Tuesday, March 07, 2006
What's up with all the cancer?
My work in Northern BC is a consulting contract where we're visiting 17 communities and meeting with people to talk about cancer care (public meetings and focus groups with people who have experienced cancer). Here's the site we set up for the project.
It's intense. What do you say to a woman who introduces herself by saying, "In the past few years 9 people in my family have had cancer - 5 have died including my husband and one of my children." Or, "I had both breasts removed on February 7th - I'm happy to be here, but don't touch me, I hurt everywhere..."
Our work will lead to some improvement in cancer care in this huge rural and northern area (larger than a good part of Europe, with 300,000 people total). It's also about 20% First Nations folks.
My question though, is about why is there so much cancer? The chances of a man in Canada getting cancer have gone from about 1 in 10 to about 1 in 2 since I was born... I'm more or less pissed off by the 'eat your veggies and don't smoke and it will all be good' preaching. It might be good advice, but most cancers seem to be caused by other factors... There's lots of evidence that it's from what we breathe, eat, drink, wear, surround ourselves with and expose ourselves to where we work. Why isn't anyone screaming about that? Is this about the economy and corporate/government interests ruling the day? Don't they get cancer too?
I'm rambling.
I'm posting one photo here from Tlell, on Haida Gwaii (AKA the Queen Charlotte Islands) - a magical place in the Pacific Ocean, along my consultation trail.
It's intense. What do you say to a woman who introduces herself by saying, "In the past few years 9 people in my family have had cancer - 5 have died including my husband and one of my children." Or, "I had both breasts removed on February 7th - I'm happy to be here, but don't touch me, I hurt everywhere..."
Our work will lead to some improvement in cancer care in this huge rural and northern area (larger than a good part of Europe, with 300,000 people total). It's also about 20% First Nations folks.
My question though, is about why is there so much cancer? The chances of a man in Canada getting cancer have gone from about 1 in 10 to about 1 in 2 since I was born... I'm more or less pissed off by the 'eat your veggies and don't smoke and it will all be good' preaching. It might be good advice, but most cancers seem to be caused by other factors... There's lots of evidence that it's from what we breathe, eat, drink, wear, surround ourselves with and expose ourselves to where we work. Why isn't anyone screaming about that? Is this about the economy and corporate/government interests ruling the day? Don't they get cancer too?
I'm rambling.
I'm posting one photo here from Tlell, on Haida Gwaii (AKA the Queen Charlotte Islands) - a magical place in the Pacific Ocean, along my consultation trail.
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Yeah, what IS up with all the cancer?!
I have to say, though, that I appreciate it when a celebrity attaches themselves to the cause. Finally, using their influence and popularity for something other than People Magazine! I know that is kind of a random comment, but with all the attention being paid to the passing of Dana Reeves (widow of Superman's Christopher Reeves) it seems like a valid thought!
I have to say, though, that I appreciate it when a celebrity attaches themselves to the cause. Finally, using their influence and popularity for something other than People Magazine! I know that is kind of a random comment, but with all the attention being paid to the passing of Dana Reeves (widow of Superman's Christopher Reeves) it seems like a valid thought!
I think the case for not smoking is valid, gary - after all that would tie in with your other factors: what we breathe. Recently, I heard an article which suggested the beneficial anti-oxident factor in fresh veg & friut was overplayed; it helps but not as much as we're led to believe.
I suppose the other consideration is all those other diseases and conditions which are fatal but have been brought largely under control by modern medicine. Cancer, heart disease and senile conditions stand out more in a thinned out field of possibilities.
I was asking the missus (nurse)this a while ago: you never hear of anyone dying of ''old age'' these days. probably a result of better diagnosis, the expectation of/and greater openness between doctor and patient, and the increasing perception that we should live forever - providing we take the right medicine.
also death and cancer are taboo - people don't want to discuss them unless they really have to. I also heard that this is a particularly western attitude.
great photo, gary - kind of allegory for life (and death), if you don't mind my attempt at interpretation: the twilight, the bare tree sentinel, the path seemingly ending in a halcyon sea...
I suppose the other consideration is all those other diseases and conditions which are fatal but have been brought largely under control by modern medicine. Cancer, heart disease and senile conditions stand out more in a thinned out field of possibilities.
I was asking the missus (nurse)this a while ago: you never hear of anyone dying of ''old age'' these days. probably a result of better diagnosis, the expectation of/and greater openness between doctor and patient, and the increasing perception that we should live forever - providing we take the right medicine.
also death and cancer are taboo - people don't want to discuss them unless they really have to. I also heard that this is a particularly western attitude.
great photo, gary - kind of allegory for life (and death), if you don't mind my attempt at interpretation: the twilight, the bare tree sentinel, the path seemingly ending in a halcyon sea...
Thanks so much for sharing your family story so wonderfully Worried American. Your line certainly explains some of your humour, feistiness and positive, loving attitude. The cancer thread is scary too.
Ian, I think longevity and diagnosis does account for some numbers (we live longer and can develop more illnesses). That said, the rates of cancer in Canada are on such a steep curve, in all age demorgraphics, that those things just don't explain it all.
There are more than 10,000 carcinogenic chemicals that are in everyday use (in small quantities or carefully controlled). It's got to add up to something.
Another small example: using the birth control pill young and for more than 7 years increases a woman's risk of breast cancer significantly. I've asked women I know if they knew that or if it was made clear to them. They say no.
I sound like an advocate for something don't I! Just not quite sure what yet.
Ian, I think longevity and diagnosis does account for some numbers (we live longer and can develop more illnesses). That said, the rates of cancer in Canada are on such a steep curve, in all age demorgraphics, that those things just don't explain it all.
There are more than 10,000 carcinogenic chemicals that are in everyday use (in small quantities or carefully controlled). It's got to add up to something.
Another small example: using the birth control pill young and for more than 7 years increases a woman's risk of breast cancer significantly. I've asked women I know if they knew that or if it was made clear to them. They say no.
I sound like an advocate for something don't I! Just not quite sure what yet.
My sons' dad died of prostate cancer 18 years ago. He was 54. At that time, it was unusual for men that age to have it. Most were older and outlived the cancer. Not anymore. Get those checkups, guys.
My daughter has cancer. My birth mother and my adoptive dad both died from cancer.
I'm sure there's much more these days.
My daughter has cancer. My birth mother and my adoptive dad both died from cancer.
I'm sure there's much more these days.
PT - yes, mining and even a larger presence of pulp mills - lots of sulphury egg smell in some towns. There is a higher rate of smoking in the area too.
The steep increase in cancers, however, are across the country (US too), so there are other pieces to this puzzle. The water bit is interesting.
The steep increase in cancers, however, are across the country (US too), so there are other pieces to this puzzle. The water bit is interesting.
Canada, USA and Australia have very high rates of Cancer and I thought the increase was around 50% over the past 30 years . I think about 30% is fully treatable but finding out about the causes for the increases is like searching for needles in haystacks !! The incidence is much less in developing countries, whose much bigger threats is diseases mainly through polluted drinking water. The increases incidence of cancers emerge as those countries become more “developed”. Liver , Bowel and Lung cancers seems to the more aggressive and that latter more likely to have unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Its not just the environment ,or food supply unless there is have concentration of carcenogenics or heightened electromagnetic activity.
The approach to research is uncoordinated
My “pet” theory is that “stress” plays a much greater role in the incidence of increased cancer than hitherto was understood in the developed economies . The correlation between stress ands cancer is difficult to determine , but I think what we think and how we think makes much more difference than we realise.
The heart communicates with the mind regularly and the mind with all parts of the Body through the central nervous systems , all part s are linked. If we bombard our minds with continual worry and frustration I see the likelihood our body chemistry getting out of wack, and the subsequent growth of cancer cells.
The approach to research is uncoordinated
My “pet” theory is that “stress” plays a much greater role in the incidence of increased cancer than hitherto was understood in the developed economies . The correlation between stress ands cancer is difficult to determine , but I think what we think and how we think makes much more difference than we realise.
The heart communicates with the mind regularly and the mind with all parts of the Body through the central nervous systems , all part s are linked. If we bombard our minds with continual worry and frustration I see the likelihood our body chemistry getting out of wack, and the subsequent growth of cancer cells.
It must be hard listening all the sad stories about people who died because of cancer, what is the best way to talk to a person who recently lost a close friend or a close family member?.
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