Easy Steps to Cancer Prevention 

Donna Douglas, Ph.D.

Cancer can affect every race, age, gender and socio-economic level. Cancer is partly due to environmental factors, genetics and the normal aging process. Environmental factors which have been linked to cancer include cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption, chronic infection, radiation, certain viruses and cancer causing chemicals. Certain DNA defects may be inherited because they occurred in the gametes (sperm/egg). As we age DNA defects accumulate because of the normal buildup of byproducts from the processes of life. These byproducts can cause damage to DNA. Fighting cancer involves an understanding of what causes cancer and taking action.

The principle of prevention is that disease is a process which can be interrupted, blocking advancement to the next, more severe stage. Attacking a disease takes place at three levels. Level one is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to hazards in the environment. You can modify your habits for optimal health and learn which exposures can be hazardous. Level two includes screening and detection to catch cases early on and treat them promptly so they can be cured. This would include mammograms, Pap smears, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and self testicular exams. In level three patients are treated with the emphasis on speeding rehabilitation and preventing complications. The importance and effectiveness of prevention is evidenced by the large breast cancer prevention trial in which the drug tamoxifen reduced the incidence of breast cancer in almost half the high-risk women in the study.

Here's how to protect yourself and your family:

Become "body aware". Learn how to perform breast self examination (BSE) or self testicular examination(STE) and do them monthly. Instructional videos and illustrated booklets are available to teach you how. Be attentive to any unusual changes or lumps. Regular check-ups go along with regular self examination. Make an appointment to see your doctor for your annual screening. Insist that your loved ones check for cancer. For your convenience, the prostate specific antigen (PSA) and colon cancer screening kits can now be purchased for home use.

When it is discovered early, cancer is often curable. It is best to catch any problems before they have a chance to spread to other parts of the body. At the early stage treatment is more effective and often less invasive. You know your body better than any one else. Self examination is important for finding changes that have taken place since your last physical. Ninety percent of breast lumps are found by women doing BSE and not their doctor. Remember, a majority of breast lumps are NOT cancer, so check with your doctor immediately to be sure.

Know your risk factors. Do you have family members such as parent, sibling, aunt or uncle with cancer? Sketch a family tree and note any family members that have/had cancer and the age at diagnosis. These are the types of cancers for which you may be at risk. Make sure you know the warning signs. Educate yourself about that particular condition.

Boost your body's cancer fighting sytem. Take advantage of the free radical scavenging (protecting) power of anti-oxidants. These nutrients are found naturally in fruits, legumes and vegetables or are available as dietary supplements. Fuel your immune system by maximizing fruits and vegetables and depend less on meat and starch to fill your plate. Think of fruits and vegetables as the biggest portion of your meal.  Also, stress weakens the ability of your immune system to beat disease. Learn effective 'stress-busting' techniques such as regular exercise. Avoid addictive substances and behaviors.

Practice making healthy choices. Avoid addictive substances and behaviors.  If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, now is the time to quit.  Get involved in a smoking cessation program.  There are also customized programs to meet your needs such as Nicoderm's Committed Quitters Program.

You have taken a first step in cancer prevention... educating yourself about cancer.  Now it's time to take the next step- practicing 'body awareness' by doing regular self examination.     Early detection is the key to saving lives... maybe yours!

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