In the last few weeks there have been many articles in the newspapers regarding causes of cancer. It is most confusing to try and decipher what is valid. Some say genetics is the cause; others report that the environemnt is the cause; others are convinced that it is essentially life style that increases the chance of developping cancer.
The main concern of course is to determine the cause with the hope of preventing the occurence of cancer and developing a cure. This however lies some time in the future.
What we do know is that early detection is the key; the earlier the better. But then again, two studies this week reported that early detection for prostrate cancer did not improve the mortality rate and that some men underwent surgery (which may result in incontinence and/or impotency) needlessly which decreased the quality of their life.
But we do know that cancer rates are increasing, that more individuals are living with cancer, and that older Canadians are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
All this to say that in reality the research community is still struggling with trying to identify the cause of cancer, but there is hope for the future. With increasing mortality comes the chance that perhaps you will die of some other disease or accident before succumbing to cancer; that if you continue to live a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition, exercise, and removing as many environmental poisons as possible, you can avoid developing cancer.
One of the keys to helping the research community to conduct the necessary research is more money and lots of money. In June, the Nova ladies will be participating in the Relay for Life and we should encourage their efforts and reward their determination. This disease can be erradicated by donating funds, by asking your friends and family to donate to this cause. The monies raised will go to young and brilliant individuals who are spending thier lives in the laboratories of Canada struggling to discover new methods to determine the cause and to cure this disease.
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How true ! Tremendous progress has been made in the last 10-20 years. Despite the increasing number of cancer cases diagnosed every year, the survival rate has increased as well. The research for more effective and less agressive treatments is so important, up until the time the cure is found. I lost 2 of my aunts to breast cancer and my mom to a brain tumor. They had no chance then - it was over 30 years ago. If they would have gone through this today, I am sure they would be alive. I am.
ReplyDeleteTHat's why I get involved in the Relay for Life and hope to be able to raise lots and lots and lots of money for our cause.
I received my team captain's kit and will bring it over at the group tomorrow night. The location of the Relay has changed - It will now be held at:
George Springate Sports Center (behind Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School)
June 19-20th - Let's spend the night together !
I have noticed that speakers at recent seminars and workshops about cancer and nutrition all seem to be saying the same thing....a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in red meat, may help to keep us cancer free. We cannot always control our genes, our environment, the air we breathe and the water we drink. But we can control what goes into our mouths and make good food choices to keep us healthy and to give us a better shot at remaining cancer-free. So pass the broccoli and blueberries please!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, keep up the good work!
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