January Is National Radon Action Month: Take Action To Prevent Cancer

Have you known of someone who developed lung cancer even though they did not smoke a day in their life? Someone, such as Dana Reaves, whose life was cut short at age 44 by this disease as a non-smoker? Exposure to radon gas in our homes is the second leading cause of lung cancer, but is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Fortunately - it should be entirely preventable. Radon is an odorless gas that seaps into our homes following the normal decay of radium in the soil. Elevated levels have been found in all 50 states, homes with and without basements, and, even if your neighbors home tests normal, it is no guarantee you are safe. Drastically varying levels can be found in close proximity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes that all homes should be tested, but some areas are at greater risk.

The EPA provides a national map to check on your risk based on state of residence.

Simple test kits to evaluate the level of radon in your home can be purchased at most hardware stores for less than $20. Many companies also offer testing. Certain states, such as Wyoming and New Mexico, are offering free test kits this month. January is the perfect time to test your home, since most tests require keeping your windows closed for the duration of the test (usually 48 hours). If the level in your home is greater than 4pCi/L (ideally if it is greater than 2pCi/L, which is the cut-off in Canada), seek help to repair the problem. Many state health departments can provide you with names of certified contractors that deal with radon. The EPA catalogs resources by state to make your search easier. The EPA also has a helpline at 1-800-SOS-RADON.

As we listen to the candidates discuss the cost of health care and ask them what they plan to do to lower our unacceptable death rate from cancer, we should point out (as an example) a simple method that could eliminate the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Test every home for radon. The research has been done, and the verdict is out. With radon we know the causes, we have the tests, and we have the treatment. A "no-brainer," our children would say. Yet, many Americans have not heard enough to test their homes for this killer. Spread the word!

For further information on lung cancer prevention in non-smokers, visit our blog entry. Further information on cancer prevention of all types and from all causes is available at Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Pancreatic Cancer Prevention: Another Vote For Whole Grains And Fiber

We have been told to eat our whole grains, but a recent study reinforces this healthful practice. Whole grains appear to lower the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, a deadly cancer with a median survival of only three to six months.

This study, conducted in the San Francisco Bay area, looked at the dietary habits of individuals and their subsequent risk of pancreatic cancer. Those who consumed two or more servings of whole grains per day (2 slices of whole grain bread), had a 40 percent lower risk of developing this deadly cancer. Reductions in risk were also noted with the consumption of brown rice and tortillas. Sadly, for those who enjoy that convenience store accompianment to their morning cup of java, doughnuts were associated with nearly double the risk. Fiber in this study also received a medal, with a 35 percent lower risk of pancreatic cancer in those getting more than 26 grams per day relative to those ingesting less than 15 grams.For a food to be classified as whole grain by the FDA, 51 percent of the product must consist of whole grains, that is, grain with all three of the kernels intact. Check the ingredients, and purchase products that list whole-wheat flour, rather than enriched wheat flour, on the label.

Examples of whole grains include:

- Whole wheat flour (also known as graham flour)

- Cracked wheat (bulgur)

- Oatmeal

- Rolled oats

- Quick oats

- Whole cornmeal

- Whole grain barley

More tips on dietary and environmental steps to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer can be found on our September 5, 2007 blog entry. For further information on cancer prevention, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time, or read "Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer".

Breathe Easier With A Lower Risk of Cancer

Our homes may be our havens, but indoor air has been ranked 4th in environmental causes of cancer by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We tend to think of smog-filled cities as carcinogen-laden dangers, and the clear air in our homes as paradise. On the contrary, indoor air exposes us to more carcinogens than outdoor air. Follow these tips, then take a breath of fresh air!

1. Open your windows. Yes, even in colder climates -- in January. Our tightly sealed homes may lower our heating bills, but trap carcinogens indoors.

2. Purchase a few houseplants. Houseplants can decorate our homes and lift our spirits, while at the same time absorbing carcinogens in the air. NASA has identified various houseplants for their ability to clean the air in our homes.Evaluate your household cleaners. Many common household cleaners contain chemicals known to cause cancer in animals. Most surfaces can be cleaned with products safe enough to eat - baking soda, olive oil, and white vinegar.

3. Freshen your air naturally. Many commercial air fresheners contain, or result in the formation of carcinogens. Simmer lemons or cinammon on the stove, or choose potpouri as an alternative.

4. Convert your wood burning fireplace to a natural gas verson. According to the EPA, wood smoke contains volatile organic compounds, some of which cause cancer.Use integrated pest management for household pests. Children exposed to professional pest services are three times more likely to develop non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

5. Choose carpeting wisely. Check that carpeting has the green CRI carpet testing label. Request one of the newer "glue-free" pads. Ask that the carpet be "aired out" in the warehouse for a few days prior to installment, and open windows and run exhaust fans for a few days afterwards. Of course, make a "no-shoes" policy on your home to lower the need for cleaning, and to keep yard pesticides outdoors.

6. Choose solid over pressed wood products. Pressed wood and particle board emit formaldehyde vapors, one of the most common household carcinogens.

7. Do not allow smoking in your home. Period.Test your home for radon. More on this tomorrow.

For many more tips on cancer-proofing your home and life, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer.

Tips To Lower Cervical Cancer Risk: January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month!

This year in the United States alone, roughly 10,000 women will be diagnosed with, and roughly 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer. Thankfully, screening has lowered the risk that pre-cancerous changes will progress to cancer, yet, cervical cancer still takes the lives of too many of our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, nieces, and dear friends. What can we do to lower risk?

1. Have regular Pap smears, and other follow-up as recommended. A study last month demonstrated that those individuals without insurance are twice as likely to die from cancer. Some of these deaths are related to inadequate screening and detection of cancer at a treatable stage.

If you do not have adequate insurance coverage to afford a Pap smear, many states offer these free of charge. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, has a site where individuals can search for low-cost or free Pap smears by state. This is available at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp, or by calling 1-888-842-6355 (option #7).

2. If you are diagnosed with HPV, try these dietary recommendations that may accelerate clearance of the virus, and hence, its ability to lead to cancer.

3. Consider switching to sanitary napkins instead of tampons if you are diagnosed with high risk HPV. In one study, the use of tampons appeared to slow clearance of the HPV virus.

4. Of course, practice safe sex. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Condoms reduce, but do not eliminate the transmission of HPV.

5. Thoughtfully consider the cervical cancer vaccine based on your risk factors. Though controversy exists regarding vaccination against HPV, the vaccine could potentially lower the risk of developing cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer in women worldwide.

For further information on cancer prevention, a disease that will personally touch one in three women - buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Presidential Candidates On Health Care: Topic #2

Our health care system is in need of care. Few candidates would argue.

Today, we address two of several levels where our current system is in dire need of repair - physicians and corporate health care - in a "novel" light - fiction! David Kerns M.D., professor of pediatrics at Stanford University Medical School, has uncovered and describes the underlying wound that afflicts physicians and administrators in their paradoxical quest, to both make a living and provide quality patient care. In his novel "Standard of Care," David narrates why we are bleeding as a nation, in a method those outside of health care can comprehend, and those on the inside will find heartwrenchingly honest and convicting. This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to address the future of health care in our country. Without this understanding, we are simply spending money to purchase bandaids to place over a deep wound that continues to bleed.

Several reader reviews of Standard of Care from Amazon are repeated below. Read more about Standard of Care and you'll appreciate why it does such a great job describing our health care system.

A call to arms! This novel pits a single protagonist against corporate medicine, one of the diseases that is making health care in the United States not the best in the world but certainly the most expensive. Dr. Daniel Fazen is the prototype of a doctor you know and trust, someone who may have taken care of you when sick (or well), and someone you can immediately like. His battle with himself and with the forces of for-profit medicine make for a fast-paced and exciting novel. It is also a call to arms for those who feel we must change the way we deliver health care in this country, soon, before it is too late. A timely subject as we approach the next election.

- Robert M. Reece MD, North Falmouth, Massachusetts

Send it to Your Congressional Representatives! If you are concerned about the state of the U.S. healthcare system, this book is for you. We are the richest country in the world, but one third of us are uninsured or under-insured, leading to denial of care and many preventable deaths. That's just not right. Standard of Care is a fast read with engaging characters involved in a medical quagmire--painfully familiar to many of us--which sucks you right in. Written by an acclaimed doctor, it helped me understand the myriad conflicts of interest between patients, their primary care physicians, the health insurance companies, and hospital corporations. I felt like I was in the shoes of the hospital executive who must choose between profit and optimal patient care. This "inside look" at our broken healthcare system left me more committed than ever to vote for presidential and state candidates who advocate fundamental health care reform. Surprisingly, after reading Standard of Care, I felt like one person really can make a difference to help solve this crisis.

- A book for our times. Amazon Reviewer, San Diego

Podcasts of David Kerns interviews on New Dimensions Radio, both a short cafe interview, and an hour long discussion of the critical problems in our health care system, are available in mp3 format. Further information and links to articles regarding the U.S. Health Care Crisis can be found at David Kerns website. For information on primary cancer prevention, the "cure" for our tragic cancer rate in the U.S. - one in two men and one in three women are expected to develop cancer - read Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Happy New Year! - Pamper Yourself To Prevent Cancer

Many of us spent New Year's Eve over-indulging in a few of life's pleasures. New Year's Day is a good time to start fresh - yet the frenzy of the holidays leaves many of us too weary to start training for that marathon today. The young, perfectly fit, Venus and Adonis models on TV advocating their three-hour-a-day-workout-program, may sound to us like fingernails on chalkboard.

Don't get discouraged. Pampering yourself today may lower your risk of cancer! Try these:

Sip a cup of green tea.
Many studies have demonstrated a lower risk of cancer in those who enjoy green tea.

Take a leisurely walk.
Even small increases in exercise appear to lower cancer risk.

Take a nap.
The risk of breast cancer is inversely proportional to amount of sleep.

Meditate.
Meditation raises melatonin levels, a hormone that may protect against breast and prostate cancers.

Nibble on black raspberries, red raspberries, and strawberries, and dark chocolate.
The antioxidants in berries and dark chocolate prove that not all tasty treats are bad for us.

Sip a warm cup of cocoa.
Hot cocoa has even more antioxidants than red wine or green tea.

Throw away the guilt as you pamper yourself. Sometimes allowing ourselves time to be quiet fosters a wonderful sense of gratitude, an emotion that does wonders for our overall health.

Happy New Year!

For information on cancer prevention to make 2008 your healthiest year yet, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Top Ten Healthy Lifestyle Tips From 2007

We have listed ten practical tips for nutrition and environmental awareness from 2007research. Now, we continue our countdown with ten tips gleened from 2007 studies on lifestyle and cancer risk.

10. Sleep in darkness.
This month, night shift work has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. Studies have found women who work night shifts have an elevated risk of breast cancer (and men, prostate cancer), whereas blind women have a low incidence. It is felt that melatonin, manufactured by the brain in total darkness, may lower the risk.

9. Brush your teeth and see your dentist.
Gum disease raised the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by a factor of three, in a study published this year.

8. Look for alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.
The drop in post-menopausal breast cancer (16%), that hit the headlines, is felt due to fewer women using hormone replacement therapy after menopause. Women who find menopausal symptoms overly uncomfortable, should seek out a health care provider who is passionate about menopause care, and can discuss risks and benefits of the multiple integrative options available.

7. Get Insured.
Those who lack health insurance for whatever reason, are more likely to die from cancer. Hopefully, with health care issues playing a significant role in the 2008 election, options for those who "fall between the cracks" will open.

6. Know your family history.
Studies continue to find genetic predispositions to several types of cancer. Recently, the risk for men in a family with a genetic risk for breast cancer has also been brought forth. In some cases, special screening may be indicated. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a form titled "My Family Health Portrait" for creating a family history. You can also get one by calling 1-888-275-4772.

5. Practice safe sex.
Although we have known for some time that roughly 25 percent of oral cancers are attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the issue has surfaced to general awareness along with the HPV vaccine. The most important step you can take is to practice safe sex, and consult a health care professional if you develop anything suspicious in your mouth.

4. Research before you travel.
Infection as the cause of roughly 25 percent of cancers worldwide is also old news that has recently gained the attention of the media. Before you travel, check out the Center for Disease Control's website . Bird flu is not the only concern in our wonderlust for exotic destinations.

3. Exercise.
For those who can't afford the pricey health club, or don't want to leave home, a study published this year could even save you money without stepping over your threshold. Women who exercised had a reduction in breast cancer, but the group with the greatest reduction in risk were those who engaged in "domestic exercise." Say with me "vacuuming, dusting, washing windows, folding clothes..."

2. Get screened.
2007 has been a year where HPV, and the vaccine, became a common household word. No matter your take on the HPV vaccine, Pap smears can detect abnormalities on the cervix before cancer appears - and save lives.

1. Be lean.
Studies this year have not only called to attention the tremendous impact of overweight and obesity on cancer, but seem to suggest that, even for those of normal weight, leaner is better. Think slim for a plus-size life!

For further information on cancer prevention, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer.

Top Ten Environmental Health Tips From 2007

According to the National Cancer Institute, two-thirds of cancer are related to our environment. Yesterday, we listed our top ten nutrition tips based on 2007 studies. Today we share our tips from studies that evaluated environmental risk and cancer.

10. Raise your awareness about environmental chemicals.

The Silent Spring Institute, in conjuction with Harvard University, the University of Southern California, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, reviewed all animals studies that suggest a link between chemicals in our environment and breast cancer. Over 60 of these are found in common household products! Links to the study, including a list of the chemicals found suspect are available. We also created a table listing some of the common items these chemicals are found in, and alternatives available.

9. Purchase a water filter.

The news this year has frightened many, as they discovered municipal wells in their communities are contaminated by carcinogens. The study above also lists chlorinated water as a breast cancer carcinogen in animals. Having a water filter eliminates the need to worry.

8. Find a wet-cleaner or liquid CO2 cleaner, and skip the drycleaner.

Perchloroethylene, used in chemical drycleaning establishment, is a carcinogen, and those who work in drycleaning establishments have an elevated risk of developing cancer. To find alternatives by zip code, check out our August 28, 2007 blog entry.

7. Don't mix infant formula with fluoridated water.

The American Dental Association has adviced against the use of fluoridated water in infant formula. Not only does fluoridated water in formula fail to protect babies teeth, but can actually damage them -- while at the same time increasing later risk for osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer.

6. Limit cell phone use in children.

While the jury is still out on the safety of cell phone use in children, many European countries have recommended children minimize use until more is known. Isn't the skyrocketing childhood obesity rate in the USA reason enough to follow suit?

5. Avoid products containing phthalates.

Several phthalates, plasticizers found in a wide range of products, have been banned or restricted for use in childrens products in Europe. Recently, California followed the lead and placed a similar ban. Ideally, look for products which carry the label "Phthalate free."

4. Go organic and avoid home and garden pesticides.

A Canadian study recently demonstrated an elevated risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma in those exposed to organochlorine pesticides. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been steadily increasing in frequency in the U.S.

3. Choose lipstick without lead.

A scan of the headlines recently - which listed lipsticks containing lead, left us wondering how we can know whether or not a product is safe. For starters, check out the Environmental Working Group. This website has product information on thousands of personal care products, and not only lists carcinogens, but gives them a grade of one to ten based on safety.

2. Weigh risks and benefits of any medical procedure using radiation.

Earlier this year, cancer risk to women undergoing coronary angiography surfaced. More recently, the use of CT scans in children was again brought to the table, and it is felt that as many as 2 percent of all cancers may be related to CT scans given now. These tests can save lives, but warrant a careful discussion of risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Questions to consider asking are listed in our July 25, 2007 blog entry.

1. Let the sun shine in!

Studies this year have vitamin D on center stage basking in the spotlight. Vitamin D has be associated with significant reductions not only in breast cancer, but colon cancer and now lung cancer as well. The magic number appears to be in the realm of 1000 IU's per day, something quite difficult to obtain by diet alone. Ten to fifteen minutes in the sun (without sunscreen) on most days, can result in the absorption of this cancer preventing dose. Canada, with a latitude where absorption of vitamin D in the winter is quite low, and a climate discourages exposure to the sun, a daily supplement of vitamin D has been recommended.

***2007 also marks the year where a renowned epidemiologist on the "inside," has shared her knowledge explaining why we fail to hear about so many measures we could be taking to lower our risk of cancer. Our thanks to Dr. Devra Davis for "having the guts" to publish "The Secret History of the War on Cancer," and to the Center for Evironmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh.

For more practical tips on the environment and cancer prevention, buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Top Ten Nutrition Tips For 2007

2007 was filled with studies loaded with tips for health and wellness. Nutrition begins our top ten countdown for a healthier 2008.

10. Limit soft drinks to less than one per day.

Those who drink more than one soft drink per day have a 44 percent greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome than those who drink less than one per day. And, it does not matter if the soft drink is regular or diet.Metabolic syndrome substantially raises the risk not only of heart disease, but several other conditions as well. The definition requires three or more of the following:

- excess waist circumference
- high blood pressure
- elevated triglycerides
- low HDL (good) cholesterol
- high fasting blood sugar

9. Limit foods containing acrylamide.

Acrylamide is a human carcinogen that is found in starchy foods that are heated, especially items such as french fries and potato chips. The attorney general of California settled a suit with one fast-food company this year, requiring that acrylamide content of foods carry a warning. More recently, foods high in acrylamide were linked with an increased risk of developing endometrial and ovarian cancer. Acrylamide content of various foods can be found at www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/acrylamideintakefdaappendix.pdf.

8. Add these cancer fighting foods to your diet

- Apples - Apples have been known for some time to lower the risk of lung cancer, but appear to aid in the fight to prevent breast cancer as well. They may even reduce asthma and allergies in children.

- Black raspberries - Black raspberries slow the growth of a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the U.S.

- Raw cruciferous vegetables - Even three servings a month can lower your risk of bladder cancer.

- Lemon to Green tea - Adding lemon to green tea results in much better absorption of catechins, the cancer fighters in green tea.

- Broccoli and tomatoes in unison - The combination of broccoli and tomatoes together packs a bigger punch against prostate cancer than addition alone would suggest.

7. Try to get your vitamins from dietary sources.

A study published in Cancer Research, demonstrated that diets high in vitamin B6, B12, and folate, were associated with decreases in the risk of pancreatic cancer of 81,73, and 57 percent respectively. Unlike those who got these vitamins through their diet, those who got vitamins in the form of a multivitamin supplement actually had a small increase in risk.

6. Limit alcohol intake.

Despite the studies on heart health and moderate alcohol consumption, a new study this year reinforced cancer risks with the consumption not only of hard liquor, but beer and wine as well.

5. Look for foods high in vitamin D and calcium.

Vitamin D and calcium intake are associated with a lower risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. Dairy products, independent of vitamin D and calcium, are linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

4. A low fat diet isn't just for those with high cholesterol.

Women who lowered their intake of dietary fat for a period of four years, were 40 percent less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

3. Limit red and processed meats.

Regular consumption of red meat and especially processed meats is associated with an increased likelihood of developing cancer.

2. Eat your vegetables!

Despite a disappointing study that did not show improved survival from breast cancer with a vegetable rich diet, veggies have not lost their starring role in cancer prevention. In a large study this year, it was found that Chinese women who exchanged their traditional "vegetable-soy" diet for a "meat-sweet" western diet, were 60 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

1. Limit your dietary intake - period.

This year the American Institute for Research on Cancer reviewed the evidence to date regarding the role of diet in cancer. Previous evaluation of the studies supports their claim that 30 to 40 percent of cancers could be prevented by a healthy diet and exercise alone. What clearly stood out this year was the impact of excess weight and calories on cancer risk. Currently, 20 percent of cancer in men and 14 percent in men are directly related to obesity.

Coming next, "Top Ten Environmental Health Tips from 2007." For further information on cancer prevention and the role of diet and the environment, read Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer.

Ten Tips For A Happy Holiday - Part Three

Part Three - Food Safety. In part one we talked about safety on the road, and in part two safety at home. Now, as loved ones gather around wonderful meals, we offer a few tips on safe eating. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are 76 million cases of food poisoning in the U.S. each year resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Follow a few safety practices to avoid being a part of these statistics!

5. Wash. First and foremost, wash your hands frequently. Improper hand washing is one of the major sources leading to food poisoning. Make sure to wash all fruits and vegetables prior to cooking, but do NOT wash meats. Rinsing meats in the sink can leave harmful bacteria behind to contaminate other foods.

6. Cook meat thoroughly. Undercooked turkey during the holidays can rapidly turn a joyous occasion sour. Follow these tips:

- Use a meat thermometer. Poultry should be cooked to 185 degrees, at an oven temperature of at least 135 degrees. Insert the thermometer near the inner thigh by the breast. If the turkey comes with a "pop-out," use a meat thermometer to ensure it is done. It is best to avoid stuffing entirely, but if you choose to add stuffing, make sure it registers to 165 degrees.

- Fresh turkeys can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking. Avoid prestuffed turkey.

- Frozen turkeys can be stored indefinately, but require proper defrosting. Defrosting in the refrigerator is ideal, but for more rapid defrosting, place the turkey (in a leak proof bag) in cold water. Do not defrost on the counter. If you choose the cold water method, cook immediately after defrosting.

Rules for defrosting: In the refrigerator: In cold water:
4-12 pounds 1-3 days 4-6 hours
12-16 pounds 3-4 days 6-8 hours
16-20 pounds 4-5 days 8-10 hours
20-24 pounds 5-6 days 10-12 hours

If you have questions about food preparation or safety, the USDA has a hotline available at 1-800-535-4555.

7. Store food soon after eating. Food should be returned to the refrigerator within two hours of preparation. This is especially important with meats and foods containing mayonaise.

8. Use separate cutting boards for meats and other foods. Using the same cutting board for meats and other foods can result in contamination. In addition, never use the same platter for raw and cooked meats. Wood cutting boards can harbor bacteria. If you choose these, run them through a hot dishwasher after use.

9. Remember allergies. Allergies, especially those to nuts, have become more common and can be life threatening. For those at risk, even traces of nuts from another dish can pose a significant threat. If you are entertaining someone with a nut allergy, it is best to skip the nuts completely in any dish.

10. Eggnog safety. Eggnog recipes call for uncooked eggs that can be contaminated by Salmonella. If you make your own eggnog, be sure to use pasteurized eggs and cook yellows lightly during preparation.Happy holiday eating!

For further healthy tips and information on cancer prevention buy Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.