Press Releases
Combating Cancer
Dr. David Dykes
Publication: East Texas Review
07/07/2009
Cancer is not a single disease. It is many diseases that target various parts of the body, but all cancers are characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth. Ordinarily the body carefully controls cell growth, but when these controls malfunction, runaway cell growth can occur and produce lethal malignancies.
One out of three cancers can be prevented. Even if the genetics of potential patients is beyond a doctor’s control we can oversee the factors that make us vulnerable, and nutrition is a major factor. Before this year’s end more than 97,000 Texans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, and this includes more than 600 just in Gregg County. The estimate for Smith County is 1042 new cases.
The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recently announced that a healthy lifestyle emphasizing a well-balanced, nutritious diet is vital in lowering the risk factor. As an added bonus a diet tailored to avoid cancer can also head off obesity, which also increases the incidence of numerous other health problems.
Researchers recommend the following guidelines:
• Diets should be rich in dark, leafy greens, seasonal fruits and vegetables such as berries.
• Also include such veggies as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
• Limit intake of salt and fat.
• Avoid red meat and processed meats.
• Select whole grains over processed and refined grains.
• Limit liquor intake. Women should have no more than one drink daily, and men two drinks daily.
Dr. Bill Taylor of Texas Oncology - Longview Cancer Center’s says summer is the ideal time to commence a healthy diet because this is when nutritious foods are most plentiful.
“Fresh tomatoes, for example, have natural antioxidants,” he said. Taylor also points out that this is the best time for healthful physical activities. “Days are longer. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes, five days a week significantly improves your health,” he said. “Practice safety in the sun, and wear sunscreen.”
The American Cancer Society Facts and Figures for 2008 ranked Texas third after California and Florida for Melanoma – a form of deadly skin cancer. Taylor advises sun lovers to use sunscreen. SPF 15 sunscreen is appropriate but makes sure it protects against UVA and UVB sun rays. Still, and despite the fact that sunlight provides needed Vitamin D, it is best to avoid the searing Texas sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Wear protective hat and glasses if you have to be out in the sun. More importantly, avoid tanning beds.
“Parents need to take precautions and keep kids out of the heat,” Taylor said. “Keep kids in the shade.”
He also recommends that beachgoers don attire with UVB protection. Still, not all the news is precautionary.
“Overall cancer incidents are dropping,” Taylor said. “However, baby boomers are getting older, and most cancers occur more often after 60. Though the numbers may look high because people are living longer, the percentage is dropping a little bit. The reason prostate [cancer] is on the rise is that men are living longer.”
He advises African American men to start getting yearly prostate cancer screenings at age 40, while Caucasian men should start getting them at age 50.
A bad fact is that lung cancer is making a comeback. Many teenaged girls are smoking because they think it makes them look cool. “One cigarette is bad for you,” Taylor said.
With summer’s greatly increase spare time there are more opportunities for cancer screenings. Taylor explained how patients are terrified when first told they have cancer, but after he describes the odds and treatment plans he can see relief and hope return. He is delighted when cured patients visit to express their gratitude. Early detection is vital.
“If some had come in earlier they would have been cured,” he said. “People are scared and won’t come in and get screenings.”
He also points out that the treatment at Texas Oncology is second to none, and patients should not have second thoughts about it just because it is located in small towns than some of the larger cities.
“We do exactly the same things that [Houston’s] MD Anderson does. Many of us are trained by MD Anderson, but chose to live in smaller communities and raise our children there instead of Houston,” he said. “At Texas Oncology, you will get the same quality care. You are personally known here by your name--not as Patient #7 or Kidney Patient #5.”
He explained that Texas Oncology is under the auspice of US Oncology headquartered in Houston, Texas. They have the same protocols as MD Anderson in Houston.
For more information visit www.usoncology.com.
US Oncology first opened in 1987, and now maintain 90 facilities throughout Texas and New Mexico and 270 physicians who specialize in a broad range of cancer strains. Its treatment regimen emphasizes diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, pharmaceuticals, clinical trials and supportive services in community outpatient settings. It is the country’s largest network of medical practitioners devoted exclusively to cancer treatment and research. Hence, Texas Oncology, Longview Cancer Center is no different.