Let me put it to you all bluntly.  Cancer doesn’t just happen.  WE make it happen.  To ourselves and to others.  What we eat, how we live, what we do and what our government does all intermingle in the causation event of this devastating and often fatal disease.  For those of you who think that cancer will never hit you, think twice before drinking too much brandy or eating too many hotdogs.  And if you think that only you will be affected by your individual actions, think again before lighting that cigarette.  There is no such thing as complete isolation from society in today’s world.  

      What is cancer?  Cancer is a biological condition wherein susceptible cells undergo rapid and uncontrolled division and growth, ultimately leading to abnormal cell function and process.  This then triggers a cascade of events that damage the body’s internal and external organs.  Everyday, more and more people are succumbing to this disease.  Why is this so?  Because, despite the billions of dollars being infused into research and testing, no adequate cure has been developed to halt the fast-rising mortality rates.  What can we do therefore?  PREVENT IT.  Stop it even before it happens.  Prevent its progression if it already exists. 

      Cancer prevention is a matter of life changes.  And by life, it means all aspects of it:

   1. Lifestyle and Personal Habits

1. Stop smoking or don’t start at all.  Avoid smoke-filled establishments to prevent inhalation of second-hand smoke.
2. Limit alcohol consumption to 1-2 drinks per day.  A drink is defined as 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1 ½ oz. of liquor.
3. Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet, loading up on fruits and vegetables and cutting back on animal produce.
4. Make certain that any medical procedure done that entails radiation exposure (chest x-rays, mammograms, dental x-rays, etc.) is absolutely necessary.  Radiation is cancer-inciting.  Discuss this very well with the requesting physician.
5. Practice safe sex by using proper protection and avoiding unconventional sexual practices.  Limit intercourse to only one partner.  Avoid sexual activity at an early age.
6. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm when ultraviolet rays are strongest.  Protect yourself using sunblock lotions with PABA and high SPF.  Wear hats and sunglasses.
7. If possible, live in a pollution-free area, away from any industrial plant, waste disposal center and major highway.

 

   2. Consumer Products

    READ LABELS AT ALL TIMES!

1. Be cautious in the purchase and use of cosmetics.  Many hair dyes contain carcinogenic chemicals still in use.  Be sure that you know exactly what is being used on you at the beauty parlor.
2. Understand and research on the drugs being taken.  Many over-the-counter and everyday medicines such as antibiotics and hormone drugs can contribute to cancer.
3. Avoid treating your home with chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides and termite chemicals.
4. Avoid the use of any aerosols or spray cans, including hair sprays, spray deodorants and insect killers.  Their propellants have been shown to be cancer-causing.
5. Instead of using cleaning agents and solvents that contain chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and benzene, clean your home using kitchen products that are less harmful.  Vinegar and baking soda are good natural agents.

 

   3. Occupation

   1. If you have a choice, avoid taking on jobs in the following fields:

         1. industrial work exposing you to petrochemicals, asbestos, steel and mining materials
         2. arts and crafts activities involving the use of paints, aerosol cans and solvents
         3. cosmetology and beauty therapies using hair dyes and hair sprays
         4. medical and para-medical professions exposing you to constant high-level radiation and to chemicals used in research.

   2. If you are unable to avoid these occupations, make extra effort to protect yourself adequately to minimize contact with these chemicals.  Ensure that the workplace is well-ventilated.  Wear gloves, goggles and masks at all times.

   3. For students, make your food choices healthy ones and stay away from sodas and convenience foods.  Parents should insist that the school cafeteria serve only nutritious, carcinogen-free meals everyday.

 

4. Early Detection and Treatment

It is important to first identify the existence of any high risk factors:

1. smoker, heavy drinker
2. family history of cancers
3. history of exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy drugs and other carcinogenic medications and at what age – The younger the age at exposure time, the higher the risk of developing cancer.
4. race – There are certain cancers that have predilection for certain races, but overall cancer rates seem to be high among blacks.

          The following are the procedures that should be done in order to detect cancer early.  Early detection will mean early treatment and prevention of involvement of multi-organ damage.

      For women:

   1. Pap smear – to detect cervical cancer.  This is usually done on women 20 years and above or those who are sexually active.  It is done annually.  If high-risk, the procedure is performed even more often.
   2. Pelvic exam – for uterine cancer.  This is a bi-manual procedure that feels for any lumps and unusual structures in the uterus as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.  It is performed on older women and women with abnormal menses or dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
   3. Breast exam – for breast cancer.  It is advisable for every female to know how to examine her breasts monthly.  This usually starts in adolescence when menstruation has begun.

      For men:

   1. Digital rectal exam – for prostate cancer.  This is done on middle-aged men and men with urinary problems such as minimal urination or difficulty initiating urination.

      For both men and women:

   1. Laryngoscopy – for throat cancers, particularly in smokers and heavy drinkers
   2. Proctosigmoidoscopy – for colon cancer.  It is recommended for 40-year-olds and those with family history of polyposis and ulcerative colitis.
  3. Gastroscopy – for gastric cancer.  Ulcers have been known to be precancerous lesions which can be noted in this procedure.

 

      What is important is to keep informed.  Find out the latest treatments and preventions; read on articles that list down or mention cancer-inciting and cancer-preventing practices; attend sessions on health and if you wish, group sharing of patients and family members of cancer victims.  But you must learn to filter out anecdotal and shady claims from evidence-based facts.  This is difficult to do.  Even in the medical community, there still exist disagreements over the validity of some preventive and therapeutic methods in practice today.  

      To make a sound decision, you need to analyze and research on the claims.  Understand fully what the method entails and the science or rationale behind it.  Understand also the possible side effects.  Network with others who may have tried the method.  

      Whatever you so choose to do, what you must remember is that it is your decision.  Overall, it boils down to personal conviction and quality of life.  If WE make cancer happen, then WE can also make cancer NOT happen.

      We take charge of our lives.  Let’s live it well.