Cancer is probably the most feared disease in the Western World. And the causes of cancer and cancer treatments are probably the most controversial topics in medicine and healthcare today.

What exactly is cancer? Is it a degenerative disease brought on by years of toxins introduced into the body and poor nutrition which sets the body into a downward spiral of compromised health that ultimately culminates in cancer? One hundred years ago we did not have all the pesticides, chemical air and water pollutants, and electromagnetic fields (EMF) like we do today.

For example, on May 31, 2011, the World Health Organization/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogenic, essentially placing cell phones in the same risk category as lead, the pesticide DDT, engine exhaust, and chloroform. This research is based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use. “Given the potential consequences for public health of this classification and findings,” said IARC Director Christopher Wild, “it is important that additional research be conducted into the long‐term, heavy use of mobile phones. Pending the availability of such information, it is important to take pragmatic measures to reduce exposure…”

Is it genetic? Are some people just born with a predisposition to cancer and there is nothing they can do to alter getting the disease? Likewise are some people more genetically predisposed to not contracting cancer and hence live long lives despite being cigarette smokers, consumers of red meat, and haters of vegetables?

The best defense against cancer is to reduce inflammation, eliminate insulin resistance, strengthen your immune system, and eat a healthy diet. Long-term, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of degenerative diseases such as cancer. If your immune system is compromised you open yourself up to developing degenerative diseases and lessen your ability to fight them. Insulin resistance can also lead to the development of degenerative diseases such as cancer.

Has the quality of our food and our nutrition degraded so much that we are setting the deadly process toward cancer in motion every time we eat?

There is no simple answer here and perhaps all are true which makes cancer itself as individual as the people it affects.

If you are diagnosed with cancer you must remember not to let the diagnoses drive you into a mental state where you allow the idea of the diagnosis itself to kill you. There are many more options today to treat and eradicate this horrible, degenerative disease so the diagnosis is not a death sentence. And there are many alternative healthcare doctors who specialize in cancer treatment who can work with you and your oncologist. So one of the most important things you can do is find an Alternative Healthcare doctor who you like, you feel comfortable with, and will be compassionate and care enough to work with you as you meet this challenge to your health.

You need to be strong to fight cancer and the way to strength is through excellent nutrition. You need to avoid known cancer causing agents and get plenty of phytonutrients in your diet. Avoid sugar, eliminate plastics from your life, especially do not microwave food in plastic containers. Keep caffeine consumption reasonable. Many nutritionists feel that over roasting coffee beans creates carcinogens.

Modern research studies show that Turmeric has antioxidant properties that may be useful in a variety of diseases and conditions. In fact some supporters believe that Turmeric may prevent and slow the growth of a number of types of cancer especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, intestines, stomach, breast, and skin. (see the section on Herbs for medical study references)

Cancer DOES not thrive in a oxygenated environment.

Nobel laureate Otto Heinrich Warburg proved that cancer cells utilize oxygen and metabolize differently than other cells. When the cellular level of oxygen is normal it is difficult for cancer cells to thrive. You need to keep your oxygen level up through good health practices, good nutrition and practices like deep breathing and exercise. Omega fatty acids have been shown to help maintain healthy cellular levels of oxygen and to reduce inflammation in the body. Flax oil and fermented cod liver oil capsules are a very good source of omega fatty acids. Flax oil can be mixed with cottage cheese and consumed (The Budwig Protocol developed by Dr. Johanna Budwig). The Flax Oil reduces the "dairy" aspect of the cottage cheese so people who are lactose intolerant can eat this combination.

Natural MD Search can help you find an Alternative Healthcare Doctor who can work with you on cancer prevention and cancer treatments.

Resource Links

CancerDecisions.com for facts and truth about cancer provided by Dr. Ralph Moss, PH.D.

Nutritional Oncologist resource Jeanne M. Wallace, PhD, CN, evidence-based dietary, nutritional & botanical support to complement conventional cancer care.

oncologynutrition.org

Cancer Control Society:  Educational resources and information on non-toxic cancer treatments and doctors who ca help.