Lifestyle Plays a Big Role in Cancer Risk: Study

Posted by Lewisville / Flower Mound Oncology on July 21st, 2017

With an estimated 1.7 million Americans likely to receive a diagnosis of cancer other than skin cancer in the coming year, finding more effective ways to prevent the disease all together is a topic of intense interest. Researchers believe they’ve found a way to help prevent between 20 to 40 percent of all cancer cases while reducing the mortality rate associated with the disease by as much as 50 percent. The study in question uncovered the benefits of nothing more than leading a healthy lifestyle.

To arrive at their findings, researchers analyzed data related to nearly 90,000 women and 46,000 men. Of those two groups, an estimated 18 percent of the women and 25 percent of the men were considered to fall into low-risk categories due to their lifestyle choices. Researchers ultimately found that those with healthy lifestyle patterns were significantly less likely to develop cancer and were less likely to die from the disease if they did.

The healthy lifestyle patterns that promoted lower cancer risks involved four steps in particular:

• Maintaining a healthy weight – Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight can cut serious health risks dramatically. Obesity has been strongly linked to many types of cancer, making this measure a powerful preventative. The recommended body mass index, according to researchers, is between 18.5 and 27.5.
• Limiting alcohol consumption – Avoiding regular alcohol consumption in favor of only occasional use can cut cancer risk while helping with weight maintenance.
• Working exercise into the routine – Researchers recommend regular weekly aerobic activity to help cut cancer risk while assisting with weight maintenance. About 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity can produce benefits, researchers concluded.
• Avoidance of tobacco – Never smoking, or kicking the habit if it’s already a concern can have a big impact on cancer prevention, the study found. In addition to cancer, avoidance of tobacco can greatly reduce risks for a host of other life-limiting illnesses.

While leading a healthy lifestyle isn’t a guarantee against cancer, the study found that it can dramatically cut risks. People who are generally healthy in their lifestyle choices may also see their mortality risk drop significantly if they do develop cancer. Since cancer is a disease that can strike anyone at any age, it is recommended that people take steps to develop healthy lifestyle habits. To find out more about personal cancer risks and what can be done to address them, speak with a qualified healthcare provider.

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Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group, a division of Choice Cancer Care – is an independently owned and operated oncology practice that is completely focused on unique, comprehensive patient care.