By Dr Mark Bura – LONGEVITY TIPS
Let us look more closely at cancer and diet to reinforce the article presented in the last column.
Cancer does not begin the day we feel a lump or undergo a scan. It starts quietly, often years earlier, influenced not only by genes or chemicals but also by the daily choices on our plates. New research continues to show that diet can stop cancer before it starts — and in its early stages, can even slow it down.
One of the strongest pieces of evidence comes from the well-known Cornell University studies on aflatoxin, a powerful liver carcinogen. Rats exposed to high doses of aflatoxin did not develop cancer when fed a low-protein, plant-based diet containing only 5% protein. However, when scientists increased animal protein (casein) to 20%, tumours rapidly appeared. When the protein was reduced again to 5%, tumour growth slowed or stopped. Diet acted like a switch, turning cancer “on” and “off”. Plant proteins did not activate tumours in the same way.
These findings help explain why diet is central in the promotion stage — the longest stage of cancer development. It is during this stage that lifestyle factors can either accelerate cancer growth or keep it dormant.
Different foods have also been linked to specific cancers. Processed meats such as sausages and bacon increase the risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. Red meat has been associated with colon and pancreatic cancers. Dairy consumption raises levels of IGF-1, a hormone linked to prostate cancer. Alcohol increases the risk of breast, liver and oesophageal cancers. Fried and charred foods contain carcinogenic compounds that affect the stomach and colon.
On the other hand, whole plant foods offer significant protection. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale and broccoli contain compounds that help the body detoxify carcinogens, reducing the risk of breast, colon and lung cancers. Garlic and onions protect against stomach and intestinal cancers. Whole grains and legumes reduce colorectal cancer risk through their fibre content. Fruits such as berries can slow tumour growth, while turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits that support cancer prevention.
There is also evidence that early cancer changes can slow or partially regress with diet. In Dr Dean Ornish’s study of men with early-stage prostate cancer, those placed on a plant-based diet recorded lower PSA levels and slower tumour activity, without the need for drugs or surgery. Studies involving breast cancer survivors show lower recurrence among women consuming diets rich in vegetables, soy, and whole grains.
The message is clear: genes may load the gun, but diet pulls the trigger — or prevents the shot entirely. A whole-food, plant-based diet remains one of the most powerful and affordable tools for preventing cancer long before it begins.
