Ten Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

February is Cancer Prevention Month.  Research suggests that many of the most common U.S. cancer cases never have to happen and The American Institute for Cancer Research says about 50% of cancers are preventable!  Follow these simple lifestyle changes to reduce your cancer risk. 

1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.  Limit sedentary behavior.
3. Avoid sugary drinks and limit consumption of energy- dense foods. 
4. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes such as beans. 
5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats. 
6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 per day for men and 1 per day for women.
7. Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
8. Don’t rely on supplements to protect against cancer.
9. New Mothers:  Breastfeed babies exclusively for up to 6 months and then add other liquids and foods. 
10. Cancer survivors:  After treatment follow the recommendations for cancer prevention. 

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, moving more and staying lean are the best ways to reduce cancer, and the good news is that doing these three things will also help prevent obesity and other chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.  Visit AICR.org for more information on #cancerprevention.  

Published February 1, 2018