Reducing Your Risk of

Cancer
 The Big “C”
• One in three women today can expect
to have cancer in her lifetime.
• The two common reactions are (1) to
assume the worst, or (2) to deny it.
• The word cancer is stigmatized and it
evokes strong emotion.
• What do you think of when you think of
the word cancer??
 Defining Cancer
• Most tumors are benign and are rarely life threatening.
Benign tumors are made up of cells that are encapsulated
meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body.

• Malignant tumors are cancer and refer to numerous diseases

characterized by abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and
have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal cells. Cancer
cells are not encapsulated, and they can break away from the
primary tumor and metastasize (or move) to other parts of
the body.
 Seven Warning Signs of Cancer
• A change in bowel or bladder habits.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from any place.
• A lump on the breast or other parts of the
body.
• Chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
• Obvious changes in a wart or mole.
• Persistent coughing or hoarseness.
 Classification of Common Malignancies
• The four most common categories of cancer are carcinoma,
sarcoma, lymphoma, and leukemia.
• Carcinomas are by far the most common type of cancer found
in the United States, representing 80-90 percent of all reported
cancers.
• In addition to the most common categories, it is important to
understand the difference between in situ and invasive cancer.
• In situ refers to cancerous tumors that are usually early stage
and localized. The survival rates are usually higher for in situ
cancer than for invasive cancer, which has spread to other
tissues.
 Causes Of Cancer
• Lifestyle and environmental factors account
for the most cancer risks, and a number of
known carcinogens have been identified.
• Cigarette smoking, diet, exposure to
carcinogenetic chemicals, ionizing radiation,
and ultraviolet rays account for ore then 87
percent of all cancers.
• Cancer is not caused by injuries, bruises, or
bumps and is not contagious.
 Cigarette Smoking
• Cigarette smoking is associated with cancers of
the lung, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, esophagus,
pancreas, bladder, kidney, uterus, and cervix.
• Cigarette smoking accounts for 87 percent of lung
cancer deaths and 30 percent of all cancer deaths.
• An estimated 45 million Americans are current
smokers, which includes one in five U.S women.
 Diet and Physical Activity
• Approximately one-third of cancer deaths in the
United States are due to diet and lack of physical
activity.
• Consuming a healthy diet, high in fruits and
vegetables (especially green vegetables) and low
in animal fat, meat, and highly caloric food can
reduce he risk of developing the most common
cancers.
 Growing Older
• Perhaps the most important risk factor for
cancer is aging.
• Most cancer occurs in people over the age of
65.
• However, people of all ages, even children,
can develop cancer.
 Viruses
• A number of viruses have been linked to an
increased risk of cancer.
• Hepatitis B
• Human T-lymphnotropic virus.
• Herpes simplex virus 2
• Epstein-Barr
• And some types of human papilloma virus.
(HPV)
 Other Causes of Cancer
• Alcohol Consumption
• Close relatives with certain types of cancer
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Environmental Factors Implicated in cancer
• Exposure to sun.
• Ionizing radiation
• Chemicals and other substances
– Asbestos
– Nickel
– Cadmium
– Uranium
– Radon
– Vinyl Chloride
– Benzidene
– Benzene
 Current Research Regarding Causes and
Treatment
• Molecular and cellular causes of cancer
• Cell cycle research
• Gene mutation research
• Adjuvant Treatment
– Neoadjuvant therapy
– chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Stem cell transplantation