A report released December 11, 1997, by the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention reinforces the results of their 1996 report which clearly indicates 50 percent of all cancer is preventable by investigation of realistic means of modifying individual lifestyle factors, public policies, and clinical practices. The 1996 report states that clearly 50 percent of all cancer risks could be reduced by following a modified diet that includes: low- fat, high fiber, and little or no red meat, as well as, through increased exercise, limiting alcohol use, and quitting smoking.
The 1997 report found clear evidence relating the risk of colon cancer and lack of physical activity; 15 percent of all colon cancer cases are preventable by adding just thirty minutes of exercise to your daily schedule. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, claiming almost 55,000 lives last year alone.
The FDA's recent approval of the new "estrogen light," is a victory for women in the fight against endometrial cancer; one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Current estrogens place women at an increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Eli Lilly Co. will sell raloxifene under the brand name Evista. Raloxifene promises to produce the benefits of HRT which reduce osteoporosis without the increased risk of cancer.
In "Safe Sex and Cancer Prevention," former About.com Cancer Guide, Dr. Barry Tepperman said, "Cervical and anal cancers have a strong association with a virus transmitted only by sexual contact, without risks related to blood or body fluids. Cervical cancer is one of the most common lethal malignancies of young women. Epidemiologic studies clearly show that risk of cervical cancer rises as women become sexually active at earlier ages, have more sexual partners, and have unprotected sex more often."
Cancer Prevention Tips
* Exercise regularly: Minimum 30 minutes per day. Moderate regular exercise reduces your cancer risk at least 30 percent.
* Eat a healthy well- balanced diet: low- fat, high- fiber, little or no red meat, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
* Quit smoking or, even better, don't start smoking!: Cigarette smoking increases your cancer risk by 30 percent. Is that cigarette really worth dying for?
* Limit your use of alcohol: One drink a day has been found to reduce some health risks, including significantly reducing the risk of heart disease but, even one drink a day may increase the risk of breast cancer by, as much as, 30 percent.
* Smoking combined with alcohol has proven to significantly increase cancer risks for oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and other cancers.
* Maintain regular gynecological examinations: including Pap smears and Mammograms.
* Perform monthly breast self exams.
* Use sunscreen: use an SPF of 15 or higher anytime you're outdoors and avoid being outdoors during the middle of the day.
* Practice Safe Sex: Always use a condom unless you are in a long- term monogamous relationship!
"Exercise is clearly related to a reduced risk of colon cancer," said Dr. Graham Colditz of the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. "And you keep reducing your risk more with even more activity."
According to the report more than 60 percent of adults do not get enough regular physical activity and almost 50 percent of our children are not getting enough exercise. The report calls for increased physical education in schools and more public funding for safe outdoor areas such as bike paths, playgrounds, and walk ways for children and adults to get more physical activity.
Women can significantly reduce their risk of cervical cancer by seeing their gynecologists regularly for Pap smears and physical examinations. The Pap smear is the only screening tool for cancer which has reduced the number of deaths from any type of cancer. Mammograms should begin usually between the age of 35- 40 for a baseline mammogram. A baseline mammogram establishes a pattern for comparison with future mammograms.
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