Cancer is a disease that can affect any one at any age. 13% of the deaths in the year 2007 were caused by cancer. While treatment for cancer is constantly being researched, risk for this disease also continues to increase. It is known to be caused by an abnormality in the genes due to carcinogens that is found everywhere, from prepared food, smoke, radiation to chemicals. There are also factors that pose as risk for having cancer such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor nutrition, and environmental pollution.

A good way to win the battle against cancer is through prevention. When we avoid the risk factors, we help prevent cancer by 30%, which is way better than nothing at all. Staying away from cigarette, tobacco and people who smoke is a good start. Regular exercise and balanced meals can help fight obesity. Making sure that our environment is clean can be very beneficial. As for food intake, processed and treated food should be avoided. Since these are modifiable factors, it is easier to deal with.

These days, researchers are trying to discover which food can help prevent cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to be one of those. These are essential fatty acids which, as the name implies, are important for normal growth of cells. They play a vital role in our brain's function and improve memory. These are found from microalgae in seawater which are taken in by fish and are stored in large amounts in their organs. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to prevent diseases of the heart and brain, colon, breast, and prostate cancer. We can get these from fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, vegetable and nut oils which are available in most markets. Since it is easy to access, you can always include these sources in your meal plan. Eating fish twice or thrice a week will be beneficial not only in preventing cancer, but also for other diseases as well.

Fish oil capsules, which are with omega-3, are also available in the market. You just have to know the right dose for you. It can be given to both children and adults. However, I suggest that you consult a physician before taking these since it can be dangerous for people with problems such as bleeding disorders. It can also increase or decrease the effects of other medications such as aspirin and other anticoagulants, diabetes medications, steroids, and NSAIDs which can be dangerous.

Although omega 3 has been proven to have an effect in lessening the consequence of cancer during its primary stage, we must put in mind that prevention is always better than cure. We have this choice to protect ourselves from cancer by making sure that we do our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Since these supplements are available, why not seize the chance to use them to our advantage. You always have a choice to stay healthy and eat healthy. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.