Cancer doctor reveals 5 habits that may reduce disease risk and improve outcomes

Even as new data shows cancer’s continuing toll in the U.S., a surgical oncologist says some simple lifestyle measures could help lower the likelihood of developing the disease.

An estimated 2,114,850 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026 — about 5,800 per day, according to the American Cancer Society.

Dr.

Loren Rourke, a Texas-based breast surgical oncologist and author of "Real Talk, Real Hope: Breast Cancer Your Way," emphasized that while no lifestyle choice can guarantee cancer prevention, healthy habits can help reduce certain risk factors.

LEADING ONCOLOGIST REVEALS 6 HABITS THAT COULD PROMOTE LONGEVITY AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC ILLNESS From maintaining a healthy weight to staying active, Rourke shared the following five everyday strategies that support the body and improve overall health.

Being obese or overweight is associated with an increased risk of at least 13 types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Rourke estimates that excess body weight is likely the third-biggest risk factor for breast cancer, after female gender and aging.

OZEMPIC-STYLE DRUGS LINKED TO MAJOR SLOWDOWN IN CANCER SPREAD, NEW STUDY FINDS Growing research suggests glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications — including Ozempic and Wegovy — may be associated with a lower risk of cancer diagnoses and recurrence.

Rourke said one possible reason GLP-1s could prove beneficial for cancer risk is that the drugs promote weight loss and reduce chronic inflammation.

"We know that a lower BMI equals a better prognosis with breast cancer, " she told Fox News Digital.

"So if the secondary effect of taking a GLP-1 means that you’re going to lose weight, that’s a benefit, because we know you’re going to do better with breast cancer." GLP-1 drugs are not yet approved to prevent cancer, and more research is needed to determine whether they independently reduce disease risk.

The American Cancer Society states that physical activity is linked to a lower risk of several cancers.

The official guideline recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity per week for adults.

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE "I think people underestimate overall fitness," Rourke said.