4.1 Cancer Prevention

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Hi, my name is Natalie Silver and today I’m going to talk to you about cancer prevention.

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The topics that we are going to review are risk factors for several types of cancer, things to avoid, things to do, and we’re going to discuss the importance of surveillance in cancer survivors.

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There are several risks for cancer including genetics and environment, which is often out of our control; however, 70% of lifetime risk is within our ability to change and modifiable.

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[image illustrating tobacco use as a major cause of cancer]
One important thing to avoid is tobacco use. Tobacco use causes many cancers including lung, head and neck, pancreas, bladder, cervix, and kidney cancer.

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Consuming healthy foods is very important for reducing obesity risk and that includes a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed meats.

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Alcohol is okay in moderation; however, excessive alcohol intake has been linked to many different kinds of cancers including breast, colon, lung, kidney, and liver cancers.

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[image showing cancers linked to obesity]
Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney cancers.

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One way to achieve a healthy weight is by engaging in regular exercise.

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Sun protection is essential in skin cancer prevention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and you can avoid this by avoiding midday sun and tanning beds as well as using appropriate sunscreen when exposed to sun.

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Vaccination against viruses that can cause cancer is also very important. The Hepatitis B vaccine decreases the risk of liver cancer. The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine reduces the risk of many HPV-related cancers including cervical, genital, rectal, squamous cell cancer of the head and neck due to this virus. This vaccination is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12 but has recently been approved for patients ages 9 to 45.

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[image detailing vaccination as a method of cancer prevention]
In fact, widespread HPV vaccination has the potential to reduce cervical cancer incidence around the world by two-thirds.

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[image of HIV virus infecting a human cell]
Avoiding risky behaviors is also important. Practicing safe sex can avoid HIV which can also cause cancers such as anal cancer, liver, and lung cancer as well as HPV-related cancers which are transmitted sexually.

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Avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing needles is important, as sharing needles increases the risk of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C which can all lead to related cancers.

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Seeking regular medical care is essential. Periodic screenings are available by your primary care doctor for a variety of cancers such as skin, colon, cervix, and breast, and by visiting your provider routinely, it increases chances of early detection and potentially prevention of disease.

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Cancer survivors are often at risk for second cancers; therefore, surveillance by your oncologist or primary care doctor is critical for prevention of second cancers.

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In summary, genetics and environmental factors are things that we can’t control however there are several things that we can.
Avoiding tobacco, unhealthy diet, and risky behaviors may contribute to preventing cancer.
Having a healthy diet, exercising, protecting yourself from the sun, vaccination, and regular medical care can also help in prevention.
And cancer survivors are at increased risk for additional cancers, so should seek routine medical care from primary care and oncologist specialists.