Stress and Cancer

Just the other day I read that in the year 1908, it was estimated that one out of every 8,000 people came down with cancer. Today, the stats indicate that one out of every four people will be diagnosed with cancer. What has changed in the past 100 years? Obviously, a lot. I often say that the association between stress and disease is quite high, some estimates suggest as much as 85%. This relationship is more than an association. There is a direct causal link. The stress hormone,
Cortisol that lingers too long in the blood is known to destroy white blood cells. White blood cells scan the DNA of all cancerous cells and destroy bad cells. If the count of white blood cells decreases, then the search and destroy mission is compromised. Simply stated a healthy immune system is key to the fight against cancer. It is well known that
the human body produces its own cancer cells, the immune system keeps things in check. It is also well known that forces outside the body (carcinogens) that enter the body, can cause huge problems. We have all heard of asbestos, and red-dye # 3, but there are countless others. Some cancers are now known to be created by viruses. Suffice to say the topic of cancer is far greater than a blog can do justice to, but the bottom line is the health of your immune system and all you do to maintain its integrity.

• Stress Tip For The Day:
Years ago the American Cancer Society stated that 60% of all cancers could be eliminated if people ate better. Your immune system will only be a strong as the nutrients that support it. It’s fair to say that, by and large, people ate a heck of a lot better 100 years ago than they do now, considering all the processed foods in the American diet. What do you do to support your immune system? Please consider eating fresh produce, organic products, free-range meats and fresh herbs and spices.

• Links/Books Worth Noting:
A great resource for healthy eating is the book, In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan (author of the best selling book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma). I would also like to recommend everyone see the movie, Food Inc. How does stress affect cancer once diagnosed? This link will bring you
to an artice in the Scientific American that suggests stress increases the rate of cancer cells.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=does-stress-feed-cancer

• Quote for the Day:
“Almost no germ is unconditionally dangerous to man; its disease-producing ability depends upon the body’s resistance.” —Dr. Hans Selye

• Photo of the Day:
In the hopes to promote some relaxation your way, I selected a photo that I took in Tahiti last summer; an overwater bungalow on the island of Bora Bora before sunset. Enjoy!

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress
management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.