Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
By Racha Adib, Staff Writer

Beirut, Lebanon- According to W.H.O. (World Health Organization), “The burden of cancer is high and increasing worldwide: it is the second leading cause of death. More than 20 million people are living with cancer, and seven million people die annually.”

Despite the vast advancements in science we continue to lose the war against cancer. This is because researchers have focused more on finding the cure for cancer and less on uncovering the causes of it. Thus, there is no absolute agreement among cancer researchers of what actually causes cancer. However, they claim that a complex mix or risk factors related to heredity, lifestyle, and environment are linked to it. Luckily only 10% of all cancers have a genetic link. If you have a family history of cancer, it does not mean that you will develop cancer for sure. The gene you inherit only predisposes you to develop it if you are subject to certain conditions related to gender, lifestyle, and environment.

The remaining 90% of cancers are owed to modifiable risk factors in our lifestyle and environment. These risk factors are related to everyday choices you make. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends you to choose to:

1.Be a non-smoker and avoid second hand smoking! Smoking causes 85% of lung cancer which is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Second hand smoking is more dangerous than smoking itself because side stream smoke emitted from the end of a burning cigarette contains more carcinogens (an agent capable of initiating development of malignant tumors) than the smoke inhaled.

2.Eat well! 1/3 of cancers are related to diet. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Studies have shown that fruit and vegetable consumption has reduced the risk of cancer development. One study showed that increasing tomato consumption was related to a reduction in the development of prostate cancer. Eat a high fiber diet through whole grain bread and brown rice combined with plenty of water; at least eight cups a day. Eat a low saturated fat diet and consume healthy fat from tuna, salmon, olive oil, canola oil, and peanuts. Limit your alcohol intake. Also, be careful, grilling meat, poultry, or fish, at high temperatures and for a long time, grounds the production of cancer causing agents. These can be decreased by more than 90% when the meat is marinated. You can also divide the meat into smaller pieces, precook it, and remove the burnt portions before serving. 

3.Be physically active! Studies have shown that exercise reduces your risk of developing both colon and breast cancer. Physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean joining the gym. You can be active when you choose to walk instead of drive, or climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

4.Protect yourself from the sun! 90% of all skin cancers can be prevented. To decrease this risk, reduce your exposure to the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. When exposed, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear sunglasses with both UVA and UVB protection and dark lenses, which are in fashion now. Remember, tanning beds are not safe. In fact, they may expose you to 5 times as much UVA as the sun, which is responsible for wrinkles and aging. If you insist on having a tan, you can use self-tanners which are a safe alternative.

5.Avoid environmental contaminants! Around 5% of cancers are linked to contaminants in the environment. Pesticides used for protection should be thoroughly washed off from fruits and vegetables before consumption. Electromagnetic fields that surround electrical devices such as cell phones and computers should be kept at a distance. Stand back from an appliance, such as the microwave, when it is being used, keep the computer terminal at an arm’s length, and turn it off when it is not being used. Exposure to radiation through x-rays and CT scans has been shown to cause cancer so they should only be performed when necessary.

6.Have a regular screening test! Screening through tests helps in finding cancer early and this will increase your chance of successful treatment. To screen for skin cancer you should regularly check your skin for any changes in a birthmark or mole, any new growth on your skin, or any sore that doesn’t heal. Men should test for testicular cancer on a monthly basis after the age of 15 through testicular self-examination (TSE). To learn how to perform a TSE on your own, visit:

www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3172_10175_275318_langId-en,00.html

Women should test for breast cancer through breast self-examination (BSE) on a regular basis. To learn how to perform a BSE on your own, visit:

www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3172_10175_74544430_langId-en,00.html

7.After the age of 50, screening should take place by a health care professional! A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) should be taken every two years after 50 by both men and women in order to test for colorectal cancer. Men should also perform a digital rectal examination to screen for prostate cancer annually while women should have a mammography to screen for breast cancer every two years.

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