The Evidence Base for Major Cancer Types: Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Prevention

Abstract

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells, forming tumors that can attack surrounding tissues and spread all over the body through the blood and lymphatic systems. Among the various types of cancer, the five major categories include carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma and leukemia. Carcinomas, the most common, originate in the skin, lungs, breasts, pancreas, and other organs and glands. Lymphomas affect lymphocytes, while leukemia impacts blood cells. Melanoma typically begins in the skin and sarcomas arise in connective tissues like bone and muscle. Certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, mesothelioma, gall- bladder cancer, and cancer of esophagus are linked with higher death and poor rates of the survival. Key factors contributing to cancer risk include smoking, alcohol consumption, genetics, family history, socioeconomic status and environmental exposures. Preventive measures, such as, adhering to a Mediterranean diet, consuming foods rich in phytochemicals, like flavonoids and curcumin, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, engaging in consistent physical activity, sustaining a healthy weight, and keeping away from excessive sun and obesity, are critical for reducing cancer risk. This review synthesizes current evidence on nutritional and lifestyles factors that influence the prevention of major cancer types, emphasizing the importance of integrated public health strategies in reducing cancer incidence globally.