Entry #2 Can we prevent cancer?

Receiving the diagnosis of cancer is the most frightening thing that can happen to somebody. Is there any way we can prevent cancer? The answer is yes.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/04/health/who-world-cancer-report/ 

Prevention of cancer could be achieved with leading healthy lifestyle. Dr. Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer and executive vice president at the American Cancer Society in a CNN interview: “Imminent Human Disaster” says that the prevention of obesity epidemic can eliminate up to 12 different cancers. High calorie intake diet causes 28 to 29 percent of cancer in USA. He recommends maintaining normal weight and being physically active. He emphasizes on the importance of cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of cancer. In USA 33 percent of cancer cases are related to tobacco.

Another way to prevent cancer is through vaccination. Examples are: HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer and Hepatitis B vaccine prevents liver cancer. Liver cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In his interview, Dr. Brawley pointed out that at least half of the cancer cases are preventable.

We can control what to eat and how much to be physically active, but we can’t control the air we breathe. The World Health Organization warns that the air pollution is the leading cause of cancer in the world. China is taking actions to deal with this problem. I wonder why we do not hear anything about this concerning health issue in USA. 

The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) writes in its website: “Air pollution continues to be a health problem, with many types of pollution and sources of pollution left unaddressed because of loopholes or political pressure or delays. But polluters and other special interests are once again asking Congress to put profits before public health.

Congress should let the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do its job in order to ensure healthy air for all Americans.”

These public health organizations started a national complain called “Clean Air Act” to protect the health of our families and children. Industrial companies, which are called “polluters” for obvious reasons and some business organizations, are pressuring members of Congress to stop the EPA from doing its job of protecting public health by rolling back existing public health laws like the Clean Air Act and blocking needed clean air and clean water protections. 

Let us support these public organizations in their effort to protect the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. Our future and our children’s future depend on their success.