It’s stated that many vegetables contain “anti-cancer” or cancer fighting compounds. How exactly do these compounds work to prevent cancerous cells from forming?

Question

It’s stated that many vegetables contain “anti-cancer” or cancer fighting compounds. How exactly do these compounds work to prevent cancerous cells from forming?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Most of the “cancer fighting compounds” (and take that with a grain of salt) are antioxidants – they basically prevent chemical damage to cells and more importantly DNA that can cause mutations and subsequently cancer.