Evidence Shows That Modifying What People Eat, Being More Physically Active, Having a Healthy Body Weight and Other Health-Related Choices Can Prevent Nearly Half of All Cancer Diagnoses
Alice Bender, MS, RDN, Associate Director for Nutrition Programs, American Institute for Cancer Research
(Washington, D.C., Thursday, May 24, 2018) – A comprehensive analysis of research on lifestyle choices and cancer prevention, released internationally today, confirms the critical links between cancer diagnoses and diet, physical activity and weight. Independent experts from across the globe reviewed decades of scientific evidence to develop the most reliable cancer prevention advice currently available, summarized in 10 cancer prevention recommendations.
The Third Expert Report, Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Cancer: A Global Perspective, released by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) presents evidence-based recommendations established from rigorous analysis of the science. The evidence shows that modifying what people eat, being more physically active, having a healthy body weight and other health-related choices can prevent nearly half of all cancer diagnoses.
Based on a review of data from 51 million people, and 3.5 million cancer cases in 17 cancers, the evidence remains consistent with earlier comprehensive analyses conducted in 1997 and 2007 on what actions people can take to dramatically cut personal cancer risks.
Alice Bender, MS, director of Nutrition Programs and registered dietitian, gives advice on staying healthy.
SOUNDBITE #1:
ALTHOUGH NEARLY FOUR OUT OF TEN OF US WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME, SCIENTISTS ARE UNEQUIVOCAL: MANY OF THESE CAN BE PREVENTED. THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN OUR REPORT INCLUDE OFFER GUIDANCE, INCLUDING, KEEPING A HEALTHY WEIGHT; EATING A DIET RICH IN WHOLE GRAINS, VEGETABLES, FRUITS AND BEANS; AND LIMITING HOW MUCH SUGAR-SWEETENED AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES YOU DRINK.
SOUNDBITE #2:
HERE IS THE BEST WAY YOU CAN LOWER YOUR ODDS OF GETTING CANCER: FOLLOW THIS PACKAGE OF DIET, EXERCISE, AND OTHER LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS. MAKING LIFESTYLE CHANGES DOES TAKE SOME EFFORT, BUT THE REWARDS CAN BE LIFE-CHANGING. FORTUNATELY, AICR OFFERS TOOLS AND SUPPORT TO HELP YOU PUT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACTION.
For information on tools to help reduce risk, visit www.cancerhealthcheck.org.