An ounce of prevention
Here are some of the latest medical studies on strategies that may help reduce the risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.*
Can coffee protect against oral cancers?
A study of more than 38,000 people in Japan found that those who drank one cup or more of coffee daily had half the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus compared to those who did not drink coffee. The findings appeared in the American Journal of Epidemiology. While researchers noted that coffee might help prevent oral cancers, the best way to reduce risk is to stop smoking and consuming alcohol.
Do supplements lower cancer risk?
According to findings from Harvard Medical School, taking antioxidant supplements including vitamins C, E and beta carotene does not significantly reduce chances of getting cancer. The study, published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, followed more than 8,000 women over nine years. Researchers still suggest that men and women should eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Along with regular exercise, that can help lower risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions.
The phosphate–lung cancer connection
Research in a recent issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggests a link between lung cancer and consumption of phosphates, which are found in many foods and consumer products, including colas, processed foods and toothpaste. In the South Korean study, researchers found that people who ate a lot of phosphates developed larger and more advanced lung cancer tumors. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Remember to get screened
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), too few Americans are getting recommended cancer screenings, and that could put them at risk for not discovering cancers until they reach an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat. The ACS noted that only 50 to 60 percent of Americans age 50 and older receive regular colonoscopies, and only about 60 percent of women age 40 and older have mammograms. The ACS recommends that everyone age 20 and up should speak with a physician about getting appropriate tests regularly.
* Before making significant lifestyle changes, consult a physician.
An ounce of prevention
Here are some of the latest medical studies on strategies that may help reduce the risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.*
Can coffee protect against oral cancers?
A study of more than 38,000 people in Japan found that those who drank one cup or more of coffee daily had half the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus compared to those who did not drink coffee. The findings appeared in the American Journal of Epidemiology. While researchers noted that coffee might help prevent oral cancers, the best way to reduce risk is to stop smoking and consuming alcohol.
Do supplements lower cancer risk?
According to findings from Harvard Medical School, taking antioxidant supplements including vitamins C, E and beta carotene does not significantly reduce chances of getting cancer. The study, published recently in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, followed more than 8,000 women over nine years. Researchers still suggest that men and women should eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Along with regular exercise, that can help lower risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions.
The phosphate–lung cancer connection
Research in a recent issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine suggests a link between lung cancer and consumption of phosphates, which are found in many foods and consumer products, including colas, processed foods and toothpaste. In the South Korean study, researchers found that people who ate a lot of phosphates developed larger and more advanced lung cancer tumors. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Remember to get screened
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), too few Americans are getting recommended cancer screenings, and that could put them at risk for not discovering cancers until they reach an advanced stage, when they are harder to treat. The ACS noted that only 50 to 60 percent of Americans age 50 and older receive regular colonoscopies, and only about 60 percent of women age 40 and older have mammograms. The ACS recommends that everyone age 20 and up should speak with a physician about getting appropriate tests regularly.
* Before making significant lifestyle changes, consult a physician.