Megalungs Health Week - Tuesday

Justina Blackwood

Reducing your risk of cancer

     Humans are extraordinary creations. We can populate and, to a degree, we can heal ourselves - our body cells are capable of performing hundreds of different functions in co-operation with each other. Truly we are wondrous beings. Those cells usually grow very normally, but sometimes the wonderful mechanism goes wrong and the cells duplicate themselves in an un-cordinated way. Wrong cell division is what we call cancer.

     Multi-talented and broadly educated biologist, civil servant and now student nurse Justina Blackwood, explored the four major cancers and pointed out that there are multiple causes for cancer - some of which could be put down to personal lifestyle choices.

      The four major cancers that were detailed for us were, lung, bowel, prostate and breast cancer. Of these illnesses, lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world and affects men and women equally. The most widely reported cause and highest risk factor for developing lung cancer is from the poisons introduced into the body from cigarette smoke. We can thus recognise that smoking is a danger to innocent by-standers as well as those who actually smoke.

     The other prime risk factors with lung cancer are, in no particular order, radon gas, increasing age, genetic factors, other post cancer treatment, asbestos and lowered immunity.

     Breast cancer has similar risk factors to lung cancer but the added factors of reproductive history, hormone levels, breast density, family history and lifestyle and environment factors need to be taken into account. Our lecturer pointed out that breast cancer is less prevalent in third-world countries and less well developed countries where there are larger families and a greater emphasis on breast-feeding.

     Bowel cancer has strong risk factors in obesity, the amount of physical activity engaged in, the usual lifestyle and environmental factors, the use of statins and HRT along with radiation.

     It has to be noted that the presence or mention of risk factors does not neccesarily determine that a person will develop cancer. The body is a marvellous instrument and can cope with massive issues as it aims to heal and look after itself, However, as with all things, the aim is, if possible, to change your lifestyle to reduce risk factors.

     The final one of the major cancers is prostate cancer. Less talked about but still widely prevalent is prostate cancer. Black men are at higher risk than men of Caucasian decent, while people of Asian origin have a lower rate of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. The background here is that the cancer can be easily treated when caught early, but is often well developed before treatment simply because men do not go to the Doctor when they know there is something wrong. Risk factors are family history, ethnicity and previous cancers.

     With the survey finished Justina moved on to how to reduce the risks of contracting cancer. The obvious point to make is that people should stop smoking and thus consuming all of the poisons from cigarettes. There is a by-product. The average smoker would save over £2500 per year, money that could be spent on a wonderful holiday.

     Alcohol, like tobacco, is linked to breast and bowel cancer - the suggestion is not to cut down - but to abstain completely from alcohol.

     Dietary change will help reduce risks. This would reduce risks and also maintain a healthy weight. Justina pointed out that there are no particular foods that have been shown from scientific principles that either increase or reduce the risk of getting cancer. We should cut down on our fat intake, we should reduce our salt use. Salt, of course, is contained in processed foods as well as added to foods - which we should note.

     The aim is really to develop healthy habits. It takes 21 days to develop a habit. Making the decision to change a lifestyle by adding or removing activities should be stuck to. It takes time to develop good or bad habits.

     Water appears to be a simple fluid with no real health benefits, but the sensible use of water is of real importance. Not only should water be freely drunk but water should be used for washing the body.

     We ought also to major on a plant-based diet and aim to live a life with plenty of physical activity.

     As we saw in our time looking at 'blue zones' we ought to notice that all of this advice takes us back to the healthy lifestyle of people who live long, active and happy lives.

     The people who live long active lives, eat simple unprocessed whole grain foods. Exercise is a regular element in the lifestyle as is the presence of a community in the life. It is sensible to cut down on salt, aim to stop using simpe sugars, stop smoking and stop drinking.

     We have resources from the event. The pictures from the PowerPoint used during the evening are in our Gallery while the PowerPoint itself is available Here