Local centres:
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Dietary factors are estimated to account for approximately 30 percent of cancers in industrialised countries - making diet second only to tobacco as a theoretically preventable cause of cancer.
There is convincing evidence that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing some of the most common cancers.
There is convincing evidence that being regularly physically active reduces the risk of developing some of the most common cancers.
There is convincing evidence that alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing some cancers.
It is likely that increasing fruit and vegetable intake will reduce the risk of developing some cancers.
The guidelines for reducing cancer risk are consistent with guidelines for cancer survivors, cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes prevention as well as general health promotion.
This evidence can be found in the comprehensive report published by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research in 2007 (see http://www.dietandcancerreport.org/) on food, nutrition, physical activity and the prevention of cancer. The summary of recommendations can be found in the Body weight, nutrition, physical activity and alcohol keys to cancer risk reduction Information Sheets.
No particular foods or eating patterns are guaranteed to prevent cancer, however, some foods and eating patterns can reduce your risk. The LiveSmart programme can help you stack the odds in your favour by giving supporting healthy eating, activity, food shopping and gardening. Check out LiveSmart .
Wellington Division works alongside many community organisations to promote reducing cancer risk by increasing physical activity levels and healthy eating.
"There is convincing evidence that maintaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk of cancer and that that having at least 30 minutes activity a day, preferably 45- 60 minutes with some energetic activity can decrease your risk of cancer"
Body Fat, Physical Activity and Nutrition - www.cancernz.org.nz
Organisational Partners
Wellington City Council
Hutt Valley District Health Board
Regional Public Health
Kokiri Marae
Living Streets Aotearoa
Wellington Community Gardens
HEHA Networks
Physical Activity and Nutrition Information Sheets
Links to Other Agencies and Initiatives that Support Physical Activity and Nutrition
Wellington gratefully acknowledge the support of these organisations:
