Using the Aspirin-CRC Study to Highlight the Role of Radical Remission Factors in Preventing Cancer Recurrence

Recent research highlights the potential of low-dose aspirin in reducing colorectal cancer recurrence, particularly in patients with specific genetic mutations. The ALASCCA trial demonstrated that aspirin reduced the risk of recurrence by over 50 percent in patients with mutations in the PI3K signaling pathway. This underscores the growing recognition of personalized medicine in cancer care and opens the door to exploring other individualized and holistic approaches that may also reduce recurrence risk.

One such approach is rooted in the work of Dr. Kelly A. Turner, who identified ten key factors common among people who have experienced Radical Remission—recoveries from cancer that defy medical expectations. 

These ten lifestyle and emotional changes may not only help people overcome a current diagnosis but also play a vital role in preventing recurrence. 

When integrated alongside standard treatments or even during the post-treatment phase, these factors offer a powerful roadmap for long-term wellness.

The ten Radical Remission factors are:

1. Radically changing your diet – Prioritizing whole, plant-based foods and eliminating processed foods, sugar, and toxins can reduce inflammation and support immune function.

2. Taking control of your health/Empowering yourself – Becoming an empowered participant in your health journey encourages informed decision-making and builds trust in one’s chosen healing path.

3. Following your intuition – Intuition can be a subtle but powerful guide in making health-related decisions, particularly when faced with multiple treatment options.

4. Using herbs and supplements – Many people turn to natural compounds to help support the body’s healing systems, reduce side effects, and improve overall vitality.

5. Releasing suppressed emotions – Emotional suppression has been linked to chronic stress and disease; consciously working through grief, anger, or trauma may lift a hidden burden on the body.

6. Increasing positive emotions – Cultivating joy, gratitude, and laughter is not just emotionally enriching—it can directly influence immune function and recovery outcomes.

7. Embracing social support – A strong sense of community has been shown to increase survival rates and enhance quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

8. Deepening your spiritual connection – Regardless of religious beliefs, spiritual practices often offer comfort, purpose, and a sense of interconnectedness that fosters resilience.

9. Having strong reasons for living – A clear sense of purpose can energize a healing journey and inspire a renewed commitment to life.

10. Engaging in physical activity – Movement stimulates the lymphatic system, boosts mood, and reduces the risk of many chronic conditions, including cancer recurrence.

While aspirin may offer a pharmacological pathway to reducing recurrence risk for a specific subset of patients, the Radical Remission factors represent an integrative and universally accessible toolkit for all cancer survivors. These practices help cultivate a biological environment that is less conducive to cancer growth by supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and fostering emotional and psychological well-being.

As with any approach, the integration of these lifestyle changes should be personalized and ideally practiced in collaboration with medical professionals. 

However, the powerful stories behind Radical Remission and growing scientific support for mind-body medicine suggest that these ten factors can complement conventional strategies and potentially help lower the risk of recurrence—not just in colorectal cancer, but across a wide spectrum of diagnoses.

Chris Joseph is a certified Radical Remission Coach, Certified Terrain Advocate with the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health, and Thriving with 3rd Stage Pancreatic Cancer since 2016.

chris@terrainnavigators.com