Newswise — New research affirms that individuals who adhere to global Cancer Prevention Guidelines are reducing their chances of developing the ailment.
Scholars from Newcastle University have examined the evidence surrounding the adherence to lifestyle-based recommendations provided by the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).
The results, published in the journal Cancer today, unveiled that following a healthier lifestyle, which encompasses maintaining a suitable body weight and consuming limited quantities of red meat and processed meats like bacon, aids in preventing various types of cancer.
Further evidence
Around 40% of cancer cases are associated with modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical inactivity, tobacco usage, obesity, an unhealthy diet, and alcohol consumption. This suggests that a significant number of cancer cases can be prevented.
Researchers discovered that for every one-point increase in the adherence score to the Cancer Prevention Recommendations, there was a corresponding 12% decrease in the risk of bowel cancer, an 11% reduction in the risk of breast cancer, and an 8% lower likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Dr. Fiona Malcomson, a Lecturer in Human Nutrition at Newcastle University's Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre, has contributed as a co-author to the study.
In her statement, Dr. Fiona Malcomson emphasized, "This study is the first of its kind to comprehensively evaluate the available evidence regarding the influence of adhering to the most recent edition of the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations on the risk of cancer development."
Dr. Fiona Malcomson expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating, "These findings are quite exciting as they offer additional evidence regarding the most effective methods to decrease the risk of cancer, specifically breast, bowel, and lung cancers."
Dr. Fiona Malcomson emphasized the importance of adhering to these recommendations, stating, "By closely adhering to these guidelines, individuals can potentially lower their risk of specific cancers. Therefore, we strongly recommend that people strive to follow these recommendations as closely as possible."
Dr. Fiona Malcomson highlighted the varying strength of evidence for the impact of lifestyle factors on different types of cancer, stating, "The evidence supporting the influence of lifestyle factors is particularly robust for certain types of cancer. For instance, consuming excessive amounts of red and processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, while alcohol consumption has been associated with higher risks of cancers such as breast, bowel, and esophageal."
It is important to note that apart from modifiable lifestyle factors, there are other non-modifiable elements, such as a family history of cancer and environmental exposures, which can also impact an individual's risk of developing the disease.
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that encompassed 18 published studies, aiming to explore the correlations between adherence to the 2018 Cancer Prevention Recommendations and the occurrence of various types of cancer.
The WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations are the collective outcomes of an independent panel of experts. These recommendations encapsulate a set of healthy lifestyle choices that, when adopted together, have the potential to influence an individual's susceptibility to developing cancer.
The recommendations are:
- be a healthy weight
- be physically active
- eat a diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, and beans
- limit “fast foods” and other processed foods high in fat, starches, or sugars
- limit consumption of red meat and processed meat
- limit consumption of sugary sweetened drinks
- limit alcohol consumption
- do not use supplements for cancer prevention
- for mothers, breastfeed your baby, if you can
- after a cancer diagnosis: follow the WCRF/AICR Recommendations, if you can
‘Deepens understanding’
Dr. Panagiota Mitrou, Director of Research, Policy, and Innovation at World Cancer Research Fund, commented, "This study enhances our comprehension of the effects that our Recommendations have in terms of reducing the risk of cancer."
Dr. Panagiota Mitrou emphasized the importance of accumulating further evidence that showcases how adhering to the Recommendations as a consistent set of behaviors can effectively decrease the risk of cancer. This includes adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. The availability of such evidence strengthens the capacity to promote positive changes in individuals' lifestyles.
The research was conducted under the umbrella of the Cancer Lifestyle Prevention Recommendations (CALIPER) UK Study, which was supported by a funding of £280,000 from the Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds (WKOF). The study involved the participation of Professors John Mathers and Linda Sharp from Newcastle University, along with Dr. Fiona Malcomson.
To validate these findings and explore their applicability to other cancer sites, further research is required. In this context, the CALIPER UK Study, which is a collaborative effort between Newcastle University and Glasgow University, is leveraging data from the UK Biobank. The study aims to investigate whether increased adherence to the Recommendations alters the risk of developing cancer across 14 specific sites within the UK population.
Reference: Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/ American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. F.C. Malcomson et al. Cancer. DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34842
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