Several Norwegian researchers have taken part in a large European study of how changes in lifestyle affect the risk of cancer. RESEARCHER: Paula Berstad at the Norwegian Cancer Registry is a co-author on the study. Photo: Ingvill Dybfest Dahl / news – The best thing about the study’s results was that even small good changes in lifestyle can lead to a lower cancer risk, says researcher Paula Berstad at the Cancer Registry. She is a co-author of the study, which was led by senior researcher Edoardo Botteri. Data from around 300,000 Europeans The researchers have analyzed health information on nearly 300,000 middle-aged people from Denmark, Sweden and Norway, among others. They then found that changes in smoking, alcohol intake, exercise habits and body mass index can reduce the risk of lifestyle-related cancer by up to 25 per cent. New study on lifestyle changes and cancer risk The study is called “Lifestyle changes in middle age and risk of cancer”, or “Lifestyle changes in the middle aged and cancer risk”. The study is led by Cancer Registry researcher Edoardo Botteri in collaboration with WHO’s cancer research institution IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). Several Norwegian researchers linked to the Cancer Registry in Oslo and the University of Tromsø have worked on the study. Information from 295,865 European middle-aged men and women in the so-called EPIC cohort (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) was examined. The study participants were aged between 35 and 70 when they first shared health information in the period 1992-2000. Then the median time to the next questionnaire was 5.7 years. These two forms were compared to track changes in lifestyle, and then participants were followed up for a median of 7.8 years to see if they developed cancer. If someone developed cancer between the two questionnaires, they were excluded from the study. Changes in smoking habits, alcohol intake, body mass index and physical activity were looked at. In each of these four categories, the participants received between 0 and 4 health points (healthy lifestyle index, HLI). Diet was only recorded in the first questionnaire, therefore changes in it were not measured in this study. The points in the four categories were added up for each participant. The higher the sum on the scale from 0 to 16, the healthier the lifestyle. Participants who went from 0-9 points to 12-16 points were associated with a 25 percent lower risk of lifestyle-related cancer. For those who went the opposite way, a 21 percent increase in risk was seen. Just one point increase showed a 4 percent lower risk. The study has some limitations, which are mentioned in the summary. Among other things, the lack of information about changes in the diet is a limitation. The researchers also mention the around 8-year follow-up period as a possible limitation, as the effect of lifestyle changes on certain types of cancer can come after a longer time. This study was published in January 2024. Source: Cancer Registry/ “Lifestyle changes in middle age and risk of cancer: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition” The study also shows that negative lifestyle changes increase the risk of these cancers, which according to the Cancer Registry amounts to around 60 percent of all new cancer cases in Norway. – Large changes were related to large changes in the cancer risk, while small changes were related to certain but smaller changes in the cancer risk, explains Berstad. Desired better health Artist Jenny Jenssen (59) began to change her lifestyle two years ago, when she appeared in the TV program “16 weeks of hell”. – I was a couch potato who sat on the sofa with good food and good drink. I moved very little, and I felt that I had “pains” everywhere, says Jenssen. CHANGED FOR HEALTH: Jenny Jenssen wanted to improve her health when she changed her lifestyle around two years ago. Photo: Ingvill Dybfest Dahl / news She rattles off bad knees, a bad back, a bad pelvis, high blood pressure and chronic heartburn. Jenny began to think about her own health and future, and not least her teenage daughter Tilje. – I want to be a fit mum. And if Tilje should be lucky enough to become a mother one day, I want to be a playful, healthy grandmother and a good role model. – Sitting and studying at home So Jenssen took action. But it wasn’t easy. – I felt in such bad shape, and that I was the worst in the whole group. I sat and studied at home. But then I had two choices: Either close the door and expect to get worse, or I just had to grit my teeth, she says. Now she trains variedly six times a week – and is a Zumba instructor. IN ACTION: Jenny Jensen is a Zumba instructor in several places. Here for an hour for adults at Årvoll farm in Oslo. Photo: Ingvill Dybfest Dahl ACTIVE: Jenssen also does powerwalk, bootcamp, crossfit and yoga in addition to zumba. BITE BY THE BASIL: Jenny says she has become a fitness addict, and she has also started health journeys. JOY OF EXERCISE: Dance band queen Jenny has always loved music, and she says she is happy to be an instructor. – We throw down inhibitions. It is liberating and delicious, she says. TIME FLIES: Jenssen would like to continue for longer when she has completed 60 minutes of zumba. NEVER TOO LATE: The artist believes that no one should know their age when it comes to physical activity, but get started with what suits your body and shape. SURPLUS: Jenssen believes that the active lifestyle gives her more profit. HAVE FUN TOGETHER: Jenny recommends everyone who wants to make changes in lifestyle to gather a cheerleader of your own who can support you along the way. HATES RUNNING: While Jenssen thinks running is boring, she loves music and dancing, so zumba is a good match for her. LOVES ZUMBA: Jenssen says she loves Zumba and gets so much energy from it that she will never stop. Photo: Ingvill Dybfest Dahl – I have been given a completely different life. All the “pains” are gone. For me, I think it has almost been vital, she says. Jenssen does not hide the fact that it has been difficult at times: – The biggest challenge is enduring all the boring days. She thanks her own cheerleaders for the fact that it went well, and that she still maintains the new lifestyle. Middle-aged people followed over many years The study on cancer risk among middle-aged European men and women between the ages of 35 and 70 was recruited. Initially, they answered a number of questions about health and lifestyle, and after about six years, the participants answered a new questionnaire. Based on these, they were able to calculate “health points” on a scale from 0 to 16 before and after. The researchers then followed them up for several years to see if they developed cancer. The oldest participants in the study were followed until they were around 80 years old. On average, the participants were in their 50s. – The nice thing is that we found the same results in both the youngest and the oldest, points out the Cancer Register researcher. – All men go Quitting smoking was the factor that had the greatest impact on the relationship between measured lifestyle scores and cancer risk. But Paula Berstad points out that even minor changes in a positive direction have an impact: – If you smoke, for example, it is beneficial to smoke a little less cigarettes every day. If you drink alcohol, it can be useful to reduce the number of glasses you drink each week. Even small changes in body mass index can make a difference. All monners go! – Do you have any tips for practical implementation of this? – There are many people who have set very high goals with their New Year’s resolutions, but it must not be the biggest changes that are needed. Even small changes can make a difference, such as walking ten minutes longer each day, says the researcher. Jensen: Fantastic side effects Jenny Jenssen thinks the findings in the new study are gratifying: – It’s manna from heaven and a new peg to hang it on. It’s absolutely fantastic that there are such “side effects”, she says. Jenny Jenssen’s best tips The dance band artist summarizes some of her best tips for those who want to change their lifestyle: Do it with someone: Join a group, a cheerleading squad. Train with others who understand what you’re doing Think of opportunities instead of excuses Make agreements you have to keep – with yourself and others Start carefully, avoid stress injuries Find out what’s realistic for your body and adapt Get started with small things – like going for a walk Write a diary of efforts and results Buy good, healthy food Drink lots of water There will be tough days, but persevere! She herself changed her diet and had a reduced body mass index, in addition to starting regular physical activity. She has never smoked, but is more aware of when she has a glass of wine. – For me, it means a lot to think that the steps I have taken with lifestyle change have such a good effect on my health, says Jenssen and adds: – It is never too late. When I look at myself, who has achieved so many health benefits, it is not too late if you are 20, 40, 60 or 80! You have a lot to gain. A lot!
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Lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk by up to 25 percent – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
