It appears that on many levels we do have a very sophisticated understanding of cancer, even down to the cellular level. How it can be summarized in just a few sentences and the state of the art testing procedures to now see if you are hereditarily prone to it. While we do have all of these 'pieces' to the puzzle fairly well mapped out, how does our understanding provide prevention?
There are definitely choices you can make to reduce your risks: quitting smoking, reduce stress, a healthy diet, and the reduction of environmental risk factors. But what about when you hear that someone has just been diagnosed with cancer and has lead a very healthy life? I suppose then you are dealing with environmental factors as well as genetic ones? What worries me is the rise of cancer especially in children. It truly makes you question our approach to dealing with cancer. To discover it's causes and patterns on a cellular level is quite extraordinary, that technology and wisdom has lead us to this point, but what about the preventative measures? What about not allowing genetically modified products into our food chain until they have been adequately studied? And what about holding the large companies accountable for the pollution they pump into the atmosphere or let run off into our water supply? What about questioning that our food is no longer considered 'food' and is classified as a pesticide? Could that lead to cancer? What about changing the patterns of vacation time in the U.S. and adopting one more similar to the European culture where you get a few months off to enjoy time with your family, friends, or yourself?
I would encourage a larger, broader perspective into the patterns of cancer and adopt one that also includes one of prevention and accountability. An interesting perspective to end with is viewing Five Element theory. The Earth is connected and symbolized by our own earth and home: our physical bodies. It is interesting to note how the current treatment of Earth reflects the rise of disease and cancer of our own internal planet, our selves... makes you think.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
There are so many lifestyle factors that can lead to cancer, yet so many 'non-lifestyle' ones that can also lead to cancer. I can't imagine the frustraion and dissapointment of one who makes a conscious effort to lead a pristine lifestlye, who still ends up with cancer. Even the area you live in can have a disasterous effect on your health, for example, women in MArin county having high levels of breast cancer. We are no longer able to regulate our environment. Even something like air pollution, here in California, we are breathing in some of Chinas worst air pollution, and there is nothing we can do about it.
Post a Comment