Background: Although the crucial role of nutrition on wellbeing was known several hundreds of years ago in ancient healing methods such as traditional Chinese medicine, it often plays a minor role in modern society. However, 30-50% of all cancer cases are preventable by following a healthy diet and lifestyle, in accordance with the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) cancer prevention recommendations.
Summary: In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, a balanced plant-based diet with limited amounts of fast foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, red meat, and alcohol is recommended for enhancing health. Such a way of life helps to prevent both cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) because of the common risk factors. Although these facts are widely known, the figures are still alarming. Only a fraction of the population follows the WCRF recommendations.
Key message: Urgent policy action is needed to promote healthy ways of living and to create health-enhancing environments to effectively reduce the risk of cancer and NCDs.
Keywords: Cancer; Cancer prevention; Colorectal cancer; Lifestyle; Nutrition.
Copyright © 2019 by S. Karger AG, Basel.