Have some broccoli.

We have known for sometime that broccoli and other cruciforms (a cross can be seen in the just-sprouted seedling) contain cancer fighting compounds.  In addition to broccoli; Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, kohlrabi, rutabaga, radishes and watercress are other cruciforms.

Now we are learning how these so called "super veggies" may work.  A recent study (http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jm101199t) by Wang and colleagues from Georgetown and Columbia medical schools explains at least one of the cancer fighters in the broccoli.

About 50% of human cancers, including breast cancer, are thought to be caused by a mutant p53 gene.  This gene normally codes for tumor suppressor proteins that actually prevent cancers from developing.  When the p53 gene has a mutation the proteins formed don't have the suppressor quality and allow tumors to grow.  Compounds in the broccoli called isothiocyanates or ITC's destroy the abnormal non-suppressor proteins and allow the normal proteins to suppress tumor growth.

I think I'll stop and get some fresh broccoli on the way home!