Simple measures to reduce cancer risk by 61%
Researchers have found three simple measures people in their 70s can take in an effort to reduce their risk of developing cancer by about two-thirds.
A new study, published by Express, found that with a simple combination of high-dose vitamin D and omega-3 and a simple home strength exercise program (SHEP), seniors can reduce their risk of cancer by 61%.
This test is the first of its kind to look at the combined benefits of three metrics, all of which are easily accessible and affordable.
Cancer is a major age-related disease in Europe and the US, with the UK facing more than 166,000 cancer deaths each year between 2016 and 2018.
For the elderly, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with the risk of developing carcinoid tumors increasing with age.
"Preventive efforts in middle-aged and older adults today are largely limited to screening and vaccination efforts," said Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, from University Hospital Zurich.
Previous studies have shown that vitamin D can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, while omega-3s prevent the growth of new cells.
Studies have also shown that exercise can improve a person's immune function and reduce inflammation, which may help prevent cancer.
The researchers found that the combination of all three treatments (vitamin D3, omega-3 and SHEP) had cumulative benefits on the risk of invasive cancers.
And while each treatment had a small individual benefit, the scientists found an overall reduction in cancer risk of a staggering 61% when combined.
Dr. Bischoff-Ferrari continued: "This is the first randomized controlled trial to show that a combination of daily vitamin D3 with supplemental omega-3s and a simple home exercise program may be effective in preventing invasive cancer among generally healthy, active adults 70 years and older. "Our results are based on multiple comparisons and require replication, and may be useful in reducing cancer burden. Future studies should verify the benefit of combined therapies in preventing cancer, and should extend to longer follow-up after the three-year period evaluated in this trial."