Staying slim, avoiding processed meats and alcohol lowers risk, study finds
The following is a summary of the report
LONDON - Keeping slim is one of the best ways of preventing cancer, as is avoiding excessive amounts of red meat and wine, a landmark study has revealed.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said the link between body fat and cancer is closer than generally realized.
It found convincing evidence of a link to six types of cancer, five more than in its last report, 10 years ago. Among the new types are colorectal (bowel) and post-menopausal breast cancer.
Professor Michael Marmot, chair of the panel of 21 eminent scientists who compiled the report, said: "We are recommending that people aim to be as lean as possible within the healthy range, and that they avoid weight gain throughout adulthood."
The report, which selected 7,000 studies from a worldwide pool of 500,000 written since records began in the 1960s, includes five key findings.
Processed meats, alcohol
They are that processed meats, such as ham and bacon, increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and should be eaten sparingly.
Another is the link between red meat and colorectal cancer, for which the evidence is stronger than ever. People should not eat more than 500g (17 ounces) of cooked red meat a week.
A further finding was the strongest evidence yet that alcohol is a cause of cancer. If people must drink, the report said, they should limit their intake to two units a day for a man or one for a woman. A unit is a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine.
"This report is a real milestone in the fight against cancer, because its recommendations represent the most definitive advice on preventing cancer that has ever been available anywhere in the world," said Professor Martin Wiseman, project director of the report.
Reducing risk
Scientists believe there are several reasons for the link between body fat and cancer.
One is the relationship between excess fat and the hormonal balance in the body. Research has shown that fat cells release hormones such as estrogen, which increases the risk of breast cancer, while fat around the waist encourages the body to produce growth hormones, which can increase levels of risk.
Evidence of a link is most convincing for cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, colorectum, endometrium (womb), kidney and post-menopausal breast cancer.
The report makes 10 recommendations including 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, rising to 60 minutes; drinking water rather than sugary drinks; eating fruit, vegetables and fiber and limiting salt consumption.
