Cancer is one of the leading causes of disease and mortality worldwide. Its impact continues to increase due to population ageing, demographic growth, and exposure to lifestyle-related risk factors, including diet and physical inactivity¹.
Current Cancer Prevalence Worldwide and in Spain
Globally, in 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were estimated, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers being the most frequently diagnosed¹. In addition, more than 49 million people are currently living with a cancer diagnosis made within the last five years, highlighting the significant health and social burden of this disease².
In Spain, estimates indicate that around 296,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2025, maintaining a steadily increasing trend³. The most common types of cancer in our country are colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and urinary bladder cancers⁴.
Most Prevalent Cancers and Their Relationship with Lifestyle
Among the cancers with the highest incidence are:
• Lung cancer, closely linked to tobacco use and other environmental factors¹.
• Breast cancer, the most frequent cancer among women worldwide¹.
• Colorectal cancer, highly prevalent in both men and women and strongly influenced by diet and lifestyle⁵.
• Prostate and bladder cancers, particularly common in older men⁴.
These types of cancer share modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy diet, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, reinforcing the importance of primary prevention.
The Importance of a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Scientific evidence shows that up to 40% of cancers could be prevented through the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, particularly those related to diet and physical activity⁵.
The main risk factors include:
• Unbalanced diet, rich in ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars⁵.
• Overweight and obesity, associated with an increased risk of colorectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, liver, and pancreatic cancers⁵.
• Alcohol consumption, linked to several types of cancer, including those of the oral cavity, esophagus, liver, and colon⁶.
• Physical inactivity, which contributes to weight gain and metabolic and inflammatory alterations⁵.
Conversely, a diet based on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, together with regular physical activity, is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing certain types of cancer⁵.
Key Messages to Reduce Cancer Risk
For the general population, the following measures are recommended:
- Maintain a healthy body weight throughout life⁵.
- Prioritize a varied and balanced diet based on fresh, minimally processed foods⁵.
- Increase daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, due to their fiber and bioactive compound content⁵.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption and do not smoke⁶.
- Engage in regular physical activity, adapted to each stage of life⁵.
- Participate in screening and early detection programs when available⁷.
Cancer prevention requires a comprehensive approach that combines individual responsibility with public policies that promote healthy environments and choices.
Fruselva’s Commitment to Prevention and Research
At Fruselva, we maintain a strong commitment to promoting healthy lifestyle habits and cancer prevention. We participate in various initiatives and projects aimed at raising awareness and supporting research in this field.
In addition, we are currently developing different formulations under study, with the aim of contributing—through nutritional innovation—to cancer prevention and support during treatment. These projects reflect our commitment to science, health, and people’s well-being.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer fact sheets.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN).
- Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica (SEOM). Las cifras del cáncer en España.
- Red Española de Registros de Cáncer (REDECAN).
- World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Alcohol consumption and cancer.
- Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España. Estrategia en Cáncer del Sistema Nacional de Salud.