Cancer Prevention Chapter 12
Cancer Prevention
Chapter 12
Objectives
• Define cancer and understand how it starts and spreads.
• Cite guidelines for preventing cancer.• Delineate the major risk factors that lead to
specific types of cancer.• Assess the risk for developing certain types
of cancer.• Learn everyday lifestyle strategies that you
can use immediately to decrease overall cancer risk.
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Terms
• Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
• Ribonucleic acid (RNA)
• Oncogenes– genes that initiate cell division
• Suppressor Genes– genes that deactivate the process of cell
division
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Terms
• TumorBenign
Not active
MalignantActive growth; cancerous
• Carcinoma in situ– Tumor growth reaches about 1 million cells
Cancer Prevention
Cancer Terms
• Chromosome segments called telomeres erode each time the cell replicates and divides– Human tumors make an enzyme known as
telomerase– Keeps the chromosome from running out of telomeres
entirely– Allows cells to reproduce indefinitely, creating a
malignant tumor.– May keep old cancer cells from dying
Cancer Spread
• The tumor requires more oxygen and nutrients to grow.– A few of the cancer cells start producing
chemicals that enhance angiogenesis• capillary (blood vessel) formation into the tumor
– Angiogenesis is the precursor of metastasis• Metastasis - cancerous cells now can break away
from a malignant tumor and migrate to other parts of the body, where they can cause new cancer.
How Cancer Starts & Spreads
Incidence of Cancer
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US
1. Almost 23% of all deaths the US are caused by cancer.2. Tobacco use is responsible for 87% of lung cancer deaths.3. Death rates for most major cancer sites are declining, except lung
cancer in women 4. In 2008:
a. About 570,000 Americans died from cancer.b. Approximately 1.4 million new cases were diagnosed.
• Largely preventable.– As much as 80% of all human cancer is related to lifestyle or
environmental factors (Figure 12.7; Acetate 76).– Individuals with healthy lifestyles have a lower incidence of
cancer
Incidence of Cancer
Cancer Incidence & Death Rates
Relative Roles of Cancer-Causing Factors
Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Mortality
Guidelines for Preventing Cancer (intro.)
Become Health Educated Make Dietary Changes
a.Predominantly vegetarianb.High in fiberc.Low in fat (particularly from animal sources)d.Encourage cruciferous vegetables, tea, soy products,
calcium, and omega-3 fatse.Keep protein intake within the recommended nutrient
guidelinesf. Use alcohol in moderation – if it is usedg.Avoid obesity
• Antioxidantsa.Absorbs free radicals
Tips for a Healthy Cancer-Fighting Diet
Guidelines for Preventing Cancer (intro.)
• Phytonutrients • Compounds, found in abundance in fruits and vegetables,
apparently prevent cancer by blocking the formation of cancerous tumors and disrupting the process at almost every step of the way
• Removing carcinogens from cells before they cause damage. • Many traditional spices contain cancer fighting phytonutrients.
Guidelines for Preventing Cancer (intro.)
• Fiber has been associated with lower colon cancer.
• Drink Tea• Polyphenols
• Too much Dietary fat may promote cancer and excessive weight.
• Avoid processed meat and excessive animal protein
• Soy • Isoflavones
Guidelines for Preventing Cancer (intro.)
•Abstain from tobacco• Tobacco is responsible for more than 435,000 deaths in the US and 5
million deaths worldwide annually.• The life expectancy of a chronic smoker is 15 years shorter than for a
nonsmoker.
•Avoid excessive sun exposure• Too much ultraviolet radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer.
• Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) – sun lamp radiation is linked to melanoma.
• Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) – cause sunburn and all 3 types of skin cancer.
• The 3 types of skin cancer are:• Basal cell carcinoma.• Squamous cell carcinoma.• Malignant melanoma – 8,650 deaths in 2009.
Warning Signs of Melanoma
Self-Exam for Skin Cancer
Guidelines for Preventing Cancer (intro.)
•Monitoring estrogen, radiation exposure, and potential occupational hazards• Engaging in physical activity
• Early detection• BSE and TSE
Breast Self-Examination
Testicular Self-Examination
Warning Signals of Cancer
Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits A Sore that Does Not Heal Unusual Bleeding or Discharge Thickening or Lump in Breast/Elsewhere Indigestion or Difficulty Swallowing Obvious Change in Wart or Mole Nagging Cough or Hoarseness
Cancer Promoters
What Can You Do? Follow Healthy Lifestyle Habits Learn About Cancer Signs Perform Early Detection See your Physician for Any Risk Factor