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The Great American Eat Right Challenge: nourish yourself and reduce cancer risk
Did you know that making even the smallest, most simple changes in diet and lifestyle can help protect you and your family from cancer?

The American Cancer Society can help you reach your healthy living goals with the Great American Eat Right Challenge, which takes place this year on August 16. The Society offers interactive online tools to help you learn ways to reduce your cancer risk by adopting healthy eating habits and maintaining a healthy weight.

Poor nutrition is a risk factor for cancer. Approximately one-third of cancer deaths in the United States each year are caused by nutrition and physical activity factors, including being overweight or obese. Making savvy food choices and staying physically active are some of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer, as well as other diseases.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following to reduce risk of some cancers, heart disease, and diabetes:

• Choose food and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

• Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day.

• Choose whole grains, rather than processed (refined) grains.

• Limit how much processed and red meats you eat.

• If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit how much you drink (no more than one drink per day for women and two per day for men).

If you are overweight or obese, you could be at a higher risk of developing many cancers, including cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, and kidney. But you can reduce your cancer risk drastically by limiting how much unhealthy food you eat. For example, cutting back on the amount of processed and red meats you eat can reduce your risk of colon and prostate cancer. 

To help you reduce your risk of cancer, take advantage of the Great American Eat Right Challenge web site at www.cancer.org/greatamericans. The site has tips and tools that can help you take steps toward a healthier lifestyle, including a healthy eating quiz, calorie calculator, and healthy recipes.

In mid-August, the Society will be releasing The Great American Eat-Right Cookbook. This great resource is co-authored by Jeanne Besser, food columnist and stylist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, the Society's nutrition and physical activity director. Inside, you will find healthy, delicious recipes and inspiration for making healthy choices. The recipes are simple to follow, easy to make, and many can be made in 30 minutes or less.

To order The Great American Eat-Right Cookbook, visit www.cancer.org/bookstore, or call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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