With more than 64 percent of the U.S. population either overweight or obese, obesity has become the norm. According to the National Cancer Institute's estimates, approximately 41,000 of the cancers diagnosed in 2002 were due to obesity. Obesity also impacts cancer survivorship, increasing cancer mortality. Though research linking diet and cancer is incomplete, there are studies indicating clear relationships between diet, obesity and cancer.
Cancers Linked with Obesity
Colon, kidney, endometrium, esophageal and postmenopausal breast cancer are all increased in those overweight or obese. In addition, the National Cancer Institute indicates that pancreatic, thyroid, gallbladder cervical, ovarian, myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and some prostate cancers may also be linked to obesity as a result of poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.
Add Foods to Prevent Cancer
Diet can help prevent cancer related to obesity. While the research is still unclear, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains has been shown to protect against certain cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends eating a diet rich with plant-based foods, consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains may help maintain a healthy weight, reducing cancer risk associated with obesity.
Limit Foods to Prevent Cancer
The American Dietetic Association recommends reducing foods with refined sugars or those that are high in fat with little nutritional value to reduce cancer risk associated with obesity. While red meat is an excellent source of protein, it has been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. Choose only lean cuts of red meat, and decrease consumption of red meat to less than 18 oz. per week. Decreasing meat portion sizes may also help increase consumption of recommended fruits and vegetables.
Alcohol Consumption Linked to Cancer
While the mechanism of alcohol-induced cancers is still unclear, the American Cancer Society indicates alcohol may increase the risk of certain cancers such as mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and breast cancers. To decrease the risk of cancer associated with alcohol intake, reduce alcohol consumption --- if consumed at all --- to less than two drinks each day for men and one drink each day for women.
Conclusion
While many of the diet variables linked to cancer remain unstudied or inconclusive, there are clear indications a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle lead to excess weight and obesity which increase the risk of certain cancers.
