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OSU Extension offers tips to help reduce the risk of cancer
Commentary
March 25, 2025
OSU Extension offers tips to help reduce the risk of cancer
By JANIS RISLEY FCS/4-H SEQ. CO. EXT. ED.

No disease is 100% preventable, and cancer is no exception. Nearly 2 million people in the Un i t e d States are diagnosed with cancer each year. Res earch shows that four out of 10 types of cancer are attributed to preventable causes, including smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, alcohol intake and excessive exposure to the sun.“There has been a 32% decline in overall cancer mortality in the U.S. between 1991 and 2019 that is attributed to the reduction of smoking and advances in early detection of some cancers,” said Diana Romano, Oklahoma State University Extension associate specialist with the Community Nutrition Education Program. “Unfortunately, some of the major cancer risk factors continue to be high.”

Nutrition and physical activity

Eating healthy and being physically active are two ways to lessen the risk of certain types of cancer.

“Many people in Oklahoma don’t consume enough vegetables, which are high in fiber and micronutrients, and low in calories,” Romano said. “We need to eat a variety of vegetables – the more colors we add to our plates, the better.”

Experiment with salads and other vegetable recipes. Add sauteed peppers and onions to grilled chicken for an extra kick of flavor. Add carrots, cauliflower and shredded carrots to salads made with a variety of greens. When grilling chicken, make extra that can be used to enhance a healthy main-dish salad the next day. Also, consider meatless meals that include eggs, beans, legumes or tofu.

Romano also suggests limiting sugar and alcohol consumption, as well as processed meats such as hotdogs and some lunch meats.

“Kids can be picky eaters but letting them pick out a new fruit or vegetable each week can help them expand their palate,” she said. “Also, incorporate whole wheat pasta when making spaghetti or pasta salad.”

With warmer weather on the horizon, make it a point to get more physically active. Children can play in the yard or at the park after school. Families can ride bikes together or go on a nature walk. Pre-school-age children should get at least three hours of physical activity per day to enhance growth and development. Older children need 60 minutes per day, along with muscle and bone-strengthening exercise three days per week. Adults benefit from at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Eliminate tobacco use

The most preventable cause of cancer is the use of all tobacco products. Research shows that smoking is associated with the development of 17 different types of cancer. Although cigarette smoking has been on a steady decline, it still exposes people to many harmful chemicals that can lead to cancer development. Skin cancer

With the weather warming up, many people will be spending more time outdoors. It’s essential to protect the skin from dangerous ultraviolet rays to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Romano said the rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and outdoor time should be limited during that time.

“If you must be outside, wear light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Apply an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen regularly to all exposed skin,” she said.

Skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer, is primarily found on areas of exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.

“If you see any new spots on your skin, irregular borders on a mole or other skin irregularities, get them checked by your doctor,” Romano said.

Cancer-causing infections

Persistent infection with bacteria, viruses, and parasites increases a person’s risk for several types of cancer. About 3% of all cancer cases are attributable to infection with pathogens. Talk to your doctor about available treatments and vaccines to decrease the risk of certain cancers.

For more information contact Risley at the OSU Cooperative Extension Service in Sequoyah County by phone at 918-775-4838 or e-mail at janis.risley@okstate.edu.

Roland School Board recognizes longtime member
Main, news
Roland School Board recognizes longtime member
Approves contracts, increase in meal prices
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
September 16, 2025
The Roland Board of Education met in regular session on September 8, approving a slate of items ranging from meal price adjustments and contracts to policy updates and reports, while also honoring one...
Main, news
Roland offering amnesty program through October 31
September 16, 2025
The town of Roland is offering an amnesty program for those who have active warrants. You must see the court clerk during regular business hours in order to take advantage of the program. This will ru...
Main, news
Apply for a booth at Old Settlers Day
September 16, 2025
Booth applications are now available for the upcoming annual Old Settlers Day, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 4, at Muldrow Park. The Muldrow Lions Club, who is hosting the event...
Drake triple-murder trial postponed until December
Main, news
Drake triple-murder trial postponed until December
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER 
September 16, 2025
The triple-murder trial of Stacy Lee Drake, the Alabama felon accused of the June 2024 murders of Tara Underwood and Taylor Sharp at LaFerry’s Propane near Gans as well as the El Reno slaying of Phill...
Main, news
Five polling precincts have moved
September 16, 2025
When it comes time to exercise your constitutional right to vote, there are five precincts in Sequoyah County that have moved their polling locations. According to the Sequoyah County Election Board, ...
Main, news
Crime rates drop sharply across District 27 counties
By AMIE CATO-REMER EDITOR 
September 16, 2025
Crime rates have fallen dramatically across District 27 over the past eight years, according to the latest data from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investi...
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Moffett Public School 4-H student Addi Armer took first place with Dave the Dorset, third place with Sid the White Face Cross, and first place and Grand Champion for her pullets.
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