Cancer is a general term for over 200 conditions that have several common features. Normally all cells in the body are under numerous controls to keep them in good health and in the correct part of the body.  When several of these control systems have failed, a cell can divide uncontrollably, which may lead to cancer. Cancer cells have the ability to make their own blood supply and spread around the body.  The immune system plays an important role in destroying abnormal cells Cancers are named after the cell that they derived from.  So if a breast cancer cell has lost its normal controls and continually divides and spreads it is called breast cancer, even if it is in the bone. However if the cancer starts from a bone cell, then it is bone cancer.

Cancer (malignancy) can develop in any tissue of any organ at any age. Most cancers are potentially curable if detected at an early stage Lifestyle is associated with many cancers. Therefore some cancers are far more prevalent in industrialised countries than in developed countries.  Also, some cancers are less common in countries with particular diets.

Substances consumed in the diet can increase the risk of cancer. A diet high in fat has been linked to an increased risk of colon, breast and prostate cancer. People who drink large amounts of alcohol are at much higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer. A diet high in smoked and pickled foods or in barbecued meats increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. 

About one-third of all cancer deaths may be related to what we eat. It has been established that eating a diet high in fruit and vegetables promotes the bodies abilities to repair damage to DNA.  Damaged DNA destroys the control mechanisms of cells Diets rich in foods containing vitamin A, vitamin C, and a precursor of vitamin A called beta-carotene, may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Diets low in vitamin A may increase risk for some cancers. Many vegetables and fruits contain vitamins A and C and beta-carotene. Dark green leafy vegetables and other green vegetables; the red, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits are vitamin-rich. Vegetables from the cabbage family (cruciferous vegetables) also may reduce cancer risk. They are good sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals. Cruciferous vegetables are pak choi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, and turnips and their greens Eating a variety of vitamin-rich foods, rather than relying on vitamin and mineral supplements has proven to be beneficial to help protect from cancer, because other components of the food are also essential for health. However supplementation may be beneficial.  For example, intensive farming can result in mineral depleted soils.  In certain parts of the world the mineral selenium may be inadequate.  This mineral has been shown to support Immunity and to help reduce certain cancers.  A supplement containing 200mcg may be of benefit.

Certain components of plants called phytochemicals strengthen immune function and destroy cancer-causing substances.  Specific compounds in called proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins may be effective inhibitors the promotion stage of cancer and fight against oxidative stress and inflammation which can lead to cancer Lung cancer is associated with smoking and working with toxic carcinogenic chemicals. 

Colon and bowel cancers have been linked to a diet low in soluble fibre (non-starch polysaccharides).& Until all breast cancers can be prevented, every woman needs to practice early detection measures. The goal is to find breast cancer as early as possible, when it's most curable.

These are current recommended guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer Do a monthly breast self-examination at home Cancer is associated with fear, however with modern medicine, many cancers are treatable and have good prognoses After treatment for cancer, it is very important to try to improve lifestyle factors to facilitate the body to fight any recurrence, to improve your energy levels, to reduce the side-effects of treatments, to strengthen your immune system and to improve your general health.