CANCER PREVENTION
FOLLOW THIS
3-STEP PLAN
COULD PREVENTING CANCER
be as easy as 1, , 3?
According to physicians and other experts, in many
cases the answer is yes.
After reviewing thousands of studies, it has been deter-
mined that cancer isn’t always something that just happens.
Often, it can be linked to behaviors and lifestyle.That means
our everyday choices may lessen our cancer risk.
Certainly that’s true with choosing not to smoke.
Lung cancer—for which smoking is a main risk factor—
remains the No. 1 cause of death in the
United States.
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
(GAMC) is committed to fighting this
disease and offers low-cost lung can-
cer screenings to the general public.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends an
annual low-dose CT screening for asymptomatic adults
ages to 0 who have a minimum smoking history of
30 “pack years” or who have quit within the past 1 years.
Prevention doesn’t end with not smoking. According
to the American Institute for Cancer Research, taking
these three steps may also go a long way toward staying
cancer-free:
1
Eat mostly plant foods.
Fruits, vegetables, whole
grains and legumes contain phytochemicals that may
bolster the body’s ability to fight cancer by preventing
cancer-causing substances from becoming active in the
body or triggering the death of cells that are cancerous.
Aim for a colorful variety of at least five servings of
fruits and vegetables each day. At mealtime, strive to fill
at least two-thirds of your plate with plant foods.
Animal foods, such as meat, should make up no more
To set up an appointment for
your low-cost lung cancer screening
at GAMC, call ( )
- .
FEEL BETTER
Tips for coping with cancer fatigue
IT’S A FRUSTRATING
fact: Cancer and its treatment
can take a serious toll on your energy. For some survi-
vors, the fatigue can last for months or even years.
When you have cancer, an important part of taking
care of yourself is taking steps to cope with fatigue.
Try asking yourself the questions below. The answers
may help you find ways to recover some of your energy.
What comes first?
To make the most of your energy,
prioritize your activities and commitments. Focus on the
most important and let other things go. Also:
●
Ask for help, and let other people help you check
things off your to-do list.
●
Organize your space to keep things you use often
within easy reach.
●
Maintain a regular daily routine as much as possible.
It’s okay to pace yourself and take rests. But try to
avoid spending too much time in bed, which can make
you weaker.
What renews me?
Make time for a hobby or interest
that restores your spirit and helps you cope with stress,
such as walking, painting, reading, bird-watching, gar-
dening, visiting with friends or volunteering. Fresh air
may also help you feel renewed.
For some, deep breathing exercises and visualization
provide a way to relax and recharge without leaving home.
Am I taking care of my body?
Healthy habits may
improve your energy level and your mood. For example:
●
Get regular exercise. Talk with your doctor before
starting an exercise program. He or she may refer you
to a physical therapist who works with cancer patients.
●
Eat a balanced diet. If you’re feeling nauseated or have
no appetite, your doctor or a registered dietitian may be
able to offer suggestions that can help.
●
Get enough sleep. Rest briefly when you need it be-
tween taxing activities. A few breaks during the day are
better than one long nap, which may make it harder to
sleep at night. Try to stick to a regular nighttime sleep
schedule, and tell your doctor if you’re sleeping too much
or not enough.
If you continue to find yourself struggling with
fatigue, GAMC helps patients and families cope
with psychological, social, spiritual and physical
distresses of cancer through survivorship pro-
grams. To learn more about Cancer Services at GAMC, call
( )
-
or visit
GlendaleAdventist.com/Cancer
.
Source: American Cancer Society
than one-third of your meal. But try to limit red meat to
1 ounces or less each week, and avoid processed meats.
2
Be physically active at least 30 minutes each day.
GAMC physicians suggest that physical activity promotes
the quick passage of waste which could reduce the risk
of colon cancers. In women, regular exercise may lower
the levels of hormone production that raise cancer risk.
3
Maintain a healthy weight.
In the body, fat may
produce hormones that promote cell growth. They also
produce proteins that cause inflammation and insulin
resistance, which may also promote cell growth and
reproduction.
The more cells divide, the more chance there is for
cancer to develop. Fat around your waist may be particu-
larly dangerous. Speak with your doctor about what your
healthy weight should be.
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