Cancer Link to Nutrition
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RESEARCH Cancer incidence and mortality rates lag 3-4 years behind so ACS predicts trends in occurrence.
1. Prostate 2. Lung 3. Colon/Rectum 4. Bladder 5. Melanoma 6. Kidney/Renal 7. non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 8. Oral Cavity/Pharynx 9. Leukemia 10. Pancreas Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths – 2013 estimated MALES – no change from ,790 ( 306,920)
1. Breast 2. Lung 3. Colon 4. Uterine 5. Thyroid 6. non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 7. melanoma 8. Kidney/Renal 9.Pancreas 10. Ovarian Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths – 2013 Estimates WOMEN #6/#7 and #9/#10 flipped 805,500 (273,430)
Definition of Cancer Group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of mutated cells
Normal /Cancer Cells
MAIN CAUSES OF CANCER 1. Heredity 2. Acquired environmental factors
Causes of Cancer INTERNAL *internal mutations *hormones *immune conditions EXTERNAL *tobacco *Infections organisms *Chemicals *radiation
Environment- Behavioral Choices (87%) Tobacco use Poor nutrition Physical inactivity Obesity Infectious agents Medical treatments Excessive exposure to sun Exposure to pollutants in air, H 2 O, food, soil
Recommendations Maintain and achieve a healthy weight throughout life. Adopt a physically active lifestyle Consume a healthy diet w/emphasis on plant foods. Limit consumption of alcohol. No smoking
Foods Link to Cancer Battle between free radicals and antioxidants. Free Radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells. The free radical attacks the nearest stable electron – stealing its electron.
Free radicals are formed: 1. during metabolism 2. by immune system when fighting infection 3. radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, herbicides. Free radical damage accumulates with age.
Antioxidants Neutralize free radicals by donating one of their electrons. This prevents cell and tissue damage that could lead to disease.
Vitamin E – top Vitamin C Vitamin A Beta-carotene Lycopene selenium others Top Antioxidants Fruits/veggies – 5-8 servings per day
Top Fruits All berries Plums/cherries Oranges/mango Apples Pomegranates Watermelon peaches
Top Vegetables Sweet potato Carrots/avocado Broccoli/spinach Peppers/pumpkin Squash/beets Mixed greens Asparagus
Other Antioxidants Nuts, seeds, beans Coffee and tea spices