Hope is a four letter word.

I was talking to my cousin recently. Two years ago, she had been diagnosed with a type of cancer that was considered fatal. There were no treatment options for a positive long-term outlook.

She told me something that I have heard from other people who have been diagnosed with a serious condition.

“Cancer research is so fast, they are coming up with new treatments all the time. We know so much more. I just had to stay alive long enough for something that can help me.”

The good news is that she did.

Many types of cancer, like the one Terry Fox had, are more treatable, thanks to research and funds raised by the Terry Fox Foundation.

Many people diagnosed with cancer rely on the incredible research being done around the world. It gives them hope.

Hope is a powerful motivator.

It is predicted that by 2050, cancer rates will increase by 77%, from 20 million new cases to over 35 million new cancer diagnoses.

I work with people who have been diagnosed with cancer every day. As a Lifestyle Medicine Coach and a Cancer Exercise Specialist, I help them make lifestyle changes that increase their odds. Because let’s face it, you can do everything right and still be diagnosed with cancer. There are many factors involved, but something else I hear often is, “I want to do whatever I can to reduce the risk. It might not be successful, but I don’t want to think, what if?”

You don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer to reduce your risk.

What makes a difference?

Thanks to scientific research, there are simple things you can do to reduce your risk.

The Prostate 8 study, which includes dietary and exercise interventions, is one of the research projects in which I prescribe the exercises and coach participants to make these healthy habits permanent.

Dr. Stacey Kenfield, UCSF professor of urology and researcher on the Prostate study, says,

“Greater consumption of plant-based food after a prostate cancer diagnosis has also recently been associated with better quality of life, including sexual function, urinary function and vitality, so it’s a win-win on both levels.”

More of Dr. Kenfield’s research that was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on lifestyle scores states that it is “estimated that 47% of lethal prostate cancer would be prevented in the US if men over 60 had 5 or 6 specific healthy habits related to diet, exercise, and obesity.“

What are those healthy habits?

You guessed it.

The research found the following conditions were important for better outcomes.

• “A study of more than 2,000 men with localized prostate cancer found that eating a primarily plant-based diet was associated with a 47% lower risk that their cancer would progress compared with those who consumed the most animal products.”
• Being a non-smoker.
• Decreasing sedentary time.
• Eating healthy fats, including vegetable oils, nuts, avocados, flaxseeds, and fish.
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
• High levels of moderate to vigorous activity. In this study men who exercised vigorously 3 or more hours a week reduced the risk of premature death by 61%.

Every day, I work with people to increase the intensity of aerobic and strength training to achieve and maintain this level of exercise. Factors that can not only prevent cancer progression but also reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and more.

Changing any of these factors makes a difference. We know this because of the research. Research that is under threat. Research impacts all our lives, whether we realize it or take it for granted.

Canadian researchers are currently trying to save existing data from being deleted. Data that is critical for prevention, treatment, and longevity. One of the primary risk factors for cancer is age, and we all want to be healthy for as long as possible. Research means earlier diagnosis, personalized medicine, and reducing the economic burden of disease.

The National Institute of Health in the US was one of the biggest sources of funding for research. With a budget of USD 47 billion, it was estimated to generate approximately USD 93 billion in economic activity. Research saves lives, and it has a positive impact on the economy.

If you want to have hope, you need the science on your side.

Change your mind, change your health,

Shayla