After writing my recent editorial on the cancer-environment connection, “Do or Die”, I was pleased to catch the tail end of a sobering special report by Gemini-winning CBC journalist Wendy Mesley last weekend. After battling breast cancer, Mesley started asking some serious questions about rising cancer rates.

“Chasing the Cancer Answer”, featured on CBC's Marketplace, presented many interesting theories, though there are more questions left unanswered than answered. This is due in part to the simple fact that I also stated in my editorial – there is still way more being spent on treating cancer, rather than preventing it. In case you missed it, here are some highlights from “Chasing the Cancer Answer”:

“Some explain rising cancer rates as a natural outcome of our aging population; rates have increased in some elderly-onset forms of cancer. But the rates are increasing at remarkable rates among other age groups too. For instance, childhood cancers have risen over 20 per cent in 30 years. Meanwhile, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, thyroid and testicular cancers are all increasing. All have links to environmental contaminants.”

For further information, visit: http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/cancer/index.html

"I had my blood tested; the results show I'm full of carcinogens," said Mesley.

“Each of us likely has pollutants in our blood. A recent study analyzing the blood and urine of a small group of Canadians found varying levels of contamination from heavy metals, pesticides and other toxic chemicals (such as PCBs, mercury, lead). A similar study of 500 Canadians found the same results.


The contaminants included known and suspected carcinogens and other chemicals that may cause reproductive disorders, harm the development of children, disrupt hormone systems or are associated with respiratory illnesses.

What's not clear is at what level a chemical becomes toxic to people. Scientists around the world have been working to understand at what point a toxin in our blood becomes a health risk, but the matter remains one of intense debate.”

For further information, visit: http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/health/cancer/blood.html