The American Cancer Society (ACS) has issued a new set of guidelines for 2012 (the first since 2006) for the prevention of cancer. There are four--each of them with a number of additional supportive tips. They are:
WEIGHT: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life
-- Try to be lean without becoming underweight
-- No matter one's age, avoid excess weight gain
--To maintain the healthy weight, limit one's intake of high-calorie items and try to do regular physical exercise.
LIFESTYLE: Adopt a physically active lifestyle
-- Adults should aim for 2.5 hours of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
-- Children and teens should aim for one hour every day, and three days a week, it should be vigorous.
-- Cut down on sitting around and types of 'screen-based entertainment'
DIET: Eat a healthy diet with a focus on plant foods
-- Portions should contribute to one's healthy weight, not too small and not too much
-- Limit how much processed and red meat is in one's diet
-- Aim for 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables each day
-- Prefer whole grains over refined grains and refined grain products
ALCOHOL: Limit your intake!
-- Women should aim for no more than 1 drink per day. Men should aim for no more than 2.
The new ACS guidelines were published in the society's journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and be viewed here: American Cancer Society guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention.
