Cancer: Primary Prevention
Steps that can be taken to avoid those factors that might lead to the development of cancer.

Smoking Cigarette smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases among men, 79% among women—about 87% overall. Smoking accounts for about 30% of all cancer deaths. Those who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes a day have lung cancer mortality rates 12-25 times greater than nonsmokers.

 

Nutrition Risk for colon, breast, gallbladder, ovarian, prostate, and uterine cancers increases in obese people. High-fat diets may contribute to the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast, colon, and prostate. High-fiber foods may help reduce risk of colon cancer. A varied diet containing plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A and C may reduce risk for many cancers. Salt-cured, smoked, and nitrite-cured foods have been linked to esophageal and stomach cancer.

 

Sunlight Almost all of the more than 700,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S. are sun-related. Epidemiological evidence shows that sun exposure is a major factor in the development of melanoma, and the incidence increases for those living near the equator.

 

Alcohol Oral cancer and cancers of the larynx, throat, esophagus, and liver occur more frequently among heavy drinkers of alcohol, especially when accompanied by cigarette smoking or use of chewing tobacco.

 

Smokeless Tobacco Use of chewing tobacco or snuff increases risk of cancers of the mouth, larynx, throat, and esophagus.

 

Estrogen Estrogen treatment to control menopausal symptoms can increase risk of endometrial cancer. However, including progesterone in estrogen replacement therapy helps to minimize this risk. Use of estrogen by menopausal women needs careful discussion by the woman and her physician, while research continues.

 

Radiation Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation can increase cancer risk. Most medical and dental X rays are adjusted to deliver the lowest dose possible without sacrificing image quality. Excessive radon exposure in the home may increase lung cancer risk, especially in cigarette smokers. If levels are found to be too high, remedial actions should be taken.

 

Occupational Hazards Exposure to several different industrial chemicals (including nickel, chromate, asbestos, and vinyl chloride) increases risk of various cancers. Risk of lung cancer from asbestos is greatly increased when combined with smoking.

Source: American Cancer Society

Cancer: Secondary Prevention
Steps to be taken to diagnose a cancer or precursor as early as possible after it has developed:

Colorectal Tests The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends 3 tests for the early detection of colon and rectum cancer in people without symptoms: The digital rectal examination performed by a physician during an office visit, every year after the age of 40; the stool blood test, every year after 50; and the proctosigmoidoscopy examination, every 3 to 5 years, based on the advice of a physician.

 

Pap Test For cervical cancer, women who are or have been sexually active, or have reached 18 years, should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had 3 or more consecutive satisfactory normal exams, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician.

 

Breast Cancer Detection The ACS recommends monthly breast self-examination by women 20 years and older. Examination of the breast by a health-care professional should be done every 3 years from ages 20 to 40, and then every year for women over 40. The ACS recommends a mammogram every year for asymptomatic women age 50 and over. Women age 40-49 should have mammography every 1-2 years, depending on physical and mammographic findings. It is also recommended that women have at least one mammogram prior to age 40.

 

Prostate Cancer Detection For early detection of prostate cancer, the ACS recommends that men over age 40 should have an annual digital rectal examination. After age 50, men should have an annual prostate-specific antigen blood test.

Source: American Cancer Society

Many have won the fight against cancer. We pray that you, nor anyone you care about, never get into the fight, but if cancer strikes -- our prayers are with you.

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