Boost Your Health: How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Lower Mortality for Cancer Survivors

In 2022, the American Cancer Society (ACS) updated its guidelines for cancer survivors. They emphasized the importance of staying active, eating well, avoiding obesity, and limiting alcohol. A recent study shows that following these guidelines can significantly reduce death rates for non-smoking survivors of obesity-related cancers in the U.S.

Dr. Ying Wang from the ACS, the lead researcher on the study, notes that a cancer diagnosis often inspires survivors to seek healthier lifestyles. "These findings highlight how lifestyle choices can truly impact cancer survival," she explains.

The research looked at non-smoking participants diagnosed with obesity-related cancers between 1992 and 2002, with follow-ups extending through 2020. Researchers focused on the survivors’ habits regarding body mass index (BMI), physical activity, diet, and alcohol consumption, scoring them on a scale from 0 to 8 based on how closely they followed the ACS guidelines.

Among 3,742 cancer survivors, the results were striking. Over an average follow-up period of 15.6 years, there were 2,430 deaths. Survivors who scored between 6 and 8 had a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 33% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease when compared to those with lower scores. Survivors who maintained a higher guideline score before and after diagnosis also experienced better outcomes.

Interestingly, even those who improved their score post-diagnosis saw reduced mortality rates. Higher levels of physical activity were linked to lower death rates, reinforcing the idea that an active lifestyle can be a game-changer for cancer survivors.

This study adds to a growing body of evidence that a healthy lifestyle not only helps prevent cancer but can also contribute to longevity after diagnosis.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards patient empowerment in healthcare. Survivors today are more informed about the impact of their lifestyle choices. According to a survey by the ACS, nearly 60% of cancer survivors report making significant changes to their diet or exercise habits after their diagnosis. This trend reflects a wider acknowledgment of the role lifestyle plays in health.

For more details on these guidelines and to explore more about cancer survivorship, you can check out the American Cancer Society’s official website.

Check out this related article: Overcoming Fear: A Patient’s Inspiring Journey Through Eating Disorders

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Cancer, Mortality, Nutrition, Alcohol, Cancer Diagnosis, Cardiovascular Disease, Diet, Healthy Lifestyle, Obesity, Physical Activity, Research, Smoking