The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research just completed an extensive 571 page report showing a strong link between lifestyle and cancer.  A group of 21 researchers evaluated 7000 studies over a 5 year period to conclude the findings. Many believe this was the most comprehensive evaluation of studies ever to link lifestyle choices to cancer.  Therefore, it leads me to believe there is something strong here.

The panelists found what they consider “convincing evidence” that walking around with extra weight particularly in the midsection may lead to many unwanted cancers including kidney, colon, uterus, pancreatic, and even post menopausal breast cancer.

All this information is of no great surprise. We have known for all along that eating a diet of red meat, and gaining excess body fat can possible cause us trouble. It is just like smoking. There is very strong evidence linking smoking to many unwanted health challenges.  Therefore, the research report really drives home the point that we, as consumers, need to take personal responsiblity for our health. What we do, daily, can, and will make a difference!

What I mean by personal responsiblity is limit the amount of red meat you eat, exercise on a regular basis, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume. You owe yourself the best chance to living a healthy life.

The report estimated around 40 percent of cancers are linked to excess body fat, food, and lack of exercise.

Should you give up red meat completely? I don’t think that is necessary. However, it is important to limit it by eating it maybe once or twice a week. That is what I define as limiting. Just don’t go out and consume red meat five days a week, year after year. You are putting yourself at risk of heart disease, cancer, and obesity.

You are probably going to hear the meat industry come out and say there are other factors besides red meat that contribute to cancer.  It is a statement to protect the meat industries financial status. Here we go again putting dollars in front of health. A statement such as this is true. There are also other components which can cause cancer such as genetics, and environment. However, I don’t think the meat industry will come out and say limit your consumption of meat because, if you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk for developing cancer.

 To make a long story short moderation is the key to things that are shown to contribute to the breakdown of health. It is our personal responsibility to do so. Control the things that you can control.

To access this 571 page report visit diet and cancer report.

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