Understanding the Rise in Cancer (and How to Protect Yourself)
- Deena Jane Kelaita
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
Last month I had the opportunity to attend the ACNEM Integrative Oncology Conference in Melbourne - a gathering of doctors, scientists and integrative health practitioners all asking the same sobering question: Why are cancer rates rising so rapidly… and what can we actually do about it?
The statistics presented were confronting.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - the WHO’s cancer arm - global cancer cases were 19.3 million in 2020, and are projected to rise to 28.4 million by 2040, representing an overall increase of 47%.Among women specifically, new cancer cases are estimated to rise from 9.3 million in 2020 to 13.3 million in 2040 (a 44% increase), with cancer deaths expected to increase from 4.4 million to 7.1 million (a 60% rise).
These numbers are not just statistics — they represent real people. Parents, children, friends and loved ones. Which is precisely why we need to look honestly at the drivers behind this growing epidemic, and what each of us can do to build a body and lifestyle that resists disease.
Why Are Cancer Rates Increasing?
While genetics may play a partial role, the latest research implies the increase appears to be largely fuelled by modern lifestyle, diet and environmental factors that create a biological environment more prone to tumour growth.
Some of the key drivers include:
Chronic inflammation – often triggered by poor nutrition, stress and toxic exposures.
Ultra-processed and pro-inflammatory diets – high in refined sugars, hydrogenated oils and chemical additives.
Sedentary lifestyles – which increase insulin resistance and suppress healthy immune function.
Increased exposure to environmental toxins – such as pesticides, plastics, endocrine disruptors and heavy metals.
Disrupted sleep and chronic stress – which reduce melatonin (an anti-cancer hormone) and weaken immune surveillance.
The Gut Microbiome – A Missing Piece of the Cancer Puzzle
One of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of cancer research right now is the role of the gut microbiome.
We’re now able to identify common microbial patterns in individuals with cancer - including reduced diversity, low levels of beneficial species such as Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium, and a higher abundance of pro-inflammatory or toxin-producing strains.
Even more interesting is that the microbiome appears to influence how well a person responds to cancer treatment. For example, certain microbes have been shown to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, while others may reduce its impact.
This is why reviewing an individual’s microbiome can now provide powerful clues as to whether their internal terrain is more protective… or pro-tumour. And in many cases, strategic shifts in diet, fibre type, probiotics or plant-based compounds can move the needle in a more protective direction.
What You Can Do to Lower Your Cancer Risk
The good news is that many of the major risk factors are modifiable. Research suggests that up to 30–50% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle interventions.
Here are some of the most effective strategies:
✔ Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory, Whole Food DietPrioritise vegetables (especially cruciferous), herbs, fruit, wild fish, legumes, nuts and seeds. Reduce processed foods, refined sugar, commercial seed oils and charred/processed meats. Include foods such as broccoli sprouts, turmeric, green tea, berries, flaxseeds and ginger which actively support your body’s detoxification pathways.
✔ Move Your Body DailyAim for 30–45 minutes of general movement most days, plus 2–3 resistance training sessions per week. Exercise supports immune function, reduces inflammation and regulates hormones.
✔ Maintain a Healthy Body WeightExcess visceral fat increases oestrogen and inflammatory cytokines in the body. Losing even a small amount of abdominal fat can reduce your risk.
✔ Reduce Toxic LoadUse filtered water, choose organic where possible, and avoid plastic food containers (especially when heating food). Swap to cleaner personal-care and household products.
✔ Prioritise SleepAim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Minimising late-night screen use and supporting circadian rhythms improves melatonin production - a hormone that plays a protective role against cancer.
✔ Support Stress ResilienceChronic stress suppresses immune function and fuels inflammation. Practices such as breath-work, mindfulness, prayer, journalling and spending time in nature can significantly buffer stress responses.
✔ Include Cancer-Fighting Nutrients in Your DietMake sure your diet contains key anti-cancer nutrients such as Vitamin C, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, B vitamins, Folate, Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D — all of which play critical roles in immune function, antioxidant protection and cellular repair.
Final Thoughts
Cancer isn’t just a random occurrence. In many cases, it develops when the internal environment of the body becomes chronically imbalanced - and unfortunately, the modern lifestyle is uniquely designed to foster that imbalance.
The encouraging part is that you have the power to change your terrain.
If you’d like personalised support with nutrition, lifestyle, and gut microbiome strategies to actively reduce your cancer risk, I would be honoured to help.
➡ Simply reply with “yes” and I’ll send you the next steps for booking a consultation.
Health and love
Deena
References
IARC GLOBOCAN 2020: Estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases in 2020 and projection to 28.4 million in 2040 (+ 47%).
Global burden of cancer among women 2020–2040 (Open Research, University of Newcastle).
WHO / IARC: Approx. 30–50% of cancers preventable through lifestyle and behavioural change.
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