Prevention is the Best Cure!

Cancer is now the leading cause of death in Canada and is responsible for almost 30% of all deaths. Cancer mostly affects Canadians aged 50 and older, but it can occur at any age. Despite years and 200 billion dollars in research, the disease is still greatly misunderstood, and has yet to be cured. Cancer is not a single disease, but a large group of diseases. Most cancers evolve as a result of gene mutations that develop in the cells during a person’s lifetime. While all cancers are caused by the disruption of genes, we know that approximately 5 to 10% of cancers are related to specific inherited genetic abnormalities. Some risk factors can be avoided – we can choose not to smoke. Some cannot – we cannot choose the genes that we inherit through birth. An estimated 196,900 new cases of cancer and 78,000 deaths from cancer will occur in Canada in 2015. On average, 539 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day. On average, 214 Canadians will die from cancer every day. Although the number of newly diagnosed cases in Canada is increasing, survival rates are also increasing. Are you feeling concerned? I am. This is worrisome news.

Here’s a shocking statistic: Nine out of 10 cancers are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors such as:

• polluted water
• exposure to radiation
• chemicals
• industrial toxins
• STI’s
• smoking
• severe sunburn
• lack of exercise
• poor diet
• drinking

Here are a few important facts to be aware of:

1. Only 5 – 10% of cancers can be passed through genetics
2. 1 in 3 cancers can be prevented by not smoking
3. Alcohol is a known cause of 10 types of cancer; bing drinking is responsible for most cases
4. 1/2 of the viruses known to cause cancer are 100% preventable
5. 30-35% of cancer deaths can be related to diet
6. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and the most preventable
7. Vitamin D is known to reduce the risk of cancer by 78%

Where there is bad news there is also often good news. Reduce the risk of getting cancer with these:
6 PREVENTION TIPS

1. Let food be thy medicine – diet; eat more fresh fruit, veggies & Omega 3s, less refined sugars, trans fats & animal products (which will also help to reduce greenhouse emissions)
2. Stop getting hammered – avoid bing drinking in particular
3. Get your sweat on! – move 30 minutes a day
4. Don’t smoke – reduce risk by 30%
5. Protect or regret (get immunized & use condoms)
6. Be alert – early detection is key; know your risks, get routine checkups

By taking preventive measures we can reduce our risk of getting cancer by two thirds! Research shows without any doubt that we need to change our lifestyles to safeguard our health. Start 2016 with a 100% commitment to care about your health. Prevention is the best cure. Yes you can.