What can be done to reduce risk of cancer recurrence

No one knows what to expect upon being diagnosed with cancer. But advancements in medical research have done wonders to improve outcomes over the last half-century. The Cancer Research Institute reports that the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers reached 70 percent by the end of 2021, a substantial improvement over the 49 percent rate in the mid-1970s.

Higher survival rates should comfort cancer patients and their families. However, patients and family members may still have recurrence in the back of their minds upon the conclusion of successful treatment. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes it's common to wonder about recurrence after surviving cancer. Rates of recurrence vary by type of cancer and the stage at which the cancer was initially diagnosed. While there is no way to guarantee cancer won't return, the ACS notes diet, physical activity, and the right lifestyle choices can be useful allies for those who want to do everything they can to reduce their risk of cancer recurrence.

Diet

The ACS advises cancer survivors to follow the same guidelines to reduce their risk for recurrence that the organization recommends to all people looking to lower their risk for cancer. The ACS notes research has suggested that the risk of breast cancer recurrence is higher in women who carry excess weight and do not incorporate many fruits or vegetables into their diets. A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended to anyone looking to reduce their cancer risk, and such an approach to nutrition can be equally beneficial to survivors hoping to avoid a recurrence. Men who have had prostate cancer might be at greater risk of recurrence if they eat a lot of saturated fats, which are unhealthy for all people regardless of their medical histories. When attempting to use diet to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, survivors are urged to follow the healthy eating guidelines recommended to all people.

Physical activity

The ACS reports that survivors who stay physically active typically live longer and have a lower risk of recurrence compared to survivors who do not exercise. Physical activity also reduces a survivor's risk of developing a new form of cancer. Survivors are urged to work with their cancer care teams to develop a physical fitness routine that is safe and effective, but the ACS has its own physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. Those guidelines are available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/supportive-care/nutrition-activity-with-ca....

Lifestyle choices

Poor lifestyle choices after surviving cancer can increase the risk of recurrence. Various cancers have been linked to alcohol consumption, and the ACS advises against drinking. For those who want to drink, ensure you consume no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Tobacco poses another threat to cancer survivors. The ACS notes survivors who stop smoking have a lower risk of recurrence and are less likely to develop a second cancer compared to those who continue to use tobacco. The ACS also reports that studies consistently indicate that cancer patients who quit smoking survive longer than those who continue to smoke.

While there is no guaranteed way for cancer survivors to prevent the disease from returning, the right choices after a successful treatment can be a useful ally against recurrence.