A head start in the race against cancer

Cancer rates are on the rise in young people, says Dr Leigh Erin Connealy. Here are her top tips for getting ahead of it early in life and at any age 

A 32-year-old mother of three with invasive breast cancer. A 28-year-old active, healthy man facing colorectal cancer. A 21-year-old battling metastatic melanoma. A teenager fighting for life and limb against Ewing’s sarcoma.

These are not isolated incidents. They are heartbreaking, real, and increasingly common. Cancer is striking younger people more often and more aggressively. It’s tragic. It’s alarming. And it’s more than a little frightening. So, what on earth is going on?

Early-onset cancer trends
According to the American Cancer Society, about 20 million cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022 and 9.7 million people died from cancer globally. The group says that “by 2050, the number of cancer cases is predicted to increase to 35 million based solely on projected population growth.”¹ However, it’s not just about more people populating the planet.

A study published in BMJ Oncology revealed that “global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1 percent and the number of early-onset cancer deaths increased by 27.7 percent between 1990 and 2019.” In this study, “early-onset” means it’s happening in people under age 50. The most common early-onset cancers the researchers found were breast, tracheal, bronchus and lung, stomach, and colorectal.

The researchers acknowledged, “Dietary risk factors (high in red meat, low in fruits, high in sodium and low in milk, etc.), alcohol consumption and tobacco use are the main risk factors underlying early-onset cancers.”² But there is much more to this story. And it begins before the beginning.

Prevention starts before the womb
Women of childbearing age can set the stage for their future children’s health. I regularly tell my patients that if they want to get pregnant, there are several ways to prepare their bodies.

First and foremost, they must set their spiritual and emotional intentions. Next is maternal nutrition. What Mom eats is literally the building blocks for every cell in the baby’s body.

I also have them take a close look at their personal care products, including makeup, skin care lines, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Many of them are loaded with xenoestrogens that can cause fertility issues and other health problems.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has databases of thousands of personal care products (ewg.org/skindeep) and household cleaning items (ewg.org/cleaners) graded A–F. I strongly suggest everyone take a survey of what is in their cabinets and drawers.

Another area to consider is the entire endocrine system, from the adrenal glands and thyroid to the ovaries and pancreas. A fetus is reliant on Mom’s hormones, and even mild deficiencies can increase the risk of autism, chronic disease and cancer.

Ensure adequate vitamin D levels by spending a little time in the sun each day. You can also take vitamin D3 supplements if your blood levels aren’t in the optimal range of at least 50 ng/dL. Vitamin D is vital for a baby’s bones, immune system and brain, and if Mom’s levels are high, the risk of pregnancy complications is lower.

Additionally, moms-to-be must take care of their emotional health. Rest daily. Destress often. Let go of past emotional hurts and traumas or work through them. All your thoughts and emotions can affect fertility and the health of the baby in utero.

And finally, if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, keep an eye on your progesterone levels.

Future fathers aren’t off the hook. Sperm quality, DNA integrity, toxin exposure and proper nutrition are all critical components of the health of children both in the womb and beyond.

Toxins are everywhere

Early-onset cancers are also likely influenced by the 2 million toxins we’re exposed to every day. The sad reality is that our water, air and soil are more polluted than ever before.

Increasingly, microplastics are bombarding our bodies, pesticides and preservatives are coating our produce, and toxic heavy metals are lurking everywhere. Children and young adults are especially vulnerable to these damaging environmental toxins because of their still-developing detoxification systems.

You can reduce your exposure using the following precautions to help protect yourself and your children, starting today:

• Buy organic produce and choose grass-fed, pasture-raised protein as often as possible.
• Avoid articles of clothing or furniture treated with flame retardants.
• Don’t cook with nonstick cookware; choose ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron instead.
• Fill your home or office with air-purifying plants, including spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, English ivy, aloe vera and philodendrons.
• Opt for glass food storage containers instead of plastic.
• Drink from a glass or stainless steel water bottles and cups.
• Have old amalgam fillings replaced by a knowledgeable holistic dentist.
• Take a high-quality chlorella supplement daily to detox.
• Use a HEPA or propolis air filtration system in your home.
• Choose a natural deodorant free of aluminum and other chemicals.
• Drink filtered water; hydrogen water is an excellent option.
• Detoxify with Epsom salt baths, infrared sauna therapy and lymphatic drainage methods (massage, exercise, dry brushing) as often as possible.

The gut microbiome and cancer

Over the past several years, increasing attention has surrounded the gut microbiome’s role in chronic disease. An overgrowth or imbalance of gut bacteria can trigger chronic inflammation, impair immune function and generate metabolites that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.

On the other hand, optimal gut health supports and regulates the immune system, helping the body detect and destroy abnormal cells before they become problematic. Maintaining a proper balance of good bacteria is essential for keeping inflammation at bay and ensuring both the immune and gastrointestinal (GI) systems function effectively. See below for some simple ways to support your gut microbiome.

5 cancer prevention tips to live by

I’ve had to be extra vigilant about preventing a cancer diagnosis myself. When my mother was pregnant with me, she experienced some bleeding. Her doctor prescribed the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), often used back then to prevent miscarriages.

In subsequent years, it became clear that DES caused serious—sometimes fatal—complications in children exposed to it in the womb. The laundry list of side effects included hormonal imbalances, infertility, anatomical abnormalities and an increased risk of cancer.

Being aware of these side effects sparked my early interest in health, wellness and cancer prevention, and I made it my mission to help anyone who would listen sidestep a cancer diagnosis. Here are my top five practices and preventive measures to help you ward off cancer, maintain your health and thrive.

1. Aim for a balanced body. Cancer doesn’t just show up. It’s the result of a body out of balance, whether from long-term stress and anxiety, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, exposure to toxins, elevated blood sugar or nutrient depletion. Keeping your body in balance by addressing these issues can go a long way toward preventing cancer and other chronic diseases.
2. Keep hormone levels in check. Many cancers are fueled by hormone imbalances. Make sure your practitioner keeps an eye on all of them annually, including sex hormones, stress hormones and thyroid hormones.
3. Embrace total-body wellness. Staying healthy encompasses all aspects of your being—body, mind and spirit. In addition to taking care of your physical health, you must also relax, destress, find quiet in the chaos and nurture your spiritual side. There’s no way to stay well if one of these areas is lacking.
4. Recognize your body is adaptable and incredible. The human body is capable of amazing things, especially healing. And a positive mindset is crucial if you want to prevent disease, engender health and restore vitality.
5. Understand that if nothing changes, nothing changes. I often tell my patients, “You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick.” It’s imperative to reassess your food choices, relationships, daily habits and self-perception. And please be kind to yourself. There is no room for negativity in the healing process.

Considerations for any age

Whether you’re 25, 45, 65, 85 or 100 years old, it’s essential to remember one thing: Ultimately, you—and only you—can take charge of your health. Even if you’ve received a cancer diagnosis or you’re battling another health condition, it’s not a death sentence.

Your body wants to heal. And you have the tools at your fingertips to set this healing in motion. Patients are sometimes surprised to hear me say that cancer cells have the ability to revert to normal cells. They just need the right environment or terrain to do so.

Nourish yourself by getting enough sleep, eating clean and healthy foods, shifting your mindset to positive, moving your body and burning calories every day, and taking the time to destress and find peace of mind daily. Good health is a cumulative balance of all these factors.

A new generation of hope

It’s not my intention to scare you or paint a doom-and-gloom picture of the health of generations to come. Instead, I hope to inspire people of all ages to make changes today that can positively impact their future.

Yes, cancer rates are on the rise in younger people, but my sincere hope is that we can change that and reverse this trend now. Educate yourself and others on ways to prevent cancer and promote overall health. Take meaningful steps to clean up your air, water and food. And embrace holistic health approaches that can benefit you from head to toe.

5 ways to support your gut microbiome

1. Avoid antibiotics. Antibiotics, while sometimes necessary, destroy all the good bacteria along with the bad. Take them only when necessary, use them precisely as described and make sure to replenish the good bacteria with a quality probiotic supplement when your treatment course is finished.
2. Support gut health with supplements. Several nutrients and herbs can help bolster the health of the gut. These include, but are not limited to, glutamine, zinc, l-carnosine and slippery elm. Talk to your doctor about which supplements are right for you.
3. Eat a fiber-rich diet. Getting enough fiber in your daily diet is crucial for “feeding” the good bacteria in the gut and aiding in proper digestion and regular bowel movements. Everyone should aim to get at least 25 g of fiber every day. If eating fiber-rich foods proves difficult for you, natural fiber supplements such as psyllium husk are an excellent option.
4. Consume gut-boosting foods. Eating prebiotic, probiotic and fermented foods is an easy way to support gut health. These foods nourish the helpful flora in your GI tract and boast myriad health benefits.

• Prebiotic foods: garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, apples, oats and legumes
• Probiotic foods: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha
• Fermented foods: tempeh, miso, sourdough bread, pickled vegetables, apple cider vinegar and raw-milk cheese

5. Avoid sugar and processed foods. Harmful bacteria are fueled by sugar and processed foods, so avoid them or severely limit your intake of both. Neither are good for you, and in addition to providing only empty calories, they wreak havoc on gut health. Good sugar alternatives include stevia, monkfruit and allulose.

Please note that these are general guidelines. To fine-tune your nutritional plan, work with a nutritionist or dietitian.

Are EMFs to blame?

Young people today have grown up in a literal sea of electromagnetic pollution. These electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are everywhere, from Wi-Fi in our homes to smartphones (which are rarely out of hands and pockets) to microwaves, smart meters, cell towers and even electric vehicles.

I’ve written entire articles on the dangers of EMF exposure and do not doubt that these invisible threats are contributing to early-onset cancers in young people. Modern conveniences like Wi-Fi are not going away and will likely become even more prevalent in the coming years.

That said, there are ways to limit and reduce your EMF exposure. Here’s a short overview:

• Hardwire everything. This includes laptops, printers, routers, etc.
• Keep your distance. Hold and store devices away from your head and body. Use the speakerphone option, don’t set your laptop on your lap, and don’t keep your cell phone in your pocket, shirt, or bra. Use air tube headphones instead of wireless earbuds.
• Sleep safe. Use a “kill switch” to turn off your Wi-Fi at night.
• Avoid smart meters. Ask your utility company to replace yours with a regular meter.
• Be aware. Purchase a hand-held meter to measure EMFs in your home, office, car, etc.
• Practice grounding daily. Walk barefoot in the grass, dirt or sand to rebalance your body’s voltage and reconnect with the earth’s natural energy.

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