Preventing Cancer with Better Health Choices with Katherine Sowden
October 14, 2021
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Episode 217 · October 14, 2021
Preventing Cancer with Better Health Choices with Katherine Sowden
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Pushing the Limits Episodes Around October 14, 2021
Episode 196 of 428 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
48:31This episodePreventing Cancer with Better Health Choices with Katherine Sowden
Summary
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We are living through multiple crises. Not only are we going through the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is also a hidden epidemic going on. Over the years, people have become more obese. In 2013, only 34% of our population was within a healthy BMI range, and this statistic is falling exponentially over the years. We need to take action now because obesity is not about how you look — it's about real health consequences. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Katherine Sowden joins us in this episode to talk about women's and public health. She explains how obesity changes our bodies and causes various diseases and cancers. She shares that it's often not even people's fault. There's a range of factors that encourage this epidemic. Exacerbating the socioeconomic and cultural factors is the food industry. Dr Katherine emphasises that we need to start educating ourselves on our health. Only then can we make better choices to prevent these diseases.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you want to know more about taking preventive measures against cancer and other diseases, this episode is for you. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:</strong></h2> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learn about the current state of public health and how to be a proactive patient.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discover the ways obesity can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in women.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Know how you can make better health choices to avoid developing cancer.</span></li> </ol> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Resources</strong></h2> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gain exclusive access and bonuses to Pushing the Limits Podcast by becoming a</span> <a href="https://patron.lisatamati.com/patron1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">patron</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">! </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A new program, BoostCamp, is coming this September at</span> <a href="https://www.peakwellness.co.nz/boostcamp"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Peak Wellness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">!</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Listen to other Pushing the Limits episodes with Dr Elena Seranova: </span></li> <li style="display: inline;"> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">#183:</span> <a href="https://www.lisatamati.com/podcast--dr-elena-seranova/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Sirtuin and NAD Supplements for Longevity </span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">#189:</span> <a href="https://www.lisatamati.com/podcast--dr-elena-seranova-increasing-longevity/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Understanding Autophagy and Increasing Your Longevity </span></a></li> </ul> </li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Connect with Dr Katherine:</span> <a href="https://www.aucklandwomensgynae.co.nz/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Auckland Women's Gynaecology</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">I</span> <a href="https://www.ormistonspecialists.co.nz/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ormiston Specialists</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">I</span> <a href="mailto:enquiry@aucklandwomensgynae.co.nz"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Email</span></a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Get Customised Guidance for Your Genetic Make-Up</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For our epigenetics health programme, all about optimising your fitness, lifestyle, nutrition and mind performance to your particular genes, go to</span> <a href="https://www.lisatamati.com/page/epigenetics-and-health-coaching/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.lisatamati.com/page/epigenetics-and-health-coaching/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Customised Online Coaching for Runners</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">CUSTOMISED RUN COACHING PLANS — How to Run Faster, Be Stronger, Run Longer Without Burnout & Injuries</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you struggled to fit in training in your busy life? Maybe you don't know where to start, or perhaps you have done a few races but keep having motivation or injury troubles?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you want to beat last year's time or finish at the front of the pack? Want to run your first 5-km or run a 100-miler?</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you want a holistic programme that is personalised & customised to your ability, goals, and lifestyle? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Go to</span> <a href="http://www.runninghotcoaching.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">www.runninghotcoaching.com</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for our online run training coaching.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Health Optimisation and Life Coaching</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are struggling with a health issue and need people who look outside the square and are connected to some of the greatest science and health minds in the world, then reach out to us at</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">support@lisatamati.com</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, we can jump on a call to see if we are a good fit for you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have a big challenge ahead, are dealing with adversity, or want to take your performance to the next level and want to learn how to increase your mental toughness, emotional resilience, foundational health, and more, then contact us at</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">support@lisatamati.com</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Order My Books</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My latest book</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relentless</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">chronicles the inspiring journey about how my mother and I defied the odds after an aneurysm left my mum Isobel with massive brain damage at age 74. The medical professionals told me there was absolutely no hope of any quality of life again, but I used every mindset tool, years of research and incredible tenacity to prove them wrong and bring my mother back to full health within three years. Get your copy here:</span> <a href="https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books/products/relentless"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books/products/relentless</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my other two best-selling books</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Running Hot</span></em> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Running to Extremes</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, chronicling my ultrarunning adventures and expeditions all around the world, go to</span> <a href="https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/books</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Lisa's Anti-Ageing and Longevity Supplements </strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">NMN: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, an NAD+ precursor</span></p> <h4><strong>Feel Healthier and Younger*</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Researchers have found that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide or NAD+, a master regulator of metabolism and a molecule essential for the functionality of all human cells, is being dramatically decreased over time.</span></p> <p><strong>What is NMN?</strong></p> <p><a href="https://nmnbio.nz/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NMN Bio</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">offers a cutting edge Vitamin B3 derivative named NMN (beta Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) that can boost the levels of NAD+ in muscle tissue and liver. 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Manufactured in an ISO9001 certified facility</span></p> <h4><strong>Boost Your NAD+ Levels — Healthy Ageing: Redefined</strong></h4> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cellular Health</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Energy & Focus</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bone Density</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Skin Elasticity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">DNA Repair</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cardiovascular Health</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brain Health </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Metabolic Health</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong>My 'Fierce' Sports Jewellery Collection</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my gorgeous and inspiring sports jewellery collection, 'Fierce', go to</span> <a href="https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/lisa-tamati-bespoke-jewellery-collection"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">https://shop.lisatamati.com/collections/lisa-tamati-bespoke-jewellery-collection</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Episode Highlights</strong></h2> <h3><strong>[04:06] The Current State of Women's Health</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the most significant issues in women's health is the normalisation of obesity. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This situation comes from a lack of understanding of the importance of nutrition and movement to our health. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Endometrial cancer is a progressive order that is caused by having too much estrogen. One of its leading causes is obesity. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obesity can also decrease fertility since it affects the ovulatory cycle by affecting the production of progesterone. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before, we used to see endometrial cancer affecting women over 40, but now there are cases as young as under 20. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[07:59] Effects of Obesity</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Women's relative risk for endometrial cancer is one if they have a normal BMI. However, when they're in the range of 30-35 and over 40, this is raised to 2.5 and 7.1 respectively. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are now many obese young women who are in this constant state of a hyper estrogenic environment. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The definitive treatment of this cancer is hysterectomy, making a huge impact on women's choice for reproduction. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer too.</span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[10:43] What Changes Does Obesity Make? </strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obesity leads to an abnormally high aromatase gene expression, which is in charge of estrogen production. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">With obesity, the body converts more of the androgen peripheral tissue into estrogen too. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This problem does not apply only to women. Obese men also have hormone issues and tend to have feminine features.</span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[14:04] How the Food Industry Affects Our Health</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the main drivers of the obesity epidemic is the wide availability of obesogenic food. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lower-income families tend to consume more of these foods since they are cheaper than healthier options. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We can remove taxes on fruits and vegetables to help address the problems in the food industry — as other countries have done. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even if junk foods seem cheap, these are costing the country more. Public health will collapse as more young people develop diseases. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Obesity doesn't just cause cancer — it can also lead to diabetes and heart disease. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[16:19] What Needs to Change? </strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The market needs to change to make healthy foods more accessible. The food industry also needs to assess the way they use additives and preservatives. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's not totally our fault that we're obese. This epidemic is driven by socioeconomic and cultural factors, in addition to the food industry. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Widespread normalisation of a high BMI is also harmful since people don't understand its consequences. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While doctors can help treat your diseases with pills and surgeries, it will always come with risks. It's your responsibility to prevent hospitalisation.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medication should not be your first and only option. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[23:19] Start with Educating Yourself</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preventing disease progression starts at an early stage. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some medical interventions may not be the cure to fix your health. There is a need for a holistic approach to health. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In public health settings, most doctors only have 20 minutes to get to know a patient. This amount of time does not give them a complete picture of what the patient needs. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personalised health care starts with self-education. Do your research so you can ask specific questions to your doctor within the limited timeframe given to you.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Katherine shares that not only does obesity have compounding effects on health, it can also affect surgeries! Learn more about this in the complete episode. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[31:13] How Obesity has Risen Over the Years</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even if our lifespans have increased because of medicine, people are also dying earlier because of diseases. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study in New Zealand found that the standardised incidence of endometrial cancer used to be 1.9 per 100,000 population in 1996. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This rate increased to 24.2 in 2012, with the Pacific Islanders' at 46.06. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 2013, around 34% of the population were within the range of a healthy BMI. This percentage has decreased sharply over the years. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preventing cancers, such as endometrial cancers, starts with losing weight and changing lifestyles. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[37:05] Start Early</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's more difficult to reverse cancers and diseases than taking preventive measures. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Diseases and cancers don't happen overnight. It's the result of malignant states developing over time. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not all cancers are preventable, but we can decrease our chances of developing them, especially with estrogen-dependent cancers. </span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>[40:20] Stop the Vicious Cycle</strong></h3> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nowadays, it's commonly seen as politically incorrect to discuss obesity. Remember that our physical states impact our health, whether we like to hear them or not. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Understand the consequences of obesity. These include the increased likelihood of infertility, cancer risk, diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and many more illnesses. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Start with adopting lifestyle changes in terms of nutrition and movement. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eating unhealthy foods can cause a vicious cycle of degrading health, both physically and mentally. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can also seek more personalised healthcare from health coaches and other allied health professionals. </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <h2><strong>7 Powerful Quotes</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'We tax cigarettes, we take alcohol. Why aren't we taxing some of this junk food? It is of no benefit to people whatsoever.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'We need to do something and even if it is unpopular. So for example, taxing sugary food and drinks. It's got to be worthwhile.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'We can do operations that do amazing things, and really cure people of cancer, and improve their quality of life, but equally it shouldn't be the first option.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'But I think we've always got to look at the patient as a whole person. The least invasive cure, the better.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'The more people we can keep out of the hospital, the better because it means we can deliver quality personalised health care.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'The more you can educate yourself, the better. So that when you get that 20 minutes in the public system, you've got the questions to ask, you know what you're going in for.'</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">'It's also seen as politically incorrect to discuss obesity. But it's not politically incorrect. That's factual and it's a crisis. We need to stop pussyfooting around it.'</span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>About Katherine</strong></h2> <p><strong>Dr Katherine Sowden</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a highly respected gynaecologist and has been the Clinical Lead in Counties Manukau Health since 2014. She is also a Consultant Gynaecologist in Auckland Women's Gynaecology and Ormiston Specialist Centre. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr Katherine is a fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She is currently the departmental lead for non-tertiary gynaecological oncology and focuses on the management of premalignant gynaecological conditions. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She provides a wide range of gynaecology services. You can find out more about her practice in</span> <a href="https://www.aucklandwomensgynae.co.nz/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Auckland Women's Gynae</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href="https://www.ormistonspecialists.co.nz/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ormiston Specialists</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can also reach Katherine by</span> <a href="mailto:enquiry@aucklandwomensgynae.co.nz"><span style="font-weight: 400;">email</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Enjoyed This Podcast?</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends!</span></p> <p><strong>Post a review and share it!</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this with your family and friends so they can make better health choices to prevent cancer.</span></p> <p><strong>Have any questions?</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">You can contact me through email (</span><a href="mailto:support@lisatamati.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">support@lisatamati.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) or find me on</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisatamati/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/lisaytamati"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-tamati-a7b67820/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instagram</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lisatamat"><span style="font-weight: 400;">YouTube</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more episode updates, visit my</span> <a href="https://www.lisatamati.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. You may also tune in on</span> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pushing-the-limits/id1207975008"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Apple Podcasts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To pushing the limits,</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lisa</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>The information contained in this show is not medical advice it is for educational purposes only and the opinions of guests are not the views of the show. Please seed your own medical advice from a registered medical professional.</em></span></p>






















