University of Zurich's Bischoff-Ferrari says study shows preventions efforts 'may be effective in the prevention of invasive cancer' in older adults

A combination of high-dose vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and a simple home strength exercise program can cumulatively reduce the risk of cancer in healthy older adutls by 61 percent, according to a study by the University of Zurich.

The study, led by Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, a renowned expert in geriatric medicine and aging research was the first to test the combined benefit of three affordable public health interventions for the prevention of invasive cancers, and could influence the future of cancer prevention in older adults, according to a release by the university.

"Novel cancer treatments aim to block multiple pathways for cancer development by combining several agents. We translated this concept into cancer prevention," Bischoff-Ferrari said in the release.

The DO-HEALTH study spanned three years and was conducted in five European countries, according to the release. With cancer being the second leading cause of mortality in older adults, preventive measures are crucial in enhancing overall public health efforts. Previous research suggested that vitamin D inhibited cancer cell growth, omega-3s deterred the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells, and exercise improved immune function while reducing inflammation, all of which could play a significant role in cancer prevention.

More than 2,000 adults ages 70 or older participated in the trial, divided into eight groups, each assigned specific interventions or combinations. The first group received a potent daily dose of vitamin D3 (2,000 IU per day), 1 gram per day of omega-3s, and a three-times-per week strength exercise regimen. The subsequent groups received variations of the interventions, allowing researchers to assess the individual and combined benefits of the treatments, the report stated.

Check-up calls every three months and standardized examinations at trial centers provided comprehensive data throughout the study's duration, and while each intervention displayed modest individual benefits, the real breakthrough occurred when all three interventions were combined into a statistically significant 61% reduction in the risk of invasive cancers. 

"This is the first randomized controlled trial to show that the combination of daily vitamin D3, supplemental marine omega-3s, and a simple home exercise program may be effective in the prevention of invasive cancer among generally healthy and active adults aged 70 and older," Bischoff-Ferrari said

The findings could reshape cancer-prevention efforts in older adults, which could change from simple immunization efforts to a more proactive and accessible approach. However, Professor Bischoff-Ferrari cautioned that further studies will be needed to validate the long-term benefits of combined treatments. 

"Our results, although based on multiple comparisons and requiring replication, may prove to be beneficial for reducing the burden of cancer," she said.

However, the affordability and simplicity of the interventions used in the study could mean such prevention efforts will be more accessible to more people, which could transform the landscape of public health, the report stated.