Defending Against Cancer with Food Carolyn Poirot c.2001 Fort Worth Star-Telegram New evidence reveals how common foods and herbs can target some cancer-causing substances and dramatically strengthen the body's defenses against cancer. Scientists reporting at the 11th Annual Research Conference of the American Institute for Cancer Research said that substances in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, oranges, horseradish, mustard and both green and chamomile teas can inhibit a wide variety of cancer-promoting reactions. Reports were also presented on how various herbs, including Saint-John's-wort and the anti-inflammatory compounds in herbs such as feverfew, rosemary and turmeric help the body eliminate cancer-causing chemicals and compounds. Evidence that healthful diets are linked to lower cancer risk has been building for years, but the new reports suggest that certain foods and herbs protect cells in ways previously unknown. Broccoli's potential to fight cancer is related to its genetics, conditions under which it is grown, time and temperature of storage and how it is prepared and administered, one study found. Three-day-old broccoli sprouts, for example, are associated with a much higher cancer-fighting potential. Speaking of Cancer, The National Cancer Institute is looking for quite a few good men - 32,400 to be exact - to join the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial to determine whether these two dietary supplements can prevent prostate cancer. Healthy men age 55 and older are needed for this largest-ever prostate cancer prevention study, launched last week. Because prostate cancer strikes African-American men earlier, and they have the highest incidence of prostate cancer in the world, they are eligible to enroll in the study at age 50. Selenium and vitamin E are naturally occuring nutrients that act as antioxidants to neutralize toxins known as ``free radicals'' that might otherwise damage the genetic material of cells and lead to cancer. The nutrients were chosen because in trials targeting skin cancer and lung cancer, men who took these antioxidants had a very significant decrease in prostate cancer. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.