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01/09/2009
Lifestyle Change May Prevent Breast Cancer
The biggest ever review of research into lifestyle and breast cancer has confirmed that women can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, being physically active and breastfeeding their children.
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) study, which has been carried out by scientists at Imperial College London, has looked at the evidence on the links between breast cancer and diet, body weight and physical activity.
The study, to be published later this year, is an update to the breast cancer section of the cancer prevention report WCRF published in 2007. The findings on breast cancer in the 2007 report were based on the results of 873 studies, while the updated research has added 81 studies that have been carried out since then.
Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Adviser for WCRF, said: "This study represents the clearest picture we have ever had on how lifestyle affects a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
"This means we are now more sure than ever before that by limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, women can make a significant difference to their risk.
"We estimate over 40% of breast cancer cases in the UK could be prevented just by making these relatively straightforward changes. About 45,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, so it is clear these changes could make a big difference."
Professor Wiseman said there is also convincing evidence that mothers who breastfeed reduce their risk and breastfeeding probably also reduces babies' chances of gaining excess weight as they grow.
Because of the link between body fat and cancer, WCRF recommends people aim to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
The charity also recommends that people are physically active for at least 30 minutes every day and that, if they drink at all, they should limit consumption to two drinks a day for a man and one for a woman. Also, mothers should breastfeed exclusively for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods.
The report on breast cancer is part of the Continuous Update Project, which is a unique project being run by WCRF. The long-term goal is to continuously update the findings of WCRF’s 2007 report so that cancer prevention advice is always based on the latest research.
(GK/KMcA)
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) study, which has been carried out by scientists at Imperial College London, has looked at the evidence on the links between breast cancer and diet, body weight and physical activity.
The study, to be published later this year, is an update to the breast cancer section of the cancer prevention report WCRF published in 2007. The findings on breast cancer in the 2007 report were based on the results of 873 studies, while the updated research has added 81 studies that have been carried out since then.
Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Adviser for WCRF, said: "This study represents the clearest picture we have ever had on how lifestyle affects a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
"This means we are now more sure than ever before that by limiting the amount of alcohol they drink, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, women can make a significant difference to their risk.
"We estimate over 40% of breast cancer cases in the UK could be prevented just by making these relatively straightforward changes. About 45,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, so it is clear these changes could make a big difference."
Professor Wiseman said there is also convincing evidence that mothers who breastfeed reduce their risk and breastfeeding probably also reduces babies' chances of gaining excess weight as they grow.
Because of the link between body fat and cancer, WCRF recommends people aim to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
The charity also recommends that people are physically active for at least 30 minutes every day and that, if they drink at all, they should limit consumption to two drinks a day for a man and one for a woman. Also, mothers should breastfeed exclusively for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods.
The report on breast cancer is part of the Continuous Update Project, which is a unique project being run by WCRF. The long-term goal is to continuously update the findings of WCRF’s 2007 report so that cancer prevention advice is always based on the latest research.
(GK/KMcA)
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