Cancer Prevention and Wellness
Starting the Conversation
Cancer is a word that changes everything the moment you hear it. Fear, uncertainty, and questions about the future often flood in. But what if the conversation started earlier? What if we focused not just on treatment but on prevention, wellness, and the broader societal changes needed to reduce risk? The truth is, up to 30–40% of cancers could potentially be prevented through changes in lifestyle, diet, exercise, and public health policies.1
“In my cancer clinic, I often wish I had more effective drugs for the person in front of me. I, too, want sophisticated treatments that work. But what I really wish is that the person I’m treating did not have cancer at all.” - Dr Vinay Prasad
I share the sentiments of Dr Prasad. After more than a decade as an oncologist, I’ve seen how prevention often gets overlooked. The spotlight tends to shine brightest on cutting-edge treatments and new technologies—both of which are vital. But prevention and wellness, bolstered by supportive public health policies, are just as transformative. They’re the foundation of long-term health and a critical part of the fight against cancer.
This series is about changing the narrative. It’s about empowering you with practical steps and evidence-based insights to take control of your health, while advocating for systemic changes that benefit everyone. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to live a healthier life, this journey is for you.
Why Prevention Matters
Our best weapons against cancer are not magic bullets2
While breakthroughs like immunotherapy and targeted therapies have revolutionized treatment, they represent only part of the solution. True progress requires a broader approach—one that includes:
Healthy lifestyle choices that reduce cancer risk.
Early detection through regular screenings and check-ups.
Public health initiatives to create environments that support healthy living.
Education to navigate the overwhelming flood of information online.
This sentiment underscores the importance of prevention—not just through individual actions but also through societal changes that prioritize health.
Public health strategies like reducing tobacco use, encouraging physical activity, addressing obesity, and minimizing environmental carcinogens can have a far greater impact than any single treatment. Prevention is about more than individual choices—it’s about creating systems and environments that make healthy living accessible for all. Small changes—like reducing processed foods, adding more fiber-rich meals, or committing to just 10 minutes of exercise a day—can make a big difference. Prevention doesn’t require perfection; it requires intention.
It’s Hard, Trust Me, I know
Making healthy lifestyle choices isn’t easy—trust me, I know. As an oncologist, I spend my days encouraging patients to take control of their health, but I’m far from perfect myself. Balancing work, family, and life’s stresses often makes it hard to prioritize things like exercise, healthy meals, or even getting enough sleep.
The truth is, we all struggle with this. Changing habits takes effort, patience, and sometimes starting over after setbacks. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be perfect to make a difference in your health.
Even small steps can add up over time. Whether it’s swapping processed snacks for fresh fruit, walking around the block instead of sitting for another episode of your favorite show, or setting a regular bedtime, every small choice matters. Prevention isn’t about doing everything right; it’s about doing something—and building from there.
What to Expect in This Series
To highlight the importance of prevention and wellness, the next 10 posts in this series will focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce cancer risk and promote overall health:
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention: Breaking down the myths and science around diet and its impact on cancer risk.
Exercise and Cancer Prevention: Exploring how even small amounts of physical activity can significantly lower risk.
The Power of the Microbiome: How gut health influences immunity and cancer prevention.
Stress and Cancer: Understanding the link between chronic stress, inflammation, and cancer risk—and how mindfulness can help.
The Importance of Fiber: Why fiber-rich diets play a critical role in reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Sleep and Cancer Risk: The connection between quality sleep and cancer prevention.
Early Detection Strategies: Emphasizing screenings, genetic testing, and the potential of new technologies like multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests.
Alcohol and Cancer: Understanding the risks and finding balance in consumption.
Environmental Exposures: How toxins in our environment influence cancer risk and what we can do to minimize exposure.
Debunking Myths About Sugar and Cancer: A nuanced look at the relationship between sugar and cancer development.
Each post will blend cutting-edge science with actionable advice to help you take control of your health, while advocating for systemic changes that support prevention.
A Shared Journey
I want this series to feel like a conversation—not a lecture. We’re all on this path together, learning, adjusting, and doing the best we can. I’m here to share the science, provide guidance, and help you figure out what works for your life.
So, if you’ve struggled to make healthy choices, you’re not alone. It’s hard, but it’s also worth it. Prevention isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress, one small step at a time.
Call to Action
Prevention is not about perfection; it’s about intention. Small, meaningful changes in your daily habits can have a profound impact on your health and well-being. I’m here to guide you through the science, the strategies, and the simple steps that can help you take control of your health.
In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into nutrition and cancer prevention—separating myths from facts and highlighting simple dietary shifts that have significant impacts.
Let’s take this journey together.
Islami F, Marlow EC, Thomson B, et al. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024; 74(5): 405-432.
Nature | Vol 577 | 23 January 2020 Dr Vinay Prasad