Two dietary recommendations effective measures for reducing risk of obesity-related cancers

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

A study from New York University (NYU) sought to evaluate whether the diet and physical activity guidelines for preventing cancer are in fact associated with a reduced risk of obesity-related cancers and the most common site-specific cancers (breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers).

The researchers analyzed medical and dietary data for 2,983 men and women who participated in the Framingham Heart Study, a 60-year population study that tracked factors related to cardiovascular disease as well as cancer.

Using a seven-point score based on recommendations for body fat, physical activity, foods that promote weight gain, plant foods, animal foods, alcohol consumption, and food preparation and processing, the researchers found that overall concordance to the guidelines was not associated with obesity-related cancer risk.

However, when score components were evaluated individually, the researchers found that two components, plant foods and alcohol consumption, were strong predictors of cancer risk.

The researchers suggest, based on the study’s results, that dietary advice on preventing cancer should emphasize the importance of eating a plant-based diet and restricting alcohol consumption.