Preventing Cancer with Healthy Life Styles

Li-Fen L. Chang, M.D., Ph.D.

Radiation Oncology

SOMC Cancer Center

Estimated US Cancer Cases*

*Excludes basal and squamous cell skin cancers and in situ carcinomas except urinary bladder.Source: American Cancer Society.

Men766,860

Women678,060

32% Breast

12% Lung and bronchus

11% Colon and rectum

6% Uterine corpus

4% Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

4% Melanomaof skin

3% Ovary

3% Thyroid

2% Urinary bladder

2% Pancreas

21% All Other Sites

Prostate 33%

Lung and bronchus 13%

Colon and rectum 10%

Urinary bladder 7%

Melanoma of skin 5%

Non-Hodgkin4% lymphoma

Kidney 3%

Leukemia 3%

Oral Cavity 3%

Pancreas 2%

All Other Sites 17%

Estimated US Cancer Deaths*

ONS=Other nervous system.Source: American Cancer Society,

Men289,550

Women270,100

27% Lung and bronchus

15% Breast

10% Colon and rectum

6% Ovary

6% Pancreas

4% Leukemia

3% Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

3% Uterine corpus

2% Multiple myeloma

2% Brain/ONS

22% All other sites

Lung and bronchus 31%

Prostate 10%

Colon and rectum 10%

Pancreas 5%

Leukemia 4%

Esophagus 4%

Liver and intrahepatic 3%bile duct

Non-Hodgkin 3% Lymphoma

Urinary bladder 3%

Kidney 3%

All other sites 24%

Cancer Facts African Americans are more likely to die of

cancer than people of any other racial or ethnic group.

The number of new cancer cases and cancer death rates for MEN are highest among African Americans.

Cancer death rates for WOMEN are highest among African Americans.

Among MEN and Women, the number of new cases of lung cancer is more than 2 times higher among African Americans than among Asian/Pacific Islanders.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Statistics (to continue)

In 2004, African American men were 1.4 times as likely to have new cases of lung and prostate cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.

African American men were almost twice as likely to have new cases of stomach cancer as non-Hispanic white men.

African Americans men had lower 5-year cancer survival rates for lung and pancreatic cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.

The Office of Minor Health, US Department of Health & Human Services

Statistics (continue)

In 2005, African American men were 2.4 times as likely to die from prostate cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.

In 2005, African American women were 10% less likely to have been diagnosed with breast cancer, however, they were 34% more likely to die from breast cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white women.

African American women are twice as likely to have been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and they are 2.4 times as likely to die from stomach cancer, as compared to non-Hispanic white women.

Cancer PreventionDo not using tobacco products: tobacco causes cancer of many sites!Lung ThroatMouthNasopharyngealEsophagusStomachBladderPancreasLiverCervixAcute myeloid leukemia

Cancer Prevention

Choosing foods with less fat and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains:

Obesity is associated with colon, breast, endometrial, Ovarian,and possibly other cancers.

Cancer Prevention

Avoiding excessive alcohol drinking: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of oral,

esophageal,

breast,

and other cancers.

Cancer Prevention

Exercising regularly and maintaining a lean weight: Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of colon, breast, Gynecologic,and possibly other cancers.

Cancer PreventionAvoiding the harmful rays of the sun, using sunscreen, and wearing clothing that protects the skin: skin cancer.Fair skinned,

lots of moles,

relative has had melanoma or other skin cancer

common signs and symptoms of cancer

new mole or an obvious change in the appearance of an existing wart or mole

common signs and symptoms of cancer a sore that does not

heal

Cancer PreventionAvoiding exposure to ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation, certain occupational and chemical exposures: radon,

asbestos (mesothelioma), chemical dye (bladder cancer)

Cancer PreventionAvoid infectious agents: human

papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C (HepB and HepC), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increase the risk of some types of cancer:

Cervical cancer,

oral cancer,

lymphoma,

liver cancer

Kaposis Sarcoma

common signs and symptoms of cancer

new thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body

Monthly self breast exam

Clinical breast exam

Self testicular exam

common signs and symptoms of head and neck, lung cancer Nagging cough or

hoarseness Unhealing mouth sore Persistent sore throat Nose bleed Chest pain Cough up blood Short of breath

common signs and symptoms of GI or GU cancer changes in bowel or

bladder habits Tarry stool Fresh blood in stool

or urine Lost of bowel or

bladder control Urination problem

common signs and symptoms of cancer persistent indigestion

or difficulty swallowing

“bloating” feeling New lump or nodules Night sweat

common signs and symptoms of cancer unexplained changes

in weight Lost appetite

common signs and symptoms of cancer unusual bleeding or

discharge

Why is cancer screening important?  Treatment is often more effective when cancer is detected early. Screening exams, such as

Sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy or the fecal occult blood test,

mammography,

Pap test,

PSA

can detect precancerous conditions, which can be treated before they turn into invasive cancer.

SOMC Cancer Screening

Breast Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer

Lung for life

Conclusion: Live long and be joyousThe most effective treatment and prevention for many illness is life style change.

Don’t smoke, eat healthy, exercise, weight control, modesty for alcohol, less sun exposure,avoid harmful ray/chemical, avoid STD, consider HPV vaccine