Cancer
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| Jack Daugherty |
Pet guardians fear this diagnosis above
all others; not only because the
conventional treatments are so perilous,
but also because, despite treatment, it is
most often fatal. More than 50% of dogs
over the age of 10 are diagnosed with cancer
every year, and the incidence of cancer in
cats and younger animals is growing.
As responsible guardians, we need to understand
the risk factors that contribute to the development
of cancer; do all we can to prevent it; and take
effective action when a diagnosis of cancer is made.
Cancer develops due to a variety of factors,
many of which we cannot control; such as
age, genetics, environmental pollution, and
electromagnetic radiation. Other factors include
poor nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle, conventional
medical treatments (such as vaccination)
that can disrupt the immune system, toxic
chemicals used in the home, and stress.
The stress factor is compounded in many
purebred pets by inbreeding, which
increases or creates genetic predispositions
to poor immune function and disease.
Conventional cancer treatments like radiation,
surgery, and chemotherapy may destroy
the cancer yet create other problems at the
same time. And even the most cutting-edge
therapies may only prolong a pet’s life
without truly curing the cancer. Quality
of life issues also impact the choice of
treatments once cancer has invaded.
Recent research suggests that cancer is
primarily a chronic inflammatory disease.
And indeed, many of the factors involved
in the development of cancer do cause
chronic, low-grade inflammation. Such
inflammation not only kills cells directly,
but also deposits toxic inflammatory
by-products and other “sludge” in the
extracellular matrix that surrounds the
cells. This toxic build-up reduces the flow
of oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between
cells and blood, and creating a fertile
environment for abnormal cells that can
thrive in such damaged environments.
Preventing and resolving inflammation
and clearing the matrix are primary goals
of any program to prevent or treat cancer.
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