Cancer is defined by the uncontrolled and unregulated growth of abnormal cells that invade tissue borders. These abnormal cells have the potential to invade nearby tissues and organs as well as travel to distant locations via direct access to blood and lymphatic circulations. The "2010 Cancer Facts and Figures" report by the American Cancer Society notes that anyone can develop cancer. However, the probability of developing cancer, in many instances, is directly influenced by many risk factors and lifestyle contributors that can be controlled.
Minimizing Risk Factors
Risk factors are associations made between a specific activity, exposure or trait and the increased likelihood of developing a condition. The National Institutes of Health Cancer Prevention Overview notes that most risk factors are modifiable and minimizing them can help prevent cancer. Other factors, such as genetics or gender, are not modifiable.
Cigarette smoking and tobacco use are related to the development of at least nine different types of cancer.
The NIH notes that infections cause 18 percent of all cancers. Examples include the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is linked to many reproductive and anal cancers; H-pylori, which is linked to gastric cancer; and infectious hepatitis B and C, which are linked to liver cancer.
Exposure to ultraviolet sun rays, medical radiation in the form of X-rays and CT scans, and naturally occurring radon gases are also risk factors that can be strategically modified in preventing cancer.
Food
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., running a close second to the primary cause of death: heart disease. Interestingly, a 2010 American Institute for Cancer Research Update notes that a change in lifestyle, including diet, can significantly reduce risk factors for both diseases. In the 6th edition to his book, "Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach," Mary Lou Mulvihill, Ph.D., lists guidelines on nutrition as they relate to cancer prevention.
Mulvihill recommends five or more servings of vegetables and fruits per day in addition to whole grain, high-fiber carbohydrates. She also notes reducing the consumption of red meat and other high fat, processed meats is a preventive strategy. Choosing foods that are lower in calories helps maintain a healthy weight, which in turn helps prevent cancer, as does limiting--or in some cases avoiding--alcoholic beverages.
Exercise
Physical activity is an important component of a cancer prevention program. Physical activity helps burn calories and creates a negative energy balance. Physical exercise, according to the NIH Cancer Overview, appears to have a role in specific cancers, versus cancer as a whole. Colorectal cancer in particular, is believed to be partially modifiable by maintaining a healthy exercise regimen. The colon is a muscle. Exercise stimulates the muscular tissue and normalizes its function, especially as it relates to moving toxic and putrefying materials out of the colon.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Weight is almost always a result of dietary and activity choices. Obesity has been identified by the NIH overview as a standalone risk factor. Maintaining an unhealthy weight influences cellular responses and can cause DNA damage that can cause cell growth to occur out of control. Being overweight or obese is related to increase risks for specific cancers. Mulvihill states that obesity is linked to endometrial, esophageal, colorectal, breast and kidney cancers.
Reducing Environmental Exposures
The environment is a source of cancer-causing agents. Humans, animals, plants and the waters of this planet are exposed to hundreds of thousands of chemicals daily, notes a 2008 to 2009 President's Cancer Panel report. The report also suggests that many of these chemicals have not been thoroughly tested in regard to their impact on human health or cancer risks.
Some preventive strategies outlined by this report include minimizing family exposure to potentially dangerous work-related chemicals, by removing work shoes before entering the household and washing work clothes separately from other family laundry. Filtering home tap or well water is advised even over the use of commercially bottled water, decreasing the need for plastic bottles. Many types of plastics are considered endocrine disruptors and should not be used when heating food or carrying beverages. Other preventive strategies include the proper disposal of household chemicals and paints, purchasing foods that have not been exposed to pesticides and synthetic hormones, and investing in environment and health-friendly personal and household cleaning products.
References
- American Cancer Society: "2010 Cancer Facts & Figures"
- National Institutes of Health: "Cancer Prevention Overview"
- American Institute for Cancer Research: "Cancer Research Update"
- "Human Diseases: A Systemic Approach"; Mary Lou Mulvihill; 2006
- 2008-2009 President's Cancer Panel Annual Report: "Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk"
