The risk of cancer is reduced as excess NF-kB activation is reduced.

This is an essential publication because it so effectively and efficiently summarizes both the mechanism underlying well-known cancer risks and the means by which we can protect ourselves from those risks.

• Things which put us at risk are those which activate NF-kB – because cancer is a disease of inflammation.

• So the things that protect us are NF-kB inhibitors – fruits and vegetables.

Noteworthy is that the publication originates with M.D. Anderson cancer Center, one of the most well-known and well-respected cancer research and treatment facilities in the world.

I would only add that, according to the theory advocated on this site, an initial deficit in NF-kB inhibitors (as is prevalent in those eating a ‘Western’ diet) is sufficient in and of itself to increase the risk of cancer – because it means that NF-kB is chronically over-activated. Additional exposure to carcinogens increases that risk.

The publication:

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2009 Jun 1;1:45-60.

Nuclear factor-kappa B links carcinogenic and chemopreventive agents.

Ralhan R, Pandey MK, Aggarwal BB.

Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 143, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Summary of the abstract

Cancer prevention requires avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, high-fat diet, polluted air and water, sedentary lifestyle, and of mechanical, physical, psychological, or chemical stress.

Each of these factors increases the risk of cancer because each activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) including:  tobacco, alcohol, high-fat diet, environment pollutants, cancer-causing viruses (human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV) bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, obesity, and stress.

Furthermore, NF-kB regulated gene products have been implicated in every aspect of carcinogenesis, progression, growth and metastasis.

Inhibition of NF-kB activation by the phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables provides the molecular basis for their ability to prevent cancer.

Other agents that suppress NF-kB activation may have potential for cancer prevention, especially the herbs and spices with traditional medical uses.

Thus, cancer, an ancient problem, may have an ancient solution.

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