Does Lifestyle Impact Cancer Risk?
According to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, between 30 and 50% of all cancers are preventable with healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding occupational carcinogens and environmental pollution, and treating some types of long-term infections. By incorporating these recommendations into your daily routine, you are taking important steps toward preventing cancer and enjoying a healthy life.
Body Weight is a Significant Factor
It’s vital to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity is associated with inflammatory mediators and metabolic, endocrine, and hormone abnormalities that promote cell growth and prevent cancer cells from self-destructing. Obesity is one of the more important causes of almost every type of cancer.
Increase Your Fruit and Veggie Consumption
Vegetables and fruit are high in phytochemicals that have strong anti-cancer effects and are also excellent sources of nutrients that inhibit cancer, including: vitamin C, vitamin E, folate and selenium. The greatest risk of cancer is seen in people who rarely eat vegetables or fruit, while people who include at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruit each day have the lowest risk of cancer.
Think Carefully About the Meat You Eat
Limit red meat from beef, pork, veal and lamb to no more than 12-18 ounces total per week and avoid processed meat completely. Processed meat is cured, salted, smoked, or fermented to enhance flavor and improve preservation. Examples include ham, salami, lunch meats, bacon, hotdogs and sausage.
By Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDE, CPT, CHWC
Copyright foodandhealth.com, reprinted with permission.