Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 500,000 individuals every year. The lifetime risk for developing some form of cancer is estimated at one of every two men, and one of every three women. The World Health Organization estimates that 10 million cases of cancer occurred around the world in 1999, and that number could increase to nearly 15 million cases within the next 20 years. Fortunately, through research, our knowledge about what causes cancer and possible ways to prevent it keeps increasing.

      Cancer is not a single disease, but a group of many related diseases that are characterized by the uncontrolled reproduction of abnormal cells. The body is made up of many different types of cells, all of which continually grow and divide, producing more cells as the body requires in order to keep healthy.
      Occasionally, cells continue to reproduce even when they're not needed, which can lead to the formation of masses of tissue known as growths or tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. They are often removed, and in most cases do not come back. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous. These cells are abnormal and reproduce without control or order. They often damage nearby tissues and organs, often spreading, or metastasizing, to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

      Researchers believe that cancer is caused by changes, or mutations, in the genes that control normal cell growth. Most of these cancer-causing gene changes appear to be a result of a complex mix of factors related to lifestyle, heredity, and the environment.
      A large and growing body of evidence suggests that individual lifestyles play a major role in cancer risk and prevention. Among the most significant factors accounting for the greatest risk of cancer include sun exposure, tobacco use, eating habits, and alcohol consumption. Other risk factors, such as heredity, are unavoidable, but awareness of your personal risks provides the opportunity for dialog with your health care provider regarding regular checkups and possible cancer screening tests.

      The research is showing that some forms of cancer are largely preventable. In fact, you can significantly lower your chances of getting cancer by making lifestyle adjustments in those areas most closely associated with increased risk.
      Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, although other sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can cause extensive damage to the skin, leading to cancer. Skin cancer risk can best be reduced by avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen lotions with an adequate protective factor.
      Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke are responsible for one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States each year. The single, most important lifestyle change one can make to reduce cancer risk, specifically lung cancer, is to quit smoking. The risk of cancer begins to decrease soon after a smoker quits, and the risk continues to decline gradually each year thereafter.
      There is extensive research that indicates that people may be able to reduce their cancer risk by making healthy food choices. An understanding of the role vitamins, minerals, fats, fiber, and phytonutrients (from plants) play in protecting your health is one of your best weapons against this disease. Making the following dietary adjustments could have a significant impact on reducing your cancer risk:

• Reduce overall calorie intake
• Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain breads and cereals, all of which are high in dietary fiber
• Reduce the percentage of calories from fats, especially polyunsaturated fats
• Take vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient supplements as appropriate to ensure your body is getting adequate amounts of these nutrients every day. It's suggested that antioxidants, including selenium and vitamins A, C, and E, may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

      Promising experimental studies continue to show the potential protective effects of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients against cancer and other degenerative diseases. Of particular importance is the highly protective effect observed in experimental animal studies of the phytonutrient d-glucarate and its derivatives against several different forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, to name a few. D-glucarate, a unique, nontoxic and natural substance found in both fruits and vegetables, appears to enhance the process by which the body rids itself of potentially dangerous carcinogens and other harmful chemicals, thus eliminating some of the things that may lead to cancer. Several human clinical trials are currently underway by both the National Cancer Institute and other, independent cancer research centers on d-glucarate as a potential tool in the fight against cancer.

      Additional information on d-glucarate supplements...