Banner MD Anderson Creating Hope

creating hope JANUARY 2013

Reduce your risk

February is Cancer Prevention Month. Here’s what you can do to lower your own risk

T

BY STEPHANIE CONNER

here’s a good chance you know someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer. It’s natural to start wondering about your own risk. Diljeet Singh, M.D., program director for Gynecologic Oncology and program director of Integrative Medicine and Cancer Prevention at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert, offers the following tips for reducing your cancer risk.

1

Eat more veggies. “We’re learning more and more that what we eat and how we live has an impact on not just cancer but diabetes and heart disease,” Singh says. She recommends starting any dietary change with an increase in fruits and vegetables, which help provide antioxidants and isoflavones that help fight cancer. “We should be getting at least seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day,” she says. “If you’re cutting back on calories, then I say five servings and focus on vegetables.”

2

Get moving. Singh and other experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. “That’s half an hour five times a week,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a class or the gym. Just put on comfortable shoes and get out walking.” Then, as you become more fit, there are plenty of other workout options.

INSIDE 2 Expansion plans

6 Thanks for your help

3 New breast reconstruction procedure

7 Cancer survivor stays active, positive

4 Meet Drs. Craft and Tan

8 Events and activities

5 Ask the expert