Lifestyle Choices Can Make Cancer More Survivable

2024-04-16 12:50:56 Health and Fitness

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The founder and lead surgeon of the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise talks about survivability.

Decatur, TX,? For the estimated 1.7 million Americans likely to receive a positive diagnosis of cancer in the coming year, many factors will play a role in survivability odds. While stage at diagnosis, aggressiveness of the tumor, overall health and other similar factors will be critical, a new study is shedding light on the impact lifestyle choices may have. Researchers have found, in fact, that people who make healthy lifestyle choices are much more likely to survive if cancer is diagnosed.

The study that arrived at those findings involved a subject group of more than 135,000 people. These people were split into two main groups: those with a low-risk for cancer based on lifestyle choices and those at higher risk. Not surprisingly, researchers found that people in the low-risk group were less likely to develop cancer. Researchers ultimately found that people who led healthier lifestyles were much less likely to die if they did contract cancer. It was determined that nearly 60 percent of deaths involving women and 65 percent of those involving men may have been preventable through better lifestyle habits.

?While not a guarantee, the study makes it very clear that people who lead health lifestyles are more likely to experience positive outcomes if cancer arises,? says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at the North Texas Cancer Center at Wise. ?Fortunately, what is required to lower risk may also have benefits that greatly improve overall health, as well.?

Four lifestyle habits were pinpointed in the study as making a difference in mortality risk:
? Obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight
? Quitting smoking if tobacco use is a habit
? Avoiding overuse of alcohol
? Working routine exercise of at least 2.5 hours a week into the routine

?Healthy lifestyle choices may not be able to prevent all cases of cancer, but they may also play a strong role in survivability,? says Dr. Echt. ?Taking steps to adopt the four recommendations can also improve overall health while lowering risks for other serious health-related concerns.?

About Author
North Texas Cancer Center at Wise, a division of Choice Cancer Care, is now operating as the Cancer Center at Wise Regional and is one of the most renowned cancer treatment centers in Texas.