Cancer Prevention Nutrition Information
About one-third of some of the most common cancers, and one-quarter of cancer overall could be prevented by healthy patterns of diet and physical activity. The American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund (AICR/WCRF) have developed recommendations for cancer prevention.
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life. There is evidence that excess body fat can cause cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum, breast (postmenopausal), endometrium and kidney, and probably cause of gallbladder cancer.
- Be physically active as part of everyday life. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, and that children and adolescents be physically active for a minimum of one hour each day.
- Limit consumption of energy (calorie)-dense foods and avoid sugary drinks
- Eat a predominately plant-based diet. Plant foods are rich in phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that protect against cancer.
- Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meat. There is convincing evidence that red meat and processed meat are causes of colorectal cancer.
- Limit alcoholic drinks. There is convincing evidence that alcohol is a cause of cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, esophagus, colorectal (men) and breast (both premenopausal and postmenopausal)”
- Limit consumption of salt. Excessive salt intake may lead to stomach cancer.
- Aim to meet nutritional needs though diet alone, not supplements.
- Mothers should breastfeed their children if possible. There is convincing evidence that breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of both pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer.