Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (130 page)

CANCER

Among the most feared of diseases, cancer begins with just one abnormal cell that multiplies out of control. Clusters of these cells form tumors, which can interfere with healthy tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer cells are caused by substances called carcinogens—cancer-forming compounds that are present in foods, in the air, and are even produced inside our bodies. Most of these compounds are neutralized before they can do harm, but continual exposure may eventually lead them to damage the genetic material inside healthy cells, which over time can manifest as cancer.

It is estimated that more than one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Although there are at least 200 different types of cancer, breast (page 206), lung (page 322), bowel (page 203), and prostate (page 349) cancers account for over half of all new cases in the UK, with breast cancer being the most common.

The good news is that because as much as 80 percent of all cancers are due to known factors, the disease is highly preventable. Smoking is responsible for 30 percent of cancer cases, while as much as 35 to 50 percent are linked to unhealthy eating habits.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Age: the chances of developing cancer increase with age.

High saturated-fat diet.

High intake of red or processed meat.

Being overweight or obese.

Alcohol.

Smoking and passive smoking.

Inactivity.

High levels of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.

Air pollution.

Ionizing radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Industrial chemicals.

Medications.