Tobacco use and fighting obesity are two ways anyone can lower their risk of cancer, and they are two of the most common topics Yale Cancer Center experts are asked about at community events. Sakinah Carter Suttiratana, PhD, MPH, MBA, Associate Research Scientist and Co-Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Health Equity (CEHE), addresses both topics and shares helpful resources below.
Tobacco use
Use of tobacco products has been linked to 17 types of cancer. Most people are exposed through cigarette smoking. Quitting smoking is hard and often takes a few tries. If you or someone you know would like to quit, there is support. In Connecticut, residents can call the CT Quitline at 1-800- QUIT-NOW or register online at www.quitnow.net/connecticut. A clinic or doctor can also help you find and get support to quit, including the Smilow Tobacco Treatment Program. In addition to talking to a counselor or coach, there are prescription medications and over the counter products that can help people quit. Many quit aids are covered by insurance. Don’t delay in finding what works for you. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best ways to improve your health which includes reducing your risk of cancer.
(Source: https://cancerprogressreport.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/AACR_CDPR_2022.pdf)
Obesity/overweight
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can help reduce cancer risk too! About 1/3 of newly diagnosed cancers are due to being overweight or obese, being physically inactive, or having poor diet quality. Adults can help reduce future cancer risks by taking brisk walks for 150 minutes per week and doing something to strengthen their muscles 2-3 days per week. Combining physical activity with healthy eating habits is a good way to reduce cancer risk and improve overall health. If you have not been active in a while, it is OK to start slow and work up to the recommended level of weekly activity. Healthy diets look different for different people but should include five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, whole grains, limited sugar-sweetened beverages, and limited red (e.g., beef & lamb) and processed (e.g., sausages & cold cuts) meats. Maintaining healthy weight is important for cancer survivors too—talk to your care team about the amount and types of activity and foods that are right for your situation. Each year our ability to find and treat cancer improves. In Cancer Prevention Month, we also like to share the roles we can all play to reduce cancer burden.
(Primary source: https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/progress-against-cancer/obesity-and-your-cancer-risk/ & https://cancerprogressreport.aacr.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/AACR_CDPR_2022.pdf)
Yale Cancer Center is a global research leader that also strives to serve as a resource for all people in Connecticut. While many people know about the superior care that patients receive at Smilow Cancer Hospital and our network sites, and the medicines and treatments being developed for patients with cancer, Yale Cancer Center also partners to bring programming to Connecticut towns and communities across the state. If you are interested in exploring opportunities to volunteer at Smilow Cancer Hospital, please contact Volunteer Services at (203) 688-2297.