Advisory Report on Ovarian Cancer

Alarm over the 'worrying' gaps in scientists' understanding of ovarian cancer - but how can YOU tell if you're suffering from this 'silent killer'?

• US advisory report warned that ovarian cancer is poorly understood
• The disease is a 'silent killer' - with a five-year survival rate of just 46%
• There is a lack of effective early screening tests for ovarian cancer
• And, the disease has many subsets and may originate outside of the ovary
• Scientific community must devote more resources to the disease - report

By LISA RYAN FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Ovarian cancer is poorly understood – and resources must be devoted to understanding its origins, experts have said.

The disease has long been known as a ‘silent killer', claiming the lives of more than 14,000 women in the US each year, as well as more than 4,000 in the UK.

It is one of the deadliest cancers, with few symptoms in the early stages of the disease – and effective early screening tests are unavailable.

And yet, there remains ‘significant gaps’ in knowledge about the disease, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report.

The US government advisory committee’s report uncovered evidence that ovarian cancer may be ‘a constellation of different cancers’ rather than a single disease – and that it may not even originate in the ovaries.

Dr Jerome Strauss III, chair of the committee that carried out the study, said: ‘While progress has been made in ovarian cancer research over the past few decades, much remains to be learned.

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The US scientific national academy warned in a new report that there are 'surprising gaps' in understanding of ovarian cancer, even though it is one of the most deadly cancers for women. The 'silent killer' has no distinguishable symptoms, is rarely caught in the early stages and has no effective early screening test

‘The more that is understood about the basic biology of various types of ovarian cancers, such as where they originate in the body, the more rapidly we can move toward advances in prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.’

The report was released in time for Ovarian Cancer Month in the UK, which is celebrated in March, though the US counterpart is celebrated in September.

The five-year survival rate of the disease is only 46 per cent – and ovarian cancer is now known to be the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

The report found that ovarian cancer likely originates in tissues outside of the ovaries, including the fallopian tubes, and eventually metastasize to the ovary. 

Furthermore, the report found that there’s little information about how each sub-type of ovarian cancer progresses.

And, nearly two-thirds of women with the disease are diagnosed at an advanced stage when the cancer has already spread beyond the ovary – which has a five-year survival rate of less than 30 per cent.

As a result, it is vital that early detection methods be improved – and that the public have a better understanding of the symptoms of the deadly disease.

THE TOP SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER 

Ovarian cancer doesn't have any distinct symptoms, the report noted.

However, the American Cancer Society said there are a few common symptoms to look out for.

Women are far more likely to have symptoms if the disease has spread beyond the ovaries.

And yet, even early-stage ovarian cancer can cause some of the following symptoms:

• Bloating 
• Pelvic or abdominal pain 
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly 
• Urinary symptoms - including having to pee more frequently

Those symptoms may also arise from non-cancerous diseases - or cancers of other organs.

But, when they occur as a result of ovarian cancer, the symptoms are persistent and occur more often (and are more severe) than usual. 

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There are a few symptoms of ovarian cancer, including pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, trouble eating or feeling full quickly and urinary symptoms. But, these symptoms are only signs of ovarian cancer if they are persistent and out of the ordinary. Women should see a doctor of they have 12 instances in a month

The American Cancer Society recommends a woman see her doctor - preferably a gynecologist - if she has those symptoms more than 12 times in a month. 

Some other symptoms of ovarian cancer - but which are more likely to occur because of another condition - include:

• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Back pain 
• Pain during sex 
• Constipation 
• Menstrual changes 
• Abdominal swelling with weight loss 

However, the American Cancer Society noted that those symptoms are just as likely to occur in women who don't have ovarian cancer. 

And so, they are not as indicative of the disease as the first set of symptoms. 

HOW TO DETECT OVARIAN CANCER EARLY

Only 20 per cent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, according to the American Cancer Society. 

But, when the disease is found early at a localized stage, nearly 94 per cent of patients survive longer than five years after the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, there isn't any one uniform tool to detect ovarian cancer, as there is with breast cancer and mammograms.

Even regular gynecological appointments, which include pelvic exams, may miss an ovarian tumor.

During pelvic exams, doctors feel the ovaries and uterus - and inspect them for size, shape and consistency.

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Only 20 per cent of ovarian cancer (pictured) is detected in the early stages. There isn't any uniform tool, such as a mammogram for breast cancer, to detect the disease. However, doctors can administer a CA-125 blood test or transvaginal ultrasound to try to look for signs of the disease

Yet, the American Cancer Society noted that it is difficult 'for even the most skilled practitioner' to identify or feel ovarian tumors. 

And so, if a woman experiences the symptoms listed above, she should ask her doctor to conduct one of two tests: a transvaginal ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test.

Those tests are two of the best options out there - but neither is completely accurate. 

The transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries through an ultrasound wand.

That test can find a mass in the ovary - though it cannot tell if it is cancer or not.

In contrast, the second test detects levels of the protein CA-125 in the blood.

For women with ovarian cancers, their CA-125 levels are often high. 

But, other conditions can also cause CA-125 levels to be abnormal - and not every woman with ovarian cancer has high levels.

That's why regular transvaginal ultrasounds and CA-125 tests are not recommended.

CAN A PAP SMEAR DETECT OVARIAN CANCER?

Pap smears, which are known as smear tests in the UK, are a topic of much controversy.

In the US, the tests are recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 65, according to the US Preventative Services Task Force.

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Pap smears (pictured, called smear tests in the UK) cannot detect ovarian cancer. They only screen for cervical abnormalities and changes

And yet, in the UK, smear tests are not conducted until the age of 25. 

According to the charity Target Ovarian Cancer, smear tests only screen for cervical abnormalities and changes.

Therefore, they will not detect ovarian cancer in the early stages.

The American Cancer Society noted that the tests can 'rarely' detect ovarian cancer in the advance stages, though. 

Signs of Cancer

From a persistent cough to a sore that won't heal... experts reveal the 10 'red flag' symptoms that mean YOU could have cancer

• A long-term cough could indicate lung cancer, while a changing mole could be a sign you are suffering skin cancer, experts say
• Unexplained weight loss is a red flag for a number of forms of the disease, including liver cancer which claimed the life of David Bowie, aged 69
• Difficulty swallowing, an unexplained lump, unexplained bleeding and changing bladder habits are also red flag symptoms
• Persistent pain could be a sign of pancreatic cancer, that killed actor Alan Rickman - as well as many other forms of the disease
• Experts advise anyone displaying 1 or more red flags to visit their doctor  

By LIZZIE PARRY

A persistent cough, a sore that refuses to heal, unexplained weight loss and changing bladder habits.

They may seem innocuous, irritating facts of life.

But experts warn people not to dismiss them and six other key changes in the body, for fear they could be a sign of something far more sinister.

The 10 red flags for cancer are ingrained in the minds of doctors and healthcare workers the world over. 

But on World Cancer Day, experts are reminding members  of the public to familiarise themselves with the key symptoms, in a bid to save lives.

Currently 8.2 million people die from the disease across the world each year - 4.7 million men and 3.5 million women.

Of those, four million deaths are premature, those people aged 30 to 69 years old.

In many cases early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death for cancer patients.

A survey by researchers on behalf of Cancer Research UK last year found almost half of those displaying at least one red flag for cancer did not visit their GP, thinking their symptoms 'trivial'.

Among the signs are unexplained weight loss, which can indicate a number of forms of the disease, including liver cancer, which claimed the life of icon and singer David Bowie in January aged just 69.

Days later actor Alan Rickman lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, also aged just 69. One symptom of that disease - and other forms - is persistent and unexplained pain, experts say. 

If you or a member of your family is suffering at least one of these 10 red flag symptoms, experts advise you book an appointment with a doctor straight away:

1. A persistent cough

Red flag for... lung cancer

Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread too far to be cured.

But, symptoms do occur in some people in the early stages of lung cancer.

A new cough that does not go away, or changes in a chronic cough or 'smoker's cough' can be an early indication of the disease.

In addition, chest pain linked to coughing, deep breathing or lauging as well as hoarseness and coughing up blood are early warning signs.

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Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of various forms of cancer, including liver cancer - the disease which claimed the life of icon David Bowie aged just 69 last month

2. A change in the appearance of a mole

Red flag for... skin cancer

Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, can appear anywhere on the body, but they most commonly appear on the back, legs, arms and face and even underneath a nail.

Though less common, they often spread to other organs in the body, making them more deadly.

The most common sign is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

Signs to look out for include a mole that is:

• getting bigger 
• changing shape 
• changing colour 
• bleeding or becoming crusty 
• itchy or painful

A helpful way to tell the difference between a normal mole and a melanoma is the 'ABCDE' checklist:

Asymmetrical – melanomas have two very different halves and are an irregular shape.

Border – melanomas have a notched or ragged border.

Colours – melanomas will be a mix of two or more colours.

Diameter – melanomas are often larger than 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter.

Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma.

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A changed mole can indicate a person has skin cancer (picture posed by model)

3. A persistent chance in bowel habits

Red flag for... bowel cancer

The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in the stools or faeces, a change in bowel habit, such as going more frequently, or having looser stools, and abdominal pain.

However, these symptoms are very common, and can easily be attributed to other conditions.

As the vast majority of people diagnosed with bowel cancer are over the age of 60, these symptoms become more important with age.

Most patients with the disease will present to their doctor with one of the following symptoms combinations:

• a persistent change in bowel habit, causing a person to go to the toilet more often and pass looser stools, together with blood on or in the stools 
• a persistent change in bowel habit without blood in their stools, but with abdominal pain 
• blood in the stools without other haemorrhoid symptoms, such as soreness, discomfort, pain, itching, or a lump hanging down outside the rectum 
• abdominal pain, discomfort or bloating always provoked by eating, and sometimes resulting in a reduction in the amount eaten and weight loss
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4. A sore that doesn't heal

Red flag for... many types of cancer

A sore or ulcer in the mouth that fails to heal is the most common symptoms of mouth cancer, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Furthermore persistent pain in the mouth can also be a sign.

As for the rest of the body, experts at Cancer Research UK say a person should seek advise from a doctor if a spot, wart or sore doesn't heal after several weeks, even if it is painless.

The skin repairs itself very quickly and any damage should typically heal within a week or so. 

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Abdominal pain can indicate pancreatic cancer, the disease which killed actor Alan Rickman, pictured as the Sheriff of Nottingham, right, last month, also aged 69. Persistent, unexplained pain can be a sign of a number of other forms of the disease as well

5. A persistent difficulty swallowing

Red flag for... oesophageal cancer

A number of medical conditions can make it difficult to swallow. 

But if you are having difficulty swallowing and the problem doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, it should be checked out. 

The key sign of oesophageal cancer is a difficulty swallowing. This problem may contribute to weight loss, which can also indicate the disease is present.

6. Unexplained weight loss

Red flag for... a number of cancers

Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. 

When you lose weight for no known reason, it’s called an unexplained weight loss, according to the American Cancer Society.

An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. 

This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lung. 

Experts at Cancer Research UK add that small weight changes over time are quite normal, but if you lose a noticeable amount of weight without trying to, tell your doctor.

7. A persistent change in bladder habits

Red flag for... bladder or prostate cancer 

Problems urinating can include needing to pee urgently, more frequently, being unable to go when you need to, or experiencing pain. 

These symptoms can all be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s important to tell your doctor if you experience any of them. 

A slow or weak urinary stream, or the need to urinate more often, especially at night, can indicate prostate cancer specifically.

Blood in the urine is also a sign.

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A persistent change in bladder habits can indicate a person is suffering bladder cancer, pictured under the microscope. In men, the symptom can also be a sign of prostate cancer

With bladder cancer, the disease can cause changes in urination, including having to urinate more often, pain or burning during urination and feeling as if you need to go right away, even if the bladder is not full. 

These symptoms are also more likely to be caused by a benign condition such as infection, bladder stones, an overactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate (in men). 

But, it is important to have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.

YOUR CHANCE OF SURVIVAL 

BREAST CANCER: 96 per cent of women survive for at least one year, 87 per cent do so for five years, and 78 per cent for a decade.

SKIN CANCER: 88 per cent of men survive for five years or more. For women the figures are even better, with 92 per cent predicted to survive for at least five years.

LUNG CANCER: Just 8 per cent of men survive for five years or more, compared with 12 per cent of women.

PROSTATE CANCER: Some 85 per cent of patients survive for five years or more.

BOWEL CANCER: 59 per cent of men survive for five years or more. For women, the figure is 58 per cent.

8. An unexplained lump

Red flag for...  many types of cancer

A great many cancers can be felt through the skin, though typically they occur in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes and soft tissues of the body.  

A lump or thickening of tissue can be an early sign of the disease, but it can also indicate some forms of the disease are in an advanced stage.

You should visit a doctor, especially if you have just found a lump or noticed a lump has grown in size.

The American Cancer Society note that some breast cancers can show up as red or thickened skin rather than a lump.  

9. Persistent, unexplained pain

Red flag for...  many types of cancer

Pain can present in the early stages of a number of cancers, but especially with bone and testicular cancers.

A headache that will not go away or get better with treatment can be a sign of a brain tumor.

Furthermore, back pain can indicate cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary.

In most cases, where pain is felt and cancer is diagnosed it is an indication that the disease has spread from its primary location in the body.

10. Unexplained bleeding

Red flag for... many types of cancer, namely bowel, cervical or vulval cancer

In both the early and late stages of the disease, unexplained bleeding can occur.

Coughing up blood can be a sign of lung cancer, while blood in the stool is an indication of colon or rectal cancer.

Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium - the lining of the uterus - can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Blood in the urine can indicate a person is suffering bladder, kidney or prostate cancer.

And a bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.  

Ginger and its Benefits

8 reasons to love ginger

by Kavita Devgan



It is your gut’s fast friend and is gastro-protective. It helps block acid and suppresses infection causing bacteria Helicobacter py-lori. A 2007 study even proved that ginger is actually far more ef-fective than drug lansoprazole for preventing the formation of ul-cers (it showed six-to eight-fold greater potency over the drug). Wow! Ayurveda has always known about this herb and recom-mended it wholeheartedly. Traditionally it has been used to soothe gastric disturbances like colic, upset stomach, gas, diar-rhea, nausea and more for ages now.

There’s more! If you are worried about your genetic propensity towards arthritis, then you must adopt ginger liberally. It contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which work the magic. At least two clinical studies have reported that 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular dis-comfort experienced relief of pain and/or swelling after consuming ginger regularly. Easy pill this one. 

There are reports that ginger provides protection against cancers too, particularly colorectal cancer.

It is known to promote healthy sweating even during the cold months and works as a good detox agent.Research about it’s effect on blood sugar is in nascent stage, but reports suggest that ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.

It is well known that oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process and hasten alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Ginger can help cut both stress and inflammation to size.

Ginger is a wonderful immune system booster too, which is why it is great to keep colds and flus away and also help treat them. It’s a good combat agent for the upper respiratory tract infections too and works on coughs, sore throats and bronchitis like a dream.

Finally research has also shown that ginger can provide pain relief from migraine headaches. Apparently it works on migraines by blocking prostaglandins (which stimulate muscle contractions), controlling inflammation in the blood vessels, and impacting some hormones.

Max it’s benefits
The best news of course is that it is so concentrated with active substances that you don’t need to have a lot if it to score the benefits. The pungency in ginger is derived from compounds gingerol, shogaol and zingerone. Gingerol is the active component in fresh ginger, zingerone, the least pungent compound is formed when gingerol is cooked, while shogaol – which is twice as pungent, is formed when gingerol is dried. 

Try these
To make ginger tea, steep one or two 1/2-inch slices of fresh gin-ger in a cup of hot water. Or you could also combine ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic to make a wonderful salad dressing. And yes cook all your navratri dishes with lots of ginger.

Oats Are Good For Health

10 reasons to love oats

by Kavita Devgan

Who doesn’t know by now how important it is to eat breakfast. And get this right too – eating right breakfast is even more so. And what better way to gain the strength and energy to carry you through the hectic day ahead than starting off with a scrumptious bowl of freshly cooked oats. And to know what all it offers beyond just taste read on.

Nutrient dense: Oats are a great source of dietary fibre, iron, protein and B vitamins particularly vitamin B1 content, which is required by the body for carbohydrate metabolism. In fact on a per gram basis, oats contain a higher concentration of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, thiamin, folacin and Vitamin E than any other unfortified whole grain, such as wheat, barley, corn or rice. 

Low fat: Oats are naturally low in fat and the lipids present in oats contain a good balance of essential fatty acids

Cuts cholesterol: Oats contain a specific type of fibre known as beta-glucan. Studies show that in individuals with high cholesterol (above 220 mg/dl), consuming just 3 grams of soluble oat fibre per day (an amount found in one bowl of oats) typically lowers total cholesterol by 8-23%. Oats act almost like nature's broom, literally whisking excess cholesterol out of the system.

More cardio benefits: Antioxidant compounds unique to oats, called avenanthramides, help prevent free radicals from damaging LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,

Lowers BP: Oats, can significantly aid in reducing blood pressure and/or prevent the onset of hypertension
Boosts immune response: Beta-glucan significantly enhances the human immune system's response to bacterial infection also and has beneficial effects in diabetes as well. Starting out your day with a blood sugar stabilizing food such as oats may make it easier to keep blood sugar levels under control the rest of the day,

Cancer fighter: The phytochemicals in oats may also have cancer-fighting properties

Digestive diva: Good for digestive health. If you suffer from constipation, try eating raw oats before looking for any drugs.

Diet aid: There is also evidence that because oats improve satiety — they keep you feeling full — they are helpful in a weight-loss plan.

Makes you happy: Eat oats if you're feeling sad. It’s a natural antidepressant - will make you feel calmer. A bowl of oat porridge with a spoonful of honey makes a super calming breakfast.

Cheese Can Help Kill Cancer Cells

A New Study Says Cheese Can Help Kill Cancer Cells

​One of its preservatives is responsible.

Preservatives are hardly something to celebrate—especially after a wave of chain restaurants (Chipotle, Taco Bell, Panera Bread) and big-brand food companies (General Mills, Campbell's, Kraft) removed preservatives and other artificial ingredients from their products in attempt to appear healthier and less, well, artificial. But one preservative might totally reverse their reputation for good by victoriously killing cancer cells. 

According to a new study by the University of Michigan, nisin—a peptide born from the bacteria Lactococcus lactis found in dairy products like cheddar, Brie, and Camembert cheeses and some processed meats—dramatically reduced tumors in mice. Published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, the researchers' findings say that the preservative killed between 70 and 80 percent of cancer cells in nine weeks after the mice were given what the study calls "nisin milkshakes." (Honestly, this sounds oddly similar to Soylent, which recently sparked a strange, powdered meal movement.) This means the mice were fed highly purified and concentrated version of nisin that equates to about 20 times more than that typically occurs in food. This doubles its effectiveness but also means that a human-size dosage would be like taking 20 to 30 Advil-sized tablets.

Nonetheless, researchers say that nisin "delivers a one-two punch to two of medicine's most lethal maladies: cancer and deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria." So not only does it attack cancer cells but also eradicates the pesky, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that raise health safety concerns,  including life-threatening MRSA infections. What's more, there are no known bacteria that are resistant to nisin.

Here's why the preservative is so effective: Nisin binds to a static area of bacteria, giving it the opportunity to start working before the bacteria can pump up its defense and morph into an antibiotic-resistant superbug. Additionally, nisin kills colonies of bacteria that would otherwise group together and form a fortress that thwarts antibiotics.

But before you start eating cheese by the wheel or seeking out concentrated nisin tablets, it's important to note that these findings are still extremely preliminary. "While promising, the results are small and in mice only, so it's too early to say if nisin will act the same way in humans," said Dr. Yvonne Kapila, professor at the university's school of dentistry. However, Kapila's lab intends to take these tests to clinical trials, which could indicate that we are getting closer to a natural and readily available way to fight both cancer and dangerous bacterial infections. 

8 Foods (You May Not Know Of) That Cause Cancer

8 Surprising Foods That Cause Cancer

It may be impossible to eat healthily all the time, but do you even know the difference between something that has a few extra calories and something that can cause long-term negative effects on your health? You might be surprised to find out that many foods that are called healthy are loaded with poisonous carcinogens. Here’s a list of eight surprising foods that cause cancer:

1. Microwave Popcorn

Microwaveable popcorn is convenient, but eating it is a risky endeavor. That’s because chemicals in the lining of the bag have been tested and found to cause testicular, liver and pancreatic cancers. The main culprit is a chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid. So the next time you decide to pop some popcorn, do it the old-fashioned way. 

2. Canned Fruits

Just like microwaveable popcorn, it’s actually what the can is made with that causes cancer. The lining of most canned foods contains a deadly chemical called bisphenol-A. One study conducted in 2013 confirmed that bisphenol-A affects the way genes work inside the brain of rats. If that doesn’t make you wary, consider the fact that even the lax FDA is supporting efforts to minimize or eliminate bisphenol-A in canned goods. Canned fruits and vegetables that are extremely acidic seems to cause bisphenol-A to leech into them, so cook fresh or buy glass bottles.

3. Processed Meat

Here’s a list of some of the most common processed meats that contain carcinogens: 

• Bacon
• Bologna
• Pimento loaf
• Hot dogs
• Sausages

Researchers from the journal of BMC Medicine concluded that the chemicals and salts that are used while processing meats are pernicious. In this study, it was found that 1 in every 17 people that participated in the study died. The study included two groups of people: those who ate over 160 grams of processed meats, and those who ate 20 grams or less. The study concluded that those who ate over 160 grams of processed meats increased their risk of early death by as much as 44 percent when compared with those who ate 20 grams or less. The study included individuals from 10 European countries and lasted for over 12 years.

The chemicals (sodium nitrate and others) that are used to make meats look appealing and fresh are known to be cancer-causing agents. Smoked meats are even worse as the smoking process causes meats to pick up tar.

4. Most ‘Diet’ Foods and Drinks

Everything that’s labeled diet from frozen foods to diet sodas, often include aspartame. Aspartame is used as an artificial sweetener in the place of sugar, but it has been labeled a cancer-causing agent by many studies. 

5. Farmed Salmon

Although salmon is one of the healthiest types of fish you can eat, you should strictly avoid farmed salmon. But you probably didn’t know that most of the salmon consumed in the USA is farm raised. Farm-raised salmon consume unnatural diets that are laden with pesticides, antibiotics and other well-known carcinogens. Since they live in very crowded conditions, they normally have 30 times the number of sea lice than wild salmon. 

Additionally, farm-raised salmon are fed chicken litter, which causes their flesh to be a different color than wild-caught salmon. To fix this problem, farms feed their salmon cancer-causing chemicals to change the color of their flesh. Many studies have confirmed that farmed salmon contain cancer-causing dioxins and mercury. If you eat salmon, buy it canned or look for wild-caught salmon.

6. Potato Chips

America’s favorite snack food is chock full of high-glycemic carbohydrates, artificial flavors, artery-clogging trans fats, sodium and artificial colors. If that’s not enough to deter you, consider the fact that the high temperatures used to cook chips causes the formation of acrylamide, a substance responsible for causing several thousand cancers per year in Americans.

7. GMO’s

Even when you eat fresh fruits and vegetables, you may still be putting yourself at risk. According to a study published by The Food & Chemical Toxicology Journal, genetically-modified corn caused rats to develop cancerous tumors as well as organ damage and premature death. 

8. Apples

Apples are the most insecticide-contaminated fruit of all. According to a study where some 700 samples were taken, insecticides showed up on more than 98 percent of the apples. More than 90 percent of strawberries and blueberries were also confirmed to be contaminated.