Exercising more and limiting (or even avoiding) certain foods are among the key steps recommended to prevent cancer in an updated guideline from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Based on a review of current scientific evidence, it calls for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week (or an equivalent combination); achieving, or even exceeding, the higher target is optimal.
Compared to the 2012 guideline, the update is notably more cautionary about several foods, recommending a diet that “limits or does not include” red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, highly processed foods, and refined grain products. The earlier guideline simply advised limiting red and processed meats and choosing whole grains instead of refined ones, while only noting that many processed foods and beverages are high in added sugars and that they add little nutrient value and contribute to excess caloric intake.
In addition, while the ACS previously advised limiting consumption of alcoholic beverages, it now says that “it is best not to drink alcohol.”
