Dr Raphael Cuomo, a leading expert in cancer research in San Diego, has spoken exclusively to the Mirror about the ‘shift’ in cancer threat and the lifestyle steps that can be taken to reduce it
A top biomedical researcher has spoken out about one thing that has the potential to slash up to ‘50% of cancer cases’. Dr Raphael Cuomo, a leading figure based at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, has dedicated his career to uncovering cancer risk factors at a time when the spectre of the disease is ‘shifting earlier’.
While the vast majority of cancer cases still afflict those aged over 50, figures show a troubling rise in diagnoses among younger people. Statistics from Cancer Research reveal a 24% jump in rates among those aged 25 to 49 in the UK from 1995 to 2019, while an average of 100 young adults were diagnosed every day between 2017 and 2019.
Although further investigation is required to determine the precise mechanisms behind this shift, scientists like Dr Cuomo believe that lifestyle choices play a key role. This starts with diet, as poor nutrition is linked to various underlying risk factors.
“Early-onset cancers—those diagnosed before age 50—are rising sharply, with colorectal, pancreatic, and liver cancers showing the largest increases,” Dr Cuomo told the Mirror in an exclusive interview. “Poor diet, obesity, and alcohol consumption are major contributors to this trend.
“Diet is one of the most powerful cancer risk factors. Poor nutrition contributes to inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and DNA damage. Up to 50% of cancers could be prevented with healthier eating patterns.”
Dr Cuomo certainly isn’t alone in his perspective. The World Cancer Research Fund has also asserted that ‘between 30 and 50% of cancers’ are preventable through healthier lifestyle choices and avoiding carcinogen exposure.
There’s no ‘miracle ingredient’ that will eliminate the risk, but steering clear of certain foods like bacon, deli meats, and processed foods can certainly make a difference. Last year, Cleveland Clinic identified the ‘metabolites’ in such products as one of the main drivers of young-onset colorectal cancer.
“Processed meats like bacon and deli cuts are classified as carcinogens [are the worst in terms of cancer risk],” Dr Cuomo said. “Sugar-laden drinks and ultra-processed foods drive obesity and metabolic disease, both of which increase cancer risk.
“No single food prevents cancer, but nutrient-dense whole foods—like cruciferous vegetables, berries, and turmeric—contain bioactive compounds that support cellular health. The focus should be on overall dietary patterns, not magic foods. Trendy health claims often exaggerate real science.
“Celery juice won’t ‘detox’ cancer cells, and supplements can’t replace a balanced diet. Prevention is about consistency, not quick fixes.”
However, Dr Cuomo did emphasise the value of adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet. This traditionally prioritises plant-based foods, lean meats, and healthy fats, in contrast to the ‘Western diet’, notorious for unhealthy fats, sugar, and a lack of fibre.
Numerous studies have delved into the connection between specific diets and cancer risk, including one published this month by the University of Florida. Their findings suggest that glycogen, a simple sugar abundant in Western diets, acts as an ‘oncogenic metabolite’ for lung cancer.
Essentially, it behaves like a ‘giant lollipop for cancer’s sweet tooth’, with increased glycogen levels fuelling larger and more aggressive tumour growth. “The Mediterranean diet is one of the best-studied for cancer prevention—rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory compounds that lower risk across multiple cancer types,” Dr Cuomo said.
“Smoking, alcohol, and sedentary behaviour increase risk [too], while exercise, weight management, and a nutrient-rich diet reduce it. These lifestyle choices are tied to numerous cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancers—the most common cancers both in the US and globally.”
