Looking in the mirror one day, Aunt Shirley noticed something unusual. The next week, she no longer had her right breast. She was then advised to undergo 21 sessions of chemotherapy followed by 26 sessions of radiation. Before she started this journey, her heart was pumping at a robust 73% (normal). With 2 radiation sessions to go, she was so incapacitated that she couldn’t take any more. But the nurse at the cancer center insisted “because that’s what the doctor ordered.” Her heart was pumping at 23%. She could no longer tend to her beloved garden. She died 9 days after her final radiation treatment, 8 months and half a million Medicare dollars after looking in the mirror. As a retired nurse from the last century, Shirley was really good at doing what she was told. In her work at the hospital, this served her well. In her personal life, it cost her her life.

Unfortunately, oncologists don’t have time to read medical studies. Aunt Shirley was 92 years old. Studies show that 78% of women over 80 with untreated breast cancer go on to die of something else before the cancer gets them. Chemotherapy after age 75 has been proven to not extend life. Instead, it exposes the recipient to risk of irreversible heart damage, blood clots, and “chemo brain”. Finally, 149 elderly women have to undergo radiation after surgery to “save” 1 life. This is called “number needed to treat.” Stated differently, the success rate of this treatment is 0.67%. However, 100% of the patients suffer radiation damage to healthy organs and tissues surrounding the tumor. In Shirley’s case, the combination of chemo and radiation destroyed a previously healthy heart. In light of these proven facts, it is hard to justify subjecting an elderly woman with breast cancer to surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

But let’s suppose Shirley was 52 instead of 92. And let’s suppose she still chose the conventional approach to cancer treatment. Had her oncologist been aware of the studies* on the use of vitamin C in cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the damage these insults would have caused her body would have been drastically reduced. High-dose intravenous vitamin C was found to be toxic to cancer cells decades ago. Cancer cells apparently mistake vitamin C for sugar and invite it in. In high concentrations (hundreds of times as much as can be achieved by swallowing it), vitamin C creates so much oxidative stress that it overwhelms the cancer cells’ ability to neutralize it. By contrast, healthy cells actually benefit from it.

But let’s suppose we ran a test of Shirley’s circulating tumor cells and discovered they were resistant to the effects of vitamin C. Could this micronutrient have helped protect her from some of the injurious effects of surgery? To begin with, anesthesia is toxic to the nervous system. Every medication used during surgery is by definition a toxin. Using them is a trade-off. We cannot perform surgery without them, but we also don’t want our cells to be impaired by them long-term. Fortunately, vitamin C, in adequate doses—and this is key—has been found to neutralize the effects of every toxin against which it has been tested.

Secondly, surgery is a traumatic event. Aside from any emotional stress placed on the mind and body of the patient, the simple act of cutting tissues and organs, pushing things around, sewing tissues together, and so forth creates enormous physical stress on the body.

As you may know, one of the many responsibilities of the adrenal glands is to enable the body to handle stress. Doctors advise patients to rest after surgical procedures to give their bodies a chance to recover from these enormous stressors.

It turns out that the adrenal glands require far more vitamin C than any other tissue in the body. Unfortunately, like guinea pigs, humans cannot make vitamin C. Most other animals make vitamin C abundantly and increase their production dramatically when under stress, infected, or exposed to toxins. This makes most animals largely immune to a lot of the conditions from which humans suffer. Interestingly, although we have the gene for L-gulonolactate oxidase—the enzyme that makes vitamin C—it is permanently off in humans. As a result, we cannot survive without ingesting vitamin C. Moreover, if we wish to remain healthy or overcome specific infections or toxins, we must increase our vitamin C intake significantly when stressed.

First-year medical students learn that sailors of days gone by often suffered from scurvy due to a lack of vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets. Scurvy caused fatigue, weakness, bleeding gums, loose teeth, joint pains, bruising, open sores, fevers, seizures, confusion, and eventually, death. We were told that this is rare in the United States today because it is hard not to get the RDA (between 45 and 120mg, depending on age, sex, and condition) of vitamin C from even the poorest of diets. Unfortunately, studies demonstrate that Americans’ average dietary intake is in decline and has fallen below the already absurdly low RDA for most adults in recent years.

As a result, whereas we still may not see many cases of scurvy in this country, we don’t have any wiggle room, either. With vitamin C being the most important and abundant natural agent for neutralizing toxins, as well as killing numerous infections, our collective deficiency is one reason Americans are getting sicker. Any toxic or infectious insult rapidly depletes our limited supply of this critical vitamin and we find ourselves having to rely on any number of drugs to help us through a health crisis.

The bottom line is that, even if a younger Shirley had naively decided her only option was to lose her breast, she would still have benefited from high doses of intravenous vitamin C before, during, and after surgery, as would anyone undergoing a surgical procedure. If she also decided to proceed with chemotherapy, she would be wise to continue this treatment because IV vitamin C has been shown to make chemotherapy more toxic to cancer cells while making it less toxic to healthy cells: less vomiting, less fatigue, less hair loss, less immune damage, and so forth.

Finally, suppose the younger Shirley was strongly encouraged to undergo radiation therapy, just as the older Shirley was. To make the decision, she would be best advised to undergo testing for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), i.e. cancer cells floating around in her bloodstream. If she has CTCs, radiation would be useless unless it was applied to the entire body, and in large amounts, which of course would lead to death. If she does not have CTCs, she might want to look at the statistics regarding cancer coming back with and without radiation. Whereas a meta-analysis (compilation of many studies) found that radiation reduces the risk of the cancer coming back in the same breast by 16%, it only reduces the risk of death by 4%.

Even if this 4% was an absolute instead of relative risk reduction, it is incomprehensible that anyone armed with this information would choose such a risky intervention. It turns out that ionizing radiation is not only lethal to cancer cells, but also to healthy cells. Being unable to make vitamin C, Shirley cannot protect her healthy cells from radiation damage. Even still, studies have shown that people who take high-dose IV vitamin C while undergoing radiation therapy have dramatically fewer side effects and greater shrinkage of tumors than those who do not.

In case it is not abundantly clear by now, a review of the evidence indicates that anyone who chooses to undergo purely conventional medical treatment for cancer who also chooses treatment with high-dose IV vitamin C will be far healthier, more functional, and less burdened by cancer than those who do not add vitamin C to their regimen. You don’t have to end up like my Aunt Shirley. Even with a diagnosis of cancer, you deserve to be able to keep doing what you love for many years to come. If you are looking for more sensible and evidence-based solutions to support you in your healing journey, call Prestige Wellness Institute at (435) 259-4466 in Moab or (435) 210-0184 in Utah County.

And be sure to mention you read about it in Moab Happening.

*Pursuant to U.S. FDA rules, vitamin C is not an approved drug and is therefore not allowed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Statements in this article merely echo the findings of studies published in medical journals.

Fall in Moab brings cooler temps, shorter days, and an opportunity to adopt healthy habits ahead of winter. Here are a few simple ways to take care of your body and mind this season.

Choose Seasonal Foods
There’s nothing better than Moab’s fall harvest of pumpkins, squash, and root veggies—seasonal staples that are naturally low in calories yet rich in nutrients. Just one cup of cooked pumpkin provides over 200% of your daily vitamin A needs (USDA), a nutrient the NIH notes is essential for immune support and vision health. A cup of butternut squash packs over 450% of daily vitamin A and more than 50% of vitamin C, while acorn squash delivers nearly a third of your daily fiber needs—all key to supporting digestion, steady energy, and resilience through the colder months. Local farms like Easy Bee Farm and Moab Grown provide CSAs and delivery options to make it simple to bring these nourishing foods into your everyday meals.

These easy to make dishes can be prepped sweet, savory, or somewhere in between depending on your preferences.

Pumpkin
• Mash into warm oatmeal
• Stir into muffin batter
• Blend into soup
Butternut Squash
• Roast and add to salads or bowls
• Mash into pasta sauce
• Puree for creamy soup
Acorn Squash
• Bake with a little cinnamon
• Mash as a side dish
• Stuff with a grain, like quinoa

Get Your Steps In
Fresh air and movement help reduce stress, boost mood, and support whole-body health. The cooler temps and stunning colors of Moab make fall a great season to elevate your daily habits. Most health experts recommend aiming for 7,000–10,000 steps a day—a range linked with better heart health, improved mood, and even a stronger immune system. The good news? You don’t have to look far in Moab for a beautiful backdrop to walk along.

Whether you want to walk with an incline or not, and for a short distance or long - Moab has options. Here are a few top spots to get your steps in:
Mill Creek Parkway – A gentle, paved path that winds through town. It’s accessible for strollers, bikes, or just a casual stroll, making it a favorite for families and anyone looking for a low-key way to get moving.

River Road Sidewalk – For a simple but stunning option, take a walk along the paved sidewalk that runs beside Highway 128. Following the Colorado River. It’s easy to access, dog-friendly, and especially beautiful in the late afternoon light.

Grandstaff Canyon Trail – A moderate 4-mile out-and-back hike that follows a creek through a shady canyon, ending at the Morning Glory Natural Bridge. The trail combines water, red rock walls, and a sense of discovery, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. In the fall, cooler temps make this hike especially comfortable.

Whether it’s a quick stroll, a bike ride, or a longer hike, spending time outside helps keep body and mind in balance. And grabbing your dog or a friend makes it even better. If you’re new in town or don’t have a walking buddy, make sure to check Moab Happenings or the bulletin boards around town for information on group hiking and walking opportunities.

Make Time for Mindful Practices
Healthy habits aren’t just about nutrition and exercise—taking time to slow down and calm the mind matters too. Stress builds up quickly, and without tools to manage it, our nervous systems can stay in overdrive. A few minutes of intentional breathing or quiet reflection can help you shift your energy, and research shows mindfulness practices can also support immune function, regulate blood pressure, and improve overall resilience.

Mindful Breathing – Find a comfortable seat or lie down. Close your eyes if you’d like, and focus on the natural rhythm of your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale gently, and notice how your body feels with each cycle. Even 2–3 minutes of focused breathing can create calm and balance.

Evening Wind-Down – Set aside 10 minutes before bed to unplug from screens. Journal about what you’re grateful for, read a calming book, or sit outside and notice the quiet of the desert night. Creating a restful evening ritual strengthens your body’s ability to recharge and repair.

Mini Meditations – Even on busy days, pause for just a few breaths. At a stoplight, on your lunch break, or before starting dinner, take a mindful moment to notice your inhale and exhale. These micro-practices help reduce stress, which directly benefits the immune system and long-term health.

Nourishing yourself with seasonal foods, moving during the cool temps and taking moments to pause sets you up for a healthy fall season to feel grounded, healthy and strong.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will face breast cancer in their lifetime, and closer to home, roughly 1,600 Utah women are diagnosed each year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that regular mammograms are critical for early detection — and now, Moab Regional Hospital is fully back on track with both screening and diagnostic mammograms for our community.

What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. While doctors don’t always know the cause, some factors can increase risk:
• Age: Most breast cancers are found in women over 50.
• Family history: Having a close relative with breast cancer raises your risk.
• Lifestyle: Being inactive, overweight, or drinking alcohol frequently can add to the risk.
• Hormones: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy or certain birth control methods may slightly increase risk.

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
Not always—but you can lower your risk by:
• Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking.
• Getting regular mammograms to catch cancer early.

Why Early Detection Saves Lives
The best tool we have is early detection. Mammograms can find breast cancer before symptoms start—sometimes years before a lump can be felt. That means more treatment choices and better outcomes. At Moab Regional Hospital, we offer advanced 3D digital mammograms that make screenings more accurate and effective, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

Screening & Diagnostic Mammograms Close to Home
We know the past year has been challenging for breast imaging in our community as we transitioned to a new radiology team, and we truly appreciate your patience. The good news: both screening and diagnostic mammograms are now fully available again at Moab Regional Hospital.

If a screening mammogram identifies something that needs a closer look, additional testing—called a diagnostic mammogram—may be recommended. Previously, this sometimes meant traveling out of town. Now, you can receive both routine screenings and follow-up diagnostic care right here in Moab, with a visiting radiologist available each month to provide expert care close to home.

The Bottom Line
This October—and every month—take care of yourself. Talk with your doctor about your risk and schedule your mammogram at Moab Regional Hospital today.

Who Should Get a Mammogram?
· Most women: Begin annual mammograms at age 40.
· Higher-risk women: Start earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.
· Men: Breast cancer is rare but possible—talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your chest or nipples.
Early detection saves lives. Call 435-719-3690 to schedule your mammogram today!