DOCTOR: "It's bad news, you have cancer and Alzheimer's."
PATIENT: "Oh well, it could be worse - at least I don't have cancer."
We all have had a grandparent, parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling that has had cancer. North Dakota seems to be more prone to this horrible disease. Radioactive iodine from US nuclear bomb tests may have ultimately caused between 10 000 and 75 000 cases of cancer in people who were living in the USA in the 1950s and 1960s, says the US National Cancer Institute. Most of the people at risk would have been under the age of 15 at the time of exposure, and about 75% under the age of 5. Some scientists believe the wind blew the radioactive particles right to the North Dakota area. If true, the particles would have caused thousands of people in North Dakota to eventually get cancer.
It can not be true, no way. The government would never hide such a tragic mistake from the public. They would never try to cover up an accident to prevent them from getting sued for thousands of fatalities. Imagine the headlines, Government Kills It's Own Citizens. Since the1950s and 1960s, there have been several experimental tests on people for the results of radioactive radiation, but the results were never released. Afterwards, testing nuclear weapons was ruled illegal by the courts. I am not one to question the government, but the facts do not seem to add up in their favor.
I believe that this explanation could account for the excessive cancer cases in our area. Proving that radioactive radiation causes cancer maybe almost impossible. There are more ways to get cancer then just by being exposed to radioactive particles, and we can no long do testing on nuclear weapons to see its results. We know what puts you at risk of cancer, but the real cause may never be found.
I do not wish for anyone to die of cancer, but it seems that everyone I am close to gets the disease. I begin to worry that I am next. I am soon reminded that my dad drinks atleast two cans of Mt. Dew everyday, and he still alive. As long as my dad remains cancer free, I will put my cancer worries in safe keeping for the years to come.
Reading this made me feel like I was talking to my dad! He always blabs on about this topic. Of course, it's not a bad thing though. My uncle had cancer due to other reasons, but I've heard A LOT about this and I think it's something that a lot of people are unaware of. Once again, the joke was really funny and I enjoy the humor you put in!
ReplyDeleteMy grandmpa is getting tested for cancer and getting a biopsy tuesday so this really does make sense to me. I really like how you always seem to incorporate facts and statistics in your writing it really shows the reality of it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Intensity level just rose! Your blog was very honest and very real. I love when you add statistics to your blogs. It shows you added the extra effort. All in all it was well organized and put together. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt never fails that when I log on to read your blog I always learn something new. I love it! I love how you put the humor at the conclusion about how your dad drinks at least two cans of mountain dew per day. That really added to it and made it a little less serious. Good job Leah and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI really wonder if this is true. The facts all line up, and it would be something that the government wouldn't release to the public. It's a neat theory to write about. Your joke at the beginning was funny as always.
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a good job of taking your blog and making it very serious. It was a lot different from the normal blog topic. Also, it was a very big change from the joke in the beginning! (which is very funny as usual). I always appreciate your jokes! hahaha good job! :)
ReplyDeleteI can tell this topic is very important to you. I could tell that you are angry that this could be a cause of cancer.
ReplyDeletePowerful commentary on an issue that is important to you. Your writing flows very naturally here as you contemplate possibilities. Be sure to proofread.
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