Three simple lifestyle changes could be enough to cut the risk of breast cancer in UK women by almost half, according to a report from the World Cancer Research Fund.
It says that up to 20,000 British women could avoid developing breast cancer if they:
- Exercised more: half an hour a day is enough to cut your risk
- Drank less: limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day
- Ate healthier food: reduce your fat intake
It also recommends quitting smoking, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, avoiding processed foods, and cutting the amount of red meat you eat.
Dr Rachel Thompson, Deputy Head of Science at WCRF, says, 'Overall, we estimate about a third of the most common cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.'
There were approximately 47,600 new cases of breast cancer in the UK in 2008, the most recent year for available figures. WCRF estimates about 42 per cent of these - roughly 20,000 cases - could have been prevented through healthier lifestyle choices.
