Each year 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer.  Right now approximately 35% of Americans have a possibility of developing cancer in their lifetime.  A third of common cancers could be prevented if people shifted to a more sound diet, exercised more and controlled their weight.  With the aging population, obesity rates soaring, and people becoming less active and consuming highly processed foods, there will be a substantial increase in cancer rates.

            “Tobacco alone accounts for a third of cancers, and smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society, “ states Dr. Robert Prieto, a hematologist/oncologist with WTMA.  There are over 4,000 chemical compounds and 43 different carcinogenic substances in nicotine.  Quitting smoking decreases the risk of lung, laryngeal, esophageal, oral, pancreatic, bladder and cervical cancer. 

            The American Cancer Society recommends the following to help reduce the risk of cancer:

1)     Maintain an ideal body weight.  Cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, kidney, stomach, breast and colon have been associated with obesity.

2)     Vary your daily diet and eat a wide variety in moderation.

3)     Eat a diet high in fiber including whole grain cereals, legumes and vegetables.

4)     Minimize your daily fat intake.  Ideally, 25-30 grams of fat are enough.

5)     If you smoke, STOP.  If you are around secondhand smoke, get away.  People who quit smoking – regardless of age – live longer than those who continue smoking.

6)     Limit your consumption of salt.  Also avoid cured, smoked and nitrite-preserved foods.

     There are many other risk factors associated with cancer risk, such as heredity, but the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle are far-reaching and simple to implement.  Discuss these lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider to decrease your cancer risk.  You may contact Dr. Prieto’s office at WTMA at 325-224-5761.