There’s good news for women at high risk for developing breast cancer. According to an analysis by Dr. Stephanie Land and colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, a few simple lifestyle changes can significantly decrease the risk of not only breast cancer, but also colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and lung cancer: http://www.ascopost.com/articles/july-1-2011/smoking-and-lack-of-exercise-increase-risk-of-some-cancers,-but-moderate-alcohol-consumption.aspx.
The researchers evaluated more than 11,000 women deemed to be at high risk for breast cancer who participated in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial. Not surprisingly, women who smoked had a higher risk of lung cancer. However, the link between smoking and breast cancer risk was also statistically significant. Women who drank “one or fewer” alcoholic beverages daily had a 65% lower risk of colon cancer compared to non-drinkers (drinking more heavily didn’t improve the benefit). Lastly, the least active women in the study had a 72% increase in their risk of uterine cancer. So, the action steps from this research sound like: don’t smoke, drink in moderation, and stay active.
There are two main takeaway points from this study, in my opinion. First, very simple (maybe not easy, but simple) lifestyle changes can significantly decrease the risk of developing multiple cancers. Save money on unproven supplements and fad diets and plow it into buying fresh whole foods and some good athletic footwear! A detailed discussion about similar ways to reduce cancer risk while saving money can be found in When Cancer Hits Home http://www.amazon.com/product/dp/0615391117. Second, at least for women at high risk for breast cancer, one main pathway to risk reduction is under their control. While we can’t control our genetics, we certainly can take charge of our lifestyle!
- Patrick Maguire – MD
One reason studies have trouble showing that more fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk (heart disease, diabetes, etc.) is that all too few Americans eat enough of them to make a difference (less than 3 a week in most cases). #1 American vegetable is french fries – no nutrients. #2 is ketchup -better, but! And #3 is iceberg lettuce, ditto on the no nutrients to speak of.
Real fruit, real veggies, some daily physical activity, a relaxation, some dietary supplements or herbs, and a detox method is what we suggest at the all-volunteer cancer patient-run nonprofit http://www.annieappleseedproject.org
Good point about the generally poor American diet, especially lack of fruit and vegetables. Best studies showing benefit in terms of decreasing cancer risk need to be massive, including tens of thousands of people both with and without the variable in question (in this case, fruit and veggie eating). A good example discussed in When Cancer Hits Home is the EPIC study in Europe.
Studies bear out the continued need of nutritional advantages to eating a balanced diet. Exercise I believe is also another medication, simple and readily available. I heard recently that food stamps still pay for sodas. I’m scratching my head about that one.
When we are able to have a more balanced life, one that is less stressful, I believe we make more balanced choices.