Research has proven not only that cancer is a preventable disease, but also that we have the power to prevent it by making changes in our diet. Yes, you can drastically decrease your risk of being diagnosed with cancer simply by adjusting your diet.

TIPS FOR FOLLOWING AN ANTI-CANCER DIET

*EAT RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Eating fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of all types of cancers. Plants contain phytochemicals, substances that help your body fight cancer. The vegetables that have the greatest impact in reducing the risk of cancer are the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. These vegetables not only boost immunity but block enzymes that draw carcinogens into healthy cells.

*EAT A LOW-FAT DIET, eating only monounsaturated fats, never saturated fats. If you eat the wrong kind of fat, it can increase your risk of cancer. Monounsaturated fats do not contribute to cancer and have anti-cancer properties. The best sources of these fats are found in olive oil and canola oil.

*OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS are heart-healthy fats with anti-cancer properties and are contained in salmon and tuna. They are thought to block the negative effects of estrogen on breast cells, lowering the risk of cancer development.

*AVOID HYDROGENATED FATS as they are potentially carcinogenic. Always check food labels. If any of these ingredients contain hydrogenated fats, do not buy it! (Most packaged foods contain hydrogenated fats.)

*LOSE WEIGHT. One of the leading risk factors for cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is obesity. Additionally, increased fat tissue raises estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer.

*INCREASE YOUR FIBER. Fiber-rich foods quickly move cancer-causing substances through the intestines, reducing the possibility of the substances adhering to the intestinal wall and causing colon cancer. Fiber also promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines.

Simple changes in your diet can greatly increase your fiber level. Add beans to your salads and soups. Eat whole grain bread instead of white bread. Instead of sugar-laden cereal for breakfast, eat a bowl of high fiber cereal.

Best food sources are: wheat bran, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, whole grains, legumes, and prunes. Check food labels to find the fiber content of foods.

*CUT DOWN ON MEAT CONSUMPTION. People who eat diets containing high levels of meat have the highest incidence of colon cancer. Eat seafood instead and/or increase your intake of other forms of protein such as beans.

*EAT A DIET RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS. There is strong scientific evidence that beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E lower the risk of several types of cancer.

BETA-CAROTENE is found in many foods that are orange in color such as carrots, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, mangos, and sweet potatoes. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and liver are also good sources.

The best food sources for VITAMIN C are citrus fruits or juices, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and spinach. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with vitamin C.

Good sources of VITAMIN E are vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fortified cereals.

*GET YOUR CALCIUM. Calcium can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by reducing the amount of cells that line the colon. The best sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and skim milk, and bony fish.

Your body has billions of cells duplicating inside of it every day. Some of those cells can become cancer cells. If your body's immune system is healthy and strong, it can search out and destroy those cells. If your body is not strong enough, you can get cancer. A nutritious diet is your best weapon in the daily battle against cancer.