Preventable Risk Factors Lead to Largest Loss of Healthy Life Years, Study Finds

Posted by Rheta Mankin on January 16th, 2017

The American Cancer Society estimates about 1.7 million Americans will be diagnosed with a form of cancer other than skin in the coming year. Some 500,000 people will likely die a cancer-related death. New research shows that many of these cases may, in fact, be highly preventable if people made healthier life choices.

The recent study took a look at the overall impact of cancer on the loss of healthy life years in patients. Researchers ultimately found that some of the biggest impacts on healthy life years were cancers that were associated with major risk factors that are deemed preventable. Lung cancer, for example, is routinely associated with smoking. While it does have other known risks the majority of patients diagnosed with lung cancer do have a long history of tobacco use. Researchers also found that cancers associated with the abuse of alcohol were major robbers of healthy life years.

All told, the study found 15 types of cancer that have the greatest impact on healthy life years. Lung cancer presented the biggest impact, the study found. Other cancers that ranked high for robbing patients of healthy years, included breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate and leukemia, among others. While the two biggest preventable risk factors associated with these cancers are smoking and alcohol use, there are other preventable risks people need to be aware of.

People who want to take positive action to lower their cancer risks may want to consider the following measures:

• Quitting tobacco use – Smoking is an associated risk factor with a number of other forms of cancer beyond lung. In addition, smokeless tobacco products, such as snuff, are linked to oral and throat cancers. Kicking the habit can have a very positive impact on lowering overall cancer risks. People who need assistance will find their doctors have tools that can help.
• Reducing alcohol consumption – Avoiding overuse and abuse of alcohol is an important step to improving overall health. It is best to limit consumption to help prevent cancers and other serious health conditions.
• Maintaining a healthy weight – Obesity has been linked to a long list of cancers, including pancreatic. People who are overweight are urged to take steps to shed pounds.

To find out more about preventable cancer risks, it’s best to speak with a personal healthcare provider. A person’s doctor is best positioned to provide a full assessment of cancer risks and steps that may help lower them.

About Author

Southlake Oncology, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, located in the Southlake and Grapevine area, is a community-focused oncology practice that delivers exceptional care to North Texas cancer patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and blood disorders.