Dave Morin

I am apologizing in advance for the LONG response- I am a bit passionate about this….

I would first ask whom else that you consider to be a “virtuoso” has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer? Secondarily, cancer is quite complicated. Having done extensive research with the National Cancer Institute (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/102526734/ABSTRACT), it would not necessarily appear as though there is a logical answer to why some get cancer and others do not. There are genetics, and lifestyle, of course. I think genetics plays a very important role, but I think that lifestyle plays a larger role in cancer than anyone is willing to acknowledge because it would mean that we would have to drastically change ours.

Think about this: Speaking specifically about Pavarotti (who has been clinically obese for a very long time) and pancreas cancer, you must consider the facts. The pancreas is an organ in the digestive system that serves two major functions: it produces pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes (breaks down food in the stomach) and several important hormones, including insulin (regulates sugar from our diet in the blood stream). As the article states, “the cancer is a malignant growth of tissue in the pancreas organ, located by the abdomen, and often strikes smokers, heavy drinkers, diabetics and the obese.” Hmmmm….. pancreatic cancer strikes those that are putting things in their body that force the pancreas into overload.

I don’t think that as a society we truly grasp the reality of the importance of taking care of ourselves via nutrition and exercise. But I have also wondered extensively what role emotions have in cancers. I wonder about the link between stress and cancer: A stressful situation causes the release of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol which triggers the nervous system. Long-term stressful situations can produce a lasting, low-level stress. The nervous system senses continued pressure and may remain slightly activated and continue to pump out extra stress hormones over an extended period. This constant pressure on the nervous system weakens the immune system…. You see where I am going with this. Now think about how often we are all stressed out about life, work, family, etc. Is it worth it?

So RELAX, exercise, stop eating processed foods, cut down on unnecessary medications and try to utilize natural cures when possible, and start eating Super Foods (Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin, Wild salmon, Spinach, Tea — green or black, Tomatoes, Skinless turkey breast, Walnuts, Yogurt (watch the sugar here, though), Dark Chocolate, Olive Oil, Cinnamon, etc. To learn more about Super Foods refer to Dr. Steven Pratts publication, “SuperFoods Rx.” Another very interesting read is “Natural Cures They Don’t Want You to Know About.”