Unhealthy lifestyles are the major cause of cancer, says new study

• The ACS estimated more than 168,140 cancer deaths this year will be caused by tobacco alone.
• Continue to encourage patients to quit tobacco use immediately to reduce their risks of cancer and heart and lung disease.
• The American Cancer Society says people should eat less fatty, processed foods and more fruits and vegetables, and they should incorporate more exercise into their daily life.
• Current screening exams are underused, especially colorectal screening and mammography.
• Discuss with patients which cancer screenings are recommended for their age group and how often they should undergo them.
• Review ATLANTA, March 31-The American Cancer Society has reminded the public that cancer deaths could be cut in half by healthier lifestyle habits, particularly by quitting smoking.
• In the 2005 iteration of its annual report, Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures, the society also urged people to reduce their cancer risks by eating better, exercising, and undergoing recommended cancer screenings.
• It estimated that the blame for another 190,090 cancer deaths will fall on obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and other lifestyle factors.
• The ACS, a strong proponent of mammography screening, also asserts that if every woman between the ages of 50 and 79 had an annual mammogram, breast cancer deaths would decline 37%.
• ACS estimates that the current patterns of obesity in the U.S. account for 1 in 7 cancer deaths in men and 1 in 5 cancer deaths for women.
• The ACS recommends that Americans eat less fatty, processed foods and more fruits and vegetables and also get more physical activity incorporated into their daily lives.
• Women begin undergoing yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and clinical breast exams should be done at least every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s.