RE: Cancer & immune systems

[L_K_II_Les_Aldrich@RL.GOV]

John,



I never realized it either, until my wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Statistically, its more like 67% of us have immune systems that effectively

fight cancer and 33% of us do not.  All of us apparently have cells that try

to grow uncontrollably. When our immune system fails to control the growth,

we are then said to "have cancer".  That's a lot less personally insulting

than saying "your immune system has failed."



In 1992-93, while the doctors were trying to figure out why I was having

serious heart trouble, I had, in one 12-month period, 4 nuclear medicine

studies, 5 angiograms, 1 angioplasty, one esophageal x-ray study, and two

CAT scans.  I estimated my EDE at 12 rem.  So far, I have no evidence of any

negative effect from that radiation.  I also do not have cancer.



Whether radiation reduces the future incidence of a particular type of

cancer or not is yet to be determined.  There is no doubt that small doses

of radiation have been shown to improve general health.  Those who are

trying to show that radiation is "bad for you" call it the "healthy worker

effect".  The rest of us call it hormesis.



Just my opinion, of course.



Les Aldrich

l_k_ii_les_aldrich@rl.gov







-----Original Message-----

From: Jacobus, John (OD/ORS) [mailto:jacobusj@ors.od.nih.gov]

Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 9:02 AM

To: tedrock@CPCUG.ORG; Jerry Cohen; RadSafe

Subject: RE: NCRP 136 





Ted,

I never realized that "cancer is determined by how the body is able to

defend itself."  So, I guess the 25% of the population that get cancer have

defective immune systems.  Are you proposing that we all receive additional

radiation to prevent cancer?  How much would you suggest?  Have you gotten

your dose today?  Do you practice what you preach?



-- John 

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