MOST HEALTH EXPERTS now believe that cancer has become so widespread and prevalent that it can now be considered an ?epidemic.? Many treatments have been developed to meet the many types of the disease head-on, after its diagnosis with a patient.

But not many are aware that cancer can be prevented, and there are societies that show a low incidence of the disease among their populations, particularly those that make plant-based foods a major part of their diets.

Just recently, NaturalNews.com pointed to five naturally occurring foods that have shown, time and again, in studies to have proven most effective in the front-line defense against and recurrence of cancer. These are:

1 Diindolymethane (DIM). The growth-promoting activity of unbalanced estrogen (which can cause a variety of health problems) can be reduced by eating cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, or by taking DIM supplements.

2 Curcumin (most potent source: luyang dilaw), the active ingredient in the bright-yellow spice called turmeric.

3 Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is most often found in green tea. Nutritionists who attended the Global Vital Source wellness program recently pointed out that decaffeinated green tea is a rich source of flavonoids known as catechins, which is able to slow or prevent the development of cancer in the colon, liver, breast and prostate cells. It is also a better substitute for coffee.

4 Genistein, an isoflavone found primarily in soybeans and traditional foods produced from soybeans like tofu and miso.

5 Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an anti-cancer compound also found in broccoli and cabbage.

?Yes You Can Prevent and Control Cancer? by naturopathic doctor Christine Gonzalez, and lecturers at the wellness program also revealed the following items also help keep cancer at bay:

6 Garlic, which contains a number of compounds believed to slow or stop the growth of tumors.

7 Dark green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, mustard greens and chicory are rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids.

8 Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale.

9 Beans, which contain phytochemicals, have been shown to prevent or slow genetic damage to cells.

10 Berries have two anti-cancer compounds known as ellagic acid (richest in strawberries and raspberries), and anthocyanosides (richest in blueberries).

11 Flaxseed, nuts and seeds. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens. Recommended nuts are almonds and walnuts.

12 Soy, which is rich in isoflavones, is said to protect against bladder, cervix, lung and stomach cancer. However, one should also be wary of soy products containing preservatives and other chemicals.

13 Grapes, which contain a chemical called resveratrol, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

14 Tomatoes, which have an anti-cancer compound called lycopene, recommended particularly in combating prostate cancer. It can also protect one against breast, lung stomach and pancreatic cancer.

15 Whole grains which contain fiber, antioxidants and phytoestrogens.