Healthy Eating and Cancer

  Healthy diet with regular exercise is a core strategy for cancer prevention and maintenance of healthy body mass.  The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) has a long history of reviewing and evaluating research evidence on the relationship between diet, exercise and cancer.  The WCRF/AICR 2007 expert report, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, and Cancer Prevention: A Global Perspective, is the most recent and comprehensive analysis of the diet, exercise, and cancer relationship in the literature.  The report gives several evidence-based medical recommendations on cancer prevention.  The WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations include: lose as much weight as possible without losing too much weight exercise at least 30 minutes a day avoid sugary drinks and limit energy-dense foods (especially processed foods that are high in sugar or low in fiber or high in fat) eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes limit red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats limit alcohol consumption limit salt (such as pork, pork and lamb) and eat a variety of other foods Limit alcohol consumption Limit salt (sodium) intake Do not use supplements to prevent cancer Recommendations for special populations: Prefer exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months before adding other foods Cancer patients should follow cancer prevention recommendations after receiving treatment