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July 12, 2024
The age-old adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” has gained new validation in the fight against cancer. A groundbreaking study from the American Cancer Society reveals that nearly half of adult cancer deaths in the United States could potentially be avoided through simple lifestyle modifications.
The Role of Daily Habits
Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society and lead researcher of the study, emphasizes the critical role that daily habits play in influencing cancer risk. The findings indicate that among adults aged 30 and older, about 40% of new cancer cases and nearly half of all cancer deaths in 2019 were linked to avoidable risk factors.
Smoking: The Unseen Assassin
Among the modifiable risk factors, smoking remains the most significant, contributing to nearly 20% of cancer cases and accounting for approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths. The study outlines a total of 18 modifiable risk factors that impact 30 different cancer types, underscoring the extensive reach of lifestyle choices in cancer prevalence.
The Domino Effect of Lifestyle Choices
The study highlights that these risk factors collectively resulted in over 700,000 new cancer cases and more than 262,000 deaths in 2019 alone. It suggests that cancer thrives on DNA damage, with modifiable risks outweighing genetic and environmental factors in their contribution to cancer incidence.
Identifying the Culprits
Among the modifiable risks, behaviors such as excessive sun exposure and HPV infections (preventable via vaccination) were particularly notable. Sun-seeking behavior was responsible for over 90% of melanoma cases, while HPV was linked to nearly all cervical cancer cases.
Additionally, excess body weight emerged as a significant contributor, accounting for about 5% of new cancer cases in men and nearly 11% in women in 2019, while leading to over a third of deaths from cancers such as endometrial, gallbladder, esophageal, liver, and kidney cancers.
Making Healthy Habits Stick
Transitioning to healthier lifestyles involves more than quick fixes; it requires developing sustainable habits. Dr. Kamal encourages individuals to focus on long-term lifestyle changes rather than temporary adjustments.
“Once harmful habits like smoking and overeating become ingrained, they can be challenging to break,” he notes. Success in overcoming these habits involves understanding triggers, seeking support, and gradually replacing them with healthier choices.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Creating a healthier lifestyle encompasses regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being practices. Dr. Plescia affirms, “It’s never too late to make these changes. Turning health behaviors around later in life can make a profound difference.”
Every Day is a New Opportunity
The encouraging news is that adopting healthier habits can significantly reduce cancer risk in a relatively short period. Dr. Kamal explains, “Cancer is something your body fights every day as your cells divide. Reducing risks can benefit you every day as well.”
So, it’s time to take charge of your health, whether that means lacing up those running shoes, quitting smoking, or making better dietary choices. By doing so, we can show cancer that it has picked the wrong humans to mess with.
