Lifestyle Changes, Vaccinations Could Prevent 40% of Cancers
by Jennifer Bunn, RN
The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) has released a report revealing that a startling 40% of cancers can be prevented with the use of vaccines against some infections that are known to cause cancer, and by simple lifestyle changes. Worldwide, cancer is the leading cause of death, and the numbers of people affected by cancer are projected to grow, thanks in part to an aging population that is also growing.
What vaccines are available to combat cancer? The HPV vaccines (Gardisil is one) protect against cervical cancer. Hepatitis vaccines prevent liver disease and cancer of the liver. While there is no vaccine for HIV at present, scientists are working on it. HIV is associated with numerous cancers; in fact, it is estimated that 30 to 40% of HIV-positive patients will develop cancer in their lifetime. The Epstein Barr virus is associated with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Lifestyle choices can also contribute to the development of cancer. The most obvious of these is smoking, which causes lung cancer. Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of pancreatic, esophageal, oral, larynx and bladder cancer. Obesity is associated with the development of some types of cancer, such as kidney, endometrial, esophageal and breast cancer.
The take-home message from the report is that policy makers need to start focusing on the prevention of cancer, rather than just on treatment of cancer once it has already occurred. They hope to encourage the idea that cancer can be prevented by changing lifestyle risk factors and taking advantage of the vaccines available that can help prevent cancer.
Sources: Experts say 40 percent of cancers could be prevented
