SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After Gloria Linnertz lost her husband, Joe, to lung cancer it became her mission to educate everyone about the danger of radon exposure. She started Citizens for Radioactive Radon and encourages everyone to test their homes for high radon levels.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and lung cancer is the top cancer killer of both women and men. The American Lung Assoc. (ALA) of Indiana reports lung cancer kills almost twice as many women as any other kind – yet awareness among women remains low.
During November, which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the ALA is encouraging people to learn more about the disease, as greater awareness can save lives.
"Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among women, and unfortunately, most lung cancer cases are not diagnosed until later, when treatment options are limited," said Tanya Husain, executive director of the ALA in Indiana. "Early diagnosis and treatment can save a life; that’s why we’re raising awareness about this disease and screening options."
Prevention is the key to reducing not just lung cancer, but all cancer rates. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says lung, colon, prostate and breast cancers continue to be the most common causes of cancer death, accounting for almost half of the total cancer deaths among men and women.
Dr. Swati Pathak, M.D., an assistant professor at Southern Illinois Medical School’s division of hematology and oncology, offers tips about cancer prevention for those in rural areas. Farmers have higher incidences of colon, rectal, head and neck and liver cancers.
"Although our genes influence our risk of cancer, most of the difference in cancer risk between people is due to factors that are not inherited. We need to adopt healthy lifestyle and get age-appropriate screening for prevention and early detection of cancers," Pathak explained.
"We have an epidemic of obesity and this puts people at a higher risk of cancer. Obesity increases risk for breast cancer, especially in post-menopausal women and increases the risk for colon, rectum, esophageal, kidney and pancreatic cancers.
"Fat around abdominal area – belly fat – is especially implicated in colorectal cancer. We recommend trying to maintain a healthy weight throughout life with a healthy balanced diet and exercise," she said. "We aim for a target BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 to 25 kg/msq.," she added.
"The American Cancer Society advises a healthy diet with emphasis on plant-based foods. Be more aware of portions and your daily intake. Check food labels, eat low-calorie foods and avoid calorie-dense foods like potatoes and sweets. Limit processed meats and choose poultry, beans and fish over red meat. If you eat red meat, it should be smaller portions of lean cuts prepared by baking rather than charbroiling or frying."
Eat 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day and if selecting fruit juice, 100 percent fruit juice is preferred. "Encourage whole grains," Pathak said, "rather than refined products."
Physical activity should be a part of daily routine. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is also important – limits of two drinks per day for men and one for women are recommended. "One drink is a maximum of 12 ounces of beer and 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distal spirits," Pathak explained.
Screenings are important for early detection of cancer, to increase the chance of curative treatment. For colorectal cancer, anyone at average risk of colon cancer (i.e., without family history, or inflammatory bowel disease or an earlier abnormal screening result) should be screened at age 50 years or older. This can be done with a colonoscopy (once every 10 years) or flexible sigmoidoscopy (once every five years), or high-sensitivity stool guaiac testing.
New guidelines offer screenings for lung cancer for anyone at high risk who has a greater than 30-year pack history if between the ages 55-74. "They are candidates for a screening with a low-dose CT scan of the chest. This is relatively new and everyone may not know about it," Pathak said.
"Anyone 50 or greater with a 20-year pack history and who has another underlying health issue like lung disease is also eligible for a screening CT scan of the chest once a year."
Prostate cancer guidelines encourage men to speak to their primary care physicians about the benefit of a screening. If they are between the ages 45-75 they should have rectal exam and have their PSA levels checked. Depending on the results, biopsy of prostate may be advised.
While females are at high risk for breast cancer, males can have it too. Guidelines have changed – women at an average risk should have a mammogram if they are older than 45. "Women with prior history, or who have had breast abnormalities, or radiation to the chest, are at an increased risk and should have a mammogram earlier," Pathak said.
With farmers working in the sun, they are also more susceptible to skin cancers. To reduce risk, avoid direct exposure to sun between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If working in sun wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brim hat. Use skin protection with at least 30 SPF or more and apply it over the entire body every two hours while in sun and, if perspiring or in water, every hour.
Pathak said, "Have your doctor check your skin often, at least check annually."
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that has been implicated in lung cancer and childhood leukemia. Higher levels of radon exposure are also more likely for people who work in mines, uranium processing factories or who come into contact with phosphate fertilizers, which may have high levels of radium. Household exposure is also common.
People should measure radon at home (kits are available, which can be sent to lab for analysis) and take action to lower levels if they are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. A variety of methods can be used to reduce radon levels at home, such as sealing cracks in floors and walls or increasing ventilation using pipes and fans, or using professional help to lower radon levels.
