Cancer specialist names diet that may reduce your risk of the disease - 'Particularly healthy for prevention purposes'
A cancer expert spoke exclusively to GB News
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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and several general risk factors can influence a person's likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease.
These include uncontrollable factors such as age and family history, as well as factors within our control such as diet, smoking status, sun exposure and physical activity levels.
GB News spoke exclusively to oncologist and haematologist Dr Daniel Landau (MD) about how people may be able to reduce their risk of some cancers.
Dr Landau specialises in oncology (diagnosing, assessing, treating and managing patients with cancers) and haematology (diagnosing and treating patients with blood and bone marrow disorders).
'For patients who request specific advice, I frequently promote the Mediterranean diet'
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The expert told GB News: "In recent years, there has been a trend toward increasing cancers in younger people.
"While there is no singular reason, the trends of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and poor diets are believed to play a role.
"Processed foods often contain chemicals or preservatives known to create inflammatory states inside our bodies.
"It is believed that this inflammatory state leads to chronic damage in our tissue (the colon, for example) and leads to an environment in which cancers can more easily grow."
According to the doctor, nourishing yourself with a healthy diet is important, as is keeping active.
Dr Landau said: "While, as an oncologist, I don't promote any one particular diet or exercise programme, I often tell my patients the importance of both."
Referencing an article published in the National Library of Medicine entitled Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review, the expert said: "For patients who request more specific advice, I frequently promote the Mediterranean diet.
"Data suggests that this diet plan is particularly healthy for cancer prevention purposes. It is a diet that promotes healthier fats and foods thought to be 'less inflammatory'."
Cholesterol Charity Heart UK defines the Mediterranean diet as an eating plan "high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil".
Experts added: "It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods. This is now seen as a good way of eating - both for a healthy heart and for general well-being."
Those who follow the Mediterranean diet also tend to limit their intake of saturated fats from dairy and red meat sources and consume less alcohol.
An excerpt from Cancer and Mediterranean Diet: A Review reads: "The Mediterranean diet may contribute to the reduction of cancer onset in the worldwide population since it is characterised by a series of foods that, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are able to prevent and counteract DNA damages and slow down the development of various forms of cancer, affecting negatively cell proliferation."
As for exercise, the cancer specialist advised that "activity is important". He said: "Cardio exercise probably carries the best data. However, weight training is also excellent."
The experts at Cancer Research also advocate for eating a healthy diet and keeping active to reduce your risk.
Issuing specific advice on eating, the experts said: "There's no one diet that can guarantee that you won’t get cancer. But eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk.
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The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits and vegetables
PA IMAGES"A healthy balanced diet means eating mostly fruit and vegetables, plenty of whole grains (these include things like brown pasta and wholegrain bread) and healthier sources of protein like fresh chicken, fish or pulses (including lentils and beans).
"And it’s best to cut down on processed and red meat (like bacon and sausages), high-calorie foods (including fast food), sugary drinks (including fizzy drinks and energy drinks) and alcohol."
As for exercise, the experts advised: "Even adding small amounts of activity and exercise into your daily routine can help you lose weight or keep a healthy weight.
"Keeping a healthy weight lowers your risk of 13 different cancer types. This includes two of the most common types of cancer (breast and bowel) and three of the hardest-to-treat cancers (pancreatic, oesophageal and gallbladder)."
Before making any major changes to your lifestyle or diet, it's always advisable to consult your doctor for tailored advice. If you have any health concerns, always ensure you speak to a professional.
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