In the last few years I have had two family members that were diagnosed with cancer. My mom with breast and my wife cervical cancer. I am pleased to say both are doing well!
When this happens to those you love it really changes how you view things. Throughout this my wife went to four different oncologists. They all had their own specialties, their own way of handling patients, everything about the four were different. From the young military doctor to the well seasoned doctor that was considered the leading cervical cancer surgeon in Nevada. Some would spend five minute with my wife while others would not leave the room, driving my wife nuts! No matter how time they would spend in the room they ALL managed to say the same thing. Eat organic.
So as a husband who cares I was ready to jump on board. Then I went to the grocery store and almost passed out when I saw the prices! I still jumped in though. I bought the things we use the most of, milk and veggies.
I know this sounds odd but I really had no idea what organic was. Up until this point I saw the organic “movement” synonymous with hippie culture, a bunch of tie-die wearing, non deodorant using people. Then I looked into it.
Every doctors office there were American Cancer Society (ACS) pamphlets so I decided o look there first. I logged onto cancer.org and was shocked to find out the position of this organization. “At this time, no studies in humans exist to show whether organic foods are better than foods made or grown using the usual methods for any of these purposes: 1) Reducing cancer risk, 2) Reducing the risk of cancer coming back, 3) Reducing the risk that cancer will progress [grow, spread, or get worse]” (cancer.org).
So why then, did every oncologist, and even our primary care doctor, say to eat organic On our next visit I asked them. They told us that yes the ACS’s official stance was that there was no evidence eating organic was beneficial. They also said that in recent years although there was no conclusive link to the toxic chemicals used in non-organic farming but it is believed by many in the field of Oncology that there is a link.
.I examined the difference between organic and non-organic farming. Here is an example from the Mayo Clinic that gives a brief overview of the differences:
Conventional | Organic |
Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. | Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants. |
Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease. | Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. |
Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds. | Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds. |
Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. | Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease |
I decided to take a common sense approach. Even though there is no conclusive link between the chemicals of non-organic farming to the cause or reoccurrence of cancer, why take the risk?
Works Cited
Cancer.org
Mayoclinic.com
