How Do I Reduce the Risk of Cancer Recurrence?

We spoke with integrative oncologist Dr. Alissa Huston about her recommendations for reducing risk of recurrence. She specializes in treating breast cancer, but the suggestions Dr. Huston shares are beneficial for anyone wishing to prioritize healthy living habits and deter the resurgence of cancer cells following treatment. When it comes to reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, focusing on modifiable risk factors, or factors which we have some level of control over, is key. 

Lifestyle practices 

Eating Well

• A plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can reduce your cancer risk. Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Limit added fats, sugars, and highly processed foods.

Moving More

• There is evidence that physical activity is correlated with lowering the risk of many cancer types. Furthermore, exercising regularly can improve the immune system’s functioning and can reduce inflammation in the body. The American Cancer Society® recommends that adults exercise at a moderate intensity for 150-300 minutes each week, or a vigorous intensity for at least 75 minutes. Daily activities like gardening, cleaning, or walking are examples of moderate intensity exercise.¹Rock CL, Thomson C et al. American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 70: 245-271; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Adults. December 4, 2025. Viewed January 21, 2025.

Creating a Healthy Environment 

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and PFAs have been linked to the development of breast cancer. Read our guide on strategies to limit your exposure to environmental chemicals, and use an app like Clearya to avoid products with harmful chemicals.²Calaf GM, Ponce-Cusi R, Aguayo F, Muñoz JP, Bleak TC. Endocrine disruptors from the environment affecting breast cancer. Oncology Letters. 2020;20(1):19-32.

Abstain from alcohol use and smoking, as smoking and drinking alcohol are both associated with an increased risk of cancer. 

Optimizing your body terrain 

This includes factors like weight, blood sugar, and managing other chronic health issues. Think of managing your body terrain like tending a garden plot to prevent weeds, and encourage overall health. 

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity (a BMI of 30 or greater) increases the risk of cancer. Eating a healthy diet and staying active are important strategies for maintaining a healthy weight. 

Supplements

Always work with a clinician before adding a new supplement to your routine. 

• Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet: Studies suggest that a higher ratio of omega-3 fatty acids, from eating fish or fish oil supplements, can reduce general risk of cancer. Decreasing your intake of omega-6 fatty acids (meat, dairy, vegetable oils) while replacing them with fish, and seeds like flax, are dietary strategies to improve your omega-3 fatty acid levels. One study showed a decreased risk of cancer in a group of people who supplemented vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, and regularly strength trained.³Zhang Y, Sun Y et al. Higher ratio of plasma omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is associated with greater risk of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality: A population-based cohort study in UK Biobank. Elife. 2024 Apr 5:12:RP90132; Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Willett WC et al. Combined vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and a simple home exercise program may reduce cancer risk among active adults aged 70 and older: a randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Aging. 2022 Apr 25:3:852643.
• Check your vitamin D: Studies have shown a lower risk of recurrence among people with breast cancer who had higher vitamin D levels (30ng/ml +). If your vitamin D levels are deficient, talk with your doctor about whether supplementation may be appropriate for you.⁴Li C, Li H, Zhong H, Li X. Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D level with survival outcomes in female breast cancer patients: a meta-analysis. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2021 Sep;212:105947; Yao S, Sheng H et al. Clinically sufficient vitamin D levels at breast cancer diagnosis and survival outcomes in a prospective cohort of 3,995 patients after a median follow-up of 10 years. Poster presentation at the ASCO 2021 Annual Meeting. Viewed June 15, 2021; Li M, Chen P et al. Review: the impacts of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels on cancer patient outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014 Jul;99(7):2327-36; Rose AA, Elser C, Ennis M, Goodwin PJ. Blood levels of vitamin D and early stage breast cancer prognosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2013 Oct;141(3):331-9.