Oncologist Urges 5 Habits to Cut Cancer Risk as U.S. Faces 2.1 Million Cases in 2026
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 20
Oncologist Urges 5 Habits to Cut Cancer Risk as U.S. Faces 2.1 Million Cases in 2026
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 20
Summary
Dr. Loren Rourke highlighted five everyday steps—healthy weight, regular exercise, balanced eating, limiting alcohol and tobacco, and keeping up with screening—as practical ways to lower some cancer risks and improve outcomes.
2,114,850 new U.S. cancer cases are expected in 2026, about 5,800 a day, underscoring her point that lifestyle changes cannot prevent every diagnosis but can strengthen the body for treatment.
13 cancer types are linked to excess body weight, and Rourke said lower BMI is tied to better breast-cancer prognosis; she noted GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help indirectly through weight loss, though they are not approved for cancer prevention.
150–300 minutes of moderate weekly activity, plus a diet centered on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, align with American Cancer Society guidance, while smoking drives about 20% of cancers and alcohol has been tied to at least seven cancer types.
Early detection remains critical: Rourke said screening and prompt medical follow-up for suspicious changes raise survival odds, and warned patients not to rely too heavily on AI when symptoms appear.