Diet and Cancer

Information about the relationship between diet and cancer is always worth reviewing. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is a cancer charity fostering research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk. AICR interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results.

The AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to Americans. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

An AICR report released November, 2007 focuses on the relationship between exercise, diet and cancer. You can download this tome here . This document may not cause cancer (unless you eat it...) but it will cause back strain!

Here's the summary of recommendations from the AICR:

Diet and cancer are related. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
Cancer and exercise are inversely related. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat).
Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans.
Limit consumption of red meats (beef, pork and lamb). Avoid processed meats.
If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day.
Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
Don't use supplements to protect against cancer.

There's plenty of advice here - all backed up with science.

Exercise and Cancer

Most people would agree that the TAO of the Couch Potato is not going to deliver anti-cancer karma. We're smarter to recognize the relationships between exercise, our diet and health.

Avoiding sugary drinks advice makes sense. It's basic life skills for weight control. Same goes for more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.

AICR's position regarding dietary supplements is interesting. Research indicates supplements may actually inhibit the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food.

An opinion poll released by the AICR in mid-November, 2007 notes that only 49% of respondents identified poor diet as a contributing cause of cancer. Only 46% linked obesity and cancer.

Interestingly, 71% of respondents thought that pesticides on foods caused cancer, even though there's no scientific link connecting cancer and pesticide residue.

The good news from the American Institute for Cancer Research report is that as individuals we have the ability to moderate our cancer risks by our diets and by being active and fit.

That's the summary for diet and cancer! And don't forget...