The Best Defense is a Good Offense

The Arkansas Department of Health recently published their annual report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2011. It states that cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of death in Arkansas and the United States. The overall estimated cost of cancer in the U.S. in 2010 was $263.8 billion, with the highest costs being assocated with breast, colorectal, lymphoma, lung and prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts about 577,190 people will die of cancer in the U.S. this year. That averages out to approximately 1,500 each day. What are you doing to reduce your risk?

Cancers caused by environmental exposures are modifiable and can be prevented. The American Cancer Society estimates that in this country in 2010 approximately 171,000 cancer deaths were related to tobacco use and one-third of the 569,490 deaths were related to obesity and physical inactivity. Deaths from cancers caused by infectious agents, such as Hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) etc. could have been prevented through behavioral changes, vaccinations and antibiotics.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so in our weekly posts we'll be taking a closer look at a few specific ways to prevent cancer in yourself and your loved-ones. To get us started, here's a list created by the Mayo Clinic: 

1. Don't Use Tobacco 

Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix and kidney — and chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Exposure to secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of lung cancer.

Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions you can make. If you are being treated for cancer and need help quitting tobacco, our Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Casey Shelor, can help you find a plan that works best for you. Contact her by email or at 479-361-5847 for a confidential appointment.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet 

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer prevention, a diet heavy in fats and processed foods has been linked to several types of cancer. Consider these guidelines:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
• Limit fat. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-fat foods, particularly those from animal sources. High-fat diets tend to be higher in calories and may increase the risk of overweight or obesity — which can, in turn, increase cancer risk.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly. 
  

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight & Include Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

Maintaining a healthy weight may lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own may lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better. Try a fitness class, rediscover a favorite sport or meet a friend for daily brisk walks.

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:

• Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat help, too.
• Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton.
• Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors, and reapply often.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

5. Get Immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against:

• Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to infants. It's also recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is available to both men and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as an adolescent.(We covered this subject in detail in our recent post about HPV vaccines.)   

6. Avoid Risky Behaviors

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, may increase the risk of cancer. For example:

• Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you do have sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, cervix, lung and immune system. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it may also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.
• Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.

7. Take Early Detection Seriously

Regular self-exams and professional screening for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, prostate, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

If you have any questions about these tips, you can contact one of our Certified Health Education Specialists at 479-361-5847.