Chapter Overview

CANCER INCIDENCE

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

• Rates of incidence of certain types of cancers differ among countries, races, and socioeconomic groups.

WHAT IS CANCER?

• Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth and replication.

• We are exposed to carcinogens every day.

• Replication of abnormal cells can form a tumor: benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

• Cancer tends to spread through metastasis to other tissues in the body.

HOW TO CUT YOUR RISK OF CANCER: PRIMARY RISK FACTORS

• Up to 85 percent of cancers may be related to lifestyle factors.

• The primary risk factors for cancer are: tobacco use; sun overexposure; diet; and inactivity.

TOBACCO USE

• The carcinogens in tobacco are linked to lung and a variety of oral cancers.

• Cancers caused by tobacco use are 100 percent preventable.

SUN OVEREXPOSURE

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer.

• Skin cancer will strike one of every six Americans.

DIET

• One-third of cancers can be prevented by a healthful diet.

• Studies show that eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as avoiding high-fat red meats, bacon, and processed meat could significantly reduce overall cancer risk.

• Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and phytochemicals which have a protective effect on cells. Cruciferous vegetables are especially protective.

INACTIVITY

• Exercising at least 4 to 5 days per week for thirty minutes can cut cancer risk.

• Regular exercise has been touted to especially cut the risks for breast and colon cancers.

SECONDARY RISK FACTORS FOR CANCER

• While the primary factors are the strongest contributors to increased cancer risk, several other preventable factors also affect the risk of having cancer: obesity; excessive alcohol consumption; exposure to some viral infections; and exposure to radiation, workplace hazards, and certain chemicals.

OBESITY

• Having excess body fat, especially around the abdominal area, increases the risk of various cancers, including breast cancer.

EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

• Consuming more than 2 drinks per day has been linked to cancers of the esophagus, liver, breast, and colon.

EXPOSURE TO SOME VIRAL INFECTIONS

• Hepatitis B, human papilloma, and HIV are viral infections that can initiate cellular damage that leads to cancer.

EXPOSURE TO RADIATION, WORKPLACE HAZARDS, AND CERTAIN CHEMICALS

• X-rays, radon, pesticides, asbestos, PCBs, and other environmental chemicals can contribute to increased cancer risk.

EARLY DETECTION

• Early detection is taking action to diagnose cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.

• This includes: knowing cancer's seven warning signals; practicing self-exams; and having regular cancer-related checkups by a physician.

COMMON CANCERS

• The most common cancers for men (in order) are prostate, lung, and colon/rectal. In the 15- to 34-year-old men, testicular cancer is the most common.

• The most common cancers for women (in order) are breast, lung, and colon/rectal.

• Skin cancer is actually the most frequently occurring cancer, but is not usually included in cancer statistics because of its high cure rate.

SKIN CANCER

• Skin cancer accounts for 40 percent of cancers.

• Sun overexposure is the cause of most skin cancers.

• Utilize the ABCD test for early detection of malignant melanoma.

BREAST CANCER

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but is the second leading cancer killer (behind lung cancer).

• Risk factors include: family history of breast cancer; early onset of menstruation; late menopause; obesity; never having given birth; high fat diet; and inactivity.

PROSTATE CANCER

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but is the second leading cancer killer (behind lung cancer).

• Risk factors include: high fat diet; consumption of red meat; and age.

LUNG CANCER

• Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of both men and women.

• Lung cancer is rare except among smokers.

COLON AND RECTAL CANCER

• Dietary habits contribute to colon and rectal cancer (i.e., consuming a high fat diet, highly refined and processed food, and chargrilled or cured foods).

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans can protect against many forms of cancer.

TESTICULAR CANCER

• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men ages 15-34.

• Practicing monthly testicular self-exams is the key to early detection and treatment.

UTERINE AND CERVICAL CANCER

• Widespread use of Pap smears for early detection had decreased the death rate from uterine and cervical cancer.

• Risk factors include: becoming sexually active at an early age; having several different sex partners; genital infections such as HPV; smoking.

COPING WITH CANCER

• If you or someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, there are many things that can be done to cope.

• Sharing feelings, joining a support group, learning everything you can about the cancer, and taking care of yourself in order to build you immune system are ways to cope with cancer.