Approximately 40% of cancer cases could potentially be prevented through lifestyle changes, and a recent study identified the top seven risk factors.
Recent studies suggest that making small lifestyle changes could potentially prevent around 40% of cancer cases.
The American Cancer Society has released the results of a study on lifestyle choices that increase your chances of developing cancer. They looked at 30 types of cancer and 18 risk factors and identified the top 7 that may lead to cancer.
Cancer Research UK reported that there were 385,477 new cases of cancer in the UK between 2016 and 2018. They say 38% of all cancer cases are preventable.
The study looked at data from 2019 and found that lifestyle factors were associated with more than 700,000 new cancer cases and 262,000 deaths among adults over the age of 30. Researchers chose to analyze data from 2019 to ensure health screenings would not be disrupted during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.
The seven main risk factors for developing cancer are:
smoking
Studies show that smoking contributes to 22.7% and 15.8% of all cancer cases in men and women, respectively.
Specifically, the most common cancers attributable to smoking were lung and tracheal cancer. Passive smoking also accounts for approximately 6,070 cases of lung cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that quitting smoking cuts your chances of getting cancer in half, and after 20 years of not smoking, your risk of smoking-related cancer “reduces to nearly the same as that of a nonsmoker.”
Excess weight
Being overweight is the third leading cause of all cancers in men and the second leading cause in women. Studies have shown that being overweight increases the risk of developing cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, esophagus, liver and kidney.
According to the CDC, the more you weigh and the longer you’ve been overweight, the higher your risk of developing cancer.
Alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol consumption was the fourth leading cause of all cancer cases in men and the third leading cause in women.
According to the CDC, moderate alcohol consumption for women is seven drinks and for men it is 14 drinks – anything more is considered binge drinking.
ABC News reported that the serving size is defined as five ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol, which is less than what is typically served in bars, restaurants and homes.
Unhealthy eating habits
Another risk factor is a lack of certain nutrients in your diet: studies have found that lack of calcium, fiber, and fruits and vegetables increases your risk of cancer.
Eating too much red meat and processed foods also increases the risk.
The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend prioritizing foods high in protein, such as lean meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and legumes.
Lack of exercise
Physical inactivity was the sixth leading cause of overall cancer cases in men and the fourth leading cause in women.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.
Lack of cancer screening
Regular cancer screening is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cancer.
Women should monitor their risk of breast cancer by having mammograms every two years starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults be screened for colorectal cancer from age 45 to 75.
If you have skin cancer, you should check yourself regularly for any abnormalities or unusual spots.
UV rays
Researchers have determined that 93 percent of skin melanoma cases are caused by ultraviolet radiation.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, several sun protection measures are recommended, including limiting excessive sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and hats, and regularly applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Studies have also shown that indoor tanning has declined significantly over the past decade, but people are also advised to stop using tanning beds.
