A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society has provided insight into the influence of lifestyle choices on the risk of cancer and mortality in adults in the United States. The study revealed that roughly 40% of new cancer cases in adults aged 30 and above, and almost half of cancer-related deaths, could be linked to preventable risk factors.
Dr. Arif Kamal, the chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that individuals have the ability to make practical changes in their daily lives to decrease their risk of developing cancer. The study identified smoking as the primary risk factor, responsible for nearly one-fifth of cancer cases and a third of cancer-related deaths.
Alongside smoking, other significant risk factors included excess body weight, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diet, and infections such as HPV. The study found that these modifiable risk factors were associated with over 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths in 2019 alone.
It is widely acknowledged that cancer is often caused by DNA damage or has a fuel source to grow. While genetics and environmental factors can contribute to cancer risk, modifiable risk factors were found to account for a substantially larger portion of cancer cases and deaths. For instance, exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer through DNA damage, whereas hormones produced by fat cells can fuel certain cancers.
The study also highlighted that certain cancers are more preventable than others, with modifiable risk factors contributing to over half of new cases in 19 out of 30 types of cancer evaluated. Particularly, lifestyle choices were linked to at least 80% of new cases in 10 types of cancer, including over 90% of melanoma cases and nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Smoking and excess body weight were identified as the top contributors to cancer cases, emphasizing the importance of addressing these risk factors in cancer prevention efforts. The study also highlighted the potential benefits of weight-loss and diabetes medications in reducing the risk of certain cancers, emphasizing the significance of addressing obesity as a potent risk factor.
Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, emphasized the need to focus on core behavioural risk factors such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity to make a significant impact on chronic diseases, including cancer. He also stressed the importance of creating environments that promote healthy choices, particularly in historically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
As the rates of early-onset cancer continue to rise, experts emphasize the importance of adopting healthy habits early in life, as it becomes more challenging to make significant lifestyle changes later on. However, it is never too late to make positive changes, and even small adjustments in lifestyle can have a profound impact on cancer risk.
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of making lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to risk factors and reduce cancer risk. By prioritising health and well-being, individuals can significantly impact their daily risk of developing cancer, highlighting the empowering potential of healthy lifestyle choices.
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