Cancer evokes strong emotions of fear in a lot of us and rightly so as it is a disease that can strike anyone at anytime.  Although we used to think that cancer is basically a genetic disease, as our understanding of cancer evolves, our knowledge of risk factors associated with cancer is increasing and evidence is beginning to point in the direction of lifestyle and environment as a major contributing factor in development and spread of cancer.

A study published in JAMA in 2004 called the HALE study concluded a 60% reduction in cancer mortality over the course of the study among people who had adopted a healthier lifestyle.  Another remarkable study conducted with 93 men with early stage prostate cancer published in the journal of Urology in 2005 showed that lifestyle changes including diet and exercise reduces the progression of prostate cancer as indicated by a drop in the PSA levels.

So what does it all mean for us? No one can guarantee us that we won’t get cancer but we can sure reduce our risks, and in disease prevention that’s a powerful thing to be able to do.  Cancer is a multifactorial disease and the lower our risks the better our chances.

Aziza Amarshi, BSc., RPh, RHN

Pharmacist, Holistic Nutritionist