40% of cancers detected (400,000 new cases in 2017) are linked to preventable risk factors, says the National Cancer Institute (Inca).
For a cell to become cancerous, one or more of its genes must have mutated. These mutations can result from a genetic predisposition. "But they are often provoked or favored by aggressions inherent in our environment or our way of life," says Dr. Pierre Lebailly, deputy director of the Cancers & Prevention Unit at the University of Caen.
Tobacco, public enemy number one
Of the 7,000 chemical compounds in cigarette smoke, 70 are known carcinogens (arsenic, tar, benzene ...). As a result, 45,000 people die each year in France from a cancer directly linked to tobacco , more than a third of all cancer deaths. Tobacco alone is responsible for eight out of ten lung cancers, 53% of bladder cancers, 30% of pancreatic cancers and nearly 70% of cancers of the mouth, larynx and esophagus. . She is also involved in the development of breast , cervical, ovarian, liver, pancreatic, stomach and certain leukemias.
Ending with tobacco is the most effective way to prevent cancer.
Alcohol, 2nd preventable risk factor
15,000 French people die each year as a result of cancer caused by alcohol. " Overconsumption of alcohol is thus responsible for more than 6% of all cancers in France ," says the Foundation for Research for Cancer (ARC), of which 63% of oral cancers, 54% of laryngeal cancers, and 20% of liver cancers ". It has also been shown that alcohol is the cause of 17% of breast cancers!
The risk is real from one drink per day and it becomes even more significant beyond 10 standard drinks per week, 10 times 10 cl of wine or 10 times 25 cl of beer. The harms of alcohol are reinforced when they are associated with tobacco. The risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity is thus multiplied by 45 for heavy users of alcohol and tobacco.
Junk food: to flee absolutely
Excessive consumption of red meat and cold cuts, coupled with low fruit and vegetable consumption, is estimated to account for around 8% of all cancers . The fibers, vitamins and antioxidants found in plants play a protective role in that they boost the immune system , which allows the body to eradicate early tumors, especially in the esophagus, the body. stomach and lung.
Ulltransformed foods coming out of factories (nuggets, cordon-bleu, instant soups, sugary drinks ...) are particularly suspected. Packed with sugar, salt, hydrogenated fats and food additives , they seem to increase by 12% the risk of developing cancer, especially that of the breast, according to a French study of February 2018 conducted on 105 000 people followed during 8 years. But junkfood is probably not the only issue because "smoking and low physical activity were more common among study participants who consume a lot of industrial foods," says researchers at the National Institute of health and medical research (Inserm).
To avoid the specter of cancer, however, it is better to focus on fresh home-cooked foods, reduce its intake of red meat to less than 500 g per week, strongly limit cured products and industrial foods. "Consuming 5 fruits and vegetables a day, the equivalent of 400 g, is also highly recommended to reduce the risk of cancer, but also diabetes and cardiovascular disease, " says Dr. Serge Hercberg, coordinator of the Nutrinet- Health.
Overweight and obesity not innocent
Overweight, caused in particular by an unbalanced diet, contributes to the development of many cancers, since excess fat induces a hormonal imbalance and a chronic inflammatory state. It increases the production of estrogen and insulin, hormones that promote the proliferation of malignant cells. The impact is notable for cancers of the liver, esophagus, endometrium (lining of the uterus), kidney, colon, pancreas, gall bladder, ovary and breast. after menopause . At least 2,300 cancer deaths were attributed to overweight in the early 2000s in France. And given the increase in the size of the population, this number is certainly to review sharply upward.
A Swedish study by the Karolinska Institute, published in November 2017, also suggests that women with Body Mass Index ( BMI ) greater than 25 should have screening mammograms more often than others. Not only is their risk of cancer higher, but the diagnosis also appears later in their lives. The presence of a mammary tumor is only detected when it is 2 cm in diameter. But when a tumor reaches this size, breast cancer is already advanced. The chances of recovery turn out to be lower.
Physical activity: missing is carcinogenic
Moving regularly increases energy expenditure, so it helps to maintain a normal body size. But the daily practice of a minimum of physical activity also constitutes as such a shield against cancer because it stimulates the vigor of the immune system.
Five hours of sport a week reduces the risk of breast and colon cancer by 25% to 30%. "It also avoids 40% of recurrences," says Dr. Séverine Alran, senologist at St. Joseph Hospital (Paris). Relapse of breast cancer would be 20% fewer among women who engage in 3 hours of exercise per week. And half in those who grow up to 9 hours.
To sharpen your anti-cancer weapons, therefore, practice at least 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity physical activity every day (brisk walking, gardening, running ...).
Atmospheric pollution in the sights
Exposure to polluted air has been identified as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since October 2013. Toxic gases and microparticles generated by transport, electricity generation, industrial activities and residential heating would be responsible for about 1% of diagnosed cancer cases . It is certainly not easy to escape because you can not stop breathing in the city. But it is possible to reduce its exposure by ventilating well its home (10 minutes / day) because the internal pollution is often worse than the external pollution.
Also avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution and favor public transport to help improve urban air quality. Individual efforts add up to the well-being and health of all.
As for cancer of the cervix , often linked to a persistent infection by papillomavirus, it can be prevented by vaccination (for young girls) and performing every 3 years a cervical smear. The latter makes it possible to detect the presence of lesions due to viruses before they degenerate into cancer.
