Nutrition and Cancer Prevention

Numerous studies have linked nutritional factors with a risk for developing several types of cancer, and as a risk for recurrence and likelihood of survival when someone has developed cancer. The cancers most strongly associated with nutritional factors include cancer of the breast, prostate, colon and rectum, oral cavity, lung, endometrium, and cervix.

Nutritional factors inlcude:

• Relative body weight
• Essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Other compounds in foods that are not nutrients but have biological effects

Scientists concur that current evidence supports the following basic nutritional guidelines, as sumarized by the American Cancer Society:

Maintain a healthy weight

• Balance caloric intake with physical activity
• Avoid excessive weight gain throughout your life
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if you're currently overweight or obese

Adopt a physically active lifestyle

• Adults: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (above your usual activities) at least 5 days a week. (Engaging in 45-60 minutes of intentional physical activity is even better.)
• Children and adolescents: Engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least 5 days a week. Limit screen time (TV, computer, games) to 2 hours a day or fewer.

Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources

• Choose food and drinks in amounts that achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day
• Choose whole grains before processed (refined) grains
• Limit consumption of processed and red meats
• If you drink alcohol, consumer no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men