The Most Outstanding Healthcare Visionaries Leading The Future In 2025

1. 2025 E E E MPOWERING NTREPRENEURIAL XCELLENCE The Most Deputy Managing Director Labaid Group OUTSTANDING HEALTHC RE VISIONARIES Leading the Future IN 2025 Sakif Shamim A VISIONARY LEADER CHAMPIONING CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE

4. The Most Outstanding Healthcare Visionaries Leading the Future in 2025 n a time when the future of healthcare is being redefined by innovation, compassion, and strategic leadership, it is our honor I to spotlight a transformative figure in cancer care Sakif Shamim, recognized as one of The Most Outstanding Healthcare Visionaries Leading the Future in 2025. As the Deputy Managing Director, Labaid Group, Sakif Shamim has emerged as a pioneering force dedicated to revolutionizing oncology services in South Asia. His leadership reflects a rare blend of clinical foresight, technological integration, and a deep-rooted commitment to patient-centered care. Through his visionary approach, he is not only steering Labaid Cancer Hospital toward excellence but also reshaping the broader landscape of cancer treatment and healthcare delivery in the region. Under Sakif's guidance, Labaid Cancer Hospital has become a beacon of hope introducing cutting-edge diagnostics, expanding access to world-class oncology treatments, and creating an environment where patients and families find both care and comfort. His unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and global collaboration has helped the hospital set new benchmarks in cancer care. Sakif Shamim's journey is marked by a relentless drive to challenge conventional norms, build sustainable healthcare models, and empower future generations of medical professionals. He is deeply invested in bridging the gap between advanced medical science and real-world healthcare access, ensuring that life-saving cancer treatments are not a privilege, but a right. This special edition celebrates Sakif's inspiring path, his visionary leadership, the challenges he has faced, and his bold vision for a future where every individual has access to compassionate, innovative cancer care. His work stands as a powerful reminder that healthcare is not just about treatment, but about leadership that dares to dream and deliver. As we recognize Sakif Shamim for his exceptional contributions, we also honor the many healthcare professionals, researchers, and leaders who are shaping a healthier tomorrow. Together, they embody a movement that blends science, empathy, and strategy to combat one of the world's greatest health challenges. Congratulations, Sakif, on this well-deserved recognition. Your legacy is not just in buildings or programs, but in every life touched, every patient empowered, and every future transformed.

5. Kiran K. Business Development Christy Barnett, Prasad P. Jadhav Copyright 2025 THE CIO TIMES, All rights reserved. The Images and Content used in this magazine should not be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any mechanical, electronic, means, recording, photocopying or otherwise, without prior permission from THE CIO TIMES. Reprint rights remain solely with THE CIO TIMES

6. COVER STORY 10 Sakif Shamim

7. ARTICLE 26 A Cancer-Preventing Diet: Empowering Your Health through Nutritional Choices 28 Surge in Cancer Rates Among Younger Generations Highlights Need for Early-Life Prevention

10. Sakif Shamim A VISIONARY LEADER CHAMPIONING CHANGE IN HEALTHCARE Deputy Managing Director Labaid Group 10 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

11. COVERSTORY COVERSTORY JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 11

12. n a country where access to Labaid Cancer Hospital has emerged as mission to make world-class care not quality cancer care was once a the country's first fully integrated, just available, but accessible. I distant hope for many, Sakif multidisciplinary cancer care Shamim is rewriting the narrative. As institution offering cutting-edge Making of a Leader the Managing Director of Labaid treatments like immunotherapy, Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Sakif's professional journey is deeply genome therapy, robotic surgery, and Centre and Deputy Managing Director rooted in his family's legacy and his bone marrow transplants, all under one of the Labaid Group, Sakif represents a extensive global education. He was roof. new generation of healthcare born and raised in Dhaka, in a leadership in Bangladesh: globally But Sakif's impact goes beyond distinguished family of doctors; both educated, deeply empathetic, and infrastructure and innovation. His his father, Dr. A.M. Shamim, and relentlessly driven. leadership is rooted in a people-first mother, Dr. Sucharita Ahmed, are philosophy one that prioritizes renowned doctors in Bangladesh. This Armed with degrees from the affordability, dignity, and trust in every upbringing gave him early exposure to University of Oxford, the University of patient interaction. Whether it's healthcare's challenges and Chicago, and Harvard Medical School, launching LifePlus BD to extend complexities. His passion for learning Sakif brings a rare blend of strategic digital healthcare access or led him to pursue a diverse academic foresight and operational excellence to spearheading plans for 30 new cancer path globally: an MSc in Major the table. Under his stewardship, centers across the country, Sakif is on a Programme Management from the 12 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

13. University of Oxford, an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Master's in Clinical Operations from Harvard Medical School, and a Master's in International Relations from the Geneva Graduate Institute. He also undertook specialized courses in Leadership, AI, and Crisis Management from Wharton Business School and IMD Switzerland. These experiences, combined with professional fellowships like FACHE (USA) and FRSA (UK), uniquely equipped him to navigate both the healthcare and business worlds. The pivotal moment that inspired Sakif's transition into healthcare entrepreneurship was witnessing the extreme suffering of Bangladeshi cancer patients. For a long time, most of them were forced to travel abroad, often to India or Singapore, for adequate treatment because the country lacked sufficient cancer management infrastructure. This meant not only immense emotional distress but also substantial financial burdens from travel, accommodation, and living expenses. His father, Dr. A.M. Shamim, had similarly pioneered Bangladesh's first cardiac hospital after recognizing the suffering of heart patients' post-2000. Inspired by this legacy and the clear national void in cancer care, Sakif decided to establish Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center, the country's first strong foundation for his approach. with new technologies, changing ways and only multidisciplinary cancer of providing care, and what patients hospital. Sakif's leadership philosophy is truly need. It has made him realize that anchored in several core principles. to make a real difference, we have to Global Influence Firstly, he has a strong commitment to keep learning, adapting, and excellence in healthcare, where patient understanding the people we serve. Sakif's extensive global academic well-being is the primary concern. This forward-looking perspective experiences at institutions like Oxford, Secondly, he believes in developing a ensures that Labaid Cancer Hospital & Chicago Booth, and Harvard, along continuous learning and innovative Super Speciality Centre remains at the with specialized courses from Wharton culture within the organization. His forefront of medical advancements. and IMD, have profoundly shaped his experience with different healthcare leadership philosophy, making him systems around the world has shown Sakif prioritizes ongoing self- adept in both healthcare and business. him how important it is to stay updated improvement by regularly engaging in These diverse backgrounds provide a JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 13

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15. executive education programs and leadership workshops. significantly expanded its impact, particularly in serving He actively participates in healthcare conferences and cancer patients. forums for networking and knowledge exchange with industry peers, and he diligently reads industry publications Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center was established as Bangladesh's first and only multidisciplinary and insights from thought leaders to stay updated. Sakif cancer hospital, aiming to provide comprehensive treatment also actively encourages his team to stay updated with for all types of cancers domestically. Their mission is industry trends, embrace innovation, and seek opportunities rooted in the belief that quality healthcare is a right for for improvement, recognizing that adaptability and the introduction of new technologies are crucial for sustained everyone, and the primary goal is to ensure this care is success in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. This accessible and affordable. commitment to intellectual growth is vital for navigating the fundamental complexities and rapid advancements in Operational excellence at Labaid is demonstrated through healthcare, ensuring Labaid remains competitive and several key aspects. It is recognized as the first modern capable of delivering the most advanced care. private hospital in Bangladesh that is fully equipped. Specifically, Labaid Cancer Hospital is equipped with the Patient-Centered Innovation most advanced equipment and technology, including 6 hybrid modular operation theaters, designed to enhance the Labaid Hospital, founded in 1989, has a long history of quality of treatment. It prides itself on having the best providing healthcare services in Bangladesh, evolving over doctors and surgeons. In its first year of operation, Labaid 36 years to become the top private hospital in the country. successfully completed over 1000 surgeries with an While Labaid initially revolutionized cardiac care, it has exceptionally low surgical site infection rate of only 1.25%, JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 15

16. which is notably lower than that of explicitly states its strong commitment established example to change such many renowned hospitals in countries to quality: “We never compromise with thoughts, making advanced care like India, Singapore, and the UK. It our quality. We are bound to give the accessible to a broader population. The has Tomosynthesis (3D Mammogram) best possible treatment for every availability of full equipment support to detect breast cancer effectively & individual patient.” and the best surgeons has dramatically faster than 2D mammograms. Labaid decreased the death rate of cancer Cancer Hospital is also the only LEED This commitment extends beyond patients in Bangladesh. Gold certified hospital in Bangladesh, medical procedures to the overall signifying its commitment to patient experience. Alongside “We take immense pride in gaining the sustainable design and operation, and it providing advanced treatment, Labaid trust of the majority of people in is well on its way to achieving JCI ensures the best environment with 24/7 Bangladesh by providing the best (Joint Commission International) nursing care. A core differentiator for treatment. It is a source of inspiration accreditation, a globally recognized Labaid Cancer Hospital is its ability to when Labaid Cancer Hospital is chosen benchmark for patient safety and offer such quality of treatment for an over many renowned hospitals quality of care. affordable cost. This directly addresses worldwide, strengthening our mission to the common perception in Bangladesh expand healthcare access. The Balancing meticulous operational that quality cancer care from private satisfaction derived from saving and excellence with compassionate care is hospitals is beyond the reach of pleasing many lives, and witnessing a cornerstone of Labaid's philosophy. It ordinary people. Labaid aims to be an tears of gratitude, underscores the deep- 16 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

17. seated compassionate motivation people. This meant they started almost families. Creating a high-tech hospital behind our operations,” says Sakif. from scratch. in such a financial climate, without making it too expensive for patients, was difficult. Sakif had to invest a lot Leading with Empathy One major challenge was finance. Healthcare spending in Bangladesh is while keeping costs manageable for the low, and most people pay for care patients. As the Managing Director of Labaid themselves, which is very hard on Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Center, Deputy Managing Director of Labaid Group, and Vice President of the Bangladesh Sub-Contracting Industrial Owners Association, Sakif's days are incredibly dynamic and strategically focused. His involvement in various innovative initiatives, including LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd, Virtucare BD Ltd, Alpha Force PLC, Prime Shine Cleaning Service, and One Tap Ltd. means his agenda spans digital healthcare, facility management, and modern technology. A typical day involves a blend of operational oversight, strategic planning, and external engagements. Given his emphasis on continuous learning and staying aligned to industry trends, Sakif dedicates time to executive education programs, leadership workshops, and engaging with industry publications and thought leaders. He also actively participates in healthcare conferences and forums to strengthen networking and knowledge exchange, ensuring Labaid remains at the forefront of medical advancements. He oversees the hospital's operations, which currently serve minimum 500 cancer patients a day. Redefining Bangladesh's Healthcare Ambitions Building Labaid Cancer Hospital, a facility with cutting-edge technology, was a huge task in Bangladesh, and Sakif and his team faced immense challenges. Historically, people here had to go abroad for better cancer treatment because they just didn't have the right facilities or enough skilled JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 17

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19. systemic change, urging the Then came the challenge of finding and medicine and healthcare product government to prioritize health, keeping skilled staff. Bangladesh has a delivery, ensuring a holistic service education, and skilled workforce shortage of specialized doctors, nurses, experience. development. Furthermore, Labaid's and technicians, especially those who pursuit of international accreditations know how to use advanced medical The unique gap LifePlus BD fills in the like LEED Gold and JCI aims to set equipment. Attracting top talent and Bangladeshi healthcare ecosystem is new quality standards for the private ensuring they were well-trained for the provision of an integrated, highly healthcare sector in Bangladesh. Labaid's cutting-edge machines was a responsive, and digitally accessible continuous effort. suite of services that addresses both Quality Care “Our country's general health routine and urgent medical needs. It infrastructure also posed difficulties. overcomes geographical barriers and Ensuring that the services are both Existing public hospitals often lack administrative complexities by affordable and accessible without funding, staff, and space. Plus, the bringing diverse healthcare options, compromising on quality is central to rules and monitoring for private including critical emergency transport Labaid's mission, a particularly hospitals could be better. So, building a and in-home care, directly to the challenging endeavor in Bangladesh hospital that consistently met high- patient's fingertips. Till now, it has given the high out-of-pocket medical quality standards required overcoming more than 500,000 active users along expenses. Sakif's fundamental belief is these wider system issues. Finally, with 500 corporates & more than 100 that quality healthcare is a universal bringing in and maintaining the latest partners. right, which guides Labaid's medical technology was tough due to commitment to providing services at a import rules and the lack of local Challenging the Norms price people can afford, consistently support for these advanced machines,” prioritizing patient well-being over shares Sakif. Bangladesh's healthcare sector financial gain. He achieves this confronts an array of significant through efficient operations and Accessible Care with Technology and challenges, including inadequate public economies of scale, as demonstrated Trust facilities, a severe shortage of skilled by the Labaid Cancer Hospital's medical professionals, substantial out- ability to perform over 1,000 surgeries LifePlus Bangladesh operates as a vital of-pocket expenses for patients, and in its first year with low infection digital arm of the Labaid group, systemic issues with management and rates, optimizing processes and directly advancing Labaid's quality control. At Labaid, Sakif and reducing associated costs. Labaid's overarching mission to deliver his team are proactively addressing smart investment in advanced accessible, high-quality, and affordable these by building world-class hospitals technology, while initially costly, healthcare across Bangladesh. By locally, exemplified by the Labaid ultimately leads to more accurate embracing technology, LifePlus Cancer Hospital, which provides diagnoses, precise treatments, faster Bangladesh extends Labaid's reach and comprehensive cancer services, recovery, and fewer complications, enhances patient convenience, thereby reducing the need for patients thereby lowering the overall long-term allowing seamless online booking for to seek treatment abroad. expense for patients. doctor appointments, facilitating video call consultations for remote access, Their core mission is to make care “Providing complete, integrated care and simplifying diagnostic test affordable and accessible, offering for all types of cancers means patients bookings, including convenient home high-quality treatment at a fair price don't need to incur additional costs by sample collection. Beyond these, and challenging the perception that visiting multiple facilities for different LifePlus BD notably offers essential private healthcare is inherently services,” asserts Sakif. emergency services like ambulance expensive. Labaid is also investing booking, aiming to ensure an heavily in cutting-edge technology and Man on a Mission ambulance reaches the confirmed skilled personnel to mitigate equipment location within 30 minutes, and shortages and enhance staff For Sakif, managing a diverse provides crucial home nursing care for capabilities. Sakif's involvement in portfolio of responsibilities, from patients requiring professional support various business groups and his future leadership roles at Labaid Group to in their residences. This comprehensive plans for the FBCCI enable him to spearheading digital healthcare digital platform also covers online influence policy and advocate for JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 19

20. with AI-powered imaging aiding in ventures like LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd. “When work deeply aligns with a more accurate readings of scans and and Virtucare bd.ai Ltd., stems from a personal mission, such as transforming early detection of conditions like clear vision and strategic delegation. healthcare in Bangladesh, the work cancer. AI-driven robotic surgery His overarching aim is to elevate itself can be fulfilling, contributing to a enhances precision and safety, while Bangladesh's healthcare sector. He sense of balance even with a busy AI also accelerates drug discovery enables his teams to take ownership, schedule,” feels Sakif. and enables personalized treatment. freeing him to oversee numerous For efficient hospital management, AI projects without getting bogged down Innovation for Compassion automates tasks like scheduling and in minute details. His focus on digital billing, reducing errors and transformation and technology across Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital administrative burden. It also many initiatives is also key, as it transformation are not merely trends contributes to predictive healthcare streamlines operations, automates for Labaid; they are fundamental to and infection control by analyzing tasks, and enhances efficiency, both its current operations and future patient data to anticipate risks. allowing for broader oversight. While strategy. In daily work, AI is already he doesn't have a specific rule revolutionizing healthcare by Streamlining the Efforts regarding work-life balance, Sakif's improving diagnoses, streamlining leadership style emphasizes constant operations, and enhancing patient Sakif leverages his position and improvement and flexibility, which are recovery. Labaid actively uses these various roles to influence policy and vital for managing high demands. advancements for better diagnostics, 20 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

21. “By successfully establishing Labaid LEED Gold certification and pursuit of catalyze significant systemic change in Cancer Hospital as a high-quality, JCI accreditation set high benchmarks Bangladesh's healthcare delivery, affordable, and comprehensive cancer for quality, potentially leading to extending beyond Labaid's immediate care center, I provide a tangible industry-wide policy improvements,” operations. As Vice President of the example of what's achievable in emphasizes Sakif. Bangladesh Sub-Contracting Industrial Bangladesh. This success can Owners Association and with encourage policymakers to support Healing with Vision ambitious plans for the Federation of similar projects and improve Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce regulations for private hospitals. Our Sakif envisions a transformative future and Industry (FBCCI), he is strategically positioned to advocate for broader economic and sectoral reforms. His efforts to promote a more business-friendly tax system, better public services, and investment in skills directly influence the healthcare environment. Sakif also regularly provides direct advocacy to the Government regarding the development of Bangladesh's healthcare industry. This involves actively engaging with policymakers, presenting data-driven recommendations, and participating in expert committees to highlight critical areas for improvement, such as the need for increased public health spending, clearer regulatory frameworks for the private sector, and incentives for healthcare innovation. His discussions often center on fostering an environment that encourages investment in medical infrastructure and education, ensuring a robust and equitable healthcare system for all citizens. Sakif's plan to build a specialized hospital for business professionals and their families demonstrates a focused approach that can set a precedent for wider policy discussions. He also actively engages in public discourse on critical healthcare issues, advocating for the establishment of private medical universities to address the shortage of skilled professionals and consistently urging the government to prioritize health and education in the national budget. JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 21

22. for cancer care in Bangladesh, where as a member of the Federation of healthcare, particularly in contexts most people can access high-quality Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce like Bangladesh. His advice to them treatment domestically, eliminating and Industry (FBCCI), has planned is rooted in a few core principles. to establish a new hospital the need for expensive trips abroad. specifically for the esteemed First, identify and fill genuine needs This transformation will involve a members of the FBCCI and their with compassion. Labaid Cancer significant increase in local capacity families to address the healthcare Hospital was born from witnessing for advanced cancer diagnosis and needs of the business community. the profound suffering of treatment, reducing dependence on foreign facilities. He foresees more This dedicated facility will provide Bangladeshis forced to travel abroad integrated care, offering high-quality medical services, for cancer treatment. Entrepreneurs comprehensive services from ensuring that FBCCI members and should seek out significant, diagnosis through treatment and their loved ones can access excellent unaddressed problems and allow follow-up, with multidisciplinary care with ease and convenience. human empathy to guide their teams collaborating seamlessly. The ventures; a business that solves a true widespread adoption of advanced “Furthermore, as our system matures, problem will have a stronger technology, including cutting-edge there will likely be a greater foundation and deeper purpose. imaging, precise surgery, and emphasis on prevention through personalized medicine, will become public health efforts for early Second, always prioritize top standard practice. detection, ultimately reducing the quality and build trust. Labaid's number of advanced cancer cases,” strategy has been to never As the MD of Labaid Cancer concludes Sakif. compromise on the quality of Hospital, he shares that there are treatment, as this builds crucial trust plans to open 34 cancer centers Driving Principle in healthcare. For young throughout the country, strategically entrepreneurs, establishing a located to bring vital cancer care The principle that profoundly guides reputation for quality from day one is closer to patients in every region. Sakif in all his work, especially in key to long-term success and impact. This will increase the accessibility healthcare, is encapsulated by this among the patients to avail of cancer statement: Third, commit to continuous care with ease. learning and innovation. Healthcare "Never compromise with the quality is constantly evolving, so staying In a major development for of your treatment. Your health updated with new technologies and specialized healthcare, Labaid is also matters." treatments is vital. My own extensive planning the construction of a 500- global education and focus on a “This isn't just something I say; it's bed super-specialized hospital and culture of learning at Labaid the absolute foundation of Labaid's medical college in Purbachal. This underscore the importance of active strategy and how we operate daily. state-of-the-art facility will serve as a learning, adaptation, and integrating You can see this commitment hub for advanced medical treatment, new advancements like AI to remain reflected in Labaid's advanced relevant. research, and education, addressing a facilities, our expert medical teams, critical need for high-level and our impressive surgical success Finally, make it affordable and specialized care within the country. rates. This belief fundamentally accessible. While building a high- Further strengthening regional drives me to ensure that every patient quality hospital, Labaid also ensures healthcare infrastructure, they have receives the best possible care, its services are affordable, aiming to opened a 100-bed hospital in because their well-being is our make good care available to Chittagong. This new facility will be highest priority,” says Sakif. everyone. Young entrepreneurs complemented by the establishment should challenge the notion that of a dedicated mother and child An Exemplary Life: quality healthcare is exclusive to the hospital in the same area, ensuring wealthy. Finding innovative ways to comprehensive and specialized care Sakif's journey offers valuable deliver high-standard care at a fair for mothers and their children. As a lessons for young entrepreneurs price can benefit more people and visionary leader, Mr. Sakif, if elected aiming to make a real difference in create a more sustainable business. 22 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

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26. A Cancer Preventing Diet Empowering A Cancer Preventing Diet Empowering Your Health through Nutritional Choices Your Health through Nutritional Choices ancer remains one of the leading causes of death that are stripped away during the refining worldwide, affecting millions of lives each year. process. C While no single food or diet can guarantee Fiber in whole grains helps move immunity from the disease, numerous studies suggest that waste through the digestive tract specific dietary habits can significantly reduce the risk of efficiently, reducing the developing various types of cancer. A cancer-preventing amount of time potentially diet isn't about strict limitations or deprivation; it's about harmful substances stay making informed, consistent, and health-focused food in contact with the choices that empower your well-being. This article delves intestinal wall. It into the essential components of a cancer-preventing diet, also supports a offering practical guidance to help you build a protective healthy gut and nourishing eating routine. microbiome, which is 1. Embrace a Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables increasingly recognized One of the most powerful ways to defend your body as a key against cancer is by regularly consuming a wide variety of player in fruits and vegetables. These colorful foods are nature's immune pharmacy, packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, function minerals, and phytochemicals that protect your cells from and cancer oxidative damage and inflammation, two key processes that resistance. can lead to cancer. 3. Choose Phytochemicals such as carotenoids (found in carrots, Lean Plant sweet potatoes, and spinach), flavonoids (in berries, apples, and Animal and citrus fruits), and glucosinolates (in cruciferous Proteins vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower) are particularly known for their anti-cancer properties. Aim for at least five Protein is servings of fruits and vegetables per day, with an emphasis essential for the on variety, different colors often indicate different body's repair and protective nutrients. immune functions, but the source of your 2. Opt for Whole Grains protein matters when it comes to cancer prevention. Whole grains play a significant role in maintaining a Emphasizing plant-based healthy digestive system, which is closely linked to cancer protein sources like beans, lentils, prevention, especially colorectal cancer. Foods such as chickpeas, tofu, and tempeh not only brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, and whole wheat contain provides protein but also delivers fiber and essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory benefits. 26 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

27. A Cancer Preventing Diet Empowering A Cancer Preventing Diet Empowering Your Health through Nutritional Choices Your Health through Nutritional Choices For those who include animal products, choose chronic inflammation, all of which can increase cancer risk. lean options such as skinless poultry, fish Additionally, many processed foods contain additives, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like preservatives, and artificial ingredients that may have salmon and sardines), and low-fat harmful long-term effects. dairy products. Instead of reaching for sugar-laden snacks or processed 4. Focus on Healthy convenience foods, try natural alternatives like fruits, raw Fats nuts, or whole-grain snacks. Use natural sweeteners like honey or pure maple syrup in moderation, and focus on Fat is an essential preparing meals from whole, minimally processed part of a ingredients. balanced diet, but the type of 6. Stay Hydrated fat you consume can Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, influence including the elimination of toxins and waste. Staying well- cancer risk. hydrated supports the kidneys and digestive system in Monounsat removing harmful substances that could otherwise build up urated and and contribute to disease processes. polyunsatur ated fats, Conclusion found in foods such Creating a cancer-preventing diet is about long-term, as avocados, sustainable habits rather than quick fixes or restrictive olive oil, regimens. By choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and reducing and fatty fishm, processed foods and sugars, you equip your body with the have been linked tools it needs to defend against cancer. It's important to to reduced remember that these nutritional habits work best when inflammation and combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, regular better heart health. physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption. 5. Limit Added Sugars and Processed Foods While no diet can offer a foolproof shield against cancer, empowering yourself with knowledge and making mindful Sugary and highly processed foods food choices every day can significantly lower your risk and often offer empty calories with little to no boost your overall health. Your plate can be a powerful ally nutritional value. Regular consumption of these in the fight against cancer, so fill it wisely. items contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 27

28. Surge in Cancer Rates Among Younger Generations Highlights Need for Early-Life Prevention antibiotic overuse, and cesarean births n recent years, a concerning trend a role, the surge points more may be altering gut microbiota in ways has emerged across the globe: significantly to environmental and that elevate cancer risk later in life. I cancer rates are rising sharply lifestyle influences that begin early in among younger adults. Traditionally life. The Case for Early-Life Prevention viewed as a disease of older age, cancer is now affecting individuals in their 1. Diet and Nutrition: The global shift Most cancer prevention efforts have 20s, 30s, and early 40s at increasing toward highly processed foods, sugary historically focused on adults, rates. This shift in the epidemiology of drinks, and low fiber intake is being especially those over 50. Screenings, cancer is sparking alarm among public closely linked with higher cancer risks. lifestyle modification campaigns, and health experts and clinicians alike, Diets high in red and processed meats educational outreach have generally leading to urgent calls for a re- and low in fruits, vegetables, and been targeted at middle-aged examination of cancer prevention whole grains have been implicated in populations. But with the shifting age strategies—starting much earlier in life. gastrointestinal and other cancers. curve of cancer incidence, there's a compelling case to push prevention The Alarming Statistics 2. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: much earlier, starting in childhood or Childhood obesity has tripled over the even prenatally. Numerous studies from institutions past 30 years in many countries. such as the American Cancer Society, Excess body fat is a well-known risk Here's how early-life prevention can the World Health Organization (WHO), factor for various cancers, particularly be woven into public health policy: and global cancer registries indicate a colorectal, breast (postmenopausal), significant uptick in early-onset and endometrial cancer. Physical 1. Nutritional Guidelines and Access: cancers. These include colorectal, inactivity exacerbates these risks. Governments and schools must enforce breast, pancreatic, endometrial, thyroid, and promote healthier food and kidney cancers. A study published 3. Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Initiation environments for children and in BMJ Oncology in 2023 revealed that of alcohol consumption and smoking adolescents. Public policies can the global incidence of early-onset often begins in adolescence or early subsidize fruits and vegetables while cancers increased by nearly 80% adulthood. Even moderate alcohol regulating marketing of ultra-processed between 1990 and 2019. The most intake is associated with higher cancer foods to children. dramatic increases were seen in risks, especially breast and liver individuals aged 25 to 39. cancer. 2. School-Based Health Education: Comprehensive health curricula should One of the most notable examples is 4. Environmental Exposures: Early-life include cancer prevention as a lifelong colorectal cancer. Once predominantly exposure to pollutants, endocrine- concept. Topics like healthy eating, diagnosed in people over 50, it's now disrupting chemicals, and radiation physical activity, sun protection, and the second leading cause of cancer may also contribute. Everyday items, substance avoidance must be death in Americans under 50. Similarly, plastics, pesticides, personal care normalized in early education. breast cancer diagnoses in women products, can introduce harmful under 40 are steadily rising, often with chemicals that disrupt hormones and 3. Prenatal and Infant Health: more aggressive tumor types and worse cellular development. Supporting maternal health during prognoses. pregnancy is key. Proper prenatal 5. Microbiome Disruption: Emerging nutrition, limiting exposure to research points to the role of the gut Unpacking the Causes environmental toxins, and encouraging microbiome in regulating immune breastfeeding can create a foundation responses and potentially influencing The rise in early-onset cancer is for long-term health. cancer development. Modern diets, multifactorial. While genetics still play 28 I JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM

29. 4. Obesity Prevention Programs: Initiatives to curb childhood obesity, through community sports programs, physical education requirements, and sugar- sweetened beverage taxes, can help address one of the most modifiable risk factors. 5. Youth Screening and Risk Assessment: Although broad screening among young people is not cost-effective or necessary for all, targeted risk assessments, especially for those with family histories or genetic predispositions can lead to early interventions. A Cultural Shift is Needed Beyond policy and education, there needs to be a societal shift in how we perceive cancer and prevention. Young adults often believe they are invincible, and early symptoms are frequently dismissed by both patients and healthcare providers. Raising awareness that cancer can happen in youth, and that many risk factors accumulate over time, is vital. Looking Ahead The increasing rates of cancer in younger generations are more than just a medical anomaly, they are a wake-up call. The cumulative impact of decades of environmental, dietary, and behavioral changes is manifesting in new and troubling ways. While research continues to uncover more about the complex causes behind early-onset cancer, one thing is clear: prevention must begin much earlier. Tackling this issue requires a concerted effort from families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers. By embedding cancer prevention strategies into the early stages of life, we can hope to reverse this dangerous trend and safeguard the health of futre generations. JULY 2025 I WWW.THECIOTIMES.COM I 29