According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is preventable and treatable. The leading causes of cancer are tobacco, infections, alcohol, obesity and air pollutants.

Tobacco

Smoking damages DNA and causes cancer. Tobacco is associated with the following cancers:

  • Bladder
  • Blood (acute myeloid leukemia)
  • Cervix
  • Colon and rectum
  • Esophagus
  • Kidney and renal pelvis
  • Liver
  • Lungs, bronchi and trachea
  • Mouth and throat
  • Pancreas
  • Stomach
  • Voice box (larynx)

Prevention: smoking cessation or avoidance.

Infections

  • Certain infections are associated with cancers.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus and oropharynx.
  • Chronic infections with hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause liver cancer.

Prevention: human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, hepatitis B vaccination, and treatment of active hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections.

Alcohol

  • Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing mouth and throat cancer, voice box (larynx) cancer, esophageal cancer, colon and rectal cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer in women.
  • The human body breaks down alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde damages your DNA and prevents your body from repairing the damage. Damaged DNA can cause a cell to grow without control and cause cancer.

Prevention: avoidance of alcohol.

Obesity

Obesity is associated with the following cancers:

  • Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
  • Breast (in postmenopausal women)
  • Colon and rectum
  • Uterus
  • Gallbladder
  • Upper stomach
  • Kidneys
  • Liver
  • Ovaries
  • Pancreas
  • Thyroid
  • Meningioma (a type of brain tumor)
  • Multiple myeloma

Prevention: a healthy, well-balanced diet and physical activity.

Air pollutants

Air pollution is associated with lung cancer and urinary tract and bladder cancer.

Prevention: reducing exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution, including radon (a radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium; exposure to radon can occur in homes and buildings).

Sun exposure

Sun exposure causes cancers that include:

  • Melanoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
  • Basal cell carcinoma of the skin

Prevention: wearing sunscreen (on skin and lips), wearing protective clothing and hats, avoiding peak sun at midday, and avoiding indoor tanning beds.

Foods

  • Foods that are associated with cancer include processed foods, processed meats, red meat and charred food, sugar, fried foods and alcohol.
  • Red meats and processed foods increase the risk of colorectal cancer (American Institute for Cancer Research).
  • Sugar and fast foods increase the risk of obesity, which increases the risk of cancers.

Prevention: eating a balanced diet rich in healthy nutrients.

This article is general information, not advice for your situation. Members can call the office with questions about their own care.