According to a report by the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute has estimated that approximately 1,596,670 people will be diagnosed with cancer for the year 2011, and that 571,950 Americans are going to die from the condition. The numbers are staggering – and this is a great cause for worry. Because of this, cancer remains to be the second most common cause of death in the United States, with heart disease being at the top of the list.

Cancer is so costly that it can wipe out an average earning person’s entire savings. We work hard to ensure that we have a good life, and that our loved ones can live comfortable lives, and the thought that one cancer diagnosis could simply snatch it away from us is never comforting. In 2010, the National Institute for Health has estimated that cancer’s overall cost was at $263.8 billion. This amount can feed a small third world country for one year!

The costs as well as the physical and emotional burden posed by cancer are downright scary.

What is Cancer?

Cancer has been defined as a condition where there is an uncontrolled and rapid growth of abnormal cells. Normally, cells are reproduced in a fairly consistent manner. An abnormality occurs when there is a failure of the control mechanism, and once this is left uncontrolled, death may be an eventual result.

What Causes Cancer?

A variety of factors had been identified and had been pointed out as the cause of cancer. But because cancer may occur in different areas and organs in the body, the causative factor varies as well.  Chronic exposure to radiation, chemicals, and infectious organisms has been touted as major carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).  Cellular and genetic mutations and problematic hormones are also popular causes of cancer.

What are the Risks Associated with Cancer?

Assessment of a person’s lifestyle can be a determinant of his or her cancer risk, and the same is true with the assessment of his or her family’s medical history. For example, a person who smokes is more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than a non-smoking person.  In the same way, a woman whose mother has died from breast cancer has more chances of developing cancer than a woman whose family did not have any form of cancer. Simply put, cancer can be hereditary.

What Can You do to Fight Cancer?

The anti-cancer market has become a booming industry. Because of the serious implications brought about by the condition, business-minded people have jumped in the bandwagon and have started to “formulate” various products that claim to prevent, or cure, cancer.

If you type in the words “cancer cure products” on your favourite search engine, you will immediately be bombarded with over 52 million results. This is proof enough of how large the market is. A potential buyer may easily get swayed, especially with false claims and false testimonials disguised as flowery words. Some of these products are even outrageously expensive!

Truth is, you really don’t have to look too far. There really is no need to buy anti-cancer products splashed all over the internet because there are all-natural herbs that could help you fight off the Big C, and here are seven of them:

• Echinacea

  The herb Echinacea has long been utilized by Native American tribes as a remedy for various forms of ailments such as arthritis, smallpox, mumps, measles, colds, wounds and snake bites. Echinacea reportedly possesses the ability to boost a person’s immune system, preventing the onset of illnesses and making recovery time faster.

  A study published in the Oxford University Press Journal revealed that mice who were given Echinacea on a daily basis for a period of five years indeed exhibited the ability to fight cancer, specifically leukemia.

• Green Tea

  The wonders of green tea cannot be undermined. The antioxidant properties that it contain have been known to fight off free radicals – by-products of oxygen metabolism which are blamed for tissue damage and aging. To help support this claim, the Japanese had conducted a study on green tea and its effects on cancer. Results revealed that people who lived in green tea-consuming areas had lesser chances of developing cancer. Not only that, green tea consumption has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, enhanced immune system and improved metabolism.

• Red Clover

  Red clover’s claim has been backed up by the National Cancer Institute. The NCI has confirmed that this herb boasts of not one, not two, but four compounds, such as genistein and daidzein, which fight off tumor. In addition, it also contains Vitamin E in the form of Tocopherol which is a very potent antioxidant known to help fight cancer as well as heart disease. Red clover also contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, thiamine, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, magnesium, chromium and calcium. Isoflavones, another form of antioxidant, can also be found in red clover.

• Mint

  This refreshing and soothing herb has been known for its ability to soothe the tired mind, calm a restless tummy and alleviate asthma, but it turns out that is also a potential agent against cancer. Mint, specifically peppermint, contains a phytonutrient known as amonoterpene which has shown the capability to thwart the growth of tumors in the liver, breasts and pancreas in animals. It has also exhibited the capacity to protect the animals’ lungs, skin and colon against the formation of cancer.  

• Basil

  A study conducted by researchers from Taichung, Taiwan’s Chung Shan Medical University revealed that basil is an effective agent against cervical cancer. The result of their study was published at Taiwan Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology on September 2010. Aside from its anti-cancer effect, the researchers also found out that basil enhances the function of the immune system and helps decrease high cholesterol levels.

• Turmeric

  There are various studies which supports turmeric as an anti-cancer agent. For example, according to scientists from the University of Chicago, turmeric inhibits the growth of the H. Pylori bacteria, one of the causes of colon and gastric cancer. It has also been known to help fight prostate cancer.

• Ginseng

  The Korea Cancer Center Hospital discovered that people who consumed ginseng had lower risk of developing cancer compared to people who did not. A laboratory study focused on the effects of American ginseng revealed that it has potent anti-cancer effects on cancer cells found in the colorectal area of the body.

Sources
livestrong.com
whfoods.comehow.com
cancer.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com
livestrong.com
psa-rising.com