INFLUENCE OF LIFESTYLE ON CANCER RISK: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL REVIEW ON DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.515732514115

• Palavras-chave: Cancer; Lifestyle; Epidemiology; Diet; Prevention

• Keywords: Cancer; Lifestyle; Epidemiology; Diet; Prevention

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of global mortality and is influenced by several environmental and behavioral factors. Growing evidence suggests that lifestyle habits such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption play a significant role in tumor genesis, especially in breast, colon, liver, and esophageal cancers. Objectives: To analyze, based on recent epidemiological data, the influence of key lifestyle habits
  - diet, physical activity, and alcohol - on the risk of developing cancer. Methodology: This is a retrospective and quantitative epidemiological review. Data from institutions such as INCA, Global Burden of Disease, WHO, VIGITEL, and SEER were used, in addition to articles from 2018 to 2024 obtained via PubMed and Scielo. After selection, the data were tabulated and analyzed for the prevalence of risk factors and their association with different types of cancer. Results: Poor diet is responsible for about 35% of cancer deaths attributable to environmental factors. Physical inactivity increases the risk of colorectal neoplasms by up to 24%. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with seven types of cancer, with evidence of dose-dependent risk. The literature points out that the
   
  combination of adverse factors substantially increases the risk of cancer throughout life. Conclusion: Modifiable lifestyles represent significant preventable risk factors in the development of cancer. Prevention strategies based on dietary education, encouragement of physical activity, and public policies for alcohol control are essential in reducing the burden of cancer.