Ask Dr. Mike: Reducing Risk for Genetic Cancer Predisposition

Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans.

Listen in because what you know helps ensure healthy choices you can live with. Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:

I don’t want to get cancer, but I have a family history of cancer. What can I do to decrease my odds?

The key to cancer prevention is keeping your cells healthy. Cancer is a cell gone bad. The basic blueprint that drives the engine of a cell turns bad when you have cancer. The genetic makeup gets mutated.

Do things to promote DNA health. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables preserve the integrity of DNA. Watercress, kale, cauliflower are also cruciferous. Eat at least a serving or two of cruciferous vegetables every day. The isothiocyanate inside is what protects your DNA. Diet is first, but it would be difficult to get enough isothiocyanate from just vegetables. Supplementation will help. Look for a product that lists the amount of isothiocyanate on the label.

Curcumin is the workhorse of cell health. It seems to benefit every organ system in the body. Try 400 mg a day.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com or call in, toll-free, to the LIVE radio show (1.844.305.7800) so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.