12/26/07

We now have the most compelling evidence to date that excess body fat, processed red meats, and alcohol are all linked to cancer development. Nine independent teams of scientists from around the world, including 21 international experts, concluded that body fat is convincingly linked to six separate cancers.

I have been advocating cancer prevention through nutrition for more than a decade, and multiple studies have substantiated my claims. But now—finally—the most comprehensive study ever performed has clearly linked cancer risk and dietary intake. The landmark report illustrates that the known link between excess body fat and the risk of developing cancer is far greater than previously understood. While ten years ago the study linked diet and cancer prevention, this latest study specifically reports a compelling amount of evidence linking diet to a total of six cancers. Two leading cancer research groups, the World Cancer Research Fund International and the American Institute for Cancer Research, sponsored the study.

Researchers evaluated over 7,000 studies published worldwide since 1960. The study, which took five years, found that high body fat is a direct cause of such cancers as colon, kidney, pancreas, esophagus, uterine, and breast cancer. In fact, becoming as lean as possible and eating less of foods and drinks that promote weight gain, are among the top three recommendations of the study.

We know that excess body fat does affect hormone and growth factor levels in the body. These hormones can influence the development of cancer cells. Estrogen levels are elevated in obese patients, thus increasing the risk of cancer that is fueled by estrogen, such as estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. According to the Chairman of the International Obesity Task Force, obesity is considered a "low-grade inflammatory state" that can promote cancer and other ailments.

The study's recommendations for weight control include physical activity, and eating sparingly or completely avoiding fast food. The following are among the report's ten recommendations:

• Avoid sugary sodas, processed foods that are low in fiber or high in sugar or fat, and processed meats such as cured, smoked, salted or chemically preserved products, including ham, bacon, and hot dogs. Limit red meat.
• Alcoholic beverages: a limit of two drinks a day for men, and one for women. Unfortunately, even small amounts of alcohol intake seem to increase cancer risk.
• Strive to maintain optimal weight, and be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight.
• Try to get protective nutrients from whole foods, and not from supplements.
• Limit salt intake.

It is indeed reassuring to know that people have significant control over their risk factors for developing certain types of cancer. Moreover, by following these same recommendations for cancer prevention, cancer survivors can also reduce their risk of recurrence, says the study's panel. Now that our beliefs have been validated by significant scientific research, let's continue to promote healthy eating and healthy living in our community.

Reference:
World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research.
Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective.
Washington DC: AICR, 2007