Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and Canada. It is known as the “silent killer” because it strikes initially without symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, patients have already experienced metastases of the initial tumor to other parts of the body, which means that surgery at this stage of the disease is useless.
Currently half of pancreatic cancer patients die within five months of their diagnosis. Even those fortunate few who have their pancreatic cancers removed surgically have a grim prognosis—5 year survival rate of 20-30%.
Recent studies, however, suggest that lifestyle changes can lower the risk of pancreatic cancer. Bruce Lipton PhD has shown incontrovertibly that genetic determinism is a flawed concept. His “New Biology” shows that genes are amenable to belief and environment. According to Dr. Richard Beliveau in his London Free Press column, a recent study published in the American Academy of Science Journal suggests that good life habits produce “profound changes at the level of our cells, especially our genetic material.”
Stop Smoking
Smoking has been linked to the development of a majority of cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
Reduce Consumption of Red Meat
Red meat, as well as processed and carbonized meat, has been linked to pancreatic cancer. Replacing red meat with fish and poultry is definitely a move in the right direction.
Increase Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
Abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. People who eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, in particular vegetables rich in folic acid such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, lower the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 75% more than those who only eat one or two vegetables per day. A recent study also shows that an abundant consumption of vegetables by smokers can reduce their risk of pancreatic cancer by 70%.
Sustained Exercise
Sustained aerobic activity increases the body’s intake of oxygen and antioxidants. Exercise also increases the production of a protein called IGFBP-1. A new study of patients with pancreatic cancer suggests that lower levels of this blood protein (which is linked to lack of physical activity and obesity) may be a good indicator of increased pancreatic cancer risk. Patients with low blood levels of IGFBP-1 were at approximately twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The Power of Thought
Lifestyle changes should include changes to both external and internal environment. Positive thinking has a dramatic impact on genetic expression. Cultivating moments of peace in order to align oneself with a spiritual source can produce positive changes in the body. Intention and prayers can heal.
Pancreatic Cancer presents a frightening prognosis; however, the heartening news is that it can be prevented with determined and simple lifestyle changes.
Source
Beliveau, Richard. "Healthy Lifestyle Best Defence against Disease Onslaught." Attention on Prevention.The London Free Press, September 8, 2008.
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