| From OncoLog, December 2004, Vol. 49, No. 12 |
|
 Myths & Facts about Cancer Prevention
The word “cancer” strikes fear in the hearts of Americans. A lot of misinformation about cancer stokes that fear. Is there really anything we can do to prevent these diseases? Aren’t most cancers inevitable anyway? Here are some of the myths about preventing cancer—and the latest facts:
There is nothing I can do to prevent cancer.
FACT: Wrong! Up to two thirds of all cancers may be preventable if you avoid tobacco, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, protect yourself from the sun, limit or avoid drinking alcohol, and get recommended screenings regularly.
Most cancers are hereditary.
FACT: It’s estimated that only 5% to 10% of all cancers are truly hereditary. Tests can now determine if a person with a strong family history of breast or colon cancer carries the altered genes that put him or her at high risk for these diseases.
What to eat—or not eat—to prevent cancer is too complicated for normal people to keep straight.
FACT: Following some basic guidelines of healthy eating can help you prevent cancer as well as a host of other health problems. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day as well as whole grains. Research has shown that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables have a decreased risk of developing several types of cancer. Have two to three servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy products for calcium every day. Calcium may protect against colorectal cancer.
Obesity has been associated with increased risk of many types of cancer. Eating a nutritious diet combined with regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and decrease your risk of cancer. Moderate physical activity is defined as 30 minutes or more five days a week.
I’ve smoked for 20 years and the damage has been done. It’s too late to stop smoking.
FACT: It’s never too late. Smokers who quit before age 50 halve their risk of dying in the next 15 years in comparison with those who continue smoking. Smoking is the single most preventable cause of disease, responsible for 87% of all lung cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths. It also places the smoker’s family at risk for lung disease.
Drinking alcohol has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer.
FACT: While some studies have shown that limited alcohol consumption may provide heart benefits, drinking alcohol has been linked to cancers of the colon, breast, and liver. When combined with smoking, alcohol greatly increases the risk of head and neck cancer. If you drink, it’s best to limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.
Chewing tobacco and snuff are safe alternatives to cigarettes.
FACT: There is nothing healthy about snuff and chewing tobacco. They are just as addictive as cigarettes and can cause cancers of the throat and mouth.
Using indoor tanning beds does not cause skin cancer.
FACT: Tanning beds produce the same ultraviolet radiation as the sun. Any tan—no matter how you get it—is a sign of skin damage. To prevent skin cancer, limit your exposure to the sun or tanning salons, use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outside, and cover up with protective clothing and sunglasses.
Only people with a high risk of cancer need to get cancer screening.
FACT: All adults should get regular cancer screening exams because early detection provides the very best chance for successful cancer treatment.
For more information on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments, programs, or services, call the M. D. Anderson Information Line at (800) 392-1611 (in the United States) or (713) 792-3245 (in Houston and outside the United States).
Other articles in OncoLog, December 2004 issue:
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