Cancer is a killer disease that strikes fear in most people.  It is the great "mystery" disease that causes people to cross their fingers and hope that they will never get it.  Yet the number of people who are attacked with cancer increases each year. Statistics predict that one out of every three people in the United States will develop the dreaded disease.  It ranks number two killer with heart disease being number one; and it is threatening to take over as number one.

            One of the reasons that cancer is such a fearful disease is because many doctors, whom many consider the experts on healing and health, say, "we don't know what causes cancer."  Anytime that you are facing an enemy and you know little about that enemy, you are at a tremendous disadvantage.  Make no mistakes about it, cancer is a deadly enemy; the odds are greater for victory over it if we are more informed.  If we can unveil the cause of cancer, then, we can simply reverse the cause, get well and stay well.

            In January, 2000 I read the book by George Malkmus, Why Christians Get Sick,  and I discovered a quote that totally changed my thinking regarding cancer and in general.  While being entertained by the staff of John Hopkins Hospital, Sir William A. Lane, a world authority on medical matters and long regarded as England's foremost abdominal surgeon, said "Gentlemen, I will never die of cancer.  I am taking measures to prevent it...It is caused by poisons created in our bodies by the food we,,, What we should do, then if we would avoid cancer, is to eat...raw fruits and vegetables; first that we may be better nourished; secondly, that we may more easily eliminate waste products.  We have been studying germs when we should have been studying diet and drainage.  The world has been on the wrong tack.  The answer has been within ourselves all the time... Drain the body of its poisons, feed it properly, and the miracle is done.  Nobody need have cancer who will take the trouble to avoid it."

            His statements prompted me to do more reading and studying on health and nutrition.  And, I have become convinced that "nobody need have cancer who will take the trouble to avoid it."

            We can take positive steps to avoid cancer.  Eating more vegetables will dramatically reduce and prevent cancer by keeping our immune system strong.  A strong immune system is our defense against cancer and other diseases.

            Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. refers to 12 cruciferous vegetables that are power fighters against cancer as The Magnificent 12.  They all have flowers with four petals that botanical historians describe as resembling the crucifix or cross; thus, they call them cruciferous.  Dr. Balch recommends that we consume three one-cup servings from this list each day.  Eat as many of them as you can in their natural raw state.  If you cook them, slightly steam them to maintain their nutrients because high heat kills enzymes and most of the nutrients.

The Magnificent 12 are listed and described below.

Broccoli lowers the risk of cancer, primarily cancer of the colon, esophagus, larynx, lung, prostrate, oral cavity, pharynx, and stomach.  Experiments using broccoli reveal the sulforaphane it contains to be the most powerful natural chemical for stopping the growth of tumors.

Brussels sprouts inhibit cancer, particularly malignancy of colon and stomach.  Countries where Brussels sprouts are frequently consumed have a low incidence of gastro-intestinal cancer.

Cabbage kills bacteria and viruses, prevents cancer, particularly of colon, prevents and heals ulcers and the juice's stimulates the immune system.  Eating cabbage once a week may reduce your chances of colon cancer by 60%.  

Cauliflower reduces risk of cancer particularly of the colon, rectum and stomach, and possibly the prostate and bladder.  Cauliflower contains compounds, like indoles, which stimulate the natural defenses to neutralize carcinogens.

Horseradish benefits lung disorders and lymphatic congestion.

Kale is one of the best cancer fighting vegetables we have on our planet.  Unfortunately, we do not usually have it in our diets.  Kale is the richest of all leafy greens in carotenoids, powerful anti-cancer preventives.  It is rich in vitamin C, C, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfur, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and chlorophyll.  This leafy green is excellent in protecting smokers against lung cancer.

Kohlrabi is not widely used in the US.  However, it is high in vitamin C, calcium and potassium.  It is good for the lymph system.

Mustard greens have the same nutrient content as other green, leafy vegetables and should be included in the optimum diet.  They contain high amounts of calcium, iron, Vitamin A and niacin.  It is superior to spinach, because of the lower oxalic acid content, so the benefit of the calcium content is not lost.  In Russia, they use mustard seed oil instead of olive oil.

Radish is used to promote digestion, remove mucus, soothe headaches, and heal laryngitis in Chinese medicine.

Rutabaga clears up mucus and congestion, has an alkalizing effect on the body and contains anti-cancer qualities.

Turnips have cancer fighting compounds plus high amounts of antioxidants, mainly vitamins A and C.  and are high in calcium, iron and niacin.

Watercress is another member of the mustard seed family.  It is a wonderful food for anemia, calcium deficiencies, blood purification, catarrhal conditions, liver and pancreas problems, appetite stimulation, thyroid problems, arthritis and emotional problems.