Photo Credit: Photos of the Struggle for Environmental Justice in Louisiana's Cancer Alley in 2020 article on DeSmog website
Tom Cervone, Ph.D., Maureen Houlihan, D.C., Nicole Cervone-Gish, M.S., and Michael Cervone, B.S.
Our Planet Earth
Author’s note: This website encourages and informs all God’s children to act in Care for Our Planet Earth.
Introduction
Did you know each year, parents of 15,000 children 0-19 in the U.S., will hear "your child has cancer." It remains the #1 cause of death by disease in children. In the last 40 years, the survival rate for childhood cancer has increased, but for rare cancers, survival rates still remain low . It is thought that different forms of cancer have different causes. According to scientists at the National Cancer Institute, risk factors include family history, specific genetic syndromes, high levels of radiation, and certain pharmaceutical agents used in chemotherapy . Cancer incidence rates in children have stabilized since 2015, after increasing since 1975 . Over the past 40 years, leukemia in children has increased 35%. Do our children today have cancer from environmental pollution?
Environmental contaminants can play a role in childhood cancers, with the majority focused on pesticides and solvents. According to the President’s Cancer Panel, “the true burden of environmentally induced cancer has been grossly underestimated.” The World Health Organization (2013) declared air pollution can cause cancer.
In 2024, two million adults will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States with breast cancer and prostate cancer most common. Cancer can come from the land, water, or air through exposure to environmental carcinogens, which are substances that can damage DNA and cause cancer when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Carcinogens may include chemicals like asbestos, arsenic, benzene, and certain air pollutants. We’ve known cancer and the environment are interrelated since Rachelle Carson's book “Silent Spring” (1962) who discussed cancer as a potential consequence of exposure to pesticides.
ISGlobal Barcelona Institute of Global Health reported that 90% of cancer cases are caused by the environment, while Super Polluters presented how greenhouse gases and toxic compounds released from coal burning fire plants within 30 miles of Evansville, Indiana affect people’s health. PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid) or “forever chemicals” have been found in major rivers (like the Ohio River) which may act as water reservoirs for many cities and towns. These chemicals are man-made and have been linked to cancer, immune system problems, and developmental issues in children. In addition, the release of microplastics (less than 5 millimeters), and nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometer) into our bodies has caused for much concern.
What Can You Do?
(1) To reduce your chances of getting cancer, the Mayo Clinic recommends you to:
- Not use tobacco
- Eat healthy foods
- Stay at a healthy weight and be physically active
- Protect yourself from the sun
- Get vaccinated
- Stay away from risky behaviors
- Get regular medical care
(2) Support and Fund: Boston Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, Riley’s Children’s Hospital, National Children’s Cancer Society, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, American Cancer Society or others. There are many children's hospitals in the world, including 270 in the United States.
Educational YouTube on Cancer:
Quote:
“A complete stranger overheard a conversation between the pharmacist and myself the day that we received my husband’s diagnosis of an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. As I prepared to leave, this gentleman apologized for listening, but felt like he needed to share these words: ‘My wife and I were where you are a year ago. Please remember to never give up HOPE!’ We never forgot those words from a complete stranger and are forever thankful.” - Bobbie Harrington Henry
Tom Cervone, Ph.D. is a deacon, ecologist, and member of Sycamore Land Trust. Sister Maureen Houlihan D.C. is a member of the “Care of Earth” Committee of the Daughters of Charity and Seton Harvest. Nicole Cervone-Gish, Ed. MS. is an award winning St. Elizabeth Anne Seton teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School. Michael Cervone, BS. is the programmer and designer of Our Planet Earth website.
St. Peregrine, patron saint for persons suffering from cancer, pray for us!
Comments may be directed to ourplanetearth.eco@gmail.com Thank you!