Cancer prevention
…my day job, where I spend half of my time enrolling cancer patients in clinical research trials, and the other half with healthy people who donate their stem cells to folks with cancer.
Research for treatment options is so important, and I am constantly floored by the generosity of ordinary people willing to step up and donate their stem cells to strangers. But what breaks my heart, of course, is that we have so much cancer to treat.
Studies on cancer prevention (as opposed to treatment) make up a super small percentage of the current research being done in the US— and it usually focuses on genetics, screening, and early detection.
It's a great start, but I’d rather we’d not have any cancer to detect at all!
We can't change our genes, and there are many lifestyle factors, including just getting older, that contribute to cancer incidence. BUT, we also know our environment, particularly the chemicals in it, play a major role. In my opinion, there is just not enough being done to address this-- education, research, regulations, or otherwise.
However! Something that brought me hope the other day was discovering the Silent Spring Institute. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw their website— they focus entirely on environmental causes of breast cancer! AND, California just added PFOA, a chemical sometimes used in rugs and upholstery, to their list of compounds that can cause reproductive harm under Proposition 65. Things are happening, awareness is spreading, and that’s cause for so much hope.
My big ol' plan is to bring some change to the interior design industry and make sure our homes are helping prevent disease, and supporting wellness and treatment.
Another thing that gives me hope: you caring enough about this stuff to be here! Thank you!! 🖤