With cancer being the second-leading cause of death in the world, there's no question that this subject can be difficult to talk about. (1) Although the idea of cancer can be scary, the best way to combat fear is with knowledge. Educating yourself on the ins and outs of cancer can be helpful for not just you but those closest to you. “1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime”.(2) The lack of certainty around what’s next can be debilitating for patients and their families. Together, we will learn more about cancer, what causes it, how it affects each of us, and holistic ways to assist your host in healing.

Cancer Explained: How Cells Turn into Tumors

When your body needs more cells, it goes through a process where old cells die off, and the younger cells divide to form new cells. When cancer develops, this process suffers from a breakdown. This process becomes faulty when cells begin to divide, even when new cells are not needed. This flawed process is what creates tumors.

Your Body’s First Defense

Your immune system protects your body against illness and infection. The body was designed to self-heal and self-regulate, and your immune system is its first line of defense.

Cancer and cancer treatments provoke the immune system and the body in various ways. The process patients go through to treat cancer is often considered worse than the disease itself. People with cancer may have a higher risk of infection due to changes in the immune system that controls the ability of the body's natural defense.

A healthy immune system is always active, alert, and ready to attack the viruses and other invaders that can cause your body harm. If your immune system is unable to fight off invaders then you would constantly get sick from bacteria and viruses.

Environmental Toxins & Cancer Risk

There are several factors both inside and outside of the body that are contributors to the development of cancer. “Only 5–10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects, whereas the remaining 90–95% have their roots in the environment and lifestyle”.(3) Our soil, air, and water quality have been declining for decades due to an abundance of toxic chemicals that deplete our nutrients, putting a strain on our bodies, slowly, over time. These toxins all take a toll on your health. In fact, a study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco identified more than fifty new environmental chemicals detected in people (pregnant women and/or their newborn babies were studied) that are either unknown or little is known about them.(4) The modern world is constantly exposing us to many more toxic chemicals than in years past. The latest conveniences, such as cars, manufacturing, and fast food, have introduced harmful toxins into many of life’s essentials, like air, water, and food, and pose significant health risks. “It is estimated that as many as two-thirds of all cancer cases are linked to environmental causes”.(5)

Since environmental toxins can build up in the body it’s important to identify the cause so you can work to eliminate the issue. There are lifestyle factors that can easily be modified to allow you to optimize your immune system.

Natural Ways to Strengthen Immunity Against Cancer

Poor diet, inadequate sleep, stress, and inactivity, all added to that ever-increasing toxic burden, make being proactive about your health not just a good idea but a necessity. Here are a few ways to be proactive about your health!

Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you eat has a huge impact on your immune system. Malnutrition or a diet lacking in nutrients can negatively impact the production of your immune system.

A diet of processed junk foods accompanied by inadequate hydration can destroy the body’s natural balance. This contributes to nutrient imbalances that quickly weaken the immune system leaving you vulnerable to infection and disease. Implement fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of water into your diet.

Supplements

Supplementation can help to fill the gap in nutrient intake where your diet lacks Examples of “nutrients that have been identified as critical for the growth and function of immune cells include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein (including the amino acid glutamine)”.(6)

Get Plenty of Sleep

Your time of rest is the rehabilitation your body needs to repair and fuel. During this time, your body releases “cytokine [which] fights infection; too little sleep lowers the amount of these cytokines and other immune cells”. (7) Quality sleep usually happens 90 minutes after you fall asleep- we refer to this as REM sleep. Making sure that you optimize your time in your REM sleep stage is imperative to your health. REM sleep is the 5th stage of sleep and typically occurs for the first time 90 minutes after you fall asleep, and then several times throughout the night as your sleep cycle repeats.REM sleep has also been shown to help with overall energy, tissue and bone repair, cell regeneration, and immune system function. (8) Making a bedtime routine, meditation techniques, listening to white noise, and avoiding late-night snacks are all ways that you can ensure 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Minimize Stress

Chronic stress can lead to immune deficiencies. If you frequently experience stress you’re in luck because there are plenty of ways you can aim to manage everyday stressors.

Stress management requires an action plan! Regular exercise, meditation, restorative yoga, listening to relaxing music, long walks, and many other strategies help ensure that you’re keeping stress hormones like cortisol in check. This also ensures your body is in a state where stress is more a manageable, occasional event rather than a constant presence in your life.

Strengthening Your Immune System to Prevent Cancer Naturally

Your immune system is one of the most powerful tools in preventing and fighting cancer. While genetics play a small role, research shows that most cancer risk is tied to environment and lifestyle. That means you have far more influence over your health than you may realize. By focusing on immune health through nutrient-dense foods, quality sleep, regular exercise, stress reduction, and minimizing toxin exposure, you give your body the foundation it needs for natural cancer prevention. Supporting your body’s natural defense system not only lowers your risk of cancer but also promotes healing and resilience against many other chronic illnesses. The steps may seem small, but consistently applied, they can transform your long-term health and future.

References:

Cancer and Immunity: Root Causes and Natural Support