Last year I had to the opportunity to complete a year-long course with well-known American naturopathic oncologist, Lise Alschuler. Lise lectures in several medical schools in the USA and has a busy oncology practice. Her course looked at scientifically-valid natural treatments that may complement traditional medical treatments and enhance cancer survival. A great deal of attention was also paid to prevention and avoiding recurrence.
Cancer usually follows a pattern
There are practical things we can all do to lower our chance of getting this common disease. Many are surprised to find this because it is widely thought that cancer is serendipitous in how it just ‘lands’ on certain people. It’s not – most of the time there is a clear and well-studied connection based on a person’s prior lifestyle.
The main cause of ALL cancers
This post looks at the most common cause of cancer – all types of cancer.
Lung cancer is rightly associated with smoking, but smoking is also associated with both causing other forms of cancer, as well as hindering recovery from cancer. Most oncologists insist that their patients stop smoking before undergoing surgical tumour removal. They cannot refuse treatment, however, if the patient continues to smoke. Those that continue are often unaware of the fact that they are greatly limiting their chances to heal.
Over 70 of the 7000 known chemicals in tobacco smoke are proven carcinogens. That means they alter cells in a way that leads to tumour growth if the body doesn’t have what it takes to do quick repairs.
Smoke breathed in doesn’t stop at the lungs; it filters through into the bloodstream where it is taken to every cell of the body.
This repetitive exposure to cancer-causing chemicals also weakens the immune system so that fighting cancer from other causes becomes less successful. If you continue to put poisons into your body, how can you expect your struggling immune system to keep up with removing them?
Stopping for Good
There is a great deal of help available to quit smoking. The main issue seems to be dealing with the emotional reasons people KEEP smoking. Until they are dealt with, attempts to quit will be unsuccessful. Some soul searching and emotional healing is important to ending a relationship with this most toxic of lifestyle habits. Coming to a place where you love yourself enough to stop is vital.
Summing Up
Just because smoking is a familiar and widespread habit, be certain – it is the primary cause of all cancers and lowers your chance of recovery exponentially. Clearly, many people get cancer who never smoked and never were exposed regularly to smokers – but more who smoke get cancer and die of it.
If you have cancer, stopping smoking is more important than any medical treatment, any diet, any meditation or lifestyle change. None of these things can be as effective as they should be while you continue to smoke.
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