Cancer Prevention

In 2005, cancer was the second leading cause of death, accounting for nearly one-quarter of deaths in the United States. In 2008, it is estimated that about 1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed. Here is some information that can help you understand the methods of cancer prevention and detection that can save your life.

Tobacco and Cancer

Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. It damages nearly every organ in the human body and accounts for nearly 30% of all cancer deaths. However, nearly one in five Americans smoke cigarettes. If you need guidance in your quest to quit smoking, counselors from the National Cancer Institute are available to answer smoking-related questions in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time. Call 1-877-44U-QUIT.

Sun Safety

The sun’s UV rays cause the vast majority of skin cancers including melanoma, which can be life-threatening. Most of the more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related. But protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays and related cancer isn’t difficult.

• 1. Limit Direct Midday Sun Exposure - Ultraviolet rays are most intense between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Plan activities out of the sun during these times. If you must be outdoors, protect your skin. Also, check the UV Index for your area. This information if available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
  
  
• 2. Cover up - When in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much of your skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are the most protective. Also, dark colors provide more protection than light colors.
  
  
• 3. Wear a Hat - A hat with at least a 2 to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
  
  
• 4. Use Sunscreen SPF 15 or Higher - Experts recommend products with an SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of at least 15. The number of the SPF represents the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen. An SPF 4 blocks out 75% of the burning UV rays while an SPF 15 blocks out 93% of the burning UV rays.
  
  
• 5. Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Booths - Many people believe that the UV rays of tanning beds are harmless. This is not true. Tanning lamps emit UVA and frequently emit a lot of UVB also. Both UVA and UVB can cause serious skin damage, and both contribute to formation of skin cancers. Because of these dangers, health experts advise people to avoid sunlamps for tanning.

Food and Fitness

Eating right, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight are important ways to reduce your risk of cancer-as well as heart disease and diabetes. Some research suggests that one-third of all cancers diagnosed every year may be related to what we eat. Reduce dietary fat intake, especially animal fat, and make your diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains. Also, exercising three days a week can make a big difference in your health. Inactivity and obesity have been linked to breast, colorectal, cervical, endometrial, uterine, gallbladder, prostate and pancreatic cancers.