Dietmar W. Siemann, Ph.D.
John P. Cofrin Professor in Radiation Therapy, Department of Radiation Oncology
Associate Director, Education & Training, UF Health Cancer Institute
Of the approximately 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed in the US this year, it is estimated that 10% are hereditary and 90% are from environmental interactions. While there is little we can do about our genetic makeup, it is estimated that 30-50% of cancer cases and nearly half of the deaths may be traced to preventable causes. Environmental factors such as where we live and what we do as well as modifiable lifestyle behaviors including smoking, diet, alcohol consumption, and exercise have conclusively been linked to cancer incidence. Thus, our cancer risk depends on the combination of our genes, our environment, and our day-to-day activities. However, these findings also suggest that we have some control over factors that may affect our chance of developing cancer. This presentation will discuss how taking control of our lifestyle choices should be taken seriously when trying to prevent our risk of cancer.
Dr. Siemann is a cancer biologist at the UF Health Cancer Institute. His research focuses on the development of future clinical treatment regimens designed to improve cancer prognosis and survival. Current projects include (i) the development of radioligand therapy to more precisely target cancer cells and (ii) the use of aerobic exercise to ameliorate late normal tissue side effects resulting from anticancer therapies.
Core Standards
SC.912.L.14.6
Explain the significance of genetic factors, environmental factors, and pathogenic agents to health from the perspectives of both individual and public health.
SC.912.L.16.8
Explain the relationship between mutation, cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth potentially resulting in cancer.
SC.912.N.1.3
Recognize that the strength or usefulness of a scientific claim is evaluated through scientific argumentation, which depends on critical and logical thinking, and the active consideration of alternative scientific explanations to explain the data presented.
PE.912.L.4 : Develop and implement a personal fitness program to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
PE.912.L.4.4
Use available technology to assess, design and evaluate a personal fitness program.
PE.912.L.3.2
Participate in a variety of activities that promote the health-related components of fitness.
PE.912.L.3.6
Identify risks and safety factors that may affect physical activity throughout life.
