A report released December 11, 1997, by the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention reinforces the results of their 1996 report which clearly indicates 50 percent of all cancer is preventable by investigation of realistic means of modifying individual lifestyle factors, public policies, and clinical practices. The 1996 report states that clearly 50 percent of all cancer risks could be reduced by following a modified diet that includes: low- fat, high fiber, and little or no red meat, as well as, through increased exercise, limiting alcohol use, and quitting smoking.

The 1997 report found clear evidence relating the risk of colon cancer and lack of physical activity; 15 percent of all colon cancer cases are preventable by adding just thirty minutes of exercise to your daily schedule. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, claiming almost 55,000 lives last year alone.

“Exercise is clearly related to a reduced risk of colon cancer,” said Dr. Graham Colditz of the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention. “And you keep reducing your risk more with even more activity.”

According to the report more than 60 percent of adults do not get enough regular physical activity and almost 50 percent of our children are not getting enough exercise. The report calls for increased physical education in schools and more public funding for safe outdoor areas such as bike paths, playgrounds, and walk ways for children and adults to get more physical activity.

Women can significantly reduce their risk of cervical cancer by seeing their gynecologists regularly for Pap smears and physical examinations. The Pap smear is the only screening tool for cancer which has reduced the number of deaths from any type of cancer. Mammograms should begin usually between the age of 35- 40 for a baseline mammogram. A baseline mammogram establishes a pattern for comparison with future mammograms.

The FDA’s recent approval of the new “estrogen light,” is a victory for women in the fight against endometrial cancer; one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Current estrogens place women at an increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Eli Lilly Co. will sell raloxifene under the brand name Evista. Raloxifene promises to produce the benefits of HRT which reduce osteoporosis without the increased risk of cancer.

In “Safe Sex and Cancer Prevention,” former About.com Cancer Guide, Dr. Barry Tepperman said, “Cervical and anal cancers have a strong association with a virus transmitted only by sexual contact, without risks related to blood or body fluids. Cervical cancer is one of the most common lethal malignancies of young women. Epidemiologic studies clearly show that risk of cervical cancer rises as women become sexually active at earlier ages, have more sexual partners, and have unprotected sex more often.”

Cancer Prevention Tips

• Exercise regularly: Minimum 30 minutes per day. Moderate regular exercise reduces your cancer risk at least 30 percent.
• Eat a healthy well- balanced diet: low- fat, high- fiber, little or no red meat, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking or, even better, don’t start smoking!: Cigarette smoking increases your cancer risk by 30 percent. Is that cigarette really worth dying for?
• Limit your use of alcohol: One drink a day has been found to reduce some health risks, including significantly reducing the risk of heart disease but, even one drink a day may increase the risk of breast cancer by, as much as, 30 percent.
• Smoking combined with alcohol has proven to significantly increase cancer risks for oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and other cancers.
• Maintain regular gynecological examinations: including Pap smears and Mammograms.
• Perform monthly breast self exams.
• Use sunscreen: use an SPF of 15 or higher anytime you’re outdoors and avoid being outdoors during the middle of the day.
• Practice Safe Sex: Always use a condom unless you are in a long- term monogamous relationship!

There are as many different possible warning signs, as there are different types of cancers; here are some possible symptoms; this is by no means, a complete listing of symptoms. Consult your physician anytime you experience any unusual symptoms.

• Bladder and Kidney: You may see blood in urine, have pain or burning, and increased urination.
• Breast: Lump or thickening of lumps, itching, redness or soreness of the nipples which isn’t caused by pregnancy, breast feeding, or menstruation.
• Cervical, Endometrial, and Uterine: Bleeding between menstrual cycles, any unusual discharge, painful menstruation, and heavy periods require consultation with your physician.
• Colon: Rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or changes in bowel habits such as persistent diarrhea and or constipation are warning signs which should be investigated promptly.
• Laryngeal: A persistent cough or a hoarse throat are possible signs you may experience.
• Leukemia:Paleness, fatigue, weight loss, repeated infections, nosebleeds, bone or joint pain, and easy bruising are possible warning signs of Leukemia which should be investigated.
• Lung: A persistent cough; sputum with blood; heavy chest and or chest pain.
• Lymphoma: Enlarged, rubbery lymph nodes, itchy skin, night sweats, unexplained fever and weight loss indicate possible Lymphoma, discuss these symptoms with your physician.
• Mouth and Throat: Any chronic ulcer (sore) of the mouth, tongue or throat which doesn’t heal, or white areas in the mouth should be seen by your physician.
• Ovarian: Unfortunately there are often no symptoms until it’s in the later stages of development.
• Pancreas: There usually are no symptoms until it has progressed to the later stages when you may notice jaundiced skin and there may be pain deep in the stomach or back.
• Skin: If you have moles that change color, size, or appearance, or flat sores (lesions that look like moles), a tumor or lump under the skin that resembles a wart or an ulceration that never heals, these are symptoms which should bring you quickly to your physicians office.
• Stomach: Vomiting blood or experiencing frequent indigestion and pain after eating, weight loss may indicate stomach cancer… see your physician!

Cancer deaths are decreasing for the first time since the early 1990′s; the rate has decreased with 153,000 people dying from cancer in 1996, compared with about 158,000 earlier this decade, according to a December 31, 1997, Daily Telegraph London report. Most of the decrease (about 2/3) can be attributed to less lung cancer in men; however, womens’ lung cancer rate is on the rise making it more important than ever for women to quit smoking. However, malignant meloma (skin cancer) is on the rise; use your sunscreen! The decrease is also due in large part, to a decrease in breast cancer thanks to early diagnosis and mammography screening.

Cancer prevention is a life- long commitment to a long- life of healthy living and it’s never too late to start. Make a healthy lifestyle a part of your New Years resolutions so you will be here to celebrate many more long and Happy New Years’ with a New You!

article source : http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/cancerprevention/a/cancerprevent_2.htm

Tags: Cancer Prevention, Cancer Prevention Tips

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