Because people are interested in the relationship that specific foods, nutrients, or lifestyle factors have
to specific cancers, research on health behaviors and cancer risk is often reported on the news. No one study, however, provides the last word on any subject, and single news reports may put too much emphasis on what appear to be contradictory or conflicting results.
In brief news stories, reporters cannot always put new research findings in their proper context. Therefore, it is rarely, if ever, advisable to change diet or activity levels based on a single study or news report. The following questions and answers address common concerns about diet and physical activity in relation
to cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
- Balance calorie intake with physical activity.
- Avoid excessive weight gain throughout life.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight if currently overweight or obese.
Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
- Adults: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week; 45 to 60 minutes of intentional physical activity are preferable.
- Children and adolescents: Engage in at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous
physical activity at least 5 days per week.
Eat a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant sources.
- Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.
- Choose whole grains over processed (refined) grains.
- Limit intake of processed and red meats.
If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake.
- Drink no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 per day for men.
ACS recommendation for community action:
Public, private, and community organizations should work to create social and physical environments
that help people adopt and maintain healthful nutrition and physical activity behaviors.
- Increase access to healthful foods in schools, worksites, and communities.
- Provide safe, enjoyable spaces for physical activity in schools.
- Provide for safe, physically active transportation (such as biking and walking) and recreation
in communities.
For more information:
Nutrition/Physical Activity 2008.ppt
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