Cancer: Improving the Odds

By Alan S. Weiss, MD

Annapolis Integrative Medicine

. http://www.annapolisintegrativemedicine.com/

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Cancer: Improving the Odds

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates 2,041,910 new cancer cases and 618,120 cancer deaths nationwide.

The most common cancers differ by sex:

Men: Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.

Women: Breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.

A lesser-known fact is that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, claiming more lives each year than breast cancer.

Genetics and Modifiable Risk

The genes we inherit play a significant role in baseline risk. While we cannot alter our DNA, research consistently demonstrates that lifestyle interventions and proactive medical care substantially influence both the likelihood of developing cancer and overall survival.

Weight, Activity, and Nutrition

Excess body weight is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors. Approximately 74% of U.S. adults carry overweight or obesity, including 40% living with obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers the risk of several malignancies, including colorectal, postmenopausal breast, kidney, and pancreatic cancers.

Physical inactivity independently elevates risk. Regular exercise aids prevention and meaningfully improves survival outcomes following a diagnosis.

• Diet plays a vital role:
• Prioritize a colorful variety of whole vegetables and fruits.
• Limit processed and red meats.
• Reduce saturated fats.

Minimize alcohol consumption. Alcohol accounts for roughly 5% of U.S. cancer diagnoses and 4% of cancer deaths.

Vitamin D and Environmental Factors

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, particularly among individuals with darker skin tones, as higher melanin levels reduce cutaneous synthesis from sunlight. Randomized trials indicate that vitamin D supplementation does not reduce overall cancer incidence, though data suggest a potential modest reduction in cancer mortality. Discuss testing and targeted supplementation with your physician if you are at risk for deficiency.

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of cancer, while environmental exposures – such as radon, industrial chemicals, and radiation – also contribute significantly.

Actionable Steps To Improve Your Odds

Adopt a protective lifestyle: Eat nutrient-dense whole foods, exercise consistently, avoid tobacco in all forms, and keep alcohol intake low.

Stay current with evidence-based screenings:

Breast cancer: Biennial mammography for women ages 40–74.

Colorectal cancer: Routine screening starting at age 45 (via colonoscopy or approved stool-based tests). Earlier evaluation is vital for individuals with a family history or warning signs such as rectal bleeding, unexplained iron deficiency, chronic abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss.

Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT for adults ages 50–80 with a $\ge$20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Non-smokers with persistent respiratory symptoms or significant environmental risks (such as radon) should also seek prompt clinical evaluation.

Prostate cancer: Men ages 55–69 should engage in shared decision-making regarding PSA testing. While broad guidelines discourage routine screening after 70, personalized monitoring remains valuable for healthy men with longer life expectancies.

Cervical cancer: Women ages 21–29 should undergo cervical cytology every 3 years. For ages 30–65, options include cytology every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing every 5 years, or co-testing every 5 years.

Skin cancer: Promptly evaluate any new, changing, asymmetrical, or bleeding skin lesions.

Know your family history: A strong family pattern warrants discussions regarding earlier screening schedules and referral for genetic counseling.

Target a healthy body composition: Intentional weight optimization significantly lowers systemic cancer risk, and modern medical therapies provide effective tools to support long-term metabolic health.

Advocate for your health: Never dismiss persistent changes, unexplained pain, or new lumps. Early detection remains the most reliable path toward curative treatment. If your concerns persist, never hesitate to seek a second opinion.

Final Thoughts

While inherited genetics establish baseline vulnerabilities, modifiable choices and timely surveillance carry tremendous protective power. Committing to a healthy routine, adhering to appropriate screening schedules, and addressing symptoms early provide the best strategy to improve your odds against cancer.