A healthy You: Cancer Prevention Myths

There is a lot of information what causes cancer and what you can do it prevent it. American Institute of Cancer Research presents a few common myths.Myth: Breast cancer survivors should avoid soyBecause soy foods contain phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen, there was a fear that these foods could fuel estrogen-related cancers. Now, major population studies show that eating soy in moderate amounts - from 1 to 2 servings a day - does not increase a woman’s risk for recurrence and does not show harmful interaction with anti-estrogen medications.Myth: During treatment, cancer patients should rest as much as possibleIncorrect. Guidelines published in 2010 urge patients and survivors to avoid inactivity, with the goal to eventually meet the physical activity recommendations for all Americans.Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio and two days of muscle strengthening activities per week. Research shows that exercise can help survivors avoid fatigue, have improved quality of life, and possibly reduce risk of recurrence.Myth: Being a little overweight has no effect on my cancer riskSadly, it does. AICR’s expert reports have found any amount of excess body fat raises risk to some degree. Population studies show that being overweight and obese is linked to a higher risk of seven cancers. Updated estimates show that 320 cases of cancer could be prevented every day in the United States if we were lean.