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Berni Madoff is reported to have cancer. AP Photo/David Karp
Another cancer case makes headlines today as convicted felon Bernie Madoff is reportedly dying from pancreatic cancer (see Reuters article here). It would seem there are more high profile cancer cases popping up more and more in the news. Is this indicative of the current cancer problem in the U.S.? Not necessarily.
A recent report to the nation from the National Cancer Institute (N.C.I.) claims U.S. cancer rates are actually on the decline (see full report here). It states specifically that, "rates for all cancers combined decreased 0.8 percent per year from 1999 through 2005 for both sexes combined; rates decreased 1.8 percent per year from 2001 through 2005 for men and 0.6 percent per year from 1998 through 2005 for women".
While this good news is encouraging, the N.C.I. warns that we still need to be cautious. The drop is due, in part, to a decrease in deaths of common cancers such as lung cancer. The lower incidence of lung cancer, for example, may be related to stricter tobacco regulations and eduction efforts.
Because certain types of cancer may be hereditary, and because of the environmental toxins we all must live with, some see cancer as inevitable and unavoidable. However, there is much we can do to avoid cancer and protect ourselves.
Cancer begins when normal healthy cells begin to mutate in the body. The immune system is supposed to recognize these mutated cells and absorb them by special immunity cells called killer T cells. However, for reasons largely unknown, this simple process does not always work the way it is supposed to, the cells continue to mutate, and a tumor (cancer) develops.
There are certain toxins that are well known carcinogens (cancer causing), such as:
* Cigarette smoke (which includes a number of carcinogenic chemicals)
* Nitrites/nitrates (found in cured meats such as sausage and hot dogs)
* Sodium lauryl sulfate (found in commercial shampoos and soaps)
* Formaldehyde (found in many household cleaning products)
* Pesticides (including sodium 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetate)
* Quaterium 15, FD&C RED 40 (found in baby shampoos and some soaps)
* Aluminum dioxide (found in most deodorants)
* Dioxin (found in spray disinfectants)
* Trisodium nitrilotriacetate (found in popular laundry detergents)
* Trans-fats (found in hydrogenated oils such as margarine)
While we should do all that we can to avoid these poisons, it is not always possible to avoid them completely. Since cancer is, at its root, an immune system problem, the best possible way to prevent these types of mutations is to do all that you can to strengthen your immune system, including:
* Not smoking - Or, if you smoke, quit. There are no health benefits to smoking.
* Using safe alternative cleaning products and personal hygiene products - Seventh Generation and Green Works are both companies who are dedicated to making non-toxic household products, and can now be found in most grocery stores and markets).
* Read ingredient labels - Avoid foods with saccharin, known to cause cancer in lab rats, and trans-fats. If you eat meat, buy nitrite/nitrate free products.
* Buy organic - When ever possible, choose organic produce over commercial produce which is covered with pesticides and harmful chemicals.
* Eat whole foods - avoid pre-packaged and processed foods which are laced with chemicals designed to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Eat food found in nature (note: margarine is not found in nature!)
* Take immune boosting supplements - Vitamins A, E and C support the immune system. B vitamins are also beneficial for managing stress, which weakens our immunity.
* Exercise - regular exercise enhances immune function and helps combat many common problems such as depression and obesity.
These simple steps should be followed regularly to keep the immune system functioning properly and help you to avoid cancer. While some forms of cancer may be hereditary, these measure can help ward off cancer, extend life expectancy and enhance overall quality of life.
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