The World Health Organization reports that cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the globe. WHO estimates suggest nearly 10 million people lost their lives to cancer in 2020.

Such statistics are sobering, but individuals diagnosed with cancer should know that the five-year survival rates for various types of cancers have been trending upward for decades. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that the three-year survival rates for lung cancer, which the WHO notes is the second most common cause of cancer deaths across the globe, improved dramatically between 2004 and 2018. ACS data indicates that, in 2004, 21 out of 100 people diagnosed with lung cancer were living three years after their diagnosis. By 2018, that figure had increased to 31 out of 100.

Rising survival rates means more people are likely curious about cancer recurrence, and knowledge could be survivors’ best ally as they look forward to the road ahead.

∫ Can recurrence be prevented?

The ACS notes that nothing can prevent cancer from recurring. Some survivors will experience a recurrence of their cancer, while others won’t. The reasons behind that remain a mystery, but a healthy lifestyle can strengthen the body and increase its readiness to combat cancer should it return.

∫ Healthy habits

The ACS urges survivors to eat healthy in an effort to prevent recurrence. A nutritious diet has long been linked to helping individuals improve their overall health and reduce their cancer risk. For example, the organization Cancer Research UK notes that a nutritious diet helps people maintain a healthy weight, which is important for cancer survivors because obesity has been linked to 13 different types of cancer. The ACS recommends a diet that includes a variety of vegetables (i.e., dark green, red and orange veggies) and fiber-rich legumes like beans and peas. Avoid or limit consumption of red meat, which includes beef, lamb and pork. Processed meats like hot dogs, sausage and deli meats should be avoided as well. When choosing grains, choose whole grains instead of white bread and traditional pastas.

Physical activity is another component of cancer prevention that might help reduce risk for recurrence. Though the link is not direct, the ACS reports that studies have shown that routine physical activity can reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea.

In addition, the MD Anderson Cancer Center indicates that exercise helps to regulate hormones. That’s a significant benefit because increased levels of certain hormones has been linked to a greater risk for developing cancer.

The ACS notes that cancer survivors should be wary of dietary supplements that contain high levels of single nutrients.

Some individuals who have survived cancer look to these supplements to reduce their risk for recurrence, but the ACS notes that they can have an unexpected, harmful effect on cancer survivors. Always consult your physician and/or cancer care team before taking any new supplements.

There’s no guarantee that cancer survivors won’t experience a recurrence at some point. But adopting a healthy lifestyle marked by a nutritious diet and routine physical activity can help survivors build the strength they need to combat a cancer recurrence.