Cancer is a terrifying health epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. What’s more alarming is the issue of cancer over-diagnosis which is, in fact, another epidemic that is growing at a staggering rate. Aggressive cancer screening programs are designed with the best intentions: to catch cancer early and save lives. However, instead of detecting cancerous cells, they often discover minor abnormalities that are unlikely to ever cause symptoms or develop into full-blown cancer. The body has a good chance of resolving such abnormalities on its own.
Despite this, people who are over-diagnosed with cancer are undergoing dangerous treatments for these abnormalities. These include surgery to remove body parts, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy, all of which have significant side effects and often cause a great deal of suffering.
The Shocking Truth about Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Take breast cancer as an example. In 2012, a research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined over 30 years of data on breast cancer screening and diagnosis. The conclusion was shocking: Over a 30-year period, 1.3 million U.S. women were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer even though it is highly unlikely their tumor would have ever resulted in any symptoms or harm. This means over one-third of American women newly diagnosed with breast cancer were over-diagnosed. On top of this, researchers found that breast cancer screening does not significantly reduce the number of deaths from this type of cancer.
It is widely known that high exposures to ionizing radiation can damage your body’s cells and DNA, causing cancer. Research has also shown that these unnecessary mammograms may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Thyroid Cancer Over-diagnosis
Thyroid cancer, too, is being over-diagnosed at an alarming rate. A recent report published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 90% of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the world’s 12 wealthiest nations are cases of over-diagnosis, meaning these tumors were very unlikely to have caused symptoms at all, and even less likely to cause death. In the United States, the rate is slightly lower, at 70 to 80%.
People who are unnecessarily diagnosed with thyroid cancer face severe consequences. They often have to undergo surgery, which can cause chronic pain and hormone therapy for the rest of their lives.
How to Protect Yourself from Cancer Over-diagnosis
To prevent yourself from becoming a victim of cancer over-diagnosis, it’s crucial to be a critical thinker when it comes to cancer screening. Do your research and always ask for a second opinion. In the case of prostate cancer, for example, some in the medical community have found that a “watchful waiting” approach may be best in certain situations.
But most importantly, focus on cancer prevention by adopting the following measures:
- Consume cancer-fighting foods such as leafy green vegetables, berries, turmeric, garlic, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, green tea, grapes, and fiber-rich whole grains and beans.
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol.
Remember, knowledge is power. Stay informed and proactive about your health to prevent becoming a part of the cancer over-diagnosis epidemic.
