Cancer is the second leading cause of premature death in the U.S. But a new report by the American Cancer Society says progress in the fight against cancer is not only possible, but achievable.
In its new report, The American Cancer Society says cancer rates will more than double by 2040. In the third edition of its “Cancer Atlas” it cites lifestyle factors, like smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity as contributors to the increase, noting, if they continue, they’re likely to make that number considerably larger.
Dr. Barbara Johnson practices integrative medicine also known as a "systems biology” approach in Blacksburg.
“I want people to understand that cancer is not something that they're born with. It's not that they were dealt a bad set of cards. I want people to understand that they can do something about it by making changes.”
Johnson says the theory that genes are largely responsible for human cancer is being replaced by the idea that cancer is largely a metabolic disease, that affects the mitochondria; the power houses of the cells.
“With 85% of cancers being caused by environmental toxins, the control is with the individual. You can make changes and it really provides you the power to think, ‘OK. I can do something about this.’"
Cancer rates in the U.S. will soon eclipse heart disease as the number one cause of premature death.
“In the 1920s, one out of 20 was diagnosed with cancer. 1940s one out of 16. 1970s, one out of 10. And now we’re one out of 2. Not that many years difference.”
Johnson says the major reason is an increase in toxins in the environment that began in the 1940s… the expanded use of chemicals, pesticides, plastics and other pollutants, including electromagnetic fields from communications devices.
“It's not genetic. Okay. Our genes don't mutate in that short of a time. Malignant brain tumors are the fastest growing cancers, having increased by 300%. How many people put their phone up to their ear? I hope no one in this room says they do that.”
Part of what led Dr. Johnson to change the way she practiced medicines was due to her developing an autoimmune disease. A busy surgeon with a relentless schedule has worn her down. “I had to drastically change how, and what I ate, ( and work to optimize) sleep, exercise and stress reduction. It didn't happen right away of course, and I've had to make adjustments along the way, but I've been symptom free now for the last 8 years. I've based the protocol that I use with patients on my own path and results. Dr. Terry Wahls was a huge inspiration when I was first given the diagnosis. She is an M.D. who was in a wheelchair from Multiple Sclerosis and was receiving all the medications that were recommended but, was not improving."
Dr. Barbara Johnson spoke at the Tea and Jam Cafe in Blacksburg.
The ten elements that require balance and optimization in order to halt and prevent the cancer process are, the following:
- Genetic, epigenetic, and nutrigenomic modifications
- Blood sugar balance
- Toxic burden management
- Repopulating and balancing the microbiome
- Immune system maximization
- Modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress
- Enhancing blood circulation while inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis
- Establishing hormone balance
- Recalibrating stress levels and biorhythms
- Enhancing mental and emotional well-being
