Tennesseans can reduce cancer threat



Tennesseans can reduce cancer risk through healthy lifestyle choices in 2013

Guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention from the American Cancer Society stress the importance of healthy behaviors. The American Cancer Society estimates that about half of all cancer deaths are preventable if health is made a top lifestyle priority.

American Cancer Society guidelines for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing cancer risk include four major recommendations:


1) Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
2) Adopt a physically active lifestyle with at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise activity each week.
3) Consume a healthy diet, with an emphasis on eating at least 2.5 cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
4) Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages to no more than one drink per day for women or two per day for men.

Avoiding tobacco products altogether is one of the most important steps to a healthier body. Tobacco use remai ns the single largest preventable cause of cancer and premature death in the country. Quitting smoking can add up to 10 valuable years to a person’s life.

Getting recommended routine cancer screening check-ups and examinations can be lifesaving. Regular screenings performed by a health care professional can help find cancer early when it is easiest to treat. At least half of all new cancer cases are cancer types that can be prevented or detected earlier by screening. Depending on age, sex, and cancer risk, screening recommendations vary.

For more information about cancer screening guidelines, tips on eating healthy and incorporating exercise, and ways to quit smoking, call the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.