"While others have linked Agent Orange to cancers such as soft-tissue sarcomas, Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, there is limited evidence so far associating it with prostate cancer," said Karim Chamie, lead author of the study and resident physician with the UC Davis Department of Urology and the VA Northern California Health Care System. "Here we report on the largest study to date of Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange and the incidence of prostate cancer."

More than 13,000 Vietnam veterans enrolled in the VA Northern California Health Care System were stratified into two groups — exposed or not exposed to Agent Orange between 1962 and 1971. Based on medical evaluations conducted between 1998 and 2006, the study revealed that twice as many men exposed to Agent Orange were identified with prostate cancer. In addition, Agent Orange-exposed men were diagnosed two-and-a-half years younger and were nearly four times more likely to present with metastatic disease. Other prostate cancer risk factors — race, body-mass index and smoking — were not statistically different between the two groups.

"Our country's veterans deserve the best possible health care, and this study clearly confirms that Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer later in life," said Ralph deVere White, UC Davis Cancer Center director and a study co-author. "Just as those with a family history of prostate cancer or who are of African-American heritage are screened more frequently, so too should men with Agent Orange exposure be given priority consideration for all the screening and diagnostic tools we have at our disposal in the hopes of early detection and treatment of this disease."

 

1. Foods and pesticides

Problem: Foods sprayed by farmers and in grocery stores are never clear of chemicals.
Solution: Buy organic foods, - at the very least wash with soap water and rinse thoroughly. Can you grow your own? Even if it’s only patio tomatoes and herbs, every bit helps.

2. Food Preservatives

Problem: Chemicals added to make food last longer, or look better for higher sales.
Solution: Buy bakery bread, and ask to be sure they aren’t using additives. Buy organic fresh, frozen or canned foods.

3. Dairy

Problem: These days milk from cows can be laden with antibiotics and their food filled with chemicals and can still be sold for human consumption.
Solution: Buy milk from cows raised naturally, or switch to soya milk for some of your baking, and on cereals. This is easily done by introducing it slowly into your new way of eating.

4. Deodorant

Problem: Some brands contain aluminum, and your skin absorbs it!
Solution: Buy brands without it. Try use baking soda – if it works to absorb odors around the house, it will work for you too – and it’s smooth.

5. Stress

Problem: Living in pain from emotions, abuse, crisis and over working.
Solution: Include a few stress relieving habits in your life. Start with a one to 2 hour weekly ritual. It could be a massage. If you don’t have the time and little money Sue Augustine’s book “Five Minute Retreats for Women” has many simple indulging ideas.

6. Cookware

Problem: Cooking with aluminum cookware means you are ingesting aluminum.
Solution: Use glass, cast iron, stoneware, earthenware, high grade steels for cooking.

7. Smoke or secondhand smoke

Problem: Can’t quit, or surrounded by it.
Solution: This is a biggy. Find help to quit and avoid smoke filled areas. If possible get your workplace to participate in a healthier environment – most employers will want to. Make a rule at your house – NO smoking.

8. Processed foods

Problem: Stripped from processed foods, vitamins and nutrients are essential to keeping your resistance high to diseases.
Solution: Get back to basics, include foods in your diet that aren’t processed as much as possible. Avoid prepared packaged meals and eat plenty of raw vegetables and fruit.

9. Air pollution

Problem: Poor air quality from polluted air, in and out of the house. Know what your furniture is made of or protected with. Some adhesives and protection solvents emit toxins over months in your house.
Solution: Use hepa filter air cleaners, avoid your own pollution contributions – gas powered tools. Take your bike or walk when ever possible

10. Artificial foods

Problem: Saccharin and food coloring are unnatural substances for your body.
Solution: Avoid foods with these ingredients. Find the real thing, that doesn’t use substitutes, or cut it out of your diet.

11. Sun

Problem: Over-exposure or repetitive prolonged sun is extremely toxic to your skin.
Solution: Cover up with sun blocking cream, and find shade.

12. Home cleansers

Problem: Many cleansers include toxins you inhale during use. Have you ever felt sick after cleaning floors, bathrooms, your garage and/or any other household cleansing chores?
Solution: Use vinegar, lemon, or baking soda to clean and avoid chlorine.

Good health can be as simple as removing toxins from your daily routines. Your benefits will increase with the amount of effort you put into the change in your lifestyle.

To learn more about on cancer causing toxins and what your alternatives are visit some of these websites:

Families Against Cancer & Toxics
Dedicated to finding causes of childhood cancers, with the goal of preventing future cases