7 Ways to Help Curb Cancer Death Risk

April 5, 2006 -- A new report from the American Cancer Society estimates that at least half of all cancer deaths "could in principle be avoided."

That phrase -- "in principle" -- is important. Cancer is complicated, and doctors often aren't able to say exactly why someone gets cancer. Genes, lifestyle, and exposure to cancer-causing substances are all important and may interact with each other, over time, in ways that science may not yet understand.

The American Cancer Society's annual report isn't about pointing fingers, casting blame, or making promises. Experts don't have a checklist of steps guaranteed to totally prevent cancer death.

However, certain habits may help. Those practices are spotlighted in the American Cancer Society's paper, "Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2006." Advances Against Colon Cancer

Avoidable Risks

Some cancer risk factors can't be changed. No one can change their genes or erase a family history of cancer. But other risk factors aren't written in stone.

"Tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, and poor nutrition are major preventable causes of cancer and other diseases in the U.S.," states the American Cancer Society's report.

"The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, more than 170,000 cancer deaths will be caused by tobacco use alone," the report continues. "In addition, scientists estimate that approximately one-third (188,277) of the 564,830 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2006 will be related to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity."

Top 7 Tips

U.S. tobacco use is down, with per capita cigarette use at its lowest point since World War II. But obesity and inactivity are rising, the report notes.

The report makes six key suggestions:

• Don't smoke. If you smoke now, quit, and don't hesitate to seek help with the effort.
• Lose extra weight.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Eat healthfully.
• Limit unprotected time in the sun.
• Follow recommendations for cancer screening.
• Start as soon as possible.

Those steps may reduce risk of cancer death and other health problems, including heart disease, the American Cancer Society says.

Doctors can help with many of those strategies. For instance, it's wise to get a doctor's approval before starting a new fitness program, especially if you've been on the sidelines for a while.