The "Prevention Triangle": Exercise, Weight Control & Healthy Diet

We would love to be told that eating one particular food will prevent cancer but it is unlikely that such a food exists. It is more likely that a combination of good foods may have a preventive effect. Studies over the years have looked at our diets and what foods, if any, will lead to a lower risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed foods have all been promoted as reducing cancer risk. Unfortunately, studies have not consistently proven this to be true. Expert panels state that a diet high in fruits and vegetables "probably" reduces cancer risk, but we just don't know for sure.

However, a healthy diet plays an important role in a sort of "triangle" of cancer prevention. A healthy diet, combined with regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight makes up this triangle that has been shown to reduce cancer risk. This triangle is thought to be the second most important step, after not smoking, to prevent cancer. An estimated 20-30% of cancers could be prevented if people incorporated the triangle into their lifestyle!

While what we eat is probably linked to cancer development, being overweight and having a diet high in fat is clearly related to the development of 13 cancer types. These include breast cancer (in postmenopausal women), cancers of the colon, rectum, endometrium (uterus), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, liver, prostate, and multiple myeloma. For cancer survivors, a healthy weight and regular physical activity are linked to lower rates of recurrence for several types of cancer, including breast and colon. Bodyweight is evaluated using body mass index or BMI, which is your body weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters, squared. Experts define a healthy BMI to be 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, a BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 to be overweight and a BMI over 30 kg/m2 to be obese.

The third part of the triangle is physical activity, which studies have found can reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, and endometrium (uterine). How much activity are we talking about? Experts feel that somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes per day of "moderate to vigorous" activity is needed to impact cancer risk. Moderate activity is the equivalent of a brisk walk, whereas vigorous activities increase heart and breathing rates.

Add to this a “sedentary” lifestyle – one that does not include much physical activity. You may exercise a few times a week, but spend many hours sitting at a computer or watching TV. Your risk of many cancers may be higher because of this. Try taking a walk every hour, using a standing desk, or taking the stairs to your lunch break. Any way you can lessen the sedentary time and get some activity is helpful.

Wonder how to get started with an exercise regimen? Make it fun and set reasonable goals. Find a friend to be a walking partner- you can motivate each other and make the walk more enjoyable. Vary the setting; try a park or public garden, use the mall when weather is bad, get creative and keep it interesting! Want to pick up the pace? Look into local gyms and workout groups, yoga, pilates, and swim clubs or YMCAs. Start with an attainable goal- if you haven't ever exercised, a walk through the neighborhood is a start. Keep increasing your intensity (walk faster, carry weights) and/or distance over time. You should discuss your plans with your healthcare provider to be sure your exercise plan is safe for you. 

Resources to Learn More About How Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight are Related to Cancer

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of developing cancer. These three components make up the "cancer prevention triangle". They are strongly interrelated and working to improve one can often lead to improvements in another. Use the links below to learn more about this prevention triangle and ways to work towards a healthier you.

• Eat Healthy and Get Active at the American Cancer Society website.
• Reduce Your Cancer Risk at the American Institute for Cancer Research.
• American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention.
• The US Department of Health & Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines.
• NIH AARP Diet & Health Study: a study developed at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health to improve our understanding of the relationship between diet and health.
• The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer & Nutrition (EPIC): A large study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer investigating the relationships between diet, nutritional status, lifestyle and environmental factors and the incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases.