Lifestyle Choices Can Impact Cancer Mortality: Study

For the 1.7 million Americans likely to be diagnosed with cancer in the coming year, survival odds will be a big concern. While those odds will vary based on cancer type and numerous other factors, a recent study points to simple steps anyone can take to lower their odds of dying from cancer. Lifestyle choices, researchers say, can have a very big impact on survivability.

The study that found survivability value in adopting a healthy lifestyle involved nearly 136,000 healthcare professionals across the United States. These professionals were followed for decades, broken into two groups. One group was considered to have a low cancer risk based on lifestyle choices. The other was deemed high risk due to less-than-desirable lifestyle choices. Researchers ultimately – and not surprisingly – found that people in the low-risk group developed cancer at a lower rate than those in the high-risk group. They also found that low-risk people were less likely to die from the disease if it did develop. Researchers estimated in the high-risk group that nearly half the cancer deaths may have been preventable had a healthier lifestyle been chosen.

Based on their findings, researchers recommend people consider adopting the following lifestyle choices into their daily routines:

• Maintaining a healthy weight – People in the low-risk group either maintained a healthy, normal weight or were considered only mildly overweight. Numerous other studies have drawn a strong connection between obesity and certain cancers.
• Avoiding tobacco – The link between smoking and cancer is very clear. It is recommended that people who do smoke work with their healthcare providers to kick this habit. Cessation programs can have a big impact on improving overall health while lowering cancer risks.
• Avoiding alcohol overuse – Lower risk people were found to avoid alcohol use all together or they only drank in moderate amounts. It is recommended that women consume no more than a drink a day and men consume no more than two.
• Working exercise into the schedule – Moderate to vigorous exercise of at least 2.5 hours a week appears to have a benefit on cancer survivability. This level of exercise is also strongly connected to helping improve overall health while enabling many people to maintain normal weight.

Healthy lifestyle choices can have an impact on lowering cancer risks. If cancer is diagnosed, the same four factors may play a role in survivability. People who are ready to begin taking healthier lifestyle measures are urged to talk with their healthcare providers for case-specific advice and assistance.

About Author

North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas.