Healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention

Cancer will be diagnosed in one in two men and in one in three women in their lifetimes and rthe second leading cause of death in U.S. adults (1), yet effective lifestyle strategies for reducing risk exist (16). Obesity is a major contributing factor to several types of cancer and is among the most preventable of risk factors. Survival after a diagnosis of cancer has improved considerably in the past decade as our understanding of the biology of this disease is advanced. The improved diagnostic and clinical care for this disease make it a chronic illness and one for which treatment may further compromise health status in relation to bone loss, cardiovascular abnormalities, and/or insulin resistance (17). Physical activity and healthy dietary practices are central to optimizing the health of our growing cancer survivor population. Current recommendations for healthy eating suggest that there is consistency across disease-related health organizations. In fact, control of body weight, increase in vegetable and fruit intake, lowering of fat intake, and promoting higher fiber intake are dietary habits suggested by the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and The American Cancer