We are encountering more people in our friends and family circle who have been touched by Cancer. The answer that it “runs in my family” is becoming more common as we take a family history from a new patient. Even in my own family, I can now count 2 maternal first cousins who have been treated for breast and ovarian cancer in their 30s and early 40s, in addition to several older extended family members. There are very few identifiable genetic mutations that would explain this rise in the visibility of cancer around us. In the older population, one can say that overall life expectancy has increased, so instead of succumbing to acute cardiac events, we are living longer, and succumbing to cancer related illnesses. In addition, our bodies have then been exposed to environmental noxious agents inadvertently or not, for a longer period of time.

On the other hand, how do we explain the cancers that we see in the younger age group? Are genetic mutations being passed on more efficiently? Are those who would have succumbed to their disease able to survive and have children? Are we more sedentary, with increased BMIs (Body Mass Index) and more fatty diets, exposed to more unavoidable Electromagnetic Radiation? Is our processed food killing us? After initially making a dent in smoking rates in our youth, are we slipping again? Are the viruses that infect our bodies causing more than infections?

 Are we more psychologically and physically stressed?

 Even if the answers to all these questions are yes, how do we change the outcome?

We can’t really all go “off the grid”, so we have to start working towards what we have control over: being mindful about food (we won’t use the word diet) and exercise, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco, and learning to de stress. As we go along, we will share strategies and ideas on what works and what doesn’t.