By Joel Burgess
Recently, the World Cancer Research Fund carried out the largest-ever inquiry into lifestyle and cancer, and issued several stark recommendations. No new research was involved in this report; rather, the research panel examined 7,000 existing studies conducted over the previous five years. The result, in theory, is the most comprehensive investigation ever into the risks of certain lifestyle choices and cancer.
Report author Professor Martin Wiseman states: “Cancer is not a fate, it is a matter of risk, and you can adjust those risks by how you behave. It is very important that people feel that they are in control of what they do.”
Actually, two-thirds of cancer cases are thought to be unrelated to lifestyle, and little can be done to prevent the disease in these circumstances. Nevertheless, more than three million of the 10 million cases of cancer diagnosed across the world each year could be prevented if the recommendations were followed, according to Professor Wiseman.
Recommendations
Body fat is a key factor in the development of cancer, and amassing findings from the former studies suggests its significance is much higher than previously thought. The other key findings included avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, and not eating bacon or ham.
Additional recommendations:
1.) Limit red meat
2.) Avoid other processed meats
3.) Avoid weight gain after age 21
4.) Exercise every day
5.) Breastfeed children
6.) Do not take dietary supplements to cut cancer
Body Mass Index
Presuming that body fat is indeed a primary factor in developing cancer, where do you rate? Doctors use body mass index (BMI) as a way to assess whether an individual needs to lose weight. The calculation is based on comparing a person’s weight with their body height. It applies equally to men and women.
Follow this link to calculate your BMI: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/healthy_living/your_weight/bmiimperial_index.shtml (You’ll have to convert stones to pounds. One stone is 14 pounds, so 200 Ibs = roughly 14 stones, 3lbs.
A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and one 30 or above is considered obese. People with a BMI between 19 and 22 live longest. Death rates are noticeably higher for people with indexes 25 and above.
The BMI is not infallible. For instance, it is possible for a healthy, muscular athlete with very low body fat to be classified obese using the BMI formula. If you are a trained athlete, your weight based on your measured percent body fat would be a better indicator of what you should weigh.
Click here to view the report in its entirety: Food, Activity and Prevention of Cancer Report
Source: bbc.com