CANCER OVERLAP WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS by Gail K. Kachnycz 7 August 2025
Thankfully, today a diagnosis of cancer is not always a death sentence. There are many people who are cancer survivors or in remission. However, the treatment may take months or years. While more targeted than in years past, the surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies affect the person in other ways than just eliminating the tumor cells. Cancer treatment has many of the characteristics of chronic illness.
Fortunately, the network of support for those fighting cancer is strong. Today's post highlights the ribbons/colors for cancer awareness. Certain months of the year are also devoted to increasing knowledge and funding for research for various cancers. During the awareness campaigns, there is often an emphasis on prevention. With new studies, the recommendations for initiating screenings have changed. For example, the age to start screening for colon cancer is now 45 instead of 50. Women of average risk for breast cancer should begin mammograms at age 40.
Prevention also includes avoiding toxic substances. Recently, several food companies have announced that synthetic food dyes will be phased out in US products, with complete removal targeted for the end of 2027. These dyes may not be linked specifically with cancer, but removing them improves the safety of our foods. You can evaluate ingredients in food & cosmetics using an App called "Yuka." The App can scan products and show what additives are in them. Here is a link to demonstrate the App.
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