We're lead to believe that if we eat our fruits and veggies, we should be just fine healthwise. But despite all the antioxidants, fiber and nutrients, a major study recently found that those who consumed a diet high in produce and low in fat fared no better when it came to cancer than those who ate a less healthy diet. This news, to me, is both liberating and disappointing -- on one hand, I don't have to wallow in guilt when I cave to my pizza craving, but on the other, if our diet doesn't have an impact on our chance against cancer, what does? Are we doomed?

Barbara Ehrenreich's blog says the answer might lie in your attitude, and I wholeheartedly agree. Those who are optimistic and determined to beat what ails them have a must better chance of coming out on top. Faith, hope and laughter are what keep us going, even when facing cancer. Do you agree?

In July, opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. Although reported to have come through the operation well, all 2006 concerts were cancelled. At the time, he remained positive that he would return to performing.

However, less than a month later, cancer seems to be taking a terrible toll on Pavarotti's spirit. Recently, in an interview with an Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he is quoted as saying he believes cancer was punishment for his good fortune. In the interview, he goes on to say he cannot stand to hear his own singing voice.

"I don't want to hear myself. If you invite me to dinner, and to please me, you put on one of my own recordings, I would walk out on you," Pavarotti said.

Who can pass judgment on another for what they believe or how they choose to handle the struggle with cancer? No one. Too, we cannot be certain these are actual statements he made without speaking to him directly -- the press has been known to exaggerate information.

Cancer is not a punishment. Throughout history, both saints and sinners have been victims of cancer. Although Pavarotti states he will remain optimistic until his death, it seems in direct conflict to the other statements he makes in the same interview, and I hope that those close to Pavarotti can intervene to bring more clarity to his thoughts about cancer and the fortunes of life.

When Amy Turner Tunick, an actress and writer who wrote The Feel Good Column for the South Florida Sun-Times, was first diagnosed with cancer she wrote:

"It doesn't seem real. There were no signs or symptoms. Maybe it's a genetic thing. But will I ever really know? I've been a very healthy active 44 year-old woman. I don't drink or smoke.  But, sometimes, unfortunate things do happen to good people. And I don't doubt I'm a good person. Actually, I believe I'm an exceptional person. I'm positive, optimistic, inspiring and enthusiastic. I try to be caring, loving and honest. So, sadly, I'm not blaming anyone, including God, that I've just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer." 

Tunick did not exaggerate when she described herself as a positive, optimistic, inspiring and enthusiastic person. Her columns reflected that, and she had a way of inspiring the reader to feel optimistic about life. She had a way of reminding you of the simple joys of life and the importance of the people in your life. In one of her last columns, she wrote, ''Cry, scream, feel sorry for yourself -- but not for long. Basically, this is all about hope. Never lose it. Never give in or give up.''

Tunick had this to say about death, "I believe that Death teaches us that the time is now. The time is now to pick up a telephone and call the person that you love. Death teaches us the joy of the moment. It teaches us we don't have forever. If teaches us that nothing is permanent. It teaches us to let go, there's nothing you can hang on to. And it tells us to give up on expectations and let tomorrow tell its own story, because nobody knows if they'll get home tonight."

Tunick won't be getting home tonight. She lost her battle to cancer and the world lost more of its light. Tunick was 47.