A healthy diet and regular physical activity are the foundations of well-being but strongly affect people facing cancer. Lifestyle choices strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, increase energy levels and maintain mental health. But, while being essential for a holistic vision of health, it is essential to note its limitations when it comes to cancer.
According to Dr. Bhavna Bansal, Principal Consultant and CEO, Oncquest Histopathology Laboratories, “Cancer is a disease with multiple causes, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Although high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, along with regular physical activity, can prevent or reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, it does not reverse cancers once developed. This is why achieving effective results cancer treatment through medical procedures, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy, is essential.

It is false to say that diet and exercise cannot significantly improve these treatments. If cancer is left untreated, good nutrition would reduce the severity of treatment side effects, including fatigue and nausea; physical activity would improve strength, reduce stress and contribute to a better quality of life. A healthy lifestyle may also prevent recurrence in some cancer survivors by promoting ideal body weight and reducing inflammation.

According to a National Library of Medicine study, dietary and lifestyle changes alone can prevent 30 to 40 percent of all malignancies. Excess cancer risk is influenced by a number of factors, including red meat consumption, low fiber intake, nutrient-poor meals such as concentrated sweets and refined wheat products which impair body metabolism. glucose (causing diabetes) and an imbalance between omega 3 and omega 6. fats. Consuming large amounts of fruits and vegetables and flaxseed, especially its lignan fraction, will reduce the risk of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables and allium are particularly beneficial; The densest source of sulforophane is broccoli sprouts.

A diet that follows these recommendations is likely to reduce malignancies elsewhere by a similar amount, with breast, colorectal and prostate cancers likely to be reduced by at least 60-70% and lung cancer by 40-70%. 50%. A diet of this type would help prevent cancer and also promote cancer recovery.
Additionally, there is a need for balanced care and evidence-based medical treatments accompanied by lifestyle modification. Proactive and well-implemented measures can make cancer management effective in disease detection and intervention. These are not cures, but diet and exercise can enable everyone to be proactive about their health and build resilience during and after treatment.