New research showed that more than four out of every 10 cancers that occurred in the U.K. could have been prevented through lifestyle changes.
Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable cancer, so giving up smoking is the most important way to fight the potentially lethal class of conditions, Cancer Research U.K. reported. This new data suggests interventions such as eating more high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables. Cutting back on processed foods, salt, and red meats could also greatly cut cancer rates.
"There's now little doubt that certain lifestyle choices can have a big impact on cancer risk, with research around the world all pointing to the same key risk factors," said Professor Max Parkin, a Cancer Research U.K. statistician based at Queen Mary University of London. "Of course everyone enjoys some extra treats during the Christmas holidays so we don't want to ban mince pies and wine but it's a good time to think about taking up some healthy habits for 2015. Leading a healthy lifestyle can't guarantee someone won't get cancer but we can stack the odds in our [favor] by taking positive steps now that will help decrease our cancer risk in future."
The data showed that 314,000 cases of preventable cancer were linked to smoking over the past five years, and 145,000 could have been prevented by maintaining a healthier diet; 88,000 cases were associated with not maintaining a healthy weight.
"Every year tens of thousands of people in the UK will be diagnosed with preventable cancers unless we act now to help people lead healthier lives. Alongside investment in health campaigns and ways to help people reduce their risk of cancer, the government urgently needs to take action to stop children starting smoking by introducing [standardized] packaging for cigarettes without delay. We hope all parliamentary parties will acknowledge that cancer is set to be an ongoing challenge and one which needs careful planning and investment across prevention, diagnosis and treatment," said Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research U.K.'s chief executive.
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