When we first heard from the American Cancer Society that 1 in 3 cancer deaths are preventable through nutrition and physical activity, we were shocked – mostly due to the fact that this statistic hasn’t gained more buzz! With multiple studies measuring the link between obesity, nutrition and cancer, the results show that maintaining a healthy weight from adolescence to adulthood is a key factor in reducing your risk of cancer.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we couldn’t think of a better time to share this news with our nutritionally conscious community! According to a study that was published in the Oncologist, the risk of breast cancer is about 1.5 times higher in overweight women, and about 2 times higher in obese women (La Vecchia C). Additionally, a high-fat diet during adolescence can increase the risk of breast cancer later in life (Linos E), further cementing the importance of the our dedication to reducing obesity rates in America. 

Can a Healthy Lifestyle Prevent Cancer?

Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between overweight and obesity to many types of cancer… Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. – World Health Organization

In 2007 alone, there were 84,500 new cases of cancer in the United States that were due to obesity. Using these numbers, along with the existing trend in obesity rates, by the year 2030 the number of obesity-related cancer cases will increase to 500,000! In fact, if every adult were to reduce their BMI by 1% (roughly 2.2 pounds) for an adult of average weight, this would result in the avoidance of around 100,000 of those new cancer cases. (Cancer.gov)

Of course, we aren’t about to let this astounding fact go unnoticed. As a SlimGenics Direct client, you should feel proud and accomplished that you’re already taking proactive steps to reduce your cancer risk with the healthy choices you make each day. We’re so thankful to be part of your journey to “Be the One” to beat cancer!

SlimGenics Direct is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to spread the word for this worthwhile cause.

References:

La Vecchia C, Giordano SH, Hotobagyi GN, Chabner B. Overweight, obesity, diabetes, and risk of breast cancer: interlocking pieces of the puzzle. Oncologist. 2001;16(6)726-9.

Linos E, Willett WC, Cho E, Frazier L. Adolescent diet in relation to breast cancer among premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomakers Prev. Mar 2010;19(3):689-96.