A leading biomedical researcher has highlighted one factor that could potentially reduce '50% of cancer cases'. Dr Raphael Cuomo, a top expert at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, has spent his career identifying cancer risk factors as the disease increasingly affects younger people.
Despite the majority of cancer cases still occurring in those over 50, there has been a concerning increase in diagnoses among younger people. Cancer Research statistics show a 24% rise in rates among those aged 25 to 49 in the UK from 1995 to 2019, with an average of 100 young adults diagnosed daily between 2017 and 2019.
While further research is needed to understand the exact reasons behind this trend, scientists like Dr Cuomo suggest lifestyle choices are a significant factor, starting with diet, as poor nutrition is associated with various risk factors.
"Early-onset cancers - those diagnosed before age 50 - are rising sharply, with colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers showing the largest increases," Dr Cuomo said. "Poor diet, obesity, and alcohol consumption are major contributors to this trend.
"Diet is one of the most powerful cancer risk factors. Poor nutrition contributes to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and DNA damage. Up to 50% of cancers could be prevented with healthier eating patterns," reports the Mirror.
Dr Cuomo stands with several health authorities in his view on cancer prevention. The World Cancer Research Fund has emphasised that 'between 30 and 50% of cancers' are preventable by living healthier lifestyles and dodging carcinogens.
While there is no magical ingredient that can nullify cancer risk completely, though avoiding certain edibles like bacon, deli meats, and processed foodstuffs seems beneficial. In fact, last year, the Cleveland Clinic pinpointed 'metabolites' found in these kinds of foods as key culprits in early-onset colorectal cancer.
"Processed meats like bacon and deli cuts are classified as carcinogens [are the worst in terms of cancer risk]," said Dr Cuomo. "Sugar-laden drinks and ultra-processed foods drive obesity and metabolic disease, both of which increase cancer risk.
"No single food prevents cancer, but nutrient-dense whole foods - like cruciferous vegetables, berries, and turmeric - contain bioactive compounds that support cellular health. The focus should be on overall dietary patterns, not magic foods. Trendy health claims often exaggerate real science.
"Celery juice won't 'detox' cancer cells, and supplements can't replace a balanced diet. Prevention is about consistency, not quick fixes."
Nonetheless, Dr Cuomo highlighted the benefits of a Mediterranean-style diet, which diverges from the 'Western diet' high in unhealthy fats and sugar, and lacking fibre; instead, it advocates for plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Numerous studies have explored the link between diet and cancer risk, with recent research from the University of Florida indicating that glycogen, a simple sugar prevalent in Western diets, acts as an 'oncogenic metabolite' for lung cancer.
Described as a 'giant lollipop for cancer's sweet tooth', increased levels of glycogen are associated with the growth of larger, more aggressive tumours. "The Mediterranean diet is one of the best-studied for cancer prevention-rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds that lower risk across multiple cancer types," Dr Cuomo explained.
"Smoking, alcohol, and sedentary behaviour increase risk [too], while exercise, weight management, and a nutrient-rich diet reduce it. These lifestyle choices are tied to numerous cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancers-the most common cancers both in the US and globally."