WASHINGTON -- The National Cancer Institute hopes to halve the nation's cancer death toll by the year 2000 and predicts 95,000 lives a year could be saved by simply cutting the smoking rate in half and improving our diets.
The institute's goal is to save 105,000 additional lives annually by the year 2000 by improving treatment for people who have developed cancer.
Margaret Heckler, secretary of health and human services, kicked off a major cancer prevention campaign Tuesday for the institute, saying it is time people realized something can be done to keep the disease from getting started in the body.
'Too few realize the simple truth that cancer is often caused by the way we live, and its risks can be reduced by the daily choices we make in our lives,' Mrs. Heckler said.
'During the last two decades, the findings of laboratory, animal and clinical research have given us important information about preventing cancer. More recently, our research has come together compellingly to show how closely cancer is associated with our lifestyle options.
'Already we know enough to take action. We know that fully 80 percent of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors. And we know that the most important causes of cancer are the ones we can control.'
She said 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States are related to smoking, and 35 percent can be traced to dietary factors. Environmental pollution accounts for only 2 percent of all cancer cases, she said.
The cancer institute's goal is to cut today's smoking rate by half. The institute estimates that would prevent 75,000 smoking-related deaths per year. The objective also is to save 20,000 lives per year by dietary changes aimed primarily at reducing colon cancer.
The National Cancer Institute listed seven steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer:
-Don't smoke or use tobacco in any form.
-Increase your intake of fiber and reduce the fat you eat.
-If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation -- one or two drinks a day.
-In the workplace, know and follow the rules for health and safety.
-Avoid X-rays unless they are medically necessary.
-Protect your skin from over-exposure to sunlight.
-Take estrogens only as long as necessary.