Cancer and Prevention

Cancer• Environmental agents, genetic

factors, and weaknesses in the body’s immune system can contribute to the development of cancer

• Cancer –Abnormal, uncontrolled cellular

growth

Tumors• Benign versus malignant tumors

–Malignant Tumor or Neoplasm: Cancerous and capable of spreading

–Benign Tumor: Noncancerous and nonspreading

• A total of 1,529,560 new cancer cases are projected to occur in the United States in 2010 (American Cancer Society)

• 15 million new cancer cases per year by 2020, says WHO (World Health Organization)

How Cancer Spreads: Metastasis• Metastasis = spread of cancer cells from

one part of the body to another –Blood vessels–Lymphatic system

• Secondary tumors or metastases• Carcinogen: Any substance that causes

cancer

Common Cancers: Lung Cancer• Leading cause of cancer death• Chief risk factor = smoking• Smoking causes about 3000 lung cancer

deaths per year• Symptoms = Persistant cough, chest pain• Treatment = Combination of surgery,

radiation, chemotherapy• Survival rate = 15% after five years

Common Cancers: Colon and Rectal Cancer

• Second leading cause of cancer death• Risk factors

–Age–Preexisting polyps–Heredity–Inactivity and obesity–Diets high in red meat, smoked foods,

simple sugars–Excessive alcohol consumption–Smoking

Common Cancers: Colon and Rectal Cancer

• Symptoms–Bleeding from the rectum–Change in bowel habits

• Testing–Stool blood test–Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

• Treatment–Surgery is primary method of treatment

Common Cancers: Breast Cancer• Most common cancer in women and second to lung

cancer in the number of cancer deaths among women• Causes/risk factors

– Heredity– Long-term exposure to high blood levels of estrogen

• Early onset of menstruation• Late onset of menopause• No children or first child after age 30• Obesity• Current use of HRT (hormone replacement

therapy)• Alcohol use

– Inactivity– Diet low in vegetables and fiber

Common Cancers: Breast Cancer• Early detection

– Mammography (low-dose X ray) after age 40– Clinical breast exams– Breast awareness and self-examinations

• Diagnosis– Ultrasonography : Imaging method using high-pitched

sound– Biopsy = removal and examination of a small piece of

body tissue• Treatment

– Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy)– Chemotherapy or radiation, social support

Common Cancers: Prostate Cancer• Most common cancer in men and second to

lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths among men

• Risk factors–Age–African American ethnicity–Heredity–Lifestyle factors

• Diets high in calories, dairy products, and animal fat and low in plant foods

• Obesity and inactivity• History of STDs

Common Cancers: Prostate Cancer• Detection and diagnosis

–Rectal exam–PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test–Ultrasound–Biopsy

• Treatment–Surgery–Radioactive seeds

• Survival rate = 98% at 5 years

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract

• Cervical cancer–Linked to infection with HPV (genital

warts)–Detected with the Pap test = scraping

of cells from the cervix for examination–Abnormal cells are monitored over

time; if they progress toward malignancy, they are removed

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract

• Uterine or endometrial Cancer–Risk factors similar to those for breast

cancer–Usually detected by pelvic examination–Treatment = surgery, possibly

combined with radiation and chemotherapy

–Survival rate = 96% at 5 years

Cancers of the Female Reproductive Tract• Ovarian cancer

– Risk factors similar to breast and endometrial cancer• Anything that lowers the lifetime number of

ovulation cycles reduces risk– Usually has no symptoms and is difficult to detect– Treatment = surgery– Survival rate is low due to late detection

• Other female reproductive tract cancers– Clear cell cancer of vagina or cervix is more

common among daughters of women who took DES during pregnancy

Common Cancers• Oral cancer

–Key risk factors are tobacco use (including spit tobacco) and consumption of alcohol

–Easy to detect but difficult to treat

• Testicular cancer–Rare overall, but most common cancer in

men age 20–35 years–Can be detected with self-examination

Skin Cancers• Most common type of cancer when cases of

the highly curable forms are included• Primary risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet

(UV) radiation– UVA: Longer wavelength; damages connective

tissue, leads to premature aging of the skin, causes skin cancer

– UVB: Shorter wavelength; causes sunburn, damages eyes and immune system, causes skin cancer

Skin Cancers• Basal cell carcinoma: cancer of the

deepest layers of the skin• Squamous cell carcinoma: cancer of

the surface layers of the skin• Melanoma: Malignant tumor of the

skin that arises from pigmented cells, usually a mole; the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Preventing Skin Cancer• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats,

sunglasses• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF

(30+)• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure,

15–30 minutes after exposure begins, and frequently after that; apply extra if you are using DEET

• Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM• Check UV index• Avoid tanning salons

UV Index

Other Cancers• Pancreatic cancer: very deadly form of

cancer• Bladder cancer• Kidney cancer• Brain cancer• Leukemia = cancer of white blood cells• Lymphoma = cancer that begins in the

lymph nodes

Cancer Treatment• Surgery • Radiation

– Treatment with high energy x-rays targeted on the cancer site to kill or shrink cancerous cells

– Often kills surrounding healthy cells as well as cancerous cells

• Chemotherapy– Drugs kill rapidly growing cancer cells– Administered via the blood stream– These drugs are highly toxic and kill healthy cells– Side Effects include pain, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, loss

of appetite, ulcers, anemia, immune system suppression, weight loss, muscle atrophy

Causes of Cancer Cell Development• DNA Mutations• Epidemiologic factors• Chemical Carcinogens• Radiation Damage• Viruses • Inactivity and Obesity• Nutrition• Stress

The Causes of Cancer: Role of DNA• DNA basics

–DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid, a chemical substance that carries genetic information

–Chromosome = threadlike body in a cell nucleus that contains molecules of DNA

–Gene = section of chromosome that contains the instructions for making a particular protein

The Causes of Cancer: Role of DNA• DNA mutations and cancer

–A mutated gene no longer contains the proper code for producing its protein

–Oncogene: Gene involved in the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell

• Cancer promoters = compounds that accelerate cell growth

Epidemiological Factors• Epidemiology

–Study of disease incidence in populations

• Studies of cancer involve:–Age–Genetics–Lifestyle–Diet and Bodyweight–Geographic Region–Race

Percentage of All Cancer Deaths Linked to Risk Factors

Chemical Carcinogens • Any substance that produces cancer

–Cigarettes–Talc

• A mineral, produced by the mining of rocks. Processing eliminates trace minerals from the talc, but does not separate minute fibers which are very similar to asbestos. Talc is found in baby powder, deodorants, chalk, crayons, soap, insulating materials, paints, asphalt filler, paper, and in food processing.

Top 12 Cancer Causing Household Chemicals• Air Fresheners• Ammonia• Bleach• Carpet and

Upholstery Shampoo

• Dishwasher Detergent

• Drain Cleaners

• Laundry Detergent• Dishwashing Liquid• Furniture Polish• Mold and Mildew

Cleaners• Oven Cleaners• Toilet Bowl Cleaners• From the United States

Government, Environmental Protection Agency , Office of the Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Washington, DC 20660

Radiation Damage and Viruses• Radiation Damage

–X-Rays and Sunlight

• Viruses–Take over the cell to reproduce themselves–Hepatitis B and C (may cause liver cancer)–Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (may cause

cervical cancer)–Epstein-Barr Virus/Mononucleosis (may

cause nasopharyngeal cancer)

Stress and Diet• Stress may suppress the immune system• Diet:

– Being overweight or obese is linked with an increased risk of cancers of the breast (among women after menopause), colon, endometrium, esophagus, and kidney

– Drinking water may decrease the risk of bladder cancer• Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-

causing substances in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with the bladder lining

Cancer Causing Foods• Hot dogs, bacon, ham, pepperoni, sausage, lunch meats,

pickled and smoked foods• Nitrates and Nitrites are found in processed meats.

They combine with stomach acids and chemicals in foods to form nitrosamines, which are powerful carcinogens

• Charred, Burned, or Grilled Meats– Numerous toxic, mutagenic by-products are formed.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cancers of the colon, stomach and other digestive system malignancies are associated with high intake of charred or burned meats.

Cancer Causing Foods• Doughnuts, french fries, tator tots, hash

browns, potato chips, crackers –The frying of starchy foods in high heat

produces acrylamides –Acrylamide is a tumor causing agent and

neurotoxin which has adverse effects on the brain and reproductive system (www.livestrong.com)

Cancer Causing Foods• Soft Drinks:

–A government analysis showed that some soft drinks had high levels of benzene – a chemical linked to leukemia. It confirmed that the preservative sodium benzoate may break down to form benzene in drinks containing either ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid. Coca-Cola was sued as part of an effort to eliminate ingredients that may create benzene.

Cancer Causing Foods• Alcohol:

–Raises the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), esophagus, liver, breast, and colon (American Cancer Society)

–People should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (American Cancer Society)

Cancer Causing Foods• Carrageenan is a seaweed derivative used in a wide

variety of foods and cosmetics. In its original form, it has not been classified as a carcinogen, but in it’s broken down form it has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

• Saccharin or Sweet ‘N Low, is an artificial sweetener that is known to cause cancer

• Artificial Colors, or FD&C Colors • Green #3, Blue #1, Blue #2, Red #3, Yellow #6 found in candy,

baked goods, gelatin, and sausages• Causes allergic reactions and cancer (brain, thyroid, kidney, and

adrenal) in lab animals

Dietary Guidelines for Cancer Prevention

• Eat a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits spices and herbs that are rich in the 3 A’s –

cancer fighters/phyters (phyto – Greek for plant)• The 3 A’s

–Antioxidants–Anti-inflammatories–Anticarcinogens

The 3 A’s of Cancer and Nutrition• Antioxidants

– Prevent free radical formation which if unchecked causes damage to DNA

• Anti-inflammatories – Prevent elevated rates of cell division which

may increase “mistakes” in DNA• Anticarcinogens

– Prevent DNA damage and allow time for DNA repair

• Good News! MANY DELICIOUS FOODS PROVIDE ALL 3

Antioxidant Foods• Fruits

– Cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, grapes, pomegranate, raspberries, kiwi, guava, tomatoes

• Vegetables– Kale, spinach, beets, brussels sprouts, bell

peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, red cabbage, artichoke, garlic (raw)

• Legumes–Red beans, pinto beans, kidney beans

Antioxidant Foods• Nuts

–Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts• Spices and Herbs

–Cloves, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cumin, basil, sage, thyme, peppermint, dill weed, paprika

• Vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) in whole grains and natural, cold pressed oils

• Green Tea

Anti-inflammatory Foods• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

– Green leafy vegetables, mackerel, herring, sardines• Omega 6 fatty acids

– Flaxseed, borage and blackcurrant seed oils, pumpkin and sunflower seeds (raw), olives, olive oil

• Natural salicylates (reduce inflammation)– Turmeric, ginger, sage, rosemary, thyme, curry,

apricots, broccoli, strawberries, cherries, blackberries, plums, pineapples, capsaicin (active ingredient in chili peppers)

• Green tea, cocoa and red wine

Anticarcinogen Foods• Spices

– Curry powder-a combination of turmeric and cumin and may include coriander, ginger, garlic, chilies, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and tamarind

– Turmeric, Cumin, Saffron, – Capsaicin-"Capsaicin inhibits the growth of human

prostate cancer cells in petri dishes and mice," Dr. H. Phillip Koeffler, director of hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

• Citrus fruits • Brazil nuts (excellent source of selenium)

Anticarcinogen Foods• Herbs

– Fennel– Parsley-contains three times as much vitamin C as

oranges, and twice as much iron as spinach (Dr. Mercola, DO)

• Green tea • Pomegranates • Tomatoes (excellent source of lycopene)• Asparagus• Broccoli-rich in selenium, contains twice the vitamin C of an

orange, has almost as much calcium as whole milk--and the calcium is better absorbed (Dr. Mercola, DO)

AnticarcinogensVitamin D – New Findings

• Functions:– Calcium uptake and bone breakdown regulation– Carbohydrate and insulin regulation– Brain and nervous system function – mood and

cognition

• May prevent prostate, breast and colorectal cancer

• Relationship thought to be associated with Vitamin D and UV light exposure

Foods of Special Benefit• Onions, garlic, and leeks may help liver and

kidney detoxification• Mushrooms are a rich source of beta glucans. Beta-glucans have been used to treat people

with gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. They may be able to stimulate the immune system.

Mushrooms (cooked) induce natural killer cells and are rich in potassium

Foods of Special Benefit• Black Raspberries – highly effective at

killing cancer cells in vitro and in animal studies (Ohio State, USDA)

• Resveratrol-chemical found in the skins of grapes and berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries )–Red wine and red grape juice are good

sources

Foods of Special Benefit• Green Tea

– Contains polyphenols-antioxidant chemicals in plants

– Emerging clinical studies suggest that the polyphenols in green tea, may play an important role in the prevention of cancer

– In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who consumed the most green tea experienced the least spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal women in the early stages of breast cancer) (University of Maryland Medical Center)

Dietary Guidelines for Cancer Prevention• Eat a varied plant-based diet• Eat 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day

– Cruciferous vegetables– Citrus fruits and berries– Dark-green leafy vegetables– Dark-yellow, orange, or red fruits or vegetables

• Eat high-fiber foods• Limit consumption of meat and total fat; favor

monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats

• Limit consumption of charred, blackened, cured, smoked meat and fish

• Be moderate in consumption of alcohol

SOURCE: National CancerInstitute

Cancer Nutrition Therapy• Smaller, more frequent meals. Have a meal or snack

every 1 to 2 hours• Eat more when feeling better• Avoid fatty or overly sweet foods• Do not recline immediately after eating• Replace fluids and electrolytes• Use foods with pleasant aromas• Add high-calorie condiments, sauces, dressings• Add extra ingredients during food preparation• Avoid low-calorie foods and beverages

Preventing Cancer• Avoid tobacco• Control diet and weight• Exercise regularly• Protect skin from sun• Avoid environmental and occupational

carcinogens• Be aware of warning signs, and get

recommended screening tests