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Good Food: Prevent Cancer

Saturday, October 22, 2011 1:33:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers

By Rosalinda Flores-Martinez

It is known that cancer is a dreaded disease. The word deems to be scary as if thinking "I'm doomed," or "I'm going to die soon, if not tomorrow." These are the lines we often hear from cancer patients.

What is cancer?

It is a disease of the body cells and the microscopic units that form and repair tissues and organs that provide protein and energy-producing compounds the body needs to remain alive and healthy.

For many reasons, some known and other not - certain cells become cancerous, that is they suddenly develop abnormal growth pattern and reproduce uncontrollably. As cells multiply, they form lump or primary tumor. From this tumor cancer often travel through lymphatic system or the bloodstream to other parts of the body, and form tumor there, as well. This spreading and clumping of cancerous cells is known as metastasis.

During the times my mother struggled with cancer, she went into several medications and therapies to battle with the sickness. Some doctors say cancer is now curable, depending on the stage and how the body would respond to the therapies, medicines and/or surgery. She lived more than a year more eating the right foods and maintaining body glow and beauty. Thank God, for at least she became happy adjusting to the situation.

And of course, with all these and other factors, "God has the final word."

Dr. Gerardo Cornelio and Dr.Roa (San Juan de Dios Hospital, Daughters of Charity) were the doctors attending to my parent, with my Mom's family doctors Dr. Evalyn Roxas (Philippine General Hospital/Ospital ng Maynila) and Dr. Glibenette Panlaqui, (skin specialist) among others.

Prevention

Prevention is very important because modern treatment have not significantly altered survival rates for the most common cancers. Evidence bases on extensive research indicates that certain environmental factors or agent do indeed increase the risks that cancer may develop by avoiding such agents which are labeled carcinogenic or cancer causing.

These materials can cause cancer:

Vinyl chloride, asbestos and benzene
Tobacco is known to be a potent carcinogen
Various forms of energy such as x-rays and ultraviolet radiation of the sun are also carcinogenic

Certain studies suggest that particular foods and nutrients may be helpful in reducing the odds of getting cancer. For example there is an evidence, that high-fiber food such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grain cereals offer protection against cancer.

Vitamin A and C appear to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Vitamin A found naturally in orange, yellow and dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach has been credited to provide protection against cancers of the lungs, esophagus, stomach and larynx.

People who regularly eat vegetables such as brussel sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage develop few cancers of the digestive and the respiratory systems.

Let us help prevent cancer by eating the right foods. Live healthy and be safe!

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