• The Role of Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Physical Activity in the Prevention of Common Cancers: A Review of Recent Evidence
  • Nora Arabbaraghi,1,*
    1. Department of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran


  • Introduction: With over 10 million deaths annually worldwide, cancer is one of the biggest public health issues of the twenty-first century (1). After heart disease, cancer is the second most common cause of death in Iran. Primary prevention is still the most efficient and economical way to lessen the burden of the disease, despite the impressive advancements made in cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy and precision medicine. According to epidemiological studies, modifiable lifestyle variables such as obesity, physical inactivity, poor food, and alcohol and tobacco use account for between 30 and 50 percent of malignancies (2).
  • Methods: Nutrition and Cancer Prevention Healthy eating habits have been shown in numerous studies to lower the risk of cancer. It has been demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet, which places a strong emphasis on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish, reduces the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast and prostate cancer. It is also linked to weight loss, better treatment tolerance, and an improved quality of life for patients with breast cancer (3). Because fiber increases stool size, shortens transit time, and dilutes carcinogenic chemicals in the gut, it has also been associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (4). On the other hand, obesity is acknowledged as a significant risk factor for cancer, as it promotes cellular growth pathways through increased levels of estrogen, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This leads to the development of cancers of the breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and liver (2). Physical Activity and Cancer Frequent exercise is essential for lowering the risk of cancer, and it has positive effects that are mediated by hormonal and metabolic pathways. According to a systematic review by Chang et al. (2024), regular exercise lowers the risk of cancer by boosting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decreasing body mass index (BMI), insulin levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) (5). Furthermore, exercise has been linked to better mental health, less fatigue, and better sleep for breast cancer patients (3). Combined Diet and Exercise Interventions Research suggests that the combined effects of food and exercise interventions are greater than those of either strategy alone. According to a meta-analysis by Chang et al. (2024), patients' quality of life improved and their body mass index (BMI), insulin levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) significantly decreased when a healthy diet and regular exercise were implemented simultaneously (5). In a similar vein, a research conducted by Miles et al. (2021) among participants in cancer screening programs showed that a combination of interventions resulted in improved food practices, greater physical activity, and weight loss (4). These results imply that taking advantage of opportunities like screening visits can offer a productive environment for lifestyle change and behavioral interventions.
  • Results: Policy and Public Health Implications Numerous studies, like the review by Rock et al. (2021), have highlighted the fact that between one-third and half of malignancies can be prevented. It has been demonstrated that following the American Cancer Society's recommendations lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by 60% and total cancer risk by 17% (2). As a result, national policies have to prioritize encouraging education about healthy nutrition, creating physically active urban environments, restricting the intake of processed and high-calorie meals, and including lifestyle counseling into cancer screening initiatives.
  • Conclusion: According to recent research, controlling weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise are all essential for preventing common malignancies. In addition to lowering the chance of developing cancer, following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise improves the quality of life for both cancer patients and survivors. The worldwide burden of cancer could be significantly decreased by putting into practice a comprehensive strategy that addresses both individual behavior modification and more extensive public health measures.
  • Keywords: cancer, prevention, lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, cancer survivors