Diet and Exercise Reduce Cancer Risk

International experts reported today that weight, diet and exercise can reduce the risk of cancer. Also, panel member Walter Willett of Harvard University said that research shows mothers who nurse their newborns may reduce their risk of cancer as well.

“Our report found convincingly that mothers who breastfeed reduce their own chances of developing pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. This benefit of breastfeeding is probably related to hormonal factors,” he said.

Researchers said that people should be lean without being dangerously underweight. They recommend a mostly vegetarian diet with only 500 grams of red meat per week. Also, at least one 30 minute brisk walk per day.

Phillip James, of the report’s other co-sponsor, the World Cancer Research Fund, says exercise helps in two ways. “And it’s become fairly clear that that has a double bonus: intrinsically it’s beneficial, and it also helps to keep our weight down.”

Experts have been saying since the 80’s that one-third of all cancers are preventable.