Health is Wealth: The Cost of Cancer vs. The Cost of Prevention

If you are reading this my fellow Warrior, you have something to be grateful for. Life. It seems more & more if we have something to be grateful for, it should be our health. By the time you read this, I will have just completed a Turkey Gobble 5k run in which the funds raised go toward exercise programs for cancer survivors.

Your donations help those who have battled cancer have a chance to reclaim their health in a supportive group setting for small group exercise training sessions.  In their groups, participants not only gain physical strength, but get support from other survivors and their coach. 

I’m not a fan of “Race for the Cure” or big pharma supported events as I know virtually none of the money raised for such things go to those who actually need the help. Both of my parents had cancer. Only one remains. Not one major cancer organization helped either of my parents or friends who had to battle this deadly disease other than to provide some information or links to local support groups. I supported the YMCA LiveStrong program because I am a Master Personal Trainer & I know how important exercise is to health, recovery, & even boosting morale due to the release of endorphins (making strength & stamina improvements help too!).

What are the Major Contributors to Cancer?

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of cancer in the human body. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Tobacco use: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and it is also a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including lung cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

• Unhealthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

• Physical inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and mouth cancer.

• Exposure to harmful chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as asbestos and benzene, can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer.

• Infection: Some infections, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase the risk of developing cancer.

• Genetics: Some people are born with genes that make them more likely to develop cancer.

• Neglecting Warning Signs: Don’t ignore warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, persistent pain, fatigue, blood in urine, changes in bathroom habits, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, changes in moles, & unexplained bleeding.

Given the aforementioned risk factors for developing cancer in the human body, one can observe on any given day how much of our population fits into one if not more of these categories. Almost all of the contributing factors to cancer are controllable.

Obesity

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41.9% of adults in the United States aged 20 and over were obese in 2017–2020. This means that nearly 1 in 2 adults in the US were obese. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, and it is now a major public health problem.

One thing about obesity, is a person is 100% in control over what they put into their mouths on any given day. It is a choice. You can be vegan, paleo, pescatarian, carnivore, intermittent fast, etc. & still be obese. The simple formula is this, calories in must be less than calories out to lose weight. There really is no super secret formula. Of course there are ways to lose weight properly in a long-term sustainable fashion, but the overarching formula lies in intake versus expenditure.

The Cost of Cancer

Photo Credit: BlessedButStressed

Extraction Surgery

The average cost of cancer extraction surgery in the United States varies depending on the type of cancer, the complexity of the surgery, and the hospital or surgeon. However, in general, cancer extraction surgery can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.

Here are some examples of the average cost of cancer extraction surgery for different types of cancer:

• Breast cancer: $10,000 to $20,000

• Colon cancer: $15,000 to $30,000

• Lung cancer: $20,000 to $40,000

• Prostate cancer: $10,000 to $20,000

• Skin cancer: $5,000 to $10,000

What is the Average Cost of Chemotherapy?

The average cost of a single dose of chemotherapy varies widely depending on the type of cancer, the specific chemotherapy drugs used, the frequency of treatments, and the patient's insurance coverage. In the United States, the average out-of-pocket cost for a single dose of chemotherapy can range from $100 to $10,000 or more.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that the average out-of-pocket cost for a single dose of chemotherapy for breast cancer was $813 in 2018. However, the cost ranged from $137 to $3,292 per dose.

What is the Average Cost of Radiation?

The average cost for one dose of radiation in the United States is between $150 and $500. However, the actual cost can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of cancer being treated, the location of the treatment center, and the patient's insurance coverage.

Here is a breakdown of the average cost of radiation therapy by type of cancer:

• Breast cancer: $150 to $300 per dose

• Prostate cancer: $200 to $400 per dose

• Lung cancer: $250 to $500 per dose

• Brain cancer: $300 to $600 per dose

Not to mention the physical, mental, & emotional cost to you & those who love you.

The Cost of Cancer Prevention

Healthy Diet

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average cost of a healthy diet for an American adult is about $200 per month, or $2,400 per year. However, this cost can be significantly higher for people with special dietary needs, such as those who are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.

Gym Membership

The average cost of a gym membership in the United States varies depending on the location, amenities, and membership type. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $100 per month.

You don’t have to join a gym to get in shape but it does help. Having a personal trainer, goals/program, &/or workout buddy to help keep you accountable, work wonders.

Supplements

The average monthly cost for natural supplements that prevent disease is about $50. This can vary depending on the type of supplements you are taking, the brand, and the dosage.

Some of the most popular natural supplements that are thought to prevent disease include:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for bone health and may also help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases.

• Fish oil: Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

• Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that are thought to help improve gut health and may also help to prevent or treat diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin may also help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

• Green tea: Green tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke. I really like the Kirkland’s Best green tea/matcha blend tea bags sold at Costco.

In addition, one needs mental fortitude & the will to do what it takes to prevent disease. Just going by the numbers, prevention is the way to go. It’s not just about extending the quantity of time you have on this planet but the quality of life you lead.

Today’s society makes it all too easy & convenient to fall into a sedentary, processed-food lifestyle. Big pharma doesn’t want you to prevent or cure cancer either, its a multi-billion dollar business. So many natural cures are suppressed, sued, banned, blocked, & barred from existence. Even the Amish are being raided by government authorities for selling raw milk & natural meats.

This Thanksgiving, let us all be grateful for our health & opportunity each day brings us to make better choices.

Until next time my fellow Warriors, stay informed, stay vigilant, Ever Forward!