
These are the 6 lifestyle choices a top cancer prevention professor says we should all embrace
By Lisa Salmon. Published 2020-07-30
BOLD-WellbeingAs Dr Lorenzo Cohen explains the cancer-fighting ‘Mix of Six’ in his book, Lisa Salmon finds out more.
A cancer diagnosis is feared by everyone – but a respected professor of cancer prevention says there’s something you can do to increase the chances of avoiding it.Well, actually, there are six things you can do to help prevent or delay cancer, or live much longer if you already have it, according to Dr Lorenzo Cohen. His ‘Mix of Six’ anticancer lifestyle pillars are outlined in his book Anticancer Living, which he wrote with his wife Alison Jefferies, and which builds on ideas proposed by Cohen’s friend, the late neuroscientist Dr David Servan-Schreiber.Servan-Schreiber was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 31, and dedicated his remaining years to investigating the lifestyle choices that can affect human biology, enhance immunity, decrease inflammation and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. He incorporated the cancer-beating choices into his own life, and lived for nearly 19 years after his cancer diagnosis – four times longer than expected.Cohen’s book clearly identifies the six lifestyle choices – all linked with cancer risk and found to influence outcomes for those with cancer – and explains how to incorporate them into everyday life.
Giving and receiving love and support can specifically affect how cells function and express the genes that control health, says Cohen. A Harvard University study of 750,000 cancer patients found those who were married had a 20% better chance of survival than those who were either single, divorced or widowed.But don’t worry, a marriage certificate isn’t crucial – it’s thought a partner, or just a good friend who’ll support you and attend appointments with you, can have an equally positive effect.Cohen suggests getting friends to help you change your lifestyle choices, creating a support team. Look for opportunities to share experiences with loved ones, and support other people as well as expecting them to support you.
So what are they?
Cohen points out that the consistent message from numerous studies is that maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and drinking in moderation can prevent at least half of cancers and cancer deaths – claims well-supported by research. But his six lifestyle factors, which include love and support, stress management and environmental toxins, take things even further – and the key with his recommendations is that although each one helps reduce cancer risk independently, they are far more potent when working hand-in-hand.Cohen explains: “Emerging evidence reveals the best approach is to have the ideal mix of six, as each area influences the other. E.g. sleep deprivation is linked with unhealthy dietary choices and obesity; stress can cause sleep loss, modifies food metabolism, and sabotages all healthy choices.”Curious? Cohen and Jefferies recommend starting with love and support, and then ensuring stress doesn’t sabotage efforts to improve sleep, diet, and physical activity habits. Here’s a look at the ‘Mix of Six’…Love and support
