10 Life Lessons My Friend Learned That Helped Her Fight Cancer

cathy-lepiane1bI have known Cathy since the 9th grade. A few years ago she was diagnosed with cancer. She wrote the following blog because she felt it was a life lesson that was worth sharing, especially since she was being approached by numerous friends and strangers who wondered how she beat cancer and was able to have a healthy baby after undergoing chemo treatments. Here’s her story in her own words. – Paula

Four years ago I was diagnosed with stage 2 appendix cancer. I was only 37 years old at the time, a mother of 2 young children, a 5-year-old girl and 9-year-old boy, and at the peak of my career. Luckily for me, they surgically removed the tumour, but recommended I undergo chemotherapy treatments catered to colon cancer (the most harsh and aggressive therapy) since there were no known treatments for my type of aggressive cancer, and there still may be some cancer cells left behind. When I reached out to cancer organizations to find out more about the type of cancer that I had and what I could do about it, they told me they didn’t have any information for me because it was so rare. Even my oncologist told me that my cancer was a grey area, and they didn’t know if treatments were even going to work for me. Continue reading “10 Life Lessons My Friend Learned That Helped Her Fight Cancer”

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Processed Meat and Bowel Cancer: WHO Finds a Link

bacon-hot-dogsToday the World Health Organization (WHO) linked processed meat and bowel cancer. The WHO announced that eating processed meats can increase the occurrence of bowel cancer. Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Most processed meats contain pork or beef. The report defines red meat as beef, lamb and pork.

The France-based International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, put processed meat like hot dogs and ham in its Group 1 list, “carcinogenic to humans.” Tobacco, asbestos and diesel fumes are also on the Group 1 list.

The risk which seems to be most associated with processed meats made from red meats. And red meat was classified as a “probable” carcinogen in its Group 2A list that also contains glyphosate, the active ingredient in many weed killers. Continue reading “Processed Meat and Bowel Cancer: WHO Finds a Link”

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10 Cancer Fighting Foods

vegetables2When it comes to preventing and fighting cancer, anti-inflammatory foods are important. Adding nourishing foods full of healthy antioxidants is one of the easiest things you can do for yourself, if not the best. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to keeping your body strong.

Here are ten cancer fighting foods that have shown to have true benefits when it comes to building your immune system. Choose organic whenever possible.

1. Apples – We are in the middle of apple season right now, and the varieties of apples available are fantastic. Studies show that apple skins inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

2. Asian mushrooms – Shiitake, reishi, and maitake mushrooms boost the immune system. In a scientific review, researchers found that the metabolites contained within mushroom cell walls appeared to stimulate different cells of the immune system, including T and B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Continue reading “10 Cancer Fighting Foods”

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Orange Is the New Pink for Breast Cancer Prevention

orange-is-new-pinkDaily Beta-Carotene Intake Reduces Breast Cancer Risk by 19%

Want to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Walk past the pink balloons, wrist bands, and packaged treats at the grocery store and head straight to the produce aisle. Orange is the new pink.

Research shows women who consume 3 to 6 mg of beta-carotene – the amount you’ll find in six baby carrots, half a sweet potato, or one cup of mashed pumpkin – each day slash their risk of breast cancer by about 19%. Leafy greens count, too. One cup of steamed spinach, kale, and mustard greens provide at least 10 mg of beta-carotene, twice the amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine to mitigate breast cancer risk.

If you don’t have a beta-carotene chart handy, then simply reach for foods with bright green, red, or orange hue.

Here are some seasonal options to get you started: Continue reading “Orange Is the New Pink for Breast Cancer Prevention”

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Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez

dr-nicholas-gonzalezThe world lost a great man a week ago to an unexpected and sudden cardiac event. Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez was a New York-based physician known for developing the Gonzalez regimen, an alternative cancer treatment. He was in excellent health otherwise. It is a reminder that the body works in mysterious ways and there is still much to be learned. Dr. Gonzalez worked tirelessly for the health of his patients.

Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez was a leader in individualized nutritional regimens for many types of cancer, as well as other illnesses such as Lyme, allergies, autoimmune disorders and chronic fatigue. His protocols included diet, supplements and detoxification to treat different illnesses. He was featured in Suzanne Somers’ book Tox-Sick, in which he discussed the origin of cancer, its relationship to toxicity in the gut, and the influence of the intestines, intestinal flora, and liver on our overall health. Ms. Somers references the work of Dr. Gonzalez throughout the book.

Village Green was fortunate to have Dr. Gonzalez on our Essentials of Healthy Living radio show just over 2 years ago. Click here to listen to him discuss treating patients diagnosed with cancer and other serious degenerative illnesses.

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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May 2025
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