High LE8 scores reduce cancer risk in China

A large study in China shows that following the American Heart Association's "Life's Essential 8" (LE8) lifestyle guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of various cancers. The study tracked over 48,000 workers over a decade, finding that those with high LE8 scores had lower risks for cancers like lung, breast, liver, and colorectal. The LE8 focuses on eight key health factors: diet quality, physical activity, smoking, sleep health, body weight, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Researchers found that a long-term commitment to these habits was more beneficial for cancer prevention than short-term adherence. Participants were grouped into three categories based on their LE8 scores over four years: low, moderate, and high. Those in the moderate and high groups had significantly lower risks of overall cancer, with a 15% and 21% reduction respectively, compared to those with low scores. The study identified 2,306 new cancer cases during the follow-up period. It also noted that specific reductions in cancer risks were observed for breast and liver cancers among participants maintaining moderate to high LE8 scores. For instance, those with high LE8 scores saw a 51% reduction in breast cancer risk. While the study provided useful insights, it had limitations. It focused on a single community and relied on self-reported data, which can introduce bias. Despite these factors, the findings highlight the potential of adopting healthy lifestyle habits in reducing cancer risk, emphasizing the need for integrating LE8 into public health strategies.