American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention
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The American Cancer Society (ACS) published detailed guidelines to help prevent cancer and maintain a healthy lifestyle. ACS goes on to say, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease. People with cancer also often experience physical effects (from cancer itself and from treatment), distress, and a lower quality of life. Quality of life can also be affected for family members, caregivers, and friends of people with cancer.
For most Americans who do not use tobacco, the most important cancer risk factors that can be changed are body weight, diet, and physical activity. At least 18% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented.
Along with avoiding tobacco products, staying at a healthy weight, staying active throughout life, and eating a healthy diet may greatly reduce a person's lifetime risk of developing or dying from cancer. These same behaviors are also linked with a lower risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
Keep your weight within the healthy range and avoid weight gain in adult life.
Be physically active.
Adults: Get 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or exceeding the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal.
Children and teens: Get at least 1 hour of moderate or vigorous intensity activity each day.
Limit sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching TV, and other forms of screen-based entertainment.
Follow a healthy eating pattern at all ages.
Foods that are high in nutrients in amounts that help you get to and stay at a healthy body weight
A variety of vegetables – dark green, red and orange, fiber-rich legumes (beans and peas), and others
Fruits, especially whole fruits in a variety of colors
Whole grains
A healthy eating pattern limits or does not include:
Red and processed meats
Sugar-sweetened beverages
Highly processed foods and refined grain products
It is best not to drink alcohol.
People who do choose to drink alcohol should have no more than 1 drink per day for women or 2 drinks per day for men.
Campbell County Health Heptner Cancer Center is here to help educate about, diagnosis and treat cancer. If you are or a loved one is needing more information or wants to inquire about treatment, call 307.688.1900 or visit our website: The Heptner Cancer Center at Campbell County Memorial Hospital (cchwyo.org)
Source: American Cancer Society Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity