Global Cancer Prevention Report Comment

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 02 Mar 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Dr Michelle Harvie works for Genesis - the breast cancer prevention charity - and is the only UK dietician working solely in the field of breast cancer research. She commented:

"Estimating the number of cases of cancer that could be prevented by improving lifestyle choices is extremely complex - figures may be overestimated because key factors, such as weight gain, lack of exercise and a healthy lifestyle are often interlinked. Previous figures have suggested that approximately 30% of breast cancer may be preventable through adopting a healthy lifestyle.

"The Global Cancer report does highlight an important message that a healthy lifestyle - specifically weight control and taking regular exercise - can help to reduce the chances of developing many forms of cancers. A lower risk of developing this disease is just one in a long list of health benefits that come by choosing a healthy lifestyle.

"These findings should not alarm the public, especially the 80,000 people diagnosed with breast and bowel cancer each year in the UK. It is impossible to determine the exact causes of cancer in an individual - this can be a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors. For patients who have been diagnosed, however, it is important to keep up, or adopt a healthy lifestyle, as this is also regarded as an effective way of limiting the chances of recurrence."

Notes

- The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet by Dr Michelle Harvie draws on evidence from Genesis' researchers and from other specialists in nutrition, cancer prevention and genetics, to explain how women can take control of their lives and limit their risk of developing the disease.

- Only 5% of breast cancer is directly linked to high risk genes. Recent research findings suggest that controlling weight and making wise diet and exercise decisions can reduce your risk by as much as 40%.

- The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet looks at evidence from controlled clinical trials and explains in clear, easy-to-understand language how women can improve their health and reduce their risk of breast cancer through a healthy diet and exercise.

Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet

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