The Impact of Lifestyle on Cancer Risk: New Evidence and Recommendations

A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society has provided more evidence to support the long-held belief that lifestyle choices can significantly impact a person’s risk of developing certain types of cancer. The study, published last week, estimates that 40% of new cancer cases and 44% of cancer deaths in individuals aged 30 and over could be prevented by avoiding high-risk behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

In 2019, researchers found that 40% of the nearly 1.8 million cancer cases in adults aged 30 and older were attributed to modifiable risk factors. Smoking was identified as the key risk factor, with lung cancer being one of the most preventable cancers through lifestyle changes. Other risk factors examined in the study included excess body weight, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, diet, and infections such as HPV.

Dr. Farhad Islami, the lead author of the study, expressed concern over the alarming number of lung cancer deaths attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States, despite declines in smoking prevalence in recent decades. The study also highlighted the significant impact of excess body weight on cancer risk, particularly in women.

The study identified 10 types of cancer where avoidable risk factors accounted for over 80% of new cases, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in cancer prevention. With more evidence supporting the benefits of avoiding harmful habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking, individuals have the opportunity to improve their health outcomes and reduce their risk of developing cancer.