Dr. Itani’s Tips for Staying Cancer-Free
An Oncologist’s Guide on How to Prevent Cancer
A new study from the World Health Organization’s cancer agency predicts over 35 million new cancer cases in 2050. Dr. Najla Itani, Medical Director of the CMC Cancer Center, says while this data is concerning, it should make people more inclined than ever to take initiative when it comes to their health.
The CMC Cancer Center believes prevention is key. Dr. Itani adds, “However, if we can’t prevent it, we try to detect it early. Early detection means early intervention. The sooner you can find that cancer, the higher the chance you can have a meaningful, curable intervention.” The best way to find cancers early is through annual screenings. Read Dr. Itani’s Guide to Cancer Screenings.
Dr. Itani provides the following tips on how to prevent cancer that she believes everyone should consider.
Dr. Itani’s Cancer Prevention Tips:
1. Quit smoking
According to the CDC, 80-90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States are linked to cigarette smoking. If you are a smoker, not only is your own likelihood of developing lung cancer high, it is also raised for those around you breathing in secondhand smoke. Interested in Conway Medical Center’s Freedom from Smoking Program? Click here.
2. Limit alcohol intake
Dr. Najla Itani says, “Alcohol is certainly something we see impacting the risk of certain cancers; head and neck cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer and even sometimes breast cancer.” Alcohol intake can damage your body’s DNA, which could result in altered cell growth and function and create a cancer tumor. Less alcohol is better.
3. Diet
The link between diet and developing cancer is still being studied. There are a few things the data is pretty solid in when it comes to diet as it impacts cancer risk.” explains Dr. Itani, “We’re realizing that overly processed foods and excessive red meat intake can increase someone’s risk for cancer, especially colon cancer.”
4. Limit UV-Ray Exposure
Here in Horry County, we are exposed to a lot of sun. We hope it’s common knowledge that protecting your skin from the sun is essential for preventing skin cancers. CMC Dermatology encourages the use of sunscreen daily, even if you are staying indoors or it’s cloudy. It’s not just sunlight that can cause cancer. “Back in the day people thought tanning beds were safe, but they really didn’t end up being that way.” Dr. Itani says, “If you’re under the age of 35 and you’re using a tanning bed then your chance of getting melanoma is 75% greater than the general population.”
5. Physical Activity
“A lot of patients don’t realize exercise has an impact on cancer risk” explains Dr. Itani, “The strongest link we’ve found is mostly with breast and colon cancer and being physically active.” The specifics of the impact exercise has on cancer risk is still being studied, as far as how much and what kind of activity. However, we do know being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of 13 types of cancers.
6. Vaccinations
Dr. Itani says vaccinations and treatment of certain infections is the biggest way to prevent cancer that is often overlooked. “Cervical cancer has been linked to HPV. We now have a vaccine we can offer to pediatric patients, and we encourage it for children starting at age 11 to 12 years old. That could potentially spare your child from having cervical cancer down the line.” Dr. Itani says it’s a similar situation with a hepatitis vaccine aiding in prevention of liver cancer, treating psoriasis, and HIV treatment to lower the risk of lymphoma.
At CMC, We Prioritize Helping You Prevent Cancer
Here at Conway Medical Center, we are committed to “early detection for early intervention.” We offer all CDC-approved cancer screenings.
Through the CMC Foundation, some screenings can be brought to you! The CMC Mammography Initiative provides free mammograms for individuals ages 40-47 who are uninsured and do not qualify for government assistance. Click here to find when the CMC Mobile Mammography Center will be in your area next. The CMC Foundation also offers the Colon Cancer Screening Initiative, a program providing colonoscopies for those in need. Learn more here.
