Role of Lifestyle Modification and Diet in the Prevention of Cancer

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that is still leading the chart in terms of mortality rate. Almost 90% of the cancers are sporadic in nature, with only 10% being genetic and inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Although accumulated evidence suggests a drop in mortality rates in recent years, we are still far away from fully understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with such complex phenotypes. Moreover, anti-cancer medications possess a plethora of mild aftereffects without much relief. Hence, there is a need to explore the natural protective mechanisms that can limit the mortality rate with minimal or no adverse consequences. This book chapter entails a story citing different natural mechanisms that can lower the risk of developing different types of cancer. We focussed on lifestyle modifications and changes in nutritional diet that can modulate different regulatory players associated with cancer signalling axes. We have presented an avalanche of evidence ranging from molecular mechanisms to implications of different natural diets in cancer, thereby providing a strong correlation between lifestyle modifications and their mitigation. Through this chapter, readers will understand the mitigating roles of low fibre, omega-3- and omega-6 fatty acids, red meat, flax seeds, fruits, and vegetables in protecting different cancer types ranging from breast to lung to prostate carcinoma. Finally, the clinical evidence of lifestyle modifications will establish a positive association between reduced cancer progression with increased chances of survival.