Dear Dr. Stovall,

Several people in my family have died of cancer. Is there anything I can do to keep from getting cancer, too?

MCF

Dear MCF,

You are not alone; most people have had someone in their family that has been diagnosed with cancer.  In my family, my mother, her sister, and my grandmother died of cancer, and both of my husband’s parents died of cancer at quite a young age. So, genetically speaking, I know where you are coming from with your question and concern. 

There are many, many belief systems as to the cause of abnormal cell growth, which is the definition of cancer. Some of the known causes of cellular abnormalities are environmental, such as exposure to toxins and chemicals, whether from accidents, work-related exposure, or even cleaning chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants in our food supply. So, once again, the importance of cleaning with safe products such as hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or colloidal silver come to mind, as does the consumption of non-processed foods.  Eating whole foods, meaning those that are prepared from their natural state, rather than coming from boxes or cans is probably the most important rule to follow. Don’t smoke or breathe second-hand smoke, breathe clean air, drink pure clean water, close to a gallon a day. 

Then there are heredity and stress.  You cannot change your genes, but you can learn to control your stress levels through relaxation, meditation and laughter.  Daily exercise, as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, will help to keep the body oxygenated, and your lymph flowing, which will keep the immune system strong, and allow your body to do its job, which is to maintain homeostasis, or health. 

Other areas of study for abnormal cell growth causes are parasistes, fungus, and pH balance.  You can use anti-parasitic herbs, as well as anti-fungals, and keep your pH in check, as other measures for maintaining your health.  Other supplements that are frequently used are antioxidants such as Acai or Noni juice and Flor-Essence (Essiac tea).  (I personally use these.)  Probiotics are also beneficial for maintaining intestinal health, and a lot of scholars believe that all health and death begin in the colon.

Personally, knowing all of these things did not fully calm my mind from the worry about my family history, so I had CancerSafe testing done.  In Switzerland, they offer blood testing for specific cancer markers.  While these tests are available in the US, they are not commonly ordered.  I believe that after prevention, early detection is the best way to stay on top of your health issues.  There are several CancerSafe tests available that test for markers for breast, ovary, uterine, prostate, testicle, lung, colo-rectal, pancreas, liver, stomach and thyroid cancers. I’ve put a link to the test information on my website, www.gethealthylouisiana.org, under Direct Labs for your convenience. 

Knowing that I had no markers for cancer in my blood relieved my worries and enabled me to concentrate on my health, rather than wait and worry about when or whether it would be found in my body.  You can order the tests yourself, online, without a doctor, and there are labs located in most cities.  I had mine done in Alexandria, LA, and other family members had theirs done in Lake Charles, LA. It was quick and simple, and they emailed the results directly to me, and there was no insurance company involvement.

Try not to worry….

To your health,

Terri Stovall