Heart-healthy behaviors can reduce cancer risk, new study finds

The leading killer of American adults is heart disease, followed closely by cancer – both of which remain stubbornly common.

But new health research offers good news on both fronts. Developing (and sticking to) a heart-healthy lifestyle can not only lower your risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems; it can also help lower your risk of cancer.

“We have found an association between a heart healthy lifestyle and a lower risk of cancer, and the reverse is true: a less heart healthy lifestyle is also associated with a higher risk of cancer.” Emily Lau, a study researcher who works in the cardiology division at Massachusetts General Hospital, said in a statement.

His team’s findings do not establish causation. But they do point to a promising way to reduce both cardiovascular disease risk and cancer risk for millions of American adults.

Lau and his co-researchers looked at data from more than 20,000 people who participated in two large, community-based long-term health studies. They had information on who developed cancer during the study, as well as who developed cardiovascular problems.

They found that study participants with the most natriuretic peptides – substances made by the heart that can be a sign of heart failure in large amounts – had a 40% greater chance of developing cancer.

They also found that some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and increased cancer risk were beyond people’s control, such as old age.

But there were many factors over which people generally have significant control. The data suggests that study participants who had fairly heart-healthy lifestyles – thus, who controlled their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and were not significantly overweight – were at risk. overall lower from developing cancer. And being a non-smoker was also linked to a significantly lower risk of developing both cancer and heart disease.

While these results don’t seem particularly surprising, they are exciting in that they suggest that a few lifestyle changes can pay big dividends. Experts believed heart disease and cancer have really different risk factors that don’t necessarily overlap.

“It’s amazing… no matter what you’re trying to prevent – whether you’re trying to prevent heart disease, cancer – at some point it’s all the same. It’s all the same behaviors, ”said Elizabeth Klodas, a Minneapolis-based cardiologist who offers a line of food products focused on heart health.

“It’s very connected,” she added. “Everything is very connected.”

For example: tobacco smoke is a toxin for various organs, including the heart and organs that can be prone to cancer.

“You have foods that promote inflammation – ultra-processed products – and then you have foods that are high in antioxidants, like fresh fruits and vegetables, which fight inflammation,” Klodas said. “Whether you are looking at heart disease, cancer, or dementia, in part, these are all inflammatory disorders.”

The authors of the new study agree with this potential explanation, noting that one of the possible reasons for the link between healthy heart habits and a decreased risk of cancer is that both can help curb inflammation.

However, the new study is by no means suggesting that by simply changing certain health habits, people can completely eliminate their risk of developing cancer or heart disease. They are complex groups of diseases with many contributing factors, from genetics to infection.

Still, experts like Klodas are supported by the new findings because they offer even more evidence that people don’t necessarily need to adhere to really strict or extremely specific diets to improve their long-term health. And the habits that people develop can be quite simple, including:

Photograph for 20 minutes of moderate activity per day, such as brisk walking, dancing, or quick tasks and active movement.

Find a way to calm your brain for 15 minutes a day, such as deep breathing or reading. Creative activities like knitting, cooking, and writing can also put your mind in a state of fluidity, which can promote relaxation.

Make it a priority to eat healthy foods most of the time, but give yourself some leeway. (Cardiologists like to load up on fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and lean protein; they are usually not on prescriptive diets that require you to cut out entire categories of foods.)

While it’s certainly not easy, quitting smoking is another step that can have immediate effects, reducing the risk of a heart attack in just 24 hours. Here are some ways to help you break the habit if you need some ideas.

“You can have a huge, huge effect on your bottom line by changing your lifestyle today,” Klodas said.