International cancer study provides food for thought for Canadians to rethink lifestyle, says Canadian Cancer Society

01  November  2007
TORONTO -

Mounting evidence outlined in a ground-breaking report released today in Washington, D.C. links diet, exercise and body weight to cancer risk, notes the Canadian Cancer Society. 

“The report by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research shows that the evidence is more and more convincing about how we live, what we eat and our individual risk of cancer,” says Heather Logan, Director, Cancer Control Policy and Information, Canadian Cancer Society. “These are issues we have been promoting for some time.”

“Focusing on the 10 recommendations outlined in the 500-page study, we support the emphasis that maintaining a reasonable body weight, being physically active, and making healthy food choices are positive steps to reducing one’s risk of developing cancer.”

Ms. Logan was commenting on Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective issued by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research today at a news conference in Washington D.C.   The report is available at www.dietandcancerreport.org.

The Society notes that a combination of supportive public policy that encourages Canadians to make healthy choices, easy choices, and individual behaviour, will position Canadians for a more healthy future.

“As we move into the winter months, Canadians are particularly challenged by weather conditions and the ability to afford fresh fruit and vegetables,” continues Ms. Logan. “Exercising presents a double benefit in that it allows Canadians to reach and maintain a healthy body weight and being active has a proven advantage of reducing your cancer risk.”

While fresh fruits and vegetables are the best choice, Ms. Logan observed that these are not always available to all Canadians at an affordable price. Substitutes are frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables. “It’s best that Canadians continue to have some fruit and vegetables in their diet, rather than none at all.”

“While today’s report recommends that people around the world not rely on supplements, like vitamins,” adds Heather Chappell, Senior Manager, Cancer Control Policy, “We note there’s an exception for Vitamin D and people who are not exposed to sufficient sunlight.”

The Society continues to recommend that Canadian adults should consider taking Vitamin D supplementation of 1,000 international units (IU) a day during the fall and winter.

Adults at higher risk of having lower Vitamin D levels should consider taking Vitamin D supplementation of 1,000 IU/day all year round. This includes people: who are older; or have dark skin; or who don’t go outside often, or who wear clothing that covers most of their skin.

In conclusion, the Society noted it will be reviewing the report in more detail in the coming weeks and months. In particular, it will be considering recommendations specifically focused on childhood as well as cancer survivors.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters researchon diet and cancer and educates the public about the results. AICRalso provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

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For more information, please contact:

Alexa Giorgi

Bilingual Communications Specialist

Canadian Cancer Society, National office

Phone:  (416) 934-5338

Christine Koserski

Sr. Coordinator, Media Relations

Ontario Division

Phone:  (416) 488-5402 x2305