tailieunhanh - The Diet and Cancer Connection

We do not yet know what causes most cases of endometrial cancer. But we do know that certain risk factors are linked to this disease. A risk factor is anything that changes a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, being in strong sunlight without protection is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for many cancers. Some risk factors, like your age or race, can't be changed. Others, like smoking and diet are under your control. But risk factors don't tell us everything. Someone. | Virginia Cooperative Extension PUBLICATION 348-141 The Diet and Cancer Connection Kathleen M. Stadler Extension Specialist Human Nutrition and Foods Virginia Tech Introduction One out of every three Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some time. Cancer affects three of every four families. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the . Each year nearly 500 000 Americans die from cancer. While the rates for coronary heart attacks and uncontrolled high blood pressure are declining certain cancer rates are increasing. Many people assume that getting cancer is a matter of bad luck and environmental hazards. But many cancer experts now believe that lifestyle factors-smoking diet stress sunbathing more important factors than thought possible a few years ago. Lifestyle factors are involved in most cancers with controllable factors estimated to be as high as 80 to 90 percent of all causes. Diet may account for some 35 percent and smoking another 30 percent. A critical factor needing much more study is the influence of heredity on cancer susceptibility. Some people never develop cancer despite years of exposure to tobacco poor diet alcohol sunlight etc. while others unexposed will get it. Why The answer must involve heredity. For some the genes with all their inherited deoxyribonucleic acid DNA resist permanent damage mutation by cancer-causing agents known as carcinogens. For unlucky others a combination of modified genes and a suitable internal environment results in the dreaded diagnosis. Maintaining good nutrition and avoiding tobacco certain heavy metals pesticides excessive ultraviolet light and radiation provides a strong defense against many common cancers. Food with protective nutrients may add many disease-free years as well as pleasure from good eating. Researchers believe that everyone harbors initiated cells that will not become cancerous if they are destroyed or kept in check by the immune system. In most cases the body s immune system