10 Lifestyle Tips for Cancer Prevention

Diet, Activity Recommendations May Reduce the Risk of Cancer, Experts Say


By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Oct. 28, 2008 -- Looking for ways to cut your risk of developing cancer? Here's a list of 10 diet and activity recommendations highlighted this week in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association (ADA)

• Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.


• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.


• Avoid sugary drinks, and limit consumption of high-calorie foods, especially those low in fiber and rich in fat or added sugar.


• Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes (such as beans).
  
• Limit consumption of red meats (including beef, pork, and lamb) and avoid processed meats.


• If you drink alcohol, limit your daily intake to two drinks for men and one drink for women.


• Limit consumption of salty foods and food processed with salt (sodium).


• Don't use supplements to try to protect against cancer.


• It's best for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods.
  
• After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.