For women in the United States there exists a slightly greater than one in three risk of developing cancer. The cancers most frequently afflicting women include breast, colon, endometrial, lung, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Knowing about these cancers and what you can do to help prevent them or find them early (when they are small and easier to treat), may help save your life.

Breast cancer
Breast cancer, the most common cancer women may face can occur at any age. The risk increases with age. Certain factors predispose some women to a greater likelihood of having breast cancer than others. Risk factors include:

• Genetic mutation. Inherited changes to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Early menstrual period. Periods which begin before age 12 expose women to hormones longer.
• Late or no pregnancy. First pregnancy after age 30 or no full‑term pregnancy.
• Starting menopause after age 55. Increases exposure time to estrogen hormone.
• Overweight or obese post menopause.
• Dense breast tissues make it more difficult to observe tumors on a mammogram.
• Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia.
• Family history of breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer
There is no way to know for sure if you will get ovarian cancer. Most women get it without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer, including:

• Family history of ovarian cancer.
• Previous bout of breast, uterine or colorectal cancer.
• Have endometriosis.
• Never given birth or difficulty becoming pregnant.

Uterine Cancer
The most common uterine cancer is endometrial cancer. Treatment for uterine cancer works best when it is discovered early. Several factors which may increase the risk of uterine cancer:

• Older than 50.
• Obese with abnormally high amount of body fat.
• Use hormone replacement.
• Had trouble getting pregnant, or fewer than five periods in the year prior to menopause.
• Take tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer.
• Family history of uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.

​Cancer is often unpredictable, but there are things everyone can do to help reduce cancer risk or improve the chance of beating the disease if it occurs. Lifestyle changes, including eating healthier and being more active, could prevent hundreds of thousands of cancer cases in the U.S. annually. Your diet is one of the most important factors under your control. Appropriate nutrients can help reduce your risk and help prevent it. And, if diagnosed, obtaining total nutrition support can positively improve treatment and help you live well after treatment.

DoWell Labs continues to work with many medical organizations to investigate the benefits of nutraceuticals on cancer treatment Studies to date have shown that total nutrition which includes special selenium yeast and natural fish oil (EPA+DHA) can help to maintain nutritional status, provide an anti-inflammatory effect and induce cancer cell apoptosis.

One of the questions most frequently asked by health-conscious individuals, “Is there a link between sugar consumption and the risk of developing cancer?” Although this question appears to be a simple one, it is actually quite complicated. While no strong evidence to directly link sugar consumption to an increased cancer risk exists, there is an indirect link. Sugar intake does affect blood sugar and insulin levels, and high insulin levels are associated with an increased cancer incidence.
Can a sugar-free diet lower the risk of getting cancer?
Instead of a sugar-free diet, choose carbohydrates wisely from foods which also contain other nutrients and fiber. Any extremely restricted diet such as a zero-sugar diet actually cannot provide many benefits to our bodies. The best carbohydrate sources are nutrient-packed and fiber rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains. Complex carbohydrates have a reduced impact on blood sugar and insulin resistance compared to simple carbs.
What cancers correlate with sugar intake?
Research has found that sugar intake is associated with prostate, colorectal, pancreatic and breast cancer. Through dietary questionnaire analysis, it was shown that people who consumed more, high glycemic index foods have a 26% higher risk of prostate cancer than those following a low-glycemic diet. Similarly, the risk of rectal cancer is 44% higher; while the risk of pancreatic cancer is 41% greater. A further study also revealed that diets containing high fructose may increase the risk of pancreatic and breast cancer. The result of another follow-up study on stage-3, colon cancer patients indicated that patients consuming high-glycemic index foods had a lower survival rate.
Although natural fruits contain fructose, the impact on blood sugar is less than that of refined starch, since fresh fruits also provide a variety of phytochemicals and fiber. Of course, occasional small amounts of sweets are unlikely to have a significant impact on cancer risk. A long-term, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce cancer risk. Several positive and helpful recommendations are listed below:

• Eat foods rich in protein and fiber at every meal.
• Choose a quality, complex carbohydrate such as quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potato
• Avoid processed foods with excess added sugar, especially those containing high fructose corn syrup
• Drink adequate water
• Exercise regularly, sleep well (quality and quantity), and properly release stress daily