CANCER CURE & PREVENTION SERIES Cancer Prevention through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Texas Oncology is proud to partner with Indo American News on an educational series for our community. Over the next year we will explore various topics related to cancer. We will start with three articles on cancer prevention, healthy lifestyle, screening and genetics. The first will be presented by Dr. Sonal Sethi, a medical oncologist who practices in the Clear Lake area and Pearland. One recurring theme you will see throughout the year is the need to process healthcare information. It is important to distinguish what is known to be true or “proven” vs. what is merely conjectured but presented as fact. Oncology is a rapidly evolving field and some of the conjectures may ultimately come to fruition. However, as physicians and scientists we serve our patients best when we follow an evidence-based approach in our recommendations to and in decision making with our patients.
— Vivek S. Kavadi, M.D.
There’s no miracle cancer prevention solution, and anyone can be at risk. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be committed to healthy lifestyle choices that are known to help prevent cancer.
By Sonal Sethi, MD
Does drinking lots of coffee help prevent prostate cancer? According to yet another study, the answer is definitely maybe. With so many cancer studies in the news, making practical sense of them can be mindboggling.
But there are fundamental lifestyle choices that experts agree can decrease your risk of developing cancer. For example, a 2014 report by World Health Organization found 30 percent of all cancer cases are preventable through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices.
Approximately 119,000 Texans will be diagnosed with cancer during 2014, but this number could be reduced. Cancer is caused by both internal factors, like genetics, and external factors, like poor diet and tobacco use. While you cannot change your genes, you can take steps to lower your chance of developing the disease by adopting these five behaviors:
1. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking and tobacco products are a key part of prevention. About 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths are attributed to smoking. In Harris County, lung and bronchus cancer are expected to cause the most cancer-related deaths during 2014. Quitting is tough, but well worth it, and there are countless resources available to help you quit. The American Cancer Society offers free counseling, information and support over the phone at 1-800-227-2345.
2. Get Screened
Some forms of cancer can be found before they cause noticeable symptoms. Cancer treatment is more effective when the disease is detected early. For a comprehensive list for both men and women, detailing when you should be screened, go to TexasOncology.com.
3. Incorporate Physical Activity
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 50 percent of the U.S. population fails to routinely exercise. Experts suggest up to 40 percent of several major cancers may be attributed to obesity and lack of physical activity. This includes colon, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancer. Establishing physical activity and healthy eating habits to prevent being overweight or obese can reduce the risk of many cancers.
4. Adopt A Healthy Diet
Following a sensible, nutritious diet has many health benefits, including reducing cancer risk. Eating less sugar and fats, limiting alcohol intake, and adding foods that boost your immune system, such as five daily servings of fruits and/or vegetables, can help prevent cancer. Also, drinking plenty of water should be part of your daily healthy nutrition program.
5. Protect Yourself From UV Exposure
Skin cancer, the most common cancer, is caused by exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, rays, by way of the sun or tanning lamps. Texas is expected to rank fifth in the nation for newly diagnosed cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. By applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapplying as directed, wearing hats and, when possible, long sleeves, pants, or skirts, you can reduce your risk of this highly preventable cancer. Additionally, checking your skin monthly for changes is an easy cancer screening – no appointment needed. Make sure to show suspicious changes to your doctor.
There’s no miracle cancer prevention solution, and anyone can be at risk. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be committed to healthy lifestyle choices that are known to help prevent cancer. You have the power to begin writing a new, and more likely cancer-free, family history for you and your loved ones.
Dr. Sonal Sethi is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology–Pearland, 10970 Shadow Creek Parkway, and Texas Oncology–Deke Slayton Cancer Center, 501 Medical Center Blvd. in Webster, Texas.