Cancer Link to Nutrition

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RESEARCH Cancer incidence and mortality rates lag

3-4 years behind so ACS predicts trends in occurrence.

1. Prostate 2. Lung 3. Colon/Rectum 4. Bladder 5. Melanoma 6. Kidney/Renal 7. non-Hodgkin

Lymphoma 8. Oral

Cavity/Pharynx 9. Leukemia 10. Pancreas

Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths – 2013 estimatedMALES – no change from 2012

845,790 ( 306,920)

1. Breast 2. Lung 3. Colon 4. Uterine 5. Thyroid 6. non-Hodgkin

Lymphoma 7. melanoma 8. Kidney/Renal 9.Pancreas 10. Ovarian

Leading Cancer Cases and Deaths – 2013 EstimatesWOMEN •#6/#7 and #9/#10 flipped•805,500 (273,430)

Definition of Cancer Group of diseases characterized by

uncontrolled growth and spread of mutated cells

Normal /Cancer Cells

MAIN CAUSES OF CANCER1. Heredity2. Acquired

environmental factors

Causes of Cancer INTERNAL *internal

mutations *hormones *immune

conditions

EXTERNAL *tobacco *Infections

organisms *Chemicals *radiation

Environment- Behavioral Choices (87%) Tobacco use Poor nutrition Physical inactivity Obesity Infectious agents Medical treatments Excessive exposure to sun Exposure to pollutants in air, H2O, food,

soil

Recommendations Maintain and achieve a healthy weight

throughout life. Adopt a physically active lifestyle Consume a healthy diet w/emphasis on

plant foods. Limit consumption of alcohol. No smoking

Foods Link to Cancer Battle between

free radicals and antioxidants.

Free Radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells.

The free radical attacks the nearest stable electron – stealing its electron.

Free radicals are formed:

1. during metabolism2. by immune system when fighting infection3. radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, herbicides.Free radical damage accumulates with age.

Antioxidants Neutralize free radicals by donating one

of their electrons. This prevents cell and tissue damage

that could lead to disease.

Vitamin E – top Vitamin C Vitamin A Beta-carotene Lycopene selenium others Top Antioxidants

Fruits/veggies – 5-8 servings per day

Top Fruits All berries Plums/cherries Oranges/mango Apples Pomegranates Watermelon peaches

Top Vegetables Sweet potato Carrots/avocado Broccoli/spinach Peppers/pumpkin Squash/beets Mixed greens Asparagus

Other Antioxidants Nuts, seeds,

beans Coffee and tea spices