Cancer prevention
April 20, 2014
By: Dr. Boukaram
In the past, cancer has often been considered a genetic disease. Most medical efforts, as a result, have focused on screening for and treating the illness itself. Screening allows for early detection of the presence of cancer, which can increase the effectiveness of treatments.
The recent statistics do not show any decrease in the incidence of cancer. The concept of prevention when it comes to cancer, encouraged by the World Health Organization, is relatively recent. Discoveries in epigenetics have led to a redefining of the health model, with a greater emphasis on a bio-psycho-social perspective. While genes remain an important element to consider when it comes to the development of the disease, they are only part of the equation. According to the integrative oncology model, genes constitute the seed that sprouts into a plant called cancer. The individual person, as well as his or her lifestyle, behaviours, and environment, are also involved with the illness and its development.
A warning is in order:
Cancer prevention is not synonymous with immunization! Cancer is the scourge of the century. Despite living an adequately healthy lifestyle, we can still be affected by cancer. A person can inherit a genetic predisposition for the disease, experience a nuclear accident, or live in an extremely polluted environment, and that can sometimes be enough to put him or her at higher risk for developing the disease. Cancer is extremely complex: there are a number of different elements involved, and it is best to avoid oversimplified conclusions such as:
“If I do sports, I won’t get cancer.”
“If I am Zen, I won’t get cancer.”
“If I don’t smoke, I won’t get cancer.”
There is NO guarantee that we will not get cancer. There is no guarantee of a cure either. Even if we undergo all the medical treatments and change our lifestyle: unfortunately there is still no guarantee. By taking charge of our lives and care of ourselves, however, we can reduce our risk for developing cancer, and this is a message that encourages awareness and hope.
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