Cancer Facts
- About 7,000 Connecticut residents died from cancer in 1990.
- Nearly 1 in 4 people in the USA develop cancer-men and women.
- In 1990 there were 1 million new cases of cancer in the USA.
- More than 4 per week of alcohol drinks (1 beer=1 glass of wine/shot of whiskey) may increase your risk of throat, esophagus, stomach and liver cancer.
- In 1990 there were more cases of cancer in Connecticut than in Vermont + New Hampshire + Maine.
- 1 in 11 women risks breast cancer.
- Diet more so than even tobacco or alcohol is the major cause of preventable cancer deaths.
- Exercise, eat a high fiber (75 grams per day) low fat diet (less than 20%) full of whole grains like brown rice-vegetables-beans-fruit and a little fish; proper skin care if you are Caucasian, smoke less than 2 cigarettes every other day and be lean-eating very little vastly reduces the risk of not only cancer but also heart attack, diabetes, gallstones, diverticulitis and probably cataracts and glaucoma.
Why is the Preventive Medicine Center special?
Our holistic approach truly makes us a leader in this region in the prevention of cancer as well as a referral center for specific programs of typical Western medicine and/or even Alternative Medical Care. We recommend avoiding fat, using a very high fibervitamin and mineral supplemented diet and not following overbearing tradition; keeping an even balance in preventing-diagnosing and referring or treating cancer patients in a holistic fashion.
There are countless reasons why cancer occurs, and these are almost always due to a genetic tendency plus what a patient has experienced by exposure to a high fat diet-alcohol-tobacco or chemicals (as in the work place). It is believed that there is a Natural Human Design, and if this is recognized and followed then the risk of cancer is vastly reduced by being sober as above, being quite fat-free, having a positive-service oriented attitude, and avoiding tobacco. There are no promises and chance occurrences do occur. It is our function to be guidesteachers in this preventive-holislic approach. Perhaps an air ionizer or water filter would be of benefit in dealing with the pollution of your home. Which one? Perhaps a vitamin-mineral supplement is indicated. Which one? Perhaps the benefits of exercise, stress control, mental imagery for dealing not only with the prevention, but also the remission of cancer. At any point you may seek further information or the specific "how to" of prevention.
Cancer Prevention Tips
Take advantage of early cancer screening programs...Choose wisely what you eat and how you act... Eat fresh or whole vegetarian foods which are full of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Beta Carotene. These are thought to be effective in protecting against cancer of the stomach and esophagus. Various natural vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta carotene as well as the mineral selenium have been found to be "anti-oxidants." These are helpful in clearing "free radicals" which act like little hot irons in scorching the cells, probably causing cancer. Research suggests that a diet high in fruits-vegetables, whole grains, and beans (G-V-B) as we recommend, is high in these vitamins (C, E, Beta Carotene).
Increase the amount of fresh fruits, whole grains, beans and vegetables! Work toward a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods...Increase the amount of naturally high fiber foods to decrease the risks of colon cancer. High fiber can be found in whole stone ground grain breads (rye, corn, wheat), fresh and dried fruits and whole grain cereals (oatmeal, brown rice, millet, puffed corn or wheat). Increasing your whole grains-getables-beans-fruit also means reducing meat-cheese-eggs-oil-fried foods-pizza. Our higher fiber recommendation appears to reduce the risk of colon cancer and probably prostate and breast cancer.
Reduce foods like bacon, butter, margarine, cheese, egg and sausage that are fatty. Smoked meats, fish and fowl also appear to increase the risk of cancer. Maintain a desirable lean weight - obesity can be a risk factor for same cancers...Any degree of overweight is important in predisposing to various cancers as well as heart disease, diabetes and gallstones. Perform breast-testicle and skin self exams on a regular basis. Genital-sexual organs should be examined by both men and women to detect cancer of the testis and breast. Ask about proper instruction. Always feel free to contact your doctor or us if you have any questions.
Sunscreen, with a SPF of 15 or higher is a must. You still need protcction against the sun's ultraviolet rays which can cause skin cancer. Stop smoking.
Ask your doctor or attend clinics where rectal examinations are done for men to detect cancer of the prostate. Women should have a mammogram, a pap and pelvic, and men and women over the age of 50 should have a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. Annual stool checks for blood are good to detect not only cancer of the colon and polyps, but also ulcer disease and hiatus hernia. Ask your doctor or contact us.
Freedom from disease is an earned honor and benefit which is the result of your being careful about what you do (as well as a little bit of good luck). Try the smoking patches to quit, use a sunscreen, be lean and have a positive attitude and arm yourself with as much information as you can get.
For those of you who are interested in recognizing the leader and taking advantage of our literature, we are available to answer your questions, to explain your alternatives, in the prevention and control of cancer. We work with various area hospitals when this becomes necessary, and if need be Boston, New York, Dallas and Buffalo Cancer Centers are but a phone call away for referral and/or treatment should you so choose.
We are here to answer questions, provide information to your and your family and encourage you to call us at 860-549-3444.
H. Robert Silverstein, MD
Hartford, CT