Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN
American Institute for Cancer Research
Q: Is smoking related to cancers other than lung cancer? How can that happen?
A: Smoking tobacco is strongly related to many cancers throughout the body. As smoke is inhaled, it passes through the mouth, where it increases cancer risk 27-fold, according to the World Health Organization. When the smoke moves through the throat, it increases cancer risk of the larynx (?voice box?) 12-fold. From the lungs, at least some of the more than 60 chemicals in tobacco that are known to cause cancer are absorbed into the blood, where they travel throughout the body. That explains why research suggests smoking increases risk of cancers of the pancreas, cervix, colon and perhaps even breast. The toxins need to be filtered by the kidney and seem to pose some cancer risk there. Before being excreted, these carcinogens in the urine are held in the bladder where they can be absorbed into the lining. Compared to nonsmokers, smokers have double or triple the risk of bladder cancer. Healthful eating and daily physical activity are part of an overall strategy to lower cancer risk, but so is tobacco avoidance.
Q: Does how much weight a woman gains in pregnancy really matter?
A: Yes. Studies show that women who gain amounts below recommended levels are more likely to have babies who face health risks because they are born premature or underweight. Women who gain more than is recommended are at three times greater risk of having a baby who is large for its size (which poses concerns), and more likely to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or jaundice in its early days. Some studies link excessive weight gain in pregnancy with greater risk for the mother to become overweight or develop diabetes or breast cancer in later years. The amount of weight a woman needs to gain during pregnancy is based on her weight before pregnancy, as defined by body mass index, which compares weight to height. The Institute of Medicine advises the following: underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds; normal weight women 25 to 35 pounds; and overweight women should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Those who are more overweight are classified as obese, but should still gain at least 15 pounds. Women shorter than 5 foot, 2 inches may do best with gains limited to the lower end of each range. Women carrying more than one baby should discuss with their doctors how these recommendations may be adjusted for their needs.
Q: Are tomatoes the only food source of lycopene?
A: Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that can bind to unstable molecules and prevent them from possibly damaging our cells. Tomatoes may provide most of the lycopene we eat, but they certainly aren?t the only source. A red/pink color is the sign of lycopene, present in such vegetables as red bell peppers and fruits such as watermelon, guava and red grapefruit. Lycopene is also available in supplements, but studies suggest that it may be more powerful when combined with the many other substances and
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