Dr Richa Tripathi, Prof. J.S. Tripathi
Vol. 6, Jul-Dec 2018
Abstract:
Cancer is a preventable disease. The genetic defects hold their dominance on only 5–10% of all cancer cases, whereas the remaining 90–95% have their origins in the environment and lifestyle. The lifestyle factors include cigarette smoking, diet (fried foods, red meat), alcohol, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, obesity, and physical inactivity. This type of lifestyle disorder may be influenced by behavioral factors and mental status of the person stress, working condition, family environment etc. All these factors can cause mutation in cells and lead to cancer. Cancer preventive measures and therapies, today,are under continual advances, as we pursue new and better ways to prevent the global cancer incidence. Ayurveda has a vast description about the prevention of such lifestyle disorders. A lot of herbs of our day to day life have the potential to prevent cancer to some extent. Some common examples are curcumin, garlic, black cumin, red chili, fenugreek. So, it is high time to move to our basic culinary habits than to run blindfolded to the western diet and lifestyle options. This article highlights some of the potential herbs which can be used as preventive measure for cancer.