Cancer risk can be reduced by almost half: what needs to change

The article summarizes WHO recommendations for reducing cancer risk through lifestyle changes: weight control, a plant-based diet, avoiding processed meat and alcohol, and physical activity. It emphasizes that changing habits can prevent 30–50% of cases, but does not guarantee protection.

An article on the Cursor Info website, based on recommendations from the World Health Organization, explains how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing cancer by almost half. Author Tomer Adoni cites WHO data that 30–50% of cancer cases are potentially preventable by eliminating known risk factors. Key recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, a diet rich in plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains), limiting processed meat (sausages, bacon), which is classified as a carcinogen for colorectal cancer, and avoiding sugary drinks. Special attention is given to alcohol: the article clarifies that from a cancer prevention perspective, there is no safe dose, and the less alcohol, the lower the risk. The importance of physical activity—150–300 minutes of moderate exercise per week—is also emphasized. Additionally, quitting smoking, UV protection, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, and undergoing screenings are mentioned. The article concludes with a caveat that even following all recommendations does not rule out the disease due to the influence of age, heredity, and other factors.