Factors influencing cancer risk

We can greatly influence the risk of developing cancer through lifestyle, nutrition and prevention. Studies show that up to 30–50% of cancers can be prevented by changes in behaviour and environment.

1. Diet and nutrition

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Chronic inflammation is one of the factors that promotes tumour growth. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants (fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs) can help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
• Fibre: A diet high in fibre (whole grains, legumes, vegetables) may reduce the risk of colon cancer. According to research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), consuming 10 g of fibre per day reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 10%.
• Limiting processed foods: Excessive consumption of red and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (WCRF/AICR, 2018).
• Sulforaphane and other natural compounds: Studies suggest that these substances have anti-tumour effects (Kelloff et al., 2000).

2. Body weight and physical activity

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, obesity contributes to 7.8% of cancer cases and 6.5% of cancer deaths.
• Regular physical activity reduces levels of insulin and inflammatory cytokines, which can promote tumour growth. Lack of physical activity is associated with 2.9% of cancer cases and 2.2% of deaths (ACS, 2019).

3. Smoking and alcohol

• Smoking is the most significant preventable cause of cancer, accounting for 19.3% of all cancer cases and 29.8% of deaths (ACS, 2019).
• Alcohol is linked to 5.6% of cancer cases and 4% of deaths. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), alcohol causes at least 7 types of cancer, including breast, liver and oesophageal cancer.

4. Hormonal factors

• Long-term use of oestrogen preparations (e.g. hormone replacement therapy) may increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer.
• A natural hormonal balance, supported by a healthy lifestyle, can actually reduce the risk.

5. Toxins and environmental factors

• Exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, pesticides, heavy metals or benzene can promote the development of cancer.
• Endocrine disruptors in plastics and cosmetics may affect hormone regulation.

6. Microbiome and immunity

• A healthy gut microbiome can support a proper immune response and suppress inflammatory processes associated with cancer.
• H. pylori is a known risk factor for stomach cancer, while HPV increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Genetics vs. Epigenetics

Although genetic predisposition plays a role, most cancers are not exclusively hereditary. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, only 5–10% of cancer cases are caused by hereditary mutations, while 90–95% are influenced by epigenetic factors (diet, stress, toxins, exercise). This means that even with a genetic predisposition, we can significantly reduce the risk of developing a tumour.

Statistics and scientific studies

According to the American Cancer Society (2019):

• 40% of all cancer cases and nearly 50% of cancer deaths in the US are attributed to modifiable risk factors.
• Overweight and obesity contribute to 7.8% of cancer cases and 6.5% of cancer deaths.
• Smoking causes 19.3% of all cancer cases and 29.8% of deaths.
• Alcohol is responsible for 5.6% of cancer cases and 4% of deaths.
• Lack of physical activity is associated with 2.9% of cancer cases and 2.2% of deaths.
• Exposure to UV radiation causes 4.7% of cancer cases and 1.5% of deaths.
• Infections (e.g. HPV, H. pylori) are responsible for 1.8% of cancer cases and 1% of deaths.

Conclusion

Although complete prevention of cancer is not possible, a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, toxin control and immune support can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer. The most effective approach is a combination of several preventive measures, which activate the body’s natural mechanisms of protection against cancer.

Sources

1. American Cancer Society. (2019). Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures.
2. World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: A Global Perspective.
3. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2020). Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans.
4. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2020). Genetics and Cancer Risk.
5. Kelloff, G.J., et al. (2000). Progress in Cancer Chemoprevention: Development of Diet-Derived Chemopreventive Agents. Journal of Nutrition.