Does reducing the number of cancer deaths around the world by a third sound like a lofty goal? Nine simple lifestyle changes could do just that and have a dramatic impact on cancer's death toll, according to a recent study. Here's what all of us can do to cut the risk and take control of our health.
Reducing cancer's death toll through prevention
Ever heard the saying "prevention is the best medicine"? While there are a number of factors that contribute to the risk of developing cancer and affect its prognosis, a study published in the medical journal The Lancet found that nine risk factors contributed to more than a third of cancer deaths around the world annually.
But, unlike risk factors that are beyond our control, such as family history, these are modifiable risk factors, something we do have control over. So taking positive action in any or all of these areas can lower the risk of developing and dying from cancer.
The risk factors identified in the study were:
- overweight and obesity
- low fruit and vegetable intake
- physical inactivity
- smoking
- alcohol use
- unsafe sex
- urban air pollution
- smoke from coal or wood stoves
- transmission of hepatitis virus in a healthcare setting
In the study, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health analyzed data from the World Health Organization's Comparative Risk Assessment project, which examines risk factors in different regions around the world. In their analysis, the Harvard researchers looked at how certain risk factors affected men and women as well as the impact these risk factors had in high-, low-, and medium-income countries.
Overall, the researchers concluded that these risk factors account for 35%, or 2.43 million, of the world's 7 million annual cancer deaths. In high-income regions, such as North America, smoking, alcohol, and overweight and obesity were found to be the most important risk factors.
In Canada, an estimated 69,500 people die of cancer each year. Because there are effective screening methods available for only a few cancers (and prognosis can be dependent on catching cancer early, before it spreads) and for many cancers the effectiveness of treatment may be limited, the best way to reduce these deaths, according to the Harvard study, is to prevent the cancers from developing in the first place by targeting modifiable risk factors.
This is where you can be in control.
Take control of your cancer risk
Knowing which lifestyle factors have an impact on cancer risk worldwide is important, but how can you tell which factors actually affect your life?
You can start by looking at the list of modifiable risk factors and asking yourself how you measure up. Remember, these are risk factors you control. While you should feel good about the positive lifestyle decisions you've made, you also know when you are doing something that isn't good for your health. It's important to be honest with yourself.
Is your weight is higher than it should be? Do you know your body mass index? Do you smoke even the occasional cigarette? Do you exercise regularly? Do you know the difference between moderate alcohol intake and problem drinking?
If you're less than totally honest with yourself, you're not alone. A recent survey of New Yorkers found that only 39% of obese adults described themselves as obese. If you are only dealing with a couple of extra pounds right now, it might not be a problem. But adding a pound or two every year with the promise to "take it off in the summer" can add up over time, and that extra weight may eventually add up to a big health problem.
If you only smoke the occasional cigarette, you may be telling yourself it doesn't carry the same health risks as being a regular smoker. But "social" smokers should beware. Even light smoking (one to four cigarettes per day) can carry a hefty health toll, increasing your risk of dying from lung cancer and other ailments.
But acknowledging you could improve in certain areas and actually doing something about it are two different things. After all, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Making different lifestyle decisions can be very difficult. These are habits that have developed over years and understanding their effect on your chances of developing cancer and changing them isn't always easy.
If you're confused about how these risk factors may affect you, ask your doctor.
And next time your doctor asks you questions about your lifestyle - for example, if you smoke or if you exercise regularly - be honest. Admitting your habits aren't always the healthiest can feel embarrassing, but your doctor is there to help, not judge. When it comes to getting help to make the changes you need to cut your cancer risk, your doctor is a valuable resource - but they can only help you make those changes if you tell them what areas you need help with. There's no health benefit to sticking your head in the sand.
Read More...
Cutting Your Cancer Risk - Part 2
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Resources
Article - Cancer: Coping Tips - Part 1
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Article - Cancer: Coping Tips - Part 2
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Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario)
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Cancer Care Ontario
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