Up to 40% of cancer cases, and up to half of all cancer cases cancer related death — could have been avoided.
That’s the conclusion of a new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS), which measured the impact of modifiable risk factors on 30 cancers in adults over age 30.
Some of these factors include smoking, drinking, physical inactivity, being overweight, dietary choicesultraviolet (UV) radiation and certain viral infections.
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The biggest risk factor is smoking – 30% of cancer deaths and nearly 20% of cancer cases are related to smoking.
Excess weight is the second most influential factor, followed by UV radiation and physical activity.
A new report shows that up to 40% of cancer cases and up to half of cancer-related deaths could be prevented through lifestyle changes. (iStock)
The findings were published July 11 in the journal CA: A Journal of Cancer for Clinicians.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed “nationally representative data on cancer incidence and mortality and risk factor prevalence to estimate the overall number of cancers attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors,” according to an ACS press release. Proportion and number of cases and deaths”.
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“A large number of cancer cases and deaths in the United States can be attributed to underlying Modifiable risk factors“This shows that the burden of cancer can be significantly reduced through prevention,” lead author Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director of cancer disparities research at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, said in an email to Fox News Digital.
A new study from the American Cancer Society measured the impact of modifiable risk factors on 30 cancers in adults over age 30. (iStock)
Ernest Hawk, MD, chief of cancer prevention and population sciences at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, was not involved in the ACS study but commented on the findings.
“It’s nice to see the latest data and analysis reaffirm and reinforce this information, but I don’t see much new,” Hawke told Fox News Digital via email.
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“Nonetheless, understanding the association between modifiable risk factors, cancer incidence, and cancer mortality is important and thought-provoking.”
What needs to change?
Hawke said the findings underscore the need for greater emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection.
“Treatment is always necessary and vital for those who need it, but we should be prioritizing individual and social actions to reduce risk and prevent cancer as our first approach,” he told Fox News Digital .
“A substantial number of cancer cases and deaths in the United States can be attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors.”
“If we do this by taking these issues more seriously, we will simultaneously promote Health and Wellness Wider.
Islam recommends integrating individual behavioral choices with broader efforts by public, private, and community organizations at the local, state, and national levels.
Experts say the new findings underscore the need for greater emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection. (iStock)
“This requires multifaceted interventions at multiple levels to increase equitable access to preventive health care and awareness of preventive measures and widespread implementation of known preventive measures,” he told Fox News Digital.
5 ways to reduce your cancer risk
Experts say based on the report’s findings, here are some lifestyle changes people should adopt to help reduce their chances of developing cancer.
1. Quit smoking
Exposure to tobacco is the highest risk factor, causing approximately 55% of cancers in men and 40% of cancers in women.
“The good news is we have very effective ways to help smokers kick their addiction Nicotine,” Hawke told Fox Digital News.
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The doctor also called on society to have ready access to e-cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to “significantly reduce” the chance of nicotine addiction among young people.
“The sale of many of these products is technically illegal, but is readily available on the market,” he warned.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Many people don’t realize there is a connection between the two overweight “So it’s always worth reminding people of that connection,” Hawk said.
“It’s also exciting that we have a number of new treatments—GLP-1 agonists and related new compounds that affect other related pathways—that can help patients achieve and sustain weight loss,” he continued.
Experts agree that being overweight is one of the major risk factors for cancer. (iStock)
“We’re still not sure new medicine will reduce cancer risk, but emerging animal and human observational data suggesting this may be the case will be most impactful.
For best results, these treatments can be combined with a long-term approach of restricting dietary intake, eating healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle, Hawke said.
3. Choose healthier foods
Dr. Marc Siegel, Professor of Clinical Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center A Fox News medical contributor emphasized the importance of a healthy diet in reducing cancer risk.
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“A diet rich in antioxidants, including berries, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olives and unsaturated fats (Mediterranean diet) has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers,” he told Fox News Digital.
“A diet rich in antioxidants, including berries, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olives and unsaturated fats (Mediterranean diet) has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers,” Dr. Siegel told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“On top of that, ultra-processed foods have been shown to increase the risk of many cancers, especially gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer.”
4. Eliminate alcohol intake
“The link between alcohol consumption and cancer is compelling, yet vastly underestimated by the public and many people. healthcare institution,” Hawke pointed out.
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“We hope to see greater awareness and a stronger commitment to actions that are consistent with the cancer organization’s primary mission of reducing cancer cases, cancer deaths and alcohol-related cancer risks.”
5. Get recommended screenings
Cancer screening provides additional opportunities for people who: cancer preventionand early detection and treatment – “which often makes treatments less toxic, easier to administer and more effective,” Houck said.
Regular health checkups are one of the recommended habits to prevent cancer. (iStock)
“New approaches to early cancer detection are on the horizon, such as multiple cancer detection tests, that could help us identify more cancers in asymptomatic people, and potentially at more treatable/curable stages,” he continued.
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“This has yet to be confirmed, but it is another promising avenue to reduce the burden of cancer in our population.”
These are just some of the modifiable risk factors. In addition to these five key practices, experts also recommend exercise regularlyget the recommended amount of sleep and manage stress levels to help prevent cancer and reduce recurrence.
Fox Digital News contacted ACS for comment.
