It’s the key to thriving after cancer.
A recent study suggests that cancer survivors can significantly lower their risk of death by following the lifestyle and dietary guidelines set by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Non-smoking individuals who survived cancers related to obesity had a notably lower risk of death if they adhered to the ACS recommendations, according to findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on April 3.
The study indicated that survivors who followed these guidelines also had reduced risks of dying from heart diseases and a recurrence of cancer. Lead researcher Ying Wang, senior principal scientist at the ACS, emphasized that a cancer diagnosis often motivates individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, and many survivors are eager to learn how to improve their longevity through lifestyle changes.
The ACS revised its nutrition and physical activity guidelines in 2022, with a focus on maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol intake. To assess the impact of these recommendations, researchers examined the habits of over 3,700 cancer survivors participating in a long-term study that began in 1992. The study concentrated on survivors of cancers related to obesity, such as breast, colon, liver, and stomach cancers, due to the significant influence of lifestyle factors on these types of cancer.
The analysis found that individuals who most closely followed the ACS guidelines had a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, a 33% lower risk of heart-related death, and a 21% lower risk of dying from cancer. Survivors with an optimal body mass index (BMI) had a 10% overall lower risk of death and a 27% reduction in heart-related mortality. Those who exercised according to the recommendations experienced a 22% lower risk of death and a 26% lower risk of death from heart disease.
The ACS guidelines for cancer survivors recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 70-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, limiting sedentary activities, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoiding red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and refined grains. Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake are also key components of the recommendations.
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