A New ACS Study Finds Changes in Lifestyles Lower the Risk of Cancer Mortality

The activity and nutrition guidelines dedicated to cancer survivors was updated in 2022 by the American Cancer Society (ACS). In a recent ACS press release, its overall recommendations are to remain physically active, maintain a healthy weight and diet with limited alcohol consumption.

The ACS scientists have recently provided research confirming that a lifestyle conforming to the 2022 guidelines relates to lowering the mortality risk for non-smoking obesity-related cancer survivors in the U.S.

The new report shows that the survivors who maintained a healthy lifestyle before as well as after their diagnosis, lowered their mortality risk. Other factors contributing to an increased risk are generally attributed to hormonal irregularities, chronic inflammation and various metabolic factors associated with excess body weight.

 Analyzing Lifestyle Habits

Ying Wang MD, who led the ACS study, explained that after a cancer diagnosis many survivors were asked about lifestyle changes.

The ACS researchers analyzed the lifestyle of non-smoking individuals who had participated in the second study. The participants had been diagnosed during the period 1992 through 2020 with cancers related to obesity.

Adherence by study participants to the ACS guidelines pertaining to body mass, physical activity, alcohol consumption and diet resulted in a lower mortality risk. The numbers were calculated from zero to eight inclusive.

 A fifteen-year follow-up of 3,742 participants (median age 67) found that during that period 2,430 participants died. Participants with a high ACS score either before or after diagnosis registered lower all cause disease mortality.

Dr. Wang commented that the findings emphasize the importance of choosing the right lifestyle to truly affect cancer survival.

American Cancer Society cancer cancer research Lifestyle Habits

Last modified: April 16, 2025