Lifestyle changes could cut cancer risk

More than 16,000 cancer deaths annually could be potentially avoided by changing risky habits and behaviour, according to an Australian-first study.

Researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute looked at eight groups of 'modifiable' risk factors which included tobacco smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, UV exposure, infections (such as hepatitis C and human papillomavirus) and hormonal factors (such as the use of some menopausal hormone therapy.)

The head of QIMR Berghofer's Cancer Control Group David Whiteman, said they found the modifiable factors were responsible for 41 per cent of cancer deaths among Australian men and 34 per cent of cancer deaths in women.

"While in many cases cancer is tragically unavoidable, this study highlights what we've known for years: cancer isn't always a matter of genetics or bad luck" said Professor Whiteman.

"This study shows that in theory, about 16,700 cancer deaths could be prevented each year if people followed accepted guidelines to minimise their exposure to risk factors.

"There is a lot people can do to reduce their risk of developing and dying from cancer."

Professor Whiteman said by far the biggest cause of preventable cancer deaths in Australia was tobacco smoking, accounting for nearly a quarter of the 44,000 cancer deaths in 2013.

Poor diet, being overweight or obese, and infections each caused about five per cent of all cancer deaths in the same year.

The cancers responsible for the largest numbers of potentially preventable deaths were lung, bowel, cutaneous (skin) melanoma, liver, and stomach cancers.

"The proportions of potentially preventable cancer deaths are higher among men than women because, on average, men smoke and drink more, spend more time in the sun, and don't eat as well," said Professor Whiteman.

He said small improvements would substantially improve the number of people who die prematurely from cancer each year.

"If you currently smoke, seek advice on how to quit. Limit your intake of red and processed meats and look for opportunities to incorporate extra fruit, vegetables and fibre into your diet. Most Australians don't get enough exercise, so start introducing some simple physical activity into your routine and aim to maintain a healthy bodyweight. Finally, always remember to protect yourself from the sun," he said.

The eight lifestyle factors to avoid are:

1. Tobacco smoking (including passive)

2. Low intake of fruit and vegetables and high intake of red and processed meat

3. Being overweight

4 Being physically inactive

5. Excessive alcohol consumption

6. Excessive exposure to UV light

7. Infections such as hepatitis C and human papillomavirus

8 Use of some menopausal hormonal therapy