National Cancer Survivors Day - June 5 -- is a day for celebrating and supporting the 14 million Americans whose lives have been touched by cancer.
More and more people are staring down this terrible disease. But the threat of recurrence makes cancer prevention vitally important for survivors.
Fortunately, there's a lot people can do to help prevent many cancers from getting started or returning.
We talk about survivorship in terms of five- or ten-year survival rates rather than cures. One in six cancer diagnoses are among people who have survived previous cancers. That's a reality we need to correct.
Part of the problem is that the primary treatments for cancer are poisons. Even with precision medicine, healthy cells can be damaged along with the targeted cancer cells. That's one of the reasons survivors of childhood cancer are six times more likely than the general public to develop cancer again later in life.
For people who have developed cancer as adults, however, most second cancers aren't explained by the dangers of radiation or chemotherapy. Scientists believe that environment, lifestyle and genetics play more important roles. Cancer prevention measures are all the more critical for adult cancer survivors.
Cancer prevention can start where we spend the most time - in our homes. Simple changes in the kitchen can make a difference.
There are clear health benefits and cancer-protective effects of Mediterranean and similar diets abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, plant-based fats and low in meats, especially red and processed meats.
We are exposed to chemicals in our kitchens. Tap water can contain contaminates. Chemicals leach from certain cookware. Not to mention the slew of potentially toxic cleaners stored under the sink. Not only can these chemicals be dangerous on their own, their combined effects on health could be more serious than we imagine.
Reducing our risk of cancer doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. EWG has some simple tips to get your kitchen working for your health.
While we continue to support cancer survivors and those battling the disease, let's remember that there's a lot we can do to create a healthier world. Prevention is within reach.