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While it may be true that heredity and genetics play a role in the development of cancer, experts say that 70 percent or more cases can be prevented. Even people genetically predisposed can do a great deal to offset the adverse effects of unfortunate DNA codes.

Aside from quitting cigarettes and avoiding second-hand smoke, here are my top 10 recommendations for cancer prevention.

Kill or Control Fungus in the Body

While it is not common knowledge yet, fungus contamination in the body causes cancer, especially cancer of the breast and prostate. Whether we call it yeast, candida, mold, or fungus, thousands of research articles compiled by Dr. A.V. Costantini show a direct correlation between cancer and fungi.

This subject has also been written about by various authors, including Dr. William Crook, who wrote The Yeast Connection (Vintage, 1986), and Jeanne Marie Martin, with whom I wrote The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook (Random House, 2000). Consult a natural health practitioner for an individualized program that controls this microbe.

Eat Vegetarian as Often as Possible

Studies show that eating more vegetables and less meat significantly reduces your risk of cancer. The December 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that a maximum of 0.73 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily may reduce markers of cancer risk. Try to eat at least five servings of vegetables daily, especially cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, which support liver detoxification enzymes and deactivate carcinogenic toxins.

Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates–a cancer cell’s best fuel. Instead, choose lignans, the soluble fibre in flaxseed, and other soluble fibres from psyllium, nuts, and seeds. They help normalize estrogen metabolism, eliminating excesses that can lead to breast and prostate cancers. Nuts and seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with reduced cancer risk.

Drink at least 8 cups (1 L) of water daily to flush toxins from the body.

Periodically Cleanse Your Body

Since most carcinogens from the diet and environment are stored in our fat and muscle, we must use some way to remove these toxins. While juice fasting, various bowel detoxification programs, liver cleanses, and other cleanses are generally good for the body, no other modality can pull the cancer-causing toxins out of the tissues and organs like the far infrared sauna, which produces more sweat than a conventional sauna, but at a cooler air temperature.

Get Out in the Sun Regularly

A 2002 study published by Dr. William Grant in the journal Cancer reported an inverse correlation between cancer mortality and levels of ultraviolet B light. The protective effect of sunlight is most likely due to vitamin D, which the body synthesizes in the presence of ultraviolet B light. Thirteen different cancers show this inverse correlation, mostly reproductive and digestive cancers, especially breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.

Take Nutritional Supplements

Antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, glutathione, bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10, selenium, and zinc have anticancer properties. So do numerous herbs, green food supplements, and plant extracts such as echinacea, astragalus, goldenseal, garlic, lomatium, green tea, chlorella, bovine colostrum, polybioflavonoids, grapeseed extract, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), acidophilus, and whey protein. Most healthy people manage their health by taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement, plus a green drink.

Deal with Emotional Barriers

People who feel sad or depressed or who have unmet emotional needs often develop cancer more often than happier people. One of the best ways to deal effectively with negative emotions is Gary Craig’s Emotional Freedom Technique, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine energy theory (visit emofree.com).

Stress increases cancer risk because it can weaken the immune system. Take natural stress-reducing supplements such as vitamin B complex, 5-HTP, St. John’s wort, L-theanine, rhodiola, or calcium and magnesium.

Breastfeed Your Baby

Childhood cancers of every kind can be prevented by the immune factors that only mother’s milk can provide. For mothers who cannot breastfeed due to health problems or severe stress, the best alternative would be to supplement the infant’s bottled formula with high-quality bovine colostrum, available from most health food stores.

Avoid Chemicals, Electromagnetic Fields, and Xenoestrogens

Avoid prolonged use of dark, particularly black, hair dyes, which may increase risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Also avoid pesticides, plastics such as those in plastic drink bottles, and synthetic cosmetics as they all contain xenoestrogens. These products simulate the actions of estrogens, causing a long list of female reproductive organ problems, including breast cancer.

Several studies have linked electromagnetic fields in the home with childhood and adult cancers. Overhead power lines, electronic gadgets, including cell phones, TVs, stereos, and computers, all create electromagnetic fields. To prevent excessive exposure, reposition furniture, especially beds, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Use antiradiation screens on computers.

Get Regular Exercise

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2000, the value of exercise should not be underestimated as a way of preventing cancer. The research presented evidence suggesting that regular exercise protects against colon cancer and probably breast cancer. The recommended level of physical activity is 60 minutes of movement each day.

Eliminate Indoor Air Pollution

You can certainly do a lot to eliminate indoor pollution–volatile gases such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as toxic dust. Also avoid chemical air fresheners, cut back on perfumed products, and use safe, natural cleaning products. If possible, get air filters that use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

These 10 steps to cancer prevention, followed as a whole or in part, can help keep you healthy and reduce risk of disease.

Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, author of several best-selling books, practises complementary medicine in Toronto. mydoctor.ca/drzoltanrona

Source: alive #294, April 2007