Anticancer
Why did I get cancer? It's the question that I ask myself just about every day. I thought I lived a fairly healthy lifestyle. I exercise regularly. I keep my weight down. I don't smoke. So, what happened? The doctors don't really know.
The cancer I have, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is pretty rare--about 8,000 cases diagnosed a year in the U.S. The fact that I contracted it at age 41 is even more rare. It mostly affects younger people, in their 20's. After the age of 35, the incidence of Hodgkin's drops off markedly, and then picks up once again in people over the age of 55. So, why did I get cancer? I may never know. My doctor doesn't really know, but when I asked him about diet and environmental factors contributing to cancer, he acknowledged that the cancer that I contracted is a "First World" cancer, meaning that its hardly ever strikes people in underdeveloped nations. What he's saying is that my lifestyle and environment may have contributed to my developing cancer.
I know this for certain: once I get rid of it, I don't ever want to get it again. So, I'm changing my lifestyle to make sure I don't. It's a matter of life or death now.
I'm reading a fascinating book called Anticancer: A New Way of Life by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. Dr. Schreiber is a psychiatrist who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 30. He has managed to fight off a recurrence of that cancer--and keep the tumor from growing--by dramatically changing his lifestyle.
Dr. Servan-Schreiber culls a massive collection of data, and makes some interesting points about why cancer (not to mention diabetes and obesity) is rampant in Western Culture. Since World War II, he points out, the Western world has gone on a bit of a bender. In the name of convenience and economy, we have become heavily reliant on processed foods, preservatives, refined sugars, roided-out livestock, and environmental pollutants. This lifestyle, as Dr. Servan-Schreiber puts it, is a "fertilizer" for cancer. No wonder, he says, the rate of cancer has skyrocketed since 1940 in the West, while cancer rates in Asia and third world countries haven't increased nearly as much.
The director of the World Health Organization is quoted as saying: "Up to 80% of cancers may be influenced by external factors, such as lifestyle and the environment."
So, Dr. Servan Schreiber says by changing your lifestyle, you can actually keep your body cancer free. There are certain foods, vitamins, spices and supplements that studies have shown can decrease inflammation in your body, and therefore, keep cancerous cells from growing--or even forming in the first place. Conversely, there are other foods and additives that can do the exact opposite: increase inflammation, and promote the growth of cancer cells.
From Anticancer, causes of Inflammation in the human body:
Refined sugars
White flour
Eggs, Dairy products, Red Meat from industrially raised animals
Oils rich in Omega-6 (corn, sunflower, safflower, soy)
Stress, Anger, Despair
Less than 20 minutes a day of physical activity
Cigarette smoke
Atmospheric Pollutants
Reduces inflammation:
Multigrain flour
Organic meat from grass or flaxseed-fed animals, at most three times a week
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil
Fatty fish, high in Omega 3's
Dairy products from grass-fed or flaxseed-fed animals
Omega 3 Eggs
Laughter, Lightheartedness, Serenity
At least 30 minutes of exercise, 6 days a week
Clean environment
I'm not getting militant about my diet, but I am becoming much more careful about what I'm putting in it. Catherine just got back from Costco with $500 worth of groceries. It must have been tough for her, bypassing the frozen pizza, sugary cereal and soda. Instead, she loaded up on healthy, cancer fighting foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and cereal, fish and green tea.
My kids are really having a hard time with it, but they are starting to get the message. Gigi was offered a cookie the other day in her 1st grade class, and refused it, saying she can't eat sugar. When asked why, she said (in front of the entire class), "My Dad has cancer and so we can't have sugar anymore. He always used to eat all the ice cream. That's probably how he got it." Thank you, Dr. Gigi, for that astute diagnosis.
The cancer I have, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, is pretty rare--about 8,000 cases diagnosed a year in the U.S. The fact that I contracted it at age 41 is even more rare. It mostly affects younger people, in their 20's. After the age of 35, the incidence of Hodgkin's drops off markedly, and then picks up once again in people over the age of 55. So, why did I get cancer? I may never know. My doctor doesn't really know, but when I asked him about diet and environmental factors contributing to cancer, he acknowledged that the cancer that I contracted is a "First World" cancer, meaning that its hardly ever strikes people in underdeveloped nations. What he's saying is that my lifestyle and environment may have contributed to my developing cancer.
I know this for certain: once I get rid of it, I don't ever want to get it again. So, I'm changing my lifestyle to make sure I don't. It's a matter of life or death now.
I'm reading a fascinating book called Anticancer: A New Way of Life by Dr. David Servan-Schreiber. Dr. Schreiber is a psychiatrist who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 30. He has managed to fight off a recurrence of that cancer--and keep the tumor from growing--by dramatically changing his lifestyle.
Dr. Servan-Schreiber culls a massive collection of data, and makes some interesting points about why cancer (not to mention diabetes and obesity) is rampant in Western Culture. Since World War II, he points out, the Western world has gone on a bit of a bender. In the name of convenience and economy, we have become heavily reliant on processed foods, preservatives, refined sugars, roided-out livestock, and environmental pollutants. This lifestyle, as Dr. Servan-Schreiber puts it, is a "fertilizer" for cancer. No wonder, he says, the rate of cancer has skyrocketed since 1940 in the West, while cancer rates in Asia and third world countries haven't increased nearly as much.
The director of the World Health Organization is quoted as saying: "Up to 80% of cancers may be influenced by external factors, such as lifestyle and the environment."
So, Dr. Servan Schreiber says by changing your lifestyle, you can actually keep your body cancer free. There are certain foods, vitamins, spices and supplements that studies have shown can decrease inflammation in your body, and therefore, keep cancerous cells from growing--or even forming in the first place. Conversely, there are other foods and additives that can do the exact opposite: increase inflammation, and promote the growth of cancer cells.
From Anticancer, causes of Inflammation in the human body:
Refined sugars
White flour
Eggs, Dairy products, Red Meat from industrially raised animals
Oils rich in Omega-6 (corn, sunflower, safflower, soy)
Stress, Anger, Despair
Less than 20 minutes a day of physical activity
Cigarette smoke
Atmospheric Pollutants
Reduces inflammation:
Multigrain flour
Organic meat from grass or flaxseed-fed animals, at most three times a week
Olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil
Fatty fish, high in Omega 3's
Dairy products from grass-fed or flaxseed-fed animals
Omega 3 Eggs
Laughter, Lightheartedness, Serenity
At least 30 minutes of exercise, 6 days a week
Clean environment
I'm not getting militant about my diet, but I am becoming much more careful about what I'm putting in it. Catherine just got back from Costco with $500 worth of groceries. It must have been tough for her, bypassing the frozen pizza, sugary cereal and soda. Instead, she loaded up on healthy, cancer fighting foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and cereal, fish and green tea.
My kids are really having a hard time with it, but they are starting to get the message. Gigi was offered a cookie the other day in her 1st grade class, and refused it, saying she can't eat sugar. When asked why, she said (in front of the entire class), "My Dad has cancer and so we can't have sugar anymore. He always used to eat all the ice cream. That's probably how he got it." Thank you, Dr. Gigi, for that astute diagnosis.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 6/6/2009 1:38 PM 
Categories: Cancer Diet,Bill Wixey,Anticancer,Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Tags: Cancer diet Hodgkin's Lymphoma Bill Wixey anticancer
Categories: Cancer Diet,Bill Wixey,Anticancer,Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Tags: Cancer diet Hodgkin's Lymphoma Bill Wixey anticancer
Bill, great post! I'm on day 24 of no sugar. Once it's out of our systems, we can really appreciate food for what God made it. The junk isn't even enticing and fruit and veggies taste amazing, just like God made them to be. I pray that as you begin to incorporate more whole foods into your diet that you will reap the benefits, along with the kids, and Catherine, of course
Reply to this
My husband just mentioned to me about your diagnosis and blog. It was hard to read. Why? Minus a few differences, you just told my story. I'm an 8 year stage 3A Hodgkin's survivor. I was blind-sided with the bad news when I was 31 and my son was 2. I, as I'm sure you too, will never forget the time between diagnosis and treatment where I couldn't even glance at my son and not breakdown emotionally. Once I got the news that it was the "good" cancer, it was easier to pull up the bootstraps and get to work. You will beat this, as I and so many others have! It won't be easy, but you have an extraordinary and loving support system which will pull you through during the tough times. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even though you convince yourself there's not. Before you know it, you'll get that 5 year "You're cured!" dismissal from your oncologist, and later say "I can't believe it's been 8 years!" I will keep up with your blog during your fight and hope to follow on twitter and maybe facebook. I will pray for you and your lovely family! Your kids will learn valuable lessons about life and taking charge of their health. They'll be OK through this. I see that now with my son whose 10. And, thank you for so publicly sharing your experience. The "c" word should not be the word that closes people off and shuts one up. We should openly and graciously talk about it and be together with it. It will help us all. Lastly, I'm always willing to "talk shop" if you'd ever like to.
Peace & health be yours,
Christine Woodward
Maple Valley, WA
(Loved your description of the PET Scan! Isn't that the weirdest sensation? And, I'm sorry to say, the contrast liquid you have to drink, tastes even nastier towards the end! Although I've heard they are now flavored.)
Reply to this
Christine, neighbor I to live in Maple Valley, howdy neighbor! Last month I became a member in the "c" club. I have 11 and 9 yr old kids, how do you communicate with them? as of now I have a real emotional reaction to the smallest of questions.
Thank you and Peace and Health be also yours.
Mike Benson
Reply to this
Mike:
I'm awfully sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Talking with young children about cancer is tricky. What we have learned is that it's best to be honest about it. Tell them what's really going on. It's a tough conversation. They won't understand all of it, and will undoubtedly make some inappropriate comments about the situation, but I feel it's important to have a family meeting, and make them feel like they are part of the process, invested in this as a family. My son Will often says that he can't wait until they tell me the cancer is gone. I hope so too.
My very best to you and your family. Please keep in touch. We can compare notes.
Blessings,
Bill
Reply to this
You go Gigi! Proud of you Bill and Catherine for taking the higher road when it comes to diet... it's not easy in our day!
Reply to this
Are there any recommendations on suppliments in the book? I got into them after I had Bell's Palsy (my face was paralyzed)last year, and now have never felt better.
Hang in there and this will pass by faster that you will remember!
Reply to this
Yes, John, there are a long list of foods, spices and nutrients with anticancer properties detailed in Anticancer. Vitamins A,C,D, and E all have great cancer-fighting properties. I was surprised to learn that there are so many spices that are so good for you: turmeric (used in curry, and mixed with black pepper and olive oil), curry, mint, thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley, celery, garlic, onion, leeks, shallots, chives, cinnamon, and ginger.
Reply to this
I happen to have been taking tumeric for the past year. Also regularly take cordyceps mushrooms, fenugreek, and bromelain (from the stalk of pineapples). And I have never felt better. The tumeric and bromelain really help with any soreness from excersize.
Reply to this
Thank you for bravely sharing your story, and for the book referral! I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in July 2008 at the age of 40. After a lumpetomy and sentinel node biopsy I went through a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. This cancer gave me my first experience with surgery in my life. I am still undergoing the reconstruction process. My plastic surgeon laughs at my continual question after each procedure: "when can I go back to my classes at the gym?" I am a young, healthy, fit individual who works out regularly. Looking back at my lifestyle I probably made very poor food choices, plus I have a family history of breast and prostate cancer so whether it's due to genetics or environment we'll never know. I do not fit the cancer risk factors that breast cancer statistics indicate: I'm a non-smoker, work out 4 hours a week, height-weight proportionate, etc.
Everyone who knows me knows I had cancer. I really want there to be a cure, so I wholly believe in "knowledge is power." People tell me all the time that I had a tremendously upbeat attitude while battling cancer for 4 months. It still surprises me because I never thought twice about that. I was focused on BEATING it and LIVING. My husband and 4 year old daughter walked with me in the Race for the Cure event yesterday and it was inspiring, moving, touching, and uplifting. I encourage you strongly to keep active and take part in cacner events. It does so much for your spirit!
My daughter is proud to wear all of her breast cancer pins, and even announces to people in the store that I've had breast cancer. As long as she helps to get the message out about early detection and more importantly, keeps up with all of the research during her lifetime about cancer so that if/when she gets a diagnosis she'll be informed, she can tell anyone she wants to.
Please keep posting, and best wishes to you through your journey!!!
Reply to this
Sorry to hear about your cancer. FYI, my sister is going through breast cancer and had read some interesting info about how green tea can actually exacerbate breast cancer in women. Don't know if there is anything about it in men ...
Wishing you all the best,
Best,
Kate
Reply to this
Hay Bill, liked the stuff you posted!!!!...That is a good question, wht do very fit and active people like yourself who don't drink or smoke end up with cancer?...these so called genious's don't even know, scary ah?....I like your sense of humor through all this chemo and radiation stuff, I swear if it ever came to that I would need chemo(I WILL REFUSE!!!!)....I admire your strength, I couldn't do it!!!!I pray for you all the time and for your family....Let's keep all the newly diagnosed people in our prayers and thank God everyday for another day with friends and family.... I have my once a year mamogram coming up in August, the thought of it always gets my guts in a knot, lol.... Please pray for me that everything comes out good and that I don't go insane in the process of waiting, lol.....God bless and stay positive,my prayers and heart are with you. bye now Joan
Reply to this
I am nearly doubled over in laughter as I envision Gigi making that announcement! I can see the whole thing clearly in my mind
You might want to try juicing, it can be quite yummy! Once you go to fresh juice, you won't want to go back... (Anything would beat the pants over those awful Barley Green shakes that I remember Elise drinking (and giving to Catherine to drink) regularly!)
Reply to this
Bill, As a fellow Hodgkin's lymphoma patient and a person who has also led a healthy lifestyle, I too was puzzled by my diagnosis. Since you are a reporter, I hope you stay focused on thinking critically about the subject. I know it is a highly emotionally charged issue and it is easy to get caught up in broad claims about causes and cures. I think cancer patients feel this awful sense of no control and we search and search for answers. In your search, please remember the maxim "correlation does not equal cause and effect". Just because a disease is diagnosed more often in Western countries may mean detection methods are better there (access to biopsies, etc.) It may, or may not, be related to diet, environment or other factors. I have found a great source of information about how we come to scientific conclusions based on evidence on a website called Quackwatch.com. It features a good examination of cancer treatments. Please don't jump to conclusions from the website's name, this site simply encourages a critical look at evidence. I have found that the subject of cancer causes & treatments brings out highly emotional responses from many people and that there is currently a strong trend against so called Western medicine. That said, I hope we both continue to successfully battle this disease.
Reply to this
Hi Bill,
Thanks for posting about Dr. Servan-Schreiber and the Anticancer cause. I am the web developer & digital strategist for Dr. Servan-Schreiber and Anticancer. I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Servan-Schreiber will be posting his latest insight and research through his official Facebook page: http://www.Facebook.com/Anticancer and his new website: http://www.Anticancerbook.com
Most recently, Dr. Servan-Schreiber and 40 renowned physicians & scientists presented new groundbreaking research regarding Vitamin D, while launching an international appeal and calling for new standard recommendations. http://www.anticancerbook.com/post/Vitamin-D-is-essential-for-the-prevention-of-cancer-heart-disease-osteoporosis.html
Please let me know if you have any questions or need related Anticancer content.
Thanks
Haysam
http://twitter.com/hisom
Reply to this