Cancer cells are triggered by a variety of causes. Anything that affects the metabolism of a healthy cell can increase the risk of the cell becoming malignant or cancerous. Listed below are just a few of the possible causes of cancer.

Cell metabolism
A cancer cell is very similar to fungus or bacteria cells, as they both prefer a highly acidic environment. When a healthy cell is deprived of oxygen, it begins to find an alternative way to fuel itself and begins to "ferment". It then becomes anaerobic, meaning it no longer requires oxygen as its main fuel source, but now has evolved to utilise glucose instead. Cancer cells can not survive in an alkaline, oxygen rich environment. See Oxygen.

Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable electrons that cause havoc and damage to healthy cells. Free radical activity has been linked to cell changes that triggers cancer cells to form. See Antioxidants for more information on free radicals.

Diet and Nutrition
Our modern day diet no longer holds enough "phytochemicals" found in fruits and vegetables. These phytochemicals and important enzymes found in nature are an essential building block to fortify our immune system and maintain cell health. Plus the addition of preservatives and chemicals have now been confirmed to be "carcinogenic" (cancer causing) chemicals. See What's in our food.

Dairy and meat derive from animals that have been fed hormones to increase milk production and increase body weight. Unless you buy organic, you are consuming these hormones that are linked to hormone related cancers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer etc. See Humans are Herbivores.

Lack of exercise
Frequent oxygenation of the blood ensure good blood supply to all our cells, as well as good detoxification and stimulation of our lymph system (the body's microscopic sewage system!). Ideally, aim to exercise every day, if not 3 to 4 times per week. See exercise and activity.

Drugs and chemicals
Although certain prescription drugs are good at removing symptoms, they can also alter the function of healthy cells due to their toxic by-products. The liver can be over burdoned and its capacity to clear and filter our blood becomes reduced. Toxicity in the blood can alter cells from functioning correctly.

Our water
Ordinary tap water contains various added chemicals, which are labelled "safe to drink", however, did you know that Flouride is a toxic chemical, a by-product of industrial waste! Chlorine is also another controvercial chemical that is added to water. See Water.

Polution and our environment
The levels of carbon monoxide and air pollution is rising, due to the increasing amounts of traffic on our roads, air traffic in our skies, industrial waste etc. The list goes on. See Our toxic environment.

Stress and anxiety
Stress of any form causes an adrenaline rush. Short term stress and anxiety can be quite productive, however long term stress can hinder our immune system, leaving us vulnerable to cancer being triggered. Whilst the body is in a constant state of stress, adrenaline suppresses the immune cells as the body goes in preparation for a "fight or flight" situation that never occurs. See mind, body, spirit.

Illness and immune depletion
Illness, depression or anything that effects the action of the immune system increases our risk of developing cancer.

Cleaning and domestic products
Did you know that most domestic products contain some sort of toxic, carcinogenic chemical? Risk increases when chemicals of such kind make contact with skin, the air we breath and on our utensils. Stay safe and only by non-toxic personal care and domestic cleaning products (see resources).

Occupational chemicals
Handling and breathing of any chemical, alien to the human body, puts added risk of cancer developing.

Personal hygiene products
Other causes of cancer can be within our everyday environment; personal hygiene products, such as deodorants contain aluminium. These particles are applied directly to the armpits, where there are major lymph nodes. An increase in breast cancer has been contributed to the use of modern deodorants containing carcinogenic compounds. Keep safe and use only natural deodorants, without chemical additives (see resources).

By making a conscious effort to check labels, choosing organic food, using water filters and buying non-toxic personal hygiene products, cuts down the chances of developing cancer even further.