Simple Lifestyle Changes That May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

New research suggests that a combination of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and regular exercise could significantly lower cancer risk—potentially by as much as 61% in older adults, the Daily Mail reports.

While pharmaceutical treatments remain essential for those diagnosed with cancer, these simple and affordable interventions could play a key role in prevention.

A 2022 study by researchers at the University of Zurich, published in Frontiers in Aging, explored how basic lifestyle changes could impact cancer prevention. The study followed 777 adults aged 70 and older over three years. Participants were divided into different groups: some took daily vitamin D supplements, some consumed omega-3 fatty acids, and others participated in a 30-minute home exercise routine three times a week. Some combined all three interventions.

The results showed that:

• Those who combined vitamin D, omega-3s, and exercise had the most significant reduction in cancer risk.

• Omega-3 intake helped “turn back the clock” on biological aging by up to four months.

• Exercise and these nutritional interventions also reduced frailty and the likelihood of infections.

How These Interventions Work

• Vitamin D: This essential nutrient, which can be obtained through sunlight, supplements, or foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy, plays a role in regulating genes responsible for cell reproduction. Researchers believe it may help prevent the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, nuts, and seeds, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is known to contribute to cancer development by damaging DNA and stimulating blood vessel growth that supports tumors.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and maintain overall health—all of which can contribute to cancer prevention.

One of the study’s authors, Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, emphasized that these interventions are cost-effective compared to traditional cancer treatments. A month’s worth of vitamin D supplements typically costs between $5 and $25, while omega-3 capsules range from $20 to $40. In contrast, chemotherapy treatments can cost anywhere from $1,000 to over $12,000 per month.