Healthy Behaviors Can Prevent At Least Half Of Cancer Deaths—

American Cancer Society Launches Campaign To Reduce Cancer Risk

WILTON — The American Cancer Society is launching a new campaign on January 18 to educate Americans about how to reduce cancer risk. Many Americans believe that there is little they can do to avoid getting cancer, but in fact, at least 50 percent of cancer deaths can be prevented through healthy lifestyle factors, including maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient physical activity, limiting consumption of alcohol, not smoking or using other tobacco products, and getting cancer screening tests.

Research indicates that cutting cancer death rates by 50 percent nationally would save about 280,000 lives every year in the United States and 6,990 in Connecticut.

“An American Cancer Society survey found that 47 percent of adult Americans think they have little or no control over reducing their cancer risk, but that is not the case,” said Patrice Bedrosian, state director of communications for the American Cancer Society. “The Great American Health Challenge will help raise awareness about how Americans can prevent cancer in their own lives, and will give them the information and tools to embark on, or maintain, a healthy lifestyle.”

The American Cancer Society’s Great American Health Challenge asks Americans to make a commitment to take the following actions to reduce their cancer risk:

*Check — Find out which cancer screening tests are appropriate based on age and family history, and discuss these with your doctor. Screening can prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest, most treatable stage. In January, take the Great American Health Check.

*Move — Be physically active most days of the week, and strive for 30 minutes of exercise on five or more days.

*Nourish — Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and limit consumption of red meats, especially high-fat and processed meats. In August, participate in the Great American Eat Right Challenge.

*Quit — Stop smoking, or join the fight against tobacco as an advocate for smoke-free communities. In November, participate in the Great American Smokeout.

“The Great American Health Check is the first step in the yearlong Health Challenge. Through the Health Check, we are encouraging Americans to log onto our website at www.cancer.org/greatamericans to learn more about how they can live a healthier life and make informed decisions to help reduce their risk of cancer,” said Ms Bedrosian.

The Great American Health Check (www.cancer.org/greatamericans) assesses an individual’s risk for cancer and provides a customized action plan. Easy-to-use and confidential, this interactive online tool allows users to enter age, gender, height, weight, family history of cancer, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and alcohol and tobacco use for themselves or a loved one.

The information provided results in an individualized action plan that provides guidance on which cancer screening tests are appropriate based on age and family history and which should be discussed with a doctor. It also offers day-to-day lifestyle suggestions on how to eat healthy, get the right amount of exercise, limit alcohol use, and quit smoking.

Screening can detect cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, cervix, prostate, oral cavity, and skin at early stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful. In addition, tests for cervical and colorectal cancer may detect changes in cells before they become cancerous.

The five-year survival rate for cancers that can be prevented or detected earlier by screening is about 86 percent, a percentage which reflects real reductions in cancer deaths as well as earlier diagnosis because of screening.

The Great American Health Check will be followed later this year by other Great American Health Challenge components that address nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco use. In August, the Great American Eat Right Challenge will provide practical advice and personalized tips on adopting healthy eating habits and getting regular physical activity to maintain proper body weight.

The 31st anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout will take place in November and will continue its history of inspiring and helping smokers to quit.

The society estimates that in 2006 about 170,000 cancer deaths were expected to be caused by tobacco, and scientific evidence suggests that about one-third of the cancer deaths that occur in the United States each year are due to nutrition and physical activity factors, including excess weight.

For the majority of Americans who do not use tobacco, dietary choices and physical activity are the most important modifiable factors in cancer risk.

“The Great American Health Challenge provides a comprehensive health improvement and cancer prevention plan,” said Ms Bedrosian. “And when you take steps to live healthier, you will feel better, look better, and enjoy life to the fullest.”

For more information on the Great American Health Challenge, call the American Cancer Society, anytime day or night, at 800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org/greatamericans.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

For additonal  information anytime, call toll free 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.