Let’s face it: as we get a bit older, staying healthy and keeping illnesses like cancer away becomes a real focus for many of us. You hear all sorts of things about what you should and shouldn’t be doing, which can feel overwhelming.
We all want to stick around for longer and enjoy life without that worry hanging over our heads. And it’s true, the years can bring a few more aches and, well, the risk of certain illnesses can creep up.
But what if the key to slashing your cancer risk was a simple and inexpensive daily routine?
Recent attention has been drawn to a study from the University of Zurich, which suggested that a combination of Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer, particularly in those aged 70 and older.
The research, which has been around since 2022, found that this trio of lifestyle changes could lower overall cancer risk by a staggering 61 per cent.
The study’s findings are based on the premise that Vitamin D (obtained from sunlight exposure or supplements), omega-3s (found in seafood and nuts), and physical activity work synergistically to prevent the mutation of normal cells into cancerous ones, bolster immune function, and decrease inflammation.
However, the resurgence of interest in this study comes with a twist. Dr Paul Marik, a physician whose medical certification was revoked for promoting ivermectin as a treatment for long COVID, has suggested that this regimen hasn’t been widely publicised due to its affordability and simplicity.
According to Dr Marik, these recommendations don’t align with the profit-driven motives of ‘Big Pharma’, which thrives on expensive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
He continued, ‘It is a tragedy because these are very effective therapies that can really improve the patient’s outcome.’
Despite his controversial stance, Dr Marik did not discourage standard cancer treatments and acknowledged that they can be used alongside the regimen he advocates.
The cost comparison between the recommended regimen and traditional cancer treatments is stark. A month’s supply of Vitamin D supplements and omega-3 capsules can cost as little as $5 to $40, whereas chemotherapy drugs can range from $1,000 to over $12,000 per month, depending on the type and insurance coverage.
In the multi-billion-dollar oncology market, pharmaceutical giants earn substantial revenues from cancer treatments.
The American pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co. generated approximately $64.2 billion, primarily from the sales of Keytruda, a chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Their oncology division recorded around $2 billion in sales last year.
In comparison, Pfizer earned $64 billion last year, which included revenue from Xtandi, an oral treatment for specific types of advanced prostate cancer. Their oncology division brought in about $25 billion in 2024.
Johnson & Johnson also reported around $88 billion in revenue in 2024, chiefly from the sale of its multiple myeloma medication Darzalex. The company’s oncology segment produced $21 billion in revenue last year.
Yet, the University of Zurich study suggested that simple lifestyle changes could potentially prevent cancer from developing in the first place, sparing individuals from the financial and emotional toll of cancer treatment.
The study involved 777 participants aged 70 and older, who were divided into groups to receive different interventions, including Vitamin D supplements, omega-3 tablets, and a home exercise program.
The results were promising, with the combination of all three interventions having the most significant impact on reducing cancer risk.
Moreover, the study found that omega-3 consumption could ‘turn back the clock’ on biological age by up to four months, suggesting broader health benefits beyond cancer prevention.
Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, one of the study’s authors, emphasised the potential of these interventions to reduce the burden of cancer and other age-related conditions.
‘One of the most critical questions in the field of rejuvenation is whether a treatment exists that can effectively rejuvenate humans. Given the well-documented health benefits of omega-3, we explored whether it also influences the most reliable molecular markers of biological age —epigenetic clocks,’ he said.
‘Slowing biological aging even to a small extent of three to four months across three years – as we saw in our study – is a good thing as, if sustained, it may have relevant effects on population health.’
The researchers observed that Vitamin D, which is absorbed by the body through sunlight exposure and supplements, can help prevent tumours by regulating various genes that control cell reproduction and division, thereby inhibiting the rapid growth of cancerous cells.
The scientists also hypothesised that elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids, predominantly found in fish and nuts, along with regular exercise, can help mitigate inflammation, suppress the reproduction of malignant cells, and inhibit angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is essential for tumour growth and dissemination, providing tumours with crucial oxygen and nutrients.
Previous research has indicated that inflammation can initiate cancer by causing DNA damage. The inflammatory response leads to the production of molecules known as cytokines, which promote the formation of blood vessels that nourish tumours.
Nevertheless, omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease inflammation in the body and support the maintenance of blood vessels.
Have you incorporated any of these lifestyle changes into your routine? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about living our healthiest lives as we age.
Also read: Shocking study reveals the alarmingly high cancer risk for type 2 diabetics— are YOU at risk?
