A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society has revealed that almost 40 percent of cancer cases could be prevented by making specific lifestyle changes. The study, which examined 30 different types of cancer and 18 risk factors, identified the top seven factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, between 2016 and 2018, there were 385,477 new cancer cases in the UK. Shockingly, 38 percent of these cases could have been prevented through lifestyle modifications. This underscores the significance of understanding and implementing changes in our daily lives to reduce the risk of cancer.
The study, which analysed data from 2019, found that more than 700,000 new cancer cases and 262,000 deaths among adults aged 30 and older were linked to lifestyle factors. The decision to focus on 2019 data was made to avoid the disruptions in health screenings during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
The study identified the top seven risk factors for developing cancer:
1. Smoking: Cigarette smoking was found to contribute to 22.7 percent and 15.8 percent of all cancer cases in men and women respectively. Lung and trachea cancer were the most common types of cancer attributed to smoking. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.
2. Excess body weight: Being overweight was the third largest contributor to total cancer cases in men and the second largest in women. Uterine, gallbladder, esophageal, liver, and renal cancers were most likely to develop due to excess body weight.
3. Alcohol use: Overconsumption of alcohol was a significant contributor to cancer cases, with moderation being key to reducing the risk.
4. Poor diet: A lack of certain nutrients, excessive red meat and processed foods, and low intake of calcium, dietary fibre, fruits, and vegetables all increased the risk of cancer.
5. Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity contributed to a significant number of cancer cases in both men and women. Regular exercise is crucial in reducing this risk.
6. Missing cancer screenings: Routine screenings for breast, colorectal, and skin cancer are essential in reducing the risk of these cancers.
7. Ultraviolet radiation: 93 percent of skin melanoma cases were found to be attributed to UV radiation. Limiting sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and hats, and regularly using sunscreen are all important measures in reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Practising these lifestyle changes and incorporating them into our daily routines can significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. By being proactive in taking care of our health, we can take the first steps towards preventing this devastating disease. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.