The American Cancer Society has recently updated their guidelines on diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. The guidelines serve as evidence-based recommendations individuals can take to reduce their risk of cancer. The key recommendations include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight throughout the lifespan
- Engage in physical activity as follows:
- 150-300 minutes or more per week of moderate intensity -OR-
- 75-150 minutes or more per week of high intensity
- For children/adolescents: 60 minutes or more per day of moderate or high intensity
- Keeping a healthy diet that limits or does not include:
- Red and/or processed meats
- Beverages with added sugar
- Highly-processed foods and refined grain products
- Avoiding alcohol or limiting alcohol consumption as follows:
- For women: No more than 1 drink per day
- For men: No more than 2 drinks per day
The guidelines also included actions the broader community can take such as increasing the accessibility of fresh and affordable foods, spaces for community exercise and leisure physical activity, and much more. Finally, the guidelines conclude with answers to common questions about cancer and cancer prevention such as the role of supplements, special diets and food preparation.
More information can be found here.