Ironically, most of the new cases will be in the low-income countries where tackling this menace will be a big challenge. Cancer is the most common human genetic disease. The transition from a normal cell to a malignant cancer is driven by changes to a cell’s DNA. Nutrition may play an important role in prevention, treatment and coping with cancer. Growing evidence points to certain dietary habits increasing or decreasing cancer risk. Processed foods that are high in sugar and low in fiber and nutrients have been linked to higher cancer risk. Diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are considered to be helpful in reducing cancer risk. Also, regular use of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, clove and garlic in food is useful. As surgical strike is intended to damage only a legitimate military target, with no or minimal collateral damage to surrounding structures, likewise one can prevent and treat cancer without much side effects with certain indigenous plants like: Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachtaindica, Embelicaof ficinalis, Semecarpusanacardium, TinosporacordifoliaI, Curcuma longa etc. Several research studies both in vitro and in vivo have supported the anti-cancer properties of these indigenous plants. Many chemotherapeutic drugs have a plant origin. The glaring example includes vincristine from the periwinkle plant and taxanes from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.
Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Pal is a Professor of Biology in Skyline University Nigeria. He has a PhD. in Animal Genetics from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India.
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