What if you had the power to prevent cancer for your child or for any child? What would such a miracle look like? Perhaps a combination of surgery, potent drugs, vaccines, and even some hefty prayers are included in the prescription. Just the thought of preventing cancer seems to demand a higher power.

Recently, the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 40% of cancers worldwide are preventable. What does 40% look like? 12.4 million people who are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million cancer deaths world-wide could be prevented. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) is the top international non-governmental organization committed to the global prevention and control of cancer.

According to the UICC, the powerful weapon to prevent over 12 million cancers requires one to:

• Stop tobacco use and avoid second-hand smoke,
• Limit consumption of alcohol,
• Avoid too much sun,
• Keep to a healthy weight through healthy diet and exercise, and
• Protect against infections that cause cancer.

This report focuses on nine infections that are linked to cancer, specifically: Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus (both associated with liver cancer); HPV-Human Papillomavirus (some strains cause cervical cancer); Epstein Barr virus (causes Burkitt’s lymphoma); HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Kaposi’s sarcoma and AIDS-related lymphomas); Helicobacter pylori (a bacterium that can cause stomach cancer); Liver flukes and cancer of the bile ducts; Schistosomiasis and bladder cancer; and HTLV-1 and adult T-cell leukemia. To learn more about these infections read the full UICC report at http://www.worldcancercampaign.org/templates/wcc/pdf/2010%20campaign/UICC%20Report%202010_eng.pdf

None of these things sound so difficult, startling, or even excessively expensive. For diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, medical research has shown for decades the importance of healthy eating and exercise. Evidence-based outcomes show healthy nutrition and exercise are crucial for cancer prevention as well.

Imagine children who no longer fear the claws of cancer piercing their futures. If we intervene today, there is a chance to spare many the pain and suffering that cancer keeps. Furthermore, if we follow these simple practices, consider the billions of dollars that could be saved and used in education, job creation, or research to find cures and preventions for the other 60% of people with cancer.

©2010 Chris Marchioni, MD