Cancer Deaths Could Be Prevented With These Lifestyle Changes

Understanding that cancer occurs when there is damage to a cell’s DNA is crucial, says hematologist and oncologist Nelly Auker Lazo, MD. Oncology Institute of Hope and InnovationThe known causes of DNA damage are mainly genetic and environmental factors, she says. “When we talk about modifiable risk factors, we are referring to environmental factors, including carcinogenic chemicals, that lead to DNA damage and cancer,” she explains. Several of these factors were mentioned in the study. Dr Aukar-Lazo says these could be:

• Smoking and tobacco use in its various forms: “The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a person has smoked in their lifetime. Studies have linked more than 50 carcinogenic chemicals to cancer,” says Dr. Aucar-Lazo.
• diet: A diet high in red and processed meat has been linked to carcinogenesis (cancer formation) and DNA damage from chemical preservatives added to processed meats, Dr. Aukar-Lazo said. “Additionally, red meat is rich in heme iron, which promotes cancer,” she said. Mediterranean diethas been shown to be effective in preventing cancer from forming, she says.
• Alcohol consumption: Research has shown an association between excessive alcohol consumption and certain types of cancer, especially of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and in women. chest“Ethanol and acetaldehyde, the main substances produced by alcohol consumption, are known to be carcinogenic,” she added.
• Lack of exercise: Physical activity can affect the bladder, breasts, colon“Physical activity increases the risk of developing endometrial, esophageal, and gastric cancer,” said Dr. Awkar-Lazo, but there is limited information about how the relationship between physical activity and cancer varies by cancer type.
• obesity: Research has shown that excess body fat increases the risk of several types of cancer in women, including colorectal, esophageal, kidney, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast, and uterine cancer, says Dr. Aukar-Lazo. “The mechanism by which obesity increases cancer risk is still unclear, but it is thought that inflammation caused by visceral fat leads to carcinogenesis,” she explains.
• UV: Dr. Aukar-Lazo says that excessive exposure to UV rays directly targets the DNA of cells, causing DNA damage. “UV rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer, but excessive UV rays from tanning beds are also harmful,” she points out. The risk is highest in people with fair skin.

Conclusion

The good news is that many of these risk factors are reversible over time. Neil Iyengar, MDJohn Myers, a breast oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, points out that the first step in lowering your cancer risk is to eliminate or minimize risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, obesity, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise. “Smoking cessation is the most effective way to lower your cancer risk because smoking remains the cause of the majority of preventable cancers. Being overweight is the second largest risk factor after smoking,” he explains.

The good news is that many of the interventions to reach and maintain a healthy weight also address several other risk factors, including diet, exercise and alcohol, Dr. Iyengar points out.

“Eating a plant-based diet, in which at least 80% of the foods you eat are minimally processed and consist of whole, plant-based foods, can help lower your risk of cancer by improving diet quality, reducing weight, increasing your fiber intake, and increasing your intake of other nutrients that may have cancer-protective properties,” he advises.

The study suggests that about 40 percent of cancers in the United States could be prevented by improving a few modifiable risk factors, Iyengar said. But he noted the findings also suggest the remaining 60 percent of cancers may not be preventable.

“It’s important to understand that these risk factors are just a few of many that are still being studied,” adds Dr. Aukar-Lazo. “It’s also important to understand that maintaining a healthy weight, eliminating or limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and adopting a healthy diet, along with engaging in physical activity, avoiding the sun, and wearing sunscreen, can significantly reduce the number of cancer cases,” she points out.

It’s also important to talk with your healthcare provider about when to start. Age-based cancer screening Dr Aukar Lazo says this will help detect cancer at a very early stage, which is essential for more effective treatment and improved survival rates.