What to Take from the Recent Report Citing an Abdominal Fat / Cancer Link:

The American Institute For Cancer Research And The World Cancer Research Fund released a report on Halloween day suggesting a definite abdominal fat / cancer link.

What The Report Says: In essence, the report said that weight, dietary habits and physical activity have a direct effect on the risk for many types of cancers, including: esophagus cancer, pancreas cancer, colon and rectum cancer, endometrium and kidney cancer, along with breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

The report goes so far as suggesting that individuals should make themselves as "lean as possible within the normal range of body weight." That's because the research indicated that even small amounts of fat, especially in the abdominal and waist areas, increase our risks of cancer. So, how do they propose we become as lean as we possibly can, especially in the waist? The report suggests the following:

Participating in physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day;

Avoiding fast and processed foods, sodas and preservative-laden convenience foods as much as possible;

Increasing our consumption of fruits and vegetables (vegetarian diets did indicate a lower risk for some diseases);

Limiting our red meat consumption to under 18 ounces per week - (the equivalent of two good-sized steak dinners for the whole week.) (The study showed that for every 1.7 ounce an individual consumed above and beyond the recommended 18 weekly ounces, that individual increased his cancer risk by a whooping 21%);

Avoiding processed meats like lunch meats, ham, bacon and hot dogs except for on extremely rare occasions;

Limiting alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine and spirits) to only two drinks per day for men and one for women.

What The Report Means: Although the links between abdominal fat and cancer are scary, we've known all along that an unhealthy diet and poor exercise habits put us at risk for compromised health and serious illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and orthopedic problems. Knowing that a cancer risk is now also on the table can be an additional motivator, but the diet and exercise tips are ones that we already know and should be implementing already as part of a healthy lifestyle. Processed, fast foods, sodas, sugars and alcohol have no regular place in a good diet anyway, while an abundance of fruits and vegetables should be the cornerstone of and important additions to any healthy diet. The bottom line is we already knew we should be doing everything in this report. The fact that not doing so puts us at increased risk for cancer is a great motivator. It tells us in no uncertain terms that no drive through trip today is worth fighting cancer tomorrow. And, replacing a bologna and cheese sandwich or burger with sliced roast turkey (not the processed kind) on whole grain with a salad on the side is very doable in exchange for lowering your cancer risk. So use this information to make sure that you're not one of the individuals at increased risk to which the warning and report is aimed.