Cancer Prevention

In 2020 the CDC reported that Cancer was the second leading cause of death in the United States. As the rates of particular cancers such as breast, colon, prostate, and liver continue to increase, so does the awareness that nutritional choices could have an impact on the way cancer grows or doesn’t grow in humans (Meeker).

Research shows that the spread of some types of cancers could be correlated to inflammation in certain parts of the body. Chronic inflammation in the bowels, for instance, might be a contributing factor to increased rates of colon cancer according to a study done by Stacey Meeker et al.

Inflammation is a systemic response by the immune system related to infection and irritation.

A factor in cancer reduction and prevention might come from the decrease of inflammation throughout the body according to Meeker.

Studies show that dietary modifications can reduce inflammation, increase immunity and can help stop the growth and spread of cancerous cells – in some cases preventing them from growing at all. (Meeker) (Guo)

Michael Story and colleagues provide this research showing that adding specific nutritional supplements to your daily dietary regimen might provide the following additional benefits:

• overall disease prevention
• efficiency of cost as compared to other treatment options
• naturally occurring supplement to diet
• nutrients for well-being independent of cancer prevention
• promoting normal cell function

A naturopathic approach to disease prevention is one that offers resources to enhance personal knowledge about health as well as to provide solutions for individuals so they can become proactive about wellness.

Here are three supplements to try for general well-being that could also help to prevent cancer:

Vitamin D

As a part of everyday life, humans reap the benefits of naturally occurring vitamin D in the sunshine. However, there is a proliferation of vitamin D deficiency, especially in children, and studies show it is contributing to an increase in cancer (Meeker). Vitamin D is critical to immune function and supplementing the diet with this nutrient is shown to reduce rates of colitis and colon cancer by slowing cancer growth. (Gutt) There is also a direct correlation between an increase in vitamin D and a decrease in breast cancer incidence. (Yang)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Studies have shown that Omega 3 Fatty Acids support health and general well-being. (Story) They support increased immune function and reduced inflammation. In fact, fish oil may reduce colon cancer and prevent cancerous cells in the liver. (Gutt) Studies have shown that supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty Acids “reduces cell viability in chemoprevention and treatment of human [liver cancer]” (Lim).

Green Tea

Increasing the amount of green tea you sip during the day, might also increase the chance of preventing certain types of cancer – prostate and lung cancer in particular. (Fujiki) (Guo) Studies show that the EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) properties found in Green Tea delay the onset of cancer, prevent colorectal cancer, and prevent metastasis. (Fujiki)

Through these many studies we are learning about and seeing the benefits of nutritional supplementation for disease prevention, in this case the many benefits of vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, and Green Tea.

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