Exercise and proper diet play a critical role in preventing
cancer, according to a review of scientific studies and a statement
issued jointly by four professional dietary organizations.
Dennis Savaiano, dean of Purdue University's School of Consumer
and Family Sciences (www.cfs.purdue.edu ), West Lafayette, Ind.,
and chairman of FANSA, the Food and Nutrition Science Alliance,
said that about one-third of cancer cases are related to poor diet
and lack of exercise. The other two-thirds result from smoking and
genetic or other factors.
``Most Americans are already aware of the detrimental effects of
smoking,'' said Savaiano, ``but the rate of obesity and poor diet
in this country are cause for alarm.''
FANSA, a joint committee of the American Dietetic Association
(www.eatright.org ), the American Society for Nutritional Sciences
(www.faseb.org/ain ) the American Society for Clinical Nutrition
(www.faseb.org/asns ) and the Institute of Food Technologists
(www.ift.org ), issued a statement outlining steps that can be
taken to lower cancer risk.
Recommendations include: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables,
grains and legumes; avoiding empty calories from processed foods
high in fat and/or sugar; exercising regularly; and limiting or
abstaining from alcohol. Savaiano added that consumers should not
let fear of pesticide residues deter them from eating fruits and
vegetables because the benefits of eating these foods appear to
outweigh any potential risk.
In his review of the scientific literature, Savaiano found that
the impact of good diet and exercise varies among types of cancers.
In skin cancer, he said, the sun is the major cancer component.
Breast cancer seems to be less related to diet and exercise.
Development of colon cancer, however, can be strongly related to
diet, said Savaiano.
The objective of the review, according to Savaiano, was to raise
awareness concerning the huge impact of preventative approaches to
cancer.
Savaiano attributed Americans' trouble in following a healthier
lifestyle to a number of factors, including lack of knowledge on
how to implement specific actions and a lack of market forces aimed
at creating consumer demand for a healthy lifestyle. He added that
long workdays have added to the difficulty, with many people opting
for takeout and fast-food meals because they are convenient.
``A lot of human suffering can be prevented,'' said Savaiano, if
more of a preventative approach to cancer is taken.
Colleen Doyle, director of nutrition and physical activity at
the
American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org ) agreed that diet plays
a ``critical'' role in cancer prevention. The review is important,
she said, because its message is that one-third of all cancer
deaths are preventable. The ACS has been trying to get the diet and
exercise message out through its nutrition guidelines, said Doyle.
While Doyle emphasized the need to avoid high fat meats, such as
red meat, pork and beef, and to eat a lot of plant-based foods, she
explained that the key to healthy eating is not necessarily
forbidding oneself to eat any kind of high fat food. Rather, the
ACS stresses a balanced diet with a focus on moderation when it
comes to eating less healthful foods. Alcohol, as well, should be
consumed only in moderation.
Physical activity, Doyle continued, simply means being active.
``You don't have to run a marathon,'' she said. ``Just get off the
couch.''
