DID
YOU
KNOW?
that increased risk for at least
8
cancers are linked to obesity and
inactivity?
information, we may be able to develop clinical and
pharmacological interventions to reduce the cancer burden
resulting from obesity. Population and clinical studies that
complement basic science endeavors will be necessary to
determine the optimum body type, body composition and exercise
program to reduce cancer risk and recurrence.
Ultraviolet Light: Reflecting on a Cause of Cancer
Researchers have clearly established a causal relationship between
excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is a form of
radiation emitted by the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds, and all
three of the main types of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most
prevalent of all cancers in the U.S. Researchers have estimated
that in 2012, there will be more than 2 million new cases of basal
cell and squamous cell carcinoma ( 24) and 76,250 new cases of
melanoma ( 3). The majority of non-melanoma skin cancers are
highly curable when treated early, although a small fraction will
progress to life-threatening metastatic tumors [see Donna
Johnson’s Story, p59; ( 25)]. Melanoma, although accounting for
less than 5% of skin cancer cases, is the predominant cause of
skin cancer death ( 3).
The overwhelming majority of skin cancers could be prevented if
everyone avoided intense sun exposure. Thus, experts have
recommended that people seek shade and limit time in the sun,
American Association for Cancer Research
Tobacco Tax
Increasing the price of tobacco products has been proven to
reduce tobacco use, as indicated by the strong relationship
between increases in cigarette prices in the U.S. from 1970 to
2007 and decreases in consumption (129, 130). This
approach is particularly effective for children, who are two to
three times more price sensitive than adults (131). In addition,
it has been estimated that the April 2009 federal tobacco
excise tax increase of 61 cents per pack reduced the number
of smokers among middle and high school students in May
2009 by approximately 220,000–287,000 (132).
However, price increases alone will not stop all individuals
from using tobacco products, and a comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco control policy employs price deterrents in
combination with other proven measures in public education
such as school-based programs or public advertising
campaigns; federal, state, and regional regulations regarding
the pricing or restricted sale or use of tobacco products; and
clinical programs to provide the full range of cessation
services or facilitate smokers’ connections to public
resources such as quitlines.
Smoking falls
2.5-5%
for every 10% increase
in the price of cigarettes.
Figure 11: Anti-Smoking Efforts: All Over
the Map. As of January 2012, 29 states and
Washington, D.C. (blue) have enacted
statewide smoke-free air laws that cover
workplaces, restaurants and bars. Many
cities and counties in the gold color states
also have such laws, whereas the black-colored states have no smoke-free
statewide laws, and few or no cities in these
states are protected by such smoke-free
laws. These efforts help to eliminate
exposure to secondhand smoke, which is
known to cause lung cancer in nonsmokers,
resulting in an estimated 3,400 deaths
annually in the United States (148).
