The Queen of Health

THE “C” WORD ~ NO ONE WANTS IT
CANCER: REDUCING YOUR RISK
By Tami Hulcher, Health Educator
(published in LA Family Magazine October 2003)

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our diet and lifestyles play a huge role in cancer, and who will get it, and who will escape its ravaging affects. According to the American Cancer Society, only 5% to 10% of cancer cases are genetic. A vast majority of cancers, at least 90% then, occur in people with no family history of the disease. Although we can’t change our genetic makeup, we can modify our lifestyles and we can still reduce our risks of getting cancer.

First, let’s take a look at cancer, and what it is. Cancer is basically a bunch of diseased cells. Most types of cancer cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. The majority of malignant tumors result from damage to genes from various sources, including diet. Cancer can take years or decades to show up. The cancer process begins with the thousands of genes inside the cells of the human body. How effectively our genes work depends on, and is influenced by lifestyle factors. If we damage our DNA, this may result in a change called a mutation. If our body’s repair system fails, due to repeated mutations, the damaged cell grows and multiplies. This sequence may eventually lead to cancer.

How do we damage our cells and DNA? Well, again, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that sun damage, smoking, alcohol, environmental toxins, and our toxic food environment play significant roles in the damage of our cells. And we have trillions of them; bone cells, lung cells, brain cells, blood cells, etc. How are you “feeding” them?
Are you using poor food choices, smoking, and excessive alcohol to “fan the flames”?

Second, let’s examine some statistics:
• According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 211,300 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur in the U.S. alone, with about 39,800 people dying from the disease.
• In the year 2001, almost 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed, with over 4,400 deaths.
• Colorectal cancer cases in that same year rose to 135,400 with 56,700 deaths.
• Prostate cancer cases reported 198,100, with 31,500 deaths.
• Almost one million cases of various skin cancers were reported, and over 10,000 lives were lost.
• One in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

According to the Foundation for the Children’s Oncology Group, the statistics for children are equally alarming:
• There are 12,400 new cases of cancer diagnosed in American children each year.
• By the age of 20, one child or teen in 330 is diagnosed with cancer.
• Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.
• Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer of children and adolescents in North America. More children die of cancer than of any other disease, including asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies and AIDS, combined.

Obviously, early detection is the key, but PREVENTION is ideal. Can we actually prevent cancer? Again, genetics play a small role. Diet, exercise, lifestyle, environment, and your weight have a great deal to do with it.

Cancer does not like oxygen, for example, so exercising, even walking can help. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Cancer loves sugar! According to Dr. Patrick Quillin, PhD, RD, CNS, and author of Beating Cancer with Nutrition, “sugar is a cancer feeder.” He also states that more than “40% of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition.” Proper nutrition can also improve the outcome of cancer treatment.

According to Dr. Walter Willett, Harvard Medical School, diet prevents up to 75% of certain cancers. Some researchers say up to 90%! Dr. Willett also states that a contributing factor to reducing your risk of cancer is to eat more fruits and vegetables. So are we fighting cancer on the wrong battlefield? Perhaps we should look at our plates.

There are overwhelming statistics and research on diet and disease prevention, not just cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends eating healthy foods, with the emphasis on plant sources. They recommend eating at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, whole grains rather than processed grains and sugar. Another recommendation is limit consumption of red meat and high-fat, processed meats.

Many organizations including the National Cancer Institute, the American Medical Association, American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association agree that you can reduce your risk of many diseases by consuming 7-9 servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day. Why? There are thousands and thousands of phytochemicals (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Think of them as “phyting” for your life!

If you have children like I do, please be more diligent about what goes on their plates, in their lunch boxes, and in their mouths. Like I said before, it takes 10-20 years to feed certain cancers, and our children are at risk.

In summary, are you doing everything you can to help and heal your cells and DNA? Or are you damaging, mutating and killing those cells and DNA? No one likes the “C” word, and no one wants cancer. So reduce your risk ~ keep your immune systems strong; avoid excessive sugar and aspartame products; avoid toxic overload to your body, mind and soul; exercise regularly; and eat a more plant-based diet with at least 7-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

(Tami Hulcher is a health educator, motivational speaker, and president of Ola Loa, Inc. She has made appearances on NBC’s Today in L.A. show, KTLA’s Morning Show, and KESQ-ABC TV. Her popular lecture series “Getting You and Your Kids To Eat Right” has been featured in many schools, businesses, churches, health spas, and she has appeared in many magazines. Tami is also the former Mrs. California~America 2002.)