The Problem
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and the spread of abnormal cells. If unstopped, death can result.
The statistics make you take notice: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America. This year alone, 1.2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. About one in three people will develop cancer sometime in their life (half of all men, one-third of all women). One in five will die from it. Leading cancers include: lung, colorectal, breast, prostate, bladder, pancreas, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, stomach, and skin.
The key question is, "Can we do anything to prevent this ominous threat to health and life?" The answer is a resounding, "Yes." While there are no guarantees, we can certainly improve our odds.
In a recent study of 44,788 pairs of twins, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers concluded that only 30 percent to 40 percent of cancers are caused by genetics. That means 60 percent to 70 percent are caused by factors we have control over. That's good news.
Here is a table listing the most common known causes of cancer.
| Causes of Cancer in the United States |
| Causative Factor |
% of Cancer Deaths |
| Tobacco |
30% |
| Poor diet and obesity |
30-40% |
| Lack of regular physical activity |
5% |
| Job-related exposures |
5% |
| Viruses |
5% |
| Family history of cancer |
5% |
| Sexual practices |
3% |
| Alcohol |
3% |
| Pollution |
2% |
| Radiation |
2% |
| Medications & medical treatments |
1% |
| Salt-preserved foods, food additives, contaminates |
1% |
| Source: Harvard Medical School, Preventing Cancer Guide |
Cancer Prevention Guidelines
1. Eat Well. It's estimated that poor eating habits cause 1/3 of all cancer deaths. Here's how to reduce your risk:
- Choose most of the food you eat from plant sources. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, 5 or more servings daily.
- Eat plenty of whole grain cereal foods, legumes (peas and beans), and tubers (potatoes, yams), mainly in unprocessed form.
- Limit fatty foods -- that is, animal and saturated fats.
- Eat less red meat and processed meats (limit red meat to less than 3 oz. per day if you choose to eat it.)
- Alcohol is not recommended. If used, limit to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
- Avoid highly salted foods and moldy foods.
2. Avoid all tobacco, including second-hand smoke. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer (the leading cause of death from cancer), bladder cancer, oral and pharyngeal cancers. Remember, any time you stop smoking, your cancer risks begin to drop quickly.
People who live with a smoking partner have a 30 percent greater risk of lung cancer just from second-hand smoke.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 25. Excess weight increases risk for breast, bowel, uterine, and prostate cancers. Even losing a few pounds can help improve your heath measurably.
4. Keep physically active. Regular physical activity reduces the risk for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. The national guideline for exercise states, "Everyone should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week." Walk, bike, swim, run, garden, dance, and enjoy sports.
5. Avoid too much sun. Sunshine is essential for good health, but too much increases the risk for skin cancers. Try to avoid spending too much time in the sun during midday. Wear protective clothing and sun screen (SPF 15+). Avoid tanning beds and sun bathing.
6. Avoid infections. Infectious agents cause many cancers; e.g., cervical cancer is caused by a HPV infection passed through unprotected sexual contact. Monogamous relationships protect against this cancer. Treating ulcers with antibiotics can cure them and help prevent stomach cancer. Getting a hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent hepatitis and liver cancer.
7. Protect yourself from environmental hazards. Avoid contact with dangerous chemicals (such as vinyl chloride, coal products, asbestos), and polluted air, water, and soil. We must work together to keep our environment healthy.
8. Get regular cancer checkups: breast exams and mammograms for women 40+, Pap tests and pelvic exam for women over 18, colon tests for persons over 50, and prostate tests for men over 50 (sooner for African-Americans) including the PSA test.
The strategy against cancer is two-fold.
1. By adopting preventive actions now, you greatly decrease your risk of ever getting cancer. These positive lifestyle recommendations will also help you feel your best.
2. With early detection treatment is more successful. |
