Making healthy lifestyle choices can help cancer survivors live longer, according to new research from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The study looked at survivors of obesity-related cancers and found that those who followed ACS nutrition and physical activity guidelines had a lower risk of death—not just from cancer, but from other causes like heart disease as well.
In 2022, the ACS updated its recommendations for cancer survivors.
These guidelines include avoiding obesity, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol use.
Many people feel inspired to make lifestyle changes after a cancer diagnosis, and this study shows how important those changes can be.
The research was led by Dr. Ying Wang, a senior scientist at the ACS. She explained that a cancer diagnosis often pushes people to think more seriously about their health, and this study offers clear evidence that healthy choices can really make a difference in long-term survival.
The study looked at data from nearly 3,750 non-smoking cancer survivors in the United States, all of whom had been diagnosed with obesity-related cancers between 1992 and 2002. The researchers tracked these individuals for an average of 15.6 years. By the end of the study, 2,430 participants had died.
To measure how well people followed the ACS guidelines, researchers gave each person a score from 0 to 8, based on factors like body weight, exercise, diet, and alcohol use. Those who scored between 6 and 8 had significantly better outcomes than those with scores between 0 and 3.
Specifically, people with higher scores had a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, a 33% lower risk of dying from heart disease, and a 21% lower risk of dying from cancer itself. The study also found that people who improved their lifestyle after being diagnosed with cancer had better survival rates than those who continued with unhealthy habits.
Two of the most important factors were maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Survivors who consistently followed healthy habits before and after their diagnosis had the best outcomes. However, even those who made improvements after diagnosis still saw benefits.
This research highlights the powerful impact of simple lifestyle changes. While cancer treatment is critical, how survivors live their daily lives—including what they eat, how active they are, and how much they weigh—can also play a key role in helping them live longer, healthier lives.
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Source: American Cancer Society.
