A new study has identified the modifiable risk factors that contribute to almost half of all cancer-related deaths occurring in the United States. The study analyzed more than 1.78 million cases from 2019 to discover the truth behind lifestyle changes.
Things like smoking cigarettes and a lack of exercise were studied in depth for their contributions to lifestyle cancers and ultimate deaths in adults.
Research From the American Cancer Society (ACS)
The American Cancer Society produced research that definitively proves that several deadly cancers are avoidable.
The team proved that developing cancer and suffering from the disease is both an individual and societal issue. Proliferated things like smoking cigarettes, heavy alcohol consumption, bad diet, and poor exercise habits can all improve life span.
Modifiable Risk Factors
The study intended to prove that a “large number of cancer cases and deaths in the United States are attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, underscoring the potential to substantially reduce the cancer burden through broad and equitable implementation of preventive initiatives.”
Things like a clean and balanced diet and avoiding soda and carcinogenic meat were some of the top factors in preventing a cancer diagnosis.
Several Cancers Were Found To Be Avoidable
The study found that 19 of the 30 cancers studied could be prevented, and half of deaths are potentially avoidable due to modifiable risk factors.
The researchers found a particularly strong link between factors in our control, like smoking, excess body weight, and preventable viruses like hepatitis B.
Cigarette Smoking
For the past 60 years, it’s been well-known that smoking contributes heavily to heart disease and lung cancers.
More than 19.3% of the cases studied were attributed directly to cigarette smoking. Almost all of the lung cancer cases reviewed were potentially avoidable.
Researchers Call for Tobacco Restrictions
The study uncovered that in 2019, 104,410 men and 97,250 women died from preventable lung cancer cases.
Farhad Islami from the ACS noted that “This finding underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies in each state to promote smoking cessation, as well as heightened efforts to increase screening for early detection of lung cancer, when treatment could be more effective.”
Rise of Cancers in Young People
In the past 20 years, colorectal cancers have been on the rise in people under 30 years old.
Some experts suspect that the rise in this specific type of cancer is directly related to the amount of highly processed foods that young people eat, along with the steady increase in weight issues plaguing Millenials and Generation Z.
Sun Exposure
Another common reason for cancer diagnosis was heightened exposure to the sun.
By itself, UV radiation exposure accounted for 4.6 perfect of cancer cases in the study. Although melanoma has a low rate of death, it’s not unheard of for this type of cancer to metastasize and spread throughout the body.
Cervical Cancer
The only cancer that the researchers found to be 100 percent preventable was cervical cancer.
In all cases, this type of cancer that attacks the cervix inside of the uterus can be completely eliminated by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Other Risk Factors
Outside of diet, smoking, and moving your body, several risk factors cannot be controlled. Things like genetics and environmental factors can play into someone developing deadly cancers.
Growing cancer involves the uncontrolled division of cells that create abnormal growths and attack healthy organs. Having a family history is one of the highest risk factors of developing the disease.
Recovery Rates are Rising
Despite the increased incidence of avoidable cancers, the prognosis isn’t always a death sentence.
Many types of cancers have positive outcomes with increased research and funding. As well, during the course of cancer treatment, improved lifestyle factors can have immediate improvements.
Best Methods to Avoid Cancer
Consider making small but impactful changes When considering preventing cancers in your life.
Researchers suggest limiting ultra-processed foods and overly salted meats, wearing sunscreen and light-colored clothes when outside, not smoking, limiting alcoholic drinks, and getting outside for brisk exercise a few times per week. As well as take advantage of vaccinations for preventable diseases.
