Cancer is becoming more prevalent and is also affecting more younger adults. The major risk factors for cancer include high-stress levels, depression, exposure to environmental toxins like microplastics, and unhealthy dietary habits. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers effective methods for cancer prevention and relief.

A 2023 study revealed that between 1990 and 2019, the global number of cancer diagnoses in people under 50 increased by 79 percent, while deaths from early-onset cancer rose by 28 percent. While younger people may recover more quickly due to their overall physical resilience, certain cancers may progress more rapidly due to biological factors.

~ Common Risk Factors for Cancer ~

Foods, chemicals, and emotions are among the common risk factors for cancer.

1. Foods That Promote Cancer Cell Growth

A case study of a woman in her 60s: The patient was first diagnosed with breast cancer and, two years later, developed colon cancer. She had a habit of eating sweets like filled chocolates and ultra-processed meats like sausages. Long-term consumption of such foods can trigger chronic inflammation, which may lead to issues like inflammatory bowel disease. This weakens the immune system and, over time, raises the risk of cancer. Doctors warned that continuation of the diet, could result in development of other cancers, such as liver cancer.

People who regularly eat high-calorie and fried foods are more likely to develop colon or breast cancer. Early symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits (such as alternating between constipation and diarrhea), incomplete bowel movements, and excessive gas. For breast cancer, early signs may include lumps in the breast, pain, or fluid discharge. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as these symptoms appear.

Prevention methods: Limit intake of high-sugar and fried foods, processed meats, and margarine.

2. Carcinogenic Chemicals

Some people develop cancer despite maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, possibly due to exposure to harmful chemicals in their everyday environment.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives this year found that more than 900 chemicals commonly encountered in everyday life may increase the risk of breast cancer, disrupt hormone balance, or induce DNA damage. These include preservatives, plasticizers, and other chemicals frequently found in everyday products.

Prevention methods: Reduce the use of products with chemical additives and opt for natural skincare and cleaning products without added fragrances. When ordering takeout, use your own non-toxic utensils and cups, as most restaurants use plastic containers for hot food, which can harm your health.

3. Negative Emotions

Internal factors like emotional stress can lead to inflammation, weakened immune function, and hormonal imbalances, all of which are linked to cancer. Research has shown that people who experience severe stress during childhood are more likely to develop immune dysregulation as adults, which increases their risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

The ancient Chinese medical text “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing)” notes the crucial role of emotions in maintaining health. It states that anger can trigger various illnesses and harm the body. It also mentions that different emotions correspond to specific organ systems, with anger particularly affecting the liver.

The liver’s energy system is believed to be closely linked to the endocrine and reproductive systems. When liver qi (energy) becomes stagnant, it can cause chest pain in mild cases or lead to breast hyperplasia (an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue) and even tumors in more severe cases.

Studies have also shown that mental health plays a vital role in cancer recovery.

Prevention methods: Meditation is recommended to relax the body and mind and relieve stress. When feeling angry or upset, massaging the Shenmen acupoint can also help calm the mind and promote relaxation.

In addition to avoiding the four major risk factors mentioned above, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help boost the immune system and effectively aid in preventing cancer.

~ Cancer-Fighting Foods ~

A 2021 systematic review examined the relationship between diet and four common cancers across 10 European countries. The review found:

* Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, and yogurt, while reducing red and processed meats and limiting alcohol, can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

* Eating more fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, along with reducing alcohol intake, can decrease the risk of breast cancer.

* Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was linked to a reduced risk of lung cancer.

* Eating more fruits and yogurt may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

* Following a Mediterranean diet was found to help prevent both colorectal and breast cancer.

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a variety of cancer-fighting and cancer-preventive foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, and nuts.

* Cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts are rich in glucosinolates, compounds whose breakdown products have cancer-fighting properties. Studies have shown that eating these vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of several cancers, including oral and pharyngeal, esophageal, colorectal, breast, and kidney cancers. However, eating them cooked rather than raw is advisable, as eating them raw may increase the risk of goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

* Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which helps lower the risk of prostate cancer and may also help prevent breast, lung, and colorectal cancers.

* Garlic: Garlic is rich in polyphenols and organosulfur compounds, including allicin. These compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, which help protect the gut microbiota and may reduce the risk of colorectal and other cancers.

* Nuts: A study conducted in the Mediterranean found that people who regularly eat nuts have a 40 percent lower risk of dying from cancer compared to those who never eat them. Walnuts, in particular, which are rich in polyphenols, showed the strongest cancer-preventive effects. Those who regularly ate walnuts had a 45 percent lower risk of cancer death compared to those who did not.

~ Physical Activity and Cancer ~

A study by the American College of Sports Medicine showed that exercise can help prevent various types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, stomach, kidney, and bladder cancers. Additionally, combining aerobic exercise with resistance training can reduce fatigue, improve physical function, ease anxiety and depression, and enhance overall quality of life for cancer patients. Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, light jogging, and swimming.

~ Author ~
Naiwen Hu is a traditional Chinese medicine physician at the Shanghai Tong Te Tang in Taipei, Taiwan, and a professor at the Nine Star University of Health Sciences in Sunnyvale, California. He also worked as a researcher of life science at the Standford Research Institute. In his over 20 years of practice, he has treated more than 140,000 patients. He was known for successfully curing the fifth melanoma patient in the world by using traditional Chinese medicine. Hu currently hosts a YouTube health program that has over 700,000 subscribers. He is also known for his popular road show on health and wellness held in various cities in Australia and North America.

Written by Naiwen Hu for Epoch Health ~ October 20, 2024