I have pretty much thrown myself deeply into my academic life. Oh... it's so good to be back after being out of the circuit for almost two years. I am writing and publishing. I am giving talks. I am networking. I am now collecting data for my dissertation. Basically, I am nerding. Life is good.
A while ago, a friend reported to me that he noticed someone making a comment when there was a discussion on social media about a particular food that should be avoided because it had a possibly of causing cancer. Someone made a comment that if one was really concerned about cancer, one should not live.
His comment made sense from one viewpoint. Cancer is so scary that it seems to be caused by many things: food, toxins in our air, chemicals in things we use daily, etc etc. If one truly wants to be safe from cancer, then one should not live. Basically, as long as you are alive-- there's a risk of getting cancer... getting sick with something else, etc. We're basically screwed, yes? On the other side of the coin, that comment can be offensive. It could be read as "stop living," or "if you are scared of potential cancer-causing stuff, then what's the point of living?"
As a survivor for over two years now, I am truthfully more conscious about what things may cause or prevent cancer. I have made some changes. I am more aware of what things to avoid. I try to lead a healthy life. If I read a new research alerting me of potential risks, I would definitely pay attention! My body unfortunately has the mechanism to produce abnormal and cancerous cells. The risk is there. Sure, it is under control since the uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix were removed. This is why I am in remission. Quite frankly, I really don't want to deal with surgeries and treatments again. So if I want to avoid anything that could trigger that mechanism in my body, I most certainly will pay attention. This is because I think my life is good and I want some more mileage out of this one.
So if I pay heed to newest research about things that could cause cancer, I call that living... by being aware of risks and prolonging my life because I want to continue nerding for a while longer. Thank you very much.
