Today I want to talk a bit about cancer. Unfortunately, cancer affects the lives of so many of us. Almost 40% of all Americans will have cancer at some point in their lives. However, since some cancers are slow-growing, or curable, that doesn’t mean that 40% of Americans will die from cancer. Between 19 and 23% of Americans will eventually die of cancer – or put another way, one in every four or five Americans. So this is still a relatively high number.
There is a lot of debate about the risk factors that predispose us to cancer. Some factors we can’t change – like our DNA, past chemical exposures, parental choices, etc. Others we can. Focusing on these, we know that we increase our risk for cancer from the following habits:
Ways to decrease risk:
Minimize red and processed meat intake
Have alcohol only in moderation
Have plenty of fruit and vegetables every day
Minimize added salt intake
Maintain a normal body weight
Regular physical activity – at least 30 minutes per day
Avoid getting sunburns (but don’t avoid the sun altogether! Getting some sunlight is important to create sufficient vitamin D via UV radiation exposure)
If using hormone replacement for menopause, only use bioidentical forms. Research shows a reduced risk of breast cancer when the bioidentical form of hormone replacement therapy is used in a proper manner. When prescribing estrogen or progesterone, I only prescribe the bioidentical versions.
There is also inconclusive evidence that suggests exposure to a variety of hormone-mimicking chemicals in our environment, such as plasticizers found in all sorts of plastic containers, pesticides, vehicle exhaust fumes, fungicides, and solvents, may increase the risk of cancer. As we haven’t fully studied the effects long-term effects of these chemicals, and there is some evidence supporting the possibility of harm, I recommend:
a. regular practices that support detoxification, such as sauna use, sweating, exercise, getting plenty of fiber, and plenty of vitamins from a variety of fruits and vegetables.
b. avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals as much as possible. This means avoiding eating/drinking anything that is or was in a plastic container or metal can (most have BPA or other plasticizers shown to be endocrine disruptors), reducing contact with thermal receipts (i.e. those thermal credit card receipts, as they contain a high amount of BPA, which has been shown to absorb well through your fingertips), and eating organic as much as possible.
Even if you may be predisposed to a particular cancer because of history or genetic factors, this doesn’t necessarily mean it is your fate. By implementing specific dietary and lifestyle strategies, along with targeted supplements, we can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Once cancer has developed, there are various integrative cancer treatments that may improve health outcomes. Please click on the link to learn more about our integrative cancer treatments.
If you would like to reach out, you can contact us to set up a free 10-minute phone consultation. Our number here in Studio City is 424-278-4325.
Yours In Good Health,
Dr. Fischer