Taking our theme from the title of this publication, Live to 100, the focus on cancer concerns relates to prevention, and the measures we can take to avoid developing one of the many types of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, there are many lifestyle and environmental factors that are considered significant causes of what are categorised as ‘preventable’ cancers.
Breast cancer, lung cancer and bowel cancer are just a few types of cancer that can be linked to the risk factors.
Get The Scoop on Cancer
While the outlook on cancer has been bleak for many years, progress has been made in many treatments and we are seeing encouraging results.
Kill Cancer with Coffee
A study conducted by Lund University and Skane University Hospital in Sweden and the UK’s Bristol University has found evidence that a mixture of tamoxifen treatment and two cups of coffee per day reduced the risk of breast cancer tumours returning. Tamoxifen is a hormonal treatment used to treat some cases of breast cancer.
The Cancer Vaccine
Scientists from Johannes Gutenburg University in Germany have published research showing that a cancer vaccine tailor-made for individual patients is now one step closer. According to the study, a prototype injection caused the complete control of aggressive tumours in laboratory mice.
Treating Prostrate Cancer
Some men with advanced prostate cancer may benefit from medication that was originally intended to treat breast and ovarian cancers, reported Cancer Research UK. Olaparib is the first cancer medication that targets specific defects in cells’ ability to repair damaged DNA.
No More Snacking
Recent research by scientists from the University of California suggests that late night snacking may heighten the risk of developing breast cancer. Findings of the study show that an increase in overnight fasting reduces the glucose levels of some women, which could help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Minimise Your Risk
If you know you are at risk from one or more of the factors listed in our checklist, you are in an ideal position to make some positive lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
Be smoke free
Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world. It causes nearly one in five cancers and more than eight in 10 lung cancers in the UK.
Watch your weight
More than 50 percent of all adults in the UK are overweight or obese. Being overweight causes heart disease, diabetes and many different types of cancer. Eating healthily and being active will help you keep a healthy weight.
Eat healthily
Diet greatly affects the risk of developing cancer. Experts believe that nearly one in 10 UK cancers may be linked to an unhealthy diet. While it is unlikely that any single food or nutrient on its own will have a major impact on cancer risk, eating healthily can make a big difference. Eating lots of red and processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer.
Drink less alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of seven different types of cancer. All types of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, including beer, spirits and wine.
Be active
Keeping active could help prevent thousands of cancers in the UK every year. By being physically active, you can reduce the risk of bowel, breast and womb cancer.
Be Sun Smart
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sun beds is the main cause of skin cancer. Whether at home or abroad, protect your skin from sunburn. The summer sun is strongest around the middle of the day. Between 11am and 3pm:
Practise safe sex
Some sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of cancer. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). The hepatitis B virus is a common cause of cancer that starts in the liver. The virus can be spread through unprotected sex. Using a condom can reduce your chance of getting or spreading these viruses, so it is best to practise safe sex.
SOURCES: NHS UK, Nature, Cancer Research UK, University of California.
See also: Preventing Dementia
See also: Why Cervical Cancer is Important
