Cancer

The American Cancer Society defines cancer as a large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. More than 200 diseases are classified as cancer. They share some common characteristics, progress in similar ways, and respond to similar types of treatments. To reduce repetition throughout the text, this chapter addresses the common features of those diseases known as cancer.

cancer is listed as the second most common cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that one in three Americans will have cancer at some time.

Nutrition Considerations

1 Thirty-five percent of all cancers are believed to be related to diet:

• Diets high in salt-cured, smoked, and nitrate-cured foods are associated with esophageal and stomach cancers.

• Obesity is associated with cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, gallbladder, ovary, and uterus.

• Cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate may be associated with high-fat diets.

• High alcohol intake is associated with cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.

2 To reduce the risk of cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:

•Consume adequate fruits and vegetables (five or more servings each day).

•Consume adequate grains, rice, pasta, beans (several servings each day).

•Limit consumption of fats.

•Engage in moderate physical activity of at least 30 minutes or more on most days and maintain a healthy weight.

•Limit alcohol consumption (or do not drink any alcohol).

A normal cell has the following characteristics:

•A distinct, recognizable appearance typical of all cells from a particular tissue (“tissue of origin”); has a single small nucleus

•The ability to perform a specific function when mature

•The production of substances that hold cells from the same type of tissue closely together

•The ability to recognize other cells and identify the other cells’ tissue of origin

•The ability to reproduce in a controlled manner to...