What do you think causes cancer? (xray, infect, hormone, treatments)

[jeepejeep]

My wife just finished her treatments for breast cancer. She is doing well as it was caught very early. We live on Long Island in NY. This is called the breast cancer capital of the country . We believe it's environmental. The ground water used on LI has been contaminated by centuries of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that have leached into the water table. Who knows what's in the air from all the congestion here. As technology "progresses" how is it affecting out health?

[bluedevilz]

Originally Posted by SuSuSushi

Life causes cancer.

Short and sweet and very true....

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by jeepejeep

My wife just finished her treatments for breast cancer. She is doing well as it was caught very early. We live on Long Island in NY. This is called the breast cancer capital of the country . We believe it's environmental. The ground water used on LI has been contaminated by centuries of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals that have leached into the water table. Who knows what's in the air from all the congestion here. As technology "progresses" how is it affecting out health?

Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project - National cancer institute

Breast Cancer and the Environment on Long Island

[Ellwood]

My spouse was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and the oncologist told us this type of cancer is caused by a virus. A flu or viral illness which was hardly noticeable years before could have been what caused it. There is no way to figure how long ago the virus was active.

[Willy-Bill]

I have no idea what would cause cancer besides the obvious toxins we absorb everyday intentional or not. Then there are the studies that seem to crop up every week on the national news networks that suggest new findings or reverse old findings.
As a backyard mechanic sort of guy I think that down deep within our DNA or other tiny mechanical part there is a tiny bit of something that reacts to either time or the influence of a substance we ingest. The reaction might be cancer.
I continue to offer my support to those who search for the cure and just as importantly a vaccine.
To those who wage personal war with the disease I wish you all the best of luck.

[SarahSal]

Aside from all the other causes of cancer suggested here. including environmental, genetic and stress related reasons - and the fact that some say we've all had undetected cancers several times in our lives, the water we consume is a biggie.. After our son chastised us for drinking city water, he is now supplying us (and his family) with water from a pure mountain spring. Recent reports have indicated treated water can also cause Alzeimers.

[freecell]

All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen, a rule without exception. normal cells become cancerous and multiply out of control in an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment.

Deprive a healthy human cell of 60% of its oxygen and it will become cancerous.

All Cancer in the human body is the result of inadequate amounts of oxygen at the cellular level.

increase the amount of oxygen at the cellular level and cells no longer become cancerous.

increasing the oxygen to the cells can be done simply and inexpensively. materia medica and the pharma companies are robbing you blind and profiting obscenely from your misery because of your lack of knowledge regarding the root cause of all cancer.

radiation, chemotherapy and pharmaceutical drugs do NOTHING to address the root cause of cancer.

Another Query, The Basics of CANCER.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Ca...#Another_query

[cat1116]

Originally Posted by FedUpInFtMyers

I have a long history of it in my family as well, and I've read everything that I can get my hands on about it. I truly believe in a mind-body connection in most physical illnesses. The medical experts have done studies on people psychologically, and they are making links between certain cancers and other illnesses. Yes, you may have a gene that predisposes you to it, but there are other considerations that are well within your control: Your overall physical health (are you taking care of yourself, exercising daily, eating healthy, not smoking, not drinking to excess, etc.) and your emotional health (are you avoiding unnecessary stress, how do you handle stress, are you in situations that you feel are beyond your control, are you avoiding situations or people who cause you to feel hopeless and helpness, are you angry all the time with no outlet, etc.). These things are all within your control, and you would be wise to do all that you can. Another HUGE factor: Do not go around with the attitude that "since there is cancer in my family, it is only a matter of time before I get it; there is no avoiding it" because you will be giving your body permission to become sick; there is a connection between your thoughts and the actual health of your cells. Also, do not fear or obsess about getting cancer. That last concern can be alleviated by doing all that you can (exercise, diet, emotional health, healthy habits) and learning as much as you can about things that are within your control. If you empower yourself, and take care of yourself, there is a very good chance that you can avoid this illness. A great book is "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" which examines the mind-body connection in many illnesses, and I'm quite certain that you can find others at your local library by doing a search for mind-body connection and physical illness. Also, look into proper use of supplements. All the anti-oxidants out there, to include Selenium, have promising preventive - and even treatment - effects. Good luck, and remember that the more you know, the more empowered and more in control that you will feel, and that will go a long, long way in your health.

My health care nurses who helped me after my operation told me to stay away from smokers. Mentioned that's easier said than done.
I don't smoke [never have] but have been victim of 2nd hand smoke much before any of this hit mainstream media, by parents who've smoked. Been in classrooms where the instructor smoked like a chimney. A big-time chain smoker. In bars. I can withstand if one person is smoking to either side but not fun when you're stuck in between two who do. Quit going to that place. I told my husband he could go there if he wanted to but I won't. We've found other places to go now instead. They're more fun too! My husband and I frequent these other places now that may have smokers in another area or don't have smoking at all. I don't know. I just haven't seen it there yet.
Then there's the smokers who light up in front of me as soon as we get off the train. The smoke always comes back and hits me square in the face. If only I knew they were going to light up, I'd try and get in front of them or walk to the far left or right, if possible. Anything but right behind them. I do like the smokers who at least try to be considerate of others.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by jco

Several people in my family have been treated for various cancers. Obviously, it's on my mind frequently, and I was just wondering if you had any thoughts about why cancer is so common now?

From my family I've heard a few, including: pesticides in food, HPV from having premarital sex at a young age, smoking, the cancer treatment actually causing more problems.

Here's my list:

--smoking
--too much sun
--processed food
--eating too much beef/chicken
--not eating enough fruits/vegetables
--mental/emotional stress
--chemicals/pesticides
--lack of exercise


I would add that there is a really good book on people who live to age 100 in 4 different parts of the world. These people all lived similar lifestyles (exercised daily, plant based diet, never smoked, family centered, regular religious/spiritual practice). It meantions these people also seem happier than average as well. The book is quite readable:

It turns out many of the things you can do to prevent cancer, also prevent heart disease and diabetes.

The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest

Amazon.com: The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest (9781426204005): Dan Buettner: Books

[florida.bob]

Living causes Cancer. Everybody, every day has cells that mutate and beome Cancerous. That becomes a problem when your body's immune system no longer can kill those cells. There are many reasons that the immune system weakens, the primary one, is not providing yourself with correct balance of nutrients. This is getting harder and harder to do, but it can be done.