Colorectal Cancer Called "Most Preventable"

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 12 Mar 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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On the heels of a comprehensive new report showing that colorectal cancer is a highly preventable disease, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is spotlighting the specific changes that could save millions of lives.

According to the AICR Expert Report, risk for colorectal cancer is greatly influenced by everyday choices about diet and physical activity. In fact, colorectal cancer was associated with more dietary and behavioral risk factors than any of the seventeen other cancers studied.

"Of all the cancers analyzed in our report, colorectal cancer has the highest number of modifiable risk factors," said Karen Collins, MS, RD. "That suggests colorectal cancer is the cancer that is most greatly influenced by things like what we eat, how much we move, and how much body fat we carry around."

The AICR report makes it clear that making healthy changes can lower risk for cancer in general, Collins added. "But March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we think the public should be aware that colorectal cancer is likely the most preventable kind. The decisions you make right now, today, can lower your risk and keep it down."

According to the report, the evidence is convincing that the following factors increase risk:

- Carrying excess body fat, especially as a "spare tire"
- Diets high in red and especially processed meat
- Frequent consumption of alcohol

The evidence is also convincing that the following factors decrease risk:

- Getting regular physical activity

Also found to be protective - although the evidence was not as strong as that for physical activity - were the following:

- Diets high in foods containing fiber, such as vegetables, whole grains and beans
- Diets that include garlic
- Diets that include milk to provide adequate calcium

First Steps To Lower Risk: Get Moving

To start lowering your risk for colorectal cancer, the time to act is right now, according to AICR experts. The most important step is to get moving. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program, but once you get the okay, AICR recommends starting with 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity to lower cancer risk. As fitness improves, try to gradually build up to 60 minutes of moderate activity or opt for 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity which will also help prevent weight gain.

In addition to physical activity, a diet makeover may also be in store. When preparing meals, switch it up by focusing on colorful vegetables that enhance your plate and make meat the side item. AICR's Recommendations for Cancer Prevention call for no more than 18 ounces of red meat per week. Not only will this cut back on red meat consumption, but it also encourages people to experiment with new vegetables and alternative options.

Yes, using fruits and vegetables as the central point of a meal decreases meat consumption, but it also increases dietary fiber found in fresh produce. The AICR report judged the evidence probable that dietary fiber protects against colorectal cancer.

By taking steps to choose mostly plant foods, limiting red and processed meat, increasing physical activity and aiming to be a healthy weight throughout life, risk of colorectal cancer decreases and you can transform your health and your life.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and AICR is offering a free brochure with practical tips for taking action to lower risk. Reducing Your Risk of Colon Cancer can be read, downloaded or ordered online at the AICR web site, http://www.aicr.org.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, http://www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

American Institute for Cancer Research