Healthy Nutrition and Physical Lifestyle Choices: Key to Lowering Cancer Mortality Risk for Survivors

In the quest for longevity and improved health post-cancer diagnosis, healthy nutrition and an active lifestyle are proving to be essential tools. A recent study by the American Cancer Society (ACS) sheds light on how adhering to their updated nutrition and activity guidelines can significantly lower the risk of mortality among cancer survivors.

The Findings that Matter

In 2022, the ACS revamped its nutrition and activity guidelines for cancer survivors. They emphasized the importance of:

• Avoiding obesity
• Staying physically active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting alcohol intake

These recommendations, however, are more than just supportive advice; they are vital practices that can influence survival rates.

New Research Insights

According to new research conducted by ACS scientists, survivors of obesity-related cancers in the United States who embraced a lifestyle aligned with these guidelines exhibited a lower mortality risk. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, focused on non-smoking participants who maintained a healthy lifestyle both before and after their diagnosis or improved their habits post-diagnosis.

Dr. Ying Wang, a senior principal scientist in epidemiology research at the ACS and the study’s lead author, stated: “A cancer diagnosis often motivates people to think about how they can live healthier lives. Many survivors want to know what lifestyle changes they can make to improve their chances of living longer.” This sentiment underscores the significant impact of lifestyle choices on cancer survival.

Analyzing the Stats

Researchers analyzed data from 3,742 cancer survivors with an average age of 67.6 years and a median follow-up period of 15.6 years. Among these individuals, 2,430 deaths were recorded. By evaluating adherence to ACS guidelines—specifically focusing on body mass index (BMI), physical activity, dietary habits, and alcohol consumption—the researchers scored participants on a scale from 0 to 8.

Remarkable Risk Reductions

The results revealed that survivors scoring between 6–8 had a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.85). Even more striking, they experienced a 33% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality (HR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.83) and a 21% lower risk of cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.64 to 0.97) when compared to those scoring between 0–3.

The Connection Between BMI, Activity, and Survival

The study’s findings further emphasized that higher BMI and physical activity scores were linked to decreased rates of all-cause mortality. Survivors who reported consistently high ACS guideline scores (five or more) before and after their diagnosis showed significantly lower mortality rates. Additionally, those who transitioned from low to high scores post-diagnosis experienced notable survival benefits.

Embrace a Healthier Tomorrow

The implications from this study are clear: lifestyle transformation is key. Whether you are a cancer survivor or know someone navigating this journey, it’s crucial to consider how diet and activity levels can influence overall health and longevity.

By making intentional choices such as choosing nutrient-rich foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and moderating alcohol consumption, cancer survivors can take charge of their health and potentially increase their lifespan.

Conclusion

Survivor or not, understanding the potential of nutrition and lifestyle in lowering health risks opens doors to an empowered existence. As Dr. Ying Wang aptly states, “These findings underscore how making the right lifestyle choices truly affects cancer survival.”

For further reading on how nutrition and physical activity can aid in cancer prevention and recovery, check out the American Cancer Society’s guidelines.

For more details on the research findings, refer to the publication by Ying Wang et al. in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute here.