Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. It is the second leading cause of death globally. Reasons for rise, finding answers?
Worldwide cancer rates are set to double by 2020, according to a report published by the World Health Organization .
Women Fitness team got in touch with Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati, the Director and Founder of Beverly Medical Center, and is board certified in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. She answers some FAQ’s about on Cancer rise.
Cancer has become an increasing health concern. Why?
Reasons for rising cancer index. some are preventable:
- Smoking and exposure to second hand smoke
- Sun exposure and tanning beds
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Infections (such as HPV in relation to cervical cancer, other viruses such as Epstein Barr — the mono virus have been implicated in cancer)
Hidden Cancer Causing Agents
If you go to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease registry you can see there are thousands of chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis that can cause cancer. What is more concerning is these substances are tested individually so we are not aware of the toxicity when more than one chemical is combined with the other.
A few of these chemicals have been found responsible:
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury
- Chemicals that are produced when foods are charred (benzopyrines)
If you want more information about a number of toxins, click here.
“Since the 1970s, more than 87,000 chemicals have been approved for commercial use. Yet of those thousands of chemicals, only just over one thousand have been formally examined and graded for their carcinogenic potential.” adds Dr. Kanawati
Personal Care Products:
“A survey by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2015 found that the average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. The study, which surveyed more than twenty-three hundred people, found that one in five adults are exposed every day to all of the top seven carcinogenic impurities commonly found in personal care products, including formaldehyde, which is listed as a known carcinogen by both the IARC and the National Toxicology Program.”
The steps to follow once cancer has been detected?
I recommend following their doctor’s advice but also getting a second opinion — especially in regard to cancer, adds Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati.
Lifestyle modifications to instantly adopt
- Smoking cessation
- Adopt a health food plan: Modification of dietary habits to include daily intake of plant-based food containing anticancer and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals thus represents a promising approach to preventing the development of cancer.
- Weight control
- Avoidance of alcohol
- Avoid chemicals in food and environment
- Take nutritional supplements to help the body cope.
How to catch early signs of cancer and gain timely treatment?
in terms of Symptoms most people don’t have symptoms until they are at later stages —-
“I have a patient I have known for several years, — she came in complaining of bloating which she has never had before starting about 3 months prior. Many practitioners would ignore this — but since I knew this patient well and her prior history I ordered an ultrasound which showed metastatic ovarian cancer.” says Dr. Goode-Kanawati
According to another study, published studies are cancer-site specific. Evidence from such studies provides an incomplete picture of associations between presenting symptoms and stage at diagnosis, because individuals who present with the same symptoms could be diagnosed with cancers of different sites.
About the Contributor:
Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati D.O.
The Director and Founder of Beverly Medical Center, Dr. Goode-Kanawati is board certified in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. She is an osteopathic physician who has been practicing for over 30 years – a traditionally trained physician with a unique approach driven by her own health story:
Dr. Goode-Kanawati offers:
- Intensive diagnostic investigation.
- Comprehensive treatment plans, with nutritional modalities and an emphasis on disease prevention.
- Special interest in working with difficult thyroid, endocrine, and autoimmune issues.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
