Even as cancer continues to take a major toll in the United States, a surgical oncologist says everyday lifestyle measures may help reduce certain risk factors and prepare the body for illness. An estimated 2,114,850 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026, or about 5,800 per day, according to the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Loren Rourke, a Texas based breast surgical oncologist and author of "Real Talk, Real Hope: Breast Cancer Your Way," stressed that no lifestyle choice can guarantee cancer prevention. However, healthy habits can support the body, improve overall health and potentially influence outcomes.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one important area. Obesity or excess weight is associated with an increased risk of at least 13 types of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Rourke estimates that excess body weight is likely the third biggest risk factor for breast cancer, following female gender and aging. Growing research also suggests that medications including Ozempic and Wegovy may be associated with a lower risk of cancer diagnoses and recurrence.

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One possible reason the medications could benefit cancer risk is that they promote weight loss and reduce chronic inflammation, Rourke said. However, the drugs are not approved to prevent cancer, and more research is needed to determine whether they independently reduce disease risk.

Regular physical activity is another key part of the approach. The American Cancer Society links physical activity with a lower risk of several cancers and recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week for adults.

Rourke said overall fitness is often underestimated because people tend to associate it mainly with heart health. She noted that fitness also relates to mental health and a reduced risk of numerous chronic medical problems, in addition to other cancers.

Even when physical fitness does not prevent cancer, it may help improve outcomes after a diagnosis, according to Rourke. "One in eight women get breast cancer. So if it comes knocking, you want to be ready," she said.

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Some patients tell Rourke they exercised daily and followed a healthy diet but still developed breast cancer. Her response is that their healthy bodies are better prepared for the challenge, adding, "If you can bring a healthy body and a healthy mind to the disease, you are going to do better."

Diet is another focus. To reduce the risk of cancer and premature death, the American Cancer Society recommends vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains and legumes while limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

Rourke supports those guidelines but cautioned that even people with healthy eating patterns can receive cancer diagnoses. She recommends a healthy, balanced diet with limited processed foods, reasonable portions and nothing in excess.

Extreme dietary restrictions are not necessary, according to the doctor. "Do you need to give up all sugar? No. Do you need to go to the extreme? No."

Avoiding cigarettes and limiting alcohol are also important considerations. Cigarette smoking is responsible for about 20% of all cancers and about 30% of cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society, while quitting can reduce cancer risk at any age.

Alcohol consumption was linked to an estimated 5% of U.S. cancer cases and 4% of cancer deaths in 2019, according to the National Cancer Institute. The U.S. surgeon general issued guidance last year that named alcohol the "third leading preventable cause of cancer" in the country, following tobacco and obesity.

Rourke advised consuming alcohol only in moderation, although even light drinking has been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers. Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel previously said, "Too many Americans are living with an outdated assumption that some amount of alcohol is not only harmless, but also good for you. Increasing evidence shows that isn't true."

Early detection and screening complete the doctor’s strategy. Rourke said detection programs have enabled doctors and patients to find disease earlier than ever before, increasing survival rates, while greater awareness of family cancer histories has promoted wellness, health and screening.

Rourke also warned against relying too heavily on artificial intelligence when looking into possible symptoms. "If you are worried about something, call your primary care doctor [or] gynecologist," she advised. "If you feel like something’s wrong, follow through with it and get it checked out. Never ignore your inner voice."