Lifestyle Key in Cancer Prevention: Risk Groups, Measures

February 4 is World Cancer Day. The number of people with cancer is growing year by year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), by 2030, 22–26 million people worldwide will hear the diagnosis of cancer each year. That is the population of a city like Shanghai, China.

Why the number of cancer patients is growing, including in Krasnodar Krai, and what prevention measures exist, 93.RU was told by Daria Khoreva, an oncologist at the Euroonco expert oncology clinic.

— Cancers still rank second as a cause of death — after cardiovascular diseases. And in some countries, cancer already surpasses heart pathologies. What is this linked to? Ecology or some other reasons?

— In many developed countries, cancer has indeed become the leading cause of death. However, the main reason for this is not an explosion in cancer incidence, but an increase in human life expectancy and an aging population. We have learned to better treat heart attacks, control hypertension, and people have begun to live longer. And cancer, unfortunately, more often manifests in old age.

As for the causes, contrary to popular belief, the role of environmental pollution in global statistics is not that great. Back in 1981, British epidemiologists Richard Doll and Richard Peto quantitatively assessed the contribution of various factors. Their data, still relevant today, show that lifestyle plays a decisive role. For example, smoking accounts for about 30% of cancer deaths, and dietary habits (excess calories, red meat, lack of vegetables) — for 35%. Environmental pollution accounts for only about 2%. Thus, the main risks are manageable and depend on ourselves.

Heredity also plays a role, but the «fault» of the hereditary factor (transmission from parents to children) accounts for only 5–10% of all cancer cases. Those whose close relatives have had cancer must consult an oncologist to prescribe an individual examination plan to prevent the occurrence of cancer.

— What is the incidence statistics in Krasnodar Krai? Which types of cancer are leading and why?

— In 2025, almost 30 thousand cases of cancer were registered in Kuban. Compared to ’24, the number increased by more than a thousand people. The average age of cancer patients is 64 years.

However, based on all-Russian statistics from previous years, we can confidently speak about stable trends. The leaders in incidence among residents of the region, as across the country, are traditionally:

Skin cancer (including melanoma). This is directly related to our sunny climate and outdoor recreation without adequate protection;

Breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. The high detection rate of these types of cancer is associated both with the age structure of the population and the active implementation of screening programs (mammography, PSA test);

Lung cancer. Here, the key risk factor remains smoking, which, according to data, causes up to 90% of cases of this disease in men.

— Where does cancer even come from? Can science defeat cancer in the foreseeable future?

— Cancer is based on errors — mutations in the DNA of our own cells. Usually such failures occur randomly during cell division, but their accumulation is accelerated by carcinogens (like in tobacco smoke), viruses (e.g., human papillomavirus), UV radiation. When the cell’s internal repair and recovery system stops coping, the damaged cell can get out of the body’s control and begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Talking about a complete «victory» over cancer as a single disease is probably incorrect. Cancer is hundreds of different diseases, thousands of histological subtypes, each with its own etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment methods. But we are moving towards turning cancer from a death sentence into a chronic, manageable condition that one can live with for many years. Already, many types of cancer at early stages have a good prognosis and decent quality of life.

— According to statistics, survival after treatment has increased. Thanks to what? Have new treatment methods emerged?

— Yes, that is absolutely true. The increase in survival is the result of improved diagnostics, which allows detecting diseases at early stages, and new treatment methods.

Early diagnosis. Screening programs (mobile mammography units, low-dose CT of the chest with intravenous contrast for smokers, colonoscopy and gastroscopy under sedation with concurrent biopsy, men’s and women’s health weeks, melanoma days) allow detecting the tumor at a stage when treatment is most effective;

Personalized and targeted therapy. We no longer just treat «lung cancer.» We analyze the molecular genetic portrait of a specific tumor in a specific patient and select therapy that hits exactly the «Achilles heel» of these cancer cells, minimally affecting healthy tissues;

Immunotherapy. This is a revolutionary field that won the Nobel Prize. With the help of special drugs, we «release the brakes» on the patient’s own immune system, and it begins to recognize and destroy the tumor. For some types of advanced cancer, this has become a salvation.

In addition, surgical and radiation technologies (robotic surgery, minimally invasive interventions, stereotactic radiotherapy) are improving, making treatment more precise and less traumatic.

— Can we talk about cancer prevention? Can it be avoided?

— According to WHO experts, up to 40% of cancer cases can be prevented. Prevention is of two types. Primary prevention is eliminating causes before the onset of disease. Its rules are scientifically proven and well-known:

Eliminate smoking and alcohol. This is the most effective prevention method, which helps avoid not only lung cancer but also many other localizations;

Proper nutrition. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, limit red and processed meat, fast food, and alcohol;

Moderate physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight;

Vaccination against human papillomavirus and hepatitis B to prevent cervical and liver cancer;

Sun protection.

Secondary prevention is early detection. Regular check-ups and participation in screening programs (mammography or PSA test) are not overcaution but reasonable self-care that saves lives.

For women, key are annual gynecologist check-up, ultrasound of breasts and regional lymph nodes, ultrasound of internal organs, Pap smear, mammography. For men — consultation with a urologist, PSA test. Colonoscopy and gastroscopy every 3–5 years. Digital dermatoscopy annually. CT scan of the chest with intravenous contrast for smokers, people with a family history or chronic bronchopulmonary diseases.

Modern medicine gives us more and more tools to fight cancer, and a healthy lifestyle remains the most accessible and powerful weapon in everyone’s arsenal.