Today, the scary “C” word has come out of the closet to become part of everyday conversation. Not long ago people would shy away from the topic, knowing that the victim had a grueling toxic treatment to confront and less than a fighting chance to survive. Like plagues of the past, there appeared to be little anyone could do to help.

Who doesn’t know someone that has been affected by cancer, or even combated it personally? The American Cancer Society predicts that 49,440 new cases will arise in our state this year alone. That’s 135 new cases a day! With so much at stake, isn’t it time we find better solutions?

As both my siblings have battled cancer, I’ve been following the new paradigm in more natural approaches to preventing and healing the disease. This month, we are encouraged by the effective advice a rising generation of experts offer in our feature article, “Rethinking Cancer,” on page 14.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America, with a regional facility in Philadelphia, has also contributed a vital piece of the puzzle this month, on page 17. Emphasizing a holistic approach to healing, the organization’s compassionate staff supports their patient’s journey and goal of survivorship. They know that spiritual support is often a paramount need. The mind, body, spirit connection is an important part of the healing process, but our exposure to toxic environmental elements negates some of our best efforts.

We can help cut back on the volume of petrochemicals and other toxins polluting our environment and bodies by heeding Beth Terry’s call to action to Go Plastic-Free (page 18). The amount of plastic trash we see littering our roadsides and neighborhoods is staggering. Where did America’s ‘Littering Prohibited’ signs go? Are communities still fining people ignorant enough to throw their garbage out the window or dump refuse in the woods?

Market shelves overflow with plastic bottles and other packaging. Even with local recycling programs in place, a large percentage of the population disregards proper sorting even as we all continue to produce more trash. Consider that Americans collectively toss 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour and 28 billion glass bottles and jars end up in landfills each year—it’s like filling two Empire State Buildings every three weeks. The Pacific and Atlantic oceans and other international bodies of water are becoming garbage patches for degraded plastics. How long can ocean life survive this poisoning of their environment and food chain? How long can we?

Manufacturers must stop making products intended to become obsolete instantly or in just a few years and rethink our commitment to future generations. Some are already doing it for the common good, but most will only respond when consumers demand it and vote with their dollars

Onward!