4. Cancer Related To Lifestyle Choices
4. Cancer Related To Lifestyle ChoicesIn Oklahoma, cancer-related deaths are common.
“Oklahoma is ranked 12th-highest in the nation for cancer-related deaths,” says Dr. Supriya Koya, hematologist and medical oncologist with Utica Park Clinic, part of Hillcrest Healthcare System.
“Many people think of cancer risk as a game of chance,” says Dr. Deepu Madduri, the medical director of stem cell and cellular therapies with Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southwestern Regional Medical Center.
While cancer may seem like an unlucky lottery, there are certain risk factors that individuals have control over.
“In some instances, a cancer diagnosis is the result of random factors or causes, but we are increasingly aware of so-called lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking, sedentary lifestyle and having multiple sexual partners, which can be linked to certain forms of cancer,” explains Madduri. “Smoking alone is linked to 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths worldwide but can also lead to a multitude of other cancers.”
An estimated 3,220 new cases of lung cancer have been diagnosed in Oklahoma so far this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
The positive side to this understanding is that by altering these lifestyles choices and adopting healthier habits, certain types of cancers are preventable. According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of cancers are preventable, says Koya.
“Fifty percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented by decreasing alcohol and red or processed meat consumption,” outlines Koya. “Thirty-three percent of breast cancers are preventable by reducing weight, decreasing alcohol consumption and breast feeding, if possible. Fifty-nine percent of endometrial cancers can be prevented by regular physical activity and healthy body weight, especially in the post-menopausal years,” continues Koya. “Cervical cancer can be prevented by following safe sex practices, [getting] regular Pap smear screening and HPV vaccine.”
The first step to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths is to increase awareness of early diagnosis, potential risk factors and prevention.
“With the awareness among people of the preventable causes of cancers, many are adopting a healthy lifestyle with simple behavioral changes,” says Koya.
“However, the gains are not equally distributed,” counters Madduri. “We have seen larger reductions in lifestyle-related cancers in east and west coast communities and relatively less change in the Midwest and South.”
Oklahoma has employed several initiatives to promote healthy choices. The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust is a state agency tasked with the goal of reducing and preventing tobacco use as well as obesity, funding a variety of support and wellness programs.
“Laws were amended in 2013 to make state-owned property smoke-free, which significantly decreases second hand smoking,” says Koya. “The Oklahoma State Health Department is working with other organizations to spread awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy body weight and is also trying to make more fruits and vegetables accessible to people.”
There are several programs offered by a variety of organizations working to make cancer screenings and treatment available.
“For example, The Take Charge Program provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screening throughout Oklahoma for the eligible females,” says Koya. “Similarly, The Oklahoma Colorectal Cancer Screening Program provides no-cost colonoscopies throughout Oklahoma for eligible males and females.”
One very simple but powerful change Madduri recommends is to establish a relationship with a primary care physician. That important relationship can help guide you to age-appropriate cancer screenings.
