Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention
At the interdisciplinary Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, our mission is to support groundbreaking research that develops and implements novel methods, technologies, and tools to further the translation of cancer prevention work into clinical and public health practice. We are dedicated to prevention education and research across the cancer continuum.
631 Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Building (FXB)
651 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Cancer Prevention
The global health landscape is in a period of rapid transformation. Public health triumphs in the 20th century have led to increases in life expectancy of as much as 30 years in many parts of the world. However, behavioral changes, such as increased drinking, smoking, and consumption of processed foods, as well as increased exposure to environmental pollutants, could cause cancer incidence to rise as much as 57 percent over the next two decades. Below are some areas in which lifestyle changes can benefit your health and help prevent cancer.
Some cancer risk factors, such as genetics and environment, are out of your control, but research suggest that eating a healthy diet may greatly reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer. Choosing nutrient-rich whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can have a powerful effect on your health.
According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, staying active can help you lower your risk of many types of cancer, including breast, colorectal ,and uterine cancers. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, boost your metabolism, and regulate hormone levels.
While research remains ongoing, evidence has shown that poor and insufficient sleep is associated with weight gain, which is a risk factor for cancer.
We now know that smoking is responsible for many diseases, including cancer. Cigarette smoking directly causes over 90 percent of lung cancers, and secondhand smoke causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths annually in nonsmokers. One study estimates that 17 percent of lung cancer in nonsmokers results from exposure to tobacco smoke during their childhood years.
In general, the American Cancer Society (ACS) does not determine if a substance is a carcinogen cancer (that is, if it causes cancer). Instead, the ACS relies on the determinations of other respected agencies, such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP).
Find out more about suggested lifestyle changes to help protect yourself from cancer.