40% of cancer patients, and Cancer-related deaths — It could have been prevented.
This is according to a new study from the American Cancer Society (ACS), which measured the impact of modifiable risk factors on 30 types of cancer in adults age 30 and older.
These factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and excess weight. Meal choicesultraviolet (UV) radiation, and certain viral infections.
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The biggest risk factor is smoking, accounting for 30% of cancer deaths and approximately 20% of cancer patients.
The second most influential factor was excess weight, followed by ultraviolet light and physical activity.
A new report says that lifestyle changes could prevent up to 40 percent of cancer cases and up to half of cancer-related deaths. (iStock)
The findings were published July 11 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers “analyzed nationally representative data on cancer incidence and mortality, and the prevalence of risk factors, and estimated the proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the aggregate,” according to the ACS press release.
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“Many of the cancer cases and deaths in the United States are potentially Modifiable Risk Factors“This shows that prevention has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cancer,” lead author Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director for Cancer Disparities Research at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, said in an email to Fox News Digital.
A new American Cancer Society study measured the impact of modifiable risk factors on 30 types of cancer in adults age 30 and older. (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.
“While it’s great to see these messages reaffirmed and reinforced with new data and analysis, I don’t see much that’s new in it,” Hawk told Fox News Digital in an email.
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“But it is important and sobering to see the associations between modifiable risk factors and cancer incidence and cancer mortality.”
What needs to change?
Hawk said these findings underscore the need for greater emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection.
“Treatment will always be necessary and extremely important for those who need it, but the first approach should prioritize individual and societal actions to reduce risk and prevent cancer,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Many cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors.”
“By taking these issues more seriously, we can simultaneously Health and Wellness Much more widespread.”
Islami recommended combining individual choices with broader efforts by public, private and community organizations at the local, state and national levels.
Experts said the new findings highlighted the need for greater emphasis on prevention and early detection of cancer. (iStock)
“Multi-level, multi-component interventions are needed to ensure equitable access to preventive care, increased awareness of preventive measures and widespread implementation of known preventive measures,” he told Fox News Digital.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk
According to experts, based on the report’s findings, here are some lifestyle behaviors people should adopt to reduce their chances of developing cancer:
1. Quit smoking
Tobacco exposure is the highest risk factor, responsible for approximately 55% of cancers in men and 40% of cancers in women.
“The great news is that there are highly effective ways to help smokers. Breaking Addiction to nicotine,” Hawk told Fox News Digital.
Experts say e-cigarettes and vaping pose serious health risks, especially to young people
He also called on society to “significantly reduce” the opportunities for young people to become addicted to nicotine through the easy availability of e-cigarettes, flavoured e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
“Many of these products are readily available in the market even though technically it is illegal to sell them,” he warned.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Many people don’t realize there is a correlation. Overweight And then you get cancer. “So it’s worth constantly reminding people of that connection,” Hawk said.
“It is also exciting that there are many new therapies, including GLP-1 agonists and related new compounds that affect other related pathways, to help patients achieve and maintain weight loss,” he continued.
Experts agree that excess weight is one of the main risk factors for cancer. (iStock)
“We don’t know for sure yet, New Drugs “There will be a reduction in cancer risk, and observational data in animals and humans suggests that this may be the case, and this will be the most impactful.”
For best results, Hawk says, these treatments can be combined with long-standing efforts such as limiting food intake, eating healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle.
3. Make healthier food choices
Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center The Fox News medical correspondent also stressed the importance of a healthy diet in reducing the risk of cancer.
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“A diet rich in antioxidants – berries, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olives and unsaturated fats (the Mediterranean diet) – has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers,” he told Fox News Digital.
“A diet rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olives and unsaturated fats (the Mediterranean diet), has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers,” Dr Siegel told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Furthermore, ultra-processed foods have been shown to increase the risk of many cancers, particularly gastrointestinal and breast cancers.”
4. Limit your alcohol intake
“The link between alcohol consumption and cancer is compelling but underestimated by the general public and many others. Health care workers” Hawk pointed out.
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“Our hope is that it will raise awareness and strengthen our organizational commitment to work in line with cancer organizations’ core mission of reducing cancer cases, cancer deaths and alcohol-related cancer risks.”
5. Get the recommended tests
Cancer screening is Cancer preventionEarly detection and treatment “makes treatment less toxic, easier to administer and often more effective,” Hawk said.
Having regular health checkups is one of the recommended habits for cancer prevention. (iStock)
“New approaches to early cancer detection are on the way, including tests that detect multiple cancers, which may find more cancers in asymptomatic people and potentially detect them at a more treatable and curable stage,” he continued.
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“This is another promising, though unproven, avenue to reduce the national cancer burden.”
These are just a few of the modifiable risk factors. In addition to these five key practices, experts recommend: Exercise regularlyGetting the recommended amount of sleep and managing stress levels are important for preventing cancer and reducing recurrence.
Fox News Digital has reached out to ACS for comment.
