Cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. Certainly, there are risk factors that promote cancer, such as tobacco, alcohol and pollution. But it is also estimated that 30% of cancers are more or less directly caused by our eating habits.

1. What are the common characteristics of foods called “anti-cancer”?

The anti-cancer foods common characteristic of being equipped with protective substances called antioxidants. The latter role is to prevent the emergence of free radicals and destroy cancer cells before they can do damage. We know, for example, crucifers such as broccoli and cauliflower contain excellent anti-carcinogenic. They are, somehow, competitive inhibitors of the activation of carcinogens involved in the occurrence of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver and colon.

2. What are the main foods recommended to prevent cancer?

The experimental studies on the relationship between diet and diseases demonstrate the protective effects of many fruits and vegetables on cancer risk. Their preventive action is related to the presence of fiber, vitamins, trace elements, and also antioxidants.Among these fruits and vegetables, they include garlic, citrus, carrots, currants, cabbages, spinach, kiwi, lentils, onion, parsley, apples, grapes, soybeans and tomato. Other foods such as cereals, nuts, fish, green tea or yogurt, plus olive oil and rapeseed, also have a protective effect.

3. What are the main food discouraged?

There is no real food discouraged, but rather prevention advice based on notions of risk increased or decreased. We already know from a reliable source that the consumption of bad fats and sugar, is now used to eliminate food as quickly as possible. A diet rich in saturated fats, found in all animal products (meat fat, butter, cheese), is a convincing risk factor for cancers of the breast, colon and pancreas. He is not here to demonize meat, quite the opposite, but taking the precaution to diminish, even slightly, the amount of fat absorbed, we could obtain significant protection. Remember that no food is in itself harmful. If it advises against excessive consumption or limit the intake of certain foods, it is not here to ban consumption. Simply, he must know that the root cause of all disease is almost always the same: a deficit in fruits and vegetables, a diet too rich in sugars, fats and other junk foods.Wondering about our behavior and habits is essential and each of us has the power and freedom to act on his health through diet, a responsible approach to prevention for everyone, like quitting smoking and participate in sport regularly.

4. What is the proportion of cancers preventable by diet?

Today there are 100,000 preventable cancers through prevention nutrition.Numerous epidemiological studies have been the means of identifying information, now might encourage behavior conducive to our biological equilibrium. And yet we learn in the polls that the food habits of the French may not have evolved in the right direction: too much fat, too much sugar, too much alcohol, not enough fiber, minerals, vitamins and meals. These bad habits are not without consequences on health. The possibilities of prevention through diet are important. It remains to be done they become realities. In particular, it is important that the advice delivered reach and educate people at risk in order to induce a change in their eating behavior.

Physical inactivity caters not only cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also increases the risk of cancer. For evidence, physical activity reduces the number of breast tumors and colon in significant proportions: 20% of colon cancer and breast cancer less!

The prospective study called EPIC is remarkable for its scope and duration. It covered almost 500,000 people aged 35-70 years, followed for five years on average, in ten European countries, including France.

By comparing the rate of colon cancer occurred among the sedentary and active subjects, this study shows that spending is through sports or performing everyday activities at home (housework, gardening) or at work, reduced to 20 % the risk of this cancer.
This applies to those who produce the most rigorous effort (2-3 hours of sport per day), while moderately active saw their risk fall by 14%.
Conversely, people with overweight (high body mass index and abdominal adiposity) develop more colon cancer. The increase can range from 50-100%.

Regarding breast cancer, reducing the risk of tumor is around 20%, even among women who spend regularly. It is very important to maintain physical activity at the time of menopause.While the intensity plays a role, but the amount and regularity are crucial (brisk walking, cycling, stair climbing …).
Namely that women who take more than 15 kg between the ages of 20 and 50 years have an increased risk of 50%.

1. By what mechanism?

Several hypotheses are proposed. To explain the protection vis-à-vis the colon cancer, we can assume that physical activity, decreasing intestinal transit, reduced contact time with certain dietary carcinogens.
For breast cancer, the effects of physical activity can go through the reduction of excess weight, which will cause cascades of hormonal reactions to the origin of the cancer process in the breast.

In conclusion, physical activity should be part of our lifestyle. Our body is made to move, respect this basic need …

Eating spicy could protect against major diseases including cancer. But not just any spices: turmeric. According to a study conducted by a team of U.S. researchers, curcumin has the ability to inhibit cell growth of melanoma (a dangerous skin cancer) and promote cancer cell death.

Turmeric, or turmeric in English, is extracted from a root belonging to the ginger family. It enters into the composition including curries. The color is yellow-orange very dark, it is sometimes confused with saffron.
In recent years, this spice is the subject of a growing number of studies. He has already assigned antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer now.
For example, the antioxidant effects of turmeric have been observed in rats: this substance protects the brain and neurodegenerative brain limits. This could explain the low prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in India, where curry consumption is widespread.

Concerning the malignant tumors, the authors evaluated the effects of turmeric on melanoma. In test tubes, cell lines of melanoma were treated with increasing doses of spice. According to the results obtained, turmeric reduces cell viability in a dose-dependent. Moreover, it induces apoptosis (cell suicide), again in a dose-dependent.
According to the authors, turmeric remove two specific proteins whose function is to prevent apoptosis.

Hopefully this track is confirmed and extended to other types of cancer.
Meanwhile, recall that in cases of melanoma, the cancer is completely preventable not to run for long periods in the sun, especially during childhood.
The cancer continues to grow, and if nothing is done, it will become the leading cause of mortality among children under 45 in the years 2030-2040.

According to experts of the International Centre for Research on Cancer, combined oral contraceptives (estrogen and progestin) should be classified as carcinogens. While some side effects of the famous pill are favorable, others are negative, as an increased risk of breast and cervical.

It is estimated that over 100 million women, representing 10% of women of childbearing age, use combined hormonal contraceptives. Until recently, hormone replacement therapy for menopause were administered to approximately 200 million women in industrialized countries.
The announcement of the potential carcinogenicity of combined oral contraceptives is a cold shower for some, the end of a series of controversies for others.

The official conclusion requesting that these treatments are classified as group 1 carcinogens, the highest in the scale in force, was made by a group of twenty-one experts from eight countries, meeting under the auspices International Centre for Research on Cancer (IARC).
They conducted a comprehensive review of the international scientific and medical literature published. The analysis of sixty studies involving a total of about 60,000 women shows that oral contraceptives slightly increase the risk of breast cancer among current and recent users.However, ten years after the end of use, the risk seems to be once more similar to women who have never used.
The risk of cervical cancer is also increasing, but the duration of use, particularly among women with a papillomavirus infection.
We also find a small increase in long-term liver cancer in populations with low prevalence for this type of cancer.

However, the pill decreases the risk of uterine cancer and ovarian cancer. The reduction is generally stronger when the use is longer and some reduction persists at least 15 years after stopping use.

Knowing that millions of women worldwide are daily exposed to these treatments, further testing standards must continue. And given the large disparities, studies should be conducted country by country and expand to other diseases as cancer.

Oral contraceptives have beneficial effects and adverse effects. The advantages and disadvantages should be discussed on a case by case with his doctor. Overall, these treatments are potentially carcinogenic if taken long. Thus, in the short run one can recommend that women take the pill during the first decade of the sexual life, and then move to another contraceptive method. It is also possible to use an intrauterine device very quickly, now it is well established that its use is safe in women who have not yet had a child.

The relationship between depression and certain other diseases is not clear. Several studies have shown that depression may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. Is it the same for cancer?

Depression can represent a trigger or aggravate cancer? Some studies have shown a relationship between depression and certain diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, for example, it was natural to ask this question about cancer.

In France is estimated that depression affects 15% of the population. This mood disorder often leads to slower cognitive and motor activities, with a feeling of fatigue, sadness and sometimes irritability.
To determine whether this condition may be a risk factor for development of cancer, Danish researchers followed more than 8,000 people aged 20-94 years. After analyzing the data collected, they found no association between the severity of depressive symptoms and the risk of developing cancer.

In contrast, depression may indirectly influence the risk of cancer, such as through the tobacco.In fact, being depressed to a smoker increases the risk of developing cancer because depression increases the carcinogenic potential of toxic substances in cigarette smoke increases or intensity of smoking. Here, depression thus produces a behavior that increases the risk of cancer.

1. What he once said cancer?

Studies to answer this question are more numerous and show actually being depression negatively influences the prognosis of cancer.
Ultimately, the depressive symptoms should be detected and supported in cancer patients.There is no question to trivialize depression, on the pretext that it is normal for a patient with cancer is depressed. On the contrary, any depression treatment helps fight against the cancer.

Fruits and vegetables are the best in cancer prevention (against cancer). Many anticancer drugs have also been extracted from the plant world. Professor Beliveau explains how to eat “preventive”.

Plants defend themselves from predators by secreting toxins that kill them or make them sick.These phytochemicals are also excellent anti-cancer and we can benefit through a suitable diet.This is explained by Professor Richard Beliveau, in his latest book “The food against cancer.(Richar Béliveau is a professor of biochemistry and director of the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Charles Bruneau flag at Sainte-Justine in Montreal.)

This information is critical because it becomes possible to protect themselves by doing good: the food we eat is proposed more and more are all good choices. Variety is essential to optimize the result.

The hit parade of fruit and vegetable anti-cancer

In the hit parade of foods effective against cancer we find:

• Brussels sprouts,
• Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage,
• Garlic
• Onion, shallot,
• Spinach, watercress,
• Soybeans (soya beans)
• Freshly ground flax seeds,
• Tomatoes
• Turmeric
• Black pepper,
• Blueberries (bilberries), raspberries, blackberries,
• Cranberries (dried)
• Grapes
• 70% dark chocolate
• Citrus juice
• Green tea (brewed 10 minutes)
• Red wine (1 glass per day max).

These foods are eaten every day, from the most varied possible. Namely: the black pepper and turmeric, at low doses, increasing the anticancer power of all these foods. These are the spices to have in every kitchen! Professor Beliveau recommended to use a small teaspoon per day.

It never ceases to repeat, fruits and vegetables are good for health. More concretely, the League against Cancer wants to know in a fairly original that cancer is not inevitable and that the food choices are extremely important in this field.

1. How to reduce by 20% overall incidence of cancer?

The facts are scientifically validated: a daily consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce 20-30% the number of cancers! Diets rich in fruits and vegetables protect against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, colon-rectum and bladder.
But 60% of French do not consume enough. The age group most under-consumer “is that 15-24 years: they eat three times less than 65 years.

The feat to accomplish does not seem insurmountable, since the aim to maintain good health is 400g of fruit and vegetables per day. This recommendation was echoed by the national health policy with the slogan: “5 servings of fruits and vegetables.” But if the girlfriend communication PNNS led to an increase in consumption, it has been very modest.

No doubt disappointed with this result and considering it his duty to inform the French League against Cancer is on the offensive by challenging the consumer directly at the place of purchase: for a month, 70 million of fruits and vegetables will be labeled “Eat fruits and vegetables! Recommended by the League against Cancer. This unique communication action, in partnership with the Agency for Research and Information in fruits and vegetables (Aprifel), will begin Nov. 16 with a free distribution at the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris.

Thus, raw, cooked, fresh, frozen or canned, for breakfast, lunch or snacks, fruit and vegetables must be present throughout the day in all their forms.
The five portions are easily reached. If at first, he must force himself to think about it, the habit is quickly taken and becomes systematic. For example:

• a fruit in the morning at breakfast or in the morning;

• noon, shredded carrots and green beans as input accompaniment;

• an apple in the afternoon;

• dinner, soup or salad or zucchini accompaniment.

To reduce the side effects of treatments against cancer, researchers are trying to develop new molecules able to address more specifically to cancer cells and not surrounding healthy cells.Such treatment has given almost miraculous results against kidney cancer, known for his gloomy prognosis.

1. Intensive research around cancer

In the field of cancer, progress on both the screening that the treatments have been substantial over the past decade and researchers are continuing their work very actively. One area explored is now highly targeted molecular therapy, which aims to develop new drugs more specifically directed against tumor cells. Indeed, current treatments have the disadvantage of destroying both cancer cells and healthy cells nearby.

2. Molecular Targeted Therapy

Two new medicines are in clinical trials proving their efficacy and specificity against advanced kidney cancer, in patients for whom treatment options were virtually nonexistent.
Sutent ® (sunitinib), by Pfizer, whose marketing has been authorized by the U.S. FDA (U.S. regulatory agency medicines), was tested in 750 patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer. Taking a daily dose of this medication to the regression of the tumor in 50% of cases.The tumor volume was reduced by 25%, against 5% with conventional treatment.

This effect has been achieved through the mode of action of the molecule. Indeed, it specifically destroys tumor cells by attacking the blood vessels that feed them. Thus deprived of blood nutrients necessary for their development, cancer cells die.

The second drug, called Temsirolimus (CCI-779), was developed by Wyeth Laboratories. The patients treated have their lifetime increased from 7.3 months to 10.9 months, and they recover significant quality of life.

Other molecules, like this can destroy the blood vessels which depend the survival and development of cancer cells, are tested against other cancers. The preliminary results against stomach cancer are promising. Again, this is a very difficult cancer to treat with conventional therapies.

3. Reminder about this deadly cancer of the kidney …

In most cases, kidney cancer affects people over 50 years. Some risk factors have been clearly identified, such as smoking, hypertension and overweight.
One feature of this type of cancer is that it evolves over time without any apparent symptoms.Thus it is often discovered late, when the tumor is already at an advanced stage and casually, during a clinical examination prescribed for other medical reasons. However, the first warning sign is the presence of blood in the urine.
It should also be aware that kidney cancer is very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Treatment is primarily surgical. Apart from the case of a tumor detected, localized and very small (which is rare), the prognosis is not good: 95% of people with kidney cancer die within 5 years after diagnosis.
Fortunately, this is a rare cancer and it may act by decreasing these risk factors: smoking cessation, blood pressure controlled, fight against the overweight with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

The question surprises and yet it is causing more and more. For years it was thought that alcohol is carcinogenic only in being associated with tobacco. In contrast, low dose of alcohol could be considered protective. Where is the truth?

1. Alcohol Is a direct carcinogenic effect on the mucous membranes with which it is connected?

This key question has motivated a very large study that had mobilized 41,458 men followed for 16 years (Health Professionals Follow-up Study). Researchers notaient precancerous lesions in the mouths of people followed, while compiling statistics in their consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

The first lesson of the study is that the carcinogenic effect of alcohol was observed from the first drink and that increases with the dose consumed. Thus, for a consumption of less than one drink per day, the risk is multiplied by 1.7, so he is above 2.9. Each glass increases the risk of more than 22%.

The second lesson of the study is that the effect of alcohol is seen as among people who smoke than those who do not smoke.

Several practical conclusions are possible:

• Firstly, those with multiple cases of cancer in their families should be wary especially alcohol,
• Then, this study confirms the dose effect of alcohol on the genesis of cancer: if you love drinking, moderation allows safe pleasures. In all cases, two drinks per day for women and 3 drinks per day for men, are maximum not to exceed
• Finally, those who regularly drink more than others should be motivated for the detection of cancers.

Still, the positive effect of alcohol at very low doses on the heart to counterbalance the negative effect of alcohol on cancer. This is true for an optimal dose of alcohol consumption between 1 and 6 drinks per week.

Finally, for those who prefer, for fun, keep their habit of drinking 2-3 glasses of wine a day (and it is their right!), Another study, SU.VI.MAX showed a daily intake of vitamins could reduce cancer mortality by 31%. In other words, they are advised is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (the best anti-cancer foods), or poly-take vitamins regularly. In SU.VI.MAX dosages of vitamins and trace elements were:

• Vitamin E: 30mg
• Vitamin C: 120mg,
• Beta carotene, 6 mg
• Selenium: 100 mcg
• Zinc: 20mg.

Dietary supplements are they effective in preventing cancer as that of the infarct or Alzheimer’s disease? The studies now to answer this question.

1. Food supplements: take or not take?

Is the question … Many Americans do not ask it more because they have become major consumers of vitamins and other dietary supplements such as trace elements. For their own good? All we can say is that despite many cases of obesity, a major factor in cancer risk, they have a lower cancer mortality by 30% with respect to men …

2. A good diet

What are our certainties today? A balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and using good oils (olive, canola, walnuts) helps to reduce both heart attacks and cancer than Alzheimer’s. It is rich in fruit and vegetable consumption is most critical. But these fruits and vegetables are our main source of vitamins and trace elements. This explains the importance of the current campaign for the National Institute of Prevention and Health Education (INPES) which calls to take at least 5 fruits and vegetables per day.

3. Vitamins and trace elements

Besides food, SU.VI.MAX showed that daily intake of dietary supplements like vitamins or trace elements, corresponding to twice the dose nutrition, decreased by 31% in cancer mortality among Men (120 mg vitamin C, vitamin E 30 mg beta carotene 6 mg, 20 mg zinc, selenium 100 mcg). The authors of “Prevention” have suggested that this effect was observed in men because they, in a comprehensive manner, consumed more alcohol and tobacco than women. They conclude that those who smoke and those who drink more than one drink of alcohol a day will benefit from supplementation with vitamins. They also suggest that vitamins and micronutrients to SU.VI.MAX doses may be favorably recommended for those whose family history of cancer or are important to those who truly can not eat enough fruits and vegetables.

3. Omega 3

For Omega 3, came the consecration of the Association of American cardiologists, the American Heart Association (AHA), recommends that those who have already had a heart attack to take 1 g daily of omega 3. This indication is also recognized by Social Security that the refund (OMACOR ®).

In other indications, the clinical record of omega 3 continues to grow and can now advise those who have a higher risk of having a heart attack (they have several risk factors like cholesterol,triglycerides, smoking, stress, hypertension, etc..).

4. Reasonable doses

The last certainty, which is important in the long term, is not only committed to take reasonable doses. For vitamins, SU.VI.MAX doses are well tolerated and safe. For Omega 3, the dose of 1 gram per day does not pose more problems. In certain indications, as for the prevention or treatment of macular degeneration related to age (AMD), it may be necessary to prescribe much higher doses. This is done so under medical supervision.