Cancer, known as one of the deadliest diseases in the world without a ‘guaranteed’ cure, leaves affected individuals feeling the social and psychological effects of hopelessness, helplessness, regret and perhaps even self-pity; especially if these people do not have the necessary financial resources or emotional support.
To many, cancer represents a silent killer, looming overhead like an imposing figure on the horizon, waiting to destroy one’s mind, body and spirit. This notion, however, need not be anyone’s reality – all hope is not lost.
PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION (PAHO)
According to the Pan American Health Organization, breast cancer causes more disability and adjustment to lost years in affected women than any other cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death in women in America.
The burden of breast cancer is disproportionately greater in developing countries, where most breast cancer deaths occur prematurely in women under the age of 70.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, the proportion of women suffering from this disease before the age of 50 (32 percent) is much higher than in North America (19 percent).
In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for nearly a quarter of new breast cancer cases, with more than 210,000 new diagnoses and nearly 68,000 deaths.
JAMAICA CANCER SOCIETY
The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1955, with a mandate to fight and defeat cancer in all its forms. The organization provides services for breast, cervical, lung and prostate cancer through:
• Fixed and mobile examinations in the community at a subsidized price
• Access to women’s screening and early detection
• CME credits for participation in medical symposia
• Informing the public
Using the website of the Cancer Society of Jamaica on October 19, 2023, it was pointed out that in 2018, the University Hospital of the West Indies recorded 7,348 cancer cases, of which only 400 survived. The website revealed that based on further studies, 3,495 men were affected versus 3,853 women. There was no specific information related to breast cancer, per se.
With that in mind, detecting cancer through mammography, colonoscopy, and other mechanisms DO NOT prevent the disease from occurring. Therefore, preventive mechanisms must always replace screening and intervention, after which individuals must educate themselves through their own research.
dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister for Health and Welfare, in his recent opening address at the 66th Annual Health Research Conference, stated that “through research we underpin policies that protect people”. The minister added that “the strategic priority of the Ministry of Health and Welfare includes the prevention and care of non-communicable diseases (NCB)”.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare revealed that a staggering seven out of 10 Jamaicans died from NCDs in 2015, according to the Jamaica Health & Lifestyle survey. These include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer.
Research studies in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute show that the carcinogenic effects of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides used on fruits and vegetables contribute to the growth and progression of cancer.
It is therefore imperative for the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to adopt policies to eradicate the use of such dangerous toxins and instead provide initiatives that will maximize the health of citizens.
TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES
It should be noted that there is no universal cure for all and no “magic” cure for cancer, as it can be very different for each patient. People diagnosed with the disease usually undertake a range of optional treatments – depending on size, stage and body type. Treatments may include conventional and/or functional medicine.
Conventional treatment includes surgery (removal of the tumor), chemotherapy (attacks only rapidly dividing cells, NOT slower dividing stem cells) and/or radiotherapy (tends to damage your bone marrow).
Functional medicine tends to the cause, instead of just the symptoms. This treatment recognizes the body as an ecosystem, taking an integrative approach to optimize the pillars of our well-being – emotional, physical, spiritual and nutritional – making it an undesirable environment for cancer to spread.
When abnormalities are detected during the screening phase, additional tests must be performed to establish a definitive diagnosis. Individuals are advised to request an appropriate treatment protocol from their medical team if cancer is proven to be present.
CANCER LOVES A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENT
Research shows that the following elements contribute to the growth and progression of cancer:
• Sugar: leads to cancer cells. Cancer feeds on sugar. Avoid it.
• Increased insulin: promotes the growth of cancer cells.
• Toxins (destroy your mitochondria and gut health): environmental toxins, mold, BPA, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, heavy metals.
• Chronic stress: increases cortisol levels and weakens the immune system.
• Oxidative stress: occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and the body’s ability to neutralize or detoxify these harmful molecules (antioxidant defense). Oxidative stress can cause damage to cells, tissues and organs.
• Cancer thrives when there is not enough rest or sleep.
• Processed food: cancer thrives on an unhealthy diet.
• Negative thoughts and feelings.
• Lack of spiritual connection can create a general feeling of emptiness or lack of meaning in one’s life. It can also increase feelings of detachment or detachment from the deeper and more meaningful aspects of life.
• Isolation (voluntary or involuntary): being separated or cut off from others.
• Loneliness: lack of meaningful social connections, which can be characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or longing for companionship
• Lack of purpose: lack of sense of meaning in life or feeling disconnected. Lack of direction in relationships, daily activities, or work endeavors
• Lack of exercise: sedentary lifestyle or lack of regular physical activity. This can have negative effects on your physical, mental and emotional health
CANCER HATES A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Starve your cancer to feed your health. Elements where cancer does not progress include:
• Improved energy: oxygenating your body through deep breathing exercises, physical exercises (strength, flexibility, core, balance and endurance exercises), ice baths and warm saunas help strengthen the immune system, flush toxins from your lymphatic system, reset the autonomic nervous system, increases circulation and increases blood flow to the brain.
• Adequate nutrition: organic fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, spices, healthy fats, herbs, herbal teas, water, vitamins and minerals.
• Positive thoughts: optimizes your mind optimistically and constructively.
• Closing the supply of increased insulin and carbohydrates in the body.
• Connection: Surround yourself with people who support your choices and care about you on your good days as well as on your bad days.
• Fasting (under medical supervision): activates autophagy, which builds and restores damaged cells.
• Mindfulness: prayer, meditation, journaling, and expressing gratitude.
• Do what brings you joy and makes you feel most alive.
• Spending time outdoors: rivers, beaches, mountains, parks, home garden.
• SMILE: always find a reason to smile even when it seems hard to do so. A smile doesn’t always mean you’re happy, sometimes it just means you’re strong!
• Follow your intuition: Trust your gut feelings, instincts or gut reactions when making decisions. Relying on your subconscious knowledge and beliefs to guide you.
• Vacation!
The smartest doctor in the room is your body, so promote yourself to be the CEO of your own health and wellness. Treat the soil, NOT the plant. Recognize that the body is an ecosystem, as it operates on fundamental pillars: Spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and nutritional practices for optimized health and well-being.
So regardless of your treatment options, starving cancer to feed your health is applicable to everyone.
We have CONTROL over the future of our existence!
Self-care IS health care!
Love and light!
Klandine Thomas is the host and producer of IMPACT 360° with Klandine. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and impact360ja@outlook.com
