These Lifestyle Factors Can Cut Your Cancer Risk Up to 21%

According to recent research, making positive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. The study, published in the medical journal Biomed Central, found that individuals who followed the lifestyle recommendations made by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) had a lower risk of developing all types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancer.

The authors of the study explained that their findings suggest that following the WCRF/AICR lifestyle-based Cancer Prevention Recommendations is associated with a lower risk of cancer. However, she noted that due to the observational nature of the study, a direct causal relationship between adherence to the recommendations and cancer risk cannot be concluded.

The researchers assigned a simple “score” system to measure how well individuals followed each recommendation. For example, if someone stopped drinking sugary beverages, they would receive one point, but if they still consumed sodas regularly, they would receive zero points. The study utilized data from the UK Biobank, which includes over half a million participants. The researchers analysed data from nearly 95,000 participants aged 37 to 73 years over an average follow-up period of eight years.

The results showed that for each point increase in the score, the overall risk of developing any type of cancer decreased by 7%. The benefits were even more significant for site-specific cancers. Each point increase in the score was associated with a 10% lower risk of breast and colorectal cancer, an 18% lower risk of kidney cancer, and substantial improvements in ovarian, esophageal, and gallbladder cancer risks.

The study also revealed trends across the score range. Participants with the highest levels of adherence to the recommendations had a 16% reduced risk of developing any type of cancer compared to those with the least adherence. Similarly, site-specific cancers showed lower risk in participants with higher scores. For example, those with the highest scores had an 18% lower risk of breast cancer, a staggering 21% lower risk of colorectal cancer, and significant reductions in kidney, esophageal, and ovarian cancer risks.

The WCRF/AICR updated their recommendations in 2018, including maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthily with plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting consumption of processed foods, red meat, and sugar, avoiding sugary beverages, limiting alcohol consumption, and not relying on supplements to prevent cancer. The updated recommendations also include breastfeeding for those who are able.

Experts encourage everyone to try following the WCRF/AICR recommendations as closely as possible. Even making improvements in one or two components can make a difference. It is important for individuals who want to make these lifestyle changes to start with manageable goals and focus on one or two recommendations at a time.

The study highlights the significance of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of cancer. Making small steps such as eliminating sugary drinks from your diet, reducing red meat consumption, and increasing physical activity can have a major impact on lowering your cancer risk. By adhering to the WCRF/AICR recommendations, individuals can take proactive steps in improving their health and well-being while reducing their risk of developing cancer.

This research provides further evidence that modifying lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can play a vital role in mitigating cancer risk. The study’s findings emphasise the importance of following the WCRF/AICR lifestyle-based Cancer Prevention Recommendations and highlight the potential benefits in terms of lowering overall cancer risk and site-specific cancer risks. It is encouraging to see that even small improvements in adhering to these recommendations can make a significant difference. By incorporating healthier habits into our daily lives and gradually adopting the recommended changes, we can take proactive steps towards reducing our individual risk of developing cancer.

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