Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Malcomson, F. C., Wiggins, C., Parra‐Soto, S., Ho, F. K., Celis‐Morales, C. , Sharp, L. and Mathers, J. C. (2023) Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Cancer, 129(17), pp. 2655-2670. (doi: 10.1002/cncr.34842) (PMID:37309215)

Abstract

Background: The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations are lifestyle‐based guidelines that aim to reduce cancer risk. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies investigating associations between a score for adherence to the 2018 Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk was conducted. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published to November 28, 2022. In meta‐analysis, the estimated risk ratios and 95% CIs for adherence score as a continuous (per 1‐point increment) and categorical (highest vs. lowest score category) variable using random‐effects models were estimated. Results: Eighteen studies (11 cohort; seven case‐control) were included investigating incidence of breast (n = 7), colorectal (n = 5), prostate (n = 2), lung (n = 2), pancreatic (n = 1), endometrial (n = 1), unknown primary cancer (n = 1), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 1), and overall (any) cancer (n = 1). The summary risk ratio per 1‐point increment in adherence score was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.93; I2 = 76.5%; n = 7) for breast cancer, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.91; I2 = 26.2%; n = 4) for colorectal cancer, and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86–0.98, I2 = 66.0%; n = 2) for lung cancer. There were no significant associations with prostate or other cancers. Meta‐analysis results using categorical adherence score variables were consistent with these findings. Conclusions: Greater adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations was associated with lower risk of breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Future studies investigating associations with risk of other forms of cancer are warranted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022313327.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Cancer risk, meta‐analysis, lifestyle score, 2018 WCRF/AICR Cancer Prevention Recommendations, physical activity, lifestyle, diet.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Celis, Dr Carlos and Ho, Dr Frederick and Parra, Solange
• Authors: Malcomson, F. C., Wiggins, C., Parra‐Soto, S., Ho, F. K., Celis‐Morales, C., Sharp, L., and Mathers, J. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Cancer
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0008-543X
• ISSN (Online): 1097-0142
• Published Online: 13 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Cancer 129(17):2655-2670
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence