Category: Medicine

Because of advances in treatment and early detection, as well as the growth and aging of the population, the number of cancer survivors living in the United States continues to increase each year.¹ In 2019, more than 16.9 million people with a history of invasive cancer were alive in the United States. By 2030, the number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 22 million. Although the survival rates for many cancers have improved, risk factors for cancer development are becoming more prevalent. Currently, 41% of men and 39% of women will develop cancer during their lifetime.¹ According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, at least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States are potentially avoidable because they are attributable to lifestyle factors.¹ Specifically, 19% of newly diagnosed cancers may be due to smoking, and 18% to a combination of excess body weight, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity. There exists a need to focus on health promotion as a key component of cancer risk reduction, as well as in survivorship care. However, the care for cancer survivors is fragmented and can be an afterthought upon completion of active treatment. Oncologists should be aware that there are robust evidence-based guidelines to help facilitate lifestyle modifications in cancer care.