Expert Interview What Everyone Can Do to Avoid Cancer

At least 40 percent of all cancer cases are due to the lifestyle

Almost half a million people in Germany get cancer every year. A large part of these illnesses are due to certain lifestyle factors according to experts. In an interview, a healthcare expert explains how each individual can reduce their personal cancer risk.

Numerous diseases could be avoided

A few months ago, British scientists published a study that found that about four out of ten cases of cancer could have been prevented if the sufferers had maintained a healthier lifestyle. German researchers came to similar conclusions in an investigation: nearly 40 percent of cancer tumors are due to lifestyle and environmental factors. A health expert explains in an interview how to significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Many cancers are due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Those who eat well, move regularly, do not smoke and largely abstain from alcohol can significantly reduce their cancer risk. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com)

Increasing healing and survival rates

The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) held a discussion with Professor Dr. med. Carsten Bokemeyer, director of the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) of the UKE, in which the expert explains how each individual can contribute to the prevention of cancer.

As the physician explains, in Germany alone, around 480,000 people develop cancer each year. Although the rates of cure and survival are rising, there is nothing to be hoped that you will never come into contact with cancer.

"Everyone will be affected in the course of life either in the family and circle of friends or even yourself. I would therefore urge every person to try everything he or she could to avoid cancer, "says Professor Dr. med. Bokemeyer according to a message.

Factors such as smoking and physical inactivity promote cancer development

"At least 40 percent of all cancers are due to lifestyle factors," says Prof. Dr. med. Bokemeyer.

Various studies have shown that factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, too much alcohol and UV radiation can contribute to the development of cancer.

According to the physician, in some cases the hereditary bias is added when family members are already suffering from certain types of cancer.

Healthy lifestyle and early detection measures

"A balanced, smoke-free lifestyle with a high-vitamin and low-meat diet, daily exercise sessions, reduced alcohol consumption, and a responsible use of sunlight helps to prevent cancer," says Prof. Bokemeyer.

"It is important to change the lifestyle step by step to approach the goal and not to make big plans that may not be met in the long term," said the expert further.

The use of early detection measures - not only in hereditary families - an important component in order to possibly intervene against the early forms of cancer can.

"In our healthcare system, there are a variety of offers that can be used for this," said the expert. (Ad)