
June is the month to celebrate and honor all cancer survivors.
As I started writing this blog, an interesting word connection came to mind. I was thinking: Why June? What about June that made it cancer survivorship month? The word [June] pronounce just like the month, in my native language: Farsi is a slang for LIFE! I know that is not really the reason but I like the connection.
First, some facts:
A Cancer Survivor is anyone with a history of cancer, from the time of diagnosis through various stages of it. American Cancer Society divides survivorship into a range of stages and experiences:
Living cancer-free after treatment for life
Living cancer-free after treatment for many years but experiencing one or more complications Living cancer-free after treatment for many years, but dying after a late recurrence
Living cancer-free after the first cancer is treated, but developing a second cancer
Living with intermittent periods of active disease
Living with cancer continuously, without a disease-free period
Now some True vs False questions to test your cancer knowledge
True OR False?
There are more women cancer survivors than men cancer survivors in the United States today.
That is True. It is not really clear why but one thought is that women are better at taking care of their health, especially after being diagnosed with cancer. So gentlemen, put your competitive hats on, this is where you really don’t want to fall behind the ladies. Take charge of your health.
True OR False?
Having cancer is a death sentence.
That is False. Although the incidence and prevalence of many cancers seems to have increased, because of advances in research and medicine, many cancers are extremely manageable for a very long time. In fact, the majority of childhood cancers that used to be very fatal, are almost completely treatable and manageable through adulthood and well into mature age.
True OR False?
Lifestyle has NO effect on cancer survivorship.
ABSOLUTELY False. Lifestyle not only predicts cancer risk, but also affects prognosis and outcome. A healthy lifestyle (Healthy nutrition, active lifestyle, sufficient sleep, reduced stress, strong relationships with friends, family, and the community), will absolutely and positively affects survivorship NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.
So even if the thought of your cancer winning regardless of how well you take care of your health crosses your mind, THINK AGAIN. Over 75% of all cancers are preventable by lifestyle modifications. More importantly, in most cases, cancer recurrence and/or metastasis is preventable OR delayed with adoption of healthier lifestyle.
If you ever think you have NO control, think again because YOU DO.
Contact me to learn more about how to live a healthy, happy, and LONG life years after diagnosis. As I have always said: Reclaim Your Health with Food, and Your Health is in Your Hands.
All survivors, to your health and happiness, cancer free for life.