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.
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.
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.
