A recent study on cancer risk suggests healthy eating may be beneficial to cut the risk of the disease. Despite popular belief snacks are bad for health, experts suggest that it can complement a healthy diet that can help fight the development of cancer cells in the body.
Diet and exercise may prevent 30-40% of cancer incidences, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund.
Surgical oncologist and Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute Deputy Physician in Chief Lori A. Alfonse, DO, highlights eating habits in cancer prevention. Dr. Alfonse shares her oncology expertise to discuss her diet and prescribe nutrient-rich foods that can help fight the deadly disease in a recent article by Parade.
According to studies, consuming 28 grams of nuts a day reduces cancer mortality by 21% as nuts contain bioactive chemicals that reduce inflammation and inhibit cancer cell growth. Vitamin E, folic acid, protein, and fiber are found in nuts, which help prevent cancer.
Avoid Foods with Lots of Salt, Sugar, and Preservatives
Dr. Alfonse recommends buying unflavored, salt- and sugar-free almonds for your cupboard. The cancer doctor suggests sprinkling herbs like rosemary, thyme, dill, or turmeric on nuts to flavor them. Moreover, she also recommends bite-size fruits and cheese sticks for healthy snacking.
The health expert also noted that eating foods with lots of sugar and preservatives should be avoided. While occasional treats are fine, eating natural, minimally processed foods can improve health and help prevent cancer.
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Arcade restaurant waitress Julia Flowers holds a peanut butter and banana sandwich, Elvis Presley's favorite snack, on the 25th anniversary of Presley's death during Elvis Week August 16, 2002 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Cancer Cases to Increase Signficantly: Study
It is important to take note of this expert advice on preventing cancer as recent studies forecast an alarming increase in cancer cases. A new analysis predicts that cancer rates might rise 77% by 2050, per US News & World Report.
The American Cancer Society reported 20 million cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths in 2022, the latest year for which data is available, in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians on Thursday.
The expected increase in cancer cases is due to aging, according to American Cancer Society Chief Scientific Officer Dr. William Dahut. He stresses that raising cancer risk factors from high-income nations, such as smoking and obesity, to low-income countries remains a challenge as the latter lack resources and facilities for early cancer identification, treatment, and prevention.
Moreover, a Lancet study predicts a significant rise in prostate cancer diagnoses and deaths by 2040.
Research predicts 2.9 million prostate cancer cases every year by 2040, tripling global diagnoses. The expected 85% increase in disease-related mortality over the same period is also concerning. This gloomy prognosis emphasizes the need for aggressive public health crisis response. Approximately 330 men receive a diagnosis of the disease every hour, as reported by TechTimes.
Expected increase in prostate cancer incidences are due to aging populations and longer lifespans. Age increases the risk, with most instances in men over 50, especially those with obesity and calcium-rich diets, according to the NHS.
While age and hereditary propensity are uncontrollable, preemptive efforts may reduce the burden and save lives. Despite the inevitable rise in diagnoses, addressing modifiable risk factors might help tackle this growing health issue.
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