Cancers are multifactorial diseases. This means that several factors influence the risk of developing cancer. A healthy lifestyle is not an absolute guarantee of avoiding cancer, but it does help to limit the risk of developing the disease.
Diet
Today there is no doubt that diet plays a role in the development of some tumours. Numerous studies, in fact, have identified nutritional factors that increase the risk of developing cancer. Studies today show that favouring the consumption of vegetable fibres and limiting the consumption of red meat and processed meat are two essential actions to limit the risk of developing cancer. Alcohol consumption is also known to trigger a number of cancers, including liver cancer. Limiting its consumption is therefore strongly recommended. Consumption of sugary drinks and foods should also be limited. In general, remember that a healthy diet is based on balance above all and that eating should be a pleasure, not a continuous limitation. Check out the website of the Belgian Foundation against cancer and their recommendations concerning a healthy diet.
Various studies and trials have been conducted or are underway regarding the impact of a certain diet specifically on BRCA+ carriers. A recent study, for example, analysed the impact of a mediterranean dietary in female carriers (previvors and survivors) of BRCA mutations. The findings suggest that a mediterranean diet with moderate protein restriction is effective in reducing potential modulators of BRCA penetrance. New studies on the topic are ongoing or about to be launched.
Smoking
Did you know that Belgium ranked fourth worst among EU-14 countries in terms of the number of deaths per 100,000 persons attributed to cigarette smoking? Smoking is harmful to everyone, both those who smoke and those around them. Numerous studies prove that tobacco is the cause of almost 90% of cases of lung cancer and that it is also responsible for other cancers such as that of the throat, mouth, lips, larynx and oesophagus.
The risk of developing a disease linked to tobacco consumption depends on several factors, including the age at which one started smoking, the number of years you smoked, the quantity of tobacco consumed per day, the way of smoking, the type of tobacco, and last but not least individual genetic factors. More than 50 studies carried out in different countries have scientifically proven that passive smoking increases the risk of cancer, not only of the lungs, but also of sinus, nasopharynx and breast.
Check out the website of the Belgian Foundation against cancer and the programmes to help you quit smoking, including the fantastic Buddy Deal programme. Exercise
Studies have now widely demonstrated that practising physical activity reduces the risk of some tumours and many chronic diseases. Sufficient and regular physical activity – in leisure time, at work or at home – is associated with a reduced risk of colon, breast and endometrial cancer. You don’t need to do marathons. 30 minutes of movement a day is already an excellent starting point! In fact, moving also simply means walking, going up and down stairs or going shopping by bicycle. In general, it is best to avoid sitting for several hours.
Check out the website of the Belgian Foundation against cancer and their recommendations concerning exercise.
Stress and mental health
There are different types of stressors: work-related stress, major life events, or stress that can build up over time on a daily basis. Stress can reach significant levels in a short period of time or occur repeatedly over a long period of time. That stress isn’t good for your health in general is no surprise! Regarding the link between stress and cancer, the numerous studies conducted so far have had variable results. If the formal link between stress and cancer is not yet clear, what is certain is that stress can weaken the immune system, alter the levels of some hormones in the body and lead to unhealthy behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking , bad eating habits, lack of physical activity and so on.
In general, take stress seriously! If you feel more irritable than usual, don’t have as much energy as usual, or sleep poorly, seek professional help.
BRCA network asbl/vzw
