A Cancer Prevention Diet

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over 70% of cancers could be prevented by changes in diet and lifestyle!

WHO Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

1. Maintain weight (among adults) such that BMI is in the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and avoid weight gain (>5 kg) during adult life.
2. Maintain regular physical activity. The primary goal should be to perform physical activity on most days of the week; 60 minutes per day of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, may be needed to maintain healthy body weight in otherwise sedentary people. More vigorous activity, such as fast walking, may give some additional benefits for cancer prevention.
3. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not recommended: if consumed, do not exceed two units per day.
4. Chinese-style fermented salted fish should only be consumed in moderation, especially during childhood. Overall consumption of salt-preserved foods and salt should be moderate.
5. Minimize exposure to aflatoxin in foods.
6. Have a diet which includes at least 400 g per day of total fruits and vegetables.
7. Those who are not vegetarian are advised to moderate consumption of preserved meat (e.g. sausages, salami, bacon, ham).
8. Do not consume foods or drinks when they are at a very hot (scalding hot) temperature.

Cancer and Lifestyle

• 30-35% of cancers are related to dietary factors
• sedentarism is an important cause of cancer
• 30% of cancers are related to smoking
• obesity is related to 14-20% of cancers in the US
• alcohol is resposible for about 3% of cancer deaths
• environmental factors, such as pollution and radiation, are contributors to cancer
• an estimated 90% of colorectal cancers could be prevented by colonoscopy and other early detection testes
• early detection can decrease mortality by cervical, prostate and breast cancer.

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