Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. (Cardiovascular disease is the first.) Approximately 1,200,100 new invasive cancer cases were diagnosed in 2000, and it is estimated that one out of every four people in the U.S. will eventually develop cancer. Of those million-plus cancer diagnoses, it was estimated that 182,000 were cases of breast cancer in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast cancer accounts for 18.5 percent of cancer deaths in women. Fortunately, it is one of the most curable types of cancer when detected at an early stage. Here are valuable dietary recommendations for avoiding all kinds of cancer:
- Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods (such as deep-fried foods) that might contain trans-fatty acids.
- Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Reduce animal foods.
- Use only hormone-free, organically produced meat, poultry, and dairy products.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat soy foods regularly.
- Use organically grown produce whenever possible.
- Eat shiitake, enokidake, maitake and oyster mushrooms frequently.
- Drink green tea regularly.