Prevention of Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and an abundance of evidence suggests that lifestyle factors including smoking, typical high-fat, refined-sugar diet and physical inactivity play role in the development of majority of cancers. It has been estimated that 30-40 percent of all cancers can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures. In this paper the effects of diet and physical inactivity on frequently seen cancers and protective effects of foods are reviewed. Diet and physical inactivity take place among major factors for cancer promotion by inducing insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Elevated levels of serum insulin impact on liver primarily, increasing the production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) while reducing the production of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) and resulting in stimulation of tumor cell growth and inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Adopting a diet low in fat and high in fiber-rich starch foods, combined with regular aerobic exercise might control insulin resistance, reduce serum markers of cancer and consequently the risk for many different cancers.