Cancer prevention- Cut those calories

  • By Andy Hart, M.D. Holmes Family Medicine Northeast Ohio Bariatric Medicine Pomerene Hospital
  • April 12, 2010
  • 481
                        
The word “cancer” is the last thing most patients want to hear from their health care provider. Although many cancers are treatable, a few simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce our risk of some of the most common types of cancers. Colon cancer is the most common form of cancer among non-smoking adults (when both men and women are combined). Colon cancer appears to be more common in adults who eat diets high in red meats and saturated fats. Fiber seems to have a protective effect against colon cancer. Eating a low meat, high vegetable diet which is lower in some saturated fats may significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer. It is still important to have regular screening for colon cancer, regardless of how you may change your diet. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is more common in overweight women. Diets high in saturated fats may slightly increase the risk of invasive breast cancer, but this effect has been modest at best. More importantly, cut your calories and increase your exercise so that you can maintain a healthy body weight, which has been clearly shown to lower your risk of cancer. The other good news for women who have already had breast cancer is that weight loss can also significantly reduce your risk of recurrence. Prostate cancer has been a growing concern for men as they get older. While nutritional links to prostate cancer have been difficult to prove, it does appear that in countries where men eat more fat in the diet prostate cancer rates are higher. Healthy omega-3 fats (like fish oil) don’t seem to increase this risk. Obesity may also increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. So what is the most important step in cancer prevention? Cut your calories. Science has clearly shown that obesity is the most dangerous risk factor for increasing your cancer risk. Start keeping a diary of everything your put in your mouth and you may discover some amazing things about your diet. Chances are, you will find weight loss less difficult if you monitor your eating habits carefully. If you still can’t lose weight, see the help of a weight loss professional (like a registered dietician or bariatric physician) who can provide professional guidance to help your efforts. And don’t forget to eat your veggies - at least five servings every day.


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