Lose the Extra Pounds if You Want to Cut Your Risk of Cancer

A study by The World Cancer Research Fund has constructed the largest inquiry into lifestyle and cancer and has warned that even those who are not overweight should slim down if they want to cut their risk of cancer. Several of the stark recommendations include not gaining weight as an adult, avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, and not eating bacon or ham. It is commonly believed that the Body Mass Index scores for a healthy weight are between 18.5 and 25. But the study says cancer risk increases as a person approaches the 25 mark and everyone should be as close to the lower end as possible. According to the examination of 7,000 existing studies over five years, researchers estimate that body fat is a much more significant factor in the development of cancer than previously thought.

Head author of the study, 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 in control of what they do." The report claims that breast and colon cancer are some of the most common forms of the disease and convincing evidence supports the role body fat plays in their development.

For colorectal cancers, researchers say people should stop eating processed meats like ham, bacon, and salami and limit consumption of red meat to 500g a week. All alcohol should be avoided for cancer prevention, although researchers supported drinking small amounts that could protect against other diseases.

Sugary drinks should be avoided and fruit juice consumption should be reduced to reduce calorie intake. Lifestyle changes do not happen overnight, but knowing what avoid should help in deciding to phase out certain food preferences and introduce healthier options.