Improving Your Chances
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity can Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
By Sonya Green-Haché
Many of us have seen the devastating effects cancer has had on family,
friends, acquaintances and even ourselves.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society an estimated 3,800 New Brunswick
residents (2,000 men and 1,800 women) were diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and an estimated 1,850 (1,000 men and 850 women)
died of cancer.
Provincial statistics indicate the Miramichi health region had 217 cases
of cancer in 1999-2000 with high rates of lung cancer (39), breast cancer (30), prostrate cancer (22), and colorectal cancer
(21).
"Research from the Canadian Health Network estimates that up to 70% of
cancer cases can be prevented," says Dr. Carl Hudson, Vice President of Medical Services of the Miramichi Regional Health
Authority and board member of the New Brunswick Division of the Canadian Cancer Society.
"Healthy eating, keeping physically active, stopping or cutting down on
smoking, avoiding overexposure to the sun, and maintaining healthy environments (for example smoke free spaces at home, at
work, and in public places) are key."
He points out that current cancer research being conducted both in Canada
and the United States have shown physical activity can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer and may help reduce cancers
of the breast and prostrate.
"Regular physical activity can also help maintain a healthy body weight
which is important in reducing the risk for many cancers," says Hudson.
"Physical activity should be part of our daily routines," says Hudson.
He suggests walking as an excellent means to become active.
"People need to be active to be healthy."
He recommends individuals start their activity slow with five minutes of
light activity and then build up to moderate activity such as brisk walking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
"Our community is fortunate to have a variety of scenic and challenging
walking trails, which meet the needs of individuals at all fitness levels."
As a member of the Miramichi Regional Hospital’s Cancer Care Team
and nurse manager of the medical/palliative care unit, Mary Hitchman promotes the importance of active living with her patients.
"We promote the Canadian Cancer Society’s seven steps to health."
These steps include:
- Be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke
.
– Smoking causes 30% of all cancer deaths in Canada. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women
in Canada. Smoking also increases the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, cervix, pancreas, esophagus,
colon, rectum, kidney, and bladder.
- Eat 5-10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day.
Choose high fibre, lower fat foods and if you drink alcohol, limit your intake to 1-2 drinks a day.
– Follow the Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Eating.
- Be physically active on a regular basis
:
this will also help you maintain body weight.
- Protect yourself and your family from the sun.
– Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada. Reduce sun exposure between 11
a.m. – 4 p.m. Check your skin regularly and report any changes to your doctor. Remember to SLIP (on clothing to cover
your arms and legs), SLAP (on a wide brimmed hat), and SLOP (on sunscreen SPF 15 or higher).
- Follow cancer-screening guidelines.
– For women, discuss mammography, Pap tests, and breast exams with a health professional. For men, discuss testicular
exams and prostrate screening with a health professional. Both men and women should also discuss screening for colon and rectal
cancers.
- Visit your doctor or dentist if you notice any change in your normal state of
health
. – Know your body and report any changes to your doctor or
dentist as soon as possible (example sores that do not heal, a cough that goes on for more than two weeks etc…)
- Follow health and safety instructions at home and at work when using, storing
and disposing of hazardous materials.
– Take care to follow safety
instructions when using, storing and disposing of household pesticides or any other chemicals.
Hitchman also welcomes patients and members of the public to use the Cancer Information
Library located in the 4 East Medical/Palliative Lounge in the Miramichi Regional Hospital.
"The hospital’s Cancer Care Team developed the library, which provides free
information pamphlets about cancer services, support groups and general information."
She says that videotapes are also available for signing out.
Sonya Green-Haché is communications co-ordinator
for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority. This health information article from the Miramichi Regional Health Authority
is designed to improve the health of Miramichi residents.
