Cancer: Causes and Prevention Overview

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States currently and can affect people of all ages, although the risk for most varieties increases with age. Each year, approximately 1.4 million people are diagnosed with cancer, with about 36% dying within five years of their diagnosis (Insel and Roth). Although these statistics seem quite grim, there is something one can do to lower their risk of getting cancer. While there are several factors that lead to the cause of cancer, there are also several factors that can lead to the prevention of cancer. By choosing a healthy lifestyle and environment, one can greatly reduce their risk of cancer.

It is estimated that 40% of cancers in men and 60% of cancers in women are caused, in part, by diet, and that 35% of all cancer deaths are related to diet (Contunga et. al.). The most frequently occurring cancers in the United States, except for leukemia, are considered to be influenced by diet as well. The National Academy of Sciences published a statement on diet and cancer in 1982. Its dietary guidelines for the public called for fat reduction, alcohol moderation, minimization of cured, pickled, and smoked foods, and the integration of more fruits, vegetables, and grains in the diet (Contunga et. al.). Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and insecticides, are widely used in our foods today. These chemicals mimic estrogen, and have been shown in many studies to increase the risk of cancer (Sodhi). There are around 3,000 chemicals added to our foods regularly. These include, aspartame, saccharine and other artificial sweeteners. Many of these chemicals have been associated with various types of cancer, which is why we should be concerned about the safety and purity of our food supply. Aside from these, there is an overuse of preservatives and other ingredients such as hydrogenated oils. The

A majority of Americans regularly consume foods that are overly processed and void of proper nutrition. Choosing whole foods over canned, boxed or processed foods will not only reduce the risk of cancer, but will provide other health benefits as well. Maintaining a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables will also lower risk of cancer. Such foods are high in antioxidants which are known to play an important role in cancer prevention. Antioxidants are substances found in foods that may protect cells from the damage of free radicals which may cause cancer. Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer (National Cancer Institute). The most common antioxidants are beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins C, E and A.

Inactivity and obesity are also known to play a role in cancer. A high percentage of body fat appears to increase the risk of prostate, breast, female reproductive tract, kidney, colon and gallbladder cancers (Insel and Roth). Exercise combats obesity and influences hormone and growth factor release, all of which contribute to cancer development (Birmingham). Individuals who exercise tend to be more health conscience as well.

Tobacco smoke accounts for 87% of cancers (Insel and Roth), and approximately. 30% of cancer deaths in the United States (Sodhi). All types of tobacco use, such as snuff, chewing or smoking, put one at risk for cancer. Exposure to second hand smoke also puts one at risk and can be more toxic than mainstream smoke since it has significantly higher concentrations of the highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds than mainstream smoke (Insel and Roth). Cigarette smoking remains the most prevalent and uncontrolled environmental carcinogen in our society. Although not all effects of smoking are reversible, quitting smoking will greatly reduce ones risk of cancer.

Environmental pollutants in the home and workplace are also a cause for concern, although they account for only a minor portion of cancer cases. Asbestos, benzene, arsenic, nickel, polycyclic hydrocarbons and vinyl chloride are just a few of the major pollutants commonly found in the workplace (Colditz, Sellers and Trapido). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established in 1970 and serves to ensure healthy working environments. Over time, the organization has had a positive effect and has reduced the industrial workers exposure to carcinogens. There are also precautions one can take in the home such as wearing rubber gloves while cleaning and making sure the area is well ventilated to reduce inhaling toxic substances that are in cleaning products. Using household products that are less toxic will also reduce ones exposure to potentially harmful substances.

Some carcinogens occur naturally in the environment such as the sun's UV rays. Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer because it spreads rapidly. It is the most common cancer among women ages 25-29, and basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas account for 95% of skin cancers (Insel and Roth). UV radiation from tanning beds is also dangerous. They cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin and skin cancer. Using sunless tanners is a safer alternative to tanning beds. Sunscreen should be used to protect exposed skin from prolonged periods in the sun. One should avoid excess sun exposure between 10a.m. and 4p.m., when the suns rays are the strongest.

Although the causes of cancer are only partially known, it has become increasingly apparent that life-style and environmental factors play an important role in cancer prevention. Current research suggests that approximately 90% of all incident cancers are related to these factors. The World Health Organization has concluded that common fatal cancers arise as a result of lifestyle and other environmental factors, including environmental carcinogens, hormonal factors and dietary deficiencies (Colditz, Sellers and Trapido). This supports the conclusion that, in principle, most cancers are preventable. While a person's genes and DNA play an important role in cancer contribution, choosing a healthy lifestyle and environment can greatly reduce ones risk of cancer.

Bibliography

1. "Antioxidants and cancer prevention: fact sheet. (Report)." Pamphlet by: National Cancer Institute. National Cancer Institute, 2008. NA. Health Reference Center Academic. Gale. Northwestern College. 7 Sept. 2008

2. Birmingham, Karen. "Differing degrees of exercise prevent against cancer." Cancer Nursing Practice. June 2005. Health Reference Center Academic.

3. Contunga, Nancy, Amy F. Subar, Jerianne Heimendinger and Lisa Kahle. "Nutrition and cancer prevention knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices: the

1987 National Health Interview Survey". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. August 1992. Health Reference Center Academic. 29 Sept. 2008.

4. Colditz, Graham A., Thomas A. Sellers and Edward Trapido. "Epidemiology-identifying the causes and preventability of cancer". Nature Reviews Cancer. Jan

2006. Health Reference Center Academic. 7 Sept. 2008.

5. Insel, M. Paul and Roth, T. Walton. "Core Concepts in Health". New York: McGraw Hill, 2006.

6.Sodhi, Virender. "Cancer factors and prevention". Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. July 2005. Health Reference Center Academic. 29 Sept. 2008.