Cancer Support Online

Environment and cancer

"The environment is not something that exists parallel to human life. We all live in the environment and the environment interacts with the human body in many ways...all individuals are to some extent exposed to what is found in the environment." ~ Lennart Möller

Most diseases, including cancer, are to some degree related to risk factors in the environment. We are almost continuously exposed to potential carcinogens in the human environment including air pollution, chemicals, contaminants in foods, metals, solvents, dioxins, PCBs, industrial dust, radioactivity, invisible electromagnetic radiation, also lifestyle factors such as UV exposure, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, eating habits, exposure to pesticides and chemicals at home...and the list goes on!

Environmental causes of cancer
With the increase of environmental carcinogens has come the increase in the incidence of cancer. Latest figures show that 50% of all men and 40% of all women in the U.S. will hear the words "you've got cancer" at some point in their lives [Peter Montague, 'The Environmental Causes of Cancer: Why We Can't Prevent Cancer'].

The impact of low-level, long-term exposure to many compounds can compromise the immune system which can lead to cancer, and other chronic illness. But, because the adverse effects of environmental carcinogens are not immediate we have become incredibly complacent, and often do not choose to avoid carcinogens until we have been adversely affected. This is an attitude which has enabled industry to continue practices which degrade human health and the health of the planet, and government to endorse them.

Reducing risk factors
If you already have cancer or any other environment/lifestyle disease it may be crucial that you look for the 'causes' of your disease, and take steps to eliminate or avoid causative factors in your environment, and undergo a program of chelation or detoxification to enable your body to begin the process of repair and healing. Integrative cancer therapies which look to the cause of the disease will most likely address these issues.

Even if you and your family are in good health it is beneficial to know about and avoid environmental carcinogens and follow wellness principles to avoid disease. Wellness is a way of being which causes no harm to ourselves or the environment. All of life is interconnected, and each of our choices impacts on ourselves, others and the world around us.

Environmental health information on the internet
The Cancer Support Association is an ethical, independent charitable organisation which disseminates important information about health, wellness and the environment. The association's website Cancer Support Online is an important online tool for all people interested in wellness, particularly those with cancer, who are looking for the information and services to help achieve long-term, sustainable wellness and healing. Click here to view CSA's ethical and environmental guidelines for business practice

Cancer Support Online features many articles about environmental health, nutrition, and wellness as a way of life. Also featured are 'health profilers' and the 'wellness questionnaire' -- tools to help you make the transition to good health and lasting wellness. You will also find all the online cancer support you need including live online counselling, library and online borrowing centre, wellness shop, as well as a huge archive of articles related to cancer, wellness, healing and the environment.

You will initially need to become an Online Subscriber to access all the features of Cancer Support Online, but thereafter will have full access to the site. There is no fee involved, and your details will NEVER be given out to any organisation or individual.

Additionally, all members will receive the inspiring and informative monthly e-newsletter Wellness News Online sent directly to your email inbox. Each newsletter contains a balance of the latest information on cancer treatments, wellness and healing, as well as personal stories and inspirational articles.

Wellness magazine recommended articles

'The Environmental Causes of Cancer: Why We Can't Prevent Cancer' by Peter Montague
In May 2006, Richard Clapp, Genevieve Howe, and Molly Jacobs Lefevre published a detailed report on the causes of cancer titled "Environmental and Occupational Causes of Cancer; A Review of Recent Scientific Literature" which tells us why cancer has been steadily increasing for 50 years. In this article Peter Montague reviews the report [Wellness News Online, May 2006]. Click here for article

'The Coming Age of Ecological Medicine' by Kenny Ausubel
A new movement of doctors, scientists and activists believe our health depends on the health of the planet. Kenny Ausubel explores the relationship between our health and the environment. [Wellness News Online, June 2006]. Click here for article

'The Toxic Bucket' by Colleen Huber, ND
Dr Colleen Huber N.D. explains how through our lungs, skin and GI tract, we are soaking up environmental chemicals and quite literally becoming a 'toxic bucket' [Wellness News Online, July 2007]. Click here for article

Click here for more articles from the Wellness archives and to subscribe to our monthly e-magazine. (You'll need to sign-in).