The definition of cancer means that cancer cells don't die as they are programmed, they lack apoptosis. The reasons for this range from genetic defects to overgrowth of chromosomes. Cancer is believed to be caused by genetic and epigenetic factors that include poor lifestyle, radiation exposure, infections, pollution, and more. The spread of cancer is complicated; it is not haphazard.
Combining mainsteam and alternative strategies provides the best outcomes, but is rarely available. Diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and weight have a powerful effect on whether or not you'll get cancer.
Cancer Prevention
The early detection of cancer is often confused with cancer prevention. It is far better to not get cancer than to deal with even the very earliest of cancers. A healthy lifestyle is the most powerful medicine in the universe and it is within our power to pay attention to the style in which we live our lives!
We know what causes cancer and it is straightforward to avoid getting it. We must pay attention to the epigenetics of cancer genes and turn them off by eating a healthy diet, avoiding excessive stress, exercise daily, get adequate sleep, maintain an ideal weight, and avoid toxic exposures.
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Screening Tests
No one wants to get cancer but if we do, we want to find it early when it might be more curable. Keep in mind that cancer screening is not the same as prevention. There are a wide range of cancer screening tests that are available today that are regularly prescribed by the medical profession that have been assumed with a very limited scientific basis to be beneficial.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the value of mammography, colonoscopy, and PSA screening is now under considerable scrutiny by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and many physicians' groups. Unfortunately these tests have side effects and risks that can be not only serious and even life threatening but also lead to many additional tests and treatments that are unnecessary. In this section we'll review the pros and cons of these tests.
Cancer Screening Tests
Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment of cancer today is limited to mainstream therapies that include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. In some states like California it is a felony to use integrative CAM therapies. Often times patients have to travel to other states or countries to obtain the treatment they want.
Living a healthy lifestyle is usually more powerful treatment than conventional approaches, but it is usually only given lip service. There are also a wide range of CAM therapies that are safe and worth a try with conventional treatment or alone.
Cancer Treatment Options
Breast Cancer
The incidence of breast cancer has increased substantially over the past hundred years and yet there has not been sufficient time for our genes to have mutated to account for this change. This means that there are a wide range of epigenetic factors that must account for the abrupt increase.
If you get breast cancer it is vital that you find a practitioner who can offer expertise in both conventional and integrative forms of treatment so you can make an informed decision about the best possible treatment. In this section we'll offer suggestions for you to consider with your healthcare practitioner that may help you choose an approach that is right for you. There are many powerful lifestyle strategies that can add years to your life and even result in cancer disappearing entirely.xt
Breast Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Most men will get prostate cancer during their life time. That's right, if you live to be 90 years old your risk is 90%! If you live to age 50, 50% will have prostate. However, 98% of prostate cancers do not need treatment because we die with them, not from them! The trick is to tell who is in the 2% that will die from it. With new technologies coming into the mainstream such as 3D-4D sonograms and MRI's with spectroscopy we can identify with a high degree of certainty which ones are serious and in need of treatment.
Once you know you have prostate cancer it is important to grade it to learn how serious it is so you can choose the treatment that is right for you. This is generally done with a biopsy and then considering the options for management, which can range from watchful waiting that includes lifestyle management to a wide range of treatments that can include surgery, hormonal therapies, and chemotherapy. In general, prostate cancers are overdiagnosed and overtreated.
We now know that epigenetics plays a major role in who gets cancer of any type, prostate included. We will review this in detail and you get a good idea of what might be possible and to discuss it with your health care practitioner.
Prostate Cancer
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