For years, scientists believed that the immune system of some people didn't recognize cancerous cells. They have since discovered that it is a weakened immune system that allows the cancer cells to accumulate and develop into a clinical case of cancer.

The purpose of the immune system is to destroy cells that are foreign to our bodies. When a person is healthy and has a strong immune system, it is constantly destroying mutated cancer cells. When the immune system is weak, the cancerous cells take over. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation treatments are harmful to an already weakened immune system. Sometimes the treatments work and the person lives out their life cancer-free. Sadly, some patients have the cancer return in later years.

There are things a person can do to help keep their immune system strong. What we eat has a big impact on our immune system. Scientists have determined that obesity and poor nutrition affect the lymphatic system. This allows the body to be more susceptible to infection and disease. Large amounts of meat contribute to this effect. A person should also avoid saturated fats like palm oil, coconut oil, and animal fats. Eating food like fresh fruit and vegetables increases the T-cells' activity to produce antibodies. Moderate exercise has proven to aid the immune system in patients receiving treatments for cancer. Women who were undergoing breast cancer treatments were able to bring up their immune cell count to normal levels by exercising three times a week.

There is definitely a correlation between your immune system and being able to fight cancer. A person can do a lot for themselves to help strengthen their immune system. Try to eat the right foods and get plenty of exercise.