The American Cancer Society publish new guidelines for cancer prevention

The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for cancer prevention. The updated guidelines are based on systematic reviews conducted by the International Agency on Cancer Research (IARC).

New Physical Activity Guidelines

Adults should in engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week. Achieving or exceeding the upper limit of 300 minutes is optimal.

(Previous guidelines stated that adults should in engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week.)

New Dietary Guidelines

Follow a healthy eating pattern at all ages, a healthy eating pattern includes:

Foods that are high in nutrients in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight

A variety of vegetables, dark green, red and orange, fibre rich legumes (beans & peas) and others

Fruits, especially whole fruits with a variety of colours

Wholegrains

A HEALTHY EATING PATTERN LIMITS OR DOES NOT INCLUDE

Red or processed meats

Sugar sweetened beverages

Highly processed foods and refined grain products

(Previous guidelines advised limited processed and red meat consumption)

New Guidelines for Alcohol

It is best not to drink alcohol. People who do choose to drink alcohol should limit their consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men

(Previous guidelines only recommended limiting alcohol consumption)