Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, even higher than breast and lung cancer.
Is simply being in the sun the cause of skin cancer???
Cancer occurs when a normal cell becomes abnormal during the replication cycle. Every day, you are replacing cells and every few years; your entire body is not the same since all cells are eventually replaced with new ones.
If this abnormal cell continues to replicate, a mass of abnormal cells develops. This is what forms a cancerous lesion or mass.
So, for Skin Cancer, or any cancer for that matter; you need to form an abnormal cell during replication.
What usually protects you?
A healthy immune system is the first step; since this walls off abnormal cells and ensures it does not turn into a cancerous mass. At any point in time; up to 2% of cells in your body are ‘precancer’ or damaged and can become cancer. Not everyone develops cancer because your body is designed to stop the abnormal cell replication cycle in its tracks.
When your body has an adequate supply of anti-oxidants; these ‘mop up’ cell damage and help you make normal cells.
The sun is not your enemy. Why did your forefathers, who lived in an age without sunblock; and worked and toiled in the outdoors not have such a high incidence of skin cancer, or any cancer for that matter?
Because the factors that lead to cancer are MANY. Join me in my workshop to learn more about the steps you can take to lower your risk for cancer and improve your longevity.
In the meantime; here are some steps to take to enjoy your time in the sun without increasing your risk for cancer:
1. Eat a diet rich in anti-oxidants. Deeply colored fruit and vegetables should form the greater part of your food-style.
2. Take Vitamin C. Vitamins A, C, E are potent anti-oxidants. (Substances that fight free radicals thereby protecting your cells).
3. Supplement your Vitamin D: More than 90% of Canadians have low levels of Vit D, regardless of how much sun they get. The use of sunblock further reduces your ability to make Vit D in the sun.
Take 2000-5000iu a day to reach optimal levels; have your doctor check your levels to avoid overdosing.
4. Resveratrol is a powerful anti-oxidant shown to help you regenerate healthy cells.
5. Spend time wisely in the sun and avoid burning. If your immune system is healthy; you take adequate care of your nutrition and you consult a physician trained in the area of Natural Health; you should be able to enjoy the sun without increased risk.
Dr. Natasha Iyer MD
(The comments made in this post are the opinion of Dr. Natasha Iyer MD, in her practice of Functional and Regenerative Medicine. This may conflict with advice from your physician, and is not meant to help treat or diagnose medical conditions.)