Cancer Prevention and Diet

Anu Mathew, Dietitian, SUT Hospital, Pattom

The cause of breast cancer is still being researched. Early detected cancers can be treated and cured quickly. Diagnosis of breast cancer is possible in many ways. Self-examination, mammogram and biopsy are the main diagnosis techniques. All women over the age of 40 should do mammogram once a year.

Not just breast cancer, but any type of cancer can be prevented. Eating a healthy diet is one of the factors that boost the immune system. At the same time, regular exercise and mental health are the most important factors in the prevention and treatment of all cancers.

According to health experts, 30-35% of cancer cases reported today is due to poor diet. But a specific diet alone does not cause cancer. On the contrary, lifestyle and circumstances influence the risk of cancer.

Example: Smoking, alcoholism, obesity, lack of exercise, mental health and heredity.

A healthy diet with of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, meat, sweets, salt, oil and fatty foods in adequate amount is recommended for cancer prevention. At the same time regular exercise is necessary.

Why vegetables and fruits?
The nutrients contained in fruits and vegetables are capable of working against cancer. Antioxidants in cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli have been shown to be against carcinogenic in studies. Fruits rich in vitamin C such as orange, musambi, lemon, tomato and guava are known to fight cancer. In short, the ‘Rainbow Diet’, which includes vegetables, fruits and whole grains of all colors, is ideal for cancer prevention and treatment.

Careful cooking is required
Excessive consumption of fat, preservatives and ajinomoto leads to overproduction of hormones in the body. In addition, fried and fried non-veg foods, bakery snacks containing animal fats and chemicals, and packet foods containing a variety of colours and additives are equally likely to invite cancer. Over-consumption of meat and red meat may cause bowel cancer.

Vegetarian diet for cancer prevention
Vegetarianism has always been a priority for cancer prevention. This is because the fiber, which is found only in vegetarian food, helps to expel food waste from the intestines faster. Vegetarianism also helps in boosting the immune system due to the vitamins contained in vegetables and fruits.

Cancer prevention diet and lifestyle
• Follow Rainbow Diet.
• Restricted use of sugar, salt, red meat, fast food and packaged foods.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking and other addictions.
• Exercise regularly for half an hour daily to control body weight.
• Consult a doctor and do the tests needed to diagnose cancer.
• Women over the age of 40, menopausal women, those with a history of cancer, should do tests such as Mammogram and Pap smear in regular
intervals.
• Use vegetables and fruits after inactivation of pesticide with vinegar / salt solution.