Maintaining Your Health on Mackinac
Research Offers Established Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
By Yvan Silva, M.D.

Cancer is a complex disease of great variety, with a great differential of occurrence, causative factors, and genetic inheritance. Recent research has probed into the types of cancer linked to traits inherited from parents and family lineage, certain environmental exposures, and some lifestyle use of substances associated with cancer, such as tobacco. Much remains unknown. Clearly, family history cannot be altered, but knowing the history and genetic risks can help with early detection by screening tests and early treatment.

Several risk factors are well known, and ongoing public health education continues to serve us well to modify our lifestyles to prevent cancer.

Cigarette smoking is number one in the list of preventable causes of cancer, and is linked to many different kinds of cancer, and at least one-third of all cancer deaths. More than 40 varieties of cancer-causing compounds have been identi- fied in cigarette smoke.

Moderation in the use of alcohol is advised, as well. Excessive use of alcohol is believed to cause oral and esophageal cancers, and has been linked to several other cancers.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays by exposure to sun, and use of artificial tanning, is well known as a risk factor for skin cancer. The most exposure to these sun rays can be experienced from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; staying out of the sun at those times is best, especially when there is a family history, or exposure is common to a geographical region. The proper and effective use of products with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is recommended. Protective clothing and sunglasses with appropriate protective lenses are advised. It is best to avoid tanning, whether in natural or artificial sunlight.

The sedentary state has been linked to development of several cancers, including those in the colon and breast. Regular exercise reduces these risks. There are several other obvious benefits - cardiovascular, mental health, and weight control, to name some. The most common recommendation is that some type of sustained, regular exercise should be done, every day if possible, for at least 30 minutes. This does not include the physical activity associated with activities of daily living. Every effort to increase daily physical activity, including walking good distances, climbing stairs, parking farther away from a destination, and taking breaks during the day to walk are some examples.

Ahealthy diet is an excellent approach to cancer prevention. Changing your lifestyle, including starting and maintaining a healthy diet, is definitely a practical way to improve the quality of life, and prevent cancer. Obesity and an overweight state are linked to several cancers, including colon, breast, and uterine. Eating healthful food in smaller portions, and in proportion from the food groups, can help to reduce and maintain normal weight. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, including high fiber choices of whole grain bread and cereals, raw fruits, and vegetables. You should limit intake of full-fat dairy products and processed foods, and saturated fats in meat products.

In the home and workplace, it's important to be aware of chemical and radiation hazards. Care in handling hazardous materials is important.

There is good progress in research that looks into chemoprevention of cancer. For example, recent studies have shown that the use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with decreased risk for breast cancer. The pathway by which this occurs seems to make sense, and to add to growing evidence that regular use of these medications may be supported by sound research. The use of statins, cholesterol-lowering agents, has also been associated with lowered risk for colon cancer. The research is expanding. It is yet too premature to begin to rely on these results, but the future is certainly bright. Well planned prospective clinical studies are needed.

Dr. Silva is a professor of surgery at Wayne State University and a resident of Woodbluff on Mackinac Island.