Healthy Lifestyle Improves Survival from Obesity-Related Cancers – American Cancer Society

Report on Survival Outcomes Among Obesity-Related Cancer Patients Following ACS Survivor Guidelines

Improved Survival Linked to Adherence to ACS Survivor Guidelines

Recent research highlights the significant impact of closely following the American Cancer Society (ACS) Survivor Guideline recommendations on survival outcomes among individuals diagnosed with obesity-related cancers. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasizing the importance of health promotion and disease prevention.

Key Findings on Mortality Risk Reduction

Participants who adhered closely to the ACS guidelines after cancer diagnosis demonstrated notable reductions in mortality risks:

• 24% lower risk of death from any cause
• 33% lower risk of death from heart disease, a leading cause of mortality among cancer survivors
• 21% lower risk of death specifically from cancer

Recommendations for Cancer Survivors: Emphasizing Sustainable Health Practices

1. Prioritize Weight Management Post-Diagnosis

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces mortality risk, supporting SDG 3 by promoting well-being and reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Exercise offers the strongest protective effect against mortality for cancer survivors across all body sizes, reinforcing the importance of active lifestyles consistent with SDG 3 targets.

3. Adopt Healthy Habits Regardless of Past Behavior

Survivors who improved their lifestyle habits after diagnosis experienced lower heart disease mortality, demonstrating that positive changes contribute to better health outcomes.

4. Maintain Consistent Healthy Behaviors

Those who followed the guidelines both before and after diagnosis showed reduced mortality risk, highlighting the value of sustained health-promoting behaviors.

5. Focus on Physical Movement Over Diet Alone

The study found no significant overall association between diet score and mortality outcomes, suggesting that physical activity may play a more critical role in survival.

Study Significance and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

This large-scale US study is the first to establish a link between adherence to the ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors and improved survival, particularly for obesity-related cancers. The research supports SDG 3 by providing evidence-based guidance for improving health outcomes through lifestyle modifications.

Key strengths of the study include:

1. Large sample size
2. Extended follow-up period
3. Focus on cancers influenced significantly by lifestyle factors

Although observational in nature and unable to confirm causality, the findings offer critical insights for clinicians, survivors, and caregivers to encourage life-preserving lifestyle choices post-cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion: Advancing Health and Well-being Through Lifestyle Changes

The research underscores the vital role of adopting healthy behaviors after cancer diagnosis. Even incremental improvements in diet, physical activity, and weight management can contribute to extending the lives of cancer survivors, thereby advancing SDG 3 objectives.

Contributing Researchers

• Christina Newton, MSPH
• Marjorie McCullough, ScD, RD
• Lauren Teras, PhD
• Clara Bodelon, PhD, MS
• Erika Rees-Punia, PhD, MPH
• Carolyn Um, PhD, MPH, RD
• Laura Makaroff, DO, Senior Vice President of Cancer Prevention

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on improving survival rates and reducing mortality among cancer survivors, particularly those with obesity-related cancers.
   • It emphasizes lifestyle changes such as weight management and physical activity to improve health outcomes.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Although less directly, the article touches on nutrition and diet as part of the ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines, which relate to ensuring healthy diets.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article implies the importance of accessible health guidelines and support for all cancer survivors, which can contribute to reducing health inequalities.

2. Specific Targets under those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving the internationally agreed targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Mortality Rates
   • Risk of dying from any cause (all-cause mortality).
   • Risk of dying from heart disease among cancer survivors.
   • Risk of death from cancer specifically.
2. Adherence to Lifestyle Guidelines
   • Proportion of cancer survivors following the ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines closely.
   • Levels of physical activity among cancer survivors.
   • Weight management status post-cancer diagnosis (e.g., avoidance of obesity).
3. Health Outcomes
   • Improvement in survival rates post-cancer diagnosis.
   • Reduction in heart disease incidence among cancer survivors.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cancer.org