Avoiding Colon Cancer?

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Question:

My fiance is at risk for developing colon, rectal cancers. I value the opinion of those in this NG, so I am asking for suggestions on how he can build immunity(sp?), diet advice, etc. etc. I want him around for a long time!:) Eileen

Response:

Diet is the most important factor. Eating very low fat and high fiber is the prime preventive. This means a shift toward much less animal protein which is inextricably involved with fat intake and eating much more in the way of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grains. Supplementing this with proteins from soy, beans and legumes will be protective. The use of essential fatty acids found in certain cold water fish (called omega 3 EPA and DHA) can also be helpful. These essential fatty acids are found in salmon, makerel, sardines. You can also purchase EPA from a health food store in capsules. An alternative would be flaxseed oil which is also rich in omega 3 oils but our bodies need to convert these to EPA and DHA and some of us are more efficient at doing this than others. Supplement with an antioxidant program of vitamin A 10,000 U, Beta carotene 15,000 U, Vitamin E 800 IU, vitamin C 2000 to 3000 mg and selenium 200 mcg daily. 1000 mg of calcium and 1000 mg of magnesium daily would also be useful. Also, if he is at high risk, he should have his stools checked for occult blood at least yearly and at one point a colonoscopy ought to be performed. Depending on how old he is and the assesment of his risk, if this exam is negative, he may not need another one. This would be up to him and his discussion wwith his physician. Good luck!!

Response:

Try adding soybeans to your diet. They contain genistein. No other food contains genistein. Genistein inhibits the new blood vessel formation in tumors this blocking their growth. Soybeans contain at least 5 elements that have anticancer properties. Eating as little as l serving of soybeans per day such as l/2 cup of tofu or l cup of soymilk cuts the risk of colon & rectal cancer in half! Call the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council at l-800 MO-BEAN-l for more info. I have been experimenting with recipes to add soybeans to my diet and have found the soymilk the easiest and most palatable way. Call l-800-VITASOY for a recipe brochure. I can honestly tell me difference in creamed soups especially, i.e. potatoe, cream of tomato.

Response:

I would follow high fiber diet with lots of vegetables and fruit and avoid meat, animal fat, and would keep sugar and salt to minimum. I would also eat a little unsweetened fat-free or low fat yoghurt daily to keep the intestinal flora healthy. Perhaps I would take vitamins C, A and E, selenium, magnesium, calcium and cod liver oil. But above all I would take at least 100 mg aspirin and some garlic or garlic supplements daily, because recent reseacrh findings seem to indicate that these two may be fairly effective weapons in the prevention of colorectal cancer. — Helsinki, Finland

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