Cancer Prevention
After heart disease, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. There are many factors that cause cancer. A small portion of all cancers are inherited, and most cancers happen because one or more factors in the environment cause a change in the genes. These factors can be some hormones in the body, viruses and chemicals in the environment, sunlight, or nutrients in foods and other substances we consume. For example:
- Tobacco chewing or smoking is related to throat, cervical, stomach, kidney, and lung cancers
- Alcohol intake is related to the cancers of mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, breast and liver
- About one 1 in every 3 cancer deaths is estimated to be related to obesity, physical inactivity, and foods.
- Obesity increases the chances of getting breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and some other cancers
- Physical activity help protect against breast and colon cancers
- Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and only small amounts of animal fat, red and processed meats help lower the chances of getting cancer.
- Avoid using tobacco
- If you consume alcohol at all, drink only moderate amounts: 1 drink daily for non-pregnant women, 2 drinks daily for men. One drink is equal to 12 ounces of regular beer, a glass (5 ounces) of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor (rum, vodka, whiskey, etc.). It is best to avoid alcohol in situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and driving or operating machinery.
- Practice sun safety. Too much exposure to the sun will quickly damage and age your skin, and increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Try to wear sunglasses or a hat, cover yourself up, avoid tanning, and/or wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
- Eat a healthful diet and try to maintain a healthy weight
- Do at least 30 minutes of moderate level physical activity, such as brisk walking, for most days of the week. If you have not been exercising previously, start slow and work towards your goal in small steps. You can do simple things like parking your car at the farther side of a parking lot or taking stairs instead of elevator because you do not have to do a day's worth of physical activities all at once. To be safe, consult with your doctor before you start exercising.
Breast Cancer: Do breast self-exams regularly and report any changes such as lumps or tenderness to the doctor. Starting at age 40, have yearly mammograms. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may require mammograms or additional tests earlier or more often.
Cervical Cancer: Have a Pap test done no later than age 21, and 3 years after having vaginal intercourse. This test should be done every 1 to 3 years, ask your doctor about the suggested frequency for you.
Prostate Cancer: Starting at age 50, men should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE) every year. African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk, and they should start getting these tests at an earlier age such as 40 or 45.
Colon and Rectal (colorectal) Cancers: Starting at age 50, get tested for these cancers. People who are at high risk for colorectal cancers may get tested earlier. There are various tests such as fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy; ask your doctor about the type and frequency of the tests you should be following.
To help with early detection of cancers, make sure you visit your doctor regularly. Be sure to tell your doctor of any changes in your body such as sudden weight loss, fatigue, blood spotting, new moles, or skin spots.
Source:American Cancer Society
For More Information
General Information - American Cancer Society
Food and Fitness for Prevention - American Cancer Society
