Cancer surgeon outlines five habits that may lower risk and aid recovery
Texas breast surgical oncologist Dr. Loren Rourke told Fox News that weight control, exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and limiting alcohol can reduce cancer risk factors even though no lifestyle plan guarantees prevention. The American Cancer Society projects more than 2.1 million new U.S. cases in 2026.
Even without a guarantee of prevention, everyday habits can cut cancer risk factors and leave patients stronger if disease arrives, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Loren Rourke told Fox News.
The American Cancer Society estimates 2,114,850 new U.S. cancer cases in 2026, about 5,800 a day. Rourke, author of a breast cancer guide for patients, said female sex and aging remain leading breast cancer risks, with excess weight likely the third-biggest factor she sees.
Being overweight or obese is linked to at least 13 cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute. Growing research also associates GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy with lower cancer diagnoses and recurrence, possibly through weight loss and less chronic inflammation. Those drugs are not approved to prevent cancer, and more study is needed.
Physical activity is tied to lower risk of several cancers. American Cancer Society guidance calls for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Rourke said fitness supports heart health, mental health, and the ability to tolerate treatment if cancer develops. One in eight women get breast cancer, she noted, so a strong body is an advantage in the fight.
On diet, the Cancer Society recommends vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed foods. Rourke said she still sees vegans and people who avoid sugar in her clinic. Her advice is balanced eating close to farm-to-table, reasonable portions, and no extremes.
Smoking causes about 20 percent of cancers and about 30 percent of cancer deaths in the U.S., the Cancer Society says. Quitting helps at any age. Alcohol was linked to an estimated 5 percent of U.S. cancer cases and 4 percent of cancer deaths in 2019, according to the National Cancer Institute. The U.S. surgeon general has called alcohol the third leading preventable cause of cancer after tobacco and obesity.
Rourke's message for adults over 50 is steady habits plus screening, not perfection.
Go Deeper
What five habits did the doctor stress?
Healthy weight, regular activity, a balanced less-processed diet, not smoking, and limiting alcohol.
Do GLP-1 drugs prevent cancer?
They are not approved for that. Early research links them to lower diagnoses and recurrence, likely through weight loss and less inflammation.
How much exercise is recommended?
The American Cancer Society suggests 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity a week.
Does a perfect diet stop breast cancer?
No. Rourke still treats patients with excellent diets. Good food still helps overall health and recovery capacity.
What should I do this week?
Book overdue screenings, cut back on cigarettes and heavy drinking if needed, and add short walks you can keep.
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