Why is cancer so prevalent?
We have poured billions of dollars into cancer research, and yet cancer rates continue to explode. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is projected to continue rising, with an estimated 13.1 million deaths in 2030 according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
A vast amount of resources from all over the globe have poured into cancer research, yet the problem continues to develop. About 70 percent of all cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
What are we doing wrong?
We must have complete faith in the health system but not forget about our personal responsibility to take care of ourselves to the best of our ability. The health system relies on the treatment of cancer versus the prevention of it.
Governments, Ministries of Health and NGOs are not responsible for poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, tobacco use or any other personal choices that are major contributors to the development of cancer.
In a free economic market, a government is not responsible for what is being sold in our supermarkets, take-away food accessibility, or if you flick a match to light a cigarette. Feel free to eat, drink and smoke anything that you want but know that is a major cause of cancer.
Many people believe that if anything does go wrong with their health, they can just go to the hospital and they would fix you. It’s kind of risky relying on someone to prescribe a medication, surgery or intervention to counteract the effects of a decade or more of poor self-choices.
Even short-term successes can result in deficient long-term results without lifestyle changes. Understand that nearly everything that we eat, drink and consume is loaded with dangerous chemicals, preservatives, colorings and addictive substances.
The vast majority of food products in a bag, can or box in the average supermarket are bad for one’s health. It’s not the supermarket’s fault; it’s consumer demand. Supermarkets are businesses and will import, supply and sell products that consumers want.
Be aware that it is dangerous to eat and drink whatever you want without ever thinking if it is good for you or not. What you eat—and don’t eat—has a powerful effect on your health, including your risk of cancer. It may seem like an uphill battle but it actually starts with personal choices.
Up to one in six cancer deaths can be linked to physical inactivity according to a recent study published in The Lancet. Dr. I-Min Lee, the lead researcher from Harvard Medical School said “only about one quarter of the world’s population smoke but about two thirds are inactive.”
It is recommended to exercise daily. The easiest form of exercise is to go for a 15 to 30 minute walk. It increases your heart rate, reduces inflammation, balances hormones and increases oxygen consumption in your body – all good for preventing cancer.
Cancer cannot be feared; it can be prevented. It’s not genetics, victimhood or any self-limiting thought that produces cancer. The vast majority of cancer is up to you, not you’re doctor. The first line of defense is what’s on your plate, you’re choice to use tobacco and whether you engage in physical activity or not.
Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
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