Health E-Insights

An Interview with Lisa Clark

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Sheldon Baker10.15.10

According to the Centers for Disease Control, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the U.S. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it seemed fitting to interview a breast cancer survivor. Lisa Clark is the director of national sales at Natural Alternatives International. Her career within the ingredient side of the food industry began in May 1990. Then after a breast cancer diagnosis in February 1995, she found health recovery through the personal use of dietary supplements. Her professional life crossed over in September 1998 and since that time she has been a visible presence on the West Coast in the dietary supplement industry. Her previous employments include Deerland Enzymes, Watson Foods, Essentially Pure Ingredients, Klaire Laboratories and National Enzyme Company. Lisa calls San Diego home, has three children, ages 28, 23, and 16, and a Labradoodle named Wally. All are avid supplement users.

I spoke with Lisa at the recent Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) Conference in Austin, Texas.

Health E-Insights: Do you consider your cancer a life changing experience?

Ms. Clark: Yes, but the Cancer Club is not one I would have volunteered for. However, it has brought me new perspectives and appreciation about life's journey. As a survivor, there is a greater sense of gratitude and purpose that I remain on earth for a reason and should strive to be a good steward of the gift of each day.

Health E-Insights: We've heard recently that mammogram benefits are overstated. Your thoughts?

Ms. Clark: Mammograms are a diagnostic tool to be used in combination with other factors. Personally, I believe a woman's best indicator for breast cancer is noticeable changes she may find in her breast tissue. We should do a better job of paying attention to our bodies, which is not a woman's nature. Many of us spend our days concerned more about others. I found a breast lump, yielding myself to the internal instinct telling me something wasn't right, which forced me to take time and seek out a physician's consultation. Then through mammogram and ultrasound, my breast cancer/tumor was confirmed.

Editor’s Note: NutraceuticalsWorld.com and Health E-Insights offers sincere condolences to the family of Nannette Monreal, Natural Alternatives International vice president/quality who lost her courageous battle with cancer this week. The industry was enriched by her wisdom, her friendship and her extraordinary courage.

Health E-Insights: Some women believe birth control pills have caused breast cancer?

Ms. Clark: There are so many theories and statistics that are thought to be causes, indicators, and risks for breast cancer. In talking to a great number of breast cancer survivors, very few are classic cases. It would be irresponsible of me to point a finger at one thing. Much female empowerment came with the introduction of birth control into our culture so I don't think we can throw out the risk/benefit if they do exist.

Health E-Insights: How do you feel about your cancer treatment vs. natural remedies?

Ms. Clark: In my experience, I practiced complementary medicine, which means use the treatments that complement one another. Also, attack any illness from two points. Acute therapy and maintenance therapy. My acute attack was surgery, chemotherapy, vitamins, and a good diet until tumor markers were clear, which took six months. My maintenance attack for the past 15 years has been natural supplements, exercise, healthy foods, spiritual development, lots of laughter and giving back.

Health E-Insights: What do you say to a woman who has just learned she has breast cancer?

Ms. Clark: Become an avid listener, student and your own advocate. If that internal sensor in your gut gives you pause about one thing or another, stop and pay attention and find your voice. Carve out your own story from this experience. It doesn't have to be like your mother, your aunt, or your neighbor. This is your life experience. You are driving the car. And just like you would any vehicle on a long journey, stop for fuel, do your scheduled maintenance or equip it with good parts.

Health E-Insights: Why are you so passionate about working in the dietary supplement industry?

Ms. Clark: My breast cancer recovery began in July 1995 after surgery and six months of aggressive chemotherapy along with being told by doctors that my tumor had been fast growing and aggressive. They spoke to me in 5 and 10 year survival rates. To say the least, at age 32, it was depressing. Within the dietary supplement industry, I found hope, empowerment, energy, and new vitality from those individual teachers and walking testimonials that I met along the way. That has made me a 15-year survivor. Not only did I survive, but through dietary supplement interventions I am thriving. How could I not want to be an active part of the industry that gave me back my life and hope for the future? Those consumed capsules and tablets allowed me to watch a son and daughter graduate high school and college and get married. My youngest son was 10 months old when I was diagnosed and just last month got his driver's permit. That is an immeasurable blessing. If my employment and activity in the dietary supplement industry can contribute in some way to another individual to have a similar or better life experience, then that gives meaning to each day for me. And it has allowed me to lead by example. My oldest son is in medical school and my daughter now also works in the dietary supplement industry.

Editor’s Note: NutraceuticalsWorld.com and Health E-Insights offers sincere condolences to the family of Nannette Monreal, Natural Alternatives International vice president/quality who lost her courageous battle with cancer this week. The industry was enriched by her wisdom, her friendship and her extraordinary courage.

For more information and interview consideration, contact Sheldon Baker at sbaker@bakerdillon.com or visit his website at www.bakerdillon.com.