Cancer survivors often face extra health challenges after treatment ends. A new toolkit called the Lifestyle Medicine Cancer Risk Reduction and Survivorship Toolkit helps doctors and patients use healthy habits to prevent other diseases. Research shows that simple changes like eating more plants, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing up to 80% of common chronic diseases. Major cancer care organizations have endorsed this toolkit as an important tool to help survivors live longer, healthier lives after cancer treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management) can help cancer survivors prevent other diseases and live longer
  • Who participated: This is a review article and toolkit endorsement, not a study with participants. It summarizes evidence from many previous studies involving cancer survivors
  • Key finding: Healthy lifestyle habits can reduce the risk of developing up to 80% of chronic diseases that commonly affect cancer survivors, and these benefits are supported by strong scientific evidence
  • What it means for you: If you’re a cancer survivor, making simple lifestyle changes like eating healthier, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight may significantly reduce your chances of developing other serious health conditions. Talk to your healthcare team about how to get started with these changes.

The Research Details

This is not a traditional research study but rather an official endorsement and educational resource. The article reviews existing scientific evidence about how lifestyle changes benefit cancer survivors. Major cancer care organizations (MASCC and ACLM) have created and endorsed a toolkit that brings together proven strategies doctors and patients can use together. The toolkit is designed to be practical and easy to use in real medical settings, not just in research labs.

Cancer survivors often develop other serious health problems after treatment, sometimes multiple conditions at once. By providing doctors and patients with easy-to-use tools based on proven science, this toolkit helps prevent these additional health problems. It’s important because it takes research findings and makes them practical for everyday use in cancer clinics and hospitals.

This endorsement comes from respected organizations that specialize in cancer care (MASCC) and lifestyle medicine (ACLM). The toolkit is based on existing scientific evidence rather than new research. The strength of this resource comes from the organizations behind it and the fact that it’s designed by experts specifically for cancer survivors. However, individual results may vary depending on a person’s specific situation.

What the Results Show

The evidence shows that cancer survivors who follow healthy lifestyle habits experience significant benefits. A plant-forward diet (eating mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans) helps reduce disease risk. Regular physical activity strengthens the body and improves overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the body and lowers disease risk. Together, these habits can reduce the risk of developing up to 80% of common chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The same healthy habits that help the general population also work well for cancer survivors, with strong scientific support for these benefits.

Beyond preventing new diseases, these lifestyle changes also improve life expectancy (how long people live) in cancer survivors. Healthy habits can improve energy levels, mood, and overall quality of life during and after cancer treatment. These changes may also help reduce side effects from cancer treatment and improve how well the body recovers.

This toolkit brings together what scientists have already learned about healthy living and cancer survival. Previous research has shown that lifestyle changes help prevent chronic diseases in the general population. This toolkit specifically applies that knowledge to cancer survivors, whose needs are unique because of their cancer history and treatment experiences.

This is a review and toolkit endorsement rather than a new research study, so it doesn’t provide brand new data. Individual results depend on many factors including the type of cancer, treatments received, age, and genetics. The toolkit is a guide, not a guarantee—results vary from person to person. People with specific health conditions should work with their doctors to adapt these recommendations to their individual situation.

The Bottom Line

Cancer survivors should aim to: (1) Eat a plant-forward diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans; (2) Exercise regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week); (3) Maintain a healthy weight for your body. These recommendations have strong scientific support. Start slowly and work with your healthcare team to make changes that fit your life. Confidence level: High—these recommendations are based on substantial scientific evidence.

This toolkit is especially important for cancer survivors of all types. It’s also valuable for people at high risk of cancer, their families, and healthcare providers who care for cancer patients. Anyone who wants to prevent chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle changes can benefit. People with specific medical conditions should consult their doctor before making major changes.

Some benefits like improved energy and mood may appear within weeks. Weight changes typically take several weeks to months. Reduced disease risk develops over months and years of consistent healthy habits. Think of this as a long-term investment in your health rather than a quick fix.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of vegetables and fruits (aim for 5+ servings), minutes of exercise (target 30 minutes most days), and weekly weight if working toward weight management goals
  • Set one specific goal from the toolkit: commit to adding one plant-based meal per week, schedule three 30-minute exercise sessions, or replace one sugary drink daily with water. Use the app to log progress and celebrate small wins
  • Weekly check-ins on diet quality and exercise frequency; monthly weight tracking if relevant; quarterly reviews with healthcare provider to adjust goals and discuss progress toward preventing chronic diseases

This article reviews a toolkit and educational resource for cancer survivors. It is not a substitute for medical advice from your oncologist or healthcare team. Before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if you have other health conditions or are still undergoing cancer treatment, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Results vary based on individual circumstances, cancer type, and previous treatments. This information is intended to support conversations with your healthcare providers, not to replace professional medical guidance.