The World Cancer Research Fund has recently reported an even more convincing link between body fat and cancer. They now link fat to six types of cancer, including colorectal (bowel) and post-menopausal breast cancer. Ten years ago they reported a link to only one type of cancer.
One reason for the strong link is that excess fat appears to affect hormonal balance in the body. Fat cells release hormones such as estrogen, which increases the risk of breast cancer. Fat around the waist encourages the body to produce growth hormones, which can increase cancer risk.
It is recommends that people aim to be as lean as possible and avoid weight gain throughout adulthood.
The report also included four other key links and recommendations.
- Eating processed meats, such as ham and bacon, increases the risk of colorectal cancer, so eat sparingly.
- Red meat is strongly linked to colorectal cancer. People should eat no more than 500g of cooked red meat per week.
- Evidence strongly supports that alcohol is a cause of cancer. If people must drink, then limit consumption to 2 units per day for men and one for women. A unit is a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine.
- Breast-feeding protects mothers against breast cancer. It is recommended that mothers breast-feed exclusively for the first six months after birth.
Seldom do you find all these cancer links presented together; they are usually addressed separately and sparingly. Here are the recommendations that can help you reduce your risk of cancer. Follow them and they may assist in saving your life. Don’t follow them and you may be making another decision that may clearly affect your quality of life or possibly your very life!
God Bless,
Dr. Benzinger
