By Idamae Hanna, For The Guardian

Cancer is a frightening plague that is affecting all of us. About 15 years ago it seemed so far away from us. Maybe the neighbor's grand-aunt was dying of cancer or some church member's cousin. However, today it's all around us — in our family circle, our aunt, mother, sister or brother. It is coming too close and we all feel threatened by this deadly disease. The big question is, what can we do about it?

There are certain risk factors for cancer that we are subjected to that are uncontrollable. We can do absolutely nothing about them. They include the environment, genetics, age and sex. However, there are some risk factors that we can control, they are our diet and our lifestyle.

The development of cancer involves a complex interrelationship between genetics, environment, diet and lifestyle. Every body develops cells that are abnormal, mutated or potentially cancerous. For most people most of the time, abnormal cells are destroyed and do not develop any further. Unfortunately in others, abnormal cells are not destroyed, but instead develop into a tumor. These people are the ones who develop cancer.

During the development of a tumor there are lots of opportunities to destroy the cancerous cells before they become a life-threatening disease. This entire process from initiation to disease may be short or may take up to 40 years. What you eat whether deficient, in excess or imbalanced can weaken the immune system and interfere with the ability of the immune system to destroy cancerous cells.

Research has shown that obesity, the excess intake of calories and fat and the inadequate intake of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E and fiber weaken the immune system. Vitamins A, C, E and fiber are abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. However, most of us eat very little of these power-packed immune boosting foods. Many of us don't like vegetables, and if we eat them we prefer them swimming in fat.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains were the first foods given to us by the Creator. They come straight from the ground, the same place where we were created. Plant foods supply and replenish us with the very elements that we are made of. Of these foods God said we may freely eat.

So, don't wallow in fright, do something that only you can do for yourself. Change your lifestyle. Get on a good diet. Decrease your fat intake. Eat freely of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. If you are overweight, get on a good weight management program and make sure you include exercise in your routine. A healthy lifestyle makes a healthy immune system and a healthy you. If you need help, see your dietitian or nutritionist today.

Words of wisdom from your dietitian.

* Idamae Hanna M.P.H.,R.D. can be reached at Better Living Health Center at telephone 323-5473.