Reply to comment

Cancer will surpass heart disease and be the world's leading killer by 2010, according to the World Health Organizations (WHO). Seven million Americans will die and an expected twelve million people will be living with cancer next year.

Tobacco use is on the rise worldwide in developing countries with China and India leading the way. Cancer cases have declined in the United States due to advanced screening, treatment and fewer smokers. Less than 20% of the adult US population smoke, a low since records were kept.

Global cancer rates have doubled in the last 30 years and is expected to double again by 2020 and triple by 2030. Cases have migrated from the west to developing countries with more people dying of cancer than HIV, malaria and TB combined. Health budgets are limited in developing countries with few funds available to treat cancer.

The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have released a report asking the US government to assist with 6 points which include funding cervical cancer and international tobacco control. “Although cancer is a devastating disease, it is largely preventable. We know that preventive measures such as tobacco control, reduction of alcohol consumption increased physical activity, vaccination for Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and screening and awareness could have a great impact on reducing the global cancer burden.” says IARC’s Dr. Peter Boyle.

Here are a few tips that you can follow to prevent and reduce your risk of cancer.

1.Eat fewer carcinogenic foods (i.e. BBQ, trans-fats, meat, sugar, fast food).
2.Avoid foods that use pesticides.
3.Include more antioxidants in your diet. Eat lots and lots of fruit!
4.Switch cleaning supplies to eco-friendly natural detergents and soaps.
5.Destress – stress leads to oxidation of the cells which increases free radical damage. The more free radicals present, the more cancer causing damage occurs.
6.Exercise lots – It's recommended that we exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Find time to take a brisk walk, lift some weights or take a fitness class and increase endorphins while reducing mental stress.
7.Quit smoking.
8.Get rid of anything with Bishpenol A (BPA), such as hard plastic water bottles, popcorn-in-a-bag, canned food, or non-stick pans. Since 1997, over 100 published studies have documented adverse effects in animals caused by exposure to low levels of BPA.
9.Get screened regularly, especially if you're high risk.
10.Decrease alcohol intake.

With proper eating, good nutrition and less stress, we can reduce our risk of getting cancer with proper prevention techniques. For more information, visit IARC.org