OCTOBER 2022
Health & Wellness
M.P. Ravindra Nathan, M.D., is a cardiologist and Emeritus Editor of AAPI Journal. For further reading, “Second Chance - A Sister’s Act of Love” by Dr. Nathan from Outskirts Press, can be found at www.amazon.com
CANCER XI: A few tips for PREVENTION
Now that you know a lot about cancer, the devastation it can producealong with all the pain and suffering, your question should be, “How can I prevent cancer invading my body?“ In one of the earlier columns, I had discussed the major causes of cancers, so the first step would be to eliminate or mitigate those factors in your life. Well, here are some tips to follow.
- Pay attention to your diet: A plant-based diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains like wheat and quinoa should go a long way in prevention. Limit all meats, especially processed meats. Studies have shown that eating large amounts of processed meat can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a definite risk factor, so keep your BMI (Body Mass Index) within the normal range of 19-25; for Indians, it should be in the lower range like 19-23. Epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased risk of several cancer types, including colon, breast, uterus liver, kidney, etc. Also, it can lead to poorer treatment and increased cancer-related mortality. Certain cancers are associated more with abdominal adiposity such as the cancers of colon, premenopausal breast, uterus and pancreas. Cancer risk in obesity is different between ethnic groups too. African Americans and Asia-Pacific populations appear rather more susceptible to cancer in contrast to Hispanics who seem to be relatively protected.
- Tobacco use in any form is an invitation for cancer and cigarettes are the biggest culprit. So, avoid it at any costs. It causes not only lung cancer but many other cancers too. Exposure to secondhand smoke also increases your risk of lung cancer. According to one authority, “If cigarette smoking could be eliminated somehow, as much as 50 percent of lung cancers can be prevented!” Even “third-hand smoke,“ the residual contamination from tobacco smoke that lingers in rooms long after smoking stops and remains on our clothes after we leave a smoky place, can be harmful, so beware! Also note, “e-cigarettes” are not safe either.
- Protection from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Skin cancer is quite common in Florida because of frequent exposure to sun. And it’s one of the most preventable cancers too. So, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. And try to cover as much of the exposed areas and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 or more. And avoid skin tanning. Also, check the skin for any black moles or spots and watch closely and if you think they are getting bigger or start bleeding, then consult a dermatologist.
- Alcohol and Cancer: "Alcohol consumption is an important risk factor and the highest risks observed are among the people who drink three alcoholic beverages per day and higher," according to National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Md. And their latest study shows that a "reduction in use was associated with lower risk, particularly among participants who started drinking at a heavy level." Certain cancers like oro-pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, liver, colorectal and breast seem to occur more in alcohol users.
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B that can increase the risk for cancer. It’s recommended for adults at high risk – sexually active with multiple partners, intravenous drug users, gay population and health care workers. Also get vaccinated for HPV (Human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted virus, that can lead to genital cancers. It’s recommended for males and females of ages 9 to 45.
- Exercise has been proven to reduce one’s risk of many types of cancer, including that of breast and colon. It appears “strength training” at least twice a week may be more effective at prolonging life than just cardio workouts.
If you pay attention to all these, cancer can be prevented to a great extent. The next frontier in medicine is “Precision Medicine.” It will deliver individualized care based on genetic tests and molecular profiling that can precisely analyze patient’s DNA, RNA and protein biomarkers and promises to be a powerful approach in preventing and fighting cancer. (more about it later). Let us dispel the myth that cancer is simply because of your fate or destiny.
This concludes the series on Cancer.M.P. Ravindra Nathan, M.D., is a cardiologist and Emeritus Editor of AAPI Journal. For further reading, “Second Chance - A Sister’s Act of Love” by Dr. Nathan from Outskirts Press, can be found at www.amazon.com