Energy balance

AMPK activation prevents cancer initiation and promotion by suppressing chronic inflammation and anabolic pathways, but may promote progression and metastasis in established tumors by enabling metabolic adaptation.

For cancer prevention, maintaining metabolic health through exercise and diet (which activate AMPK) is beneficial. However, for individuals with existing cancer, the role of AMPK is complex and may support tumor survival; therefore, any metabolic interventions should be discussed with an oncologist, as what prevents cancer might not treat it.