In a new study, researchers found that the same lifestyle habits that protect the heart can also curb the risk of a range of cancers.
They found people with risk factors for heart disease also faced increased odds of developing cancer over the next 15 years.
On the other hand, people who followed a heart-healthy lifestyle cut their risk of a cancer diagnosis.
The research was conducted by a team at Massachusetts General Hospital
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has estimated that close to half of cancer deaths in the United States are linked to modifiable factors—including poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity.
In the study, the team examined 20,305 Americans who were 50 years old. They looked at how well they were adhering to the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7”.
“Life’s Simple 7” advises people to: Never smoke, or to quit if they do. Maintain a healthy weight for their height. Exercise at a moderate intensity (like brisk walking) for at least 150 minutes a week, or at a vigorous intensity (like running) for at least 75 minutes a week.
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich grains and fish, and low in salt and sugar.
Maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers—which, Lau said, can be done with the help of medication when needed.
The researchers found people who scored high on the heart-health scale were also less likely to develop cancer over the next 15 years.
For each point they received, their risk of future cancer declined by 5%.
The team also found that people deemed to be at high risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years were over three times more likely to develop cancer.
These people have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking.
The team says the AHA recommendations on diet, weight, exercise and smoking largely align with advice from the cancer society.
But the cancer society also stresses the role of alcohol in some cancers, including throat, esophageal, liver, breast and colon cancers. Drinking accounts for about 6% of all U.S. cancers.
The study is published in JACC: CardioOncology. One author of the study is Dr. Emily Lau.
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