A Normal Response to an Abnormal Environment?
According to Hanahan and Weinberg, cancer cells develop 6 common characteristics regardless of their cell of origin or primary site. These are known as the hallmarks of cancer and were first described in the prominent scientific journal, Cell, in the year 2000. These hallmarks are:
Self-sufficiency in growth signals: the switch to replicate remains turned on
Insensitivity to anti-growth signals: the switch to replicate no longer responds to the off signal
Tissue invasion and metastasis: the capability to invade locally and spread at a distance
Limitless replicative potential: the ability to replicate cannot be exhausted
Sustained angiogenesis: the ability to create its own blood supply system to fuel its growth
Evading apoptosis: the ability to hide from the normal signal to self-destruct under pressure
The intelligence, ingenuity and adaptability for the survival of this cell is quite remarkable. In my oncological training, I was taught that cancer is caused by a DNA mutation within a cell that then becomes propagated and leads to uncontrolled cell division and growth. This is not incorrect, however, I have recently encountered another perspective. Rather than as a mutation, that response can be seen as an adaptation of the cell for survival in an abnormal environment. Is cancer the strategic way that a cell attempts to survive in a toxic environment?
Why is the body toxic and becoming an environment in which a cancer cell develops?
BODY: The body is bombarded with physical toxins in its day to day living due to an environment that is depleting in resources and becoming contaminated. It occurs via sources as diverse as our water supply, sub-optimal food supply, environmental pollutants and electromagnetic exposure. Add to this the choices made that add further physical toxins through the consumption of carcinogens such as addictive substances including cigarettes, alcohol, recreational drugs, self-medicating with food and prescription medications.
MIND: There is also toxicity that develops through psychological stressors. This occurs in circumstances that keep us in a fight or flight mode of survival and diminish the body’s capacity to look after itself by depleting the natural defence that is the body’s immune system. These psychological stressors include physical day to day stressors such as remaining in a job or relationship that is not in alignment with our truth as well as non-physical day to day stressors such as negative self-talk and our perception of a situation that causes us to experience stress.
SPIRIT: The third may be subconscious and is the burden of the pain-body, individual or collective. This will lead to an on-going stress in the body similar to the above physical and psychological scenarios. This subconscious state of stress places the body in a perpetual state of defence. And in order to be ready for fight or flight, the body borrows from its own immune system, depleting it and its ability to heal from physical disease including cancer.
Fight or flight survival mode depletes the body’s immune system and capability of fighting disease
The body is exquisitely sensitive to the information it receives. If it perceives stress through the environment, state of mind or spirit, the body will have a physical change in its hormonal environment shifting it to a fight or flight mode of survival. This means that the hormonal environment shifts from one of relaxation (the parasympathetic nervous system) to one of survival (the sympathetic nervous system). This is incredibly well described in a presentation by Dr Lissa Rankin and can be accessed here. The survival mode means the body temporarily shuts down the processes required for the non-essential functions such as digestion or even immunity. This depletion of the immune system means cancer cells that would normally be eliminated from the body, can go unnoticed and continue to survive in the toxic environment that has created them and that has now allowed them to thrive.
Cancer as an adaptation of the body to allow cell survival in a toxic environment allows it to be reframed as a normal response to an abnormal environment. This creates a new perspective on cancer and a new attitude to treatment. Rather than as an aggressive enemy, could cancer be attempting to keep its host alive in a toxic environment? This perspective leads to a reclamation of control and an approach to care that focuses on detoxifying the mind, body and spirit and restoring the immune system to allow the body to heal itself.
References:
Douglas Hanahan and Robert A Weinberg. The Hallmarks of Cancer. Cell, Vol. 100, 57–70, January 7, 2000
Dr. Lissa Rankin: "Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof You Can Heal Yourself". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcai0i2tJt0
Dr. Carol Haddad is a Radiation Oncologist based in Sydney, Australia. Her approach combines a formal qualification in Radiation Oncology with her passion for complementary therapy. She has an emphatic belief in holistic cancer care and the power of the mind to achieve wellness in the body. She offers consultation services in-person or remotely as well as seminars and workshops. Click here to learn more.