How Unhealthy Behaviors Contribute to Cancer
RECOMMENDED SCREENING TESTS Cancer screening exams are one way to help find cancers early, which often makes treatment more successful. There are reliable screening tests for many forms of cancer. These include:
Top Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Increased Risk of Cancer (by type) Making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime may help reduce cancer risk.127 There are a number of diet changes you can make to decrease your risk of cancer, including: • • • •
Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables Limiting fat Increasing fiber Reducing the amount of red and preserved meats (like deli meats, hot dogs, and bacon)
Maintaining a healthy diet can also help you achieve a healthy weight. This reduces the risk of other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.128 Type 2 diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.129 Alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of developing breast, colon, liver, pancreas, and mouth and throat cancers.130 The effects of alcohol on mouth and throat cancers are greatly increased if you also use tobacco. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you choose to drink alcohol, keep your limit at one-to-two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
BLADDER Leukemia MOUTH & THROAT LUNG
CERVIX
BREAST
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
colon cancer (colonoscopy);
•
oral cancer (dental screening); and
•
cervical cancer (Pap smear).
OBESITY
ALCOHOL USE
The inability to access quality healthcare is associated with 10-15 percent of all premature deaths in the United States, including cancer outcomes.131,132 Uninsured adults with cancer: •
STRESS.
•
COLON
PANCREAS
LIVER
breast cancer (mammogram);
Other cancers, such as prostate, also have screening tests available. However, the usefulness of these tests depends on your personal medical history and the advice of a medical professional.136
TOBACCO USE
POOR DIET/ PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
•
While stress does not directly cause cancer, it may lead to unhealthy behaviors like overeating, tobacco, or alcohol use. We know that overeating, tobacco and alcohol use can increase cancer risk. In this way, stress can play an indirect role in cancer development.137
• • •
Are more than twice as likely to report difficulty getting a needed prescription.133 Will attend fewer than half as many office visits as their insured peers.134 Are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cancers that can be detected through screening or an exam by a clinician. Are more likely to die or suffer poor outcomes because their cancer was detected at a later stage.135