Types of Cancer and Prevention

Cancer of the Lung

This needless problem is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. About 90 percent of lung cancer is caused directly by cigarette smoking. In men, lung cancer is now on the decline due to recent trends toward less frequent cigarette use.

Cancer of the Breast

Breast cancer frequency appears to be importantly increased by obesity and by high-fat diets. The mechanism is not entirely clear but appears to involve two factors: (1) There are greater amounts of breast tissue in which to develop a cancer, and (2) this makes it more difficult to detect an early cancer. Prevention involves weight control and lower-saturated fats in the diet. Secondary prevention (early detection) techniques include monthly breast self examination and yearly physician examination. After age 50, yearly mammography (X-rays of the breasts) is recommended.

Cancer of Esophagus

Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking greatly influence risk here, as does heave alcohol intake.

Cancer of the Mouth and Tongue

Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoking account for over 90 percent of these cancers. The cancers are often, but not always, preceded by development of leukoplakia, whitish patches on the throat or tongue. Smokers should stop; those who don’t should inspect the inside of their mouth and throat with a flashlight at perhaps monthly intervals.

Cancer of the Colon

Recently, the dietary factors that influence development of colon cancer have become partly recognized. These factors account for about half of these tumors. The factor for prevention of colon cancer is to eat enough dietary fiber. This is found in unrefined grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber in the diet helps regulate the bowels. It also helps lower the serum cholesterol. With sufficient fiber, there is less frequent development of pre-cancerous colon polyps and a greatly decreased likelihood of malignant change in the colon.

Cancer of the Cervix

Cancer of the cervix (mouth of the uterus) has been rapidly declining in women in most developed countries, probably because of improved hygiene. The Pap smear is critically important for secondary prevention (early detection) and actually acts in some ways as primary prevention by detecting pre-cancerous changes. For prevention, follow your doctor’s recommendation for Pap smears. Usually, this will be every three years or so if smears are negative. At age 50, Pap smears should be done every one or two years.

Cancer of the Uterus

Risk factors are not well established for this cancer, but estrogen therapy appears to play at least a small role in some women.

Cancer of the Liver

Heavy alcohol intake increases the many fold the likelihood of these very difficult-to-treat cancers.

Cancer of the Skin

The sun is the big culprit with these often minor caners. Sun exposure, particularly in fair-skinned individuals, causes recent tissue irritation, pre-malignant changes, and then cancer, usually squamous cell cancer. Malignant melanoma, potentially a more serious cancer, has been related to episodes of sever sunburn during the teenage years. Secondary prevention is reasonably simple but sometimes neglected. You need to watch your skin for development of new lumps, changes in color of warts and moles, or small sores that don’t heal. Cure is almost automatic if you detect and treat these problems early enough.

Other Cancers

No definite risk factors have been identified for cancer of the stomach, pancreas, prostate, or brain. Lymphomas (cancers of the lymph system) and leukemias (cancers of the blood) may result from radiation exposure or from chemotherapy given for other cancers or other diseases.