Preventing cancer as a way of life: this cancer survivor gave her lifestyle a makeover to include organic foods, regular exercise and nutritional supplements

My Story

When I was 32 years old, my older sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than six months later, our mom died of advanced pancreatic cancer. Then, two days after my 33rd birthday and less than three months after our mom died, I was operated on for ovarian cancer. We experienced three cancers in just eight months.

Today, even though it has been more than 12 years since my diagnosis, my risk of developing breast cancer in particular remains high. While I respect my high-risk status, I also believe it represents a predisposition, not an inevitable outcome. As a result, my proactive cancer prevention plan has become a way of life.

My Plan

After my diagnosis, I chose not to take chemotherapy. I had a complete hysterectomy, was monitored closely by my doctors and began the process of changing my lifestyle. Over time, I created an entirely new, healthful routine that I try to maintain to this day.

I started with my diet. I try to avoid fried and fast foods, keep my sugar and fat intake low and eat lots of organic vegetables and whole grains. To reduce my consumption of added hormones, I buy organic whenever possible, especially milk and lean meats. I try to eat additive-, preservative- and chemical-free foods. There are so many healthful, natural alternatives available.

I make time to consistently do the activities that I really love, including exercise, which I have found is the best medicine of all. When I am physically active, I feel better--physically, emotionally and mentally. I do cardio and strength training workouts at the gym, but I also love to hike and play tennis. My two horses also keep me very active. A couple of years ago I learned how to meditate while attending a retreat at the Deepak Chopra Center in California (chopra.com or 888-736-6895). Meditation connects my mind and body to a higher power. It helps calm the chaos that can permeate daily life.

My Supplements

My prevention plan also includes nutritional supplements. The supplements I focus on include the following:

* Comprehensive women's multi--this gives me a good base of a variety of important nutrients.

* Vitamin E--a great antioxidant that also helps with hot flashes.

* Vitamin C--enhances immunity and works synergistically with vitamin E.

* Green tea (as a drink and a supplement)--shown in many clinical studies to prevent cancer.

* CoQ10--helps keep my heart strong and also stimulates immunity.

* DHA--an essential fat that positively influences many body systems.

* Curcumin (from the spice turmeric)--helps ease inflammation and has anticancer properties.

* Melatonin--helps improve sleep and also has anticancer properties.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I prefer Natural Factors Peach, Passionfruit and Mango Flavor chewable vitamin C wafers.

Nordic Naturals DHA has a strawberry flavor and is not "fishy" like some other fish oil brands.

I drink a tall glass of Organic Valley whole milk every day.

Karolyn A. Gazella is the coauthor of the Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention. Treatment, and Healing. Karolyn has been involved in the natural health industry for more than 16 years. She is the founding publisher of the journal Integrative Medicine and has written several books and hundreds of articles about natural health. She is also the executive director of the Medicine Horse Program (medicinehorse.org) located in Boulder, CO.

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