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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
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