A message circulating online claims that an oncologist with 30 years of experience identified three types of people who “almost never” develop cancer. The idea is attention-grabbing, but there is an important distinction between having a lower risk and being protected from cancer.
No type of person is completely immune to cancer. Cancer can develop in people of different ages, lifestyles, backgrounds, and health conditions. However, research has identified several characteristics and habits associated with a lower risk of certain cancers.
One group includes people who do not smoke and avoid tobacco products. Tobacco exposure is one of the strongest preventable causes of cancer and is linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and several other organs. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke can significantly reduce cancer risk.
A second group includes people who maintain a healthy lifestyle over many years. Regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and other nutritious foods, and limiting highly processed foods can contribute to lower risk for several types of cancer. Physical activity is particularly associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer.
The third group includes people who take preventive healthcare seriously. They do not necessarily have a special genetic protection against cancer; instead, they pay attention to recommended screening and preventive measures. Depending on age, sex, family history, and individual risk, screening can help detect certain cancers or precancerous changes before they become more difficult to treat.
For example, appropriate screening can include tests for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer in people who meet specific eligibility criteria. Vaccination against certain infections can also prevent cancers associated with those infections. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is responsible for several cancers, while hepatitis B infection can increase the risk of liver cancer.
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