Pancreatic Cancer: Can We Prevent It?
Posted by Lynne Eldridge MD at 9/5/2007 5:00 AM 
Categories: Gum Disease, cancer prevention, Pancreatic Cancer
Categories: Gum Disease, cancer prevention, Pancreatic Cancer
Anyone who has had a loved one diagnosed with pancreatic cancer understands the ominous forecast those words imply. The chances of living for 5 years, once these words are spoken, is less than 5 percent.
And unlike many cancers, we hear little of the possible causes, and what we can do to try and prevent it.
While some risk factors are beyond our control, there are things we can do, sometimes simple things, to lower the risk. Look over the lists of risk factors and our tips, and pick one you can begin today -- to decrease the likelihood that you, or your loved ones, will hear those awful words, "you have pancreatic cancer."
Uncontrollable Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
Age - It is usually diagnosed after the age of 50
Sex - It is more common in men
Genetics/Family History - Approx. 10 percent of cases are considered hereditary
Controllable Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
Gum disease (peridontal disease)/ Poor dental health - gum disease triples the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Smoking - smokers are two to three times more likely to develop this.
Excess alcohol consumption, especially when accompanied by chronic pancreatitis & cirrhosis.
Obesity
Diabetes
Gestational diabetes
High consumption of sugar and sugar sweetened foods.
Consumption of grilled meats.
Diets high in meats and fats.
Consuming less than 3 vegetables per day.
Physical inactivity
Some exposures to pesticides and gasoline products.
Prevention Tips
See your dentist regularly and follow his or her advice.
Don't smoke.
Avoid excess alcohol.
LOSE WEIGHT - in addition to being a risk factor on its own, obesity is the major cause of diabetes, gestational diabetes, and is more common in those with a high sugar consumption.
Limit intake of meat, especially grilled meats. When you do grill, avoid charred meat, marinate meats for 40 minutes prior to cooking, and, with the exception of hamburger, choose rare over well-done.
Strive for 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
At home, minimize exposure to pesticides and petroleum products.
At work, read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on any chemical you work with.
For information on the practical tips for preventing cancer, visit www.avoidcancernow.com. Or read a comprehensive approach to what could truly make a difference in Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer.
And unlike many cancers, we hear little of the possible causes, and what we can do to try and prevent it.
While some risk factors are beyond our control, there are things we can do, sometimes simple things, to lower the risk. Look over the lists of risk factors and our tips, and pick one you can begin today -- to decrease the likelihood that you, or your loved ones, will hear those awful words, "you have pancreatic cancer."
Uncontrollable Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
Age - It is usually diagnosed after the age of 50
Sex - It is more common in men
Genetics/Family History - Approx. 10 percent of cases are considered hereditary
Controllable Risk Factors For Pancreatic Cancer
Gum disease (peridontal disease)/ Poor dental health - gum disease triples the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Smoking - smokers are two to three times more likely to develop this.
Excess alcohol consumption, especially when accompanied by chronic pancreatitis & cirrhosis.
Obesity
Diabetes
Gestational diabetes
High consumption of sugar and sugar sweetened foods.
Consumption of grilled meats.
Diets high in meats and fats.
Consuming less than 3 vegetables per day.
Physical inactivity
Some exposures to pesticides and gasoline products.
Prevention Tips
See your dentist regularly and follow his or her advice.
Don't smoke.
Avoid excess alcohol.
LOSE WEIGHT - in addition to being a risk factor on its own, obesity is the major cause of diabetes, gestational diabetes, and is more common in those with a high sugar consumption.
Limit intake of meat, especially grilled meats. When you do grill, avoid charred meat, marinate meats for 40 minutes prior to cooking, and, with the exception of hamburger, choose rare over well-done.
Strive for 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
At home, minimize exposure to pesticides and petroleum products.
At work, read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on any chemical you work with.
For information on the practical tips for preventing cancer, visit www.avoidcancernow.com. Or read a comprehensive approach to what could truly make a difference in Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer.
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