Nutrition, Cancer Protection, and Prospect: A Review

This article provides insight into some dietary and lifestyle habits that can be avoided and encouraged for preventing the development of cancers. This may inform the public the choice dietary and lifestyle habits for cancer prevention, and possible treatment. Dietary and lifestyle factors are important in cancer prevention and treatment because unhealthy diets and behaviors increase the risk of cancer onset while malnutrition negatively impacts the efficacy of cancer treatment. Cancers are complex and multifaceted in origin, but enormous risk factors such as tobacco smoking, high salt intake, excessive consumption of saturated fats, refined foods and sugar, alcohol, red meat and processed red meat, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, poisonous chemicals such as lead and benzene, and infections with human papillomavirus and hepatitis virus can prompt their development. Cancer incidence varies by gender, geography, socioeconomic status, and race. Cancer is caused by DNA mutations that include oncogenes, altered tumor suppressor genes, genes that govern apoptosis, incorrectly activated telomerase, and epigenetic changes. Cancerous cells exhibit enhanced replication, transcription, glycolysis, as well as a decreased need for growth factors and other alterations. About 30–40% of cancer cases can be avoided through healthy dietary practices as regular consumption of fruits, vegetables and spices like carrots, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, garlic and whole grains and flax seeds. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are anticancer and shield DNA from damage. Enzyme supplements and a healthy lifestyle can be included in a healthy eating pattern. The strategy for overall cancer prevention, treatment, and cure can be better understood by understanding the molecular foundation of the disease.