Cancer prevention practices are healthy habits that can benefit us all, even those who have already been diagnosed. A large number of cancer cases each year are linked to patients’ lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise and other daily habits. This cancer-lifestyle link poses many public health problems, but also some opportunities for doctors and patients to work together to prevent new diagnoses. There are several things people can do on a daily basis to make that happen, many of which fall into four major groups. “The first thing is that we should engage in regular physical activity,” says Roberto Benzo, PhD, a member of the cancer control program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “We should also eat a healthy diet, achieve and maintain a healthy weight and try to avoid drinking too much alcohol.” Click here to learn about the OSUCCC – James’ Cancer Control Program. People who have already been diagnosed with cancer can benefit from many of these same practices, according to Benzo, who’s currently conducting related research involving colorectal cancer patients. “It’s a family-based study that empowers patients and caregivers to live healthier lifestyles by adhering to some of the lifestyle recommendations so that we can improve cancer outcomes,” Benzo says. Patients are able to participate in the study from home, where they’ll meet virtually with a number of experts who provide guidance and encouragement. “We can bring the clinic home to the patients, by tracking their activity and connecting them with health coaches and dietitians,” Benzo says. “We're trying to make it so that we leverage all the technology and try to make a really beautiful package that makes sense for people.” By focusing on home settings, Benzo and his colleagues are expanding the study’s benefits to reach patients, caregivers and other family members. “This study is actually for prevention and survivorship,” he says. “The people around us are affected by the way we live and by our habits.” Click here to learn about gastrointestinal cancers, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University.