Every summer, we're barraged with warnings about the risks of skin cancer and the danger of excessive exposure to the sun. But, very few of us recognize the year round threats to our health and well-being posed by the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in our air, drin­­king water and food. Those of us who live in Maricopa County may be surprised and dismayed to learn that we - and our neighbors in Gila County - are exposed to more environmental carcinogens than residents of 90 percent of all of the other counties in the nation. This is stated in stark terms by the US Toxics Release inventory, a database maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency; which names us among the "Dirtiest/Worst Counties in the U.S."

As a naturopathic physician, I'm trained to treat the causes of illnesses, not the symptoms; and although we can’t always pinpoint the exact cause of the more than 200 types of cancers, the connection between environmental toxins and cancer has become increasingly clear.

The international Agency for Research on Cancer has identified more than 400 known or suspected carcinogens, ranging from the chemicals used in the production of some drugs, synthetic rubbers, plastics, dyes and industrial solvents to the fumes of such metals as cadmium, nickel and chromium. A recent study showed that children exposed during puberty to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as pesticides, PCBs and arsenic had increased risk of prostate cancer as adults.

It’s important to remember that not everyone who is exposed to chemicals gets cancer. Heredity and genetic makeup play an important role in one’s susceptibility. The timing of the exposure is critical. On July 8, I will present the latest research on the impact of environmental toxins on health and offer practical steps to reduce our exposure. I will address the genetic risk factors that make certain individuals more susceptible to contracting cancer or having a recurrence and how to assess one’s personal risk. This talk which is free and open to the public, is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix.

The environmental hazards we face are daunting, but the good news is that there are many simple steps to mitigate their effects. I hope you’ll join me July 8 to learn what you can do to keep yourself and your family safer, healthier and happier this summer and well into the future.  

Dr. Marianne Marchese is a Naturopathic Physician who was recognized in Phoenix Magazine’s 2010 Top Doctor issue.

For more information about Dr. Marchese, or to contact her, visit www.drmarchese.com.