The Relationship Between Diet and Cancer

The Relationship Between Diet and Cancer

Today we know that too much of a certain type of foods can have harmful

effects on our health and well-being and we are learning that diseases such as

cancer are caused in part by our dietary choices.

In the 1950's scientists discovered relationship between diet and

coronary heart disease, the nations number one killer. In the last 15 year a

link between cancer and diet has been discovered by scientists.

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), an organization of the nation's

foremost scientists found evidence so persuasive that in their landmark report

Diet, Nutrition and Cancer of 1982 they insisted Americans to begin changing

their diets to reduce their risk of developing cancer. The results of the study

were supported by later research done by NAS, the Surgeon General, Department of

Agriculture and Health and Human Services, and the National Institute of Health.

Based mainly on the study by NAS done in 1982, the American Institute

for Cancer Research (AICR) devised a guideline with four parts to help lower

people's risk of developing cancer. The guidelines have been updated since then

to reflect recent research on the link.

The AICR guidelines are:

1. Reduce the intake of total dietary fat to a level of no more than 30%

of total calories and, in particular, reduce the intake of saturated fat to less

than 10% of total calories.

2. Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables ...