One in two people will develop a cancer at some point in their lives, experts now estimate.
Previous calculations that indicated cancer will affect just over one in three people were underestimating the scale of the disease, according to a new analysis by Cancer Research UK.*
2/3 of the increase in risk can be attributed to the fact we are now living longer, and cancer is a disease that becomes more likely the older we get.
“Cancer is primarily a disease of old age, with more than 60% of all cases diagnosed in people aged over 65,” according to cancer specialist and professor Peter Sasieni, who led the new study. “If people live long enough then most will get cancer at some point.”
Cancer is also on the rise due to LIFESTYLE:
- Increasingly sedentary. Too much sitting. Not enough movement.
- Increasing body fat (which can increase cancer risk by 40%).
- Increasing red meat consumption.
- Increasing exposure to toxic environmental chemicals.
- Decreasing sleep and relaxation.
What Can You Do?
- Be MORE active.
- Maintain a healthy weight and fat to lean body composition.
- Eat more plant foods. Think Color. Eat the rainbow everyday.
- Drink less alcohol.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid exposures to toxic chemicals in the environment.
- Get more sleep. Relax. Manage your stress (meditate, spend time in nature and with loved ones).
I became interested in cancer prevention and cancer recovery when both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer several times while they were still in their 50’s.
I was only in my 30’s at the time and I knew that, although I shared their genetics, I did not have to live out my genetic potential. Genes are not fate, they can be turned on and off.
At that time I deepened my commitment to a healthy lifestyle, organic foods, meditation, yoga and time in nature. I increased my intake of herbs and supplements that talk to my genes and turn cancer fighting genes on and cancer promoting genes off.
Now that I am in my 60s, I don’t show any signs of the diseases that plagued by parents and grandparents, not only cancer but heart disease, high cholesterol, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes and blindness due to macular degeneration.
I challenge you to transform your genetic potential; take control of your health.
For me, health is freedom; the freedom to live my life fully and without constraint or limitation. Last year I climbed a portion of the Inca Trail in Peru at high altitudes and out hiked my 27-year-old and 39-year-old traveling companions. This year I am planning a pilgrimage back to the Himalayas!!!
