Preventing Cancer

1
Preventing Cancer

• Chapter Twelve

2
What Is Cancer?

• Cancer is a group of over 100 different diseases,
  all characterized by abnormal cell growth and
  replication.
• Important terms
• Precancerous cells
• Tumor
• Benign
• Malignant
• Metastasis

3
Cancer Risks

• Up to 80 of cancers may be related to lifestyle
  factors over which you have control.
• 5 can be blamed on environmental factors.
• Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer.

4
Risk Factors for Cancer
Primary

• Secondary
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to viral infections
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals

• Tobacco usage
• Sun overexposure
• Diet
• Inactivity

5
Tobacco Use with Regard to Cancer

• Frequent exposure to carcinogens in tobacco
  weakens the immune system.
• Tobacco use multiplies risk factors of cancer
  rates.
• Cancer caused by tobacco is preventable.
• People who quit do live longer.

6
Sun Exposure

• Overexposure to the sun is the main cause of skin
  cancer.
• Skin cancer is estimated to strike 1 in 6
  Americans, making it the most common cancer.
• See Table 12-1 on how to reduce sun exposure.

7
Diet and Cancer

• 1/3 of all cancers can be prevented by eating a
  healthful diet.
• Eat whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables,
• Avoid high-fat red meat, and processed meats.
• See Table 12-2 on how a healthy diet can prevent
  certain cancer deaths.

8
Guidelines for Healthy Changes

• Decrease fat intake
• Choose most of the foods you eat from plant
  sources.
• Eat cruciferous vegetables.
• Include foods rich in vitamins C and E, folic
  acids and beta-carotene in your diet each day.

9
Guidelines for Healthy Changes (cont.)

• Consume charcoal-grilled, salted and
  nitrate-cured, smoked, and pickled foods in
  moderation.
• Consume low-fat dairy products and other
  calcium-rich foods daily.
• Include soy foods in your diet.
• Include omega-3 fats in your diet.

10
Relationship between Inactivity and Cancer

• Thirty minutes of activity 45 days a week pays
  big dividends.
• Exercise enhances overall health and stimulates
  the immune system.
• Research shows that exercise decreases the
  production of reproductive hormones, reducing the
  risk of reproductive cancers.

11
Obesity and Cancer

• Body size does matter in cancer risk.
• Obese individuals increase their risk of all
  cancers.
• The more overweight the person, the greater the
  risk.
• Apple shaped fat patterns are higher risk than
  pear shaped fat depositions.

12
Early Detection

• Know cancers 7 warning signs CAUTION.
• Practice self-exams.
• Participate in regular cancer-related checkups by
  a physician.

13
Cancers 7 Warning Signals (Table 12-5)

• C Change in bowel or bladder habits
• A A sore that does not heal
• U Unusual bleeding or discharge
• T Thickening or hardening of tissues
• I Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
• O Obvious change in a wart or mole
• N Nagging cough or hoarseness

14
Common Cancers

• Men
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colon/rectal cancer
• Testicular cancer

• Women
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colon/rectal cancer
• Cervical cancer

15
Helping a Friend Cope with Cancer

• Share your thoughts and feelings and encourage
  your friends to do so.
• Offer to accompany your friend on a visit to the
  doctor or hospital.
• Instead of saying Call me if you need anything,
  offer specific help.
• Encourage your friend to join you in enjoyable
  activities.
• Contact a cancer survivor.
• Help your friend contact a cancer support group.

16
Coping with Cancer Yourself

• Take an active role.
• Ask lots of questions.
• Take care of yourself.
• Build a support system.
• Talk about your feelings.
• Find a cancer support group.
• Maintain your sense of humor.

17
Preventing Cancer

• Chapter Twelve