Mr. Whitcombe: As a chemistry professor you are aware that, in science, there is a difference between a hypothesis and a theory. What you presented to the public in your column "GMOs not to blame for cancer death rates" was a poorly presented hypothesis. Not only did you present an idea as if you were stating fact, you failed to produce an sources for the statistics you used.
To say that "The prevalence of cancer is primarily a consequence of the fact that we are living longer" is preposterous. Cancer rates in children and young adults has continued to rise since the 1970s. As defined by the National Cancer Institute as "the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells," we know through both scientific theory and law that tobacco use, genetics, certain viruses, UV and certain chemical exposures all increase the risk of cancer. One could argue that, through science, genetically-modified foods also contribute to that risk. A study by French scientists in 2012 where rats was fed a life-long diet of GMO corn only to develop an extraordinary number of tumours which developed earlier and more aggressively than the few, smaller tumours seen in the control group, fed non-GMO corn under the same circumstances. This study was led by Professor Gilles-Eric Seralini.
There is significant evidence in the scientific community to suggest that GMO foods are a risk factor in the development of cancer. As a science professor and published columnist, you have a responsibility to the public when providing science-based information on health-related topics to provide information which does not put public health at risk. To publish a statement, that "Cancer is not being caused by GMOs" is irresponsible and unprofessional. Your editorial made no mention of the increase in population since the early 1900s, and you failed to mention the advances in medicine that must be considered when using statistics. You also failed to provide sources for the numbers you quoted.
Might I suggest the next time you choose to present an idea on such a controversial subject you do so in the same way you expect of your students. The same which was expected of you when you were studying science. Propose an idea, identify the variables, provide relevant facts and evidence to support your idea and site the sources for your information. Do not present your idea or opinion as theory, or law.
Crystal Carbert
Prince George
