Immune system against cancer

Dear Friend,

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US (leading is cardiovascular disease).

• 1 in 3 life-time risk of developing cancer

• 1 in 6 life-time risk of dying from cancer

The actual stats are slightly higher, but this does not tell the whole story. There are known factors to increase the risk for cancer (radiation, smoking, metabolic health), yet there is still much unknown as to why seemingly healthy individuals get hit with cancer. Additionally, the survival of cancer is dramatically different depending on the stage of diagnosis.

This requires a mentality to NOT be afraid of cancer, rather prepare the body to delay onset as late as possible combined with a surveillance strategy to detect it early.

Once a solid cancer has metastasized (spread outside the origin organ), then traditional cancer therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, or hormonal therapy reduce the number of cancer cells and delay recurrence. It does not provide a sustainable action to prevent the cancer from recurring.

More recent therapies are utilizing the immune system to target cancer cells, but this is limited to a few cancers which have highly mutated DNA that our immune system can be programmed to identify. That said, this modality can be curative and is very exciting for the future.

Immune System:

Most people are unaware that cancer cells exist in our bodies at all times, but our immune system keeps them in check. Cancer becomes a problem when it can evade our immune system, either due to an inadequate immune system or a mutation in the cancer cells.

Recent research has shown poor metabolic health as a contributor to a poor immune system. This makes sense since we see increased rates of cancer in individuals who are obese with diabetes.

What’s the solution for excellent metabolic health?

You guessed it, nutrition and exercise!!

Next time let’s talk about fasting for cancer prevention.

At BodyTimeMD, we are hopeful to delay/prevent cancer while being prepared to take it head-on should that day come. Hope this provides some insight, let’s talk if you are interested in finding out more about your body.

 This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute giving medical advice or endorsing any treatment. The use or application of the content herein forms no doctor-patient relationship. The information in this newsletter should not substitute for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Thanks,

Mike