Back-to-School Tips for Cancer Prevention

As summer winds down and kids head for the classroom, make sure they start the academic year with healthy habits for preventing cancer.

"Research has shown that up to two-thirds of all cancers may be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes," says Dr. Bernard Levin, vice president for cancer prevention at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

These lifestyle factors include avoiding tobacco, limiting time in the sun, eating five servings daily of fruit and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly and knowing your family's history of disease, he says.

Research has shown that people who begin smoking as adolescents suffer more DNA damage than those who begin smoking as adults. This is particularly important because recent studies have shown that 3,000 youths begin smoking each day.

"DNA damage puts early-age smokers at even greater risk for developing lung cancer," says Dr. Margaret R. Spitz, chair of the Department of Epidemiology. "This information tells more clearly than ever about the importance of preventing smoking initiation in teens, and of helping teen smokers quit."

To protect against sun damage to skin, make sure kids wear sunscreen, hats and protective clothing when outdoors, says Dr. Ellen R. Gritz, chair of the Department of Behavioral Science. Help kids remember to protect themselves before soccer practice, bike riding, Rollerblading and other outdoor activities.

"Skin damage is cumulative, and studies have shown that children tend to get 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by age 18," she says.

Increased fruit and vegetable consumption has been linked to decreased risk of lung, prostate, bladder, esophagus, colorectal and stomach cancers.

"We can show our children that nutritious meals and snacks taste good and are enjoyable to eat, in addition to providing long-term health benefits," Dr. Levin says.

It's important to know your family's history of cancer to help determine whether you and your children may be at increased risk of certain types of cancer.

"Some cancers tend to run in families, such as breast, ovarian, prostate and colorectal cancers," says Dr. Levin.

"Be sure to tell your doctor about your family history." For more information about cancer prevention, or for a free copy of the brochure titled M. D. Anderson's Road Map to Cancer Prevention, visit the Web site at http://www.mdanderson.org or call the M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611. For information about cancer, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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