There’s a PROVEN Way to Avoid COLON Cancer – It’s Not Chemotherapy

This is a MUST read for ALL of us.  The University of California in San Francisco conducted a study for advanced colon cancer patients (stage 3).  One million Americans are living longer with colon cancer, but colon cancer still remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.  This creates a lot of pause and a lot of hope, because this study proves that patients have significant control over relapse.  The results are so striking that the American Cancer Society and several large vocal professional oncologist organizations are making this a communication focus.

Study Details:

• 992 stage 3 colon cancer patients were followed starting at 2 months post surgery to seven years post surgery.
• Patients were routinely asked about specific lifestyle behaviors: Eating at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily, eating whole grains instead of white flour and rice, maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting red meat and processed meats, exercising at least 30-60 minutes a day, drinking in moderation, and consuming nuts twice a week (excludes peanuts – considered a legume).
• Patients were tracked for disease relapse and death within the seven year window.

Findings:

• The group that did NOT adhere to the guidelines had a 35% death rate. (335 patients relapsed and 256 patients subsequently died)
• The group that did adhere to the guidelines had a 20% death rate.
• The group that consumed tree nuts twice a week were 42% less likely to die in the 7 year window. (Remember this does NOT include peanuts – there was no difference when peanuts were consumed)
• Only 10% of patients were adhering to the diet recommendations.
• Patients were followed in real time without a push towards either group.  This removes the chance for error on the patient’s part related to historical recall, making the results even more compelling.

So what does all this really mean?  In the majority of cases, we can prevent colon cancer.  We need to focus efforts on teaching people to save their own lives from this dreaded disease. You can avoid the need for chemotherapy and possibly surgery.  YOU can prevent this disease.  If you have had colon cancer, YOU can actively prevent it from coming back – or at least increase your odds.

You may be reading this and think – it’s a lot to change!  I don’t know where to begin.  Pick one item and make the change.  YOU are worth it.  If you are still lost, contact me via my website.  I will respond to your questions.

Keep following my blogs, I’ll continue to touch on this topic and many others every Friday.  I’m a work in progress myself, so let’s keep moving forward together.   My mom used to say to me when we know better, we do better.  Each time I write for you, I’ve learned something new, something I can try to do better.  Keep taking this journey with me.