Did you know that your lifestyle choices can affect your risk of developing certain cancers? From diet and nutrition to physical activity and sun protection, making informed decisions about your health can empower you to reduce your cancer risk. Read on to find out how.
VERIFIED By: Dr Bhavna Bansal, senior consultant and HOD, histopathology, at Oncquest Laboratories
Written by Prerna Mittra |Published : March 17, 2025 2:00 PM IST
Poor lifestyle choices and risk of cancer: Doctors have long warned that while modern lifestyle habits have made life convenient, they have also increased the risk of various diseases, including cancer. One particularly worrying statistic stands out: breast cancer rates in women under 50 have steadily increased by 1.4 per cent annually over the last decade. According to Dr Bhavna Bansal, senior consultant and HOD, histopathology, at Oncquest Laboratories, daily habits — from what women eat to how active they are — can significantly increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers. Understanding these factors can empower women to make informed decisions about their health, she adds. Read on to find out more.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits To Prevent Cancer
The doctor says that while some risk factors like age or genetics cannot be changed, certain lifestyle habits can greatly influence the treatment or prevention of cancer. Here are some examples.
Diet And Nutrition
For the prevention of cancer, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential. Diets comprising processed foods, red meats, and refined sugars increase the risk of breast and colon cancers, Dr Bansal warns, adding that antioxidant-rich foods may protect normal cells from damage; berries and greens are some examples. By keeping a check on their diet, women can maintain a healthy weight, lowering the risk of cancer, because obesity is a significant risk factor for a number of cancers like breast and endometrial cancers.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is most significant when it comes to preventing cancer. Among women, those engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity are at less risk of breast and colon cancers. Exercise regulates hormones, improves immunity, and helps maintain a healthy body weight. These factors are very important in reducing cancer risk, the doctor states.
Avoiding Tobacco And Limiting Alcohol Consumption
The use of tobacco leads to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, and cervix. Women who smoke, or are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, greatly increase exposure to assessed risks for these cancers. Alcohol consumption has been associated with increasing the risk of breast and liver cancer. Limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day — or abstaining — can reduce risks.
Sun Protection
Skin cancer is another major health concern for women. Sunscreens, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning are among the simple things that can effectively reduce the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Regular Screening And Early Detection
The doctor explains that while lifestyle changes are important, one must also be proactive about health. Regular screenings for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers can find early signs before they become life-threatening. Early detection is achieved through mammography, pap smear, and colonoscopy.
Treatment And Support
Advanced diagnosis and treatment methods represent hope for women diagnosed with cancer. Due to advances in treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapies, there is growing confidence that patients will have better outcomes with more effective and less invasive treatment. Mental health support also plays an essential role in improving outcomes and quality of life, the doctor concludes.
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