Simple steps reduce cancer risk

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Indiana and in the United States, trailing only heart disease.

Dr. Jennifer Bales, Wayne County’s health officer, highlighted cancer prevention tips during the Feb. 9 Wayne County Board of Health meeting. February is National Cancer Prevention Month.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 30% of cancer deaths are secondary to tobacco exposure and that smoking makes a person 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Smoking also is the primary cause of mouth, throat and bladder cancers and increases the cancer risk in other locations, Bales said.

Thirteen cancers are associated with obesity, making a healthy diet and weight important. A healthy diet is low in red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages and highly processed foods and includes vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains.

Alcohol is linked to eight types of cancer, and is dose-related, Bales said. The American Cancer Society recommends no alcohol, but limiting intake to one drink per day helps reduce cancer risk.

Sun safety also is important to decrease skin cancer risk, which is the fifth most common cancer behind lung and bronchial, colorectal, breast and prostate. Use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats when in the sun. Bales said it’s also important to avoid tanning beds.

Vaccinations can help prevent certain cancers. Human papillomavirus is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer, and a vaccination is generally given to 11- and 12-year-old girls. Anyone who has not had the vaccine should consult with a primary care physician, Bales said. Hepatitis B is a primary cause of liver cancer, and the hepatitis B vaccine is part of childhood vaccinations.

Screenings are also important, Bales said, but are specific to an individual’s risk factors and family history. She recommended talking to a primary care provider about cancer screenings.

“Early diagnosis through screening is the key to saving lives and recovering from cancer,” Bales said.

Bales also provided an update on viral problems. Influenza is moderate, while COVID cases are surging, she said. 

Viral gastroenteritis — the stomach flu — has also appeared. The vomiting and diarrhea cause a risk of dehydration. Bales said hand sanitizer does not kill the virus, so hand washing is necessary.

Other issues

• The health board approved a $35,000 annual contract with Boston Bever Forrest Cross & Sickmann for legal services. Any services outside the contract will be billed at $250 per hour. Christopher Armour has been serving as the health department’s attorney. Wayne County’s commissioners approved the legal contract during their Feb. 11 meeting.
• The health department is exploring a partnership with Citizen Opioid Responders for naloxone training. Naloxone, often known as Narcan, counters opioid overdoses. The partnership will include an online map of where free naloxone is available, as well as training. Dan Burk, director of the health department, said the group wants to remove any stigma from naloxone training and make people aware that free naloxone that’s simple to use is available.
• Dr. Paul Rider, the board chair, said member Sabrina Pennington is resigning her board position. He said that she’s been a valuable board member.