P: What does science say about the relationship between our cancer risk and our lifestyle vs. cancer risk and our genes? h: Although there is some genetic basis for being at risk for cancer, the major risk is our lifestyle. Forty percent of all cancers are preventable with the right lifestyle. Risk for certain cancers can be reduced by 50 percent with exercise five days a week for 30 minutes and can be reduced 35 percent with proper nutrition. In addition, when the risk increased from one in every 40 people in 1900 to one in every two people in 2018 and you add current information on carcinogens in our food, personal care products, air, water, chemicals, metals, the sun( ultraviolet rays) and almost every aspect of life, there is no doubt that lifestyle makes the difference between having or not having cancer.
P: Why did you start the Carl O. helvie holistic Cancer Foundation? h: I retired from academia at age 69, wrote a couple more books, and produced and hosted a radio show for 10 years, but I was still bored! I wanted to do more to help others. As a cancer survivor and an early believer in the value of a holistic approach, the foundation seemed like a good way to reach people with information on natural, holistic prevention and treatment for cancer. Oncologists often tell patients there are three types of treatment— chemo, radiation and surgery but omit the alternative treatments that are usually less invasive and less costly and often more effective. It is up to the patient to ultimately choose their treatment, but I am passionate about their having all the information before making that choice and that includes alternative treatments.
P: What has been the response to your findings on the holistic approach to beating cancer? h: Because of my educational background, my longevity of cancer
“ although there is some genetic basis for being at risk for cancer, the major risk is our lifestyle. Forty percent of all cancers are preventable with the right lifestyle.”
survival, and the fact that I am not selling anything but offering my services to all for free( I am consulted by many cancer patients who hear about me and my foundation) most accept the concept of holism in cancer treatment. Even many patients who choose traditional treatment ask to be on my prayer list or to implement some of the mental and spiritual interventions.
P: What do you hope readers gain from your new book, Reducing Your Cancer Risk( a holistic approach)? h: I hope readers gain an appreciation for the role they play in their own health and illness by the lifestyle they choose. I hope readers are willing to make gradual changes to a better lifestyle and make their risk of cancer less likely. I would like to see cancer and the related unnecessary suffering eliminated in my lifetime and it takes all of us to make that happen. n
Helvie’ s five simple truths to reducing your cancer risk and leading a Holistic life
1. Improve nutrition. 2. Exercise daily.
3. 4.
5.
Pray daily and strengthen your faith.
Serve your fellow man the best you can in whatever you do in life,
Stay positive and optimistic and be grateful for what you have.
June 2018 ■ PULSE 65