COVER STORY · JUNE 2018
02
DRINK WATER
Drinking water
might sound
boring, but
it is essential to healthy living.
The human body is 60 percent
water, which helps with digestion,
nutrients, saliva, and body
temperature. Water hydrates the
body, moisturizes the skin, and
helps control calories. Order water
rather than soft drinks or alcohol
at restaurants to improve nutrition,
lose weight and save money.
03
EXERCISE
REGULARLY
In addition
to improving
hormone levels and immune
system function, being active can
help reduce cancer risk and aid in
weight control. Unfortunately, only
about half of Americans routinely
exercise. Data indicate that even
moderate exercise – 75 to 150
minutes a week – can help reduce
cancer risk. That’s only 15 to 30
minutes a day, five days a week.
Mild exercise doesn’t require a gym
membership. Take the stairs rather
than the elevator, park further
from the door, or take a brisk walk
while listening to music or an audio
book.
04
DON’T SMOKE
Tobacco smoking is the
leading cause of lung cancer
and is one of the primary
causes of 18 other types of cancer. Nearly one
in five deaths in the United States is linked to
smoking. Despite decad es of warnings about
the dangers of tobacco, research surveys reveal
that nearly one-fifth of those aged 25 to 44
smokes — mostly men. Nicotine is addictive, so
quitting can be difficult. The American Cancer
Society offers free counseling, information, and
support to help smokers kick their bad habit.
Additionally, the Texas Department of State
Health Services has a hotline to help smokers
quit. Call the “Quitline” at 1-877-937-7848 for
support.
05
REDUCE
ALCOHOL
CONSUMPTION
Excessive alcohol
can cause numerous short-term and
long-term dangers, including cancer.
Alcohol, especially when combined
with tobacco is associated with
increased risk for at least head and
neck, esophageal and liver cancers.
Because of alcoholism, drunk driving,
and the stigma of being associated
with “that guy” who ruins events by
excessive drinking, it is now socially
acceptable to abstain from alcohol at
functions. Men who choose to drink
alcohol should limit consumption to
the equivalent of two beers a day.
06
AVOID UNSAFE
SEXUAL
PRACTICES
Abstinence and safe
sex not only protect against sexually
transmitted diseases, but they also
help prevent human papillomavirus
(HPV)-related cancers. A research
study indicates that nearly half of all
American men under 60 have HPV,
which causes warts, some forms of
head and neck cancer, penile cancer,
and anal cancer. HPV is linked to 91
percent of anal cancers. Although
HPV-related cancers are increasing,
they are highly treatable if diagnosed
early. In addition, HPV vaccines in
young men are a very effective way to
prevent infection.
07
PROTECT AGAINST
UV EXPOSURE
Skin cancer is the
most common
cancer. It is caused by exposure to
ultraviolet, or UV, rays, by the sun or
tanning lamps. By applying SPF 30
or higher sunscreen and reapplying
as directed, wearing hats and, when
possible, long sleeves and long pants,
men can reduce their risk of this highly
preventable cancer. Additionally, men
should check their skin monthly for
changes and point out any suspicious
spots to their doctor. Early detection
is vital to help treat skin cancer and
prevent it from spreading.
13 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
08
SCHEDULE
REGULAR
PHYSICAL
EXAMINATIONS
AND SCREENINGS
It is important for men to identify
a preferred doctor and keep
appointments for regular physical
examinations and regular screenings.
Early detection – finding cancer before
symptoms are apparent, and when it
is most treatable – is paramount. Men
can fight cancer by staying current on
their screenings, and by self-checking
for any notable changes.
Although men tend to be less
inclined to visit a physician in person,
technology is making it easier – and
to access highly specialized care
throughout the Texas Oncology
network of more than 175 sites of
service. For example, Texas Oncology
uses telehealth to help connect
patients in the Valley region with the
renowned neuro-oncologists at the
Austin Brain Tumor Center, and for
consultations with Texas Center for
Proton Therapy in Irving.
Everyone can be at risk for cancer, and
there is no miracle cancer prevention
solution. That is why it is important
for men to develop healthy habits
and behaviors that are known to help
prevent cancer. Clean living does not
result in a boring life. To the contrary,
it increases a man’s chances of living
longer with a higher quality of life.
Drs. Araneda and Sarhill are
medical oncologists at Texas
Oncology–Harlingen, 2121 Pease, Suite
101, in Harlingen, Texas. To learn more,
visit www.TexasOncology.com.