* Cancer kills more than 500,000 Americans every year.

* The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 150,000 cancer deaths
annually are related to diet.

* Researchers tell us that most cancers can be prevented. In fact, lifestyle
adjustments you can make can lower your cancer risk by 60 to 70 percent.

Sources: American Institute for Cancer Research and the National Cancer
Institute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The average American gets 40 percent of his or her daily calories from fat.
When you consider that total fat intake has been associated with the risk of
developing certain types of cancer, the old adage "you are what you eat" has
never been more important.

Cancer is not a single disease; rather, it's the common name for the more
than 100 diseases characterized by the uncontrolled reproduction of abnormal
cells. Although a definite cause for cancer is not yet known, a large and
growing body of evidence suggests that lifestyle factors play a major role
in cancer risk and prevention.

The lifetime risk for developing some form of cancer is estimated at one of
every two men, and one of every three women. Cancer is the second leading
cause of death in this country, resulting in one of every four deaths. The
World Health Organization estimates that 10 million cases of cancer occurred
around the world in 1999, and that number could increase to nearly 15
million cases within the next 20 years.

Yet some forms of cancer are largely preventable, and simple dietary changes
could have a significant impact on reducing cancer rates. Research indicates
that cancer prevention is also related to lifestyle choices, such as staying
active, watching your weight and not smoking. Sound simple enough? When
"eating right" is added to this "magic formula," your cancer risk is cut by
60 to 70 percent, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Understanding of the role vitamins, minerals, fats, fiber and phytochemicals
play in protecting your health is one of your best weapons against this
disease.

Many of us eat a diet that is far too high in fat and calories and far too
low in beneficial fiber, fruits and vegetables. Making sure your body gets
the appropriate amount of nutrients every day is an important step toward
cancer prevention. It's suggested that vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene
and selenium may reduce risk of certain cancers. (Diets too low in vitamin A
may actually increase risk.) In addition, flavonoid supplements (a compound
found naturally in fresh grapes) may also help reduce the incidence of
certain cancers, and glucarate has been shown to help the body naturally
eliminate potentially harmful toxins.

While there is no guarantee against developing cancer, making simple
adjustments in lifestyle and diet can help you from becoming a cancer
statistic. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests the following
guidelines for a healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention:

* Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and include whole-grain
breads and cereals in your diet. These are all foods that are high in
dietary fiber.

* Stick with foods that are low in dietary fat. High-fat diets have been
associated with certain cancers.

* Take vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure your body is getting the
appropriate nutrients every day.

* If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.

* Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight; wear protective clothing when you're
in the sun and use sunscreens.

* Stay physically active.

* Don't smoke!