Cancer Prevention
* Cancer is the leading cause of premature mortality in the West.
* In Canada, one in three people will be affected by cancer during their lifetime.
* Two-thirds of cancers are caused by factors related to lifestyle. Everything suggests that eating well, quitting smoking, exercising and managing stress can help prevent cancer.
Screening measures
For certain types of cancers, early detection significantly improves the chances of survival. This is the case for cancers of the breast, colon and cervix. Consult the specific forms of cancer to learn more.
Note. If you suspect a family predisposition, it is now possible for certain types of cancer, to genetic screening. We consider this test only when several members of the immediate family are affected or were affected by the same type of cancer. If the test confirms a genetic predisposition, specific preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. However, such an approach requires a special support, because the results have significant impact on the entire family.
Basic preventive measures Of course, the fight against cancer does not just individual but collective: reduce greenhouse gases, build cities to promote physical activity, etc..
The following steps describe what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Good habits are almost as effective in preventing the occurrence of cancer as they are to prevent disturbances cardiaques
Do not smoke or quit smoking. Several types of cancers are related to smoking. See our Smoking sheet.
Adopt as far as possible anticancer diet. Relying heavily on the results of epidemiological studies, animal studies and in vitro studies, researchers and doctors have issued recommendations to promote consumption of foods that help the body fight against the cancer3, 4,12,13. These measures may also prevent cancer, according to many studies. It is believed that the remission of cancer could be promoted.
* Fruits and vegetables and fresh. According to available data, these foods in particular have demonstrated anticancer virtues:
- The brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.).
- The alliacées (onion, garlic, shallot, leek, chives, onions);
- Dark green vegetables;
- Tomatoes;
- Citrus fruit;
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.)..
Vegetable juices, fruit and soups hurry may help to eat enough.
* A balanced and adequate intake of essential fatty acids. Focus on Omega-3, found in fatty fish and oil, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil (rapeseed), and so on. Limit hydrogenated fats (trans fat) content including hydrogenated margarines, pastries, pizza dough and biscuits industry, as well as saturated fat content in pork fat and beef, butter, cream, etc.. See our File Bold: war and peace.
* Soy (beans, miso, soy sauce, tofu, soy milk, green beans or edamame soybeans).
* From turmeric. Ideally, eat turmeric with pepper, which increases the absorption of turmeric by the body.
* Green Tea.
Eliminate or avoid as often as possible
* Excessive calories;
* Refined sugars and white flour;
* The dishes prepared in industry;
* Red Meat;
* Pickled foods, canned, smoked, fried or processed, which contain lots of salt and carcinogens;
* Meats (ham, bacon, sausage, etc..), Which contains nitrite, potentially carcinogenic;
* Cooked meat to the flame (barbeque). The lag of fatty meat and ignites produces aromatic hydrocarbons, products that adhere to the surface of meat and can be carcinogenic. It seems that leaving marinate the meat in a marinade containing an acid (like lemon juice) reduce the formation of these toxins.
Focus organic food. Some experts recommend that people with cancer to eat organic food. According to them, fruits, vegetables and whole grains from organic farming would have a better nutritional value than their equivalents from traditional agriculture. However, it remains to démontrer14, 15. For more information, read our article Bio: for better health?
Staying physically active. The practice of regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer, and possibly other cancers, like prostate and ovary. The benefits on overall health are many. A minimum of 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended.
Limit consumption of alcohol. In light of the most recent studies, no regular alcohol consumption seems to be sécuritaire68, 69. To reduce the risk of cancer, Canadian Cancer Society advises women to limit their alcohol consumption to less than one drink per day and men less than two drinks per jour70.
Protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. Cancer of the cervix is more common among women who have had unprotected sex with multiple partners. They are more likely to be carrying the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cancer of the cervix.
Do not expose to sunlight for prolonged periods without adequate protection. It is important to protect the skin during times of strong sunlight to avoid sunburn and prevent skin cancer, especially for people with fair skin. For more details, see our file Sun and cancer: the controversy continues.
Minimize exposure to carcinogens. At work and at home, avoid exposure to known carcinogens (herbicides and pesticides, radiation, harmful chemicals, etc.).. Comply with the safety measures applied to products. Note that the Canadian Cancer Society encourages the banning of chemical pesticides on lawns and gardens, as they could be nocifs16. It also cautions against the treated wood that contains arsenic and chromium, two acknowledged carcinogens.
Ensure their well-being. In this regard, any attempt to improve their response to stressors or exit of a persistent feeling of helplessness, if any, must be considered: awareness of the origin of ill-being, meditation, physical activity moderate, deep breathing, etc.. If necessary, a process in psychotherapy can be helpful. See our case the stress and anxiety and our sheet Psychotherapy. In the case of memories and emotions related to traumatic experience, Dr. David Servan-Schreiber18, french psychiatrist, recommends the approach of EMDR (the neuro-emotional integration by eye movements). Several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in relieving the syndrome of post-traumatic stress.
Measures to prevent worsening and recurrence
* Preventive measures described above help to slow the progression of cancer and prevent recurrence. These measures are extremely important for people with cancer, in addition to medical treatment, but unfortunately, remain underutilized.
* Other treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy are usually offered to prevent recurrence of cancer.