Preventing Cancer . . . and SNOPES!

So my aunt, always a diligent watchdog for health and research updates, recently sent me an email entitled "Cancer Update From John's Hopkins" with the following prelude: 

 "AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY' IS THE KEY WORD) AND ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHN HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY."

The email then goes on to list numerous statements regarding cancer cells, how they develop and thrive, and certain recommendations to minimize the risk of cancer.  Some of these are phenomenal.  Including the statement that cancer cells "thrive in an acidic environment" and my personal favorite:  

"Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.  A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment.  Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit.  Learn to relax and enjoy life."

I was SO impressed with the list, that I decided to see if it was all really to good to be true.  Was a highly respected medical institution, one that is regarded by the government as a leader in medical research and development really promoting a more holistic and preventative program for disease? 

Apparently not.  When I Googled "Cancer Update", a page from "Snopes" immediately popped up.  If you are unfamiliar with "Snopes.com" it is a site that debunks many of the myths that we often receive in those annoying emails that are forwarded to us by family, friends, and often enemies!  :)

"Snopes.com" did in fact categorize the email that perpetrated the John's Hopkins study as false.  (To see the email that is being forwarded, click here.)

What a shame.  Because it all makes so much sense.  Common sense.  Do I believe that if you follow all the recommendations on the list to a "T" that you are guaranteed to live cancer free? Absolutely not.  Do I agree that the statements on the list put you at a lower risk for contracting any sort of disease, virus, bacteria, etc. and in general will guide you toward leading a more fulfilling, healthy and vibrant life?  ABSOLUTELY. 

Unfortunately, people may go to Snopes, see this email listed as 'false' and completely discredit anything it supports.  Giving people another excuse to say "See. It doesn't matter what I eat, do or think. There is nothing I can do to prevent a life threatening disease such as Cancer."  and go off and enjoy a Big Mac, large fries and Coca-Cola.  

I hope that is not the case.  I hope that, regardless of the listing on 'Snopes' that people will read the email and say, "Yes, this all makes sense.  Naturally and intuitively".

I hope.