Nutritional and Herbal Prevention & Support: Cancer (General)
Disclaimer
The content of this site is for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.
In This Post:
Herbs & Supplements
Healthy Habits
Avoid / Limit
Helpful Nutrients and Phytochemicals
Foods by Level & Recipes
Treatments
Herbs & Supplements
Ashwagandha
“Several in vivo studies strongly suggest the chemopreventive potential of WS and its withanolides. While many of these studies have been conducted with WA, with the appropriate extrapolation experiments, the findings can be extended to WS plant extracts as well providing a rationale to use WS in human chemoprevention studies.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899165/
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus / Huang Qi)
“A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled trials involving 2,648 cancer patients found that Astragalus polysaccharide supplementation was associated with improved treatment response and several measures of immune function. The authors noted that more research focusing on individual cancer types is needed.”
2025 Astragalus and cancer meta-analysis on PubMed
There's also a broader review of Radix Astragali (Astragalus root) that looked at both laboratory and clinical studies. It found reported tumor-growth inhibition, immune-modulating effects, potential reduction of some adverse effects from cytotoxic treatment, and chemopreventive activity—but the evidence was much more mixed in quality.
Baking Soda
“Ludwig researchers describe how acidity turns oxygen-starved cancer cells dormant and drug resistant—and a potentially easy way reverse the effect.”
https://www.ludwigcancerresearch.org/news-releases/how-might-baking-soda-boost-cancer-therapy/
Balsam fir
“Balsam fir oil was found to be active against all the solid tumor cell lines tested, with GI 50 values ranging between 0.76 and 1.7 mg/mL.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12802719/
Bee pollen
“This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the in vivo and in vitro potential of selective bee products against tumor cells.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3985046/
Beetroot extracts
“Beetroot extracts and betacyanins have been extensively studied both in vitro and in vivo. A variety of studies have demonstrated that beetroot extracts and betanin pigments were effective in preventing experimentally induced carcinogenesis. On the other hand, the flavonoids and polyphenolic components present in abundance in beetroot support its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8020175/
Black Walnut
“Our findings suggested that black walnut extracts possibly possess anticancer activities.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7583942/
Buckthorn
“Although the anticancer activity of sea buckthorn has been confirmed by many in vitro and animal in vivo studies, the treatment and prophylactic doses for humans are unknown.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5861756/
Burdock
“Burdock Root Detoxes Blood, Lymph System and Skin”
https://draxe.com/nutrition/burdock-root/
Calcium
“When calcium from the diet was analyzed by itself, no reduction in colorectal cancer risk was found. However, the use of calcium supplements in any amount was associated with reduced risk.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/calcium-fact-sheet
Calendula (some people have allergy to)
“Moreover, due to its anti-genotoxic/protective as well as antitumor and antimetastatic effects proven in animal models, C officinalis could have important future implications in developing novel cancer treatment strategies, while until now it has been used especially for diminishing the side effects of radiotherapy.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247547/
Cat’s claw
“Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with advanced solid tumors.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25495394/
Chaga mushrooms
“Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4946216/
CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) - Caution needed with some cancers
“This review summarizes the pre-clinical and human studies conducted using CLA to date, which collectively suggest that CLA has efficacy against cancer, obesity, and atherosclerosis.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413010/
Cod liver oil
“Whole year daily use of cod liver oil was associated with lower risk of death in patients with solid tumours and in lung cancer patients.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19444919/
Echinacea
“Thus, the medicinal value of phytochemicals contained in Echinacea is clearly evident and indicates that these agents, as well as phytochemicals not yet discovered in other herbs, may be valuable tools to combat tumor.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193558/
Essaic tea (burdock root; sheep sorrel; slippery elm bark; turkey rhubarb (rheum palmatum))
“These data indicate that Essiac tea possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16226859/
Fenbendazole
“Anti-cancer effects of fenbendazole on 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer cells.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9437363/
Fenugreek
“In this study, we demonstrate that extract (FE) from the seeds of the plant Trigonella foenum graecum, commonly called fenugreek, are cytotoxic in vitro to a panel of cancer but not normal cells.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3095649/
Feverfew
“Antiproliferative activities of parthenolide and golden feverfew extract against three human cancer cell lines.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16579729/
Siberian Ginseng
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng) Benefits to Boost Body & Brain Health
https://draxe.com/nutrition/eleuthero-siberian-ginseng/
Grape seed extract
“Grapes and grape-based products are one such class of dietary products that have shown cancer chemopreventive potential and are also known to improve overall human health.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728696/
Graviola
“This current review demonstrates Annona muricata's anticancer potential and other health-related benefits by providing insights into its bioactive chemical constituents as well as the in vitro and in vivo studies that have been carried out in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of these constituents.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6091294/
Ivermectin
“We found that the ivermectin–gemcitabine combination treatment suppressed pancreatic cancer more effectively than gemcitabine alone treatment.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9459089/
Job’s tears
“This study has demonstrated the potent anti-cancer activity of the semi-purified extracts from roasted Job's tears with high potential for further development to modern anti-cancer drug.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27125591/
Laetrile or B17
“The current review epitomizes published information and provides complete interpretations about all known anti-cancer mechanisms of amygdalin, possible role of naturally occurring amygdalin in fight against cancer and mistaken belief about cyanide toxicity causing potential of amygdalin.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29308747/
Important Caution About Apricot Kernels
Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, sometimes called “B17.” Amygdalin has been investigated for possible anticancer effects, but when it is digested it can also release cyanide. You may see recommendations online suggesting that people begin with one apricot kernel per day and slowly work up to as many as 10. This should not be interpreted as an established safe dosing schedule.
The amount of amygdalin can vary considerably from one apricot kernel to another. Even the terms sweet and bitter do not reliably tell you how much cyanide a particular kernel can release. Health Canada has noted substantial variation in amygdalin concentrations between kernels.
Lavender
“The effective concentration of Lavender that decreased viability of Hodgkin's lymphoma cells below Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) value was 100 µg/ml and this was half of the therapeutic dose.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142939/
Licorice root (caution esp for those with high blood pressure)
“The anticancer activities of many of the licorice components appear to include cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and general antioxidant effects.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7100402/
Madagascar periwinkles
“Overall, vinca alkaloids have the second most-used class of cancer drugs and will stay among the original cancer therapies.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3883245/
Mayapples
“American Mayapple Yields Anti-Cancer Extract”
Melatonin
“In clinical trials, melatonin showed the ability to enhance the therapeutic effect of various anticancer drugs, and might help improving the sleep and life quality of cancer patients.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5503661/
Berberine and Curcumin
“The combination of Curcumin and Berberine is a novel strategy that has potential in the treatment of cancer patients.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499639/
Pau D’arco
“Lapachol inhibits glycolysis in cancer cells by targeting pyruvate kinase M2.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796696/
Red clover (Caution)
“Researchers theorize that red clover may help prevent some forms of cancer, such as prostate and endometrial cancer. However, because of the herb's estrogen-like effects, it might also contribute to the growth of some cancers, just as estrogen does.”
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/red-clover
Suma, Brazilian ginseng, or Brazilian carrots
“The results show that this butanolic extract indeed presents cytotoxic substances, and its fractions merit further investigations.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18485683/
Turkey tail mushrooms
“A preparation made from the turkey tail mushroom, known as krestin, has been used as a supportive therapy in cancer treatment in Japan for decades. This includes not only breast cancer, but lung, gastric, pancreatic and liver cancer as well. Despite decades of study, the mechanisms at work here remain unclear.”
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/turkey-tail-mushrooms-act-as-nonspecific-immune-modulators
Vitamin C
“Intravenous High-Dose Vitamin C in Cancer Therapy”
https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras/ras-central/blog/2020/yun-cantley-vitamin-c
Vitamin D
“Experimental evidence has also suggested a possible association between vitamin D and cancer risk. In studies of cancer cells and of tumors in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer, including promoting cellular differentiation, decreasing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death (apoptosis), and reducing tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/vitamin-d-fact-sheet
Vitamin K
Vitamin K: A novel cancer chemosensitizer
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34993998/
White Willow (willow bark extract)
“Willow bark extract (BNO1455) and its fractions suppress growth and induce apoptosis in human colon and lung cancer cells.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17418981/
Wormwood
“Artemisinins are a unique class of antimalarial drugs with significant potential for drug repurposing for a wide range of diseases including cancer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7564301/
Healthy Habits
Exercise***
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2885882/
Keeping in touch with friends
https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/social-connections-linked-to-better-survival
Fasting or Intermittent Fasting (Caution needed)
“Emerging evidence suggests that fasting could play a key role in cancer treatment by fostering conditions that limit cancer cells' adaptability, survival, and growth. Fasting could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and limit adverse events.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35848874/
Air Fryer
“Air-frying your food instead of using a deep fryer may help lower their acrylamide content. In fact, one older study found that air-frying reduced acrylamide by up to 90%, compared with traditional deep-frying.”
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/air-fryer
Meat Marinades
“Beef steaks marinated with teriyaki sauce had 45% and 67% lower PhIP level… as well as 44% and 60% lower MeIQx levels…than unmarinated meat. Lower levels of PhIP and MeIQx were also observed in meat marinated with turmeric-garlic sauce. In contrast, marinating with barbecue sauce caused a 2.9- and 1.9-fold increase in PhIP…and a 4- and 2.9-fold increase in MeIQx….”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10578481/
Avoid / Limit
DNA - turning on and off the switch
“Researchers writing in the Journal of Nature and Science found that consuming more than 20% of our daily calories from animal protein can turn on cancer genes. Reducing animal protein to 5% can turn them off.”
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9351
Chemicals and Toxins
“Some of these genetic changes occur naturally when DNA is replicated during the process of cell division. But others are the result of environmental exposures that damage DNA.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances
Inflammation
“Recent data have expanded the concept that inflammation is a critical component of tumour progression.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803035/
Pesticides
“Our findings support attempts to reduce exposure to pesticides.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231435/
Meat
“In summary, red and processed meat intake appears to be positively associated with risk of cancer of the colon and rectum, esophagus, liver, lung, and pancreas in a new, large US cohort study of 500,000 men and women.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2121650/
Alcohol
“The evidence indicates that the more alcohol a person drinks—particularly the more alcohol a person drinks regularly over time—the higher his or her risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet
Copper
“Turning Tumor-Promoting Copper into an Anti-Cancer Weapon via High-Throughput Chemistry”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3786439/
Excess weight
Trans Fats
“Despite heterogeneity, higher risk of prostate and colorectal cancer by high consumption of trans-fatty acids was found.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34104953/
Sugar
“Simple sugar intake in drinks and fruit juice was associated with an increased risk of overall cancer incidence and mortality and all-cause mortality. This suggests that sugary beverages are a modifiable risk factor for cancer and all-cause mortality.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34536637/
Microwave popcorn
PFOA in bags linked to cancer.
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/teflon-and-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa.html
Nitrates
“Food additive nitrates and nitrites were positively associated with breast and prostate cancer risks, respectively.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35303088/
Potato chips and Fries**
“French fries. Potato chips. Processed cereals….They often contain the chemical acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer.”
Acrylamide usually forms at elevated temperatures used when frying or baking (above 120 °C (248 °F)) and in low moisture conditions. Acrylamide can form in some potato-based foods during certain types of high-temperature cooking.”
https://www.fda.gov/media/149436/download
*To avoid - Simmer steam or boil instead
Scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets (acetaldehyde and benzene)
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723134438.htm
Shellfish that have accumulated okadaic acid
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/HAB/Documents/Okadaic_acid_FactSheet,rev012018.pdf
Smoking
e-cigarettes-vaping
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8913014/
Chronic Stress
Helpful Nutrients and Phytochemicals
Allicin
“Here, we show that a homemade garlic extract has anti-cancer activities both in vitro and in vivo, and that the activity is stable for more than six months if stored in a freezer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946235/
Anthocyanins
“Anthocyanins have been shown to exhibit anti-carcinogenic activity against multiple cancer cell types in vitro and tumor types in vivo. Potential cancer chemopreventive activities of anthocyanins revealed from in vitro studies include radical scavenging activity, stimulation of phase II detoxifying enzymes, reduced cell proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis and invasiveness, and induction of apoptosis and differentiation.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582525/
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
“It is clear that anti-inflammatory therapy is efficacious towards early neoplastic progression and malignant conversion.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2803035/
Antioxidants
“…comprehensive data therefore suggests that antioxidants do not interfere with chemotherapy and can be prescribed during clinical setting to increase the standard of life.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111235/
Lignans
“Arctigenin (ATG), a natural lignan compound extracted from Arctium lappa, inhibits the growth of various cancer cells, such as those of the stomach, lungs, liver, and colon, as well as leukocytes, and regulates numerous intracellular activities, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30236849/
Beta Carotene
(caution for those who smoke or who have been exposed to asbestos)
“Experiments using a variety of animal models also show that beta-carotene is anticarcinogenic and appears to act at several stages of the process.”
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027153170580082X
Beta Glucans
“Reports have shown that β-glucans exert multiple effects on cancer cells and cancer prevention.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23140352/
Betacyanins
“Beetroot extracts and betacyanins have been extensively studied both in vitro and in vivo. A variety of studies have demonstrated that beetroot extracts and betanin pigments were effective in preventing experimentally induced carcinogenesis. On the other hand, the flavonoids and polyphenolic components present in abundance in beetroot support its significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33842401/
Immune Strengthening Foods
“Immunotherapy drugs have been approved to treat many types of cancer. However, immunotherapy is not yet as widely used as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy
Caffeic Acid
“Several studies explain an inhibitory effect of CA on cell migration and invasion, with potential activity in decreasing metastases in tumor cells.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8960963/
Capsaicin
“Additionally, it has been found that capsaicin can act as a cancer preventive agent and shows wide applications against various types of cancer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6274000/
Carotenoids
“Based on the preclinical and clinical reports reviewed in this paper, we can conclude that carotenoids represent prospective candidate molecules for oncology research in metastatic cancer, with a high potential for successful future applications in clinical practice.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763577/
Carvacrol
“Accumulating evidence suggests that carvacrol may have therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer, including colon cancer, hepatoma, and breast cancer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4846059/
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
“The results of these studies suggest that CLA could be a potential therapeutic against breast and/or colon cancer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413010/
“What the animal ate and the conditions it was raised in highly affects how much CLA (and other fats or nutrients) it supplies.”
https://draxe.com/nutrition/conjugated-linoleic-acid/
EGCG
“EGCG shows an anti-cancerous effect via inhibition of initiation, promotion and progression stages.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7397003/
Ellagic acid
“Recent in vitro and in vivo experiments have revealed that EA elicits anticarcinogenic effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, breaking DNA binding to carcinogens, blocking virus infection, and disturbing inflammation, angiogenesis, and drug-resistance processes required for tumor growth and metastasis.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4069806/
Fiber
“A large body of literature suggests that eating a variety of foods containing high fiber has a protective effect against colon cancer. Evidence also indicates that a high fiber-containing diet may be protective against breast, ovary, endometrial, and gastrointestinal cancer.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1851150/
Flavonoids
“Numerous studies have shown their strong positive activities in reducing inflammation, modulating immune response, and supporting and restoring the normal functions of cells. Flavonoids exert a wide range of anticancer effects and, therefore, they could serve as potential compounds for further studies on the development of novel cancer chemopreventive agents and on understanding their detailed mechanisms of action.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071196/
Gallotannin (Tannic acid)
“The authors tried to shed light onto the versatile ability of TA to halt the malignant transformation process in several dominating solid malignancies such as lung, breast, liver, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian and gingival carcinomas…”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7967207/
Genistein
“The in vivo and in vitro studies further emphasized the chemopreventive potential of genistein, in view of which genistein has been upscaled to clinical trials.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6910185/
Glycoalkaloids
“Solanaceae GAs seem to be a promising agent for the development of alternative methods of cancer treatment. This study summarizes the latest in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies on the anticancer properties of these compounds, with a focus on their mechanisms of action.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9767987/
Hydroxytyrosol
“Hydroxytyrosol Induces Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest and Suppresses Multiple Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Prostate Cancer Cells”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125781/
Indole-3-Carbinols
“From a mechanistic perspective, the ability of indole-3-carbinol/DIM to target a broad spectrum of signaling pathways underlies their antitumor effect against a variety of cancer cells with different genetic and cellular abnormalities.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2814317/
Isothiocyanates
“According to various studies, the consumption of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer development, thus supporting their protective role.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523696/
Lauric Acid
“The present study provides novel evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms through which LA elicits antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in breast and endometrial cancer cells.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5601385
Liminoids
“These findings suggest citrus limonoids may be useful as cancer chemopreventive agents.”
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1994-0546.ch016
Lycopene
“Most in vivo studies have confirmed the anti-cancer activities of lycopene, particularly in prostate cancer.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9741066/
Melatonin
“The epidemiological studies have indicated a possible oncostatic property of melatonin on different types of tumors.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5503661/
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
“Since the 1970s, omega-3 PUFAs have been a subject of multiple investigations due to their ability to suppress inflammatory processes.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566772/
Piperine
“…about all reviewed studies have reported selective cytotoxic activity of piperine on cancerous cells in compared with normal cells.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28545378/
Polyphenols
“Various studies carried out across the world have suggested that polyphenols can inhibit the tumor generation, induce apoptosis in cancer cells and interfere in progression of tumors.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28990504/
Proanthocyanidins
“The in vitro and in vivo experimental data supports the concept that proanthocyanidins, specifically grape seed proanthocyanidins, can act as anti-carcinogenic agents.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562893/
Probiotics
“Probiotic Bacteria: A Promising Tool in Cancer Prevention and Therapy”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6586914/
Quercetin
“In this study, we demonstrated that physiologically relevant doses of quercetin inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells. Although a low dose of quercetin showed a small amount of cytotoxic activity, the anti-proliferation effect of quercetin mainly originated from the inhibition of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2736626/
Resveratrol
“A vast body of experimental in vivo and in vitro studies and a few clinical trials has presented evidence of resveratrol’s great potential as an anti-cancer agent, both for the prevention and therapy of a large range of cancers.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5751192/
Sulforaphane
“SFN is one of the powerful anticarcinogenic substances which work by increasing the levels of enzymes in the liver, which counteract the carcinogenic effects of chemicals in the food and environment.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7802872/
Gamma -Tocopherol
“Based on this information, we propose that a γ-tocopherol-rich mixture of tocopherols is a very promising cancer-preventive agent and warrants extensive future research.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860705/
Vitamin A
“The significance of vitamin A and carotenoids as powerful antioxidants against several cancers has been highlighted.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465379/
Vitamin C
“Finally, high-dose Vit-C has the definite potential to provide beneficial and cost-effective anti-cancer treatment options that should be investigated further. Ascorbic acid may become a significant treatment option in the fight against cancer, due to its widespread availability in nature, minimal toxicity, and low cost.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231292/
Vitamin D
“The majority of studies found a protective relationship between sufficient vitamin D status and lower risk of cancer. The evidence suggests that efforts to improve vitamin D status, for example by vitamin D supplementation, could reduce cancer incidence and mortality at low cost, with few or no adverse effects.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470481/
Vitamin K
“The combination of vitamin K analogs, such as vitamins K1, K2, K3, and K5, with other chemotherapeutic drugs have demonstrated a safe, cost-effective, and most efficient way to overcome drug resistance and improved the outcomes of prevailing chemotherapy.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34993998/
Organic-food/cancer study — 2026
A 2026 prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort study followed 31,179 French adults for an average of 7.3 years. Instead of merely asking who “eats organic,” it specifically examined what happened when people ate organic fruits and vegetables instead of conventional fruits and vegetables, while keeping total fruit/vegetable intake constant.
The clearest finding was for postmenopausal breast cancer:
Every 100 g/day substitution of organic for conventional fruits and vegetables was associated with about a 10% lower risk of postmenopausal breast cancer (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85–0.96).
Overall cancer showed a much smaller association (HR 0.98 per 100 g/day), and that overall association was not consistent across all analyses.
Food Lists
Level 1 (Has many different beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals)
Fruit & Berries
Apples (gala, granny smith, red delicious, Rome beauty)
Berries (a squeeze of lemon juice shields them and you absorb 80% more)
*Blackberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Strawberries, Raspberries
Grapefruit *check for medication interactions
Grapes
Oranges
Pomegranates
Legumes
Soy foods (tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk) (Is it safe)
https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/soy-and-cancer-risk-our-experts-advice.html
Vegetables
Artichokes
Broccoli (steaming is better and with selenium more potent)
Broccoli sprouts
Brussel Sprouts
Carrots (don’t chop beforehand if boiling)
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Cruciferous vegetables (steam briefly or stir-fry rapidly; avoid boiling)
Garlic (more absorbed with oil; crush clove)
Kale
Red peppers, sweet
Spinach
Nuts & Seeds
Flaxseeds
Pecans
Walnuts
Drinks
Green tea
Fish
Salmon
Level 2 (Has more than one beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals)
Fruits and Berries
Legumes
Vegetables
Spices
Nuts & Seeds
Drinks
Grains
Oils & Fats
Dairy
Fish
Level 3 (Has a beneficial nutrient and phytochemical)
Fruit & Berries
Acai berries
Apple peel
Aronia berries (chokeberries)
Bergamots
Black currants
Black elderberries
Blood Oranges
Cactus pear
Cambuci
Camu-camu
Citrus peels
Cloudberries
Currants
Dark cherries
Fig
Goji berries
Jabuticaba
Mandarins
Papaya
Peaches
Pineapple
Pink grapefruit
Pitahaya
Pumellos
Red guava
Ruby red grape fruit
Surinam cherries
Tangerine peels
Watermelon
White guava
Wild bergamot
Wild blueberries
Wild strawberries
Beans
Adzuki beans
Black eyed peas
Fava beans
Kidney beans
Lentils
Mung beans
Navy beans
Red kidney beans
Small red beans
Split peas
Tempeh
Tofu
White beans
Vegetables
Alfalfa
Arugala
Asparagus
Beefsteak fungus
Black carrots
Butternut squash
Celery
Chicory
Chili peppers
Chinese cabbage
Chives
Collards
Corn
Endive
Fennel
Green juice
Green peas
Green pepper, sweet
Iceberg lettuce
Japanese radish
Kimchi
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Longpepper
Marinara sauce
Mustard greens
Orange produce
Parsnips
Pickles
Podded peas
Popcorn
Purple cauliflower
Purple corn
Purslane
Radish
Red and purple fruits and vegetables
Reishi mushrooms
Romaine lettuce
Russet potatoes
Rutabaga
Sauerkraut
Scallions
Seaweed
Shallots
Shiitaki mushrooms
Sweet potato baked in skin
Tomatillo
Tomato products
Yams
Yellow (chartreuse onion)
Yellow onions
Zucchini
Spices and Herbs
Allspice
Basil (As a food ingredient considered safe but perhaps avoid the essential oil which may cause problems in large quantities. https://foodforbreastcancer.com/foods/basil)
Black pepper
Cardamom
Chili oil
Cilantro
Cloves
Dark chocolate
Dill
Dried peppermint
Herbs
Herbs de Provence
Horseradish
Hot peppers
Miso
Nutritional yeast
Oregano
Peppermint
Rosemary
Star anise
Tabasco
Tarragon
Thyme
Wasabi
Nuts and Seeds
Apricot kernels (caution)
Black walnuts
Brazil nuts
English walnuts
Nuts
Peanuts
Raw nuts
Sunflower seeds
Drinks
Apple juice
Carrot juice
Coconut milk
Cranberry juice
Grape juice
Grapefruit juice
Jasmine green tree
Kombucha
Oolong tea
Orange juice
Rhubarb juice and tea
Tart cherry juice
Tea
Vegetable juice
Water
Wheat grass
White tea
Yerba mate
Grains
Amaranthus
Brown rice
Buckwheat
Bulgur
Freekah roasted green wheat
Pumpernickel
Quinoa
Black, brown, and wild rice
Rice bran
Rye bread
Wheat germ
Whole grain foods
Whole-wheat products
Fats
Butter from grass-fed cows
Laurel oil
Palm kernel oil
Dairy (Low Fat)
Cottage cheese with live cultures
Dairy products (cows, sheep, and goats)
Kefir
Proteins
Albacore tuna
Anchovies
Turkey
Poultry: OK (Avoid processed lunch meat and skin)
“This meta-analysis suggests no association between poultry consumption and PCa risk.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4741082/
Fish: Seems to lower risk (Caution needed for those at risk for skin cancer)
“These results suggest that fish intake is unrelated to prostate cancer incidence but may improve prostate cancer survival.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2843087/
“Eating fish linked to skin cancer risk”
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/07/eating-fish-linked-to-skin-cancer-risk-says-study/
Avoid/Limit: Eggs
“We found an association between higher intake of eggs and increased risk of several cancers.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20104980/
Avoid/Limit: Red Meat: Beef, Pork, Lamb
“Weekly consumption of three or more servings of red meat, 1.5 or more servings of processed meat, 1 or more servings of grilled red meat, and 1 or more servings of well done red meat were each associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of developing advanced prostate cancer, but not localized disease.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3516139/
“Replacing red meat with poultry or fish seems to decrease risk. However there is a study that links fish consumption and a possible increase in skin cancer risk. While other studies have found that the Omega-3s in fatty fish may protect against other cancers.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3208759/
Going Vegetarian
“Vegetarian diets seem to confer protection against cancer….The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets seem to confer protection from cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3565018/
Going Vegan
“Vegan diet seems to confer lower risk for overall and female-specific cancer than other dietary patterns.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23169929/
Recipes
Broccoli, Carrot, Red Pepper & Garlic Stir-Fry
No individual food or recipe can prevent cancer on its own. However, cancer-prevention recommendations consistently emphasize eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.
Makes about 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth, plus more as needed
For the sauce
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Pinch of cayenne or red-pepper flakes, optional
Optional
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- Chopped walnuts or sesame seeds for topping
- Cooked barley, black rice or quinoa for serving
Directions
1. Prep the broccoli and garlic first.
Chop the broccoli and mince or crush the garlic before preparing the remaining ingredients.
If you have time, allowing the chopped broccoli to sit before cooking gives its natural enzymes time to begin converting glucosinolates into compounds such as sulforaphane. Research has found that allowing this conversion to occur before stir-frying can increase the amount of isothiocyanates remaining after cooking.
Allowing crushed garlic to stand for about 10 minutes before heating may likewise help preserve formation of its sulfur compounds.
2. Make the sauce.
Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, cornstarch and optional cayenne. Set aside.
3. Start the carrots.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the carrots with 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli.
Add the broccoli and another splash of broth if needed. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
The goal is bright-green broccoli that is tender-crisp rather than cooked until very soft. Light cooking helps preserve more of broccoli's glucosinolate/myrosinase system than prolonged cooking.
5. Add the pepper, garlic and ginger.
Add the red pepper, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes.
If using edamame, add it now.
6. Add the sauce.
Whisk the sauce once more and pour it into the skillet. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens lightly and coats the vegetables.
Remove from the heat while the vegetables are still colorful and slightly crisp.
Pomegranate Orange Spinach Salad
No single food prevents cancer, but meals rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and other plant foods can provide fiber, vitamins and a wide range of beneficial phytochemicals.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced, optional
Orange-Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Black pepper to taste
Directions
- Place the spinach in a large bowl.
- Add the orange segments, pomegranate arils, walnuts and optional red onion.
- Whisk together the orange juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.
Make It Even Better
Add thin slices of apple.
For a more substantial meal, serve the salad alongside salmon or add chickpeas.
Orange-Garlic Salmon with Roasted Broccoli
No single food prevents cancer, but meals rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and other plant foods can provide fiber, vitamins and a wide range of beneficial phytochemicals.
Serves 4
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Black pepper to taste
Broccoli
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Black pepper to taste
- Orange wedges for serving
Directions
- Heat oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the broccoli.
Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic and black pepper. Spread on one side of a large baking sheet. - Start roasting.
Roast the broccoli for about 8 minutes. - Make the orange-garlic glaze.
Stir together orange juice, zest, garlic, ginger, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and black pepper. - Add the salmon.
Place the salmon on the other side of the baking sheet. Spoon the orange-garlic mixture over each fillet. - Finish roasting.
Return the pan to the oven for about 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Cooking time will vary with the thickness of the fillets. - Serve with an orange wedge and spoon any pan juices over the salmon.
Make It a Bigger Meal
Serve with barley, black rice or quinoa to add a whole grain.
You can also roast red bell pepper or carrots with the broccoli for another Level 1 vegetable.
Apple-Walnut Brussels Sprout Skillet
The apples add a little sweetness, the walnuts add crunch, and a splash of balsamic vinegar brings everything together.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced
(Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious or Rome Beauty) - 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Black pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and thyme. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until the sprouts begin to soften and brown slightly. Add another splash of broth if needed.
- Add the apple slices and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and optional maple syrup or honey. Toss everything together and cook for another minute.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the walnuts.
- Season with black pepper and serve warm.
Make It a Meal
Serve alongside:
- Salmon
- Barley
- Black rice
- Quinoa
You can also toss in a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate arils just before serving for extra color and flavor.
Sweet, savory, crunchy and simple—a flavorful way to put several nutrient- and phytochemical-rich foods on the plate at once.
Crunchy Cancer-Preventive Slaw
It’s crunchy, slightly sweet and tangy—good as a side dish, stuffed into a wrap, or topped with chickpeas or salmon for a meal.
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 crisp apple, cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 cup broccoli sprouts
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Orange-Dijon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Black pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine the cabbage, carrot, red pepper and apple in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the orange juice, zest, vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well.
- Gently fold in the broccoli sprouts and walnuts.
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for about 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Make It a Meal
Add:
- Chickpeas
- Edamame
- Salmon
- Quinoa or barley
Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower & Broccoli with Walnut Crumble
The vegetables roast until lightly browned, while the garlicky walnut topping adds crunch and flavor.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Black pepper to taste
Walnut Crumble
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, optional
Directions
- Heat oven to 425°F.
- Place the cauliflower and broccoli on a baking sheet.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic, thyme and black pepper.
- Roast for about 18–22 minutes, stirring once, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- While the vegetables roast, combine the walnuts, garlic, olive oil, citrus zest and parsley.
- Remove the vegetables from the oven and sprinkle the walnut crumble over the top.
- Return to the oven for about 2 minutes, just long enough to warm and lightly toast the walnuts.
Serve warm.
Make It a Meal
Serve with:
- Salmon
- Chickpeas or edamame
- Barley
- Black rice
- Quinoa
You can also add red bell pepper to the roasting pan.
Crispy edges, garlicky flavor and a crunchy walnut topping make this a simple way to enjoy several nutrient- and phytochemical-rich foods at once.
Green Tea Berry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed green tea, completely cooled
- 1½ cups frozen mixed berries
- 1 orange, peeled
- ½ banana, for sweetness and creaminess
- ½ cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- Ice, if needed
Directions
Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more green tea or soy milk.
Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon with Garlicky Kale
The pomegranate glaze gives the salmon a sweet-tart finish, while the garlicky kale keeps the meal savory and balanced.
Serves 4
Ingredients
Pomegranate-Glazed Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- ½ cup 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Black pepper to taste
Garlicky Kale
- 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils for topping, optional
Directions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard and honey or maple syrup.
- Simmer gently for about 6–8 minutes, until reduced and slightly syrupy.
- Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and black pepper.
- Spoon some of the pomegranate glaze over each fillet.
- Bake for about 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- While the salmon cooks, heat olive oil and broth in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the kale and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until wilted and tender.
- Serve the salmon over or beside the kale. Spoon over any remaining glaze and scatter with pomegranate arils if desired.
Make It a Bigger Meal
Serve with:
- Barley
- Black rice
- Quinoa
- Roasted carrots or broccoli
Sweet-tart salmon, savory garlic and hearty greens make this an easy way to combine several nutrient-rich foods in one dinner.
Treatments
PRIMA-1
“PRIMA-1 exploits the high occurrence of a mutated p53 protein in cancers and acts to restore the mutated protein to its wild-type state. The restored p53 can then resume its role inducing apoptosis to prevent superfluous cell proliferation.”
https://academic.oup.com/biohorizons/article/doi/10.1093/biohorizons/hzv006/1742527
Chemotherapy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16859-chemotherapy
Chronotherapy & Cancer
Synchronizing chemo to body clock when cancer is most vulnerable.
Nanogenerators
“A single, high linear energy transfer alpha particle can kill a target cell. We have developed methods to target molecular-sized generators of alpha-emitting isotope cascades to the inside of cancer cells using actinium-225 coupled to internalizing monoclonal antibodies. In vitro, these constructs specifically killed leukemia, lymphoma, breast, ovarian, neuroblastoma, and prostate cancer cells at becquerel (picocurie) levels.”
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1064126
Targeted therapy
“Targeted therapy is a kind of cancer treatment that’s focused on genetic changes or mutations that turn healthy cells into cancer cells. To use targeted therapy, healthcare providers test for the genetic changes responsible for helping cancer cells grow and survive. Then, they identify specific treatments to kill those cells or keep them from growing.”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22733-targeted-therapy
Hormone Therapy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17108-hormone-therapy-to-treat-cancer
Immunotherapy
“Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy
Photodynamic Therapy
“Photodynamic therapy uses a drug that is activated by light, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, to kill cancer cells. The light can come from a laser or other source, such as LEDs.”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/photodynamic-therapy
Newcastle Disease Virus
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/ndv-pdq
Also of Interest:
714-X injection
“714-X was developed in the 1960s in Canada, where it is still being made. Patients in Canada can get 714-X only from a doctor, for compassionate use (giving a treatment to patients before it is approved, because they have a life-threatening disease and there is no drug or other therapy to treat the disease).”
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/714-x-pdq
Pancreatic Enzymes
Based on research by Scottish embryologist John Beard who theorized enzymes in the pancreas could have strong cancer fighting properties.
https://thegonzalezprotocol.com/
714-X and Gonzalez Protocol Success Stories
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20457886/alternative-cancer-treatments/
Changing your relationship with food
Throwing a few blueberries or raspberries in a refined carb muffin loaded with sugar and butter is unlikely to make a difference in anyone’s health. Below you’ll find a selection of recipes that not only focus on some of the healthy foods listed above but attempt to avoid those foods thought to increase breast cancer risk. Where needed, there are some suggestions on how to make the linked recipe even better. An Chassidic teaching guides people to view food as a resource to supply oneself with the health and energy to serve G-d. If we stopped viewing food as primarily a source of entertainment or comfort and instead see it as a way to nourish our bodies and health, we would likely make very different choices.
Check out the recipe vlog:
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