CANCER PREVENTIONWHAT WE KNOW

Megan Oden PA-C

SOAR program co-lead

WHY IS CANCER PREVENTION SO IMPORTANT?

Over half a million people die from cancer each year in the United States despite improvement in survival rates.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in the US, outranking cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke).

Aging is the single largest risk factor for developing cancer.

AGING AND CANCER

All about the telomeres As our DNA ages, the telomeres shorten The shortening of the telomeres is also believed to be associated with cancer cell development.

CAN CANCER BE PREVENTED?

Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary

It is estimated that 50% of cancer is preventable

It is never too late to cut your risk!

PREVENTION VS SCREENING

Both screening and prevention can reduce the likelihood of dying from cancer.

Screening is used to detect cancer before there are symptoms.

- colonoscopy, mammogram, PSA, pap smear, etc Prevention focuses on changes you can make to limit risk factors that promote cancer.

These preventable risk factors account for TWO-THIRDS of all cancers in the US.

MODIFY YOUR RISK

Tobacco

Alcohol

Sun exposure

Physical activity

Weight

Diet

Supplements

TOBACCO

Tobacco is THE most preventable cause of cancer accounting for 21% of all cancer deaths worldwide

The risk is not limited to smoking cigarettes

Its not just about lung cancer-leukemia, cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, esophagus, pancreas, liver, stomach, cervix, kidney, colon and bladder

Benefits of quitting go beyond cancer and it is NEVER too late to quit

WATCH THE RAYS

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US.

- More cases than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined

Many skin cancers are curable (basal cell, squamous cell) but the incidence of melanoma continues to rise

- estimated 9,710 deaths from melanoma in 2014

Radiation from the sun is the primary cause of all skin cancers

Intense exposures and blistering burns may be more dangerous than cumulative sun exposure over many years.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm

No tanning beds- UV exposure from these is now classified as a carcinogen

Avoid sun burns

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage

- For prolonged outdoor activity minimum SPF of 30

- apply 30 minutes before going outside and every 2 hours

See your physician annually for a skin check

ABCDE

STAY ACTIVE!

25% of US adults are almost entirely sedentary

Decreased physical activity appears to increase your overall risk of developing cancer

- Most compelling data shown in colon cancer and breast cancer

Aside from smoking cessation, exercise is one of the most important changes you can make to decrease your cancer risk.

How much do you need?

- 2 ½ hours of moderate-intensity activity weekly

- Muscle strengthening activity on 2 or more days a week

EXCESS WEIGHT

Excess weight/obesity associated with increased risk of colorectal, breast, endometrial, kidney, and esophageal cancer

Estimated to cause 20% of all cancers Risk can be reversible with weight loss

- Bariatric surgery associated with significant reduction in the risk of dying from cancer- 60%

Weight gain itself may increase your risk

DIET DILEMA

Still a long way to go

Results of studies are inconsistent and at times conflicting

Break it down

- Fat

- Red meat

- Fruits and vegetables

- Supplements

DOES FAT INTAKE MATTER?

No clear link between fat intake and colon or breast cancer risk

May be an association with prostate cancer

Verdict is still out

RED MEAT

High intake of red meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women

- beef, pork, veal, lamb

Shown to increase risk of cancer mortality

Why? Maybe from overcooking meat

- carcinogens may be formed when cooking meat at very high temps

- prepare by baking, broiling or poaching

Choose fish, poultry or beans over red meat

EAT YOUR VEGGIES

Results have been very inconsistent

The American Cancer Society recommends following a diet rich in plant based foods

- 2 ½ cups and fruits/vegetables daily

Emphasis is on WHOLE fruits and vegetables

Variety is important

Plant based diet?

- diet centered on whole unrefined plants.

Based on fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, legume

Excludes or minimizes meat, dairy, eggs refined flour,

sugar and oil *

VITAMIN D

Vitamin D may reduce the risk of colon cancer

Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for developing prostate cancer

Get you Vitamin D level checked!

Factors that effect your Vitamin D level

- Geographic location and season

- skin tone

- age

- body weight

CALCIUM

Associated with a reduced of colorectal cancer

BUT…

May be associated with increased prostate cancer risk

- higher calcium intake

Should you take a supplement?

- consider dietary sources: green leafy vegetables, sardines/salmon, dairy(milk, yogurt, cheese), non-dairy milks (almond, soy, coconut)

- evaluate your risk for colon cancer

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

High intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish, olive oil

Associated with a decreased risk of cancer. No single cancer type has been identified

“Western” diet has been associated with a 30% increase in colon cancer risk

- the “meat-sweet” diet

- high in processed red meat, sugary desserts and drinks, high fat foods (dairy), and refined grains.

Dietary patterns may play more of a role than individual components of diet

ANTIOXIDANTS

Free radicals are chemicals that can damage cells which may lead to cancer

Antioxidants block the activity of these free radicals

Results of studies have been inconsistent

May have other health benefits

Antioxidant supplements are not recommended.

ALCOHOL

Excess intake increases the risk of multiple cancers

Studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption increased the risk for breast cancer.

Even light consumption ( 1 drink/day) may increase the risk of some cancers

Moderate alcohol use has other health benefits

THE HYPE

- Vit E

-Vit C

- Fiber

-Sugar

-Omega 3

KNOW YOUR BODY

Know your skin

Know your bowel/urinary habits

Know your weight

Women, know your breasts

Know your DNA

THE BASICS

Avoid tobacco

Be physically active and STAY physically active

Maintain a healthy weight

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low in saturated fats

Limit your alcohol

Avoid excess sun exposure and SUN BURNS

QUESTIONS?