Cancer is actually a group of 210 diseases we collectively call “cancer”. There are three basic types:
1. CARCINOMAS. These usually occur in rapidly dividing tissues such as the cells that cover and line our bodies, including the skin, colon, breast, liver and breathing passages. These are our most common forms of cancer. Fortunately, nutrition has the greatest effect on these.
2. SARCOMAS. This type of cancer generally occurs in more slowly dividing tissues such as muscle and nerve tissues.
3. LEUKEMIAS. These are cancers of the tissues that form our blood cells or the cells themselves.
Cancer cells are not like normal cells. They divide wildly, reproducing abnormal cells, and invade and destroy normal tissue.
HOW CANCER BEGINS
There are several theories. The one most accepted is the “two hit” theory. Two phases of damage must occur to a cell before it has potential for cancer. Even then, an active immune system can offer much protection.
The “two hit” theory consists of an initiator and a promoter The nucleus of a cell contains all of the data for normal duplication of the cell.
These data are called DNA and are contained in the chromosomes. Enough damage to these “cell dividing” data can result in the formation of a cell made with bad data. This can be a wildly dividing and invasive cancer cell. The initiator is usually a free radical from radiation, cigarette smoke and other chemicals.
Here is how the ” two hit” theory works in practice:
1. A substance called an initiator causes some initial damage.
2. No cancer will form, but once initiated, all future cells will carry the initial damage.
3. The next step is promotion. A promoter causes additional damage to the DNA sufficient to give the cell cancer-forming properties.
4. Once initiated and promoted, the cell has the potential to become cancerous.
STAR WARS DEFENSE
Each of us comes in contact with initiators and promoters daily. We probably even develop cancer cells thousands of times in our lives. But our defense systems, when in proper condition, can give us tremendous protection. This is where nutrition comes into play in a big way.
We know some cancers are associated with low levels of certain nutrients. For instance, some forms of lung cancer are associated with low levels of vitamin A or beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. We also know that all of the nutrients are intimately associated with various functions of the immune system. So one key to cancer prevention is to maintain the immune systems in optimal nutritional condition. We will cover a number of nutrients proven to enhance our systems.
Extracted From “Cancer” Dr. Bruce Miller
