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Cancer and
Prevention
Cancer
• Environmental agents, genetic
factors, and weaknesses in the
body’s immune system can
contribute to the development of
cancer
• Cancer
–Abnormal, uncontrolled cellular
growth
Tumors
• Benign versus malignant tumors
–Malignant Tumor or Neoplasm: Cancerous
and capable of spreading
–Benign Tumor: Noncancerous and
nonspreading
• A total of 1,529,560 new cancer cases are
projected to occur in the United States in 2010
(American Cancer Society)
• 15 million new cancer cases per year by 2020,
says WHO (World Health Organization)
How Cancer Spreads: Metastasis
• Metastasis = spread of cancer cells from
one part of the body to another
–Blood vessels
–Lymphatic system
• Secondary tumors or metastases
• Carcinogen: Any substance that causes
cancer
Common Cancers: Lung Cancer
• Leading cause of cancer death
• Chief risk factor = smoking
• Smoking causes about 3000 lung cancer
deaths per year
• Symptoms = Persistant cough, chest pain
• Treatment = Combination of surgery,
radiation, chemotherapy
• Survival rate = 15% after five years
Common Cancers: Colon and Rectal
Cancer
• Second leading cause of cancer death
• Risk factors
–Age
–Preexisting polyps
–Heredity
–Inactivity and obesity
–Diets high in red meat, smoked foods,
simple sugars
–Excessive alcohol consumption
–Smoking
Common Cancers: Colon and Rectal
Cancer
• Symptoms
–Bleeding from the rectum
–Change in bowel habits
• Testing
–Stool blood test
–Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
• Treatment
–Surgery is primary method of treatment
Common Cancers: Breast Cancer
• Most common cancer in women and second to lung
cancer in the number of cancer deaths among women
• Causes/risk factors
– Heredity
– Long-term exposure to high blood levels of estrogen
• Early onset of menstruation
• Late onset of menopause
• No children or first child after age 30
• Obesity
• Current use of HRT (hormone replacement
therapy)
• Alcohol use
– Inactivity
– Diet low in vegetables and fiber
Common Cancers: Breast Cancer
• Early detection
– Mammography (low-dose X ray) after age 40
– Clinical breast exams
– Breast awareness and self-examinations
• Diagnosis
– Ultrasonography : Imaging method using high-pitched
sound
– Biopsy = removal and examination of a small piece of
body tissue
• Treatment
– Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy)
– Chemotherapy or radiation, social support
Common Cancers: Prostate Cancer
• Most common cancer in men and second to
lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths
among men
• Risk factors
–Age
–African American ethnicity
–Heredity
–Lifestyle factors
• Diets high in calories, dairy products, and
animal fat and low in plant foods
• Obesity and inactivity
• History of STDs
Common Cancers: Prostate Cancer
• Detection and diagnosis
–Rectal exam
–PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test
–Ultrasound
–Biopsy
• Treatment
–Surgery
–Radioactive seeds
• Survival rate = 98% at 5 years
Cancers of the Female Reproductive
Tract
• Cervical cancer
–Linked to infection with HPV (genital
warts)
–Detected with the Pap test = scraping of
cells from the cervix for examination
–Abnormal cells are monitored over
time; if they progress toward
malignancy, they are removed
Cancers of the Female Reproductive
Tract
• Uterine or endometrial Cancer
–Risk factors similar to those for breast
cancer
–Usually detected by pelvic examination
–Treatment = surgery, possibly combined
with radiation and chemotherapy
–Survival rate = 96% at 5 years
Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract
• Ovarian cancer
– Risk factors similar to breast and endometrial
cancer
• Anything that lowers the lifetime number of
ovulation cycles reduces risk
– Usually has no symptoms and is difficult to detect
– Treatment = surgery
– Survival rate is low due to late detection
• Other female reproductive tract cancers
– Clear cell cancer of vagina or cervix is more
common among daughters of women who took
DES during pregnancy
Common Cancers
• Oral cancer
–Key risk factors are tobacco use (including
spit tobacco) and consumption of alcohol
–Easy to detect but difficult to treat
• Testicular cancer
–Rare overall, but most common cancer in
men age 20–35 years
–Can be detected with self-examination
Skin Cancers
• Most common type of cancer when cases of
the highly curable forms are included
• Primary risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) radiation
– UVA: Longer wavelength; damages connective
tissue, leads to premature aging of the skin,
causes skin cancer
– UVB: Shorter wavelength; causes sunburn,
damages eyes and immune system, causes skin
cancer
Skin Cancers
• Basal cell carcinoma: cancer of the
deepest layers of the skin
• Squamous cell carcinoma: cancer of
the surface layers of the skin
• Melanoma: Malignant tumor of the
skin that arises from pigmented cells,
usually a mole; the most dangerous
form of skin cancer
Preventing Skin Cancer
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats,
sunglasses
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF
(30+)
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure,
15–30 minutes after exposure begins, and
frequently after that; apply extra if you are using
DEET
• Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Check UV index
• Avoid tanning salons
UV Index
Other Cancers
• Pancreatic cancer: very deadly form of
cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Brain cancer
• Leukemia = cancer of white blood cells
• Lymphoma = cancer that begins in the
lymph nodes
Cancer Treatment
• Surgery
• Radiation
– Treatment with high energy x-rays targeted on the
cancer site to kill or shrink cancerous cells
– Often kills surrounding healthy cells as well as cancerous
cells
• Chemotherapy
– Drugs kill rapidly growing cancer cells
– Administered via the blood stream
– These drugs are highly toxic and kill healthy cells
– Side Effects include pain, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, ulcers, anemia, immune system suppression,
weight loss, muscle atrophy
Causes of Cancer Cell Development
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DNA Mutations
Epidemiologic factors
Chemical Carcinogens
Radiation Damage
Viruses
Inactivity and Obesity
Nutrition
Stress
The Causes of Cancer: Role of DNA
• DNA basics
–DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid, a
chemical substance that carries genetic
information
–Chromosome = threadlike body in a cell
nucleus that contains molecules of DNA
–Gene = section of chromosome that
contains the instructions for making a
particular protein
The Causes of Cancer: Role of DNA
• DNA mutations and cancer
–A mutated gene no longer contains the
proper code for producing its protein
–Oncogene: Gene involved in the
transformation of a normal cell into a
cancer cell
• Cancer promoters = compounds that
accelerate cell growth
Epidemiological Factors
• Epidemiology
–Study of disease incidence in populations
• Studies of cancer involve:
–Age
–Genetics
–Lifestyle
–Diet and Bodyweight
–Geographic Region
–Race
Percentage of All Cancer Deaths Linked to Risk Factors
Chemical Carcinogens
• Any substance that produces cancer
– Cigarettes
– Talc
• A mineral, produced by the mining of rocks.
Processing eliminates trace minerals from
the talc, but does not separate minute fibers
which are very similar to asbestos. Talc is
found in baby powder, deodorants, chalk,
crayons, soap, insulating materials, paints,
asphalt filler, paper, and in food processing.
Top 12 Cancer Causing Household Chemicals
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Air Fresheners
Ammonia
Bleach
Carpet and
Upholstery
Shampoo
• Dishwasher
Detergent
• Drain Cleaners
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Laundry Detergent
Dishwashing Liquid
Furniture Polish
Mold and Mildew
Cleaners
• Oven Cleaners
• Toilet Bowl Cleaners
• From the United States
Government, Environmental
Protection Agency , Office of the
Pesticides and Toxic Substances,
Washington, DC 20660
Radiation Damage and Viruses
• Radiation Damage
–X-Rays and Sunlight
• Viruses
–Take over the cell to reproduce themselves
–Hepatitis B and C (may cause liver cancer)
–Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (may cause
cervical cancer)
–Epstein-Barr Virus/Mononucleosis (may
cause nasopharyngeal cancer)
Stress and Diet
• Stress may suppress the immune system
• Diet:
– Being overweight or obese is linked with an
increased risk of cancers of the breast (among
women after menopause), colon, endometrium,
esophagus, and kidney
– Drinking water may decrease the risk of bladder
cancer
• Water dilutes the concentration of cancercausing substances in the urine and shortens the
time in which they are in contact with the
bladder lining
Cancer Causing Foods
• Hot dogs, bacon, ham, pepperoni, sausage, lunch
meats, pickled and smoked foods
• Nitrates and Nitrites are found in processed meats.
They combine with stomach acids and chemicals in
foods to form nitrosamines, which are powerful
carcinogens
• Charred, Burned, or Grilled Meats
– Numerous toxic, mutagenic by-products are formed.
According to the National Cancer Institute, cancers
of the colon, stomach and other digestive system
malignancies are associated with high intake of
charred or burned meats.
Cancer Causing Foods
• Doughnuts, french fries, tator tots, hash
browns, potato chips, crackers
–The frying of starchy foods in high heat
produces acrylamides
–Acrylamide is a tumor causing agent and
neurotoxin which has adverse effects on the
brain and reproductive system
(www.livestrong.com)
Cancer Causing Foods
• Soft Drinks:
–A government analysis showed that some
soft drinks had high levels of benzene – a
chemical linked to leukemia. It confirmed
that the preservative sodium benzoate may
break down to form benzene in drinks
containing either ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
or citric acid. Coca-Cola was sued as part of
an effort to eliminate ingredients that may
create benzene.
Cancer Causing Foods
• Alcohol:
– Raises the risk of cancers of the mouth,
pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box),
esophagus, liver, breast, and colon (American
Cancer Society)
– People should limit their intake to no more
than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per
day for women. A drink is defined as 12
ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5
ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (American
Cancer Society)
Cancer Causing Foods
• Carrageenan is a seaweed derivative used in a wide
variety of foods and cosmetics. In its original form, it has
not been classified as a carcinogen, but in it’s broken
down form it has been classified as a possible human
carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC).
• Saccharin or Sweet ‘N Low, is an artificial sweetener that
is known to cause cancer
• Artificial Colors, or FD&C Colors
• Green #3, Blue #1, Blue #2, Red #3, Yellow #6 found in candy,
baked goods, gelatin, and sausages
• Causes allergic reactions and cancer (brain, thyroid, kidney, and
adrenal) in lab animals
Dietary Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
• Eat a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits
spices and herbs that are rich in the 3 A’s –
cancer fighters/phyters (phyto – Greek for
plant)
• The 3 A’s
–Antioxidants
–Anti-inflammatories
–Anticarcinogens
The 3 A’s of Cancer and Nutrition
• Antioxidants
– Prevent free radical formation which if
unchecked causes damage to DNA
• Anti-inflammatories
– Prevent elevated rates of cell division which
may increase “mistakes” in DNA
• Anticarcinogens
– Prevent DNA damage and allow time for DNA
repair
• Good News! MANY DELICIOUS FOODS PROVIDE
ALL 3
Antioxidant Foods
• Fruits
– Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries,
strawberries, cherries, plums, grapes,
pomegranate, raspberries, kiwi, guava, tomatoes
• Vegetables
– Kale, spinach, beets, brussels sprouts, bell
peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, red
cabbage, artichoke, garlic (raw)
• Legumes
–Red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans
Antioxidant Foods
• Nuts
–Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts
• Spices and Herbs
–Cloves, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric,
cumin, basil, sage, thyme, peppermint,
dill weed, paprika
• Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) in whole
grains and natural, cold pressed oils
• Green Tea
Anti-inflammatory Foods
• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
– Green leafy vegetables, mackerel, herring, sardines
• Omega 6 fatty acids
– Flaxseed, borage and blackcurrant seed oils, pumpkin
and sunflower seeds (raw), olives, olive oil
• Natural salicylates (reduce inflammation)
– Turmeric, ginger, sage, rosemary, thyme, curry,
apricots, broccoli, strawberries, cherries, blackberries,
plums, pineapples, capsaicin (active ingredient in chili
peppers)
• Green tea, cocoa and red wine
Anticarcinogen Foods
• Spices
– Curry powder-a combination of turmeric and cumin
and may include coriander, ginger, garlic, chilies,
pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and tamarind
– Turmeric, Cumin, Saffron,
– Capsaicin-"Capsaicin inhibits the growth of human
prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice," Dr. H.
Phillip Koeffler, director of hematology and oncology at
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a professor of
medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
• Citrus fruits
• Brazil nuts (excellent source of selenium)
Anticarcinogen Foods
• Herbs
– Fennel
– Parsley-contains three times as much vitamin C as
oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach (Dr. Mercola,
DO)
• Green tea
• Pomegranates
• Tomatoes (excellent source of lycopene)
• Asparagus
• Broccoli-rich in selenium, contains twice the vitamin C of an
orange, has almost as much calcium as whole milk--and the
calcium is better absorbed (Dr. Mercola, DO)
Anticarcinogens
Vitamin D – New Findings
• Functions:
– Calcium uptake and bone breakdown regulation
– Carbohydrate and insulin regulation
– Brain and nervous system function – mood and
cognition
• May prevent prostate, breast and colorectal
cancer
• Relationship thought to be associated with
Vitamin D and UV light exposure
Foods of Special Benefit
• Onions, garlic, and leeks may help liver and
kidney detoxification
• Mushrooms are a rich source of beta glucans.
Beta-glucans have been used to treat people
with gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. They
may be able to stimulate the immune system.
Mushrooms (cooked) induce natural killer cells
and are rich in potassium
Foods of Special Benefit
• Black Raspberries – highly effective at
killing cancer cells in vitro and in animal
studies (Ohio State, USDA)
• Resveratrol-chemical found in the skins
of grapes and berries (blueberries,
blackberries, cranberries )
–Red wine and red grape juice are good
sources
Foods of Special Benefit
• Green Tea
– Contains polyphenols-antioxidant chemicals in
plants
– Emerging clinical studies suggest that the
polyphenols in green tea, may play an important role
in the prevention of cancer
– In one study of 472 women with various stages of
breast cancer, researchers found that women who
consumed the most green tea experienced the least
spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal
women in the early stages of breast cancer)
(University of Maryland Medical Center)
Dietary Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
• Eat a varied plant-based diet
• Eat 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
– Cruciferous vegetables
– Citrus fruits and berries
– Dark-green leafy vegetables
– Dark-yellow, orange, or red fruits or vegetables
• Eat high-fiber foods
• Limit consumption of meat and total fat; favor
monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated
fats
• Limit consumption of charred, blackened, cured,
smoked meat and fish
• Be moderate in consumption of alcohol
SOURCE: National Cancer
Institute
Cancer Nutrition Therapy
• Smaller, more frequent meals. Have a meal or snack
every 1 to 2 hours
• Eat more when feeling better
• Avoid fatty or overly sweet foods
• Do not recline immediately after eating
• Replace fluids and electrolytes
• Use foods with pleasant aromas
• Add high-calorie condiments, sauces, dressings
• Add extra ingredients during food preparation
• Avoid low-calorie foods and beverages
Preventing Cancer
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Avoid tobacco
Control diet and weight
Exercise regularly
Protect skin from sun
Avoid environmental and occupational
carcinogens
• Be aware of warning signs, and get
recommended screening tests