Bridging the Gap Between the Forest and Trees: LM in Cancer Risk Reduction to Improve Outcomes.

Presentation Summary: Approximately 42% of cancer cases and 45% of cancer deaths in the United States are linked to lifestyle-related risk factors, including excess weight, poor diet, and physical inactivity. These findings, based on a recent study published in Cancer, highlight the critical role of modifiable behaviors in cancer prevention. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) estimates that nearly half of the most common U.S. cancers could be prevented by addressing these and other modifiable risk factors that fall into the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.
Regular cancer screenings are a cornerstone of healthcare, but they often overlook opportunities to engage patients in lifestyle changes that reduce cancer and chronic disease risk. By integrating behavior change strategies into routine screenings, healthcare organizations can enhance cancer prevention efforts while leveraging established care practices that appeal to hospital administrators. This approach recognizes multiple pathways to improve outcomes through increased awareness, access, and use of health-related changes. Professionals can adopt an "inside-out" strategy by embedding lifestyle medicine directly into clinical care or an "outside-in" approach by influencing health behaviors through community initiatives.
Integrating lifestyle-focused risk-reducing behaviors into screenings offers a dual benefit: increasing billable revenue for healthcare organizations and fostering healthy behaviors that create a ripple effect on family and community health.

This presentation will showcase three examples of implementing lifestyle medicine to meet diverse population needs, demonstrating both "forest-first" and "trees-first" approaches for effective engagement. Each case study highlights program features and presents a compelling business case for each approach. First, we will showcase a case study of a Lifestyle Medicine Prevention Clinic integrated into a genetic testing program. This clinic serves individuals undergoing genetic testing due to high cancer risk. Research shows that inherited genetic mutations contribute to approximately 5-10% of all cancers, with specific mutations, such as those in BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increasing the risk for cancers like breast and ovarian. While the initial focus of the clinic is on genetic predisposition, it leverages this touchpoint to evaluate lifestyle behaviors that may further contribute to cancer risk. Led by certified health coaches, the clinic offers a personalized prevention approach. Patients undergo a comprehensive assessment of their lifestyle habits, including diet, physical activity, weight management, and tobacco use. Based on these evaluations, they set achievable health goals and are connected to tailored programs such as nutrition counseling, smoking cessation support, and exercise plans. This dual focus on genetics and modifiable behaviors allows for a more comprehensive strategy to reduce cancer risk.

The integration of lifestyle medicine into the care of hematological cancers, including multiple myeloma, offers a significant opportunity to enhance diagnosis and treatment outcomes. One example, the NUTRIVENTION program, combines cutting-edge research with patient education to examine the role of modifiable lifestyle factors—such as diet and microbiome health—in the progression of plasma cell disorders. The program’s multifaceted approach includes investigating the potential of dietary interventions in conjunction with standard practice, to improve survival and quality of life. By leveraging academic clinical trials and being involved in community patient advocacy events, NUTRIVENTION provides patients with evidence-based strategies to mitigate disease progression. This comprehensive framework empowers individuals to take actionable steps towards better outcomes while advancing the broader understanding of lifestyle medicine in hematological oncology.

Finally, lifestyle medicine and weight management program that was successfully implemented within a multi-facility for-profit healthcare system by leveraging hospital credentialing requirements. This approach emphasized both screening and awareness, with automatic enrollment for interested patients and healthcare professionals into a program focused on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Additionally, the program incorporated awareness of obesity into its screening questionnaires, highlighting associated risks and providing actionable strategies. From a community-first perspective, the program increased screening rates by using an interactive survey to assess participants’ knowledge of risk-reducing behaviors and readiness for change. The survey also included a call-to-action, encouraging engagement. Participants reported a higher perceived value of their screening visits as a result. The lifestyle program engaged hospital staff, including dietitians, rehabilitation specialists, and advanced practice providers, to deliver education. It also offered a fully virtual option, creating flexibility and expanding accessibility. This approach not only enhanced awareness of lifestyle medicine but also introduced healthcare professionals to a multidisciplinary care model. The program’s scalability enabled its expansion into additional facilities, communities, and a standalone model that supports both healthcare teams and consumer audiences