Effect of modifiable lifestyle risk factors on the incidence and prevention of cancer in modern society: A review

Abstract

Human society has been influenced by modernization, which has altered our pattern of living. It is believed that several environmental and lifestyle factors, including urbanization, employment linked to socioeconomic transition, increased affluence, and altered social and family structures, are partially to be blamed for cancer. Lifestyle changes associated with urbanization such as smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive body weight, and being physically inactive are well-known risk factors for cancer. Anxiety due to stressful events can increase the production of free radicals, which in turn causes oxidative damage and the emergence of cancer. Economic liberty provides more leisure time and inclination toward ready-to-eat food, more screen time, and sedentary habits to some extent. All these factors have a positive impact on cancer initiation and development. Hence, a healthy lifestyle, together with nutritious food and regular exercise should be prioritized for cancer prevention. A healthy lifestyle has been associated with a decreased risk of different types of cancer, involving the lungs, liver, colon, breast, endometrium, and kidney. To outline this review, searches were performed with PubMed and Scopus databases up to August 2022. The lifestyle risk factors for cancer have been described in this review, along with recommendations for improving lifestyle choices for human welfare.