Best practices to avoid cancer

According to cancer.org, most recent data suggests that the probability for developing some form of cancer within your lifetime is fairly high. For women, the numbers stand at one out of five, but for men, the chances are significantly greater -- one out of three.

These statistics also suggest that the majority of people have been affected by cancer in some way, either personally or knowing someone who has dealt with the disease. While it’s important to funnel resources into organizations like Relay For Life to raise money and awareness for cures, it is also crucial to find ways to prevent yourself from contracting one of the many diseases that classify as cancer.

The best way to go about preventing cancer is to first understand what it is.

Cancer.gov defines cancer as a genetic disease that is caused by “certain changes to genes that control the way our cells function, especially how they grow and divide.”

The site goes on to explain that while it may not be caused by inherited genetic mutations, the disease can sometimes appear to “run in families.” Shared environments or lifestyles are often the causes for similar cases within families. Factors such as tobacco use or hereditary cancer syndrome could also be responsible for inter-family diagnosis.

While hereditary cancer syndrome can not be prevented, factors like tobacco use can.

Kelly Jirovec, student health nurse, said she believed healthy habits are a great way to lower your risk of cancer.

Diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle routines are just some of the tips Jirovec said can help prevent cancer. She added that sticking to the food pyramid and consuming products in moderation is the most appropriate way to stick to a healthier diet.

Doane Health Educator, Amy Schlichting, said that consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants can help battle free radicals in the body, molecules associated with human diseases. She also mentioned the importance of managing stress since it's linked to chronic diseases.

“Eat right, get enough sleep, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen,” Jirovec said. “All the things your mom told you.”

Prevention is important but early detection of cancer can mean a world of difference in terms of receiving successful treatment.

According to the World Health Organization, “there are two major components of early detection of cancer: education to promote early diagnosis and screening.”

The site explains that screening is the administration of “simple tests across a healthy population” to identify those who have cancer but may not be exhibiting symptoms.

Jirovec said that while physical exams may not prevent cancer, early detection can put you in control. She mentioned pap smears, colonoscopies, self breast exams and testicular exams as examples of preventative testing.

“The key is being familiar with your own body. Going in yearly for an annual exam is important.” Jirovec said. “Everybody should be doing monthly breast exams especially at the college-age level. Your breasts change to your monthly cycle. For men, monthly testicular exams, they’ll show you videos on how guys should do it. It’s important to be familiar with your own body so you know if something changes.”

Jirovec suggested that a quick online search would guide you to instructions on how to perform various types of self exams.

“Even YouTube can teach someone how to do an exam, just type in 'how to do a self breast exam',” she said.

The Doane Health and Wellness survey reported back with 41.8 percent of females conducting self-breast exams in the last 30 days upon taking the survey, whereas only 36.6 percent of men reported doing a testicular self-exam daily.

“Testicular cancer is more prevalent in this age group than breast cancer is,” Jirovec said.

She was most alarmed by the low numbers of students who applied sunscreen regularly. About 44.4 percent of Doane students reported using sunscreen.

“Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate against age,” Jirovec said.

Schlichting said to be aware when you’re outside how your freckles and moles may become more apparent.

“It’s important to look and see if anything is changing color, shape or size,” she said, adding that if it ever looks abnormal seek a quick and easy screening from a dermatologist.

Schlichting said that another source of information for prevention that may be tailored more towards the individual is a site called thedefender.cancer.org. After entering some information, you will be given “Most Valuable Prevention Tips” based off of your answers.

Self exams and knowing your body key to early detection, Jirovec said.

“When only 40 something percent are checking, don’t wait until you’re 40 to check and then the first time you do feel something, then you don’t know.”