Only a Small Portion of Cancers are Inherited
Cancer is a word that makes us uncomfortable, often avoided in conversation, yet we don't even realize that this disease impacts strangers we walk by every day, in our bodies, and, like in my case, while growing another human being.
There's no word more dreaded or terrifying, especially concerning death, pain, and suffering. Many of us believe that cancer is just a game of luck. The "C-word" alone takes us beyond our boundaries of comfort. No one wants to think about being sick, let alone visualizing bald human beings grasping onto buckets and apprehended by a thin layered hospital bed. You hope it won't happen to you and distance yourself from any awareness as if it will safeguard you from catching the disease.
Most people are surprised to learn that 80% of cancers are not due to an inherited gene mutation (change). Most gene changes are not shared among relatives or passed on to children. You can still be at risk if cancer doesn't run in your family. Only a small portion of cancers are inherited.
Things like lifestyle and environmental toxins can influence whether or not a gene expression is turned on or off. That's why prevention is so important. Genes are not the only deciding factor for whether or not we will develop certain diseases. Gaining weight, how you live, exposure to chemicals, what you eat, and stress can influence those genes.
When you don't have a family history or know anyone with cancer, the diagnosis is even more shocking. Once diagnosed, life is forever altered, even after you're in remission.
We are failing the "war on cancer." The disease is the biggest enemy of our health; spreading awareness helps save lives through prevention and early detection. You can reduce toxic exposures, eat healthier, exercise, and take steps to protect yourself.
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