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.
