Prevention and Survivorship Flashcards
What percent of cancer cases could be prevented through healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and excess sun exposure, and getting vaccines and regular screenings?
40%
How does excess body fat increase cancer risk?
- Increases IGF-1 and leptin levels which can activate signaling pathways that promote growth and proliferation of cancer cells and inhibit apoptosis
- Chronic low-grade systemic inflammation which can promote oxidative stress
- Adipose tissue is primary site of estrogen production -> increased risk of endometrial and post-menopausal breast cancer
- Decreases adiponectin which is a cancer-protective hormone (due to acting against the development of insulin resistance)
How much exercise is recommended for adults to reduce cancer risk?
At least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly
How much exercise is recommended for children and adolescents to reduce cancer risk?
At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily
How does physical activity reduce cancer risk?
- Weight maintenance
- Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin levels
- Decreased levels of sex steroid hormones
- Increased gut transit time (less colon cell exposure to carcinogens)
- Improved immune function
How may nutrients found in plant foods reduce cancer risk?
- Change histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and microRNAs that regulate cancer progression
- Affect hormones influential in cancer process (fiber slows glucose absorption -> reduces insulin secretion, fiber may also decrease circulating estrogen levels)
- Support antioxidant defenses (carotenoids, vitamin C and E, flavonoids, polyphenols, allyl sulfur compounds)
- Intestinal microbiota act on fermentable fiber and resistant starch to produce butyrate (SCFA which promotes normal colon cell development and may reduce inflammation)
What is the recommended amount of red meat (beef, lamb, pork) intake for cancer risk reduction?
No more than 12-18 oz per week
Processed meats should be limited or avoided for cancer risk reduction. What does the term processed meat include?
Meat preserved by smoking, curing, fermenting, salting or the addition of chemical preservatives (ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, pastrami, salami)
What percent does colon cancer risk increase by for every 100g of red meat consumed daily?
12%
What percent does colon cancer risk increase by for every 100g of processed meat consumed daily?
32%
Why may red meat and processed meat consumption increase cancer risk?
- Red meat contains heme iron -> production of free radicals, promotes formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) in the gut
- NOCs form when nitrites combine with amines during curing process or in the GI tract
- Cooking meat at high temps produces heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (carcinogens)
What should alcohol intake be limited to for those who drink to reduce cancer risk?
Women: No more than 1 standard drink daily
Men: No more than 2 standard drinks daily
Standard drink = 14 g ethanol (5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, 1.5 oz liquor)
There is strong evidence that alcohol intake increases the risk of which cancers?
Mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus (SCC), liver, stomach, colorectum, and breast
How does lactation and breastfeeding reduce cancer risk?
- Associate period of amenorrhea reduces lifetime exposure to estrogen
- Cells with potential DNA damage are eliminated through exfoliation of breast tissue during lactation and through a major apoptosis of epithelial cells at the end of lactation
True or False: Studies have shown bariatric surgery to reduce cancer risk in formerly obese patients.
True
