Re colonoscopy, it wasn't just the risks, which are quite serious with the short straw, but the cost, which is significant. Not to mention the unpleasant process. Plus my estimated risk level being low. My GP thought it not necessary though he has it done on himself because of family tendency. I went with his advice, which I normally do. The costs and risks compared with the benefits are high.
Another GP said "keep an eye on it" regarding the lymphoma tumour. Also regarding a melanoma [in that case a skin specialist]. In both cases we said "No, we will not keep an eye on it, we will have it removed." In both instances, we were right and they were wrong - both would have been fatal with "keep an eye on it" but neither turned out to be fatal thanks to our early intervention. A friend is long dead due to "keep an eye on it" regarding melanoma [doctor advice].
With a low carcinogen diet for decades, the likelihood of colon cancer is even lower than normal. Dietary carcinogens land in the colon and work their wonders there. Bread crusts, fried bacon, and other preserved meats, flame-grilled or generally browned goods, not to mention actual carcinogenic additives or adventitious carcinogens such as alfatoxins all add to the body burden of cancer risk including colons. Avoiding those for decades of course lowers colon cancer risk, in the same way that avoiding tobacco smoke, diesel smoke, chimney smoke and other lung carcinogens reduces lung cancer risk.
I have invested in GNOM - Complete Genomics, to help bring knowledge to such issues rather than guesswork. There's a doctor we know who has had his stomach removed [in his 20s] because of familial cancer risk. It turned out that as well as the gene, the cancer had actually already started, so removal was a good decision. Now, having given up on gene selection and fertility treatment, they are having a baby naturally, with the 50:50 odds of getting the short straw. Life is full of opportunity and risk. GNOM will help reduce risks and increase opportunities. Knowledge is power.
Mqurice |
