Are you giving yourself cancer?

Last updated: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Print

Genes play a role. Luck plays a role. But it turns out that up to 90 percent of cancers may be caused by environmental factors, and can therefore, possibly, be prevented.

The alarming flip side of this statistic is the question that haunts everyone who’s diagnosed with this most dreaded disease: is it my fault I got cancer?

But stop right there: even some environmental factors are out of our control - there are cancer-causing viruses, for instance, or chemical exposure that individuals really have no control over.

Nevertheless, everyone - those with and those without a genetic disposition - can make simple lifestyle changes which dramatically reduce their risk of developing cancer.

This is the message from the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) for Cancer Prevention Week from 1 to 7 August. This year's theme is "demonstrate your support for the cancer cause". CANSA encourages all South Africans to live healthy lifestyles and support all those affected by cancer.

"It is clear that the war on cancer could be won if humans were no longer exposed to environmental carcinogens such as chemicals, viruses, bacteria, UV light and maintained a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and exercise," said Dr Carl Albrecht, Head of Research at CANSA.

A cancer causing factor is officially known as a carcinogen. Carcinogens attack the human DNA causing cell mutations. This can cause cells to divide or multiply beyond control. These cancer cells multiply and grow into a lump or tumour and can spread to other parts of the body.

"Your risk of getting cancer increases the more you are exposed to a carcinogen," says Dr Albrecht. "That is why it is important to know the different carcinogens and avoid being exposed to them in order to reduce your risk of getting cancer."

Tips to help keep you health
There are quite a number of simple precautions you can take to help prevent getting cancer. They don’t cost money, or cost very little money - and you could start with them today:

Stop smoking, or even better, don’t even start. To try and stop later, when you have a 40-a-day habit, is simply no joke. If you need any motivation, think of the fact that one in every two smokers die from smoking-related illnesses.
Make sure that the food you eat does not contain more calories than you can use. Exercise is important – especially after that hamburger. Being overweight must be avoided at all costs. It is much easier to avoid those extra five kilograms, than trying to get rid of them when they’re already there.
Rather eat refined carbohydrates, such as brown rice or wholewheat bread. Stay away from white bread and too much white rice and pasta.
Hold back when it comes to the salt. We need a bit of salt, but we eat about ten times as much on a daily basis as we need. Also look out for salt hidden in certain foods, such as sauces and pickles.
Reduce your intake of animal fats, both meat products and dairy products. Meat and dairy products, although they make up a part of most healthy diets, can contain huge amounts of fat. The secret lies in eating small quantities of these.
Drink more tea. But don’t put too much sugar into your cuppa – the extra kilojoules could be cancelling out the beneficial effects of the tea.
We know spinach might not top your list of favourite foods, but it contains folic acid, which is important in the prevention of cancer. So, for your own sake, find a way to make it palatable.
Eat more omega-3 fatty acids, such as those you find in fish. Use canola oil rather than sunflower oil. And lots of olive oil – the cold-pressed kind.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. About five portions per day should do the trick. And remember the berries, tomatoes and beans – they can only do you a world of good.
Stay out of the sun as far as is possible. And if you can’t, remember to wear a high-factor sunblock. Speak to your pharmacist about this. A lovely tan at age 19 can mean skin cancer by age 35.
Try to reduce your stress levels - make time for breakaways, holidays, hobbies and family time.
And, if you can, try to find a home in a pollutant-free environment.

For more information, contact your nearest CANSA office, see www.cansa.org.za or call CANSA toll free on 0800 22 66 22 during office hours.

August 2008