No other word is more terrifying to most Americans than the word, cancer.  Recent statistics show that this killer disease has risen to the top of the list of deadly diseases.  Per these studies, one in two men and one in three women will hear the frightening words, “you have cancer.”

In 1971, the United States, under the leadership of President Nixon, launched an all-out war against cancer – vowing to find a cure for this killer.  The idea was if there were enough money and enough research, eventually a cure for cancer would be discovered.  In the last 30 plus years, over $200 billion has been spent on cancer research, and after spending all of this money, more people are dying of cancer than before the $200 billion was spent.

Is it possible that they are looking for a cure in the wrong places?  Most of the money spent has resulted in the emphasis of early detection for the disease i.e. prostate tests, mammograms, and in treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation – which can have horrible side effects.  However, many researchers and health experts agree that the best way to fight cancer is to prevent it.  There is overwhelming evidence showing that cancer can be prevented and eliminated through changing the diet. 

We can live an anti-cancer lifestyle by feeding our bodies with anti-cancer foods and avoiding cancer-producing foods.  The National Cancer Institute recently reported on 337 different studies that all reflected the same basic information:

1. Vegetables and fruits protect against all types of cancers if consumed in large enough quantities.
2. Raw vegetables have the most powerful anti-cancer properties of all foods.
3. Studies on the cancer-reducing effects of vitamin pills containing various nutrients - such as foliate, vitamin C and E -reveal mixed reviews, sometimes they show a slight benefit, but most show no benefit.  Occasionally studies show that taking isolated nutrients is harmful.
4. Beans have additional anti-cancer benefits against reproductive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

Joel Furman, MD, states in his book, Eat to Live, “cancer is a fruit and vegetable deficiency disease.”  He goes on to say, “whether you eat a vegetarian diet or include a small amount of animal foods, for optimal health, you must receive the majority of your calories from unrefined plant food.  It is the large quantity of unrefined plant food that grants the greatest protection against developing serious disease.”

Dr. T Colin Campbell, PhD of Cornell University, who has been at the forefront of nutrition research for over 30 years, is the author of The China Project.  It is the most comprehensive study on the connection between diet and disease in medical history.  The New York Times called his study the grand prix of all epidemiological studies.

On page 305 of The China Project, Dr. Powell states, “there is nothing better the government could do that would prevent more pain and suffering in this country than telling Americans unequivocally to eat less animal products, less highly refined plant products and more whole plant based foods.”  The data in his study showed huge differences in disease rates based on the amount of plant foods eaten and the availability of animal products.  Most cancers occurred in direct proportion to the quantity of animal foods consumed.