Scientists estimate that many cancer deaths
in the United States could be prevented through lifestyle changes. Although
there is no certain way to avoid all cancers, reducing individual risk factors
significantly decreases the likelihood of contracting many forms of this
devastating disease
Some studies suggest that eating a healthy diet, especially one rich in fruits and vegetables, can lower the risk of certain cancers. For a time it was believed that cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which are high in the substance beta-carotenes called antioxidants, offered protection against some cancers. But follow-up studies that tracked the amount of beta-carotene and other antioxidants in people’s diets have failed to demonstrate any protective effect. Other studies implicate diets high in fat with certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer. A study reported in 2005 found that a low-fat diet reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women treated for early-stage breast cancer. People can lower their fat consumption by eating less red meat and fewer high-fat dairy products. Limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages to one drink a day can also lower the risk of certain cancers. Protecting the skin from the sun’s rays could prevent about 80 percent of all skin cancers. When in the sun for prolonged periods, always wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, particularly if you have fair skin or freckles. Skin needs protection every day, not just on sunny days. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that people avoid the sun at its peak (from 10 am to 4 pm), seek shade, and cover up with clothing and a brimmed hat. People also can help prevent cancer by practicing safe sex. Infection with the sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) greatly increases an individual’s risk for cancers of the immune and lymphatic system, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma. Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the predominant cause of liver cancer in the United States. HBV is transmitted from person to person through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, or through the sharing of infected needles or other sharp instruments that break the skin. Vaccination against hepatitis B reduces the spread of this virus, which leads to reduced incidence of liver cancer. Condoms can also help prevent infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is linked with cervical cancer. But a vaccine against HPV offers even better protection. B. Screening and Early DetectionEarly detection is the best way to prevent cancer from becoming life threatening. Detecting a tumor while it is still in an early stage is the best predictor of long-term survival. Screening for colon cancer can detect and treat intestinal changes before they become cancerous and thereby prevent the disease entirely. For this reason, the ACS recommends a number of screening tests for people who do not have symptoms. A cancer-related checkup is recommended every three years for people aged 20 to 40 and every year for people over age 40. For more information about other screening tests, see the table on Cancer Screening Recommendations. In addition to regular cancer check ups, advanced technologies may help detect certain cancers. Scientists have developed tests for the presence of certain genetic mutations. People who test positive for these genetic mutations may take preventive measures such as more frequent cancer screening examinations and dietary modification to reduce their risk. Women who test positive for a mutated breast cancer gene, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, may choose to have a mastectomy even when no cancer is present. This eliminates most breast tissue before cancer has a chance to form. The ability to determine a person’s genetic risk for cancer years or even decades before it develops has raised a number of ethical, social, and psychological implications. Several government committees have published guidelines to prevent discrimination in hiring or firing employees who have had a genetic test or have tested positive for a particular cancer-causing gene. Families with high risk for cancer are also affected by the psychological implications of knowing which family members are at risk and which are not. In some cases, tests are available to identify people at risk for certain cancers, such as inherited forms of breast or colon cancers, but surefire preventive or treatment measures for these cancers have not been developed yet. While some people would prefer to know their risk for disease so they can make appropriate lifestyle changes, others prefer not to be hampered by this knowledge when no treatment exists for the problem. |
 |
