people after conventional treatment has failed. It makes sense that the fewer unnatural toxins we put in our bodies, the better our bodies will function. Physicians with expertise on nature cure will determine the health problem and prescribe one or a combination of natural supplements and remedies to treat the problem free of toxins.

Nature Cure will provide the answers to what makes a healthy diet for your wellness. Dietary supplements are suggested for ways to treat what ails you but will also be recommended for overall health so you can prevent some of the illnesses we get from ignoring healthy habits.

A list of healthy foods and herbs that many knowledgeable nutritionists and researchers have determined will improve your chances of preventing cancer. If you are at risk due to family history or your own health condition, check with your own physician and find out their suitability. Remember, it is possible that many physicians may not be fully informed on using food instead of medication to fight most diseases.

To live a long, healthy life, alternative medicine may be the best way to get you there even if it may mean changing your lifestyle. It will probably mean adopting new ways in your dietary habits and how to do a few simple exercises.

You will be surprised how many legitimate wellness options are available to you should you choose to live a life, free of cancer.

By Lin Elliott

Is the medical profession doing enough to help cancer survivors live a full and happy life?

Once they (the medical profession) have slashed/burnt and poisoned you, it seems as long as you're alive, that's okay by them. The quality of that life and the late effect problems encountered, seem to receive very little attention, certainly not the sort of attention that should reflect the often chronic and devastating effects survivors are facing. You are on your own, left without support, scared, often in pain and not knowing which way to turn.

The impression is, that once the job is done (we are still alive with no apparent cancer), we simply get tossed back to our family GP who is left trying to cope with undocumented and complicated chronic issues. Part of the problem appears to be that no one wants to admit cancer treatments can cause the sort of late effect problems patients are left with. There is a closing of ranks around the issue, which is somewhat scary and very frustrating if you happen to be the patient.

Being sent from one specialist to the next, to get a diagnosis, is not uncommon. No single medical professional, wants to start naming names and pointing fingers towards the treatments as a cause. This leaves patients feeling like we somehow must be imagining it, or that we are odd or unusual in some way but that is not the case. Recent research by the University of Michigan, for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, shows that more than 40% of cancer survivors are in chronic pain.

Survivor's like Lance, whose Live Strong campaign is shining a light on quality of life issues, is a start but we all need to get on board this train. We need to stop pretending that it's okay, that it was a fair trade and we are fine with it. In some people, one life threatening condition has simply been swapped for another life threatening condition OR more frequently, for a life altering and disabling one.

There are an alarming number of survivors (and I use this word in the sense that we have survivor cancer treatments'), who need our issues taken seriously. Many of us are left to find our own way forward. Our family doctors can hand out a few pills but many of us are turning to alternative treatments and therapy to make life bearable. Some are quietly suffering in pain because they cannot take the hypochondriac label that is being hung around their neck, or they are self medicating with drink and or drugs.

This has to change!

We are all still people; we do not want to beg for someone to listen, for someone to actually hear what it is we are dealing with on a day-to-day basis. We need support. We need the cancer professionals to turn some of their attention to what is happening to us because of their treatments. We need them to acknowledge the damage done both long and late-term to our radiated bodies or to the damaging effects chemo has on our Central Nervous Systems and Brains. We need them to start taking some responsibility for what they are doing, not just to our cancer, but to US the people behind the cancer.

We have to stop looking at this as a fight against cancer, because that is a fight against ourselves and any fool can see that is a no brainer. We need to change how we look at cancer and how we treat the people who have it.

It is simply not acceptable to eradicate cancer cells at any cost and then wash your hands of the consequences'.

Now I ask you, do YOU think that the medical profession is doing enough to help cancer survivors lead a full and happy life?

By Anna W

Creating a list of raw foods for cancer patients should consist of foods that fight cancer. Raw food diet means eating leafy greens, colorful veggies and fruits that are consumed raw or at low temperature using a dehydrator. It should helps in the transition you are about to make. When you first start out on a raw food diet.

It may take some time and be challenging to transform completely to a raw food diet. The body must adjust to eating foods that energizes. The good news is that you are on your way to a healthier eating lifestyle that rejuvenate the cells.

Raw food recipes taste so good that you may never want to eat cooked foods. To help you get started, here are a list of raw foods that are recommended. You can make delicious smoothies, burrito, taco, salad, ice cream, soup, mousse, and more. Please select and eat only "organic and support your local farm". Conventional produce have treated chemicals that are undesirable to cancer patients.

Vegetables:

romaine salad, broccoli, asparagus, kale, chard, spinach,, tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, beets, garlic, ginger, onions, cauliflower. tomatoes, avocados

Fruits:

apple, mangoes, bananas, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit,, grapes, pineapples, papaya, pears, lemons, limes, coconuts, cherries, dates, currants

Nuts:

Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cashews, pumpkin seeds

Grains

buckwheat groats, quinoa, millet, brown rice, oats

Oil and Vinegar:

flaxseed oil, olive oil, hemp oil, apple cider vinegar

Sea Plants:

kelp, nori

Sweeteners:

raw honey, Stevia, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, molasses

Others

cocoa powder, cacao, coconut flakes, coconut milk, coconut fat

Sprouting grains and seeds are beneficial, because foods are eaten with live enzymes and nutrients. You can sprout your own grains such as oats, wheat berry, or buckwheat groats and make crackers, taco, and burrito skin, and more.

Preparing meals with the list of raw foods are simply delicious. Home made ice cream, sushi, chocolate cream cake, mousse, tacos, lasagna....just to name a few taste better than conventional foods. It is filling, healthy, full of fiber, and helps the body build up the immune system naturally.

Many health related illness can be cured and there are testimonials from people who have regained their health. Just by changing the diet and making delicious recipes make you wonder why do people still cook.

The article is written for educational purpose only. If you are concerned about your health and diet, please consult a doctor who specializes in alternative or holistic treatment.

By Dmitry Fedosev

Cancer treatment can have a negative impact on your immune system and this is why you need to find ways to enhance it. This will help you fight the disease and restore your health. There are various practical steps that you can take including using Beta Glucan to enhance your health. The medication that is used to fight the disease is very strong therefore you need Bill Henderson cancer advice about how to take care of yourself to make the treatment more effective.

Proper Nutrition
One of the things you should do after your diagnosis is to pay attention to what you eat. According to Bill Henderson cancer, the foods you eat will determine how good your immune system is. When you have this disease, your diet needs change because you require more energy to handle the treatment. This means that you will need additional calories and proteins compared to a healthy individual. If you are not sure about the most appropriate foods to include in your diet, you need to consult your doctor. A dietitian can help you come up with some recipes to make it easy for you to get the nutrition required. You can also use some Beta Glucan to supplement the food you eat. Supplements ensure that you get the recommended nutrients each day and this works to enhance your immune system. Foods that are rich in protein are necessary because they help to rebuild the tissues damaged during the treatment. During the treatment, you may suffer from loss of appetite therefore you should eat as much as possible when you can.

Exercise
Apart from the good nutrition and taking Beta Glucan, you also need to exercise when you have cancer. This is one of the best ways to improve your immune system. Moderate exercises have a positive effect on your immune system and exercising helps to increase the production of white blood cells in people who have cancer. It is also a great choice because it improves your mood which is very important because the treatment can have a dampening effect. Your doctor can advise you on the number of days that you should exercise each week and the intensity of the physical activities depending on your condition.

Stress Reduction
Stress is one of the things that have a negative effect on the immune system therefore you need to find ways to reduce it. You can use Bill Henderson cancer stress reduction tips to improve your situation. Most of the treatment centers have started to offer stress reduction therapies. The therapies are used in combination with radiation and chemotherapy to make the treatment more effective. Some of the techniques used for relaxation in the centers include yoga, visualization and meditation. You can discuss about including these techniques in your treatment program with your doctor. This is essential because the treatment can affect an affect you emotionally when your body starts to change as a result of the medication offered.

By Alain Lafeuillade

There is a mixed bag of news when it comes to HIV associated cancers. While the instances of AIDS-defining cancers, or the cancers typically associated with AIDS progression: Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and invasive cervical cancer, have decreased, instances of other types of cancers in HIV infected patients has increased, resulting in a virtual offset. Nonetheless, progress has been made when it comes to longevity in HIV patients. Highly active antiretroviral therapy has improved quality of life for HIV-infected patients, including lengthening life expectancy and reducing the risk of AIDS progression. While this is good news, what isn't good news is the noticeable increase in other types of cancers.

Between 1991 and 1995, about 34,000 cases of AIDS-defining cancers were present in HIV-infected patients; this number dropped to around 10,000 ten years later (between 2001 and 2005). This is a positive indication of the antiretroviral medication working and helping to delay the progression from HIV to AIDS. However, the instances of other cancers skyrocketed. About 3,000 cases of other cancers were found in HIV patients from 1991 to 1995; that number jumped to 10,000 cases ten years later. Since 2003, the number of non-AIDS-defining cancers has exceeded the number of AIDS-defining and HIV associated cancers. While some of this can be attributed to the general aging of the population, it doesn't explain it entirely.

Those with HIV infection are highly susceptible to cancers that are not AIDS-defining or HIV associated cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma, anal cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer. About half of all cancers diagnosed in HIV patients between 2001 and 2005 are one or more of these four cancers. In fact, there were eight times more anal cancers, twice as many lung cancers, twice as many Hodgkin lymphomas, and five times as many liver cancers diagnosed in HIV patients between 2001 and 2005 as opposed to 1991 to 1995.

There is indeed an increase in persons over age 40, and cancer tends to show up more often at older ages. That notwithstanding, the overall number of HIV associated cancers decreasing is a good sign that the current medical treatments to fight HIV are working in some capacity. While research continues to progress toward a potential cure, the treatments currently available have improved and lengthened the lives of many people who are living every day with HIV. This is an important point to remember. However, the number of non-HIV associated cancers increasing is something to recognize and be aware of.

By Alan Wighton

It is highly recommended that anyone who's been diagnosed with cancer and wants to be proactive in helping overcome their problem, that they turn to a mainly alkaline food intake as opposed to acid food. Every food item we eat is classified as either alkaline or acid and a recommended ratio is 80 percent of our intake should be alkaline with the other 20 percent can be acid.

The alkaline acid ratio is measured on the pH scale which ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral. The letters pH stands for potential of hydrogen. The lower end of the scale being acidic with the upper reading of 7 to 14 being more alkaline. It is measured from body fluids and the easiest being a saliva test which can be done at home using a kit which contains litmus paper and a chart to get a result. It's a simple five minute test that anyone can do.

The typical western diet now days is far too high in acid producing foods such as animal products which are meat, eggs and dairy and it's also far too low in alkaline producing foods like freshly grown fruit and vegetables. The simple solution to correct an overly acid body is to make changes to the diet and lifestyle.

An acidic body will also decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients which are essential in maintaining our health. A high acid intake is known to cause ill health, including diseases such as cancer as well as early aging. But when an ideal ratio is maintained, the body has a strong resistance against all diseases and can also help you return to health.

Some examples of acid forming foods are; bread make from refined white flour, cakes and other baking also made from white flour, pasta, cheese, ice cream and butter, jams and jellies, peanuts, bacon, beef, alcohol and soft drinks. All acid forming foods are not necessary bad, it's just our diet is out of balance and if you are dealing with any serious health problem it's essential to look carefully at your diet.

A list of more alkaline foods are; watermelon, apples, apricots, bananas(ripe), dates, lettuce, peaches, peas, pumpkin, beans, broccoli, grapes, potatoes, honey and most citrus fruit. It's important to remember that the changes you make to a more alkaline diet will improve your health. A fully list of alkaline acid food is easily found on line by typing in those two words.

While cancer has many causes the most influential cause is what we eat everyday because the state of our health is directly related to our dietary choices. Our diet has changed over the last 50 years and most of what we eat is now available in supermarkets and supermarkets have an overwhelming influence on what we buy. Much of what's available in supermarkets is processed and because of its processing is low in nutritional value and that is without question, the reason why there is so much cancer now.

It makes a lot of sense, if you are dealing with cancer that the first and the most important change you make is with the food you eat and that you select from a more alkaline range. Also make sure it's fresh, preferably in season and that it has minimal interference by man.

By Ellen Berces

There are anti-cancer tips to help protect yourself and your family from the disease. Making healthy food choices, the beverages you drink and lifestyle habits may reduce your risk of getting cancer.

About one-third of all cancer deaths may be related to what we eat. Good nutrition promotes good health. Here are seven simple guidelines to help people eat a healthy diet.

Eat a Variety of Foods. it is important to eat a variety of foods each day to provide the nutrients a person needs. No one food can provide a complete nutritious diet. Food choices are fruits and vegetables, whole cereals, lean meats, poultry without skin, fish, dry peas and beans, low-fat dairy products.

Limit saturated fat and avoid trans-fat. The total amount of fat you eat, whether high or low, isn't really linked with disease. What really matters is the type of fat you eat. Saturated fats are found in animal products and processed foods, such as meats, dairy products, chips, and pastries. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are found in foods such as nuts, avocados, and olives. They are liquid at room temperature and differ from saturated fats in that their chemical structure contains double bonds.

Trans fat is created through a process called hydrogenation. More recently, University of Maryland researched Dr Mary Enig proved in 1978 that the increased cancer rates were directly associated with total fat intake and vegetable fat intake but not with consumption of animal fat. Dr Enig, who is a consultant clinician, specialising in nutrition has since spent the last 25 years warning of the dangers of trans fats and the relative safety of animal fats.

Foods that usually contain high levels of trans fats: Pastries and cakes French fries (unless fried in lard / dripping) Doughnuts Cookies / biscuits Chocolate Margarine Shortening Fried chicken Crackers Potato chips

Eat foods with adequate starch and fiber. A high fiber diet may reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. It is now known that people can inherit the risk of developing colon cancer, but diet is important, too. There is a very low rate of colon cancer in residents of countries where grains are unprocessed and retain their fiber.

Avoid too much sugar. When you eat a lot of sugar, your body produces a lot of insulin. Insulin is a natural substance made by the body. Insulin can tell cells to grow. However, cancer cells can be encouraged to grow more, too, when our bodies produce too much insulin. So while some insulin in the body is normal, excess insulin may encourage cancer cells to grow more, which is not a good thing.

Avoid too much sodium. Our kidneys regulate the amount of sodium kept in our bodies. When levels are too high, it gets passed through our urine. But "if your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood," so we retain fluid, which increases blood volume. Along with cardiovascular risks, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that salted foods can increase cancer risks. A possible factor in this increase is the presence of nitrate and nitrite preservatives in salted foods.

Avoid alcoholic drinks. Heavy drinking combines with smoking is associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and liver. This may be because alcohol can act as a solvent, helping harmful chemicals in tobacco to get into the cells lining the digestive tract. Alcohol may also slow down these cells' ability to repair DNA damage caused by chemicals in tobacco.