Experts have often recommended a healthful diet and regular exercise to lower the risk of cancer. Statistics reveal that one third of all cancer deaths are due to an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Now studies presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Second Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research report that a healthful diet and exercise may be even more effective in preventing cancer than previously expected.
Regular exercise has many health benefits including weight loss and maintenance, physical and cardiovascular fitness, and a decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend regular, moderate-intensity physical activity (aerobics) for at least thirty minutes, most days of the week.
One study presented at the conference found that increased physical activity in women who were not obese was linked to lower breast density and a reduced risk of breast cancer. Women with dense breast tissue have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense breast tissue. "This information provides further evidence of the many benefits of regular exercise that could be used to motivate women to be more physically active," says lead author Melinda Irwin, Ph.D., MPH, of Yale University and Yale Cancer Center, in a news release.
A high intake of fruits and vegetables (five or more servings daily) has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, including cancers of the breast, lung, mouth, esophagus, stomach, and colon. Another study presented at the conference found that women who eat four or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily reduce breast cancer risk by half. "This study provides further evidence that low fruit and vegetable intake in the Western diet may be a major risk factor in developing breast cancer," says lead author Jackilen Shannon, Ph.D., R.D., member of the OHSU Cancer Institute, in a news release. "Women should modify their diet to include more fruits and vegetables to help prevent breast cancer."
Other research suggests that the type of fat in the diet, as compared to the amount of fat, may be most effective in cancer prevention. Saturated fats and trans fats in the diet have been linked with an increased risk of cancer including cancer of the colon and prostate. Saturated fats are found in fatty meats, butter, lard, and whole fat dairy. Trans fats are found in deep-fried foods, fast foods, margarine and baked goods containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. To reduce the risk of cancer, experts recommend eating lean meats and low-fat dairy products, and substituting canola oil and olive oil for butter or lard.
REFERENCES:
1. Frank A. Lifestyle changes clinically effective. EurekAlert!:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-10/aafc-1cc102503.php
2. MacKnight R. OHSU study shows four daily servings of fruits & vegetables reduce breast cancer risk by half. EurekAlert!: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-10/ohs-oss102403.php
3. Byers T, Doyle C. Diet, Physical Activity and Cancer....What's the Connection? 24hourFitness:
http://www.24hourfitness.com/html/nutrition/articles_p/cancer_cnxn
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on June 19, 2006 02:31 PM
