Cancer Prevention & Early Detection American Cancer Society Mission Statement The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. What We Do – Save Lives • Helping people stay well By educating them on steps they can take to prevent cancer and find it early • Helping people get well By providing accurate and timely informational, emotional, and practical support services • Funding cancer research To further understand its causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it. • Fighting back against cancer By supporting the American Cancer Society and those in your life who are affected by cancer, you can join us in creating a world with more birthdays! What is cancer? • Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. • Cancer can be caused by both external factors and internal factors Can you guess? 355,000 Cancer Statistics Cancer is the №1 cause of death among working-age adults in the United States. One-third are caused by tobacco use. One-third are related to overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, nutrition. Two-thirds of cancer deaths can be prevented. and Prevention and Early Detection • If people would just do four things engage in regular physical activity, eat a healthy diet, not smoke and avoid becoming obese – they could slash their risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke or cancer by 80%, a new report has found. • But less than 10% of the 23,153 people in the multiyear study published in Monday’s Archives of Internal Medicine - actually lived their lives this way. Prevention and Early Detection • Cancers that can be prevented or detected early by screening account for at least 50% of all new cancer cases. Cancer Risk Factors What is a risk factor? Anything that increases a person’s risk for getting a disease What is a modifiable risk factor? Anything that increases a person’s risk for getting a disease that can be changed Cancer Risk Factors • While you can’t change your genetics, there are many things you can do to lower your risk for cancer. Reduce Your Risk Five lifesaving things you can do: 1. Don’t use tobacco 2. Maintain a healthy weight and adopt a physically active lifestyle 3. Consume a healthy diet with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables 4. Protect yourself from the sun 5. Get recommended screening tests Tobacco Use • Tobacco use is responsible for an estimated 443,000 premature deaths in the US every year, including 49,400 deaths in nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. • The American Cancer Society can help you or loved ones quit. Maintain a Healthy Weight • Balance caloric intake with physical activity • Avoid excessive weight gain throughout life • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese Adopt a Physically Active Lifestyle Adults: • Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on five or more days a week (45-60 minutes is preferable) Children: • Engage in at least 60 minutes per day on five or more days a week Consume a Healthy Diet • Watch portion sizes • Eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day • Chose whole grains • Limit consumption of processed and red meats • Limit alcohol consumption – no more than 1 drink per day for woman and 2 for men On any given day in the US • • • • • • • • 815 billion calories are consumed (200 billion more than needed) 47 million hot dogs 4 million pounds of bacon 60 million pounds of red meat 170 million eggs 3 million gallons of ice cream 10 million pounds of candy 16 million gallons of beer and ale Protect Yourself from the Sun • Avoid direct exposure between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are the most intense • Wear hats that shade the face, ears and neck and clothing that covers arms, legs and torso • Cover exposed skin with sunscreen of SPF15 or higher • Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps Cancer Early Detection • Develop a good relationship with your physician. Be open and honest in your discussions. • He/she can educate you on early detection tests and screening tests. • Bring a list of things you would like to discuss with your physician. • Be empowered to ask for what screenings you need. Don’t always wait for your provider to bring it up.
