Changes People Can Make to Lower Their Cancer Risk

Pediatrician talking to family
October 11, 2018
Greg Guthrie, ASCO staff

The ASCO Educational Book is a collection of articles written by ASCO Annual Meeting speakers and oncology experts. Published annually, each volume highlights the most compelling research and developments across many different fields of cancer care.

Most people know that tobacco use is linked to the development of cancer. But there are many other lifestyle behaviors that can increase our risk of cancer. People can lower their cancer risk by following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise to avoid obesity, by reducing the amount of alcohol they drink, and by protecting their skin from the sun.share on twitter

In this podcast, Noelle K. LoConte, MD, Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, MD, and Cynthia A. Thomson, PhD, RDN, talk about how obesity, alcohol, and UV exposure relate to cancer risk and steps people can take to help prevent cancer.

  • The connection between obesity and cancer. [3:30]

  • Nutritional choices that may lower cancer risk. [4:07]

  • The benefits of exercise. [4:40]

  • The relationship between alcohol and cancer. [5:36]

  • The importance of protecting your skin from the sun. [6:58]

Dr. LoConte is a medical oncologist at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Gershenwald is professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Thomson is a professor and director of the Canyon Ranch Center for Prevention and Health Promotion in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona.

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