The risk of developing cancer has become one of the most thought provoking issues of our time. Worldwide statistics show that as many as 10.9 million people are diagnosed with some form of cancer every year. As research into the food we eat becomes more complex and innovative, it reveals that there are numerous ’super foods’ which not only fight cancer cells, but can also help to prevent it from ever occurring.

What is Cancer?
All living things are comprised of a variety of cells, such as kidney cells, brain cells and skin cells. Cancer develops when a particular cell mutates, then begins to grow and divide. Eventually, these cells form a mass called a malignant tumor, which often starts to invade surrounding tissue and organs.

Super Foods
It is thought that up to one third of cancer related deaths could be diet related.
Many of the foods we eat today can in fact be harmful to the cells in our bodies, particularly ‘fast food’, which often contains high rates of saturated fat.

A large European study has recently shown that ‘junk food’ may in fact be a major cause of cancer of the pancreas, the urinary tract and of the womb, which makes saturated fat especially dangerous for women. There is however, an abundance of super foods that contain cancer fighting anti-oxidants and enzymes. These foods fall into a number of categories and it is best to look at their properties separately.

Fruit and Vegetables

Raw carrots are rich in beta carotene and substances called falcarinol and polyacethylens, which can help to impede a wide variety of cancer including, breast, stomach, throat, lung, prostate, bladder and intestinal
Sweet potatoes are thought to have a number of cancer fighting properties including carotenoids (beta carotene is one form)
Turnips and their leaves contain a substance called glucose molaes, which is said to attack cancer cells
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and sprouts are rich in the anti-oxidants; lutein and zeaxanthin which are thought to be particularly affective at inhibiting breast and prostate cancer
Broccoli and sprouts also contain a substance called phytochemical sulforaphane, which is a by-product of glucoraphanin and is especially useful at impeding bowel cancer
Kale is thought to retain indoles, which are nitrogen compounds and are said to prevent lesions in estrogen sensitive areas, such as the ovaries, mutating into cancerous cells
Beetroot is full of anti-oxidants that specifically attack lung cancer cells
Tomatoes carry vitamin C and a carotenoid called lycopene that fights oxygen molecules which are also known as ‘free radicals’. Free radicals are often believed to trigger cancer cells. Lycopene is notable in its ability to aid the fight against rectal and colon cancer, as well as prostate, breast, mouth and cancer of the pancreas. Cooked and canned/pureed tomatoes are said to be especially concentrated in lycopene
Soya bean products such as tofu include phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which when absorbed in sensible amounts (no more than four or five ounces per day) are thought to block and help prevent cancer cells from forming and are particularly associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer. Incidences of breast cancer are significantly lower in Asian countries where soy products are consumed regularly. However, caution must be exercised, as research suggests that eating too much soy may cause hormone imbalances which can in fact stimulate cancer cells
Avocados have prolific amounts of an anti-oxidant called glutathione. Glutathione attacks free radicals and stops the absorption of certain saturated fats into the intestine. Avocados contain high levels of beta-carotene and potassium, which is also very beneficial for the heart
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes possess high amounts of vitamin C, folic acid and monoterpenes, which can help to eliminate carcinogens from the body and are believed to repress cancer cells
Papayas carry prolific amounts of vitamin C and folic acid, which are both highly effective anti-cancer components
Figs contain a form of benzaldehyde, which is renowned for its ability to shrink tumors
Grapes, particularly the red varieties, include resveratrol and ellagic acid which combine to block the enzymes that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. They also contain strong anti-oxidants called bioflavonoids
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and other berries that are red or black in color consist of a wide variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and plant compounds that are thought to be very beneficial against many forms of cancer
Herbs and Spices

Rosemary is said to have detoxifying properties and can repress the advancement of tumors. Laboratory tests have revealed that it is principally effective against breast and skin tumors
Tumeric belongs to the ginger family and it is thought to help reduce the inflammation that is connected to stomach, bowel and colon cancer
Root ginger has been used by Chinese medics for centuries and is well regarded for its many healing benefits. It can be used as a spice in savoury and sweet dishes and as a herbal tea
Garlic is well renowned for its blood thinning and anti-bacterial properties. It can also help to eliminate oxidants that cause cancer, such as carcinogens and free radicals. Eating raw or cooked garlic has been found to be far more effective than taking garlic supplements
Licorice root contains a chemical called glycyrrhizin which is considered to help block the growth of prostate cancer cells, though an excessive consumption of licorice can lead to raised blood pressure
Chilli peppers are rich in a substance called capsaicin that is regarded to be a preventative against intestinal cancer
Beverages

Black, green and white teas retain antioxidants which are also known as polyphenols. These antioxidants are considered to expressly defend against cancer cells and stop them from dividing and spreading. White and green tea is regarded as being particularly efficient against lung, colon, rectal and stomach cancer as well as cancer of the liver and pancreas
Red wine also contains polyphenols and a substance called resveratrol which has been discovered to be present in grape skin. These antioxidants are known to counter free radicals. It is thought that the pinot noir grape variety contains the largest amounts of resveratrol, particularly in wines where the grapes are grown in cooler, rainy climates, such as Chile in South America. However, alcohol is consumed in large amounts it can actually be a cause of cancer, so it is best drink no more than one glass of red wine per day.
There are many other foods that are considered to be wonderful cancer preventatives. Seaweed and sea vegetables contain fiber, proteins, beta-carotene, folic acid, and a fatty acid called chlorophylone.

These forms of vegetable are said to help prevent breast cancer. Nuts and seeds are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential for brain function. Nuts also contain a mineral called selenium and are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and campferol. Nuts and seeds are regarded as primarily effective at repelling prostate and colon cancer cells, as well as being a natural preventative against the threat of heart disease. Mushrooms have prolific amounts of potent compounds called polysaccharides. These compounds are thought to build up immunity against cancer cells. Certain varieties of mushroom are perceived to be particularly efficient, these include; reishi, shiitake and maitake, and are widely used in Japanese cuisine.

The benefits of eating a healthy, balanced diet have become more apparent as research into cancer and other fatal diseases evolve.

A diet rich in vegetables, fruit and lean meat is much more of a priority in our daily lives than it was twenty years ago and medical advice suggests that eating at least five portions of fruit or vegetables per day can significantly lower the risk of many forms of cancer and heart disease, as well as preventing obesity. The threat of obesity is a volatile issue and for the first time in many years the life expectancy of our children is thought to be lower than our own, which is an extremely worrying statistic.

We are bombarded with these frightening medical statistics on a regular basis. Yet the most sensible advice we have been given in recent years is to eat at least five portions of fruit or vegetables per day. Taking action now may well lessen our chances of developing cancer and should help to provide numerous other health benefits for many years to come.

Sophie Cosic is the mother of twin girls and author of numerous articles on childcare, education, natural health, parenting and pregnancy. She is a European distributor of Colic Calm, an FDA registered medicine for babies that are coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/baby_colic_treatment.htm colicky or experience coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/gas_problems_treatment.htm infant gas pains. More information can be found at coliccalm.com coliccalm.com or contact us if you have questions.

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Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells. These changes cells grow and they can form into small tumors. The tumors can place pressure on nerves or blood vessels or they can interfere with the function of organs - such as obstructing the intestines. Some cancers grow slowly and it can take years for them to become life threatening - however others can grow very rapidly. Cancers are named according to the type of tissue in which they occur - carcinomas, begin in the tissues of organs (these are the most common gastrointestinal cancers); lymphomas develop in the immune system, particularly in the lymph nodes; sarcomas start on the connective tissue such as muscle or bone.

Cancers can be throughout the digestive tract but the most common sites are the colon and rectum. Symptoms of cancers in the digestive tract include:

• blood in the stool

• difficulty in swallowing

• abdominal pain

• unexplained weight loss

• changes in bowel habits - not related to changes in diet.

You should have any of these symptoms checked by a health professional. If cancers are detected and treated early enough the prognosis is good.

Colorectal cancers begin with changes to the intestinal lining and the development of polyps. While not all polyps become cancerous nearly all colon cancers start as polyps.

Some of the factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer

• A diet that is high in saturated fats, particularly red meat such as beef, pork and lamb and a diet that is low in fruit and vegetables.

• A diet and lifestyle that increases the level of toxins in the bowel. Toxins cause problems for the body - they irritate tissues, cause cells to breakdown and mutagenic changes to occur.

• Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease all increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Smoking - colorectal cancer rates are higher among smokers than non-smokers.

• Polyps - nearly all colorectal cancers start as polyps.

• Hereditary - if other members of your family have colorectal cancer then you are at increased risk.

Your hereditary predisposition is a factor over which you have little control but there is a lot that you can do to reduce the risks associated with colorectal cancer - as well as other cancers. Having a healthy lifestyle and reducing the toxins that you are exposed to and in particular those that you ingest will greatly assist.

One of the most important things that you can do is to have a clean colon. So then what is colon cleansing? Proper and safe colon cleansing is the process of enabling the body to remove the stored and harmful substances by re-establishing the normal balance and function of the colon and the rest of the digestive process. Only through this thorough process is the body able to begin healing and repair and only then can there be a restoration of health and vitality.

The colon performs many vital functions but one of its most important is the effective removal of toxins from the body. There are many factors that are able to interfere with this elimination process. If the process is slowed or the bacterial balance of the colon is destroyed then toxins that are ingested and are a by-product of normal digestion will be absorbed into the bloodstream. The body will attempt to eliminate then through other routes however these can become overwhelmed. When this occurs the body needs to store the toxins. These stored toxins cause damage to tissue and are the basis of many diseases. They need to be eliminated from the body. Effective colon cleansing provides a safe means for achieving the cleansing of the whole body. When the toxins are effectively removed form the colon then the risks associated with the development of colorectal and many other cancers in the body are reduced.

Discover how to properly cleanse internally to gain and maintain your health and reduce your risk of colorectal cancer with safe colon cleansing (at safecoloncleansing.com). Then get on with really enjoying life.

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and
wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote
vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages smokers to quit and believes that
the growerz.com/landing.aspx?id=1&to=programs.aspx?progr Growerz
program will enable people to give up smoking for good. She also owns

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Are you suffering from persistent constipation or diarrhea? Have you noticed a tinge of blood in your stool lately? Are you always tired and feeling fatigued? Are you experiencing weight loss, but have not been dieting or engaging in exercise routine? These and many other symptoms should necessitate a visit to a doctor.

Colon cancer is regarded as the second leading cause of most cancer deaths in the United States. Colon cancer is a long-standing disease, which starts as a polyp or a small non-cancerous growth. This small non-cancerous growth will slowly transforms itself into a malignant tumor over a period of 5 to 10 years. People in their thirties and forties are most often predisposed to colon cancer, amounting to about one-quarter of all colon cancer patients.

Colon cancer doesn’t show any visible symptoms during the early stages. During the later stages however, a person suffering with colon cancer may exhibit any or all of the following symptoms:

1. Diarrhea or constipation that persists for a long time.

2. Unusual abdominal gas, or cramping.

3. Episodes of physical fatigue without known reasons.

4. Apparent loss weight and appetite.

5. Stools that are narrow, almost the diameter of a pencil.

6. Bloody stools.

7. There is pain and tenderness felt in the lower abdomen.

8. Changes in fecal diameter, color and frequency of movement lasting more than two weeks.

Although colon cancer claims to be second among the causes of cancer deaths, the frequency rate can be lowered if only its detection is done early. The polyps and early stage cancer that are discovered before any symptoms are produced most often offer a cure rate as high as 100 percent.

Your doctor should annually test your stool for hidden blood. A procedure called sigmoidoscopy can also be done to diagnose colon cancer. Sigmoidoscopy utilizes a flexible lighted tube with a camera that sits on its tip. This instrument is then inserted into the lower third of the colon. Observations reveal that almost half of all cancers in this area are found in the lower third portion of the colon. Another procedure called colonoscopy is done to check for growths throughout the entire length of the large intestine. An x-ray can also be an alternative diagnostic procedure. A barium enema is given to a patient. An opaque liquid fills the colon, which then becomes visible on X-ray film.

Colon cancer treatments may include chemotherapy and surgery. Those suffering from the advanced form of colon cancer may require chemotherapy. If surgery is the form of treatment, your surgeon will usually remove any polyps found during colonoscopy. If the detection of the tumor is done early, part of the colon affected with the tumor is removed surgically, the colon is restored back to its normal function, and complete healing is expected. However, if the cancer has already reached a wide area including the colon wall, lymph and blood vessels, chemotherapy is thus required. If the cancer involves a large tumor, temporary or permanent colostomy may be required. Re-routing the colon through an opening in the abdomen does this. The wastes pass through the opening and into a pouch outside the patient’s body.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to colon-cancer-guide.com/ Colon Cancer

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In order to see how to treat colorectal cancer doctors must first stage the cancer. This can be made after three systems: Dukes, Astler-Coller and AJC/TNM.

The classification of cancer after AJC/TNM is:

Stage 0: the cancerous tumor affects only the inner layer of the colon or the rectal lining. The indicated treatment is surgery, for removing tumors and polyps. No further treatment is necessary.

Stage I: the tumor has spread deeply in the inner line of the colon or rectum but has not broken through the colon wall yet. The recommended treatment is surgery with no other additional treatment after the surgery.

Stage II: the tumor has broken through the colon wall but has not spread to the lymph nodes yet. Surgery is indicated and chemotherapy or radiotherapy is needed in some cases.

Stage III: the lymph nodes are affected by the tumor. In colon cancer chemotherapy is needed after surgery; in rectum cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy is made before or after the surgery.

Stage IV: the cancer has spread and affected other organs like lungs and liver. In this case chemotherapy and radiotherapy will be applied both in order to stop the rectum from being blocked. Sometimes surgery will be needed in order to remove the tumors from the other affected organs.

Surgery for colon cancer refers to removing the cancerous part of the colon and then reconnecting the two ends of the colon. Also, the nearby lymph nodes and a part of the normal tissue will be removed too. Some of the early stages of colon cancer can be resolved during colonoscopy. The patient will recover after a period of time that varies with age, general health and the cancer’s extension.

Surgery for rectal cancer will be made after chemotherapy and radiotherapy if the cancer is in an advanced stage.

If the cancer is caused by polyps they must be removed by a procedure called Polypectomy. A local excision can be made in other cases and will remove superficial cancers from the inner layer of rectum along with some health tissue from nearby. Frequently a low anterior resection can be made in order to treat colorectal cancers but the tumor must not be situated very close to the anal sphincter. Other solutions are the abdominoperineal resection and in the most desperate cases when other organs are involved the pelvic exenteration will be applied.

Going to regularly check-ups and seeing your doctor from the first symptoms of colorectal cancer you can treat cancer from its beginnings, avoid complications during drastic therapy and recover faster from the disease.

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Surely you know someone who has, or had, cancer. Whether it was a friend, family member, co-worker, or even yourself, now days everyone knows someone who has suffered from a form of cancer. And, with all the media attention and cancer awareness groups out there, no doubt that you have seen the pins, t-shirts, stuffed animals, cards, jewelry, and other gifts that all support cancer and cancer awareness.

One of the fastest growing trends in cancer awareness gifts is cancer awareness jewelry. This jewelry started just as small rubber wristbands and has moved from there into beautiful works of art that are created to make people aware, and remember those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Cancer awareness jewelry can be found in gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. These pieces of jewelry can be found, or ordered, in any style and with any stone that you would like to make it a unique work of art that will help you to remember that special person or your personal struggle. Bracelets are the most common, with a large centerpiece that is usually engraved with names and dates. But, necklaces, rings, and earrings can all be personalized as well to ensure that you let everyone know.

If you prefer a more casual approach to cancer awareness jewelry, there is always the sports wristbands and the thin, rubber wristbands that come in a wide variety of colors and messages. These can be personalized as well, so no matter where you are, working out or at work, you will always have your reminder to help you talk to people about cancer and help to spread the word for early detection, especially with breast and colon cancer.

Many of the companies who personalize cancer awareness jewelry also do cancer awareness gift baskets. So, if you are ordering a piece of jewelry for a friend, family member, or co-worker, you can have it put in a cancer awareness gift basket with other goodies, like stuffed animals, ribbons, candy, chocolates, perfumes, bath and body creations, and many, many other gifts, all that can help to promote cancer awareness. These make great gifts for survivors and those who have just been diagnosed with cancer, since it lets them know that not only are you thinking about them, but you are also trying to help with the research for the treatments and cure. Most of the proceeds from the jewelry and the gift baskets will go toward cancer research to help find better treatments and, eventually, a cure.

rainbowofhopecanada.ca Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pins
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