Like almost everyone else, you either know someone who has had cancer, is suffering with cancer or has died from cancer. Or maybe you yourself fall into one of those categories. You may have thought it could never happen to you. I did too, and so did my husband. Then came 2017, and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, as common in men as breast cancer in women. Fortunately for him, he took it all in stride –radiation treatments, Lupron shots and frequent trips to the doctor. Today, he is cancer free, although he does have other health issues.
My story
Then the following year, a routine blood work showed something was wrong with my kidney. Long story short, they found a small mass on my kidney. I too was fortunate that they found it early so I was able to have a radio-frequency -ablation (RFA), which burned off the cancer cells. Follow up tests reveal no evidence of enhanced growth or cancer cells. Praise God!
I Am and I Will
I’m writing about my experience with cancer because today is World Cancer Day, a day set aside to raise awareness and education about cancer, and to to encourage governments and individuals to take action against this terrible disease. That means this day is aimed at each one of use. In fact, the theme for 2020 is “I Am and I Will.” Who are you and what will you do to help rid the world of cancer? You can begin by educating yourself and those around you about cancer. And as a health coach, I think it’s my duty to pass on the knowledge I have to help in the fight against cancer.
Cancer can be prevented
The good news is that of the 9.6 million cancer deaths that will occur this year, at least one-third of those can be prevented if people know the risk factors and take the necessary steps to prevent the disease. Topping the list of preventable risk factors is smoking, followed by obesity then alcohol consumption.
What can you do?
If you want to do your part to spread cancer awareness and help prevent yourself and others from getting cancer, do the following:
- If you are a smoker, quit. Vaping and second-hand smoke are just as dangerous.
- If you are overweight or obese, modify your diet to include more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, peas, beans and lentils. Limit processed foods, red meat and saturated fats.
- Get at least 30 mins of exercise 5 days a week.
- Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day.
So today, whether or not you have been touched by cancer in some way, don’t wait. Take the necessary steps outlined above. See your doctor even if you don’t have any symptoms and follow his/her advice. If you find it difficult to modify your diet or start an exercise routine, I would be happy to help you. Sign up for my newsletter below where you can get more health tips and learn more about my coaching program.
