Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2016 | Page 50

Cancer Prevention

T

he word “cancer” can strike fear in the hearts of
whoever hears it, which is unfortunately caused by
lots of misinformation. Is there really anything that
can be done to prevent cancer? Up to two-thirds
of all cancers may be preventable by avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise,
protection from the sun, limited alcohol intake, and regular
medical check-ups.
Many people think that cancer is hereditary, however, it
is estimated that only 5-10% of all cancers are truly hereditary. There are tests for various types of cancer that
determine if a person with a strong family history of breast
or colon cancer carries the altered gene that will put him or
her at high risk.

By Dr. Dennis Birenbaum

should one never start smoking from the beginning?
First of all, it is never too late to quit smoking. People,
who quit before the age of 50, half their risk of dying
within the next 15 years compared with those who
continue to smoke. Smoking, in and of itself, can cause
various types of cancer and has been associated with
lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, head
and neck cancer, as well as some forms of bladder
cancer. Smoking, which accounts for 87% of all lung
cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths, can easily
be prevented. Unfortunately, smoking also places the
smokers’ family at risk for lung disease from secondhand smoke. Chewing tobacco is just as addictive as
cigarettes and can cause cancer in the head and neck,
throat, and mouth.

Alcohol Consumption
and Cancer
Many people think that alcohol
can decrease the risk of cancer. There have been studies
that show limited alcohol consumption may provide heart
benefits, but other studies have
shown that drinking alcohol
has been linked to cancer of
the colon, breast and liver.
When combined with smoking, alcohol greatly increases
two to three fold the risk of
head and neck cancer and
esophageal cancer. It is best
to limit alcohol consumption
to one drink a day for women
and no more than two drinks a
day for men.

Cancer and Eating

Obesity can increase the risk of many types of cancer. Research has shown that those who eat more fruits and vegetables have a decreased risk of developing several types of
cancer. Consuming two to three servings of low fat or nonfat dairy products of calcium everyday may be beneficial
in protecting against colorectal cancer. Moderate physical
activity is defined as 30 minutes or more, 5 days a week.

Smoking and Cancer
If an individual has smoked for 20 years, has all the
damage been done, is it too late to stop smoking or
48

DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Tanning and Cancer
Tanning beds produce the same ultraviolet radiation as
the sun, any tan is a sign of skin damage. To prevent skin
cancer, limit exposure to the sun and tanning salons, use
sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outside, and using
protective sunglasses and clothing are key.
Early detection provides the very best chance for successful
cancer treatment and longer survival. It is imperative that
all adults get regular cancer screening exams and speak
openly with their physicians about any changes that they
may notice.