There's no mystery about how we might help prevent cancer. In fact, we don't even need to venture out of our own minds to figure it all out.Consider this.
"We estimate that more than 50 percent of cancer incidence could be prevented if we act today on what we already know," says Graham Colditz, M.D., Dr.P.H., and associate director of Prevention and Control at the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
And now consider these seven methods for acting on what we already know about cancer prevention.
One. Lose weight and exercise more. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of the most common cancers in the United States are directly attributed to being overweight or physically inactive.
Two. Eat right. Plant-based diets help prevent cancer. Eating fruits and vegetables help prevent cancer. Diets high in red meat and animal fat increase the risk of cancer. End of story.
Three. Quit smoking. We all know smoking is associated with lung cancer, but it's also linked to cancer of the colon, kidney, pancreas, cervix, and stomach. Within five years to 10 years, there is a 50 percent reduction in cancer risk for those who stop smoking.
Four. Limit alcohol intake. While a few studies claim there are health benefits to drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages, most data show overconsumption of alcohol increases the risk of oral, esophageal, and breast cancers.
Five. Increase folate intake. Epidemiological studies suggest that low folate levels promote cancer development. Experts recommend taking a multivitamin with folate every day.
Six. Stay in the shade. Limiting long-term exposure to the sun and tanning beds, booths, and lamps minimizes the risk of developing skin cancer.
Seven. Avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer. Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause liver cancer. Helicobacter pylori causes stomach cancer. It's critical that we protect ourselves during sexual contact if we wish to protect ourselves from cancer.
1. I think people are coming around to the idea that they have to take responsibility for their own bodies and the outcome, the consequences if they do not could be fatal.
To be able to cut cancer 50 percent, well, that is impressive, and basically it's just common sense that could put a person among that 50 percent.
Cancer should be reason enough to change ones life style, eating habits, whatever it takes to lessen your chances of cancer invasion. The 7 rules mentioned, will only lead one to a healthier body and mind. That does not sound so bad. If you have children, this should be reason enough to make some life style changes, for their sake as well as your own. And, if you have no children, then do the 7 for yourself!
It's true, people will still be stricken with cancer, whether it be due to our environment, certain foods, chemicals, cleaning products, baby shampoo and other childrens products, you name it.
Some people have made the remark that, "This has gone to far! Everything is supposably causing cancer". Well, to these people, do your own research, try to find out a little more about the product in question, get involved. I don't know the answer. But I do know one thing, it makes more sense to take precautions, if there is even the slightest chance of a certain product possibly being the cause of any type of cancer, avoid it, until it's safe for we the people.
The Seven is a good preventative, also helpful to those already caught by this hideous disease, and other diseases. Some old habits are very hard to break. But if you've ever lost family and friends to cancer, that is a good reason to make some changes in your own life. Just go visit the childrens cancer ward in a Hospital, do something nice for them. You just might find it easier to throw that pack of cigs away after visiting the very young, to the old, seeing their tired little bodies, bald heads, sickness, faces, sometimes lacking expression, because they are just too tired and weak, or sick, to even give you a smile. God bless them all.
There are a lot of support groups out there for people who want to quit smoking, and, for those who need to lose weight as well. Your own Physician will be able to assist you. As far as ones sexual habits, that too is just common sense. With the exception of those who are infected through rape. And then, there is also the internet for support groups. So, you see, there is nothing really stopping us from having a healthy body, mind, and soul,just ourselves. Before long I will have my own cook book, just from the recipies that have been shared here on the Cancer Blog. Good healthy foods! Thanks!
Good Luck to all,
Thank you Jason
Posted at 9:34PM on Feb 25th 2007 by Jason Chambers