Update: Dr. Weil just posted this article to his newsletter: Preventing Cancer Part 1: Supplements. I'm not trying to be a cheerleader for Weil, there are other sources out there, it's just he's been consistent for more than a decade and I like him and his crazy beard. But please do your own research.
I've come to the conclusion that if you live in the USA, you will get cancer at some point in your life. It will happen. You might as well live your life with this in mind. Sure, it will be other people at first... like it is now, but then it will be you. You will get cancer.
I got lung cancer and I never smoked a moment in my life. If I didn't discover it when I did, I'd be planning my death. No joke.
If you don't want to get cancer, or if you want to put it off as long as possible, there is hope. It's mostly about diet and lifestyle. First, if you smoke, stop right now. Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer around. Most people that get it, die and die fast. This is mainly due to the fact that lung cancer is usually detected late in the game. Smokers don't go to the doctor as much and ignore their symptoms. Since I never smoked I'm trying to figure out how I got this. I was around a lot of smoke as a kid, so I'm trying to learn about second hand smoke and how long it might take to develop a tumor. The Radon levels in my home are safe. So that's a relief for my family at least... It's a mystery at the moment, but to me, this makes it more the scarier. I'd rather know, than not know.
Diet: Dr. Weil has had it right for years! Read his books. Start there, read about anti inflammatory diets. http://drweil.com This should get you going, seriously. I have owned 8 Weeks to Optimum Health since 1998. I wonder If I'd be in this position if I actually followed through on his advice and changed my lifestyle then.
Stress: Stress reduction is also part of Dr. Weil's approach. But finding ways to reduce stress in your life will help you put off or survive your cancer assault. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, quiet walks, news and TV reduction, less computer time, massage, etc. learn to pamper yourself more. What can it hurt?
Excersise: Another thing that Dr. Weil discusses. He's more about taking walks, walking more, just being more active, etc. I'll leave it up to you if you want to take it up a few notches. Some day I hope to be healthy enough to get back to cross-training. But that's gonna take some time.
Lose Weight: If you're obese, like me, start making your plans for either a funeral or a serious weight loss regimen. Again Dr. Weil and the anti-inflammatory diet might be a good place to start, but also talk to your doctor. There may be more targeted plans for you and your needs. Cancer loves obesiety! Fatter cells to attack, perhaps. Cancer also loves transfats and high fructose corn syrup. Sugar. It eats it up to help it grow! So at least find a way to cut back on sugars.
See your doctor regularly and ask questions! Write them down before you go. If anything weird is bothering you... ask about it! That's what I did. Early detection is the best cure for cancer right now. So don't wait. If you have insurance, take advantage of it. I don't care how old you are... or young. Do it. If you don't have insurance, I hope that this will be resolved soon with new health care policies. But try to find a solution now if you can. Move to France, Canada, the UK, Sweden, Germany, or any other civilized nation in the world.
These are all things I'm going to start working on as I begin to heal from my last chemo treatment today. I have 4 to 6 weeks more recovery time. As I begin to feel better, I'm going start working on the lifestyle that I'll live for the rest of my life. Healthy eating, stress reduction, and exercise. I have to. I have no choice.
Take care of your self. I really mean it.
Another update: I wanted to say this when I wrote this last night at 3 AM... everyone has cells in their body that can beccome cancer right now. All they need to do is to find a place to grow. Anticancer is another good book to check out. So basically, no one is immune. It's just a matter of when or where will it happen.
