Cancer-Proofing Foods
Reported February 13, 2006
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) — Drink tea. Eat broccoli. No fried foods. Lots of fish. Lose weight. Exercise more. Stop smoking. You’ve probably heard of all these ways to prevent cancer. But why bother? Is any of it really doing any good? Doctors say yes … Only 10 percent of cancers are caused by genetics. So how can you help prevent the other 90 percent?
“Several cancer types have a genetic background, but that’s certainly not true of all cancer types,” says Gregory Pennock, M.D., an oncologist at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando, Fla.
Only 10 percent of cancer cases are genetic. That means what we do to our bodies makes a big difference. Now new studies lay out an action plan for your next trip to the grocery store.
For instance, Ginkgo biloba is good for memory, and new research links it to a 60-percent lower risk of ovarian cancer. Scientists believe the plant prevents some tumors from getting the blood they need to grow out of control.
It scares away vampires, but garlic also blocks the DNA damage that leads to breast cancer. In fact, in lab tests, garlic completely blocked a cancer-causing enzyme from working in breast cancer cells.
How about sauerkraut? New research shows it contains glucosinolates that keep cell DNA from mutating and stop tumors from developing. But you’ll need to eat raw cabbage at least three times a week.
If all this advice has your head spinning, just remember M. D. Anderson Cancer Center oncologist Nikita Shah, M.D.’s advice. “Eat a well-balanced diet and lead a healthy lifestyle.”
And the number one way to prevent cancer deaths? Get regular screenings. It could be the most important thing you do.
Broccoli sprouts can also prevent gastric cancers. A chemical contained in the sprouts may eliminate ulcer-causing bacteria. The bacteria are believed to be major factors in stomach cancer.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Christine Martinez
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Orlando Regional Healthcare
1414 Kuhl Avenue, MP 125
Orlando, FL 32806
(321) 843-1343
christine.martinez@orhs.org
http://www.orhs.org