Cancer is a disease comprised of the sporadic and rapid division of abnormal cells sometimes causing a malignant growth or tumor. The part of the body this cell division takes place in usually determines or labels the type of cancer. There are many risk factors believed to cause cancer, and everyone has cancer cells growing in their body. It is when harmful substances or other forms of abuse to the body cause these cells to multiply that a person is said to have cancer.

Cancer is believed to be caused by a multitude of factors, with no one cause to place a finger on. Contributers to developing cancer are termed "carcinogens". Your genetic make-up can give you a predisposition to developing certain types of cancer. There are environmental causes such as exposure to toxic substances where you live, work or play, (for example microwaving food in plastic containers). Lifestyle choices including smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, being sedentary and exposing yourself to harmful rays from the sun or tanning beds are also believed to lead to cancer. Finally, the simple act of living to a ripe old age makes you more likely to develop cancer (because the longer you live, the longer you have to develop genetic damage which builds up and creates cancer cells).

Chiropractic adheres to prevention by natural means when it comes to cancer. Keeping the body healthy with a strong immune system, goes a long way in cancer prevention. Avoiding and eliminating potentially harmful sources will also decrease your risk of developing cancer. Preservatives in things such as vaccines, nonorganic foods and even the chemicals we spray on our lawns and gardens can increase cancer risk. Chiropractors can help you identify these sources, and find safe alternatives to use.

The primary form of chiropractic care is the chiropractic adjustment, which strengthens the immune system by increasing nerve function. Other chiropractic treatments like massage therapy and acupuncture can help fight off cancer cells and lessen the side effects of cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments help the body function at its best by relaxing the body and lowering blood pressure.

Massage therapy and acupuncture are often offered to relax the body, lower blood pressure, lessen the side effects of medical cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and even fight off cancer cells. The primary method of chiropractic care, however, is the chiropractic adjustment. These adjustments help nerves work better by strengthening the immune system. Chiropractors can be very beneficial in preventing and treating cancer naturally.