Cancer is a disease characterised by excessive, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which invade and destroy other tissues. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue of the body, but certain types of cancer are more lethal than others. Cancer rates differ by gender, age, race and geographic region. For example more males have cancer than females. Researchers have not found why this is yet. Cancer usually develops gradually over a period of time usually a couple of years, the result of a complex mix of environmental, nutritional, behavioural and heredity factors. Although there is no real cause for cancer researchers have found there are certain lifestyle choices can considerably reduce the risk of developing most types of cancer. .
Research has shown that diet and lifestyle play a large role in cancer development. Nearly 10 percent of all cancers are diet related. To reduce the risks of getting cancer we need to watch our diet and eat plenty of vegetables, high fibre foods, low fat and kilojoule foods exercising regularly and limiting alcohol and not smoking. Research has found there are certain foods to protect against cancer they are: .
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, fibre rich cereals, citris fruits, green and yellow vegetables, salads, onions, garlic, carrots, brussel sprouts, soy products and vitamin A,C and E. This is because many of them contain antioxidants that block the action of free radicals. Also the chemicals in vegetables are thought to block the cell growth promoting effects of steroid hormones which protects against cancers of the breast and prostate. .
Scientists do not fully understand the causes of cancer but studies have shown us some of the preventions and risk factors. The greatest risk factor for cancer is prolonged or repeated exposure to carcinogens (chemical biological or physical agents that cause the cellular damage that leads to cancer).