I personally know many people who have passed from a variety of rare cancer. Pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, dementia, Alzhimer's, they all have boosted diagnosis since the 1980s.
Florida Legislation Approved by Governor Ron DeSantis
On February 14, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis sent a press release announcing the allocation of $20 million for the Cancer Innovation Fund in Florida. This funding aims to advance cancer research, innovation, and patient care across the state. Projects funded under this initiative include efforts to enhance early detection of pancreatic cancer through biomarker research and improve access to breast cancer screenings in rural areas. The initiative underscores Florida's commitment to pioneering cancer care and leveraging innovation to combat the disease effectively.
“Funding innovation in cancer research and care has been a priority of this administration,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Through our historic investments in the treatment of cancer, we are keeping Florida patients and clinicians at the forefront of the mission to fight back against this terrible disease.”
Cancer Treatment
In the United States, the overall cancer death rate has declined since the early 1990s. Part 1 of the most recent Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, released in October 2022, shows that overall cancer death rates decreased by:
- 2.3% per year among men from 2015 to 2019
- 1.9% per year among women from 2015 to 2019
- 1.5% per year among children ages 0–14 from 2015 to 2019
Research identifies several leading causes of cancer, supported by extensive studies and evidence:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and tobacco consumption are linked to various cancers, including lung, throat, mouth, and bladder cancers. Secondhand smoke exposure also poses risks.
- Diet and Nutrition: Poor diet, high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fruits and vegetables, is associated with increased cancer risk. Obesity, which often results from such diets, is also a risk factor.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular physical activity contributes to cancer risk, particularly colorectal and breast cancers.
- UV Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and Helicobacter pylori, are associated with increased cancer risk (e.g., cervical, liver, and stomach cancers).
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens, such as asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde, can increase cancer risk.
- Radiation: Ionizing radiation, whether from medical procedures (e.g., X-rays) or occupational exposure, can increase the likelihood of developing cancers, such as leukemia and thyroid cancer.
- Genetics: Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can predispose individuals to certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
- Age: Advancing age is a significant risk factor for cancer due to accumulated genetic mutations and longer exposure to risk factors.
Here are some statistics about cancer:
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Global cases and deaths: In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide.
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Cancer survival: About 53.5 million people were alive five years after being diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.
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Risk factors: Around one-third of cancer deaths are caused by tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, cancer-causing infections like hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are responsible for about 30% of cancer cases.
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Cancer types: In 2022, lung cancer was the most common cancer, accounting for almost 2.5 million new cases, or 12.4% of all cancers globally. Other common cancers include breast, colorectum, prostate, and stomach cancer.
Is it in Florida tap water?
The article from Florida Today reports on a study showing that cancer rates are over 6% higher in Florida counties containing Superfund sites, hazardous waste sites designated for federal cleanup priority, compared to counties without such sites. Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the University of Florida analyzed cancer incidence data from 1986 to 2010 and identified potential cancer "hot spots" near these sites, particularly affecting men. The study suggests a possible association between Superfund sites and increased cancer risks but acknowledges uncertainties and the need for further investigation into specific cancer types and environmental factors. Florida health officials are urged to consider these findings for targeted public health interventions.
A Superfund site refers to a location in the United States that has been contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a candidate for cleanup because it poses a risk to human health and/or the environment. These sites are typically contaminated with pollutants such as industrial chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. The Superfund program was established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980 to manage and clean up such hazardous waste sites across the country. The EPA prioritizes sites based on the severity of the contamination and the potential risks they pose to nearby communities and ecosystems.
The quality of tap water in Florida, emphasizing issues such as contamination risks from pollutants like trihalomethanes, arsenic, and others. It explains that while Florida's tap water generally meets federal standards, there are lingering concerns due to outdated regulations and local contamination sources like agricultural runoff and industrial discharges.
The source of Florida's tap water is primarily from underground aquifers, which are vulnerable to contamination due to the state's geology and high population density. Factors contributing to contamination include industrial and agricultural activities, as well as natural phenomena like algal blooms.
The text also provides insights into regional variations in water quality across cities like Miami, Palm Beach, Tampa, and Jacksonville, highlighting specific contaminants found and their potential health impacts. It advises residents and visitors to stay informed about local water quality reports and consider filtration systems for safer drinking water.
Overall, while Florida's tap water is generally considered safe according to regulatory standards, concerns persist regarding the presence of contaminants and the adequacy of current monitoring and filtration practices.
Preventing Cancer with Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Plant-based diets have many health benefits, including a lower risk of fatal cancer, and greater environmental sustainability. However, less is known regarding the impact of plant-based diets on quality of life among individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer. The authors' objective was to examine the relationship between plant-based diet indices postdiagnosis with quality of life.
Research
Tap Water by Spring Well Water
Florida Today