Issue #184: Essential Cancer Screenings
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, May 9th.
Today’s Quick Win
From the Lab: Don’t Wait - Get Screened
Speed Read: Brain Size & Aging
Tuesday QR: Goat Cheese Omelet
“Prevention is better than cure.”
The number of types of cancer associated with diabetes and obesity, according to the CDC.
From the Lab
Cancer.
Few words hit as hard as that one. This mysterious killer that’s coming for us, our family - just about everyone we know.
It’s the top cause of death for 45-64 yr olds and #2 for 35-44 yr olds.
Cancer is an absolute beast to figure out. Despite billions of dollars on cancer research and treatments, current tools still make it a challenge to win this war.
We actually know how to kill cancer cells. But the poison in chemotherapy (some even using mustard gas derivatives) also kills healthy cells.
That’s changing with many innovative solutions with near-term promise to completely change the game when it comes to fighting cancer.
But in the meantime, our best bet is to:
Prevent it to the extent we can - don’t smoke, minimize exposure to plastics/toxins, exercise, eat right (all the stuff we preach)
Identify it as early as possible
This second point has always been a struggle for me. Why should I go to the doctor when I’m young, healthy, and feel great??
It’s honestly just a pain - disrupts my schedule and then I have to deal with getting through the healthcare system to find the right doctor and get these tests/screens scheduled.
But deep down somewhere in my brain (and gut), I know the real reason…I don’t want to know if something’s not right.
I’m a math guy - so I get motivated by data and risk analysis.
Colon cancer that hasn’t spread anywhere else in the body has a survival rate of 91%. But once it’s spread beyond the large intestine the 5-yr survival rate plummets to 13%.
Recommendations:
Sure it’s awkward having a stranger closely assess your entire body from head to toe - but it’s worth it. Get annual skin screenings that look for melanoma and other skin abnormalities. These are relatively easy to detect and eliminate - thus avoiding the potential for it to spread beyond the skin
And yes, it’s even more awkward to get a probe up your colon. But get colonoscopies as early as 40. Despite headlines, this screen is still valuable according to Dr. Peter Attia. Based on what they find up there (gulp), repeat more frequently than every 5 years
But don’t listen to me - take it from 45-yr old Ryan Reynolds:
PRO TIP: Some tests and screens aren’t perfect. With the prostate PSA Test, there’s a 10-12% false-positive rate. That’s pretty insane and would create a massive amount of unnecessary stress. The same is true for breast cancer mammograms.
Amazing technology is coming like liquid biopsies and advanced MRI tests. In the meantime, if you get tested for internal cancers (prostate, breast, lung, pancreatic cancers) make sure you know all that goes into these tests and what follow-up procedures are necessary to confirm results before you fear the worst - I know easier said than done.
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Speed Read
Health & Longevity in the News
Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods: At least 60% of our calories come from highly processed foods. It’s not just diabetes, obesity and cancer - now there’s emerging evidence that ultra-processed foods (think high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, preservatives) impact brain health. (NYTimes)
More on the Brain: Cognitive function fades as brain cells shrink and die. Some cells get replaced, but many don’t - so our brains get smaller with age, starting around 40. Seems like the shrinking is happening faster in the industrialized world. (WIRED)
FDA Clears Samsung Watch Feature: Samsung received clearance on their Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature. Along with its ECG capability, Samsung will be able to check for atrial fibrillation. Now 42% of the smartwatch marketplace (Samsung joins Apple) will have this monitoring functionality available to users. (TechCrunch)
Tuesday QR | Goat Cheese Omelet
I’m committed to eating more eggs! Much closer to the perfect protein than rice & beans! In 8-10 min, have this delicious omelet (or omellete for the sophisticated and those in the UK). It’s great for busy mornings to get started on our protein and healthy fats.
Product Recs
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☕ Bulletproof - I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but it’s much more than the Bulletproof diet to get the protein and healthy fats we all need.
🍴 Primal Kitchen - loving these sauces. Just used the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce for some pulled pork tacos and my wife loves the Buffalo Sauce. They’re clean and delicious. Give ‘em a go! Follow this link for 10% off
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The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.