There are many seeds to be planted when living an anticancer lifestyle with variations of growth, transformation, living and thriving. I had the privilege of attending the MD Anderson’s Cancer Survivorship Conference last month and left with LOTS of seeds.
So, here are the stats.
In 2014, there were 1.6 million cancer incidences in the U.S. In 2035, that number will jump to 2.4
million! I wonder and worry how many of
us will be next to be diagnosed. If you
think about it like I think about it, then you will appreciate some of the
conference information that I’m going to share with you.
Every speaker I heard emphasized lifestyle choices that
we can change to decrease our risks of cancer.
I value that tremendously, because for me, it gives me hope and boosts
my confidence to live the anticancer lifestyle. This integrative model of living combines
physical, psycho-spiritual and social aspects.
Who knew that getting chemotherapy, taking a yoga class and meeting
friends for tea could have a positive synergistic effect on healing? Treatment is not just about removing the
tumor and cancer cells from your body.
It is about healing your soul, making positive connections, breathing
and surrounding yourself with a great team.
The big lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of cancer
are not new to us, but wow! The
measurable evidence of how they work in our favor is increasing.
1. Do not use
tobacco- no brainer.
2. Improve
nutrition, including decreasing alcohol consumption- the risks of
cancer from alcohol use outweigh any cardiac benefits. Yep, I said it. BOO!
And cancer loves sugar. Double
BOO! The ongoing debate with sugar
lobbyists is frustrating. Bottom line,
be your own advocate and educate yourself regarding sugar and disease. I didn’t know this but, vegetarians have a
10% decreased risk for cancer and vegans have a 20% decrease. What does that mean for all the carnivores? Eat more plants! I try to cook meatless at home, but believe me, it is a struggle to please everyone. Some of my meatless dinner ideas are:
Taco Tuesday with beans, rice, avocado salad
and lots of veggies.
Breakfast for
dinner with omelets, fruit and pancakes or maybe breakfast tacos with eggs,
veggies and fresh salsa or maybe quiche with a green salad.
Soup! -
tortilla soup with veggies, bean soup or clam chowder. How about red beans and rice with a green
salad?
Any seafood with veggie sides.
In my opinion, it really is easy to
incorporate meatless meals in your family life.
It’s called In-ten-tion-al. Honestly, my kids would be happy eating bean and cheese quesadillas, cabbage salad, guacamole, fresh salsa & chips and watermelon every night! Be sure to consider organic, non-GMO and minimal preservatives.
3. Decrease
sedentary lifestyle- walk, walk, walk.
The scientific evidence on the benefits of walking is ginormous. I love the craze over Fitbits and the like. What a genius idea that can benefit all ages.
4. Decrease obesity-
it is always stunning when a speaker shows the yearly CDC (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention) maps of the incidence of obesity in our country. The CDC defines obesity as having a BMI of 30
or greater. In just 20 years, we have surpassed
all the pretty blue colors of the map that indicate low obesity rates. We have now entered reds and maroons (aka, we
weigh too much). What states have the
greatest obesity population? That would
be Arkansas, Mississippi and West Virginia.
Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MDA,
told a story of a chef at MDA who was extremely happy about the new donut
machine in the hospital. Of course the
chef had no idea who he was bragging to, telling Dr. Cohen that they just
needed to sell, sell, sell many donuts to keep the machine. After a couple of donut photos sent to the
higher powers at MDA, the donut machine was gone. Which brings me to another story. At my last check up at MDA, I was in between
appointments and needed a snack. I knew
my options would probably be slim, I just wanted a Kind bar and some water. What I found was disappointing. The gift shop was full of white, processed,
sugary items (not food in my opinion).
The Waterfall Café was no better with their over the top selection of
pastries, fast food and sodas. I took
pictures and messaged Dr. DePinho (president of MDA). I told him I had a letter I wanted to send
him. He was kind and asked me to forward
it to his secretary. I forwarded the letter
which basically asked him how we could improve the nutritional options at MDA- the
very place which sends me weekly e-newsletters with measurable data supporting
weight loss and proper nutrition to decrease cancer risks. I never heard back from him, bummer! But after sharing my story with Dr. Cohen and
getting his feedback, I suppose it’s time for another letter to Dr. D.
Gift Shop at MD Anderson
5. Decrease
stress- As I heard it, exposure to chronic stress increases tumor
growth and speeds the aging process. And
aging is a risk factor for cancer. What
works to combat stress? Therapy, humor,
yoga and meditation to name a few.
6. Increase
social support- It is proven that stress hormones are lower in those
with a good support system. In fact, in
the Blue Zones where people live the
longest, social support is always a factor in longevity. I have a group of golden friends that I try
to meet with regularly. In my calendar,
our lunches are listed as longevity.
7. Increase
sleep to at least 6 hours per night- period.
8. Decrease
environmental toxins- Oh my Lord, I could go on and on about this. Spend a day or two on www.ewg.org and your family will think you are
wacko from all the changes you make. A
recent report came out on pesticides and childhood cancer, it is a must read- http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/14/health/pesticide-exposure-childhood-cancer/index.html
.
Dr. Lorenzo Cohen and the late Dr. David Servan-Schreiber
(author of my favorite anticancer book!!) have an ongoing study for stage 3
breast cancer patients. The Comprehensive Lifestyle Study
follows recommendations made by Dr. Servan-Schreiber’s book Anticancer : A New Way of Life. The study includes dietary recommendations,
physical activity, stress management, social support and mind-body
practices. If you know anyone who is
stage 3 breast cancer, please pass this information along. You can read more about it here- http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/inside-integrative-medicine/issues/june-2013.pdf
.
My mission all started with this book
I always look forward to the medical panel at the
Survivorship Conference. This generally
fills the audience with hope as the physicians share the latest and greatest on
curing cancer. I was beyond impressed
with Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf, an associate professor and the deputy chair for
research in the departments of Breast Surgical Oncology and Surgical Oncology
at MDA. This gal is uber smart! Listening to her efforts on investigating breast
cancer vaccines kinda made me miss college.
Here she is establishing literature between the relationship of cancer
and immunity. Her vaccine is educating T
cells to recognize that cancer is “foreign”.
She is involved in numerous ongoing trials that have great preliminary
results. She is making cancer history. And, here I am worrying about ballet
carpool….. sigh. You go Dr. M!! Here is an article that was published last
month describing Dr. Mittendorf’s research- http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/health/article/Doctors-take-shot-at-keeping-breast-cancer-away-6514603.php
The momentum I have from the conference continues as I move onward. If you have never attended, put it on your calendar for 2016. It is generally held in September at the Omni, West Houston. Anyone touched by cancer can attend and you don't have to be a patient at MDA.
I leave you with a couple of fun pictures:
Some of my staples right now, these can be purchased at Whole Foods, Sprouts
or online.
Dropping Isabella & Hailey's ribbon off at CFA Pearland- they turn their lemonade pink every October and donate a portion of proceeds to Pink Ribbons Project.
Me and Dr. Elizabeth Mittendorf at Sip & Savor fundraiser!
Tour de Pink 2015
Finally, there is a lot of information being shared this
month on breast cancer prevention, awareness and treatment. I received this card in the mail last
week. Notice the list of risks for
breast cancer. How many risk factors did
I have? ½ of 1! Yes, out of all of these risk factors, I had
dense breasts (never told they were high density which is why this is a partial
risk factor for me). And that’s it! My message is this: Be your OWN advocate, know your body and go
with your gut.
Be Well,
