American Cancer Society Promotes Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention

The American Cancer Society (cancer.org/healthy) stated that, for Americans who do not use tobacco, the most important cancer risk factors that can be changed are body weight, diet, and physical activity. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. are related to body fatness, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented. Although our genes influence our risk of cancer, most of the difference in cancer risk between people is due to factors that are not inherited. Avoiding tobacco products, staying at a healthy weight, staying active throughout life, and eating a healthy diet may greatly reduce a person’s lifetime risk of developing or dying from cancer. Community efforts are needed to create an environment that makes it easier for us to make healthy choices when it comes to diet and physical activity. Get the facts at cancer.org/healthy.