Tips for Cancer Prevention

We all have cancer cells in our bodies. Cancer cells are cells that have mutated to such an extent that the cells divide uncontrollably and grow into tumors. 

What causes our cells to mutate?  Normal aging, as well as our diet, environment and lifestyle. Specific risk factors for cancer are:

• Infections
• Tobacco use
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Excessive alcohol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Environmental toxins

These risk factors are modifiable, which means that you have control over your cancer risk. 

What steps can you take to reduce your risk of cancer?

1. Ensure your children get the HPV vaccine that prevents six types of cancer. 
   HPV Vaccine - age 11-12 for girls and boys with opportunity for catch-up vaccine through age 26. For people ages 27-45 years, discuss with your primary care provider. Visit cdc.gov for more information.
2. Stop all tobacco use.
3. Maintain a healthy weight or a normal body mass index. Cancer-causing compounds, or carcinogens, like to combine with or dissolve in fatty tissues. 
4. Eat a healthy diet. Check out Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules,” which is a small book with three conclusions:
   
   • Eat Food
   • Mostly Plants
   • Not too much

Good nutrition is hard to strive for in today’s world. A cancer prevention diet includes:

7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day

- Limiting consumption of processed red meat
- Consume high-quality meat and dairy from a local butcher or farm stand that is grass-fed and hormone-free
- Minimize eating out. Share the cooking responsibilities to make it easier to eat at home.
- Drink in moderation and avoid excessive alcohol consumption or “binge drinking.”

Move! As much as you can. The body likes to be in motion.

• Avoid elevators, take the steps
• Park far away from the entrance to stores and walk briskly
• Carry heavy shopping bags to build muscle
• Run and play with your children or your dog

Avoid environmental exposures to cancer-causing compounds.

Check out the Environmental Working Groups Consumer Guides, which have databases allowing you to enter your personal care products and cosmetics to see if they contain harmful chemicals. There is also information on your tap water and chemicals in common sunscreens. 

Visit firelands.com/cancer for more information about Norleena Poynter, M.D., or the medical team and cancer services provided at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center.