(NC)—Cancer statistics are never pretty. But the good news is research shows that 30 to 35 percent of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and not being overweight. Along with physical activity and not smoking, healthy eating is one of the cornerstones of cancer prevention.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends choosing 5-10 servings of vegetables and fruit every day to reap the benefits of their disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals. Since fresh Canadian mushrooms are low in calories and fat, have very little carbohydrate, and provide some fibre, they make an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Emerging research also suggests that mushrooms and mushroom extracts may have potent anticancer activity against breast cancer.Fresh Mushrooms Can Help

Dr. Shiuan Chen, of the City of Hope Cancer Centre in Los Angeles, has identified anti-tumour properties in fresh mushrooms. Mushrooms contain conjugated linoleic acid, and CLA suppresses a natural substance in the body called aromatase. By blocking aromatase, physicians can reduce the levels of circulating estrogen in post-menopausal women. That is important because, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, high levels of estrogen are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

White button, portabella, crimini and shiitake mushrooms showed significant inhibitory effects with large mushrooms having the strongest activity. Furthermore, there is an emerging body of science suggesting that higher intakes of vitamin D may be protective against breast and other cancers, and mushrooms are the only fruit/vegetable with natural vitamin D.

Although more research is needed, including clinical trials, Dr. Chen suggest that consuming 3.5 ounces (100g) of mushrooms per day would help suppress breast cancer tumor growth in women.

Canadian Mushroom Growers are Helping Since 2002, North American Mushroom Growers have invested more than $700,000 in grants to the City of Hope in Los Angeles in support research on mushrooms and cancer.Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, Canadian Mushroom Growers have partnered with the Breast Cancer Society of Canada to help fight the battle against breast cancer.From mid-September to mid-November, look for fresh mushrooms in pink trays in your local grocery store. A portion of the proceeds from every pink tray sold will be donated to The Breast Cancer Society of Canada, with a target level of $25,000.

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