Megan Brown

Professor Sibson

English 231C

30 March 2017

Research Proposal

Cancer is among the leading cause of death globally. In 2012 alone, there were 14 million

new cases of cancer and 8.2 million cancer-related deaths worldwide (Cancer Statistics).

Several factors contribute to developing cancer, and researchers are in fact starting to call cancer

a man-made disease through pollution and changes to our diet and lifestyle (Heyes). The

incidences of cancer will only rise with time unless individuals are presented information on how

to prevent this disease.

In an article by Heyes (2016), researchers recently examined remains and literature from

ancient Greece and Egypt and discovered the first historical diagnosis of cancer. The researchers

noted that they only found one incident of cancer while examining hundreds of Egyptian

mummies, meaning that cancer was a very unfamiliar and sparse disease in previous times.

Theys also discovered that the rate of cancer increased tremendously after the Industrial

Revolution, especially in children. This indicates that the rise in cancer is not correlated with

longer life spans, which most people believe (Heyes, 2016).

Harris et al. (2004) suggests interventions provided by The Cancer Prevention and

Control Research Network have been proven to reduce the burden and difficulty of cancer,

primarily amidst minorities. The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network focuses on

developing new interventions and disseminating and translating proven interventions into

practice to reduce cancer burden and disparities (Harris, p.1). The interventions provided

include an increase in physical activity, tobacco control, eating healthy, sun avoidance, and early

screening for timely cancer detection. The authors indicate that the burden of cancer in the
United States remains high, and the incidences of cancer and mortalities continue at a steady

rate. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States as well as a leading cause

of morbidity. Cancer accounts for one of every four deaths (Harris et al., 2004, p.8). This rate is

extremely alarming and individuals need to be informed that these rates can be lowered with

lifestyle changes and effort.

Studies show that secondary and tertiary interventions are not working well to overt the

clinical problems associated with cancer and other chronic diseases, and we must approach this

epidemic through primary prevention measures. This requires addressing the roots of these

conditions at the environmental level, starting with physical inactivity.

In this respect, a strong association exists between the increase of

physical inactivity and the emergence of modern chronic diseases in

20th century industrialized societies. Approximately 250,000 deaths per

year in the United States are premature due to physical inactivity.

Epidemiological data have established that physical inactivity increases

the incidence of at least 17 unhealthy conditions, almost all of which

are chronic diseases or considered risk factors for chronic diseases

(Booth et al., 2000, p.2).

As you can see, just by being physically inactive the possibility of incurring cancer or

another chronic disease greatly increases with time. To encourage activity and lead healthier

lifestyles, individuals would be able to avoid the trauma and burden caused by chronic diseases

and in the long run create an investment for future health care in the new millennium by avoiding

US health care system bankruptcy.

 Ligibel et al. (2014) discuss how obesity is a major risk factor for cancer. In the last three

decades, obesity has increased significantly with more than 1/3 of adults categorized as obese as

well as 17% of children. As many as 84,000 cancer diagnoses each year are attributed to

obesity, and overweight and obesity are implicated in 15% to 20% of total cancer-related

mortality (Ligibel et al., 2014, p.6).

Recent data show that women with breast cancer who were also obese showed a great

increase in mortality opposed to women that were normal weight at diagnosis. On top of that,

obese men have an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Emerging data

suggest that obesity plays a role in other cancers as well. Public awareness of how obesity can

lead to cancer is very limited and we must take action to make this universal knowledge in hopes

to avoid more incidences and casualties of cancer. Obesity is a complex societal problem, and it

will take significant time and effort on the part of many organizations to reduce the incidence of

overweight and obesity among ourselves, our patients, their family members, and the general

population (Ligibel et al., 2014, p.3).

A substantial amount of cancers can be prevented through creating a healthier lifestyle for

oneself. By not smoking, eating healthier foods, and maintaining an active lifestyle, the chances

of being diagnosed with cancer greatly decreases. Many cancers can be averted through lifestyle

changes that are possible. It is important that these habits become common knowledge in hopes

of depleting cancer rates.

It has been estimated that 30-40 percent of all cancers can be

prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone. Obesity, nutrient

sparse foods such as concentrated sugars and refined flour products

that contribute to impaired glucose metabolism (which leads to

 diabetes), low fiber intake, consumption of red meat, and imbalance

of omega 3 and omega fats all contribute to excess cancer risk

(Donaldson, 2004). Eating cleaner foods such as more fruits and

vegetables and incorporating less processed foods in ones diet

greatly decreases the chances of cancer. Supplementary use of oral

digestive enzymes and probiotics also has merit as anticancer dietary

measures (Donaldson, 2004, p.5).

Individuals having a healthier diet, there is a significant decrease in the possibility of

obtaining many cancers such as breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, and other sites. Such diet would

also be beneficial to recovery of cancer as well, says Donaldson. It has been estimated by the

American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund that 30-40 percent

of all cancers can be prevented by appropriate diets, physical, activity, and maintenance of

appropriate body weight (Donaldson, 2004, p.3).

Overeating is one of the main risk factors for cancer. Obesity is an epidemic in the United

States with 64% of the adult population overweight or obese. Mokdad et al. found that poor diet

and physical inactivity was the second leading cause of death (400,000 per year in the USA), and

would likely overtake tobacco as the leading cause of death (Donaldson, 2004). Authors have

estimates that over 90,000 deaths a year caused by cancer can be prevented if the adult

population maintained a healthier diet and normal body weight.

The noticeable increase of cancer from the Egyptian age to now allows us to realize that

it is evident that cancer is a growing epidemic that may be attributable to peoples health choices

and lifestyle changes. This study will examine the relationship between cancer and modern
society by interviewing 10-15 people. The participants will be asked to rate questions 1-5 on

whether they agree certain attributions may be attributable to cancer or not.