With over a 100 types of cancers able to affect any part of the body, about 13% of all deaths worldwide were caused by the disease in 2004. Generally treated by surgery, radiation therapy and cancer drugs such as antineoplastic agents, a third of all cancers could be cured if they are detected early and treated well. And with about a one-third of all cancer cases being preventable, there’s a realization to stress more on this cost-effective way of tackling cancer.

Some foods, such as fruits and vegetable are thought to aid prevention of cancer. And many studies have found such links as follows.

Vegetables, Fruits and Prostate Cancer

A review published in the “Molecular Nutrition and Food Research,” Feb 2009 issue supports the claim that an intake of a high vegetable diet can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The protective mechanism is believed to be include antioxidants that shield the DNA and healthy cell against damage.

In a related study published in the “International Journal of Cancer, March 2004,” those who consumed most fiber particularly from vegetable sources ran a moderately lower risk of being affected by the disease.

Vegetables, Fruits and Colon Cancer

An analysis published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2007, suggested that while consumption of fruits and vegetables isn’t strongly associated with the overall colon cancer risk, there’s a possibility of a lower risk at the distal colon or the left-hand side of the colon.

Vegetables, Fruits and Cervical Cancer

An article appearing in the journal “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,2002,” showed that women whose diets were high in vegetables cut their rates of long-lasting HPV infections by half. Thus indirectly decreasing the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Vegetables, fruits and Cancer Drugs

A study released by the Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Mar 2009, found that compounds extracted from green vegetables like broccoli and cabbage could be used to make effective cancer drugs against melanoma – a type of a skin cancer. Trials conducted on mice showed that these compounds targeted tumors more safely and effectively than conventional treatments.

While many studies support the role of fruits and vegetables in preventing cancer, many don’t. For instance, no link found between eating fruits and vegetables and a decreased risk for breast cancer (JAMA, Jan 2005), or a high intake of fruit and vegetables isn’t linked to a decreased risk of cancer (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Nov 2004), and more.

All in all, the link between vegetables, fruits and cancer seems to be and as the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests, is that eating more vegetables and fruits lowers the risk for some types of cancers.

If prostate cancer is becoming a concern for men, women are not in peace with breast cancer, which dries up the source of joy of thousands of women every year, rich and poor. In fact, breast cancer is not new, although its incidence seems increasing. In the 5th century BC, Atossa, the queen of Persia, had fought in vain against her breast cancer. Tears in her eyes, in excruciating pain, surrounded by family and friends, she had to say goodbye to power and wealth to an endless journey.

Despite the progress of medical science, the frequency of breast cancer is increasing every day around the world. He is the most common cancer in women. One woman out of twelve will be affected by breast cancer during her lifetime, according to several medical statistics. The disease becomes so popular to the point that a large majority of women are afraid to undergo a mammogram. Women of all classes feel concerned about breast cancer. Billions of dollars are spent in studies, but the causes are still poorly understood, healing is hypothetical.

To increase their chance of being cured of breast cancer, some victims turn to alternative treatments. Either alone or along with the conventional treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonotherapy, surgery, etc.) every day more and more women use natural medicine to fight breast cancer. If you are one of them, this article will be an additional weapon in your war against breast cancer.

Is there an alternative way to eradicate breast cancer besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

Immunotherapy – is a type of therapy consists of stimulating the normal defenses (immune reactions) of the body to fight or protect the body against pathogenic attack, including the development of cancer cells. Immunotherapy is not new as many may think; however, in the past, physicians believed that the immune system fought only against bacterial and viral attacks. About 100 years ago, Dr. William Coley has demonstrated that it can cure or control the proliferation of cancer cells by injecting vaccine that strengthens the immune system. However, the theory was not so appreciated by the medical elite.

After years of studies, researchers have found that the immune system plays an essential role in protecting the body against cancer. Studies have also shown that patients who have a strong immune system not only more likely to be cured from breast cancer but also to reverse the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. That is, your chance to be healed depending largely on the health of our immune system.

How can you boost your immune system naturally?

There are many supplements, If taken regularly and as recommended, that can  give you the immune system of a child. Some of them include:

Lignans – Lignans are non steroidal compounds of the family of phytoestrogens (also known as dietary estrogens) found in large quantities in fruits and vegetables, soy, flaxseed and grains. They have preventive and curative effects on breast cancer, according to new studies conducted by a group of French and German doctors in premenopausal women with breast cancer and healthy premenopausal women. It seems that lignans affect the breast tissue by blocking the synthesis and movement of female hormones, preventing tumor development. The medical elite do not confirm these studies yet; if you are a cancer victim, however, you can increase your lignans intake.

Ellagic acid – ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant present in many fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts, pecans, grenades, etc. Researchers have found that Ellagic acid may inhibit or slow the development of cancer cells. It is also suggested that ellagic acid can help reduce heart disease, liver problems, and birth defects. However, to get satisfying results, this supplement must be taken with a diet rich in fruits and cruciferous vegetables.

Astragalus – Astragalus propinquus (or simply Astragalus) has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to strengthen the body against diseases including but limited to colds, upper respiratory infections, heart disease, lower blood pressure, diabetes, liver problems, and many types of cancer. Astragalus has been shown in medical studies to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antiviral and diuretic properties. Using it regularly as recommended, Astragalus can not only prevent or eradicate cancer cells, but also a wide range of other ailments.

Graviola – also known as sour, Brazilian Paw Paw, Guanábana, Graviola boosts the immune system, reverses some chemotherapy side effects, and enhances the effectiveness of other cancer remedies. Thus, it is recommended to take it with other supplements.

Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) – Ip6 is another supplement you can take to fight breast, colon, and prostate cancer. For more details on these supplements and other natural remedies, visit breastcanceralternative.com, or click on the link in About  Author below.