The doctor called lifestyle a key factor in cancer prevention

Up to 30% of cancer cases are related to lifestyle factors and can be prevented. Regular physical activity, smoking cessation and weight control reduce the risk of cancer by an average of 25-30%, while the positive effect persists even in adulthood and in people with an increased genetic risk. Lyudmila Morozova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, oncologist at the OPEKA service system for the elderly, told Izvestia on January 23 about how to start cancer prevention.

Currently, it is widely believed that severe stress or psychological trauma can directly trigger cancer. However, from the point of view of evidence-based medicine, this relationship has not been confirmed.

"To date, there has been no direct causal relationship between stress and the occurrence of cancer. However, prolonged overexertion can indirectly affect health — worsen sleep, reduce immune defenses, promote weight gain and the formation of bad habits. All this together increases the overall risks to the body," the expert explained.

The myth of "miracle cures" and biologically active additives supposedly capable of protecting against cancer remains no less stable. According to the expert, today there are no products or supplements with proven preventive effect. Any such claims are marketing in nature, since prevention works only as a system, and not as a separate tool.

Russians are also concerned about household factors such as the use of plastic, household chemicals, Wi-Fi and electromagnetic radiation. Most of these fears are greatly exaggerated. Morozova notes that Wi-Fi uses non-ionizing radiation and does not damage DNA, and household chemicals, if followed, do not pose a significant cancer risk.

"Other factors create a real danger in everyday life — tobacco smoke, radon in poorly ventilated rooms, asbestos in old buildings, as well as products of plastic gorenje or its misuse, for example, heating food packaging in a microwave oven," — said the oncologist.

"Taking aspirin improves lung cancer prognosis"

Oncologist David Zaridze — about the causes of cancer and ways to prevent it

Special attention should be paid to prevention for the elderly. With age, the impact of risk factors accumulates, and concomitant chronic diseases can mask early symptoms of oncological processes. Alexey Mavrin, the founder of the GUARDIANSHIP service system for the elderly, said that the absence of complaints is often perceived as a sign of health, which is why a visit to a doctor is postponed. Meanwhile, many cancers in old age are asymptomatic for a long time, and it is regular monitoring that makes it possible to detect dangerous changes in the early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Cancer prevention does not require drastic measures, but it must be consistent. The first and key step remains to completely stop smoking, including e-cigarettes, since tobacco smoke is the most significant proven carcinogen. The second step is regular physical activity and weight control — at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week and gradual dietary adjustments in favor of vegetables, fruits and whole grains are enough. Doctors call the passage of routine medical examinations and oncological screenings the third element of prevention.

Early diagnosis remains one of the most effective tools for reducing cancer mortality. According to Morozova, screening programs make it possible to detect precancerous changes and tumors at the stages when treatment is most gentle and effective. Basic programs include mammography for women over 40, cytological examination and HPV testing for the prevention of cervical cancer, colonoscopy or stool analysis for hidden blood after 45-50 years, PSA monitoring in men according to indications, as well as regular examinations of the skin and mucous membranes.

Oncologist, PhD Evgeny Cheremushkin said on January 20 that the risk of developing cancer increases significantly from regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. The expert explained that when drinking alcohol, the pancreas and stomach are primarily affected, since alcohol actually causes burns to these organs. According to him, damage to the mucous membrane leads to the development of chronic inflammatory processes: the gastrointestinal tract reacts to irritation by increased production of secretions, including bile.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.