10/24/2024
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
My Thoughts on Why Screening is Not Enough:
Becoming your Own Health Advocate in a Toxic World and Broken Healthcare System
“Without change something sleeps inside us and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” – F. Herbert
On the heels of a recurrence of breast cancer in April 2023, I have given much thought to “Breast Cancer Awareness” month – what does that really mean?
Thousands of social media posts and campaigns urge women to get mammograms and compel the public to donate to breast cancer research. While these are very important, what if we created “Root Cause Awareness Month”?
Cancer and autoimmune disease cases are rising exponentially.
Screening is great, but by the time a tumor is found, it has most likely been 7-10 years in the making, depending on the type of cancer. Only 5 to 10% of cancers are genetically related.
What if our healthcare system focused more on prevention and lifestyle, addressing things like blood sugar levels, hormones, dental health, gut health, toxic load and mental health?
The fact is to be truly healthy and whole, we must address the whole person. It’s not like we’re a car; a part breaks and you replace it. Everything within us - our bodies, mind and soul are all interconnected; one thing breaks down and begins a domino effect that weakens the entire immune system.
The encouraging thing is that there is usually a solution! The problem is that most people don’t want to do the hard work. They want to take a pill and get a quick fix.
I saw a commercial a few days ago for a prescription that was created to mask the side effects caused by another prescription.
Where does it end?
Healing is not a one and done; it is a process that requires patience and perseverance. Everyone's journey is unique and personal, consisting of many layers.
I believe that our bodies were created to heal themselves in the right environment. Sometimes conventional medicine is needed, but you need to know that there are MANY options.
In the book, The Metabolic Approach to Cancer, Dr. Nasha Winters writes, “When stress, endocrine and sleep disruptors, and environmental and emotional toxins are removed and replaced with peace, purpose, nutrients, nontoxic products, rest, exercise and healthy relationships, the body becomes incredibly resilient. All these elements are powerful enough to affect DNA, and that’s good medicine.”
Are you getting enough rest, taking care of your physical body, addressing your toxic load, and attending to your soul?
Ask the hard questions.
Do the research.
Speak up for yourself.
Find your purpose.
Do things that bring you joy.
We only have one life. Live it well.
Consider this your little nudge to check in with yourself.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the FULL.
