Half of all Cancer Deaths Preventable, Says ACS

Half of all Cancer Deaths Preventable, Says ACS Exercise identified as one of key ways to reduce risk of the disease In a new breakthrough study, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that fully one-half of all cancer deaths in the US are preventable, and identifies regular exercise as one of three key ways to minimize the risk. In its annual report, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, Facts and Figures 2006, the ACS suggests about one-third (that is, 188,277) of this year’s expected 564,830 cancer deaths will be the result of smoking, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and excess weight. “Although we’re winning the ‘war on cancer’, there’s a remarkable opportunity to save hundreds of thousands of lives, and to reduce suffering from this disease, with lifestyle changes and an increased use of proven screening strategies,” insists Carolyn Runowicz, MD, the national volunteer president of the ACS. ACS’s prescription for reducing cancer deaths includes smoking cessation, good nutrition, and regular exercise. ACS recommends that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five or more days per week, and eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Incidences of breast and colon cancer can in particular be reduced via exercise. Taken from the September 2006 Club Business International Magazine.