Health

Healthy Lifestyle May Prevent 1 in 3 Common Cancers

by Terri Potratz | February 26, 2009 at 09:45 am

342 views | 8 Recommendations | 8 comments

A new report from the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research has found that roughly a third of common adult cancers in the US are preventable.

Simply maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active and minimizing body fat can help prevent the following cancers:

38% of breast cancers

45% of colorectal cancers

36% of lung cancers

39% of pancreatic cancers

47% of stomach cancers

69% of esophageal cancers

63% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, or larynx

70% of endometrial cancers

24% of kidney cancers

21% of gallbladder cancers

15% of liver cancers

11% of prostate cancers

The study didn't even take into account the significant drop in cancer rates among non-smokers. As a result of these findings, the WCRF and AICR have compiled healthy living suggestions for schools, governments, and other major institutions:

New developments should be designed to encourage walking and cycling.

Government and school cafeterias should provide healthy foods and drinks.

Food and drink industries should price healthy fare competitively with other products and stop promoting sugary drinks and unhealthy foods to kids.

Workplaces should have policies and environments that are supportive of breastfeeding.

Media should promote cancer prevention and flag misleading cancer claims.

There are many other risk factors associated with cancer risk, such as geneology, but the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle are far-reaching and simple to implement.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | Digg | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

aelusive

at 10:58 on February 26th, 2009

This is a no brainer. But thanks for teh reminder.

gary woody photography

at 17:59 on February 26th, 2009

The Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure", held in downtown Denver, CO, on October 5, 2008, drew upwards of 62,000 participants. The event raised over $2 million.

There is no way to adequately describe the atmosphere. Folks ranging in age between infant and octogenarian donned their running / walking shoes, smiled broadly, and began the trek.

62,000 motivated individuals with a united plan. It was a moving experience, literally and figuratively. Here is a link to ABC News in Denver:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/17628957/detail.html

gary woody photography has contributed a photo to this story.

mcwheat

at 20:31 on February 26th, 2009

I am a four year breast cancer survivor. I received this Canadian quarter that commemorates breast cancer research as part of a swap on Ravelry, the online knitting community.

mcwheat has contributed a photo to this story.

GustineStreetGlass

at 06:34 on February 27th, 2009

Breast cancer touches so many lives.... I made this Breast Cancer Awareness Suncatcher at the request of a survivor.

GustineStreetGlass has contributed a photo to this story.

cidaroan

at 18:49 on February 27th, 2009

This is actually a craft project I started and have done several different color ribbons to represent the different kinds of cancer. It is very important for people to understand what they can do for themselves to promote healthy living. Unfortunately some find out to late.
This photo is for them, in their memory.

cidaroan has contributed a photo to this story.

Media_USA

at 14:13 on March 1st, 2009

Drove by the state capitol last year and took this 'cool' picture.

Media_USA has contributed a photo to this story.

Tabor College

at 10:10 on March 4th, 2009

Tabor College promoted breast cancer research and awareness night with a Pink Out, Saturday, Feb. 14, at the men’s women’s basketball games.

Both teams wore commemorative pink-warm up T-shirts in honor of the occasion, and the community and fans attending the games were asked to show their support by wearing pink to the games.

Tabor College is a Christian, 4 year liberal arts college located in Hillsboro Kansas. Learn more at www.tabor.edu.

Tabor College has contributed a photo to this story.