The International Dragon Boat Festival was in Peterborough over the weekend and breast cancer survivors, both women and men, travelled here from all over the world.  We rolled out the pink carpet and wowed the attendees with our friendliness and hospitality. 

The camaraderie that these teams displayed was second-to-none.  It is unfortunate that they have been brought together by something so devastating to women and some men, as a diagnosis of breast cancer. 

They deserve many accolades for fighting such a difficult war that will continue their entire lives.  Unfortunately, they will never truly be cancer-free as it will always be uppermost in their minds.

We all know the statistics as to how many women are diagnosed each year and how many lose their battle.  For men, the numbers are considerably lower but not rare.

We also know about the testing and how we should be proactive.  We are familiar with the treatments.  We know the side effects. 

What most people do not realize is that none of this matters.  Cancer will not live in an alkaline body and that is what’s most important.  It just doesn’t.  The body can fight off anything if it is healthy and alkaline and that includes breast cancer.  If anyone tells you differently, they are not telling you the truth.

The problem with this statement is that most people don’t know what this means or even what I am talking about.  They live their lives in what they consider to be a healthy manner, go for the obligatory mammogram testing every year or two and basically wait for the devastating news.  Not this year?  Phew!  Clean for another year.  Many mammograms are also wrongly interpreted resulting in a false positive.    

It shouldn’t be like this.  Women should not have to spend their whole lives worrying about this disease and waiting for a cure that will never come.  Since it is so rare in men, they don’t give it a second thought until it strikes them.  Women are forced to worry constantly.

If you insist on testing every year, you may want to skip the mammogram and try Thermography.  There are a number of qualified practitioners who can perform this test for you.  It is just as effective, less-invasive and will not flood your body with cancer-causing radiation like a mammogram will.  No, it’s not covered by OHIP but your health decisions shouldn’t  be based solely on money.

The most important part is to be diligent with the S.E.E.D.S of life – Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Drink and Supplement.  Everyone is different.  What works for one person may not necessarily work for you.  Consult a natural healthcare professional who can start you on the right path.  Do everything possible to “live” and not just be a “survivor”.

A note to those rowers who got out of their boats and promptly lit up a smoke: “shame on you.”  That won’t help your chances of surviving longer than 5 years!

Janet Woods is a Doctor of Natural Medicine practising in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.